ARTS Page 22
FORUM Pay living wage to workers 11
HOT BLOODED
SPORTS Tennis squads prepare for fall 15 The Independent Student Newspaper
the
of
B r a n d e is U n i v e r sit y S i n c e 1 9 4 9
Justice
Volume LXVI, Number 1
www.thejustice.org
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
BRANDEIS BEGINNINGS
Waltham, Mass.
STUDENT LIFE
Greek life postpones recruiting ■ A new GAC policy will
allow for early recruitment depite postpoining recruitment week. By LYDIA EMMANOUILIDOU JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
nounced. Only July 31, Sawyer personally announced his departure in an email to a small group of selected colleagues and associates from his time at Brandeis. “I am resigning because I no longer see myself aligned with the Univer-
Greek organizations have decided to postpone their official recruitment events—otherwise known as “rush”— until the second week of September this semester in order to meet and collectively design policies aimed at ensuring safety at all future rush events, according to Greek Awareness Council president Avi Feldan ’14. The decision to postpone rush was made in April at the traditional Greek-wide end-of-semester meeting intended for Greek organization officials to set dates and rules for the upcoming semester. Every organization was represented at that meeting, and the decision to postpone rush was made “as a group,” according to Feldan. But while potential changes are still being discussed, a recent change in GAC policy will allow Greek members to recruit students before the first official day of recruitment events. The decision to postpone rush was made about two months following the alleged sexual assault of a Brandeis student, which reportedly occurred at the offcampus Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house during the spring 2013 semester. When the Justice reached out to Greek leaders to find out if they were planning to hold any special events in response to the alleged assault, Feldan sent an email to the Justice on behalf of the Greek community and disclosed the plan to postpone rush. “We take the safety and security of all the students at our rush events extremely seriously. We actually pushed rush back a week next semester so we would have time to discuss that very issue. I feel, as do the presidents of the individual organizations, that Greek-wide measures are more effective and reliable than relying on each organization to set its own policies,” wrote Feldan. Feldan said he “could not” comment on whether the decision to postpone rush was made as a direct response to the alleged assault. According to Feldan, rush
See SAWYER, 7 ☛
See GREEK, 7☛
OLIVIA POBIEL/the Justice
The Class of 2017 banner was presented at Brandeis Beginnings on Sunday. Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel addressed the first-years at the event with all four class banners on display in front of him.
DINING SERVICES
Sodexo takes over dining services ■ Aramark was replaced by
Sodexo this summer after an extensive decision process. By TATE HERBERT JUSTICE EDITOR
On July 1, Sodexo officially replaced Aramark as the University’s dining services provider. The change came almost six months after University administration announced that it would be sending requests for proposal to
dining service providers, including Aramark, Sodexo and Chartwells. “This was a long process; this was a painful process for a lot of people,” said Senior Vice President for Administration Mark Collins in an interview with the Justice. He added, “I think there’s a level of excitement about the change.” He commended Aramark’s staff members for their work over almost two decades at the University. “There are a lot of good people on that team, and they’ve worked hard over the past 15 years,” he said.
Collins did not attribute the switch to any concrete factors, but said instead that “at the end of the day, it was decided by the Brandeis team that it was time for a change.” “We are excited the University has selected us as their strategic partner for Dining services,” wrote Jay DeGioia, the University’s new resident district manager, in an email to the Justice. According to DeGioia, he and his staff were notified of Brandeis’ selection of Sodexo on June 14. “There will be some great enhance-
ments to the program this fall semester with a lot of exciting things proposed,” wrote DeGioia. “I will share these as soon as they are finalized. We have also made suggestions on meal plans and will also share those and the time frame for rollout.” According to Collins, meal plans would remain essentially unchanged for the next academic year, pending feedback from students. However, one plan, the all-points plan, has been eliminated.
See SODEXO, 7 ☛
ADMINISTRATION
Adams set to oversee Student Life ■ Jamele Adams will take
By TATE HERBERT
over as Dean of Students to replace Rick Sawyer, who left after 32 years of working at Brandeis University.
JUSTICE EDITOR
After 32 years at Brandeis, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer resigned this summer. His last day at Brandeis was July 31. Senior Vice President for Students
and Enrollment Andrew Flagel announced to his division two days later that Jamele Adams, formerly an associate dean of student life, would assume the role of dean of students. Plans to replace the vice president position that Sawyer occupied, or the associate dean position that Adams previously occupied, have not been an-
Meet Jamele
Raring to go
Admissions options
Dean of Students reflects on his new position.
The men’s soccer team looks to keep winning this season.
New test-flexible options will be available for Fall 2014 applicants.
FEATURES 8 For tips or info email editor@thejustice.org
Let your voice be heard! Submit letters to the editor online at www.thejustice.org
INDEX
SPORTS 16 ARTS SPORTS
17 16
EDITORIAL FEATURES
10 8
OPINION POLICE LOG
10 2
News 3 COPYRIGHT 2013 FREE AT BRANDEIS. Email managing@thejustice.org for home delivery.
2
TUESDAY, aUGUST 27, 2013
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THE JUSTICE
NEWS BRIEFS
POLICE LOG
Marder honored for neuro research
Medical Emergency
Prof. Eve Marder ’69 (BIOL) has been honored by the Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation, which awarded her its 2013 Prize in Neuroscience. According to its website, the Gruber Foundation, which “honors and encourages educational excellence” in neuroscience, cosmology, genetics, justice and women’s rights, began its International Prize Program in 2000 in cosmology. Eventually the program was expanded, and in 2004, awarded its first prize in neuroscience. The award includes a monetary prize of $500,000. Marder, who has been a Brandeis faculty member since 1978, has been widely recognized for her work in the field of neuroscience. In 2012, she was awarded both the George A. Miller Prize in Cognitive Neuroscience and the Karl Spencer Lashley Award. Earlier this year, she was named to the advisory board of Brain Research through Advancing Innovating Neurotechnologies, the initiative created by President Barack Obama. “It is obviously a great honor to receive an award such as the Gruber Prize,” wrote Marder in an email to the Justice. “There are so many talented neuroscientist[s] in the field that it makes it that much more special to receive this kind of recognition.” Marder’s research examines the neural circuits of crustaceans to understand how these networks are modified, and how their functions vary in different animals or over time. Marder’s lab looks at central pattern generators, which produce “specific rhythmic behaviors such as walking, swimming, and breathing” according to its website. This is not the first time a Brandeis professor has been recognized by the Grubers. Last year, Prof. Michael Rosbash (BIOL) was named the first Peter Gruber Endowed Chair of Neuroscience for his work in understanding circadian rhythms. “It is a tremendously exciting time for the study of the brain,” wrote Marder. “The next 5-10 years should bring important insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the organization and function of brain circuits. This, in turn, should help us understand what changes in the brain cause an individual to cross the boundaries between healthy brain function and disease.” —Sara Dejene
June 26—A faculty member reported that he was having chest pain. University Police evaluated the man and transported him to Newton-Wellesley Hospital in the police cruiser. July 30—A party reported that he was injured stepping off of a wall. The party was transported to Newton-Wellesley Hospital for further treatment.
Traffic
June 7—A reporting party stated that he backed into a vehicle. The party stated that there was minor damage.
Larceny
June 5—A student reported that a bicycle he had rented from ’Deis Bikes had been stolen. University Police compiled a report on the theft. June 6—A party reported that the building manager keys and $10 had been stolen from the
Gosman Sports and Convocation Center. The keys were later found; they had been misplaced. Aug. 13—A party using the Gosman gym facilities reported that a lock was cut off the locker and cash was taken from the party’s wallet. University Police compiled a report on the incident.
Disturbance
June 7—A party reported that someone was drinking alcohol at an event. University Police responded, searched the suspected party, and cleared the scene. June 22—A motion detector in the Gosman Sports and Concocation Center was activated. University Police responded and found two intoxicated students in the pool in the Joseph M. Linsey Sports Center. Judicial charges were filed.
Harassment
June 21—Police compiled a report on a disturbing YouTube
video posted on the Class of 2017 Brandeis University Facebook group.
Miscellaneous
June 6—University Police received a call from a life guard in the Linsey Pool that a male was taking pictures of the swimming and diving team. The party left the area walking toward the gym. Responding officers were unable to locate him. June 7—University Police received a report of a disturbing photo on Instagram. A female student working at alumni weekend was pictured standing in a dorm room holding what appeared to be a revolver-type firearm with the caption “Going to Grab Some Dinner with the Brandeis Alumni.” The student was located at the event, and the item, a toy gun, was confiscated. June 10—University Police received a report of a white male wearing gray shorts and carrying
WIRE BRIEF
Rankings rate social good
TYP renamed after recent donation The Transitional Year Program at Brandeis was renamed the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program this summer after it received a five million dollar gift from the Kraft family. Myra Kraft ’64, who passed away in 2011, first became a University trustee in 1986 and served as vice president of the Board of Trustees for 10 years, according to a June 17 BrandeisNOW press release. She was also involved in the search process during which current University President Frederick Lawrence was selected. Kraft contributed to the Brandeis community throughout the years. According to President Lawrence in the June 13 Brandeis press release, she envisioned extending opportunities in education to all students who had the motivation and drive to pursue it. “She had a unique way of relating individually to everyone she met. She loved helping people unlock their inner potential to have an impact on the world,” said Lawrence of Kraft. The TYP was established in 1968. Through the program, students without access to advanced courses in high school take a year of preparatory courses at Brandeis before completing four years of courses. “The TYP is special and unique in that there’s a door that’s open to somebody who might not have had that access before but who both aspires to and is equipped to come here and thrive, and graduate,” said Erika Smith, director of the TYP, in an interview with the Justice. TYP students apply to Brandeis the same way as all other applicants, but choose to be considered for the TYP. The program now accepts 20 students from a pool of over 200 applicants each year, according to the June 13 press release. The Kraft family supports various other causes including the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at DanaFarber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, according to the Kraft Group website. —Scarlett Reynoso
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS n “Views on the News” in Forum misidentified Dan Hirschhorn’s graduation year and affiliation. He graduated in 2007, and no longer works with the New York Daily news. (p. 10) The Justice welcomes submissions for errors that warrant correction or clarification. Email editor@ thejustice.org.
Justice
the
www.thejustice.org
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a sword on his back. University Police investigated and found that the item on his back was an umbrella. June 26—University Police noticed a man on the Bassine roof. Police spoke with the party, who was a summer school student sightseeing. The party was asked to leave the area. Aug. 3—University Police received a call from Waltham Police that they had received a report of an elderly white male with a white beard wearing a robe seen carrying an eight inch knife walking toward Brandeis campus. Waltham Police units and University Police checked the area, and found a male doing yard work on Shakespeare Road, wearing the garments described. Aug. 12—A member of the Brandeis community reported a past sexual assault. University Police are investigating the incident. —compiled by Sam Mintz
JOSH HOROWITZ/the Justice
Move-in Frenzy Rohan Narayanan ’15 (left) and Ray Trott ’16 were among the many Orientation Leaders who helped first-years move into their dorms on Sunday. The move-in festivities marked the beginning of orientation for the incoming Class of 2017.
The University of California, San Diego and University of California, Riverside are first and second in the annual “socially conscious” ranking of national universities being released Monday by Washington Monthly magazine. For the fourth year in a row, the San Diego campus topped the Washington Monthly list, which emphasizes such factors as enrolling and graduating low-income students, supporting research and encouraging students’ public service. UC Riverside moved up to second from ninth last year. UC Berkeley was fifth, UCLA 10th, UC Santa Barbara 22nd and UC Davis 23rd. The Washington Monthly ranking is radically different from other prominent listings such as the one compiled by U.S. News & World Report, which puts more emphasis on a school’s financial endowment, academic reputation and selectivity in admission. For example, in the U.S. News’ most recent listing, Harvard University and Princeton University tied for No. 1, and Yale University was third; UC San Diego was tied for 38th with UC Davis and Lehigh University, and UC Riverside was 101st. In contrast, the new Washington Monthly study placed Harvard at eighth, Princeton at 31st and Yale at 54th. The other universities in the top 10 are Texas A&M University, third; Case Western University, fourth; Stanford, sixth; University of Texas at El Paso, seventh; and Georgia Institute of Technology, ninth. University of Southern California was 67th. Among the factors used are the percentage of students who receive Pell Grants, the federal aid for lowincome students; the net price of attendance after financial aid; the numbers of students who join the Peace Corps and ROTC; and faculty awards for research. —McClatchy Newspapers
ANNOUNCEMENTS Leir Foundation neuroscience symposium
Funded by a grant from the Leir Foundation to facilitate collaborations between Brandeis and Israeli neuroscientists, the symposium will include talks and informal discussions with Israeli neuroscientists. The symposium will provide a framework for establishing Leir-funded postdoctoral fellowships and funding for collaborative projects to uncover new avenues of inquiry on existing projects. Today from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Carl J. Shapiro Science Center, Rm. GL14.
Hillel open house
Stop by the Hillel Lounge, just upstairs from Levin Ballroom in the Usdan Student Center, meet some of the staff and student leaders, and find out about Jewish life on campus and all that Hillel has to offer. Tomorrow from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Hillel Lounge.
On-campus employment workshop
Learn everything you need to know
about job opportunities on campus. Representatives from Student Financial Services will walk you through the process of obtaining an on-campus job. Please be sure to bring your passport or Social Security card and a photo ID to complete the I-9 form. Wednesday at 3:15 and 4:15 p.m. in Levin Ballroom.
Study Abroad re-entry reception
Re-entry students can learn about resources available to them upon returning to campus, how to transfer their credit from abroad and meet other fellow returning students. Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Usdan Student Center Alumni Lounge.
STUMP Trivia
Join Student Activities and STUMP Trivia team as we kick off the semesterlong Trivia Night Series. Gather five friends or even people you just met and take a chance to be the most celebrated
trivia expert. Teams can be one to five people and are eligible for a team prize. Friday at 10 p.m. to Saturday at 1 a.m. on the Great Lawn. Rain Location: Shapiro Campus Center Atrium.
Club leaders training
Join the Department of Student Activities, Conference and Events, the Intercultural Center, Hillel, and the Student Union as we kick off the fall semester. This conference is your one stop program planning shop. Learn how to organize an event and get funding for your programs. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Hassenfeld Conference Center.
Activities fair
Are you interested in finding out more about clubs? This is your chance to meet club leaders and talk with them about their missions, goals and activities. Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. on the Great Lawn. Rain location: Levin Ballroom.
THE JUSTICE
be available beginning with Fall 2014 applicants. By MARISSA DITKOWSKY JUSTICE EDITOR
MARISSA DITKOWSKY/the Justice
WITNESSING HISTORY: David Baker, 24, stood by the Supreme Court steps in Washington, D.C. to show his pride on June 26.
SCOTUS reviews DOMA case delivered two landmark decisions on same-sex marriage on June 26. By MARISSA DITKOWSKY JUSTICE EDITOR
Editor’s note: A Justice editor spending the summer in Washington, D.C. had the opportunity to witness the delivery of June 26 Supreme Court decisions as a member of the student press. The following coverage is an account of her experience. WASHINGTON—David Baker, a 24-year-old from Salt Lake City, stood at the steps of the Supreme Court on June 26 to witness history. He anxiously anticipated the delivery of the Supreme Court’s opinion on United States v. Windsor, a case that would determine the constitutionality of section three of the Defense of Marriage Act, as well as Hollingsworth v. Perry, which would examine California’s Proposition 8. For Baker, the road to this moment was an arduous one. Before graduating from the University of Utah in 2009, he had attended Brigham Young University, a private Mormon institution, for one year before they asked him to leave for practicing homosexuality. After transferring to the University of Utah, Baker started coming out to more family members and friends. “Since then friends have been very supportive. It’s taken some time for some of them, but they’ve all come around and been supportive,” he said. Baker made his statement clear, holding a colorful sign that read “Gay Mormon for Marriage Equality.” “I’m here today because I believe that civil marriage is a civil right, and that as nine justices are about to read the opinion on how they voted on my rights that it’s important that I’m here,” he said. Current university students also lined the steps of the Supreme Court building. Kate Gaziano, a sophomore at the University of Virginia, is an active Republican as well as an ally. “I think there’s a point to be made that college students who identify themselves as Republican are quite a majority, in my opinion, supporting marriage equality,” she said in an interview with the Justice. Sharon Burk and Mollie Wagoner, juniors at American University, have been a couple for one year. They held a sign that read “Born this Way” with a dyed rainbow background. “We just felt today is the day,” said Wagoner in an interview with the Justice.
Inside the courtroom U.S. v. Windsor was the first decision to be announced. Justice Anthony Kennedy delivered the opinion of the court. The case arose after Edith Windsor and Thea Clara Spyer, both from New York City, got married in Canada in 2007. Spyer passed away in 2009 and left her property to Windsor. However, the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act prevented the Internal Revenue Service from being able to recognize the marriage, and Windsor was forced to pay about $360,000 in taxes on the property. Windsor sued, and the case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
3
Test-flexible pilot launched
■ Test-flexible options will
Justice Kennedy led a 5-4 majority in declaring DOMA unconstitutional. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan all concurred in the decision. “DOMA singles out a class of persons deemed by a State entitled to recognition and protection to enhance their own liberty,” said Kennedy as he delivered the majority opinion. As Kennedy explained, the definition of marriage under federal law as the bond between a man and a woman, which excludes same-sex couples from federal recognition, makes same-sex couples feel “less respected than others,” and therefore is in violation of the fifth amendment and its due process and equal protection principles. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Antonin Scalia dissented. Scalia was joined by Justice Clarence Thomas and in part by the Chief. Justice Samuel Alito also dissented, joined in part by Thomas. Scalia proceeded to deliver his dissent to the majority opinion. Scalia favored a democratic resolution to the challenge of DOMA, opposing the Supreme Court’s active role in ruling on its constitutionality. Scalia said that the majority had “an exalted notion of the role of this court in American democratic society.” Chief Justice Roberts then proceeded to deliver the opinion for Hollingsworth v. Perry, a case pertaining to the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8. Proposition 8, an amendment to the California state constitution that would prohibit same-sex marriage, passed as a part of a referendum in 2008. However, following the enactment, two same-sex couples filed challenges to Proposition 8 in federal court in California. The California government officials who would have had to defend the law in court declined to do so; therefore the proponents of Proposition 8 volunteered. The California Supreme Court ruled that the proponents could do so under state law. The Supreme Court found that the petitioners of Proposition 8 did not have standing to appeal the district court order, and therefore the decision of the Ninth Circuit still stands. The circuit was essentially ordered to dismiss the case on the grounds that it has no sufficient standing. The decision was also 5-4, with the majority comprised of Roberts, Scalia, Ginsburg, Breyer and Kagan. Kennedy dissented, and was joined by Thomas, Alito and Sotomayor. As Roberts explained in the opinion, “litigants must suffer their own injuries,” and that the “petitioners have not suffered such injuries” to warrant the existence of a case. Although this decision led to the immediate reinstatement of same-sex marriage legalization in the state of California as reported by the Associated Press on June 28, it is not because of the Supreme Court’s ruling—rather, it is due to the overturn within the state of California itself. The U.S. court of appeals in California lifted the hold on same-sex marriage, which would have been a 25-day hold to give the proponents an opportunity to have the case reheard. Therefore, 13 states—now including California and Washington, D.C. due to the striking of DOMA—that recognize same-sex marriage will continue to institute their laws as they stand;
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013
ADMISSIONS
STANDING FOR EQUALITY
■ The Supreme Court
●
however, the 37 remaining states that do not recognize same-sex marriage are not required to make any changes. The Supreme Court, in this sense, has left the decision in the hands of each individual state.
The crowd reacts
An even larger crowd than the crowd that had been waiting before anyone was allowed into the courtroom flooded the front of the Supreme Court building at the conclusion of the session. As Windsor and her representation walked out of the building, they bowed, indicating to the crowd before them that they had won the case. The crowd began to chant “Thank you,” and a sign that said “Thank you Edie Windsor Our Hero” stood above the multitude of people. Some cried and others rejoiced. Erin Goodman, who was one of many awaiting the decision outside of the Supreme Court, expressed excitement after she heard the court’s decision. “I plan to get married, and I want to be sure that my spouse has the same benefits if something happens to me, or, you know, God forbid she’s in the hospital, I want to be able to be there and support her. It’s just a big step forward because everyone should have that right,” she said in an interview with the Justice. After celebrating the victory for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community, the rainbow sea dispersed. Members of the crowd outside of the Supreme Court that needed to return to the 37 remaining states that have yet to legalize same-sex marriage joked, “Should we get married now before we go home?” Prof. Peter Woll (POL) was not surprised by the Supreme Court decisions. “The Court exercised judicial self-restraint in the Prop 8 case to avoid getting involved in the politics of gay rights,” he wrote in an email to the Justice. Regarding Windsor, Woll said, “Note that the Court used the 5th amendment due process clause to overturn the law, which avoided having to find that gays constitute a ‘suspect class’ under equal protection. Note equal protection is a component of 5th amendment due process but the real constitutional basis of the clause is in the 14th amendment that applies to state, not the federal [government].” Lecturer Daniel Breen (LGLS) commented on the results. “It is a crucial feature of Constitutional Law that the government can not deny benefits to people simply out of a desire to harm them—which, for Kennedy, is the only thing that can explain DOMA. I think he is certainly right about that,” he wrote in an email to the Justice. Breen concluded that if the Supreme Court had wanted to do so, it “could have given a much more expansive ruling about marriage rights, but largely for prudential reasons, I think, declined to do so.” Despite the lack of a “death-blow” to the existing state law marriage limitations, Breen remains optimistic about the future for same-sex marriage. “The general tenor of the opinion is consistent with what several state courts have already said—there is probably no good reason to give marriage benefits to some people while denying them to others. It will be harder and harder to defend marriage bans as the years go on, and Windsor contributes to that trend,” he wrote.
On July 19, the University launched a test-flexible admissions program, which will give Fall 2014 applicants more options for what they can submit to the University and will allow students to apply without submitting SAT I or ACT scores. The change places Brandeis in a group of several other colleges that do not require all applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, including Smith College, Clark University and Wheaton College. After two years, the pilot program will be evaluated, at which point a formal proposal to maintain, expand, narrow or discontinue the program will be reviewed by the Faculty Senate. “The implementation of the test flexible pilot is more an evolution in the Brandeis admissions process than a revolution,” Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel wrote in an email to the Justice. Flagel wrote that the goal of the pilot program is to provide a more accurate evaluation of all applicants. With the new program in place, prospective students will still be allowed to submit traditional applications, including SAT I or ACT scores. Under the added options, students may also submit either a combination of SAT II subject tests, International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement tests, or submit an enhanced portfolio. The enhanced academic portfolio includes a graded writing sample and an additional academic letter of recommendation. According to Flagel, the writing sample must be academic in nature, reference primary sources and be completed for a recent class the student took in an academic subject. “Graded papers and academic recommendations can provide admission committees with more insight than any set of tests,” Flagel wrote. “In all cases this assumes academic records consistent with Brandeis’ exceedingly high standards.” The other test-flexible option requires that test scores for the SAT II, IB and AP exams be submitted from the following categories: Science or Math; English, History, Languages, Arts or Social Sciences; and a test from a discipline different than the applicant’s choice from the first two options. According to Flagel, students are required to submit three test scores to provide data in enough areas to be useful in the admission evaluation process. The number of required test scores will be up for review upon examination of the pilot. Flagel said that there is no specific score that the University is looking for on any one SAT II, IB or AP exam. “Each of the tests have different score ranges, and the competitiveness of our process and intensiveness of our review is such that a specific number is meaningless outside the context of the full application,” he wrote. “That
being said, given the level of competition for admission to Brandeis the scores that will support admission are likely at the highest end of the score range, as is true for the ACT or SAT.” SAT II subject, IB or AP test scores will be looked at individually in the admissions process and will not be aggregated. “This is consistent with our current practice, as aggregated SAT and ACT scores, while efficient to use and popular in the media, are less effective in a highly competitive, holistic review process in gaining understanding of student potential,” Flagel wrote in an email to the Justice. Flagel explained that in the current model, standardized tests are used as supplemental information, and are “far less important” in the evaluation process than a student’s academic record. Studies were and continue to be conducted to determine correlation between standardized test scores and college preparedness, questioning the validity of SAT and ACT scores in determining aptitude. The findings of researchers at Stanford University and the University of Chicago, highlighted by USA Today in June 2011, showed evidence that two of the four major sections of the ACT—science and reading—had “little or no” utility in helping colleges predict whether applicants would succeed. Despite the introduction of the testflexible option, according to Flagel, no more than 10 percent of the incoming class will come from the pool of applicants who took the test-flexible option. “That being said, it is not possible to perfectly predict how many students will accept our offer of admission,” he wrote. Flagel said in a statement released by the University that last year’s application pool increase of over 13 percent makes now an ideal time to launch the pilot program. Flagel said he believes the existence of the pilot program might contribute to an increase in the application pool. According to Flagel, applications to Brandeis surged last year, and heexpects that trend to continue. “While the test-flexible pilot may contribute, it is the strength of our academic programs and distinctive campus community that are the driving force in our popularity,” he wrote. Despite the potential increase in applicants, the selective nature of the University admissions process will remain. “In general most of the students admitted to Brandeis are already above the top 10 [percent] and I expect the test flexible admission program to be at least equally, and quite possibly even more, competitive,” Flagel wrote. Flagel said in the statement that he hopes the University will take a national leadership role in modeling best practices in the use of standardized tests. “With competition for admission to Brandeis at an all time high, we must do all we can to be sure we are admitting the most qualified possible class. I am confident that this new model will continue our tradition of admitting academically gifted and motivated students with a passion for changing the world,” he said.
Do you have a nose for news? Contact Marissa Ditkowsky at news@thejustice.org
THE JUSTICE
ACADEMICS
through 2U starting in the Spring 2014 semester. By SAM MINTZ JUSTICE EDITOR
After a drawn-out contract negotiation with online learning company 2U, the University announced last month that it will offer two online undergraduate courses through the Semester Online program in the spring 2014 semester. The courses will be “Psychological and Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Health,” taught by Prof. Ellen J. Wright (PSYC), and “The Hebrew Bible/Old Testament: Then and Now,” taught by Prof. Marc Brettler (NEJS), according to a June 11 BrandeisNOW press release. This development means that Brandeis students will be able to take any of the several courses offered by various schools through the Semester Online program for full credits starting in the spring. According to the press release, the Psychology course “surveys topics in psychology, sociology and anthropology and analyzes the relevance of these three disciplines for the mental and physical health of individuals and societies,” while the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies course “explores the meaning of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in its original ancient Near Eastern context, and how this compares to the uses made of the Bible now.” “We are excited to launch these courses in the spring and receive feedback from our professors about the experience of teaching through Semester Online,” said Provost Steve Goldstein ’78 according to the press release. “In addition, we will be following up with students who decide to take courses from consortium part-
ners to learn from their experience.” Goldstein continued to say that these courses are “just one way in which Brandeis is exploring and assessing best practices in the rapidly evolving area of online education.” In an email to the Justice, Wright expressed reservations but also excitement about being one of the pioneers of a new kind of teaching. “I think that online/distance learning is the wave of the future,” she wrote. “Distance learning is a natural outgrowth of our increasing reliance on technology. I have concerns about how this decreases real psychological contact between human beings, and how distant we are growing as a society. This was one of my main objections to Brandeis utilizing online learning.” However, she continued to say that the program has developed differently than she anticipated. “The more I have learned about this process and the more contact I have had with the online company with whom we are partnering, the more I realize how much this process is very creative. Creating this class is going to stretch me, and collaborating with members of the Sociology and Anthropology departments will be very enriching.” Though not available to Brandeis students until the spring, Semester Online is kicking off this fall, with Boston College, Emory University, Northwestern University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Notre Dame and Washington University in St. Louis all offering classes. None of the courses, which are in subjects such as history, business and political science, are in the so-called “hard sciences.” Goldstein, Brettler and Dean of Arts and Sciences Susan Birren did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
BRIEF Congress agrees on student loan interest rates in new legislation On Aug. 13, Director of Financial Aid Sherri Avery sent an email to the Brandeis community announcing the signing of the Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013. President Barack Obama signed the bipartisan bill into law on Aug. 9, reducing Direct Loan interest rates for the 20132014 academic year, after months of heated debate in Congress. The bipartisan bill was passed by Congress with only one day left in session prior to its summer recess, which began after Aug. 10. Avery wrote in the email that for the 2013-2014 academic year, the interest rate on undergraduate Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized Stafford Loans has been reduced from a fixed rate of 6.8 percent to 3.86 percent, and the interest rate on the Parent PLUS Loan has also been reduced from a fixed interest rate of 7.9 percent to 6.41 percent. These fixed interest rates apply only for the life of these loans. Direct Loan interest rates for future years will be determined in June of each year based on the 10-year Treasury note, according to Avery. Avery explained that prior to passage of the act, many University students had declined the Stafford Loans in their financial aid packages due to the increased interest rate. “In these cases, the parent(s) either chose to pay the difference or to take out a loan in their
own names,” she wrote. Since the passage of the act, many requests to reinstate the loans have been made. “If the act had not passed, I believe we would have had more requests to cancel the Stafford Loans and families would have found cheaper financing options,” Avery wrote. Although there were reductions in fixed interest rates, Avery explained that the origination fees on both the Stafford and PLUS Loans will remain the same at 1.051 percent and 4.204 percent, respectively. Despite the decrease initiated by the act, the Subsidized Loan interest rates still increased from the 2012-2013 academic year, during which the Subsidized Loan interest rate was only 3.4 percent. The Unsubsidized Loan interest rate has been at 6.8 percent for the past several years. According to Avery, the amount of financial aid that Brandeis provides for students does not correlate with interest rate percentage, so, had the act not passed, the University’s financial aid awards would have been minimally affected, if at all. However, Avery wrote in an email to the Justice that the University is “sensitive to the impact of any increases in borrowing rates, and we always strive to limit student borrowing to reasonable levels.” —Marissa Ditkowsky
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
University to start with 2U in Spring ’14 ■ Brandeis will offer courses
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JOSH HOROWITZ/the Justice
An informative session Hillel President Rachel Mayo ’14 answered questions and addressed important issues for first-years who attended the new student panel on Sunday morning.
ADMINISTRATION
Traquina shares goals for Board ■ At its May meeting, the
Board approved the strategic plan and operational budget. By MARISSA DITKOWSKY JUSTICE EDITOR
After the University Board of Trustees held a meeting on Friday, May 17, University students can expect to see changes in course offerings and the campus’ appearance, as well as initiatives by new Board Chair Perry M. Traquina ’78. The meeting, which was also Malcolm Sherman’s final meeting as Board Chair, included several votes. According to Provost Steve Goldstein’s ’78 statement on the strategic plan page of the University website, two weeks prior to the Board meeting, the University Advisory Council, which represents all the schools and academic divisions within the University, unanimously approved the final draft of the plan. The Advisory Council proceeded to recommend its presentation to the Board. “This summer we are beginning our discussions on implementation. This will be a communitywide effort, and once the school year begins anew in the fall, we will engage all members of the community on various implementation projects and really turn the powerful ideas encompassed in the plan into concrete actions,” wrote Goldstein in an email to the Justice. “At this time, it would be premature to give specifics,” Goldstein continued. In regard to improvement in
the sciences, Goldstein explained that “the new Science Curriculum committee has been working to rethink many different aspects of the science curriculum.” According to Goldstein, changes have already been made for the Biology major requirements. “The committee has done an excellent job and I am very excited about these changes, that will keep Brandeis student out in front of their peers.” In regard to additional science classes for non-science majors, Goldstein explained that changes would also be made. “Teaching science to non-science majors is critically important as part of a liberal arts education and we expect to have on-going discussions about changes that will increase opportunities in this area,” Goldstein wrote. According to Senior Vice President of Communications Ellen de Graffenreid, the capital budget that was passed included items regarding deferred maintenance. These projects include updates to East Quad, and new locations for the Crown Center for Middle East Studies and the Lemberg Children’s Center. The operational budget, however, was passed in March. “Some of the investments will be very noticeable—like improvements in the dining halls and the grounds,” wrote Traquina, who officially assumed his role following the commencement ceremony on May 19, as stated in the by-laws. “Other changes, like HVAC and infrastructure, are not as visible but are critically important aspects of maintaining the campus.”
According to Traquina, the Board also voted to approve tenure, promotion and appointments for several faculty members. In addition, members voted to approve the award of degrees for graduating students and a new degree program—an Master of Science in Strategic Analytics—at the May 17 meeting. According to Traquina, he is looking forward to his new role as chair. “Over the coming weeks and months I’ll be working closely with President [Frederick] Lawrence and his team. I’ll also be reaching out to members of the Brandeis community—professors, students, staff and [alumni],” he wrote in an email to the Justice. “I want to learn about their experiences so I will have a full picture of our Brandeis from all perspectives.” Traquina explained that he would like to see more initiatives passed regarding affordability and financial aid. “My wife and I have created two endowed scholarship funds to help students afford a Brandeis education. We have been fortunate enough to meet many of those scholars, and it is very rewarding to see what they are able to do with the opportunities that Brandeis gives them,” Traquina wrote. Traquina is also interested in incorporating technology into the curriculum and the expansion of faculty diversity. “At the end of the day, we need to create an academic experience that provides Brandeis students with an outstanding education,” he wrote. The next Board meeting will be held in October.
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ADMINISTRATION
HELLER SCHOOL
Communications reorganized Center ■ Senior Vice President for
Communications Ellen de Graffenreid spearheaded several department changes. By Marissa ditkowsky JUSTICE Editor
Brandeis reorganized its Office of Communications this summer, splitting the department into four divisions and dissolving a former unit. The four divisions will be as follows: Strategic Communications, Creative Services, Integrated Media Relations and Digital Communications. The News and Communications unit is being dissolved and will be replaced by the Integrated Media Relations unit. Therefore, such positions as editor of BrandeisNOW have been eliminated. Former News Director Charles Radin will now act as the communications liaison in the Office of the President. According to Radin in an email to the Justice, the job will entail “doing
writing and research of whatever kind President [Frederick] Lawrence and Chief-of-Staff David Bunis need.” “The primary goal of this reorganization is to create a more collaborative structure in the Office of Communications to advance Brandeis’ strategic goals and be more responsive to the campus community’s needs,” wrote Senior Vice President for Communications Ellen de Graffenreid, who is responsible for the reorganization of the department, in an email to the Justice. According to de Graffenreid, the reorganization “took into account the goals that I was asked to achieve when President Lawrence hired me, the Brandeis Strategic Plan, feedback from the campus community gathered through a formal survey, current best practices in higher education communications and marketing, and a research project in which my team benchmarked the communications organizations of more than 20 peer institutions.” The reorganizations will be accompanied by new communications initiatives and projects. De Graffen-
reid explained that this fall, the department will be initiating an update of the Brandeis graphic identity and a major market research project. According to a July 29 memo to the campus community sent out by de Graffenreid, the Strategic Communications unit will be responsible for the overall editorial direction of institutional-level communications at Brandeis. The unit will handle publications, photography, video, email marketing and web features. The unit will be led by Laura Gardner, who has accepted the position of executive director. Gardner will be working with photographer Mike Lovett and videographer Ryan Scura on major editorial and institutional projects. She will also act as the daily manager for Brandeis Magazine. The Integrated Media Relations unit will be implemented “to significantly enhance Brandeis’ external media presence in print, television, online and news-based social media.” The team will also help to enhance internal communications. The University will be hiring an executive director for
this unit. This leader will serve as University spokesperson and work closely with the president’s cabinet. According to de Graffenreid, the search for an executive director will start immediately. Creative Services will continue under the leadership of Deborah Wieder, according to the memo. However, the unit will have new objectives. “The team will work very closely with Strategic Communications to manage the visual aspects of Brandeis University’s identity and serve as brand stewards, while providing a source of expert advice on creative approaches that reflect the diversity of Brandeis’ audiences and goals,” wrote de Graffenreid in the memo. The Web Communications team is being renamed Digital Communications “to better reflect the scope of their duties as a linchpin for our integrated communications and marketing efforts,” the memo states. Audrey Griffin-Goode will continue to lead the unit. According to the memo, this team will also work on home page editorial efforts and social media.
A WARM WELCOME
OLIVIA POBIEL/the Justice
University President Frederick Lawrence welcomed and shared words of wisdom with the incoming Class of 2017 to Brandeis University during the Brandeis Beginnings ceremony on Sunday to kick off this year’s orientation.
ADMISSIONS
Lawrence discusses ‘Fisher’ case
■ Proponents of affirmative
action defended its impact on diversity on campuses in the wake of the Fisher case. By Marissa ditkowsky JUSTICE EDITOR
The recent Supreme Court decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin led to a national discussion regarding the applicability and effectiveness of affirmative action. Brandeis administrators took part in this discussion, noting the influence any change in affirmative action could have on the University and the United States. On July 2, University President Frederick Lawrence participated in a panel discussion at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to examine the significant rulings of the Supreme Court’s 2012-2013 term. During the event, Lawrence and other members of the panel discussed Fisher and its implications. After being rejected from the University of Texas at Austin, plaintiff Abigail Fisher filed a lawsuit asking that the Court declare the university’s race-conscious admissions inconsistent with Grutter v. Bollinger, a 2003 case which established that race had an appropriate but limited role in the admissions policies of public universities. Fisher, a Caucasian female, maintained that the university had racially discriminated against her in its admissions process. Justice Anthony Kennedy delivered the majority opinion, stating Fisher could only challenge “whether
the university’s decision to use race as an admissions factor ‘was made in good faith.’” Due to the fact that the Fifth Circuit failed to apply strict scrutiny as maintained by the Supreme Court majority, the case was vacated and remanded in a 7-1 decision with only Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissenting. “There were those of us who [were] feared [by] the fact that the Court took this case only 10 years after the Grutter decision … So there was certainly concern that it was agenda-driven and that the agenda might very well be overruling Grutter and overruling [Regents of the University of California v. Bakke],” said Lawrence during the panel discussion. Lawrence asserted that he has taken comfort in the fact that the Supeme Supreme Court did not overturn Grutter or change the protocol of affirmative action. “I guess in my head I share … pessimism that affirmative action may be on shaky ground … But I think we will learn a great deal about this in the coming term and terms … watching how lower courts continue to work,” he said. Although the case specifically referred to public universities, the controversy over affirmative action could potentially reach to private universities. “The fact that this is a core issue to us as a private university means that it will affect us sort of one level removed,” said Lawrence during the panel discussion. “But if the court decides down the road that affirmative action is actually a form of racial discrimination, that would affect us in private universities, as well,
so this is something we pay very close attention to.” According to Lawrence, diversity is a core piece of Brandeis. “Going back to when the University was founded in 1948, as a university they would not discriminate and therefore would be open to all comers,” he said during the panel. Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel also acknowledged the University’s emphasis on diversity. “In many ways, Brandeis was founded as a response to the exclusionary admission practices of elite institutions,” he wrote in an email to the Justice. According to Flagel, the University admissions process was designed to avoid discrimination against any group. “We undertake a complex, holistic review of all applicants to determine the best fit for Brandeis. This balances student profile with the talents and backgrounds that make for our highly competitive entering classes,” he wrote. “I haven’t seen anything in the Supreme Court decisions that are likely to impact that process.” For critics of affirmative action concerned that affirmative action could allow for “unqualified” students to be admitted to universities, Flagel wrote, “Our students are phenomenally successful, persisting through to graduation as well as in placement in graduate schools and careers, and the profile of our entering class is among the highest in the nation. I don’t imagine [those] kinds of concerns … are an issue for Brandeis.”
The strategic plan, a plan endorsed by the Board of Trustees that was designed to provide a framework for decision making for the University, introduced the sentiment from the University that it must continue to increase diversity among its student population, a result considered to be the purpose of affirmative action by its proponents. According to the strategic plan, as of its release, 21 percent of the University’s undergraduates are students of color, 30 percent are first-generation college students and 30 percent come from low-income households. “Brandeis continues to reach out nationally to increase the diversity of our applicant pool,” wrote Flagel in regards to the University’s plans to increase diversity as stated in the strategic plan. According to Lawrence, for schools such as Brandeis, it could be easier to defend programs that would increase diversity. “I think that those of us with smaller universities and smaller undergraduate student bodies it may be somewhat easier to make the cases for why specific decisions had to be made the way they are. In large state universities, the challenge may be very great,” he said. Despite the questions regarding affirmative action and its future following Fisher, diversity remains a key component to the University. “There is no more important aspect of [ensuring] that we protect the vision of the founders to remove any barriers to an elite education for the very best students, regardless of their background,” wrote Flagel.
receives service grant
■ The Center for Youth and
Communities received a grant from the Walmart Foundation to help fund its summer program. By ILANA KRUGER JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
This past July, the Center for Youth and Communities at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management received a grant for $2.5 million from the Walmart Foundation. The grant, part of Walmart’s 2013 Summer Youth Employability Initiative, funds programs that provide jobs for teenagers in cities including Hartford, Conn.; Philadelphia; San Diego; and Chicago, among others. This is the second year in a row that the CYC has received a grant from Walmart. CYC Director Prof. Susan P. Curnan (Heller) said in a July 22 press release, “We describe our approach to the summer program as ‘100 [percent] work, 100 [percent] learning.’” The center gives grants to different agencies in the cities mentioned above to support the programs. These programs are then supervised by researchers at the center who also provide technical support as needed. The initiative gives at-risk teenagers a chance to participate in work-to-career programs in government and non-profit settings that give them important skills and experience for future employment. The CYC works with schools, local government and non-profit agencies to place the teenagers in the programs. Curnan said she believes that the programs are vital for the success of participating teenagers. “Summers matter—over the long term, youth who participate in year-round programs or multiple summer experiences intentionally combining work, learning, and support can improve educational outcomes, are less likely to drop out, have less difficulty getting and keeping jobs, and have higher lifelong earnings than those who do not.” The CYC works to “improve the quality of education, workforce development, and organizational and community-building systems” through “scholarly research and practical experience,” according to the center’s online mission statement. The Walmart Foundation, whose other initiatives include sustainability, hunger relief and economic empowerment for women, gave over one billion dollars to its various beneficiaries in the past year. “At Walmart, we recognize the need to support the next generation of our nation’s workforce,” said Julie Gehrki, senior director of the Walmart Foundation, in a July 22 press release. “By working closely with the Heller School’s Center for Youth and Communities at Brandeis University, we are able to help provide youth access to job opportunities and skills training during the summer months so they can return to school more prepared for the future.” The center was given five million dollars from the Walmart Foundation in 2012 for its National Program Office to disburse among different urban communities to fund similar summer programs. According to Walmart’s press release, it is estimated that the grant funded 120 hours of work for teenagers at around one hundred work sites this summer.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013
SAWYER: Dean to leave Brandeis CONTINUED FROM 1 sity’s decisions regarding my present and future roles,” wrote Sawyer. “I respect the right of the University to make decisions about what is in their best interest, … and I must do the same for myself.” Sawyer went on to write that he had hoped to finish his career at Brandeis, but no longer felt that he would be “able to participate in ways that [he] would find professionally satisfying.” He added that “I do not resign easily or happily,” and apologized for the potentially unexpected departure. “We often talk with students about defining moments in our lives, and in this particular personal moment I have elected to leave on my own terms,” wrote Sawyer. In an interview with the Justice, Sawyer confirmed that he has been in conversation with colleagues in the higher education regarding opportunities that will be available. University President Frederick Lawrence also sent an email on July 31 to announce Sawyer’s departure, although did not acknowledge it as a resignation. In the email, sent to the broader Brandeis community, Lawrence described Sawyer’s achievements at Brandeis since his arrival in 1981. Sawyer mentored students and staff throughout the terms of six out of eight Brandeis presidents (although the email erroneously cited the statistic as four out of eight). He also oversaw the evolving missions of multiple departments within the Division of Students and Enrollment. “It is no exaggeration to say that Rick Sawyer has had a transformative impact on student life at Brandeis,” wrote Lawrence in the email. “On behalf of a grateful university, please join me in wishing Rick and his family the best of luck in the future.” Sawyer was promoted to associate vice president for student affairs, in addition to his role as dean of student life, in July 2004, according to an Aug. 31 Justice article from that year. As dean of student life, Sawyer directed Orientation, a program which he pioneered, as well as Residence Life, Student Development and Conduct, Student Activities, Student Centers, Community Service, Graduate Student Services and the Intercultural Center. As associate vice president for student affairs, other responsibilities included overseeing four additional departments: the Health Center, the Counseling Center, the Athletic Department and the Chaplaincy.
Sawyer wrote in an email to the Justice that, as the “number ‘2’” to the senior vice president for students and enrollment, he also attended meetings of the president’s cabinet and the Board of Trustees. Responding to questions about whether anyone would assume Sawyer’s duties as Vice President, Flagel wrote in an email to the Justice, “Rick has not attended Board meetings since I arrived. Athletics reports directly to me and has for some time, as does orientation. All of the other departments remain as before.” However, he added, “reporting lines are never set in stone and I look forward to working with Dean Adams and the senior leadership in the Students and Enrollment division to continually assess our models and structures.” Adams officially assumed the role of Dean of Student Life as of August 5. “Times of transition are bittersweet, but I enter into this new role with humility, respect, and fire,” wrote Adams in an email to the Justice. “I will continue to support, advocate and challenge our students for the better; bridging that with the experience and talent of our Student Affairs Professionals, and complementing the outstanding teaching our faculty do in and out of the classroom. In all of this, [I will] remain committed to our core values, and never forget the reasons we are here—you, the Students and the importance of the Brandeis family,” Adams continued. When asked whether or not his former position would be filled, Adams wrote, “I will be thinking about the role as we are assessing all our divisional needs.” In Flagel’s announcement to the division of students and enrollment, he stressed that “there is no plan in the division to cut positions to save money,” but that there was a plan to “continue to explore all of our structures and processes.” Adams’ appointment to the role of Dean was described in the email as “one of the next steps in this process.” “I have every confidence that [Adams] is the right leader for this critical role at Brandeis, and that he will continue to share his love for Brandeis both on and off campus, whether it be at a speaking engagement, motivating our peers or delivering poetry,” wrote Flagel. According to Flagel’s email, Adams came to Brandeis in 2005 as assistant dean of student life and was promoted to associate dean of student life in 2006.
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NEW AND IMPROVED
JOSH HOROWITZ/the Justice
DINING IN STYLE: Usdan Cafe has undergone changes since Sodexo became the dining service provider this summer.
SODEXO: Updates to be made in dining halls CONTINUED FROM 1 DeGioia was joined on July 1 by a campus executive chef, David LaFleur, and Rachel Oppenheimer, the new director of campus operations for Sodexo. DeGioia added that “we also have some other great people lined up, and as they come on board we will welcome them to the community.” While Collins would not reveal the terms of Sodexo’s new contract with the University, he said that the deal included an “attractive financial package” with a “multi-million dollar enhancement fund.” However, the most expansive renovations, including a revamp of Sherman Dining Hall and potentially converting Usdan Café into an all-you-can-eat style dining hall, will not be realized until next summer. Some of the changes that students can expect to see on campus in the fall will include the addition of a Dunkin’ Donuts in the Village in place of the Provisions on Demand Market, a Guy Fieri on Campus restaurant in place of Ollie’s Eatery and the Stein, and Russo’s Market and Starbucks products at dining facilities, according to Collins. It is unclear at this point whether or not a full Starbucks venue will be completed this fall, but the eventual installation of one is planned for the EcoGrounds Cafe location in Goldfarb Library.
Einstein Bros. Bagels and the Usdan Student Center Provisions on Demand Market location, now dubbed the Hoot Market, will remain. In fact, Einstein’s may expand—both in the size of its location and its menu, to which hot breakfast sandwiches may be added. Maura Boughter-Dornfeld ’14, a representative of the Real Food campaign at Brandeis, was involved in the decision-making process this spring. “The presentations were really incredible,” she wrote in an email to the Justice. According to Boughter-Dornfeld, both Aramark and Sodexo’s proposals included a goal that the Real Food campaign had advocated for: 20 percent “real food”—meaning “humane, local, ecologically sound, and fairtrade”—by 2015. “The change to Sodexo is huge, and very exciting, but there is still quite a lot of work to be done in order to make much of the campus happy,” wrote Boughter-Dornfeld. After the announcement was broadcast via email, Facebook and Twitter, multiple members of the campus community pointed to Sodexo’s lengthy list of cases filed with the National Labor Relations Board, as well as student and employee protests at the University of Washington, Emory University and Clark University, as cause for concern.
Addressing these concerns in an email to the Justice, Senior Vice President for Communications Ellen de Graffenreid wrote that “Brandeis is committed to ensuring that all vendor operations on our campus are carried out to the highest legal and ethical standards and ... monitoring this behavior is a routine part of our business operations.” Collins confirmed this statement and added that all union employees that had worked under Aramark will have the option to stay on with Sodexo. As of June 27, almost all had filled out applications, formally initiating the transfer. The same union will continue to represent the employees, he said. Student dining workers will have to undergo the same process, but can also expect to stay on in the positions they had held under Aramark, said Collins. While Collins said that he had been made aware of some problems with Sodexo at other locations, he expected that the same conditions would not exist at Brandeis. “It’s not going to be tolerated at Brandeis, period,” he said. Sodexo, a globally-operated company based in France, also handles dining operations at neighboring Bentley University and Babson College, among other universities, hospitals and large venues across the U.S.
GREEK: “Dirty rushing” rule abolished by Greek organizations CONTINUED FROM 1 events usually begin the weekend following the first day of classes. But this semester, the “Meet and Greek” event, which traditionally signifies the start of rush, is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 12, a full two weeks after the first day of classes. Although official events have been pushed to a later date, a new GAC rule will allow Greek members to begin recruitment before the date the GAC provided for the Justice. In previous semesters, even mentioning the name of a Greek organization to prospective members before the first official day of rush events was not allowed, and would have been considered “dirty rushing.” This semester, Greeks can begin recruitment immediately, even though the first official day of rush is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 12. In an email to the fraternity’s members, Phi Kappa Psi President Colin Gibbons ’14 wrote, “The GAC rules have been revised and the moment [first-years] step on campus we may begin unofficially rushing them. This is different from past semesters and essentially eliminates the idea of ‘dirty rushing.’” Gibbons declined do comment on the email. When asked to comment on the information about “dirty rushing,” Feldan said that the GAC has “decided to allow limited activities before the official start of recruitment.” He explained that Greek members can engage in a range of
activities with prospective members—from speaking about their organization to inviting them over to their off-campus houses to, for example, play video games—but cannot hold official recruitment parties. Feldan explained “limited” activities are now allowed because the GAC felt that it could not realistically prohibit individual fraternity and sorority members from recruiting students during the twoweek hiatus. Instead, explained Feldan, the GAC threw out the “dirty rushing” rule altogether. In addition to the anticipated policy changes, some organizations say they are taking further steps to ensure safety at future events. In an email to the Justice, officers of the sorority Sigma Delta Tau wrote, “This upcoming recruitment is just as important as any other semester, but all sorority presidents have met and planned new initiatives to keep all attendees and potential recruits safe during this upcoming recruitment.” According to this email and an email sent by Kappa Beta Gamma officers to the Justice, all three sororities with Brandeis chapters—KBG, SDT and Delta Phi Epsilon—have joined forces to plan a brochure which will include basic facts about each organization and information regarding safety, as well as an event that is designed to inform students who wish to attend recruitment events about responsible drinking. The Justice reached out to all five
fraternities with Brandeis chapters. With the exception of Alpha Delta Phi, none disclosed any specific plans to hold events in response to the incident. In an email to the Justice, ADPhi officials wrote the fraternity has scheduled a session with the campus group Students Talking About Relationships before the rush season kicks off. In addition, the fraternity will be working with the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance to plan a workshop for brothers. Fraternity officials say they have also reassessed their policies in order to increase security at their events. For example, during future events, brothers will be checking Brandeis IDs before allowing entrance, and will be utilizing marked security shirts to provide better security service to guests. In an interview with the Justice last semester, the victim of the alleged Jan. 2013 rape said she believes it is crucial to educate students on the definitions of consent and rape. This topic was discussed during Brandeis’ first-ever Sexual Violence Awareness Week last semester. One of the events was specifically focused on empowered consent. During this event, a Brandeis faculty member gave a presentation about consent—what consent is, and what it is not. FMLA’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Representative and SDT member Victoria Jonas ’15 organized the event, and said there was a large turnout from the Greek
community, as well as participation in the discussion that directly followed the event. But according to a Greek member who was in attendance and wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, fraternity members were not receptive to that education. “They seemed to be missing the point of the assembly, which was trying to teach what sexual assault is and what it means to sexually assault someone,” said the student in an interview with the Justice. “For example, during the discussion someone brought up a scenario that was like, ‘So what if I actually didn’t rape a girl but she accuses me of doing it, what do I do?’... It seemed like they just didn’t understand the definition of sexual assault.” A senior at Brandeis who has been involved with Greek life in the past said he shares the same opinion. In an interview with the Justice, this student said he was in the process of becoming a member of the original chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi during his first semester at Brandeis, but dropped out because he was horrified by the activities encouraged by Greek organizations. According to this student, during the pledging process, he and other pledges were pushed to drink excessively. For one event, pledges were told to break into another fraternity’s house and steal some of their most valuable belongings. During a “scavenger hunt,” they were assigned the tasks of bringing back a female’s underwear and snap-
ping pictures of women’s breasts, among other projects. He said that he dropped out during the pledging process, but has experienced other pledging events first-hand then. For example, during this past semester, he claims that KBG officials repeatedly brought their pledges to his and his friends’ all-male Charles River apartments to clean. He said it is undeniable that Greek organizations serve as a valuable social outlet for many students, and provide a means for members to give back to their communities through philanthropy and charity work. However, he said that he also believes Greek organizations are perpetuating a problematic culture. Jonas said that she agrees with that sentiment, but is optimistic about the future. “I think the culture is changing and during this semester ... [T]here will be a greater consciousness of the risks of perpetuating this problematic culture. But I do think it’s something that comes with baby steps, and it’s something that comes with time,” said Jonas. She said she believes that the first step is one that Greek organizations have yet to make. “All participants in a problematic moral culture have a responsibility to change that culture,” said Jonas. “Once Greek organizations recognize that this culture ... is one that is perpetuated by Greek organizations at large, that’s the only way that change can happen.”
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VERBATIM | OSCAR WILDE Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
ON THIS DAY…
FUN FACT
In 1593, Pierre Barrière failed in his attempt to assassinate King Henry IV of France.
A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.
Lost boy finds second life Sudanese refugee finds campus network By JAIME KAISER JUSTICE editor
He has not seen his home in South Sudan in 26 years but if you ask him, Mangok Bol M.S. ’13 could tell you more than he had ever imagined possible about living, working and receiving an education in a foreign country. Bol is the administrator for the International and Global Studies program and the Mandel Center for the Humanities, and recently graduated from the International Business School with a master’s degree in Finance in May. He is also a “Lost Boy” of Sudan, one of over 20,000 young boys and girls who fled Sudan in the ’80s and ’90s to escape the danger and violence of civil war between the Sudan People’s Liberation Party and the Sudanese government. Bol was young boy when he left what was then the Republic of South Sudan, though he isn’t sure how old he was when he walked on foot for over two months in 1987 toward refuge in Ethiopia. “I consider myself around 36 [years old], but for me it doesn’t matter. I could be 40 and that would be fine with me, “ he said in a interview with the Justice. It is not surprising that Bol ended up with a position at a University: From the time he was very young he was immersed in a community that valued higher education as the most powerful tool to future success. He explained that he was constantly reading books to try and learn more about the world. “It was more up to me to think it is the right time to study or do my homework,” said Bol. “It became a group thing to sit around and read. The sense of getting an education was a big deal among us,” he said.
In 2001, Bol came to Massachusetts with a group of 186 refugees. They qualified to enter the United States after a rigorous selection process, one that Bol described as being even more complicated than gaining his American citizenship. Bol’s arrival to the United States did not go unnoticed by the media. Their story reached private interest groups because of the positive media coverage and they therefore received a lot of support. These organizations began to search for potential universities the newly arrived lost boys could attend. Bol decided to go to the University of New Hampshire in 2003 because of the good financial package he received, for a subject he originally thought he wanted to study but in which he did not receive his degree. “Ironically, of the five of us accepted to go to the school, four of us ended up going for business and only one did the animal husbandry,” said Bol. Most of Bol’s classmates came from the Diinka tribe. The people helping Bol select a college knew of the Diinka people’s love for cows and figured the Sudanese men would be interested in the animal husbandry major the university offered. Bol enjoyed the education and friends he made at the University of New Hampshire, but living in a radically new environment was not without its problems. “UNH was very different, it was not diverse. The population was predominantly white middle class. At first we felt we needed to connect with other Africans on campus,” he said. But there were not only adjustments to American university life; Bol was still getting acclimated to an entirely different environment in terms of geographic location. “The number-one shocking thing was seeing the snow start to fall,” said Bol.
In addition to the contrast between New England winter and the hot climate of South Sudan, Bol found casual conversations between men and women to be “unusual.” He came from a community where there was a “big divide between male and female,” he said. After Bol graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business and administration in 2006, he was encouraged to apply for the administrator of the International And Global Studies program by Prof. Mark Auslander (ANTH), an Anthropology professor at Brandeis who has conducted research on the Sudanese conflict and is board member of the Sudanese Education Fund, a nonprofit that aids Sudanese refugees resettling the Boston area. “I like working here. Professionally, Brandeis is my niche,” said Bol. In 2010, Bol also became an administrator for the Mandel Center for the Humanities. Although Bol said he has no regrets about coming to the United States and starting his new life of opportunity, he admitted that in leaving South Sudan “something was lost that I can never get back.” Bol plans to return to Sudan in December to see his family and friends for a long-overdue reunion. Commenting with nervous excitement about what it will be like the day he reconnects with his mother, he said “A good friend of mine went to see her in the village in May. She asked him ‘What kind of person is he?’ Other people know me better than her. It has been too long.” Although Bol has no official plans, he thinks eventually he will use his master’s degree to work to rebuild South Sudan. “I think I can help with financial planning later on but right now, no plan. I am just working at Brandeis and I love it here.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE LOVETT
EDUCATION INSPIRATION: Mangok Bol recieved a master’s degree in Finance from the International Business School in May.
Meet Jamele Adams: Our new dean of students The dean of students listens to the students, listens to the folks that are on the team. I have the honor of listening and making sure that the University is meeting the expectations of the students and vice versa. How is that different from your previous position? Now I’ll listen to even more people.
OLIVIA POBIEL/the Justice
BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE: In keeping with university orientation tradition, Jamele Adams performed slam poetry for the class of 2017. Jamele Adam’s promotion to dean of students brings exciting prospects for a community that has embraced him as the associate dean of student life and the Assistant dean of student life for the past nine years. The Justice sat down with Dean Adams to discuss what he values about the Brandeis community and what he hopes to achieve in the coming years. What does the dean of students do?
What are you excited about with this new position? I’m filled with all kinds of humility and fire for all the possibilities that exist. I thoroughly appreciate all that has been laid out before me. The foundation of Student Affairs and the folks that are in all the functional areas of the family that is Student Affairs is fantastic. It’s the relationship between the students and all of the folks at the University that makes what I do such a joy, such a pleasure. We are all in it together. We have the honor of remembering that you all, the students, are the reason why we are here. We have the pleasure of being part of the journey of the students, to the effect that we can make their journey as magical and wonderful as possible is awesome, even in times of challenge, as well as times of triumph. Do you have any goals for this upcoming semester or in the future? I really want to make sure that we fly and that we have an incredible experience together, and I just want to continue to build on the foundation that is already in place. What’s here is great, so I don’t want to injure that greatness, I want to nurture it. How do your poetry and your role as an administrator work together? It’s interesting that the students, you all, made it
possible for those pieces of who I am to coexist. To the effect that they can assist the experience that the students have, can contribute to the educational journey that students take, I will continue to allow them to coexist. If it ever becomes intrusive, or not something that is helpful in the journey and experience of Brandeis students, then I won’t. Students are usually the reason I use poetry; it’s because a student made a suggestion or they thought it might be a complement to what they already put together. What do you think is the big draw to the Brandeis community? It is as unique as each individual here is. Every individual in this campus is unique. I think that makes for such an experience where, again, the hope is that everyone here can feel like this is their home. I want it to be a place where we have no second class citizens. I want it to be a place where everyone feels the love of the University. Not that many places have that significant piece, the cornerstone of the University is social justice and we recognize the imperfect and recognize our imperfections, and being willing to work through those imperfections is more of a draw. How do you plan to make sure that incoming students who haven’t experienced the community yet know what it’s all about? I will continue to advocate and promote involvement with everything that begins at orientation and continues through the work of the Community Advisors and Roosevelt Fellows and Excel fellows and all of the student organizations on campus. The folks that complement what happens in the classroom and the Student Affairs function areas, those folks will continue to do so into the wee hours of the morning, throughout programming and any moments that demand such. I think that the continual recognition and
promoting of using all the resources that are here is how folks will continue to find that we are all together. There shouldn’t be anyone who feels that they don’t have anyone they can turn to, they don’t have any resources that aren’t there for them, because we are all there for each other. In the truest sense of the word, having a Brandeis family. Many people consider you to be one of the most inspiring members of the Brandeis community. From where do you derive your inspiration? The people around me. You all. When I have conversations with students, it moves me. I listen, I genuinely listen. I don’t take my role on campus for granted. I don’t take people’s attention spans for granted. I don’t take the fact that the students here believe in us for granted. We all value that, I value that. To the point that I can remind folks it matters, I will continue to do that. My motivation is the folks around us: my family, the students, the experiences that happen on campus. The knowledge that someone is allowing me to play a part in their journey for life. What do you think is the most moving or inspiring experience that you’ve had so far at Brandeis? There isn’t just one. Every day, daily, I’m moved by the students, I really am moved. Sometimes the smallest statement or event is moving. I constantly stay aware of all that’s going on around me, and it does move me. It influences me. It motivates me. I genuinely am moved every day by the students, I really am. We owe it to just be reciprocal in that energy and the sharing of that love.
— Marissa Ditkowsky
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From paper to
playground
Children’s art fdgdhdfh PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCAS MALO
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: Community service director Lucas Malo and other volunteers will gather at the build site on Sept. 17 to build the playground.
Children’s artwork inspires Prospect Hill community project By Celine HACOBIAN JUSTICE EDITOR
Imagine your ideal playground. You would be inclined to include a wide variety of swings, slides, monkey bars and even rock climbing walls. Now draw it. This is what the children in Waltham’s Prospect Hill community were instructed to do. Brandeis was just one group that helped compile their designs and, from there, organize the plans to bring their imaginative drawings to reality. On Sept. 17, Brandeis will join with local organizations and institutions to build the playground in the Prospect Hill area. The University will work alongside Bentley University, the Waltham Housing Authority and KaBoom, a non-profit organization that strives to create playgrounds across the country that allow for children to have a safe place to play. KaBoom used the children’s creative ideas to plan out an innovative site and a safe environment inspired by their pictures. About 200 children in the area will be able to take advantage of the space, which will include a community garden and eventually an additional community center. Volunteers who will be present on Sept. 17 include students from both universities as well as staff from the other organizations involved in the project. One of these volun-
teers is Lucas Malo, director of community service at Brandeis. “One thing I always tell my students is that we never put ourselves into the community unless they tell us they want us,” Malo said. “So the Waltham police officers and some of the folks from the city talked to some of the residents and said, ‘Would you be interested in this?’ and they all said yes.” Malo and Kate Hussey from the Waltham Housing Authority, determined to make these ideas a reality, went and knocked on every single door in the complex, reaching out to about 60 people. Brandeis is responsible for raising 10 percent of the $85,000 it will take to create the playground. United Healthcare as well as the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation has donated the additional funding needed to build the playground. The playground is designed to benefit the children of Prospect Hill, but Malo stresses the goal of facilitating interaction among the various local communities. This is not the first time, though, that Malo is working with the community of Prospect Hill. The Waltham Group is the umbrella community service organization under which many service groups fall. One of those groups, called Waltham Kids’ Club, runs an after-school program Monday through Thursday that is designed to men-
tor children in low-income communities in Waltham. Malo noted that because of the number of children in the housing units who do not participate in the Kids Club program, “we wanted to do something extra.” Bentley University, the city and Waltham Housing Authority also helped fundraise about $200,000. The group, in addition to its efforts in completing the Prospect Hill playground, is planning on opening a childcare center on the bottom floor of an empty daycare in October. The building will provide afterschool programming for elementary- and middle school-aged children. “Prospect Hill is a community—there are 144 units and families live there—most of those units are single mother households with children and … there are just about 40 different languages spoken among those families,” Malo said. “A good percentage of the parents do not speak English at all. So the kids are used to being the English translators for the parents.” When these groups came across the KaBoom application to build a playground, Brandeis took the lead on writing the grant, but all groups contributed throughout the entire process. KaBoom noted the potential of such a project and funded the grant proposal, which would also provide for two represen-
tatives from their home base in Washington, D.C. to train the volunteers and build all their playgrounds. There are about 12 subcommittees involved in the project, which include teams that focus on youth engagement, fundraising, media and the tool-collecting team. Dean of Arts and Sciences Elaine Wong is also on the committee, as well as Prof. Laura Goldin (AMST), chair of the Environmental Sustainability Team committee. “The most exciting thing is that we’re working with the community and that’s KaBoom’s philosophy,” Malo said. “We’re building the playground together rather than bringing the playground to them.” The residents of Prospect Hill, in the process, are helping to create donations, knocking on doors and securing food for breakfast and lunch on the day of the build. “I think we all assume we’re part of the Brandeis family and then we go home and that might not be the community that we’re living in, so I think it represents that we all come from different backgrounds,” Malo said. Malo stressed the more long-term benefits of creating the playground. “We’re really trying to get rid of the stigma that’s attached to Prospect Hill, especially how it’s not safe,” he said. “We’re all people and we’re all trying to make ends meet and enjoy life.”
PHOTOS BY JOSH HOROWITZ
CHILDLIKE WONDER: Prospect Hill community youth drew images of what their ultimate playground would include, and their ideas were incorporated and used as inspiration for the final playground plan.
10 TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 ● THE JUSTICE
Justice Justice
the the
Established 1949, Brandeis University
Brandeis University
Established 1949
Tate Herbert, Editor in Chief Andrew Wingens, Senior Editor Adam Rabinowitz, Managing Editor Sam Mintz, Production Editor Celine Hacobian, Joshua Linton and Shafaq hasan, Associate Editors Marissa Ditkowsky, News Editor Jaime Kaiser, Features Editor Glen Chagi Chesir, Forum Editor Henry Loughlin, Sports Editor Rachel Hughes and Jessie Miller, Arts Editors Josh Horowitz and Olivia Pobiel, Photography Editors Rachel Burkhoff, Layout Editor Sara Dejene, Online Editor Brittany Joyce, Copy Editor Schuyler Brass, Acting Advertising Editor
Recognizing Rick’s legacy On July 31, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer announced his resignation after 32 years at the University, a career that saw him work with six of Brandeis’ eight presidents and make an indelible mark on the legacy of the University. Mr. Sawyer had a positive impact on countless students who passed through his office during that time, and this board would like to thank him for his contributions to the University and its community. Among his many tangible achievements, he created and developed the current orientation program for first-year students. Mr. Sawyer is an expert at making students feel welcome and safe on campus, and he could always be counted on for a smile and a friendly word in passing. Among his many duties, Mr. Sawyer represented students strictly for the sake of the students, somewhat distanced from any fiscal or image considerations that other administrators are employed to maintain. In a resignation letter to a small group of colleagues, Mr. Sawyer described his choice to depart as not easy or happy, elaborating that he did not “see [himself] aligned with the University’s decisions regarding [his] present and future roles.” This board urges the University to closely examine any changes made, or policies pursued, which could not be reconciled with the ideas of a figure who has long been central to the mission of Brandeis and the well-being of its students.
Key position remains vacant Mr. Sawyer’s departure also creates a problematic gap in the executive administration. We urge transparency from the University about the apparent elimination of one of his two roles, vice president for student affairs, for which no replacement has been announced. The vice president title facilitates a certain power within the administration that a dean may not be able to accomplish. This position should not be cast aside following the departure of the person who filled it so well. This board welcomes the energetic and committed Jamele Adams to the role of dean of students. His experience as an associate dean of student life should serve him well as he adjusts to a new leadership position. We hope that he will follow the example set by Mr. Sawyer in being an advocate for the student body and a friendly adviser to any and every student. We also urge Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel, who is sure to work directly with Mr. Adams in his new role, to guide Mr. Adams in making the Department of Student Life the best possible resource for the student body. Mr. Sawyer said in an interview with the Justice that he is pursuing opportunities to take on a similar role at another institution. We wish him luck with whatever challenge he takes on next. Any school and its students would be lucky to have him.
OLIVIA POBIEL/the Justice
Views the News on
The past few weeks have been tumultuous for the Middle East region. Israel agreed to release 108 prisoners while also approving new construction in contested areas, and in turn, the Palestinian Authority agreed to renew negotiations. Remote rockets have been shot into Israel by extremist groups in response. The Syrian government continues to slaughter its own people in a desperate attempt to remain in power. The Egyptian Army has killed over 500 supporters of Mohamed Morsi, as yet another Egyptian president was ousted from office. What should Secretary of State John Kerry’s priority be in the perpetually unstable region?
Katy Dowling ’15 While all of these matters ought to remain in the forefront of American foreign policy discussion and action, I feel as though the Syrian struggle ought to be the focus of American attention. The current state of human rights in Syria is one that calls for immediate action. As the slaughter of the Syrian people goes on unchecked, it sets a precedent for future incidents. The actions of the Syrian regime are so glaringly detrimental to the good of the Syrian people that U.S. involvement is less likely to be seen as nation-building in the region, rather as well-intentioned humanitarian aid. Also, as the current Syrian regime is being supported by the Russian government, this issue becomes less of a regional concern and more of a possible global confrontation. The combination of a possible global political clash and the deaths of over 100,000 men, women and children creates a situation that is impossible to ignore. Katy Dowling ’15 is the Undergraduate Departmental Representative for the Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies program.
Daniel Koas ’16
Test-flexible admissions impresses In preparing for the admissions cycle this fall, the University has decided to join the ranks of a growing cadre of schools in piloting a test-flexible admissions policy starting in the Fall 2014 semester. Undergraduate applicants for the Classes of 2018 and 2019 will now have the option to, in lieu of reporting their SAT and ACT scores, submit a combination of SAT II scores, Advanced Placement grades, and an “enhanced academic portfolio” which may encompass a graded academic writing sample as well as an additional recommendation. Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel discussed the timing of the new admission policy in a July 19 BrandeisNOW article. Mr. Flagel indicated it was the ideal time to consider this additional admission policy in part due to the “robust application pool” and Brandeis’ continued “commitment to high intellectual standards and strong moral conscience … [which] includes a belief that education is enhanced through the diversity of our student body.” Brandeis has consistently endorsed a holistic, individualized examination of each prospective student’s application and we commend the Office of Admissions’ efforts to pilot a program that serves to bolster that mission statement. However, we question if the program will truly achieve the desired diversity purported by Mr. Flagel. While theoretically students of different backgrounds and academic disciplines may be encouraged to apply, we are curious to see if this policy will have a significant effect on the type of applicant interested in the University. It is also important to note the potential positive externalities this program could have on the University statistics often
There is a tendency in the American political sphere to view the IsraeliPalestinian conflict as the core issue facing the Middle East. After all, both sides have been engaged in a cycle of violence for decades and the United States has rightly invested itself in the conflict by facilitating negotiations and peace talks. However, with the rest of the region in turmoil, the conflict must take a back seat. While Secretary of State Kerry should continue to encourage the ongoing negotiations and ensure that real progress is made toward the establishment of a Palestinian state, the United States has a moral responsibility to make the situation in Syria its priority and to take action in what has become a tragedy of massive proportions. The Assad regime has slaughtered countless civilians and has crossed the “red line” by reportedly using chemical weapons. Decisive action is long overdue and the United States must not hesitate to use force in order to prevent the further loss of innocent life and remove Assad from power.
Increases applicant pool
used in national rankings. We anticipate Brandeis’ applicant pool will grow and will result in a lowered acceptance rate. Average test scores will naturally increase as applicants with scores on the lower end of the spectrum may choose not to submit them. With a lower acceptance rate, higher applicant pool and higher test scores, there will be a corresponding effect on the University’s national standing. As of 2012, after instituting a text-flexible option, Claremont McKenna College recorded the lowest admit rate in school history with 12.4 percent. Similarly, Pitzer College experienced a nine percent drop in its acceptance rate while increasing its application pool by over 13 percent. Other comparable institutions such as Bates College and Wake Forest University have experienced similar trends after implementing the admission policy. This board wishes to add that it is pleased with the decision to issue a twoyear trial run for this program. Students who utilize the test-flexible program will be asked, upon matriculating, to submit their test scores for continual review and approval by the Faculty Senate. As the Senate evaluates this pilot, we would also like to advise the University to consider the role of such a policy in shaping its self-image. The test-flexible pilot program reinforces Brandeis’ legacy as a premier historical liberal arts college, and yet, may greatly affect its appearance as a research institution. With these considerations in mind, we hope that the Office of Admissions will critically and rigorously scrutinize the pilot’s impact on its academic diversity, admissions standards and, especially, its long-term vision as a university.
Daniel Koas’16 is president of the Brandeis Israel Public Affairs Committee and a staff writer for the Justice.
Luky Guigui ’15 While all of these issues are extremely important and Secretary Kerry must focus on all of them, the recent turmoil in Egypt is of the United States’ highest priority. Egypt has played a significant role among the Arab states and is often seen as the leader of the Arab world. With the Egyptian society in its current state, the United States is at risk of losing a key player in the Muslim world. This is precisely why President Obama has not and cannot take sides in this conflict. Additionally, Egypt is vital for the peace process in the Holy Land and can have an extremely important role in ending the Syrian conflict with a result that will be in the United States’ best interest. Luky Guigui ’15 is an Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies major and a member of the Brandeis Sephardic Inititative.
Yahya Bedair ’14 Of all the ongoing problems currently in the Middle East, the Syrian debacle remains the most catastrophic. The Syrian civil war has slipped the country into a state of fiasco, as both sides are not willing to make serious concessions. The political malfeasances resulted in the unfortunate use of chemical weapons, which exacerbated the situation and caused over 1,300 deaths. UN Secretary General, Ban KiMoon, recently stated that the death toll in Syria has crossed 100,000. When a death toll reaches such strikingly high figures, intervention becomes imperative in order to end the calamity and stop further massacres. I personally believe that Secretary of State John Kerry, should have Syria on top of his list. The United States could only ameliorate the situation in Syria by using its political and economical influence. International investigations should also be conducted and politicians found guilty should be charged and tried for the atrocities committed. Yahya Bedair ’14 is an Economics major.
THE JUSTICE
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Campus dining workers deserve a living wage By LIZ STOKER SPECIAL TO THE JUSTICE
Returning Brandeis students will likely be glad to find our former dining subcontractor Aramark replaced by a new company, Sodexo. For the entirety of my time at Brandeis, there were complaints about Aramark, from the quality of the food to the availability of varied dietary options. I hope for the sake of our community that those issues will be redressed. But I also hope that this moment of change is utilized for the new possibilities it offers to our workers, not only to our students. Among all of the issues I heard raised with regard to Aramark over the years, their failure to pay workers a living wage was rarely among them. Now, Sodexo is poised to take up Aramark’s legacy of failing to pay a living wage to our dining workers. A living wage is determined by calculating the minimum income a person would require to meet their basic needs in a given time and place. Compared to a minimum wage, which is legally mandated and often relatively static, a living wage is determined by focusing on the specific costs of living in a particular area, such as housing, transportation and supporting dependent family members. According to a source involved in contract negotiations, the lowest-paid workers hired by Aramark in 2013 would have made only $12.32 an hour. Workers hired by Sodexo starting this year will only make $12.51 an hour. The increase is negligible, and constitutes less than half of a living wage. In Massachusetts, the minimum wage is eight dollars an hour. Working full time at that rate, a worker could expect to make $16,640 a year, putting them barely one thousand dollars above the federal poverty line, supposing they have only one dependent family member. Even if that wage is doubled to $16.00 per hour, estimates based on the real cost of living in Middlesex County suggest that a worker with one preschool-aged child would still be unable to adequately maintain secure access to housing, utilities, childcare and food. The Crittenton Women’s Union, a social service and advocacy organization that works to advance the rights of low-income workers, estimates that a living wage in Middlesex County for an adult with one preschool age child would be around $27.00 per hour. Put simply, the lowestpaid workers employed by Sodexo on our campus will make 46 percent of what it takes to get by. Studies on the effects of poverty have repeatedly shown that it has lifelong consequences for those who live and grow under its privations. For adults, poverty can increase one’s risk of suffering from serious mental health issues, which are especially harmful when time away from work is punished by increasingly dire financial circumstances. Coming Up Short, a forthcoming book
HANNAH KOBER/the Justice
by Jennifer Silva, reveals that poverty seriously undermines long-term stability in relationships, and can render marriage and co-parenting untenable. A recent federally funded study conducted in Philadelphia on children with in-utero exposure to crack cocaine found that poverty is far more harmful to children’s growth, development and health than exposure to drugs in the womb. Regardless of whether one is single, building a family or growing up in one, poverty is detrimental to all elements of life. Harvard University, Swarthmore College and Johns Hopkins University are among the many institutions of higher learning that have campaigned for living wages for workers on their campuses. I believe it is time that Brandeis joined their ranks. It is difficult to carry out our mission as a University to support learning, community engagement and social justice when we are not providing members of our community with the
opportunity to flourish. And I believe that it is human flourishing, not resignation to a series of minimums, that should underpin our thinking when it comes to wage policy. During my time at Brandeis, I devoted my time and energy to supporting the impoverished members of our community in Waltham. I coordinated Waltham Group’s Hunger and Homelessness department, founded a meal donation program and served as the board secretary of Waltham’s Community Day Center, a homeless shelter with a robust program of community services. But all of my work focused on lending aid to people who were in urgent need of assistance—that is to say, people who had already been let down by the precariousness of living on the poverty line. I do not regret my work at Brandeis, but I regret that I did not do more to prevent the circumstances that I saw daily working with people who lacked secure access to food, shelter and healthcare.
You now have that opportunity. Sodexo’s arrival signals a moment of change, and it is in that pivotal moment of possibility that the potential for progress is at its greatest. Do not be discouraged by the complacency of the students who came before you: We did some, and we should have done more. But now, the advancement of justice comes down to you. Remember that incremental gains are far superior to stasis, and that even a small increase in wages can mean a world of difference to a person struggling to support themselves and family members on meager income. In the coming year as you adjust to Sodexo or meet our new dining subcontractor for the first time, please work together to maximize the positive impact of this change not only for students, but also for our dining workers. Fight for a living wage. Liz Stoker ’13 is an alumna of Brandeis University and a former columnist for the Justice.
Congress must distance itself from theatrics to be effective By JASSEN LU JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
As part of my government relations internship this summer at a health information technology company in Washington, D.C., I had the opportunity to go to Capitol Hill to attend hearings on policies that Congress was considering. The common perception nowadays is that lazy, incapable fools operate the “do-nothing Congress,” because it has struggled to pass a budget and other crucial laws in recent years. While this perception is surely an exaggeration, watching the institution up close affirms my belief that if members of Congress want to regain America’s confidence, they need to foster effective policymaking instead of extravagant and attention-seeking political theater just to impress political supporters. Of all the hearings I attended, two stand out in my memory for their lack of productivity. The first hearing was with the Senate Finance Committee to discuss fixing the Medicare sustainable growth rate formula, that sets Medicare payments but has caused annual problems. Naturally, I expected the senators and experts to spend a substantial part of the time discussing the problems of the SGR, and offering ideas to fix them. To my disappointment however, the senators barely mentioned SGR during the hearing. They skillfully diverted the topic to discuss other themes about improving health care instead, and avoided outright discussion about the SGR itself. Looking back, that hearing looked more like a show the
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senators put on to avoid directly addressing this contentious issue, all while pretending to show their supporters the “progress” they were making in the “do-nothing Congress.” The hearing was merely political theater for public consumption. It made the senators look smart, influential and important on-camera, but had little effective substance off-camera. The second hearing was with the House Energy and Commerce Committee to examine the implementation progress of the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Republicans started by attacking Democrats over the law’s effects of discouraging job growth and increasing premiums, as well as the Obama Administration’s hypocrisy in implementation. The Democrats fired back instantly at their turn, accusing the Republicans of prioritizing health care denial for vulnerable Americans. Needless to say, rudeness and venom characterized that hearing more than substantial discussion did. It became nothing more than a smear campaign by the committee Republicans and Democrats against each other using the law’s shortcomings and successes. The need to constantly cultivate support from one’s electoral base led to the behavior in those hearings, as well as other instances of Congressional dysfunction as recent as this summer. The Senate could not reconcile a budget with the House because extremist senators have refused negotiations unless the Senate promises no tax or debt limit increases beforehand. The same senators have also pledged to block crucial federal
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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 last page of the newspaper, 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 3,500 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, $55 per year.
spending unless the Senate defunds the Affordable Care Act. In the House, the Republican majority had voted for the 40th time on a futile repeal of the law. Simultaneously, Congressional Democrats have consistently grilled the Republicans for their proposed modifications to programs like Social Security and Medicare and have used the ideas to brand the Republicans as uncaring toward America’s needy populations. The acts that those politicians put on in hearings and on the floor were mostly for the satisfaction and interest of narrow sections of America, in other words their principal supporters, rather than for the interest of the United States as a whole. They show their supporters that they can reliably fight for their supporters’ positions at all cost in Congress. With Congress unable to pass many laws nowadays, and having led the country to near fiscal ruin on several occasions, it is no wonder that it has record-low approval ratings. If Congress wants to be productive again, it needs to start by focusing less on campaigning and more on lawmaking. When members are in Washington, they can still score political points by participating in substantive lawmaking, but they should leave the political attacks, vitriol and shows for their campaigns back home. Reducing the influence of campaigns in Washington requires a two-fold effort by both the members and their voters. The members must accept that while they represent narrow constituencies, they are also federal employees whose impact is national instead of regional. Using Congress to
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merely please narrow constituencies will harm the country, and ultimately themselves electorally if national programs fail because of their inaction. The voters need to accept that in Congress, with 532 other members they did not elect, their own members cannot fulfill 100 percent of their pledged agenda without changes and compromise. Voters have to recognize that other members also have legislative priorities competing for attention, and those other members often have differing views on the same issues. They need to remember that while it takes one member to introduce a bill, it takes hundreds more to pass it. Under such conditions, with so many people offering input, compromise, trade-offs and sometimes broken promises are inevitable. As a result, few laws will fully meet everyone’s expectations. Capitol Hill is for those who want to help the country through lawmaking, not to look impressive on screen. This past summer, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) remarked that Washington has become a theater instead of a policymaking center, and that “if [she] wanted to be part of a theater, [she] would have gone to New York” instead. Congress managed to swallow its pride in the 1960s to cast the hard votes for landmark yet divisive civil rights and social legislation. Such feats are possible today, but only when Congress resumes true policymaking. America needs its theater, but as Senator Landrieu said, Capitol Hill is not the place to hold it.
Editorial Assistants Layout: Rebecca Lantner Arts: Emily Wishingrad Staff Senior Writers: Jacob Moskowitz News: Danielle Gross, Luke Hayslip, Ilana Kruger, Scarlett Reynoso Features: Alexa Ball Forum: Michael Abrams, Jennie Bromberg, Aaron Fried, Noah M. Horwitz, Catherine Rosch, Naomi Volk Sports: Ben Freudman, Avi Gold, Elan Kane, Jeffrey Maser Arts: Aliza Gans, Brett Gossett, Zachary Marlin, Adelina Simpson, Aliza Vigderman Photography: Wit Gan, Annie Kim, Abby Knecht, Bri Mussman, Karina Wagenpfeil, Xiayou Yang Copy: Kathryn Brody, Samantha Cootner, Melanie Cytron, Eliza
Kopelman, Suzanne Schatz Layout: Elana Horowitz, Jassen Lu, Lilah Zohar Illustrations: Hannah Kober, Tziporah Thompson
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013
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THE JUSTICE
FORUM
Modern world is best defense for surveillance state Aaron
FRIED ONE SMALL VOICE
This summer, the right wing has feasted on a bounty of widely publicized scandals surrounding the Obama administration. The past five years of increasingly vocal opposition have been irritating to those of us who favor an ordered, centrally planned society, and the leaked revelations have provided the antigovernment rabble with enough ammunition to send the public’s faith in their government into a tailspin. The tin-foil-hat crazies are claiming vindication. President Obama’s approval rating among youth aged 17 to 30 has plummeted, and Congress is demanding more oversight of the intelligence apparatus. To those of us who find comfort in an unchallenged central power structure, this is jarring and upsetting. One man, possessed with the gall to think that his independent judgment has validity against the consensus of thousands of national security professionals, has deemed it to be his right to tear the lid off of a Pandora’s box of information. This incredible egoist, one Edward J. Snowden, is a traitor to the notion of strictly enforced social order. He has broken laws and shaken the nation’s faith in authority. Snowden revealed secret court documents and internal National Security Agency briefings that exposed an enormous array of surveillance capabilities and programs. Many Americans are outraged over the domestic spying conducted under this all-encompassing electronic dragnet. Almost all global communications are watched through telephone and email ‘metadata’ collection, as well as PRISM and XKeyscore, which collect nearly every byte of global internet traffic. So what? The authorities have implored us not to be concerned, as these programs are only used against terrorists. Headphone-clad analysts are not listening to all of your phone calls. Sure, some analysts have occasionally snooped on pillow talk, love interests and celebrities, but the ends justify the means! The type of rhetoric surrounding the issue is hardly justified given this scale of an incursion into our privacy. Besides, the collection of metadata is an incredibly useful tool for tracking suspects. Metadata includes a time-stamped record of the numbers a phone has called or messaged, its Internet connection history and its coarse location based on cell-towers. The German newspaper Zeit Online performed an experiment called “Tell-all Telephone,” which used nearly 39,000 pieces of cell phone metadata belonging to German politician Malte Spitz, collected over a period of five months. Using the same metadata that the NSA collects, Zeit constructed an interac-
tive map, which allows you to track nearly all of Spitz’s activities. By clicking the “play” button, you can watch Spitz travel, communicate and browse the web almost as if you were stalking him from place to place. Presumably, the NSA could do the same thing. Between this and an almost all-seeing eye on Internet content, no electronic communication is concealable. Innocent people, we have been promised, should not feel disturbed. If you’re not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to hide. Archaic notions of privacy rights must be amended for the threats of today’s world. In a nation racked with terror, the old mantra of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ has been necessarily discarded for its converse: ‘guilty until proven innocent.’ Today, we’re all suspects. Our quest for total insulation from terror demands this. The paranoids insist that we tailor public policy to assuage their fears, and those suspicious of this sort of power vested in a secret agency lack faith in authority. This reckless view undermines the principles our society is built on. Disagreement with the NSA’s approach reveals a fundamental lack of faith in the agency’s ability to protect our rights and our lives. Intelligence leaders insist these programs have stopped dozens of terrorist attacks, including a bomb plot against the New York Stock Exchange. While the details of these cases, including the evidence proving that the attacks were stopped specifically by general warrant-style surveillance programs, remains secret, we must believe that they are true. Our ignorance of these programs’ details is their strength. After all, these intelligence experts have dedicated their lives to protecting us. Their jobs rely on our trust in their ability to keep us safe, so we should have faith that they would never risk breaching that trust by misleading or lying to us. No patriot would ever entertain that! We should feel secure. Our esteemed leader, President Obama, understands the issue of irresponsible domestic surveillance, and eloquently denounced the Bush Administration for engaging in it some years ago. Then-Senator Obama slammed the USA PATRIOT Act for allowing our “own government [to decide] to go on a fishing expedition through every personal record or private document … through the phone calls that you made, the emails that you sent … This is just plain wrong.” He denounced Bush for “[putting] forward a false choice between the liberties we cherish and the security we provide,” and in his first inauguration, Obama posited that “for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.” A man this wise would surely never permit surveillance overreach, nor would he completely contradict himself without good reason. When the NSA scandal went public, President Obama sagely reminded us that “[we] can’t have 100 percent security, and also then have 100 percent privacy and zero
CHRIS WARE/ MCT Campus
inconvenience.” He went on to explain that “in the abstract, [people] can complain about Big Brother and how this is a potential program run amok, but when you actually look at the details, then I think we’ve struck the right balance,” between our safety and our ideals, in our choice between the liberties we cherish
and the security we provide. While those who think in abstract principles raise alarms about ‘turnkey tyranny,’ those who focus solely on the situation of the immediate moment will have faith in the government, and push us ever forward toward a completely ordered, totally controlled society.
Recent events hint toward a Texas Democratic Party Noah M.
HORWITZ CIVIL AFFAIRS
When I flew home to Houston following my last final exam this past May, I do not remember if I even ate dinner before making the 160 mile trip to Austin, the state capital of Texas. Over the next two days in Austin, I met with all the stalwarts of the Texas Democratic Party that I had known of for most of my life, and known personally for at least a year: State Representative Jessica Farrar, State Representative Senfronia Thompson, State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, State Senator Kirk Watson and, of course, State Senator Wendy Davis. When I left school last spring, these individuals were foreign to most of the students here at Brandeis. However, upon my return this autumn, the heroes of Texas liberalism will have been household names. Make no mistake; this was not a fluke. This is a sign towards the future, of the upcoming, inevitable Democratic Texas. On June 25, millions of people across the world became familiar with Democratic Texas State Senator Wendy Davis, among others, when she filibustered a draconian anti-abortion bill that, among other things, would have
closed 37 of Texas’ 42 abortion clinics while enriching the business interests of the Governor’s sister. (The bill requires clinics to convert into ambulatory surgical centers, and the Governor’s sister is the chief lobbyist of the Texas Ambulatory Surgical Center Association). That fateful evening, between Davis’ 12 hour filibuster and the cheering from the gallery, the nation learned an invaluable lesson: liberals exist in Texas and, given the right opportunities, we can win. For even though Republicans later changed the rules to force another special session to pass the bill, the filibuster brought national attention to the measure, which will be sure to be struck down in Federal Court. For most politically-active Texans, the filibuster of June 25 was not the first we had heard of the massively building resistance to the omnibus anti-abortion bill. In the previous weeks as committees debated the bill, thousands of women showed up to testify, driving hearings into the middle of the night before the chairmen—that’s not an oversight, they are exclusively men—abruptly stopped the proceedings and locked the witnesses out before voting on the people’s legislation behind closed doors. Just two days earlier, when the state house debated the bill, Democrats used every parliamentary point of order and dilatory tactic at their disposal in an attempt to slow down the process and garner media attention. Democratic State Representative Senfronia Thompson, the first African-American wom-
an to serve in the Texas Legislature, who has served since 1972, made statewide news at the time, as she held up a wire coat-hanger during her speech and warned that she did not want to go back to the Dark Ages. Back in the state Senate, Democratic Senator Leticia Van de Putte arrived at the capitol with just an hour left before midnight during Davis’ filibuster. Van de Putte had been in San Antonio just that day attending her father’s funeral. Trying to make a point upon her arrival, she was repeatedly ignored by the Republican leadership, finally exclaiming, “At what point must a female senator raise her hand or her voice to be recognized over the male colleagues in the room.” At this point, the crowd in the gallery rose to their feet and yelled until midnight, and the rest, as they say, is history. The entire spectacle brought Texas Democrats, foremost Wendy Davis, into the international spotlight. Democratic power brokers in Washington, D.C. and New York began calling for Davis to run for governor, calling her the best shot for the state’s future. However, liberals in Texas have been saying this for years, while the powers-to-be in the national Democratic establishment have completely ignored and neglected Texas Democrats. Given a chance, we can do great things. Texas’ politics are trending towards the Democratic Party; it is only a matter of time at this point. Bellwethers like Bexar and Harris Counties mirror state demographics by combining urban areas (San Antonio and
Houston, respectively) with less diverse suburban areas. They have slowly been trending toward the Democratic Party for years, and the state is right behind them. For example, Texas is one of only three states, along with California and New Mexico, to be less than 50 percent Caucasian. What is preventing my state’s sizable Hispanic minority from causing victory for the Democratic Party is a staggeringly low voter turnout. In fact, according to an article last February from The Dallas Morning News, out of every state, Texas ranks dead last in voter turnout. When it does vote, the Hispanic population of Texas supports the Democratic Party by overwhelming margins. Despite being one of only three states with a Hispanic senator, barely one third of Texas Hispanics voted for the Republican Party last year. The only thing stopping Texas politics from mirroring New Mexico’s is turnout (38 percent higher in 2010), something national organizations such as Battleground Texas have now begun to focus on. This national spotlight and financial backing of Democratic candidates has only drastically expanded following Davis’ filibuster and will swell turnout in the state until Texas mirrors New Mexico’s politics. Texans are ready for this metamorphosis; the only outstanding question is if the national establishment is ready. So make no mistake: Wendy Davis, Leticia Van de Putte and Senfronia Thompson are not lonely outliers. They are the future of Texas.
THE JUSTICE
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013
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WSOCCER: NCAA Tournament Teams the aim for talented players look to CROSS-COUNTRY
CONTINUED FROM 16 Midfielder Alec Spivack ’15 proved a formidable competitor in the middle of the park last year, earning second-team All-UAA honors. Midfielders Alyssa Fenenbock ’15, Madeline Stein ’14 and Mary Shimko ’14 will look to continue their strong performances in that area. Midfielders Mathilde Robinson ’16 and Sara Isaacson ’16 also began to figure into the Judges’ plans consistently at the end of last season, with Isaacson scoring the winning goal in the Judges’ 2-1 overtime victory against Union College in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Dallamora further pointed to the potential impact of first-year Sid-
ney Moskowitz ’17, who will likely play in midfield or up front for the Judges. “Sidney has speed, she’s quick and she’s tough,” Dallamora said. “She’ll probably fit into our offense somewhere.” However, this team isn’t just strong up top—it has a strong defense as well. Center-back Kelly Peterson ’14, an All-UAA Honorable Mention selection last year, anchored a unit that gave up just 17 goals in 23 games. Her central defensive partner, Allyson Parziale ’16, started all 23 games and made a profound impact in her first season. Right-back Emma Eddy ’15, who transferred from Union College before the start of last season,
put in a solid debut campaign for the Judges, leading to an All-UAA Honorable Mention. Left-back Haley Schachter ’16 became a key player in the starting lineup as a first-year and will look to keep that spot in her second season. Goalkeeper Michelle Savuto ’15 made great strides between her first season and her sophomore campaign. As the second-half goalie for most games last year, she conceded just 12 goals in 1,057 minutes of action, boasting a save percentage of 83.6 percent. Dallamora, therefore, recognizes that a healthy Savuto will be key to the Judges’ hopes for a successful season. “Michelle has started this year’s preseason in really good shape,”
said Dallamora. While some teams may have to wait until later in the season to assess their progress, the Judges will get a stern test in their first game, hosting the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Friday at 6 p.m. in a clash of ranked squads. “Our opening game is huge,” Dallamora said. “They finished the season ranked 16th in Division III last year. We finished eighth. Both teams are nationally ranked [in the NSCAA preseason poll this year]. It will be a good indicator of where we are at this point.” With the majority of its starting lineup back and ready to go, it should be another exciting fall for this squad.
JON EDELSTEIN/Justice File Photo
FOLLOWING THROUGH: Forward Holly Szafran ’16, who started as a first-year for the Judges, kicks a ball in a game against Roger Williams University on Sept. 5, 2012.
TENNIS
Tennis teams look to develop skills this fall ■ Coach Ben Lamanna thinks
the women in particular could challenge for honors, while the men return formidable talent. By AVI GOLD JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
The Brandeis men’s and women’s tennis teams both labored through periods of inconsistency last season, eventually ending with records of 8-12 and 10-9 respectively. The men’s team then earned the sixth seed at the University Athletic Association Championships and a match against third-ranked Washington University in St. Louis. The team dropped the match 9-0, and following a 6-3 loss to New York University, had the opportunity to end the season on a high note against the University of Rochester. The Judges took care of business with a 6-3 victory. The women, who dropped three of their final four matches of the regular season, entered the UAA Championships ranked No. 24 in the country. The team dropped
their opening match to 10th ranked WashU, but then, recovered with back to back wins against Rochester and Case Western Reserve University to secure fifth place at the championships. The women’s team also sent the doubles team of Faith Broderick '13 and Carley Cooke '15 to the NCAA Division III Doubles Championship, where they were ousted in their first round match 6-4, 6-4. Yet, even following last season, coach Ben Lamanna remains excited for the possibilities of success in the upcoming year. He explained that the women’s team, which enters the season ranked No. 24, can build on its successes of last year. “We lost Broderick (to graduation), but we have a lot of depth and a lot of girls are excited about the depth,” he said. “This is the highest ranked team Brandeis has ever had, with three All-Americans, and we’ll try to make history.” The women’s team graduated just one senior last year, and likewise has the benefit of seven upperclassmen for the upcoming year. “There are a lot of seniors and opportunities for them to step up,”
said Lamanna, who pointed to new captain Marissa Lazar ’14 to lead the pack. The women’s team opens the year with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional at Williams College from September 27 to 29. While the women retain the core of last year’s team, the men’s team has to work with a few new pieces. “We graduated a huge chunk of the team, losing our first doubles team of Josh Jordan ’13 and Steven Milo ’13, but had one of the better recruiting classes we’ve ever had,” said Lamanna. “It’s going to be a young team, but we do have four seniors and we’ll see what happens.” Coach Lamanna noted the loss of Alec Siegel ’15, a cornerstone of the doubles team, to studying abroad, but showed confidence for the leadership abilities of its new captain Adam Brown ’14. “One thing we lacked was depth and I think we’re getting better with that,” Lamanna said of the young core of the men’s team. “Our guys have been working hard.” Even without Siegel, the men’s team shouldn’t be short on mentors for its incoming first-years. Along
with Brown, standout sophomores Mitch Krems ’16 and Danny Lubarsky ’16 will look to lead the charge for the Judges. The men’s team begins their season at the Middlebury College Invitational from September 13 to 15, before heading to the ITA Regionals on September 27. The tennis fall season—for both teams—is best used as a time to work on fundamentals and get a sense of where each player stands, according to Lamanna. The key, he explained, is to understand that “fall is an opportunity for guys to prove themselves.” Coach Lamanna primarily focuses the fall season on fitness as well as an opportunity to prepare for the rigorous spring season. With a mix of returning and new faces on both of his teams this fall, Lamanna has high hopes for the upcoming year. The women’s team has the tools to end the year within the top four at UAA Championships and the men’s team has what Lamanna calls “an exciting group of first-years.” “There’s a lot of unknowns and it will be exciting to see it unfold.”
progress
■ Both squads have strong
senior leadership to get them started this season. By HENRY LOUGHLIN JUSTICE EDITOR
The men’s and women’s crosscountry squads didn’t finish as well as they would have hoped at last year’s New England Division III Championships. However, given some of the improvements made by the runners, particularly in the track seasons, the Judges could once again become a formidable force. “The women’s team had no seniors last year,” said Amelia Lundkvist ’14, “so it’s nice to have most everyone back at this point. I think we have a lot of potential.” While the two teams are attempting to figure out where they stand at this point in the season, veteran runners on both sides give Judges’ fans reason to be optimistic. Ed Colvin ’14 looks to lead the men’s squad. Colvin paced the team last year at the New England meet, taking 50th place with a time of 26 minutes, 1.17 seconds. Colvin clocked some superlative times on the track last spring, breaking 15 minutes for the 5,000 meter run. Classmate Taylor Dundas ’14 will unfortunately miss the fall season, having suffered a stress fracture. The loss of Dundas could prove detrimental to the squad, as he has consistently been one of the team’s top performers in his first three years of competition (Dundas will retain a season of eligibility as a graduate student). Though Colvin is the clear-cut leader of the team, he is joined by a strong core. Greg Bray ’15, Jarret Harrigan ’15 and Michael Rosenbach ’15 look to build on their sophomore campaigns. Grady Ward ’16 made large improvements during the indoor and outdoor track seasons—he’ll look to keep the string of progression going. Classmates Liban Aden ’16 and Carl Lieberman ’16 should provide depth for this young but talented squad. On the women’s side, the Judges have been led by the senior duo of Lundkvist and Victoria Sanford ’14. After taking 41st at last year’s New England Regional meet, Lundkvist finished second in the 1500-meter run at the 2013 University Athletic Association Outdoor Track and Field Championships, running the equivalent of a sub-five-minutemile, and will look to build on her spring success. Sanford is a strong competitor as well—she was the team’s top finisher at the 2012 UAA Cross-Country Championships— and is often neck-and-neck with Lundkvist. Ali Kirsch ’14 took 43rd at the UAA Championships last year, and is often in the running for the team’s top spot. As always, the UAA provides great competition, which Lundkvist believes could play to the team’s advantage as it strives to improve during the season. “The UAA Championships is a smaller race, which makes it easier to focus on certain individuals in competition. And while it’s not quite as competitive as [the New England Division III Regional Meet], it is still pretty competitive.“ And while Lundkvist realizes that the team may take a bit of time to develop its fitness, she believes the women could make a challenge to qualify for the NCAA Division III Championships. “We want to make Nationals,” she said. “While that might be unlikely at this point, I think we have a shot. We have the chance to be a really great team.” Though the teams—which only feature four seniors between the men and women—will likely take some time to find its stride (no pun intended), rest assured that with its talent, it has the potential to be formidable by season’s end.
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THE JUSTICE
jUDGES BY THE NUMBERS
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013
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BOSTON BRUINS PREVIEW
Men’s Soccer UAA STANDINGS
TEAM STATS Goals
2012-2013 Statistics UAA Conference Overall W L D W L D Pct. JUDGES 4 2 1 18 3 1 .841 Carnegie 4 2 1 13 4 1 .750 WashU 4 2 1 10 5 2 .647 Emory 4 2 1 11 7 2 .600 Rochester 3 1 3 10 4 4 .667 Chicago 2 3 2 8 4 5 .618 NYU 2 4 1 12 7 2 .619 Case 0 7 0 3 14 1 .194
Sam Ocel ’13 led the team with 13 goals. Player Goals Sam Ocel 13 Lee Russo 12 Kyle Feather 6 Tyler Savonen 6
Assists Lee Russo ’13 led the team with nine assists. Player Assists Lee Russo 9 Sam Ocel 8 Kyle Feather 7 Tyler Savonen 5
UPCOMING GAMES: Saturday at Keene State Sunday vs. Rowan Wed., Sept. 4 vs. MIT
WOMen’s Soccer UAA STANDINGS
FINAL TEAM STATS
2012-2013 Statistics
Goals
UAA Conference Overall W L D W L D Pct. WashU 6 0 1 19 2 1 .886 Carnegie 4 1 2 14 1 5 .825 Emory 3 1 3 15 2 7 .771 Chicago 4 3 0 12 6 0 .667 JUDGES 2 3 2 16 5 2 .739 NYU 2 4 1 10 7 1 .583 Case 2 4 1 8 6 4 .556 Rochester 0 7 0 3 13 1 .206
Dara Spital ’15 led the team with 14 goals. Player Goals Dara Spital 14 Sapir Edalati 7 Holly Szafran 5 two tied with 3
UPCOMING GAMES: Friday vs. MIT Sunday vs. Clark Sat., Sep 7 at Lasell
Assists Dara Spital ’15 led the team with five assists. Player Assists Dara Spital 5 Sapir Edalati 4 five tied with 3 five tied with 1
VOLLEYBALL UAA STANDINGS
FINAL TEAM STATS Kills
2012-2013 Statistics UAA Conference Overall W L W L Pct. Emory 8 1 33 6 .847 WashU 8 2 31 4 .886 Chicago 8 2 29 11 .725 Case 5 5 24 11 .686 Carnegie 3 6 15 17 .469 Rochester 3 7 22 12 .647 NYU 1 6 20 14 .588 JUDGES 1 8 21 14 .600
UPCOMING GAMES: Friday vs. Worcester State Saturday vs. Western Conn. State Saturday vs. Worcester State
Liz Hood ’15 led the team in kills last year with 464. Player Kills Liz Hood 464 Si-Si Hensley 252 Lauren Berens 229 Becca Fisher 190
Digs Elsie Bernaiche ’15 led the team in digs last year with 601. Player Digs Elsie Bernaiche 601 Si-Si Hensley 348 Yael Einhorn 267 Susan Sun 253
cross cOuntry Results from last year’s UAA Championships at UChicago
TOP FINISHERS (Men’s)
TOP FINISHERS (Women’s)
RUNNER TIME Ed Colvin 25:30.8 Alex Kramer 26:10.9 Michael Rosenbach 26:30.5 Jarret Harrigan 26:36.5
RUNNER TIME Victoria Sanford 23:01.2 Amelia Lundkvist 23:14.6 Ali Kirsch 23:36.5 Maggie Hensel 24:22.3
UPCOMING EVENTS: Friday vs. University of Southern Maine Sat., Sept. 21 Shriners Invitational at UMass Dartmouth
Ian Lindsay/MCT
UP AGAINST THE WALL: Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference will continue to flatten opponents in his seventh season in Boston.
Bruins desperate to return to the top ■ Despite losing the Stanley
Cup to Chicago, this team has potential to end the 2013-14 season in triumph. By HENRY LOUGHLIN JUSTICE Editor
The 2012-13 season didn’t end the way that Boston Bruins fans or players would have liked. After winning two of its first three games against the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals, the Bs dropped three straight to lose the best-of-seven series in the National Hockey League’s showpiece occasion. To make matters worse, Boston led with just two minutes left in the sixth game—only to surrender two late goals to lose 2-1. “We had more reasons than just ourselves to win a [Stanley] Cup this year,” said head coach Claude Julien, who was referring to the team’s desire to win the big prize for citizens of the greater Boston area, who had collectively felt the impact of the Boston Marathon bombings. However, while the ending was
heartbreaking, the abbreviated season—which, for many, was about more than hockey—showed many positive signs for the Bruins in the upcoming season. Center David Krejci had a year to remember. He scored 19 goals (nine of which were in the postseason) and chipped in with 40 assists (17 in the postseason). Left wing Brad Marchand led the team in points during the regular season, scoring 18 goals and providing 18 assists for 36 points. Center Patrice Bergeron, who had a notable campaign last year with 42 regular season points, will have to step up his game to help negate the loss of former right wing Tyler Seguin to the Dallas Stars. Yet, despite the loss of Seguin, the team has plenty more in its offensive arsenal. Right wing Nathan Horton is a more than capable attacker. Furthermore, Bruins fans would be unwise to forget about left wing Milan Lucic, whose play improved dramatically in the postseason. And while right wing Jaromir Jagr, an NHL veteran who joined the Bruins last season, didn’t score any goals in the postseason, he did set up 10 goals
in that time. Despite all its offensive prowess, Boston also sports a solid rearguard. Captain Zdeno Chara, who suffered a stretch of below-par play in the Stanley Cup Finals, still proved to be a domineering presence on the rink last season. Defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Dougie Hamilton were quick and ruthless at coming up the ice and scoring, chipping in four and five regular season goals, respectively. Goalkeeper Tuukka Rask’s save percentage went from 92.9 percent in the regular season to 94.0 percent in the postseason. Many Bruins fans were quite worried when veteran goalkeeper Tim Thomas decided to take a year off last season, but it has been proven that Rask is a more than capable protégé. A longer season may prove more demanding for the Bruins—after all, last year was significantly shorter than a normal season due to the infamous NHL lockout. And while the end of last season was less than ideal, the fact that the team made it to the Finals—along with its solid lineup— puts Boston in the running to get the job done this year.
RED SOX REVIEW Sox make significant progress from last year in first season under new manager John Farrell Last season, on August 24, 2012, the Boston Red Sox were in unfamiliar territory. The Sox secured a 4-3 victory at home against the Kansas City Royals—yet, it was utterly meaningless. Boston once treasured late August victories, each proving to be essential for the team’s potential playoff prospects. Instead, the Red Sox held a 62-67 record and limped to a last-place finish in the American League East under manager Bobby Valentine. Fast-forward to one year later. The Red Sox are 75-55 and tied with the Tampa Bay Rays for first place under manager John Farrell, who formerly served as a pitching coach for the team. Boston has officially returned to normalcy—but how? The pitching staff, with the exception of starting pitcher Clay Buchholz,
who is currently nursing a neck injury, has been healthy and dominant. The Red Sox’s ace, Jon Lester, leads the team with 11 wins and 135 strikeouts. John Lackey, a starting pitcher who has often struggled in his three years at Fenway, is currently sporting a 3.17 earned run average and 135 strikeouts. Highly touted pitching prospect Felix Doubront has shined in his first full season in the major leagues, recording a 3.79 ERA and 122 strikeouts. General Manager Ben Cherington also negotiated a blockbuster trade for Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy and crafty relief specialist Matt Thornton on the July 31 trade deadline, vital acquisitions for a team in need of pitching depth. Koji Uehara has also earned 12 saves and a sparkling 1.27 ERA in his
first month in the closer’s role. Junichi Tazawa and Craig Breslow continue to support their starters. How critical can a strong pitching staff be for a team’s playoff chances? Ask the 2012 Red Sox. Boston averaged a team ERA of 4.70, falling to 12th place out of 14 American League teams. Lester and Doubront both held ERAs that nearly approached 5.00 while John Lackey lingered on the disabled list for the entire year. Alfredo Aceves, the team’s closer in 2012, struggled en route to a 5.36 ERA. Yet, the formidable Boston lineup has emerged as the primary catalyst for the team’s success. The Red Sox lead nearly every statistical offensive category, ranking first in runs, extra base hits and even walks. Players are waiting for their pitches and improving their on-base percentage. The Red
Sox ranked 10th among the 14 teams in walks last season. More importantly, though, the Red Sox have immensely improved in their plate discipline. The squad has recorded a .274 batting average this season, while ranking fourth in the league with 1,033 strikeouts. As has been the case since 2003, when the slugger first arrived from Minnesota, designated hitter David Ortiz has led this offensive surge with a .318 batting average, 24 home runs, and 78 runs batted in. Five other Red Sox players—including first baseman Mike Napoli, shortstop Stephen Drew and third baseman Will Middlebrooks—have more than 10 home runs. Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury has outpaced the rest of the league with 46 stolen bases while second baseman Dustin Pedroia has already
recorded 70 RBIs. This well-rounded offense has made quite the difference for the Red Sox this season. Now, with one month remaining in the regular season, Boston must keep a surging Rays squad at bay. The Sox will have the opportunity to move ahead of the pack, though, in an AL-East filled September. Boston will square off against Baltimore for nine games, duel with the Yankees for seven games, and conclude with a critical three-game series against the Rays. While Boston, barring a late-season collapse, looks to compete for its third World Series in 10 years this October, there is even more exciting news for the Fenway Park faithful. — Adam Rabinowitz
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Sports
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HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING The cross-country teams look to get off to a fast start as they begin competition on Friday, p. 13.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Waltham, Mass.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
A CONSISTENT THREAT
Judges aim for success ■ The Judges snuck into the postseason last year before making a run to the NCAA Division III Elite Eight. By HENRY LOUGHLIN JUSTICE EDITOR
JON EDELSTEIN/Justice File Photo
PLAYING THE PITCH: Midfielder Kyle Feather ’14 (center) moves with the ball during the Judges’ 3-1 home victory over UAA foe Emory University on Oct. 26, 2012.
Men look to shine once again ■ The team earned an at-
large bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in almost three decades. By HENRY LOUGHLIN JUSTICE EDITOR
After a 27-year absence from the NCAA Division III Tournament, the No. 12 men’s soccer squad did much more than just qualify for the top collegiate competition. In his 40th year at the helm, coach Michael Coven and his squad won a share of the University Athletic Association Championship before defeating Baruch College and Vassar College in the Tournament’s first and second rounds, respectively, before falling in a close 1-0 contest to Williams College in the round of 16. However, despite the graduation of First Team Division III All-New England players forward Lee Russo ’13 and center back Joe Eisenbies ’13 MA ’14, as well as the team’s starting goalkeeper Blake Minchoff ’13, the task of
defending against the Judges will not be easy, as they return eight of their 11 starters. “I think we’ll be OK,” said Coven. “I think we’re much deeper than we were last year. We had a good squad, but beyond our 12th or 13th man we didn’t have a lot of depth. Though we lost a few really great players, two or three of our guys who didn’t play much last year have really improved and our freshmen are looking good.” Up front, the attack is led by forward Sam Ocel ’13, a National Soccer Coaches’ Association of America Third Team All-American last season. Despite marching at Commencement in the spring, Ocel will graduate in December and retain his fourth season of eligibility this fall, as he missed his sophomore season due to injury. In addition to his All-America accolades, Ocel was named UAA MVP and First Team Division III All-New England. His 13 goals and eight assists were vital, especially following his wide display of game-winning goals against Mount Ida College, Baruch, Vassar, non-conference rival Babson College as well as UAA foes Case West-
ern Reserve University, Emory University and New York University. However, Ocel is not the only threat the Judges have. Forward Tyler Savonen ’15 scored six goals and assisted on five other tallies. All-UAA Second Team selection Kyle Feather ’14 was critical as a late-arriving midfielder, chipping in with six goals and seven assists. Forward Steve Salazar ’14 proved that he can score off the bench, chipping in two goals, including the second in a vital 2-0 win over Case. The center of the park features a core of talented midfielders. Jake Picard ’16 and Josh Hacunda ’16 excelled in their first-year campaigns, playing a part in all 22 games last season. Given the Judges’ attack-minded 4-3-3 lineup, they will likely rotate players between midfield positions and forward roles. Despite losing Eisenbies, the Judges return a solid defensive unit. Left back Ben Applefield ’14 was an All-UAA Honorable Mention selection last season. In addition to his defensive duties, Applefield—a naturally left-footed player—was known for his offensive contributions, scoring a direct freekick and chipping in three assists.
Right back Robbie Lynch ’15 will redshirt this season following surgery, but Coven is optimistic that Foti Andreo ’15, a former midfielder, may be able to fill the void. Center back Matt Brondoli ’14 transitioned seamlessly into the central defensive role. He’ll be joined in the center by defender Conor Lanahan ’16, who saw some playing time late in the season as a first-year. “Lanahan played well towards the end of last year,” said Coven. “He’s big, he’ll be good on attacking and defending set pieces.” Goalkeeper Joe Graffy ’15 will look to assume the starting role this season. “(Joe) has been working his butt off all summer to improve his game,” Coven said. “I think he’ll do very well.” “We had a really good attitude last season, and this season we seem to have carried it over,” he said. “Our guys are family, they stick together and they’re good people. (Assistant coach) Gabe (Margolis) and I say that when that is the case, the soccer takes care of itself.” The Judges open the season on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., taking on Keene State University in Keene, N.H.
The No. 12 Brandeis women’s soccer team certainly has momentum on their side to start the season following a Cinderella run in 2012. The Judges—who weren’t expected by many to make the NCAA Division III Tournament—went to the quarter-finals for the first time in program history, ending the season with the No. 8 ranking in Division III. The squad that ended last season as the top-ranked Division III team in New England, having lost only two seniors, looks to continue its winning ways this season. “Every year, the team looks to accomplish our potential,” said coach Denise Dallamora, who will begin her 34th year at the helm of the program. “I think that we’re a team that is worthy of qualifying for the NCAA [Division III] Tournament and we’ll try to take it from there.” Forward Dara Spital ’15 burst onto the scene last year. A transfer from the University of Central Florida, she scored 14 goals and provided five assists on her way to earning National Soccer Coaches’ Association of America Third Team All-American and First Team All-University Athletic Association honors. She’s joined at the top of the pitch by forwards Sapir Edalati ’15 and Holly Szafran ’16, who scored seven and five goals, respectively, last season. While the Judges’ offense relies on its attack, the team’s midfielders proved quite successful in supporting the team’s scoring efforts.
See WSOCCER, 13 ☛
VOLLEYBALL
Women’s squad looks to continue consistent improvement ■ After earning the top seed
in the ECAC, the volleyball squad made it all the way to the final of the tournament. By ADAM RABINOWITZ JUSTICE EDIToR
The women’s volleyball squad arrived at the University of Chicago on Sept. 29, 2012 hoping to make a profound statement. After a convincing 3-1 home victory against Mount Ida College on September 22, the Judges improved to a 14-4 record and looked to shine in its first University Athletic Association tournament of the season. Yet, just two days later, Brandeis reverted to old trends. The squad dropped all three matches, falling to 14-7 and a winless start in conference play. From there, the team could not regain that momentous start to the season and limped to a .500 mark in its last 14 games.
However, the Judges did earn their first conference victory since 2010 with a 3-1 defeat of New York University and also went all the way to the finals of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships against Western New England College. The goal, then, for Brandeis this season is to build off of that success in conference play. “Our general outlook is to take the season one game at a time, and our main goal is to make it to postseason,” said middle blocker Carly Gutner-Davis ’15. “We had a great year last year, but we want to take it even farther this year. We have a strong team and a strong foundation; we have players with more experience and a team that works well as a unit.” The Judges, however, graduated several key players including fouryear defensive specialist Susan Sun ’13 as well as middle blocker Becca Fischer ’13 and outside hitter Lauren Berens ’13, two consistent leaders for the team in kills.
While their contributions to the squad will certainly be missed, Brandeis does have experience on its side, featuring two seniors and five juniors. Setter Yael Einhorn ’14 and outside hitter Si-Si Hensley ’14 look to end their careers on a high note and provide crucial veteran leadership. Einhorn recorded a team-leading 1,154 assists last season while Hensley ranked second on the team with 252 kills and 348 digs. Head coach Michelle Kim recognizes that, given its returning players, the team looks to be even stronger this season. “Our team worked very hard last spring semester on improving their overall fitness, and improving on our passing and defense,” she said. “So far this preseason it has been great to see the hard work that our players have put in is paying off. We also worked on our mental game and that has improved as well, and we would like to see even more improvements in that area.” The squad also returns a few criti-
cal players to spark the offense, including outside hitter Liz Hood ’15 who led the team last season with an impressive 464 kills. Middle blockers Maddie Engeler ’16, who recorded 150 kills in just her first year on the squad, and GutnerDavis, will look to replace Fischer at the front of the net. Libero Elsie Bernaiche ’15 will also look to build off of her 2012 team-leading mark of 601 digs. Amaris Brown ’16 also made quite the impact in her rookie season with 185 digs and will most likely succeed Sun as the Judges’ defensive specialist. Brandeis looks to face many familiar opponents this season, including the always-imposing UAA teams. With an experienced core and strong team cohesion, the team looks to improve greatly at its two UAA round-robin invitationals. “Our conference is very strong,” said Kim. “Every player needs to continue to train hard at the gym to improve their game. We are improving each day and no matter which
opponent we are facing, we just need to play at a consistently high level. In conference play we will be seeing bigger blockers, so our hitters will need to be smarter with their hits to maximize our scoring potential, and we have been working on that this pre-season. We have some good talent on this team, and it would be great to see our team finish out the season having improved from where we started out.” “We bonded a lot in the spring and the two newcomers fit in well with our extremely cohesive team,” added Gutner-Davis. “We plan on going in to every game with high e n e r g y , a lot of communication, and a positive attitude. We focus first on our side of the court. We can't control what other teams do, but we can control our level of play, and I think once we do that, we will be successful.” The squad will begin its season this Friday at the Western Connecticut State University Invitational, squaring off against Worcester State University at 7 p.m.
JustArts Volume LXVI, Number 1
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Your weekly guide to arts, movies, music and everything cultural at Brandeis and beyond
Waltham, Mass.
UTC Preview See what the University Theater Collective
has in the works for this season! P. 20
In this issue:
‘Jobs’
Film follows Apple exec’s life P. 23
‘Graceland’
A look at Brandeis’ upcoming arts courses P. 19
John Mayer Review new album tops last hits P. 19
Review of the stellar summer series P. 22
Fall Class Preview
Editors Pick
Our favorite summer shows P. 21
Book Review Mark Liebovich’s ‘This Town’ P. 23
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justARTS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 | THE JUSTICE
CALENDAR
INTERVIEW
What’s happening in Arts on and off campus this week
ON-CAMPUS EVENTS
A Little Dirt Never Hurt Mud Party
It’s time to get dirty with orientation. Join us for our first ever mud party (make sure you aren’t wearing your favorite shirt). There will also be water games for those who have already showered and/or want to clean themselves off afterwards. Today from 8 to 10 p.m. on Chapel’s Field sponsored by Orientation and First-Year Programs.
Harlan Cohen Presents: The Naked Roommate and Everything Else You May Run into in College
Lynda Bachman ’10 Alum shares post grad experience in arts Photo Courtesy of Lynda Bachman
In our first issue of the year, JustArts talked with Brandeis alumna Lynda Bachman ’10, who worked at an arts camp on campus over the summer. Bachman graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and Theater Arts and was involved with the Undergraduate Theater Collective and Rather Be Giraffes. JustArts: How did your time here at Brandeis affect your future career or artistic inspirations? Lynda Bachman: I didn’t really explore theater seriously until college. The UTC was this incredible playground where I got to experiment, make mistakes and figure out what I really care about as an artist. It was also my first real artistic community. The Theater department gave me a strong foundation in technique and an opportunity to develop my craft with really excellent teachers and mentors. JA: Do you have a particular theater or other artistic project that has been a favorite to work on? LB: That is a really tough question. I don’t think I could name a favorite. Partly because since Brandeis I have a made a concerted effort to expose myself to as many different types of theater as possible and I have loved so many projects for very different reasons. I have worked on Sondheim, Shakespeare, devised work, musicals with kids, new plays and a wide range of other projects. I’ve been very lucky and I have learned a lot about myself as a theater artist. I work as both a director and a teaching artist. One thing I do know for sure is that teaching theater is the most fulfilling thing I do as an artist. JA: This summer, you spent four weeks at Brandeis teaching art in a Jewish setting to high school student as part of BIMA, a program hosted here. What encouraged you to get involved with this summer program? LB: BIMA is an exceptional program for high school students. As a director I am not always able to marry my Jewish background with my work. It is a major part of my identity and of course informs everything I do, but at BIMA I not only get to teach as a Jewish artist, but also explore what being a Jewish artist means to me. Also, devising theater with teenagers is my favorite thing to do as a director and teacher. It combines all of the things I love most about theater: collaborative creation and education. BIMA is a perfect fit for my goals and interests and it was an incredibly fulfilling summer. JA: Could you give a brief summary of what exactly you did with the BIMA students? What do you think is the most important lesson or skill the students got out of the program? LB: There were multiple components to the theater major at BIMA: technique and skill development classes, a special workshop with a professional playwright, seeing professional productions in Boston and devising an original play. The summer started with an intensive focus on skill development and honing the craft. As the summer progressed our focused shifted to applying the techniques and skills to our devised process and working toward completion of our collaboratively created play... if I could only teach them one thing it would be that theater is the art of empathy. JA: Among your many roles, you were the head of the theater arts program at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. How did you combine Jewish traditions and themes with theater while working at the camp? LB: Easily. One of the things I love about theater, and art in a general, is that it a conduit for expression. You can use the theater to explore just about anything. At camp, this manifested in a wide variety of ways. We create Jewish theatre—exploring Jewish texts, themes, rituals, etc. through theatrical representations. We put on big musicals in Hebrew ... We teach Storahtelling, which is a method of studying Jewish source texts through theater and performing theatrical translations of Torah readings. Part of the goal of theater at Camp Ramah is also to teach high level skills and actor training, so that campers can develop as artists and still go to Jewish summer camp. JA: What makes your unique artistic style different than other directors and educators? LB: I am still figuring that out. I know that collaboration is at the heart of my work as a director and educator. I believe strongly in empowering my fellow artists to bring their creativity to whatever work we are doing. As a director and teacher I see my role as a facilitator and a guide—I challenge, I support and I both contain and channel the ensemble’s vision to its final realization. I gravitate toward theater that is challenging and rich, both in text and subject matter. And I enjoy a good dose of theater magic. —Jessie Miller
With a humorous twist, America’s Most Trusted College Life Expert, New York Times bestselling author and syndicated advice columnist Harlan Cohen, offers essential advice on how to create the very best college experience. From roommate gone mad to romance gone bad, Cohen will entertain and expose the naked truth about college life. Today from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the main stage in Spingold Theater Center. This event is free and open to the public.
Sit-In Movie
Come watch one or maybe even two movies at our very own drive-in movie. Munch on popcorn, eat candy and play a few card games while enjoying the thrill, comedy, adventure, action or romance of the night. Today from 10 p.m. to Wednesday 1 a.m. in Hassenfeld Conference Center. This event is sponsored by Orientation and First-Year Programs.
The Golden Age
You think you’re fancy, huh? Prove it and come walk the red carpet in your favorite feather boa and neon top hat while the paparazzi take a Polaroid. Hors d’oeuvres, fine juices and extravagance abundant! Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. in Hassenfeld Sherman Hall This event is free and open to Brandeis students.
Art for Curious Minds
Do you act, draw, sing, sculpt, dance or play an instrument—and want to be part of the arts community? Discover what the arts at Brandeis have to offer in this participatory information session/workshop. Which music ensemble or a cappella group should you audition for? What’s the difference between performing with the Brandeis Theater Company and the Undergraduate Theater Collective? And how can you get involved with the annual Arts Festival and the Rose Art Museum? Improvise, visualize and meet fabulously friendly Arts students and faculty who will share their insights and experiences. Friday from 2 to 2:50 p.m. in the Shapiro Campus Center Theater. This event is open to Brandeis students.
BAMCO Beginning of the Year Boogie Jam
Student Events hosts a jam party as we welcome in the new school year! Come join the fun and dance the night away! Saturday from 9 p.m. to Sunday 1 a.m. at Chomondeley’s in Usen Castle. This event is free and open to the public.
Night at the Museum... of Science
Have you ever danced with a T-Rex? Explored the magic of science with just your classmates? Ever had an entire night at the museum devoted to you? Come celebrate with the orientation leaders and your classmates at the Museum of Science. Dance in and explore the Blue and Green Wings of the Museum in a night you’ll never forget! Admission is free. Sunday from 8:30 to 11:30pm at the Museum of Science in Boston. This event is open to first-years only.
OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS
Yellowcard; Ocean Avenue Acoustic
Presented by 92.9, Yellowcard comes to the House of Blues to perform. The American alternative rock band was formed in Florida in 1997. They are known for hits such as “Ocean Avenue”
and “Lights and Sounds.” Their latest album, Southern Air, was released on August 14, 2012. Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at the House of Blues in Boston. Tickets start at $20 online. 15 Lansdowne St. Boston, MA 02215
Boston Calling Music Festival
The two-day annual festival is known for its lively performances and energetic crowd. This year, performers include fun., The Shins, Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, Local Native, The Airborne Toxic Event, The Gaslight Anthem, Wolfgang Gartner, Solange, Flosstradamus and Lucius. Kendrick Lamar, who performed at Brandeis last spring, will also perform. Other than music, Boston Calling has also partnered with Vans to give away 100 pairs of Vans sneakers and backpacks to attendants. Sept. 7 and 8 at the City Hall Plaza in Boston. Doors open at noon and music ends at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per day or $130 for the weekend.
Night of Stars
Presented by the Boston Ballet, this one-night-only performance features thrilling selections from the Company’s diverse repertoire, set against one of Boston’s most stunning historical landmarks. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience and celebrate Boston Ballet on its 50th anniversary. Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Boston Common, Boylston St. and Charles St., Boston, MA 02116. Tickets are free and the show is suitable for all ages.
The Boston Arts Festival
Since 2003, the festival has expanded into a 3-day celebration incorporating a diverse performing arts program, a specially built artists’ village and an interactive arts schedule. The festival features over 60 juried artists from Boston and a performance program on two stages showcasing Boston’s best performing arts groups and performers. Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park.
POP CULTURE ww Brandeis! Welcome back—or to Hello the new students out there, just plain old welcome! We’ve all been busy with the back-to-school routine, so in case you missed out, here are some of the latest goings-on of the entertainment world to get you up to date. From Lindsay’s big Oprah interview to a One Direction member’s engagement, we are left with a grab bag of pop culture news for this issue. First, however, there was recently some heartbreaking news out of Hollywood. Last Monday, media outlets reported the suicide of actor Lee Thompson Young. Young was a familiar face to those of us who grew up watching the Disney Channel series The Famous Jett Jackson or for those who currently watch the crime drama Rizzoli and Isles on TNT. Young had a prominent role on Rizzoli and Isles as Detective Barry Frost, and the episode that aired the day after his death included a memorial tribute to the actor. Supposedly, when Young failed to show up to a taping of Rizzoli and Isles Monday morning, his fellow colleagues urged the landlord of his Los Angeles home to check up on him. Young’s cause of death was reportedly a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 29 years old. On a lighter note, what’s a pop culture column without some Lohan lowdown? Fresh from her sixth rehab stint (she received 90 days of court-ordered treatment for substance abuse), Lindsay Lohan sat down for an interview with Oprah that aired Sunday, August 18 on … the Oprah Winfrey Network (bet you didn’t see that coming). Various clips of Lindsay’s insistence that she has turned over a new leaf have been overplayed across big news outlets and talk shows since the interview aired. I really do hope that Lohan is getting back on the right track, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but think that the interview felt somewhat insincere, like another prop for Lohan’s celebrity persona, a way to conjure up drama once again. In another show business-y move, Oprah mentioned during the interview that
By Mara Sassoon
Creative Commons
THE DARK KNIGHT: Actor Ben Affleck is set to play Batman in the film’s upcoming adaption. 27-year-old Lohan is also getting her own documentary show on OWN (see what I did there?). The series is set to air in 2014. Maybe the new show will somehow play a role in getting LiLo on the straight and narrow. Maybe. In other news, Ben Affleck is set to star as Batman in the follow-up to this summer’s special-effects fest that was Man of Steel. The sequel is to be called Man of Steel: Ben in Tights… just kidding. The film has yet to receive an official title, and it is set to premiere in the summer of 2015. According to Warner Bros., we can look forward to an intense showdown between Affleck’s Batman and Henry Cav-
ill’s Superman. No doubt fans will compare Affleck’s performance to Christian Bale’s popular portrayal of the caped crusader in Christopher Nolan’s series. Last of all, here’s some news for all you One Direction fans (and closet fans) out there. It’s true—one-fifth of the British boy band is now off-the-market. On Wednesday, the news broke that One D’s Zayn Malik is engaged to Perrie Edwards, his on-and-off girlfriend of two years. Edwards is a member of the girl group Little Mix, which won the eighth season of the UK’s X Factor. She and Malik actually met on the set of the singing talent competition show.
ARTS COVER PHOTOS: Josh Horowitz and Olivia Pobiel/the Justice, Tali Smookler/Justice File Photo, Creative Commons. DESIGN: Josh Horowitz/the Justice.
ON CAMPUS
THE JUSTICE | TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013
19
CLASS PREVIEW
Sneak a peek at fall art course offerings By EMILY WISHINGRAD JUSTICE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
At Brandeis we have many opportunities to get involved in the extracurricular realm of arts, but we also have many opportunities to study the arts in an academic atmosphere. This year, three professors from assorted departments have offered courses that allow for students to engage with art in a newfound way.
MUS 212A Seminar: Analyzing Early Music (1300-1600)
Prof. Seth J. Coluzzi “MUS 212A Seminar: Analyzing Early Music,” a graduate seminar taught by Prof. Seth J. Coluzzi (MUS), explores music by some of
the most well known musicians of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Students will study a range of theoretical texts written around the same time as the pieces, as well as modern approaches to early music analysis. In addition to evaluating prior critiques of music, students will also think about their own experiences when listening to the music and then create their own interpretations of the pieces. Coluzzi says that his goal for the class is to “understand how the music proceeds gesture by gesture, phrase by phrase and ultimately, how the entire piece functions as an integrated process or whole (if it does).” This class, focused on examining details as well as the big picture, is only offered every fourth year so graduate students should certainly capitalize on this opportunity.
FA 161A: Framing the Image: Debates in the History of Photography “FA 161A: Framing the Image: Debates in the History of Photography” examines the political as well as social impacts of photography from its invention to the present. The class, taught by Prof. Lori Cole (FA), is a one-time offering this fall. Students will take a look at photography from many perspectives—as a science, an art, a window into current events and as a personal medium of expression. Students will also learn about photography through various contexts such as debates, stories and theories surrounding the art form. In an email to the Justice, Cole mentioned some of the actual photographers who the class will cover:
“We will look at the invention of photography—including Eadweard Muybridge and Etienne-Jules Marey’s experiments with movement—and its development as an art form, through the work of photographers such as Alfred Stieglitz and Man Ray.” “Framing the Image” will allow for the students to view the original pieces through collaboration with the Rose Art Museum on campus.
read and discuss poetry from the 17th to 21st centuries, encompassing analyses of legendary poets such as Emily Dickinson, Gertrude Stein and Sylvia Plath. Campbell has designed the course so that the students have the opportunity to learn from each other as well as their professor. Campbell teaches the first half of the class and the students teach the second: every student will present a 30 to 40 minute mini-class on a poet of their choosing. Campbell mentioned in an email to the Justice that, while the name of her course seemingly limits the scope of poetry that is discussed, there is a distinct method to this madness. Under the category of American women poets, the class will study immigrant poets, American Indian, Caribbean and Puerto-Rican poets, poets with dual citizenships, transgender, queer and transsexual poets. Campbell illuminates this umbrella of American women poets to show the diversity that can exist within such a category. Campbell says that her class does attract creative writers but it should also attract students with a wide variety of majors who are simply interested in or intrigued by the topic.
Prof. Lori Cole
ENG 157B: American Women Poets “ENG 157B: American Women Poets” is taught by Prof. Mary Baine Campbell (ENG), who says the goal of her class is “to read and re-read, think about, imitate, memorize, detest, love, write about, teach and read again.” It is an impressive claim but, rest assured, Campbell’s class will have no problem achieving these goals. Students will
Prof. Mary Blaine Campbell
MUSIC REVIEW
Mayer’s new album launches stylistic transition By JESSIE MILLER JUSTICE EDITOR
If any one word can categorize the music trajectory of John Mayer’s career, it is “change.” Since he first eased into the music scene in the early 2000s, Mayer has consistently remained a major player in the industry—despite being deemed a “player” for his many romantic scandals and shortcomings. His latest album, Paradise Valley, once again proves that Mayer is here to stay. Mayer’s last album, the 2012 release Born and Raised, is still one of my favorite CDs to listen to—and I was expecting an equally impressive follow-up, though his multiple throat surgeries and voice problems could pose an issue. But Paradise Valley perfectly captures who Mayer has grown to be and transitions flawlessly from his previous record into a newly-developed style. The former was a bit more folk-country, and this album still has bits of the folk feel, but it is more relaxed. The most interesting part about the album may just be the album art—Mayer standing in an empty field wearing a grungy cowboy-meets-Indian outfit and looking very philosophical. Also, compare this cover to that of Heavier Things where Mayer wears black jeans, a grey shirt in a modern setting … talk about change. Adding to Mayer’s distinct voice, both former love interest Katy Perry and rising star Frank Ocean are featured on two separate tracks. Perry sings the ballad “Who You Love,” which shows off another side of her voice (as opposed to her usual pop anthems). Frank Ocean accompanies Mayer on “Wildfire” and opens the track with his smooth and melodic voice, a piano slowly building in the background. It is truly an enchanting song—barely featuring Mayer. Rumor has it that “Paper Doll” is about Mayer’s ex Taylor Swift, who famously called him out in her song “Dear John.” Though a rebuttal, I enjoyed this song for its emotional and slightly snarky lyrics and upbeat, yet mellow sound. “Dear Marie” features Mayer’s huskier voice and ponderings about a woman from his past. The song tinges with regret, wondering hopelessly where “Marie” is now and the path her life took. Did he take a page from Taylor Swift’s book on this track? Sounds like it. The fifth track on the album, “Call Me the Breeze,” sounds like a blues, folk and Johnny Cash mashup, and Mayer’s voice perfectly
CREATIVE COMMONS
LONE STAR COWBOY: The album’s artwork, which creates a feel of exaggerated instrospection, adds a light layer of comedy to its content.
matches the beat. The lyrics are simple: “They call me the breeze/I keep blowing down the road” and there is a Georgia shout-out (my home state). I think this song reflects where Mayer has gotten to at this point—he’s grown up and living his life. “You’re No One ’Til Someone Lets You Down” is a catchy, scorned-lover tune and sounds a bit like a folk version of Michael Bublé. It isn’t my favorite song on the album; it unsteadily balances being slow and fast-paced, making me feel strangely anxious. “On the Way Home” is another nostalgic song about the end of summer—perfectly suiting my mood as school starts. I love this song and its uplifting message that change is normal and everything will be okay. He even references his own period of solitude that he spent “hiding out” at his ranch in Montana, which the album is named after. Paradise Valley comes as a natural progression after Born and Raised. Mayer has further adapted his sound, becoming much more unique in my opinion; he isn’t another pop singer anymore like in his early years, and I appreciate that about him. His ability to translate personal life changes into his music is what makes him such a great artist and the lyrics are especially poignant and reflective. The album will make the perfect study background music once school work begins, and I already love shuffling through the more upbeat Born and Raised with Paradise Valley added in.
CREATIVE COMMONS
GUITAR HERO: With the release of the new record, featuring several impressive collaborations, Mayer’s next series of performances will be revamped as well, showcasing his new edge.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 | THE JUSTICE
UTC PREVIEW
Get ready for an exciting fall semester of theater Sept. 22
24 Hour Musical Tympanium Euphorium and Hillel Theater Group
‘Boeing-Boeing’ Written by Marc Camoletti
Brandeis Players
Oct. 31 Nov. 3
Oct. 24-27
‘Almost, Maine’ Written by John Cariani
Brandeis Ensemble Theater
TALI SMOOKLER/Justice File Photo
OPEN HANDS, OPEN HEARTS: At last fall’s 24-Hour Musical The Little Mermaideleh, Caley Chase ’16 starred as Ariel.
By RACHEL HUGHES JUSTICE EDITOR
As most Brandeisians are eagerly moving back into their dorms and leisurely reacquainting themselves with campus, those students who are active in our theater community are already getting back to work, preparing for this fall’s theater season. The Undergraduate Theater Collective has a very impressive lineup this fall for both students to take part in and for audiences to enjoy. With a total of eight shows already planned to grace the stages of campus theaters this semester, the Justice asked for a backstage look at the UTC’s upcoming plans. For those who are unfamiliar with the group, the UTC encompasses five theater clubs: Brandeis Ensemble Theater, Boris’ Kitchen, Brandeis Players, Hillel Theater Group and Tympanium Euphorium. Each of these clubs has at least one show in the works for this semester, in addition to the collaborative 24-Hour Musical, which will be sponsored by both Tympanium Euphorium and Hillel Theater Group. UTC Coordinator Alyssa Bickoff ’15 was eager to share with JustArts her excitement for “such a full and diverse season this semester. Our current lineup of shows is: the 24-Hour Musical, 1959 Pink Thunderbird: Laundry and Bourbon / Lone Star, Boeing-Boeing, Almost, Maine, Edges, Children’s Hour, BK’s Big Show, and [BET’s] Quickies.” Bickoff also divulged that some of Brandeis’ other performance groups outside of the UTC umbrella have dynamic shows in the works, echoing the cooperative attitude that is so affectionately engrained into our theater community. “We are also excited that Hold Thy Peace is producing Hamlet and Free Play is producing two shows, including Kennedy’s Children and Stuff Happens,” she said. Each of Brandeis’ theater groups absolutely shines individually, and this semester is no exception to the way that the unique energy of each club translates to very distinct, very passionate performances. Take Brandeis Players, a group dedicated to representing the non-musical aspect of theater. Like any member of the theater commu-
nity, Players’ President Dave Benger ’14 wrote fondly of his club in an email to the Justice. “Players was my first Brandeis theater home,” he says, going on to express his excitement for their upcoming production of Boeing-Boeing: “I think Boeing-Boeing really speaks to our core mission, which is just producing solid quality straight plays that entertain and/or challenge the audience in some way.” Boeing, Boeing is an uproarious, scandalous production about a bachelor who is simultaneously engaged to three stewardesses, and when he can’t keep his lies straight, the play picks up hilarious momentum. “It is one of the few comedies gracing the Brandeis stages this season,” Benger adds. A club that is more focused on experimental and student-created performances, Brandeis Ensemble Theater, also has big plans in the works. BET co-coordinator Erica Haas ’14 echoed the enthusiastic sentiments of Bickoff and Benger, saying: “I am really excited for the fall season. I am so thrilled to be working as co-coordinator along with Melanie Pollock ’14 this year … BET is bringing three productions to the student body this semester. Our first production of the season will be a side project, 1959 Pink Thunderbird: Laundry and Bourbon / Lone Star, directed by Phil Skokos ’15, which will run [in] October. BET’s mainstage production, Almost, Maine, which will be directed by Bethany Greenbaum ’16, will occur two weeks later. Finally, BET will end the fall season with Quickies, BET’s Annual OneAct Festival in December.” The club will be hard at work, it seems, throughout the semester to continue their high-energy performing legacy. First up this season will be the 24-Hour Musical, which is a dependable and beloved favorite, especially since it is the first opportunity for first-years to dive into the college theater scene. Tymp and HTG band together for this performance, conveniently named for its ludicrous preparation time—only 24 hours, and 24 hours straight, mind you. The musical is always a joyful way to kick off the season, so keep your eye out for ticket sales in mid-September. With such a jam-packed lineup of incredible shows, you won’t want to miss a single one.
‘Edges’ Written by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Tympanium Euphorium
Nov. 14-17
‘The Children’s Hour’
Nov. 21 & 23-24
Written by Lillian Hellman
Hillel Theater Group
Boris’ Kitchen’s Big Show
Dec. 6-7
Boris’ Kitchen
Dec. 8
Quickies Brandeis Ensemble Theater
THE JUSTICE | TUESDAY, aUGUST 27, 2013
OFF CAMPUS TELEVISION
Summer Television Shows
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EDITORS
PICK
‘Weeds’ CREATIVE COMMONS
Although Netflix-goers might know director Jenji Kohan best for her newest creation, the comedy show Orange is the New Black, I have blissfully spent the better part of my summer obsessing over one of her earlier projects. Kohan first worked her way into the twisted cinematic hearts of teenagers and midlife-crisis victims alike with the sardonic television series Weeds, which originally aired from 2005 to 2012. The premise of Weeds is indeed a bit grim—suddenly widowed suburban housewife Nancy (MaryLouise Parker) sells marijuana to maintain her family’s uppity lifestyle—but that didn’t stop me.
‘House of Cards’ The Netflix-produced show House of Cards presents a brand new idea when it comes to the business of television. The content of the show isn’t quite as groundbreaking, but it was still by far my favorite of the series that I watched this summer. Congressman Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire who runs a nonprofit (Robin Wright), are a power couple to the core—they weigh their every small interaction and decision so as to advance themselves as much as possible. Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara) is an ambitious young journalist who
Really, the show derives its intellectual and entertainment worth by relentlessly criticizing the “white picket fence” dwelling American family. Nancy’s two teenage sons, brother-in-law, coworkers and neighbors all quickly figure out her dealing game, but only exhibit ill-judgment toward her for a brief moment before basically begging to get in on her operation. Everyone wants a cut. In fact, the only character who noisily and earnestly disapproves of Nancy’s nefarious business ventures becomes a social pariah and ends up diagnosed with cancer divorced by her dull husband and kidnapped and held for
ransom by her estranged daughter. All to the hilarity of the viewer, of course. But even after turning off the TV and escaping the morally backward, harshly hilarious and surprisingly endearing world of Weeds, I’m always excited for the next episode—mainly because the show’s theme song gets stuck in my head for days, and there is really no escape from that. I suppose that’s what Kohan is really trying to say about chasers of the American dream: it’s an all-consuming endeavor. —Rachel Hughes
‘Burn Notice’ develops a relationship with Frank, which, at the same time, complicates and enriches both of their lives. Most of the characters in the show are well-cast, and when their storylines start to intertwine, the drama heats up. Claire starts to feel abandoned and gets back in touch with an old friend (Ben Daniels), while Frank takes a young politician named Peter Russo (Corey Stoll) under his wing, grooming him for success, and also adding to his own arsenal of resources. Michael Kelly is an excellent supporting actor as Underwood’s chief of staff, Doug Stamper.
While many people told me that House of Cards is a spiritual successor to The West Wing, its style is very different and politics as a subject is one of very few similarities. House of Cards is stylish almost to the point of being artistic, with, for example, Underwood frequently “breaking the fourth wall” by speaking directly to the viewer. All in all, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable show, and I can’t wait for season two (reportedly coming out in early 2014).
Although the premise shouldn’t be so groundbreaking, there should be more shows that follow suit; The Fosters makes life as a same-sex couple appear as mundane as that of any other family. The women make the children breakfast. They ask each other about their day. They sleep in the same bed. They go to work. They love their children. The only abnormal aspect of Stef and Lena’s relationship is how healthy it is and how little they actually fight. The Fosters sends a positive message to those who are watching: be yourself, and no matter who you are, you are wanted and loved. The message is not just regarding homosexualaity, but also race, as
the twins struggle with their own heritage; gender, in understanding stereotypes, as Stef is a female cop; bullying, as Jude tries to be himself and finds love and support from his new family as well as a brave friend at school. The children sometimes face embarrassment, struggling with their moms being a same-sex couple, finding their own identities and learning to live with each other. In the end, however, there always seem to be sagacious and beautiful words from either mom followed by a hug-it-out moment that will send you bawling. This show is proof that love knows no boundaries.
CREATIVE COMMONS
—Sam Mintz
‘The Fosters’ I know what you’re thinking: “An ABC Family show? Really?” I honestly was not expecting much, either, but I have fallen in love with The Fosters after watching it this summer. The show revolves around a family and its experiences after taking in two foster children, Jude (Hayden Byerly) and Callie Jacob (Maia Mitchell). Stef Foster (Teri Polo) and Lena Adams (Sherri Saum), a lesbian couple, take the children in to live with them and their children, including Stef’s biological son Brandon Foster (David Lambert) from a previous marriage and adopted twins Jesus (Jake T. Austin) and Mariana Foster (Cierra Ramirez).
—Marissa Ditkowsky
CREATIVE COMMONS
It all started with Netflix—after watching just a few episodes of Burn Notice on the ever-addictive website, I was hooked. Not only is Michael (Jeffrey Donovan) a total looker, but the show never ceases to find new adventures for its core cast. The chemistry between best friends Michael, Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar), Jesse (Coby Bell) and Sam (Bruce Campbell) is undeniable, especially while watching them sacrificing everything for each other. The best way I can describe their friendship is the classic “you jump, I jump” adage; they are always there for each other and willing to do whatever it takes to protect each other. And yes, they usually find themselves in need of a friend, getaway driver or sniper. “USA: Characters Welcome,” the network’s clever slogan, perfectly describes the unique cast of Burn Notice. Every episode reveals more and more about who these characters are, and over time, you can’t
help but feel connected to them. The show is pure entertainment and adrenaline. After years of working for the CIA as a special operative, Michael is “burned” (read: kicked out of) from the agency, and the series tells his story as he tries to get his life back together—starting with figuring out who burned him. Like any spy drama, there’s the perfect mix of plot twists, deception, suspense and fear. Sadly, Burn Notice is about halfway through its seventh season, which USA Network has announced as its final. From its crazy situations and jobs to the addictive chemistry between Michael and Fiona, Burn Notice will be missed on my weekly television rotation. Thankfully, we’ll still have Netflix reruns to feed old addictions, and I can’t wait to see where Michael, Jesse, Sam and Fiona end up next in the television world. —Jessie Miller
‘Orange Is the New Black’ A women’s state correctional facility isn’t your typical setting for a TV drama, and two dozen murderers, drug dealers and thieves isn’t your typical cast of characters. Then again, Orange Is the New Black is not your typical show. This Netflix original series, created by Jenji Kohan, premiered in July. It is based on an eponymous memoir by Piper Kerman. The show tells Kerman’s story through its main character, Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling), who was arrested for carrying drug money as part of an international drug cartel 10 years prior. Piper is an upper middle class woman in her early thirties who made a mistake in her youth. Her story leaves the
audience thinking “she could have been me.” At first Piper’s story sounds bad, as do many of the women’s stories, before you really hear them. There is the old woman who thought she shot a deer only to realize later it was a child. There is the homeless 19-year-old girl who tried to pay for something she had stolen two years before. There is the elderly nun who was arrested for trespassing while peacefully protesting at a missile silo. Obviously, some crimes and motives aren’t as easy to overlook, but the show still humanizes these women. The close relationship the viewer has with each character mirrors the prisoners’ relationships with
each other. The inmates don’t have a lot to occupy themselves except each other and they become very close in dealing with similar struggles. Only they understand each other’s lives: the drama, the hierarchy, the alliances and their shared experiences act as handcuffs, tying them to each other emotionally. Some bonds go further than friendship or even romance. For example, the Russian chef/inmate, named Red because of her ruby hair, has a group of younger inmates that she refers to as her “girls” or “daughters.” A strong bond is formed between the younger girls in their late teens and early twenties and the older, experienced woman who takes care of them in a
very touching family dynamic. Orange Is the New Black is not regulated by any television network, and is therefore able to be brutally honest in its depiction of life in prison. Scenes range from pornographic to disturbing as the audience gets a glimpse into the characters’ past and current lives. While the content can be very dark and upsetting, the show remains comedic and lighthearted. The exaggerated, lively characters and humorous situations light up and overtake the dark. With a fantastic cast and an original idea, Orange is the New Black is a show to keep your eye on when it returns in 2014. —Emily Wishingrad
CREATIVE COMMONS
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 | THE JUSTICE
TELEVISION
Spy drama ‘Graceland’ brings the heat By JESSIE MILLER JUSTICE EDITOR
Graceland: one word and you’re thinking of music icon Elvis Presley’s southern home. But this summer, USA Network introduced a new form of a television series. The original drama, simply entitled Graceland, follows the tumultuous lives of six undercover FBI agents working in southern California. When they’re not catching criminals or setting up a drug bust, the agents are dealing with their own problems, including relationships and substance abuse. The show is a classic good guy vs. bad guy chronicle, with all the necessary emotional and moral issues, yet it still invents its own entirely new style. This isn’t just another cop show—it has a much edgier, gritty feel that I can’t get enough of. It all starts when Mike (Aaron Tveit) graduates at the top of his class from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. and the rookie agent is sent out to California, where he joins other undercover agents in a seized beach house named Graceland (the reasoning behind the name is cleverly explained in the first episode). Mike is not thrilled about the assignment—he has big dreams that mostly include assuming a high level position in Washington, D.C.—but he soon finds out that he is actually in Cali to investigate fellow FBI agent Briggs (Daniel Sunjata), who is the natural alpha of the house. The series premiered on June 6 and the season
finale is slated for Sept. 12, meaning I only have two more episodes left to satisfy my Graceland addiction. Conveniently airing on Thursday nights after my other USA favorite Burn Notice, Graceland has been the perfect summer hit series—action-packed intrigue and dynamic relationships. In fact, the development of relationships between the characters is one of the most notable aspects of the show. Spy shows, between the action, murder and deception, often lose the more delicate sides of a plotline. However, Graceland does an outstanding job at balancing the action with more emotional appeals, especially the tight-knit relationship between the agents. FBI agent Charlie (Vanessa Ferlito) is a standout on the show for both her motherly vibe in the house and her trashy, heroin-addict undercover role. Charlie has a great friendship with newbie Mike and even a romantic flicker, but it is her support, yet suspicion of bad boy Briggs that really drives the show. An undeniable trust exists between Briggs and Charlie, yet the audience also sees the friction of their relationship and how neither fully lets their guard down. Comic relief is provided by Johnny (Manny Montana), another FBI agent who seems to have little cases of his own and often takes backstage to Briggs and Mike’s ever-evolving needs. Johnny is much less serious than the other agents, which does seem to leave him with the relentless thought that he is underappreciated. And when tension is particularly hot between Charlie and
CREATIVE COMMONS
FULL HOUSE: Six federal agents fight crime from their posh, modern beach-front home in southern California. Briggs, Johnny becomes the middle man—like a child running between fighting parents. Although he does play a comedic role, Johnny is one of my favorite characters and knows exactly when to bring the charm. Paige (Serinda Swan) was less prominent toward the beginning of the season, but in episodes six, seven and eight, her relationship with Mike grows after he reveals an important secret to her—giving her much more screen time. The undeniably beautiful actress has a lot of potential to bring to the show, and I hope that her charac-
ter will continue to play a main role. As the season finale comes ever closer, I’m eager to see where the season goes with so many things hanging in the balance right now. Graceland has managed to coax the perfect amount of curiosity and dedication from the viewer, so it is my guess that it will return for a second season. My other USA favorite, Burn Notice, is ending, so it only makes sense to fill that slot. With its interlocking, endlessly entangling web of secrets that the characters spin, Graceland has proven to be one of the hottest shows of the summer.
TELEVISION
CREATIVE COMMONS
SHOW ME YOUR TEETH: The uberattractive cast of True Blood takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster through immortal life.
‘True Blood’ sucks the life out of hopeful plotline By ALEXANDRA ZELLE RETTMAN JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Based on the novels by Charlaine Harris, HBO’s series True Blood started off strong, as an exciting blend of fantasy and politics set in a small Louisiana town. The promising series began in the summer of 2007, but quickly disappointed as the seasons progressed, sucking itself dry of intellect, and becoming simply drama and sex-obsessed, too much like other sensationalist vampire television shows. The politics of how humans and vampires could live together in a civilized manner— paralleling similar issues in the gay and racial minority communities—were left by the wayside in favor of more fantastical storylines, clouding the show’s potential. This summer, True Blood celebrated its sixth season on HBO, a season that, once again, did not live up to its potential. Throughout the show, Bill’s (Stephen Moyer) character has seen significant change, beginning as a brooding and sweet local vamp, and then transforming into an arrogant, intolerant vampire king. Moyer’s ability as an actor to play both sides of the coin is something to be appreciated. His character effortlessly changes from being loved to being despised, and in season six, viewers see him regress into a version of his old self. Possessed by the vampire god Lilith (Jessica Clark), Bill is made to do her bidding.
At the end of season five, Bill rose to the height of his conceit when he drank Lilith’s holy blood. Moving into season six, a still impossible Bill realizes that he has taken his power too far, and finally, struggles to do the right thing. Meanwhile, Governor Burrell (Arliss Howard) declares war on all vampires. He takes over the TruBlood factories in Louisiana, poisoning the drinks with “Hep-V,” and creates test and torture facilities for vampires. This storyline could have truly turned the show around for the better; it brings back the political edge the show lost sight of. However, it falls short: Governor Burrell is too comical and irrational to be an authentic leader and is unable to swing the show back on track. The season finale, called “Radioactive,” (named for Imagine Dragons’ hit song, which plays during the credits) aired on August 18. Though one of the season’s better episodes, it still failed to grab the audience with the same gripping suspense seen in the first season. The possessed Bill loses all of his godly powers and returns to a normal, slightly dazed state of mind after freeing the vampires from their prison. He feels a great deal of remorse for how horrible he has been to Sookie (Anna Paquin) and when Lilith leaves Bill, he says, “It came at a price.” He has a far away look in his eye and we get a glimpse of that altruistic hero who was present in the first few seasons when he was Vampire Bill of Bon Temps.
And, with that side of Bill, inevitably comes his love for Sookie. The introduction of werewolves into the show led to an unfortunate number of additional magical creatures. But there was one positive aspect, Alcide (Joe Manganiello). Alcide was the good, safe guy Sookie needed in her life. He was a big hulking pile of goodnatured, raw man. Though Sookie was preoccupied most of the time, she and Alcide had tense and erotic chemistry. Jumping ahead six months, we find them in a committed relationship, a relationship that now seems “normal” and boring. Another interesting twist, Sam (Sam Trammell), a shifter, has been elected mayor of Bon Temps, a highly unlikely scenario as most of the humans are living in fear of anything that is not human. Not only is Sam mayor, but he asks that the humans to enter into an agreement with local vampires to ensure everyone’s protection from the growing group of Hep-V infected vampires. In exchange for protection, the healthy vampire will be able to feed on humans. Humans are protected and vampires are fed. Everyone wins. All those who agree to enter into this agreement gather together for a barbecue complete with grilled alligator so the vampires and humans can mingle to find their match. At the barbecue Tara (Rutina Wesley) is approached by her mother Lettie Mae Daniels (Adina Porter).
The two go to a secluded area where Lettie begs Tara to let her make up for all of those years of neglect. “Let me nourish my baby girl,” she says. After intensely staring at her mother, Tara kneels down and violently and erotically feeds on her mother. Tara’s relationship with her alcoholic, abusive mother was one of the very real issues that set True Blood apart from most other television shows in the fantasy genre. This scene is the kind of quality we saw in season one. It portrays an overflow of raw emotion that is not ruined with cheesy dialogue, rather spoken through action, which was a key component of True Blood’s initial success. But the moment does not last long. Sookie and Alcide are just leaving the barbecue when Bill shows up and offers Sookie his protection. Old tension between Bill and Alcide immediately begins to bubble, but their macho growling is cut short when they both smell something. A group of infected vampires emerges through the trees, thirsty for blood. The season ends with the prospect of a vampire-zombie apocalypse as Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” plays over credits. AMC’s The Walking Dead meets The CW’s Vampire Diaries? The war between humans and vampires is set aside and they now have a common enemy as True Blood gears up for its seventh season, making it HBO’s longest running show yet.
THE JUSTICE | TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW
By JESSIE MILLER JUSTICE EDITOR
I’m typing this article on my MacBook Pro while listening to iTunes and texting on my iPhone. My first iPod was a pink, first-generation mini and my technological life hasn’t been the same since. We owe all these creations to the innovative and driven spirit of one man, Steve Jobs, and the company that he created from scratch. Less than two years after his death, the biopic film Jobs, starring Ashton Kutcher, was released to far less acclaim than I had expected after it
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Steve Jobs biopic does not fulfill expectations
being in the news for months. Drama between the movie studio and Jobs’ old friends and coworkers built up hype around the movie, promising a story about an American legend that it just couldn’t deliver. Maybe the timing was too soon; I agree with other reviews that argue that the movie did not capture the full story. What we should really be looking at here is Kutcher’s ability to carry a story—being able to embody a single person and bring the character to life. Though he was not in the public eye too extensively, Steve Jobs is an iconic figure, and Kutch-
er nailed his mannerisms, his slightly hunched walk and brisk attitude. Those who knew Jobs personally often say that he was not a nice guy, had a short temper and was often rude to his friends and employees—it isn’t easy to build a movie around an inherently unlikeable protagonist. I do wish the movie had delved deeper into Jobs’ anger toward employees (or their incompetence) and other personal issues, as it barely skimmed their surface. There were only a few scenes that actually showed Jobs’ true demeanor—and those were some of the best in the film. The point of a biopic is to show the ‘man behind the mystery,’ and Jobs fell slightly short. The movie spans from Jobs’ time at Reed College (where he wasn’t actually enrolled and did hallucinogens) to his triumphant return to Apple in 1997 to save the company. Spoiler alert: he does save it and introduces the first iPod in 2001, but that is where the film ends—leaving a decent amount of time between the depiction of the on-screen Jobs and the later legacy of the man who became so famous in real life. Though it would have been interesting to see the latter years of Jobs’ life, I think that cutting off the film in 2001 leaves the audience with their own memories of Apple’s growth over the past 12 years. The film also left out some of the most influential years of Jobs’ life during his absence from Apple (when he worked on NeXT, Inc. and Pixar), yet alludes to how important the time was for Jobs by later commenting on how much he had “changed.” One of the most visually stimulating portions of the film is a scene that Jobs and his friend Daniel Kottke (Lukas Haas) spend in India, traveling around the country. His experiences abroad influenced both his attitude and mindset about technology as he returned to California, and Apple Computers was finally born (in Jobs’ parent’s basement) with co-founder Steve Wozniak (Josh Gad). Interestingly enough, the film had a separate cinematographer, Aseem Bajaj, for all the scenes shot in India. These scenes, though fast-paced and rapid, had a very realistic and mystical vibe—corresponding to what Jobs may have been feeling during his influential visit. Gad gave a memorable perfor-
mance as the friend who remains in the background during Jobs’ success—in fact, this literally happens during the scene in which Apple signs with their first major investor Mike Markkula (Dermot Mulroney). I found myself feeling bad for Wozniak, from the moment Jobs hijacks his fun computer project, which becomes the first Apple computer system, to Wozniak’s emotional goodbye to an unfazed Jobs when leaving Apple. Though the movie advertises them as the best of friends, Jobs takes advantage of Wozniak’s intelligence and loyalty at every turn, and Gad perfectly captures the emotional state of the character. I’m not sure if the movie was written to their relationship as best friends, but it comes across as Jobs not appreciating who his true friends are and all they do for him. Jobs might not have been my favorite summer movie, but I do appreciate its effort. Anytime one
creates a biographical film, there are always discrepancies between what actually happened and what the production portrays. Overall, Jobs is a decent film that bombed in its first weekend at the box office (only $6.7 million opening weekend), but there is yet another biographical Steve Jobs movie in the works. Sony Pictures is producing a movie based on Walter Isaacson’s best-selling biography, and most notably, Aaron Sorkin—the same writer who gave us The Social Network—is writing the screenplay. With old friends and coworkers scrambling to take sides on which production better represents Steve Jobs, the success of Jobs cannot truly be measured until we see its counterpart. I enjoyed watching the movie—especially seeing Kutcher take on a different role than his usual comedies—but in the end, I was left thinking there was still hidden potential that the film didn’t reach.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS
AN APPLE A DAY: Ashton Kutcher stars as Steve Jobs, the innovative and creative co-founder of Apple. The movie shows how Jobs built the company and his return. CREATIVE COMMONS
Novel reflects on political atmosphere of D.C. By ADAM RABINOWITZ JUSTICE EDITOR
Washington, D.C. is a city steeped in history and, for many, a fitting symbol for the American Dream. Just ask anyone who happens to stare up at the Lincoln Memorial, pass beyond the White House gates or walk through the hallowed halls of the Capitol. As an intern in D.C. this past summer, I’m tempted to agree with that statement. However, in This Town, written by New York Times correspondent Mark Leibovich, the story of D.C. unfolds in a much different manner. Leibovich sets the stage with a lavish depiction of the June 2008 ‘funeral’ of Tim Russert, the late host of Meet the Press. However, the reader arrives at an immediate impression that this is really not a memorial service for one of America’s esteemed journalists. The 2,000 ‘mourners’ instead desperately vie to shine on the ‘red carpet,’ strengthen their political networks and gain an entrance into this vaunted “town.” Washington, D.C., then, is not that beacon on a hill—for Leibovich, it’s nothing more than a brand. He proceeds to deconstruct the
shining portrait of the nation’s capital throughout the first Obama administration, exposing its actors as a representation of the city’s apparent corruption, graft and sullied integrity. Leibovich’s biting satire and gripping narrative propelled me into an unfamiliar setting, one in which D.C. is nothing more than a marketplace of connections and job peddlers. Yet, even after my summer in Washington, I continued to turn the pages, fascinated by this particular insider account from the White House, Congress and the bustle of Pennsylvania Avenue. Leibovich structures his book as a series of character profiles, analyzing the ‘movers and shakers’ of Washington. However, these analyses are incredibly insightful and incisive, offering intimate portrayals of each political actor’s ambitions and motivations. Andrea Mitchell, according to Leibovich, is more than just a wellrespected reporter for NBC News. As wife of former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan, she must balance inevitable conflicts of interest and demanding social obligations. There is also Bob Barnett, the self-proclaimed “super-lawyer” of Washington, D.C. While he may
be a master in the craft of securing multi-million dollar book deals for Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, Leibovich reveals that his true desire is to be perceived as a serious political aficionado and a “Washington wise man.” This series of intense psychological profiles occurs throughout the book, inviting the reader into a world that, for most, seems like utter fantasy. Who would have imagined that Mike Allen’s Playbook for Politico—nothing more than a composition of important birthdays, events and gatherings for D.C. VIP’s—had such influence on a powerful collection of Americans? Tammy Haddad, former producer of Larry King Live, totes around a “Tam Cam” to ambush Washington notables, and rather than get sued for defamation, gets paid handsomely for her services by Time and the Washington Post. This version of D.C. is hard to swallow for most, but ultimately, it’s what makes Leibovich’s book both entertaining and eye-opening. The accounts are authentic and the characters are genuine, offering the ordinary American an unparalleled glimpse into how the nation’s capital operates. Leibovich uses President Obama
as a prime example at the conclusion of the book. As an ardent opponent of the Washington establishment in his 2008 presidential campaign, the president desired for his administration to be perceived as morally pure and apolitical. Yet, for change to occur, he had to concede at times to the corporate and lobbying “villains” of the city. It’s just how politics work—as Leibovich states, “they know they’re playing a game and they don’t pretend otherwise.” In fact, this warped sense of honesty is what makes other characters such as Kurt Bardella, power-hungry press aide to Representative Darrell Issa, and homeless childturned-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid so endearing. They are flawed and vulnerable—just like ordinary Americans. Leibovich inherently understands and illuminates that point for his audience. It is important, though, to not entirely validate Leibovich’s narrative. His worldview seemed somewhat fictionalized and his profiles verged at times on the edge of fantasy. However, it was a thrilling and engaging read—particularly as an aspiring politico. It also offered a lesson that especially resonated
with me following my own experience in Washington. This Town is just as much a symbol of America as Monument Row. The greatest politicians are also human with base desires and ambitions—just like us.
Penguin Group (USA)
CAPITOL CITY: New York Times journalist Mark Leibovich’s second book presents a different view of America’s capitol than most people usually get of the city.
24
TUESDAY, august 27, 2013 | THE JUSTICE
Brandeis TALKS
TOPof the
ARTS ON VIEW: summer
CHARTS
Quote of the week “I’m here today because I believe that civil marriage is a civil right, and that as nine justices are about to read the opinion on how they voted on my rights that it’s important that I’m here.”
Top 10s for the week ending August 26 BOX OFFICE
1. Lee Daniels’ The Butler 2. We’re The Millers 3. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones 4. The World’s End 5. Planes 6. Elysium 7. You’re Next 8. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters 3D 9. Blue Jasmine 10. Kick-Ass 2
— David Baker, gay rights activist. (News, p. 3)
What are you most excited and nervous for this school year?
NYT BESTSELLERS
Wei Sun ’17 “I’m excited and nervous about meeting a lot of girls since I came from an all-boys high school. I’m also afraid that the teaching style may be different from high school.”
OLIVIA POBIEL/the Justice
COLOR ME HAPPY: Justice Photography Editor Olivia Pobiel ’15 took this beautiful vista photo of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, California, while camping around the country this summer.
NEXT Issue’s PHOTO CONTEST THEME: DYNAMITE DORMS Submit your creative photo to photos@thejustice.org to be featured in the Justice!
CROSSWORD Prakhar Sahay ’17 “I’m most excited about my job at the Rosbash lab where I’ll be working as a lab assistant to a post doc. I’m afraid of having to go home because my parents live close by.”
Victoria Tran ’17 “I’m looking forward to exploring what the school has and making lifelong friends. I’m most nervous about getting homesick.”
Zachary Anziska ’16 “I’m excited about all the extracurricular clubs and activities, particularly photo club. I’m nervous about getting overwhelmed by all the choices.”
ACROSS 1 Beginning to bat? 5 Styptic stuff 9 Leapfrog 13 Cleaver kid 14 Collaborative website 15 Actress Anderson 16 Hide cyberspace crimes? 19 Macbeth or Hamlet 20 Most cozy 22 “Where __”: 1996 Beck hit 25 Mr. __: Dr Pepper rival 26 Bemoan 27 Amsterdam cops? 30 “Barnaby Jones” star 32 Editor’s mark 33 Strong-legged bird 34 Pendleton Act pres. 35 Objects of poolside ogling? 40 Writer Marilyn __ Savant 41 Chambéry shout 42 Olive, for one 44 Parting word 47 Hayseed that doesn’t tip? 49 Push for payment 50 Peppy 52 Málaga-to-Cádiz dirección 53 Like the L.A. Times Building 55 Nitwit 57 NBA military appreciation initiative, and a hint to this puzzle’s theme 62 Broadway governess 63 The Supremes or Cream 64 Remote button 65 Honey drink 66 Realizes 67 Victim of spoilage? DOWN 1 “Shark Tank” airer 2 Corp. leader 3 Toyota SUV 4 Like some imaginations 5 MP’s concern 6 Pickup opener 7 Ho’s instrument 8 Cause of a big slice 9 Mardi Gras torch 10 Focal points 11 Cartoonists, at times 12 Offer to one who’s been recently blessed? 17 “Goodbye, Columbus” author 18 Fireside shelf 21 Common base 22 Points a finger at 23 Sounds of disdain 24 Difficult spot 25 Potbellied 28 Clothes lines 29 Brit. recording heavyweight
iTUNES
1. Katy Perry — “Roar” 2. Miley Cyrus — “Wrecking Ball” 3. Lady Gaga — “Applause” 4. Robin Thicke — “Blurred Lines (feat.T.I. & Pharrell)” 5. Miley Cyrus — “We Can’t Stop”
BILLBOARD
1. Luke Bryan — Crash My Party 2. K. Michelle — Rebellious Soul 3. Various Artists — Now 47 4. Robin Thicke — Blurred Lines 5. The Civil Wars — The Civil Wars 6. Jay Z — Magna Carta...Holy Grail 7. Soundtrack — Teen Beach Movie 8. Florida Georgia Line — Here’s To The Good Times 9. Imagine Dragons — Night Visions 10. Five Finger Death Punch — The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell: Volume 1
31 Peace rally slogan 34 Hairy “pet” 36 Clicking site 37 Ph.D. seeker’s exam 38 Brooklyn Nets forward Humphries 39 Dissenting group 43 Barely earn, with “out” 44 Oklahoma city 45 Duke’s home 46 Chant 47 Seals’s partner 48 In need 51 Mac alternatives 54 Spanish address 55 Creamy spread 56 Early Nebraskans 58 Pay dirt 59 Word of sharing 60 Class-conscious org.? 61 Prepared
Top of the Charts information provided by Fandango, the New York Times, Billboard.com and Apple.com.
STAFF’S TOP TEN
Summer Songs By RACHEL HUGHES Justice editoR
Solution to last issue’s crossword Crossword Copyright 2012 MCT Campus, Inc.
SUDOKU INSTRUCTIONS: Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
Andrew Thomason ’16
“I’m most excited about my classes, especially Arabic. I’ve been taking Romance languages most of my life so I’m looking forward to trying something new. I’m scared of having to make every single decision on my own.”
—Compiled by Olivia Pobiel/the Justice
Fiction 1. The Cuckoo’s Calling — Robert Galbraith 2. Mistress — James Patterson and David Ellis 3. Rose Harbor In Bloom — Debbie Macomber 4. Inferno — Dan Brown 5. And The Mountains Echoed — Khaled Hosseini Nonfiction 1. The Liberty Amendments — Mark R. Levin 2. Zealot — Reza Aslan 3. Lean In — Sheryl Sandberg with Nell Scovell 4. Infiltrated — Jay W. Richards 5. Happy, Happy, Happy — Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach
Solution to last issue’s sudoku
Sudoku Copyright 2012 MCT Campus, Inc.
Nothing helps wget us through those bittersweet last days of summer vacation like an awesome soundtrack! Here’ s what I have been listening to lately. THE LIST 1.“Summertime Sadness”—Lana Del Rey 2. “Crew Love”—Drake feat. The Weeknd 3. “We are Golden” —MIKA 4. “Broadripple is Burning”— Margot and the Nuclear So & Sos 5. “Sail”—AWOLnation 6. “Hold On, We’re Going Home”— Drake feat. Majid Jordan 7. “Bones”—MSMR 8. “Smells Like Teen Spirit”— Nirvana 9. “Dirty Love”—Ke$ha feat. Iggy Pop 10. “All Your Gold”—Bat For Lashes