VOL 7, NO. 10
APRIL 16, 2010
B R A N D E I S U N I V E R S I T Y ' S C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R
WA LT H A M , M A
Reinharz to lead Mandel Foundation after Brandeis BY ARIEL WITTENBERG Editor
University President Jehuda Reinharz will become President and CEO of the Mandel Foundation once he officially leaves office at Brandeis. The move is yet another step in the long-time friendship between the university and foundation, which funded the Mandel Center for Humanities currently under construction. Reinharz, who announced in October he would be resigning as president of the university for personal reasons, has said he will stay on at the university no later than July 1, 2011 or until a replacement is found, said he has been discussing the prospect of permanently joining the Mandel Foundation with See REINHARZ, p. 4
PHOTO BY Max Shay/The Hoot
Howard Dean stresses civic engagement Thursday night. “Don’t drop the ball now,” he said. In his first speach to a campus chapter of Democracy for America (DFA), which he created in 2004, Dean expressed this students’ generation is a multicultural one and making it fitting
BY DESTINY D. AQUINO Editor
Former Democratic National Committee Chairman and Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean advocated student activism in politics in his speech to a crowded Levin Ballroom
that they elect the first multi-cultural president. “For my generation the election of Barack Obama was an election of lifetime, it was a dream we could not even consider, and you did it,” he said. “Learn from our generation: we exhausted ourselves, we were lied to, it was dirty,
we left and we let other people take our places, and that’s how George Bush got elected.” He said that by 2050 the United States culturally speaking will look similar to California in the sense that there are six See DEAN, p. 6
Acheampong next Union pres. Former ’Deis athlete arrested in Longmeadow bank robbery BY NATHAN KOSKELLA Editor
The student body elected Daniel Acheampong ’11 the next Student Union president in Tuesday’s election in which he defeated classmates Sahar Massachi and Matt Kriegsman and J.V. Souffrant ’13 with an outright majority in the first round of the instant-runoff system. Other winners include Vice Presidentelect Shirel Guez ’12, Secretary-elect Herbie Rosen ’12 and Treasurer-elect Akash Vidalia. “I’m really excited for next year, because we have a great opportunity, we the student body and Union, to make meaningful and long-lasting changes,” Acheampong said. One of Acheampong’s main campaign platforms was to better facilitate communication between students and administrators. The President of the Union acts as students’ representative to the Brandeis administration through meetings with the university president, deans and directors. “I want to tell the administration to establish stronger communication with the student body,” Acheampong said. “With more open forums and e-mail alerts, this year was pretty good, but this is only the beginning.” Acheampong said his responsibility as president is particularly great this coming year as the university continues to increase
THIS WEEK:
FBI recovers money from Russell Street house BY JON OSTROWSKY Staff
PHOTO BY Max Shay/The Hoot
the undergraduate population by an additional 100 students in the class of 2014. “How the university is transitioning with overcrowding, we need tangible solutions to see where we can give more space,” he said. “Dining, finding improvement in housing—not just short-term solutions but See ELECTIONS, p. 4
William Murphy, 23, a former Brandeis soccer player and his brother Thomas Murphy, 22, allegedly robbed a bank in Longmeadow, Mass., Thursday March 25, according to an article from The Republican, a Western-Massachusetts based newspaper. A Brandeis student told The Hoot William Murphy hid the money from the bank at a Russell Street house where many members of the baseball team reside. Residents of the house had no prior knowledge of the robbery, said the student who asked not to be identified to the sensitivity of the issue. The student said FBI agents arrived at the house on Russell Street looking for the brothers and the money. At that time, the student told The Hoot, that a resident told the agents “look, we had nothing to do with this” before the agents found a duffle bag filled with cash. The Murphys allegedly stole more than $300,000 from a TD Banknorth bank on 847 Williams St. in Longmeadow. Police believe the brothers entered the bank at
7:55 p.m. during the evening on March 25, armed with baseball bats and wearing masks. William Murphy, who played soccer at Brandeis, would have graduated this spring, but is no longer enrolled at the university. Director of Public Safety Ed Callahan said he was unable to comment on the incident at the Russell Street home where Murphy hid the money, explaining that because the FBI participated in the arrest, it was a federal investigation and he could not address it. The Hoot’s requests for more information from the FBI’s Boston Office, were deferred to both the Longmeadow and State Police Departments by FBI Special Agent Gail Marcinkiewicz. She said that the investigation was being organized by The Longmeadow and State Police Departments. Further attempts to obtain a copy of the police report were unsuccessful. Longmeadow Police Lieutenant Gary Fontaine did not return a call seeking comment about the investigation. See BANK ROBBERY, p. 6
@TheBrandeisHoot.com This week, view The Hoot’s interview with Howard Dean and Dean’s entire address to students. Impressions, page 16
Arts, Etc., page 11
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thebrandeishoot Facebook: http://facebook.thebrandeishoot.com
NEWS
2 The Brandeis Hoot
April 16, 2010
Grad students voice concerns over parking, teaching at open forum BY ARIEL WITTENBERG Editor
Three graduate students peppered President Jehuda Reinharz and other administrators with questions about parking, Teaching Assistants (TA) and stipends at an open forum Monday meant as a “conversation” between both groups. “This is not a speech by me or any other administrator,” Reinharz said to the audience of three. “This is a chance for people to talk to us.” Graduate Representative to the Board of Trustees Scott Motyka told administrators that graduate students were largely happy with Brandeis, but complained about the availability of parking spaces. Motyka said that though he has a parking pass, there is no guarentee he will be able to find a space on campus if he arrives on-campus later in the day. Motyka suggested the university raise parking rates for graduate students from $60 a year to $100 a semester in order to decrease the number of students parking on campus. In return, he said the university should use the extra money to help subsidize a van service to the Riverside T stop. “That way you use the carrot and stick method,” he said. Dawn Nelson (GRAD) disagreed, saying she would be willing to pay $100 a year, but that $100 a semester was too much money. Motyka also complained about the lack of teaching opportunities for graduate students and suggested that graduate students be given the opportunity to waive two of the six classes they are currently required to TA if they develop and teach a
PHOTO BY Ingrid Schulte/The Hoot
Faculty debate university librarian’s tenure at meeting BY ARIEL WITTENBERG Editor
PHOTO BY Ingrid Schulte/The Hoot
VOICES: Graduate Representative to the Board of Trustees Scott Motyka (GRAD) discusses the importance of parking on campus for graduate students at Monday’s forum.
class on their own. “Being a TA doesn’t really mean much,” he said. “We’d like to have the opportunity to teach other things than [University Writing Seminars].” Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe said he liked the idea because it could “help diversify the undergraduate curriculum while strengthening the graduate programs,” but said the decision to implement the change would have to be based upon the
needs of specific departments. Motyka asked Reinharz to consider distributing graduate students’ 10-month stipends over the course of 12 months in order to help students budget their money. “Stipends are a big deal for us,” he said, “The problem is students spend most of their money during the academic year and forget to include the summer in their budget. Having this option would help them.”
The faculty tabled a vote on whether to de-tenure the position of university librarian Thursday after many members objected to the move. The objections were unanticipated by Interim Chair of the Committee on Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Prof. Paul Jankowski (HIST), who presented the change as part of the yearly review of the faculty rights and responsibilities handbook. All other changes presented by Jankowski, which mostly consisted of rewording the handbook for clarity, were passed. Jankowski said the committee proposed to move the position of university librarian out of the tenure structure and “to ranks elsewhere” because it thought the position “had always resided outside the tenure structure. “We want to bring the handbook in line with this practice,” he said. Faculty present at the meeting remembered the state of the position differently, saying it had always been tenured, which sparked a debate on the merits of having a tenured university librarian. The current university librarian Bessie K. Hahn, director of library services, could not be reached for comment. Jankowsky asserted that de-
tenuring the librarian position would not change any aspect of the position. Dean of Arts Sciences Adam Jaffe similarly claimed that the employment of current and future librarians would not be at risk if the change was made. Prof. David Hackett Fischer (HIST) was the most outspoken advocate for a tenured position. “There is a really long list of prestigious institutions with tenured librarians,” he said. “We must have a tenured scholar who shares the values of research and has first-hand experience in research.” Fischer added that over his years at Brandeis “the library has been slipping” in the amount of resources it has and the availability of those resources to Brandeis community members. Fischer said detenuring the position would only underscore what he sees as a “lack of commitment to the library.” “Something has gone amiss with our library and it is not merely a matter of this position but of our committment of resources to the library,” he said. “I suggest we think again about this. I don’t know how it can be done without worsening the condition of the library.” The faculty will discuss the change to the handbook again at their May 21 meeting.
Hadassah event sheds light on experiences of children in the Holocaust BY JON OSTROWSKY Staff
Psychologist Dr. Eva Fogelman spoke Sunday at Rappaporte Treasure Hall about the impact of the Holocaust on child survivors as part of a three day conference sponsored by The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute (HBI). Fogelman explained that although experiences differ for each survivor, many stories from child survivors have been dismissed because the survivors were not able to remember the entire story, but only parts of it. “One of the reasons that this research was long delayed is that children’s testimony is sometimes considered unreliable,” Prof. Sylvia Fishman (NEJS), co-director of the HBI said. Many child survivors encounter a long period of denial, and cannot begin to grieve for their families until they have come to
accept what happened, Fogel- view with The Hoot. man said. Shashari also explained that “After years of being told ‘you following the war, survivors are too young to remember,’ the were not treated properly by sovalidation of this pain … makes ciety because of how others had child survivors feel understood,” died. Fogelman said. “The children, “We were looked down upon even if they because we had not yet went like learned to In order to heal people sheep to the speak, very have to go through the gas chambers, well rememand that is not process of mourning right—that is bered.” Ho l o c au s t shame,” Shasurvivor shari said. - Dr. Eva Fogelman “Although of Irene Shashari said course, history she kept her knows that we experience secret for about 40 could not have done anything years after the Holocaust ended else. Partly for this reason, of because she wanted her children fearing shame, many survivors to feel the same as other chil- chose not to talk about their stodren. ries, according to Shashari. “I just did not want them to It is necessary to remember feel different from all other chil- the stories of child survivors dren. I want them to feel ‘nor- because they can help us to betmal,’” Shashari said in an inter- ter understand what happened
during the Holocaust, but also important remember the 1.5 million children who died, University President Jehuda Reinharz said. “The story of each and every one of these children deserves to be known,” Reinharz said. Fogelman outlined a process in which many child survivors encountered in the aftermath of the Holocaust. They were in shock and denial of what happened before confronting the truth as they gained a new understanding of their feelings and emotions. Because many child survivors deny what happened or do not share their stories, they are left with “no opportunity to mourn,” explained Fogelman. “In order to heal, people have to go through the process or mourning,” Fogelman said. Yet, Fogelman also pointed out that although there were pat-
terns discovered in her research, it is important not to generalize the effects of the war on children because “each child survived in his or her own unique way.” Fogelman’s lecture was part of a three-day conference, which included a workshop at the Doubletree Hotel on Monday and a screening of the film “My 100 Children,” in Wasserman Cinematheque Tuesday. Fogelman also criticized recent truth and reconciliation commissions, which attempt to obtain restorative justice after times of war, they try to help victims heal far too quickly than they are ready to do so, she said. “The silence will be broken but not immediately,” Fogelman said. “Healing is often a solitary process.” Fogelman added that regardless of strong efforts, the process of healing is long. “We are enablers, not magicians,” she said.
April 16, 2010
The Brandeis Hoot
NEWS
3
SEA proposes ‘green fees’ Student organization hopes to create a “sustainability fund” through amendment to Union Constitution BY NATHAN KOSKELLA Editor
Students for Environmental Action (SEA) have proposed a series of amendments to the Student Union Constitution that would raise the student activities fee, paid alongside tuition, for the purpose of creating a Brandeis “sustainability fund.” If the amendment is passed, the fee would be raised by $7.50 per semester, SEA President Hannah Saltman ’12 said. Saltman pointed to the success other universities, including the University of California-Berkeley, University of North Carolina and William and Mary, have had in adding small amounts, or “green fees,” to regular tuition. “This fund [would] finance student project proposals for sustainability,” she said. The Student Activity Fee is currently $324 a year. The proposed money could be requested by any student and not a particular club or organization. According to SEA’s paperwork on the amendments, a board with students, faculty, staff and Facilities Services’ existing sustainability coordinator would oversee the fund.
The student representatives to the board would be voted on by the student body during regular Student Union elections. After achieving the required number of signatures upon presentation to the Senate Sunday, the student body will vote on it April 26. “A wide variety” of projects would fall under the permit of the trust, Saltman said, from recycling, green chemistry in the school’s labs and electric cars for use by Facilities. “This is students’ chance to be creative about how they want to improve Brandeis.” Some students may vote against the project simply because general tuition costs are paid at the same time and continue to rise. Anticipating those concerned about the money, SEA member and former President Matt Schmidt ’11 said he thinks “there will be a little opposition, but the amount is small and [supporters] don’t expect too much of a challenge.” “It’s a rational decision because [Brandeis] is already committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, so it makes sense to have a green fee to support that,” he said. “The university is [otherwise] paying for our emissions.”
ADVER TISEMENT
PHOTO BY Paula Hoekstra/The Hoot
JIHAD FOR LOVE: Prof. Mitra Shavarini (WMGS) discusses the experiences of gay, lesbian and questioning Muslims at an event Tuesday cosponsored by TRISK and MSA.
TRISK and MSA unite for film, discussion on sexuality and Islam BY LEAH FINKELMAN Staff
Triskelion and the Muslim Student Association(MSA) presented a screening of “A Jihad for Love” Tuesday in the Intercultural Center. The film, about homosexuality in Muslim countries, was part of Triskelion’s celebration of Gay Pride Month. The event, organized by Kaamila Mohamed ’11 and Aziz Sohail ’13, was geared towards educating the student body about the struggles of gay and lesbian Muslims throughout the world. Prof. Mitra Shavarini (WMGS) introduced the film and spoke about different outlook towards homosexuality in various Muslim countries, emphasizing one similarity: a “paralyzing” fear regardless of country or denomination. Shavarini teaches “Diversity of Muslim Women’s Experience,” which includes a section on homosexuality. Shavarini also spoke about hope for reform and new interpretations of the Quran. She added that there is no direct mention of homosexuality in Islam’s holy book. However, there are rationalizations for many of the stories and their possible homosexual connotations but opponents of gay rights
also use these stories to explain why they are not actually about homosexuality. “A Jihad for Love,” written and directed by Parvez Sharma, tells the story of gay Muslims who refuse to give up either part of their identity, instead trying to reconcile their opposing halves. They discuss what it is like to be gay in countries like Iran, Egypt and Pakistan. One man, Muhsin Hendricks, lives in South Africa and is struggling to open up dialogue about homosexuality and Islam. Even after being heavily criticized for his work, Hendricks managed to lead a discussion among Muslim social workers, mostly women, in his community. “I have loved a woman. It was not a sin because my loving never hurt, I only loved,” one woman living in Paris said. She refused to show her face, but her shirt read in French “In the name of Allah, I love women.” The screening was Mohamed’s idea, saying that the issue of homosexuality in Islam isn’t one that has been talked about on campus. She is the Member-at-Large of MSA and a co-founder and co-coordinator of Queer People of Color Coalition, a branch of Triskelion. Sohail is an incoming Executive Board member of MSA.
Dates auctioned for clean water BY LEAH FINKELMAN Staff
The Student Union Senate Social Justice Committee continued its fundraising for “charity: water” this week, hosting the First Annual charity: water Silent Auction and Date Dash. The event auctioned off meals with 11 students and several staff members. The event was part of a semester-long fundraiser for Charity: Water, a non-profit organization that provides access to safe drinking water to the one in eight people on the planet who don’t have access to clean water. The Social Justice Committee’s goal is to raise $5,000, with the help of campus clubs, to build a well to serve more than 250 people in a developing country. The Date Dash auctioned off 11 students: Bryndis Hafthorsdottir ’12, Soo Lim ’12, Faith Brigham ’10, Alanna Drasin ’13, Shana Bhattacharya ’11, Akash Vadalia ’12, Dan Gutman ’12, Sam Stemper ’13, Beau Bonness ’11, Ryan Fanning ’11 and Daniel Acheampong ’11. “It’s a great cause, and if I can help in any
way, that would be an honor,” said Brigham, who was asked by a committee member to participate. North Quad Senator Andrea Ortega, a member of the Social Justice Committee, said that the Senate subsidized $240 for the event, part of which went towards the purchase of $20 gift cards for student dates to Margaritas, a local Mexican restaurant. The restaurant itself donated the rest of the money for the event. Other items up for auction included lunch or dinner with staff and faculty, including President Jehuda Reinharz, Dean of Student Life Jamele Adams and Professor Harry Coiner (ECON). “Basically, we’re pimping them out,” Ortega said with a grin, adding that since the kickoff of the fundraiser, the committee has raised at least $500 for charity: water, plus $664 at the Date Dash. “Brandeis was founded on principles of social justice and activism, and while many of us intend to change the world later on in life, there’s nothing stopping us from changing the world now,” she said.
4 NEWS
The Brandeis Hoot
Apri 16, 2010
New Pres. Acheampong to focus on communication with administration ELECTIONS (from p. 1)
PHOTO BY Ingrid Schulte/The Hoot
FORUM: Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe answers questions from concerned students about the Justice Brandeis Semester at Monday’s undergraduate student forum with administrators.
Undergrads grill Jaffe, Reinharz on JBS and fundraising at Monday’s forum BY ARIEL WITTENBERG Editor
Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe and University President Jehuda Reinharz fielded questions about the Justice Brandeis Semester (JBS) and fundraising at Monday’s undergraduate forum. Last week’s news that half of the JBS programs had been cut–or what Mateo Aceves ’11 called the program’s “abject failure”–was a hot-topic at the forum. “It’s a pilot. You do the pilot to learn, and we’re learning,” Jaffe said in defense of the program. “I would have liked it better if more of the programs we did were popular enough among students to run, but this is not a profound failure.” “We’ve noticed that we can’t count on [JBS] as a major part of the strategy to account for the increased amount of students on campus,” he continued. “It will not be the major plank in the strategy to deal with that issue, but we are still excited about it as an experiential learning program.” Raechel Banks ’12 asked Jaffe to elaborate on those “planks,” saying she had “been feeling the increased number of students in my classes.” Jaffe said he there were two parts to solving overcrowding issues; academics and student life. “In terms of academics we are working on thinking about how best to maintain the sense of small classes and
good interaction with faculty,” sity.” he said. “We are trying to think “Obviously we have Jewish of large courses we could add roots, but half of our board that are exciting enough that are not alumns, the chairs of people wouldn’t mind being in a the board are not alumns, and larger class.” many of them are not JewSenior Vice President for Stu- ish,” he said. “Brandeis is not dents and Enrollment Jean Eddy a white bread university. It’s a said the university is looking ryebread university,it’s an acinto ways to connect students quired taste.” now forced to live off-campus Reinharz explained that the with the university. main obstacle the university The Department of Commu- has in terms of fundraising is nity Living used to have a staff not its Jewish roots, but rather member specifically devoted to the youth of its alumni and contheir chonectsen profesi n g sions. t hos e “ We’r e stuyoung and dents most of our with alumni are camin their 50s p u s or younger life, that,” - Jehuda Reinharz than a n d he said. “So Eddy we have to said spend a lot she hopes to bring back such a of our efforts on finding outposition in future years. side money.” Another topic of much dis“It’s even more complicated cussion was fundraising for the than that,” he continued, “Beuniversity. cause the first classes from the Aceves asked Reinharz about ’50s to the ’70s all went into how much the university’s Jew- wonderful social justice oriish roots played into Brandeis’ ented professions where they fundraising strategy, saying don’t make money, so we’ve got “how much are we a normative a problem.” university in America and how Reinharz added that many of much are we a Jewish univer- the alumni who have given sevsity.” en-figure gifts to the university “I realize it’s a sensitive issue, have been from more recent and I don’t mean it politically,” classes and “took jobs on Wall he said. “But in terms of fund- Street.” raising, how are we presenting “But what that means is that ourselves?” as soon as you graduate, you all Reinharz responded that are going to have to donate,” he “Brandeis is not a Jewish univer- said.
“Brandeis is not a white bread university. It’s a ryebread university, it’s an aquired taste.”
impactful and beneficial change for the future.” Another thing on the agenda for next year’s Student Union is the improvement of the institution’s image itself. After the winter impeachment, removal and subsequent reelection and restoration of Secretary Diana Aronin ’11, much of the student body has been skeptical of the merit of the Student Union. Earlier elections this semester displayed this with low voter turnout for Union Judiciary and Senate positions and even the lack of a willing candidate for some posts. Immediate contrast was provided Tuesday when nearly half the electorate cast online ballots for Union offices. “How the student body came together to make something special happen—almost 50 percent voting is incredible,” Acheampong said. “They felt like they were a part of it—every candidate was dormstorming, tabling—this should not just be happening at elections but all year round.” Indeed, Acheampong promised that his executive board, which he will announce later this year, will be active throughout next fall and spring, and would even try to use his influence on the collective unit, to include the Senate. “I’m going to make sure the Senate will not sit and expect questions to come to them, not wait for things to happen,” he said. “We will be asking the questions.” Concrete proposals from the incoming student leadership will build upon successes next year.
“The improvement at Sherman, for instance should be reflected by improvements in every aspect of dining … in every dining location on campus,” Acheampong said. “We are not stopping and remaining satisfied, but will keep wanting more.” Referring to overcrowding, the priority he had named first, Acheampong said that he wants to take a hard look at the gains made to residence halls this year and only get better next year. “In the castle, in Massell’s Shapiro Hall, people had things ruined by flooding. Renovation should not just be happening in one place,” he said refering to the Board of Trustee’s February announcement that the Charles River Apartments would be renovated in time for the 2010-2011 academic year. Personally, Acheampong’s success, with a large enough margin that negated the need for the new instant-runoff system’s vote seconding, was important to him because of the sheer amount of students who voted at all. “People know that I really care about the student body, have a passion for this university; I’m trying my best,” he said. “And I had a strong campaign team to help me.” Guez, in the vice president’s role as president of the Senate, highlighted her work with Acheampong in the Treasurer’s office to look for coordination between the branches now. “As assistant treasurer, I have worked with [Acheampong] before. [He] was never a boss, but always about working together,” she said.
Election results
April 16, 2010
The Brandeis Hoot
NEWS
5
Reinharz to work for major Brandeis donor after leaving univ. JEHUDA (from p. 1)
Morton Mandel for roughly six years. “This has been an ongoing conversation that was intensified when I announced my resignation in the fall,” Reinharz said. He added he received seven different job offers upon his resignation but chose the Mandel Foundation because “we are in sync.” “I have a familiarity with the organization by virtue of being on its board,” he said. “This foundation doesn’t just write checks, they try and figure out what their gift does and how it works. They are careful in how they give their money.” Reinharz has sat on the board of the Mandel Foundation since 2005, the same year Barbara A. Mandel, wife of Morton, began serving on the Brandeis board of trustees. Prior to funding the Mandel Center for Humanities, the Mandel Foundation also founded the Mandel Center for Jewish Education at Brandeis and sponsored three fellowships. As to whether his new job would further the partnership between the foundation and the university, Reinharz said he hoped the two could work together to find a common interest. “Chances are the foundation will continue to fund important projects at Brandeis, but a lot of
that depends on what projects the new administration wants,” he said. Members of the Mandel Foundation could not be reached by press time, however Morton Mandel was quoted in a Brandeis press release saying “We believe that exceptional leaders are the critical factor that enables organizations to contribute significantly to society. Dr. Reinharz brings a vast array of professional experience and a keen understanding of the foundation’s current work worldwide.” The timing of Reinharz’s move from university president to foundation president depends on the progress of the university board of trustees’ presidential search committee. Committee member Prof. Gina Turrigiano (BIO) told Thursday’s faculty meeting that she could not give a specific timeline for when the committee would begin interviewing candidates. She did say “we have identified a core group of phenomenal candidates who really care about Brandeis.” “We are currently engaged in a number of informal discussions with these candidates and anticipate we will soon begin formal interviews of top candidates,” she said. The committee recieved over 80 applications from people with backgrounds in education and “more creative” fields, Turrigiano said.
PHOTO BY Ingrid Schulte/The Hoot
NEW PRESIDENT: University President Jehuda Reinharz listens to students at Monday’s undergraduate student forum. The forum occured just two days before Reinharz announced he would become President of the Mandel Foundation after steping down as president of the university. ADVERTISEMENT
6 NEWS
The Brandeis Hoot
Apri 16, 2010
Dean praises students for multiculturalism DEAN (from p. 1)
large minorities there including Hispanics, Asians, African Americans and American Indians, but there is no majority. Dean believes this is causing the political landscape to change into something more about being an American and less about partisanship. Another key message throughout the speech was how monumental the differences between our generation and the generation that is our parents and his. He said “your generation is not socially tolerant or intolerant, you are socially inclusive. When republicans point fingers and they point them at your friend, they’re pointing them at you too and you just wouldn’t stand for it,” Dean said. “Your generation is able to have friends that are gay because they’ve told you they’re gay, you’re more of a cohesive unit that can do something” he said. “You proved in the last election that you rule this country.” He said students changed dynamics with his generation by being less confrontational and more calculated about the way it makes change but that they were going to face different challenges in the future for that reason. “You’ll need to find a commonalty between all people in your community and that’s not the U.S. it’s the entire world because of the Internet,” Dean said. “You’ll have to raise children that can communicate with anyone, with the world.” He added that politics is about organizing ordinary people for the betterment of your community, it is not just about writing check or running for office, although he added that he hopes that at least some of us pursue that as well. He said having one’s candidate elected doesn’t mean one has won, politics is something that dies if you don’t feed it, “Stand up about what you believe in and be positive about it,” he said. Dean elaborated on even more positive differences between the generations, “We got one million people to walk on the capital. You got one million people to send emails and shut down the congress computer systems,” he said. Once of the greatest tools recent campaigns have had access to is the Internet, specifically social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace. Dean is often attributed with the creation of this type of campaigning, however he said, “the internet is the greatest invention since the Gutenberg press. “But [politicians] didn’t create how to use it we just noticed how it was being used and then adapted it, to suit us and our needs,” he said. He also acknowledged that in the age of the Internet there has been a platform on which bigots and racists can express themselves, “The Internet is a tool, does it have problems? Sure it does. Fox news blogs even have racist remarks and they do it because they can,” he said. “The Internet shows who we really are;
what we would never do in the presence of anyone is acceptable behind a screen. Everyone has an ugly side, the Internet just allows us to see more of it.” Dean was critical of news networks and what they allow people to see. “If there’s seven people holding signs saying ‘Obama is a Nazi’ that’s what’s going to end up on the news,” he said. He added though that the majority of the “Tea party crazies” shown on television are more than 55 years old and closed minded, adding that they are logical sane people in those organizations that are doing what he supports being an activist for what they are passionate about. The governor ended his speech by giving what he said is the most important piece of information he can give any student. “Say who you are,” he said. “To overcome ignorances of other people, you can change their behavior by shunning them, but you can change their hearts by talking to them.” Dean delivered his lecture for a half hour but opened the floor to questions on any topic for over forty-five minutes. He also gave a fifteen-minute interview to The Hoot prior to the event. On the health care bill he said that there are a lot of reasons to support it and not support it but in the end, “my president stood up and decided to be a leader in this and I followed,” he said. “People don’t care about the process, only the results and the people still don’t understand [the results], it will be years before this works.” He addressed gay rights by saying, “[Employment NonDiscrimination Act] should pass, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is a no brainer, and if you keep saying ‘can’t it wait another year?’ nothing ever gets done.” He added, “If you leave the door open for discrimination against one group, it opens the door for discrimination against everyone … I have no patience for anyone who discriminates against LGBTQ.” After one student posed a question to Dean asking about promoting activism in such a young naïve community, Dean said, “there are few experts in anything. To say you need to know everything about an issue before you become emotionally invested in it is pointless. Emotions are what makes democracy. I’m not saying that decisions should be made with no knowledge but I would never want to discourage anyone as long as they respect the process.” On the economy, Dean felt that we need to go back to how the economy was during the Clinton administration and that means that defense is going to have cuts and taxes are going to be raised. He said people aren’t going to be happy about this but when they want all the services, ask them what they would want to cut in order to lower taxes. When asked about abortion
PHOTO BY Max Shay/The Hoot
GRASS ROOTS: Govornor Howard Dean spoke about activism to a packed Levin Ballroom Thursday night.
he responded, “abortion is a deep moral issue. I don’t believe in shooting doctors but it should be dealt with personally.” A student asked about Obama’s plan for drilling and what Dean thought that meant for climate change, “Obama has a great climate change record, he’s worked with the EPA to undo a lot of what Bush did and I really think Copenhagen was a success,” he said. After criticizing the media several times during his speech, when asked about student journalism and what can be done Dean said, “I don’t think the problem is student journalism but the big business that is journalism. You don’t go into this wanting to do bad but the news wants ratings, what sells. Kerry’s love child would never have made news in my time,” he said. “I think journalism will go through a transition where [journalists] say they’ve had enough. Its not about what the viewers want to know in news, it should be about what they need to know.” The Brandeis Democrats, GenEd Now, Activists Resource Center, The Ethics Center and the Student Union E-board also sponsored the event.
Former Brandeis student hid stolen cash in Russell Street house, police allege ROBBERY (from p. 1)
Police arrested the Springfield brothers in Kenmore Square on Friday March 26 after learning about the Murphys’ whereabouts from their friends, according to the article. Contributing to the arrest were the Boston Police Special Investigation Unit, the State Police and the FBI Bank Robbery Task Force, according to the article’s information obtained from Fontaine. A teller at the bank said in a statement to police that he was with the Murphys and another friend between two to four weeks ago, at which time William Murphy said, “I should pass you a note, and you give me the money,” according to
the article. The friend said he thought Murphy was joking, but added that he might have said to Murphy that a teller’s drawer at the bank contains $8,000, the article, referencing the police report said. Another man, who the police report mentions is friends with the Murphy brothers, identified the Murphys’ photos online and notified the Longmeadow Police Department, the article said. The Murphys were arraigned in District Court on Monday March 29 and pleaded not guilty to charges of “armed robbery and stealing from a depository,” the article said. Bail was set in cash at $100,000 in Judge William J. Boyle’s courtroom.
FEATURES
April 16, 2010
The Brandeis Hoot 7
Ready or not, here comes summer Students search for summer jobs, internships BY BECCA CARDEN Staff
The end of the semester might be quickly approaching, but sophomore Alice Konghende’s summer plans are still up in the air. “I may do an internship. I may go to Germany to see my sister. Or I may be here to do some research for a professor,” she said. “Or go to Ohio. That’s an option, too.” Konghende isn’t the only student at Brandeis who does not have concrete summer plans. A lot of students are working hard to find employment or internships, and the current economy isn’t helping. Alex Sheehan ’13, for example, is planning to work at a psychology lab on campus this summer, but he hasn’t decided on a specific project yet. Unfortunately, lab jobs rarely pay their undergraduate workers. “It isn’t that [difficult] to find a lab job. To find one that pays is a whole other story, because most labs don’t have student funding,” he said. So far, Sheehan has spoken to three labs, and only one had paying positions available. He plans to get a part-time job at Brandeis so he can make money, however, even finding a simple job around campus has proven to be somewhat difficult. “One would expect that there are a few jobs over the summer that don’t have extensive requirements,” he said. “I don’t need to do something that’s amazing and to find [such a job]—it’s been kind of annoying. Then again, I’ve only sent in two or three applications, so I’m only at the start [of the process],” he added. The labor market is so competitive right now, even for non-paying internships like
Sheehan’s potential lab job, that some students are having a lot of trouble finding employment. Take Debra Greene ’10, who is working at a bakery this summer, but still doesn’t have solid plans for next year. “This is the first time that I have had to look for a ‘real’ job, so it is a bit overwhelming,” she wrote in an e-mail to The Hoot. Greene is applying to work as a high school English teacher next year, but is having some trouble with her search so far. “A lot of school districts are struggling with budget cuts, so this is not the best time to be looking for a job,” she explained. Fortunately, Brandeis offers a lot of support for students in the job market. Professors and faculty from the Education Department, for example, are helping Greene in her search. “[They] have done a lot to help those of us in the education program. They have showed us where to look online for job openings (such as on schoolspring. com) and are willing to help us with resumes, mock interviews, etc.,” she said. In addition, the Hiatt Career Center holds workshops and info sessions on applying for work, and gives students the opportunity to meet with experts to review their cover letters, resumes and other aspects of job applications. They also provide networking opportunities. Their shadowing program, for instance, allows students to sign up to spend a day with successful alumni. “I went to them and asked what should be on my resume and they were really helpful,” Amanda Winn ’13 said. “I really like the way it looks now; it’s very clean and organized.” Winn got a lot of help from professors and the University Writing Center, too. Thanks to professional assistance that helped her polish her applications, sheis currently doing
PHOTOS BY Max Shay/The Hoot
JOB FAIR: Hiatt Career Center organized a Job Fair last month; this and similar programs aid students in their search for summer internships.
biomedical research at UMass Medical School. “I’m so used to doing research and not getting paid, so this is kind of a shock,” she said happily. “It’s sort of an internship, because I’ll be working with grad[uate] student and professors, and learning.” Winn’s plans are all set now, but she admitted that the search was stressful. “I found out about really great programs two days before the applications were due—or two days after,” she said. “It’s like applying to college, but [to] a lower degree. Taking classes here, it was hard to find the time to apply.” The search was less difficult for Emilie Schuler ’11, who will be a teaching assistant for a summer Justice Brandeis Semester program.
“I’ve known that I’m going to do this since last December because at the end of the semester, Laura Golding approached me and asked me if I wanted to work with her,” Schuler , who has served as a TA for Professor Golding before, explained. “It’s kind of good that I’ve known [my plans for awhile now],” she said, “because I remember last year I was scrambling to do job applications.” Last summer, Schuler applied to work at a farm in Waltham, but ended up not getting the job. “It was May and I still didn’t know what I was going to do. I knew I wanted to work on the farm, so I just started showing up everyday,” she laughed. “After a couple weeks, they hired me. So that’s a way I went about it, sort of pushing my way into it.”
8 FEATURES
The Brandeis Hoot
Faculty Awards
Apri 16, 2010
Every year the university gives awards to faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in teaching. Here are three professors recognized for their undergraduate teaching. By Ariel Wittenberg
Prof. Maura Jane Farrelly (AMST): Michael Walzer ’56 Award for Teaching Award: Given every year to a tenure track faculty member who combines scholarship with inspired teaching. Farrelly is the 28th recipient of the award. Biography: A graduate of Fordham University with an M.A. and Ph.D. in History from Emory University, Farrelly joined the Brandeis faculty in the fall of 2006 after working as an award winning reporter and producer for Georgia Public Radio and as a Features Reporter for the Voice of America in Washington, DC and NY, for which she served as a correspondent to the 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Her book “Papist Patriots: The Making of an American Catholic Identity” is now under contract at Oxford University Press. At Brandeis, she has taught courses on Classic Texts in American Culture, The Culture of Journalism, Advertising and the Media, International Affairs and the American Media, Religion in America and Public Intellectuals in American Life. She has also received a “Young Scholar in American Religion” Fellowship grant. Student comments: “An open-minded, intellectually adventurous professor, Maura Jane Farrelly tops my list of favorite professors.” “Lectures were FANTASTIC. They were extremely well organized and had lots of interesting information. Discussions in the class were extremely stimulating. Everyone in the room seemed engaged. Professor Farrelly was an amazing lecturer who really is the epitome of a professor who ‘demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching the subject.’” “Professor Farrelly had a class of 75 students, but we often had the entire class engaged and participating in discussions. I have never seen someone able to control so well a class this size for a discussion, while keeping all of the students engaged.”
Prof. Elizabeth Ferry (ANTH): Lerman-Neubauer ‘69 Prize for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award: This prize, established by Trustee Jeanette Lerman at the time of her marriage to Joseph Neubauer, requires its recipient to be not just an exceptional teacher, but also one who has had a significant impact on students’ lives as a mentor, advisor and friend. Biography: Ferry began teaching at Brandeis in 2002, after earning her bachelor’s degree from Columbia, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. Her undergraduate courses include Anthropology of Development; Latin America in Ethnographic Perspective; Power and Violence: The Anthropology of Political Systems; Production, Consumption, and Exchange; and Anthropological Inquiry, and her graduate courses are Anthropological Approaches to Development, Critical Global Issues and the GSAS Interdisciplinary Dissertation Seminar. She also teaches numerous internship, senior thesis, and graduate readings and dissertation courses. Her research, which focuses on Mexico, U.S.-Mexican relations and silver mining, has been published in many different journals and in three books: “Not Ours Alone: Patrimony, Value and Collectivity in Contemporary Mexico,” the co-authored “Social Relations of Mexican Commodities: Power, Production and Place,” and the edited volume, “Timely Assets: The Politics of Resources and their Temporalities.” She has served as both Director of Graduate Studies and Undergraduate Advising Head in Anthropology, and also on the Committees on Faculty Rights and Responsibilities, Latin American and Latino Studies, Global Studies, University Writing, Study Abroad and the Justice Brandeis Semester. Student Comments: “After taking a number of courses with her, I have been overwhelmed by her commitment to students both inside and outside of the classroom.” “Professor Ferry’s willingness to set time aside for her students speaks far more of her as a person yet only adds to her talents as a professor. I can whole-heartedly say that she is one of the strongest faculty members at Brandeis, providing both intellectual stimulation and support to her students.” “She inspires me!”
Prof. Melissa Kosinski-Collins (BIO): Louis Dembitz Brandeis Prize for Excellence in Teaching Award: Kosinski-Collins is the 24th recipient of the prize. Biography: Kosinski-Collins earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, graduating summa cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa honors. After earning her Ph.D. in Protein Biochemistry from MIT, she received an HHMI Postdoctoral Biological Education Fellowship to continue at MIT, where she focused primarily on biological education research and the importance of concept-based teaching and learning in biology. She has also served as the Program Academic Director; Faculty Mentor; and professor of genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry for the United States Biology Olympiad, and is involved in counseling area high school biology teachers in methods incorporating college level molecular biology labs into their classrooms. Joining the Brandeis faculty in 2006, Kosinski-Collins has completely redesigned the curriculum for BIOL 18a and b, the lab courses in cell and molecular biology, and in genetics and bioinformatics, which now consist of a series of cohesive project-based interconnected experiments with real research components. She also teaches advanced undergraduate/graduate level courses in Molecular Biotechnology and Structural Molecular Biology, and a science course for non-majors which explores the molecular and psychological basis for neurodegenerative diseases. She annually supervises more than 30 graduate and undergraduate student TAs for the BIO labs, in addition to serving as a first year adviser, Undergraduate Research Advisor, and member of the Science Posse Selection Committee and the Biology Curriculum Committee. Students comments: “Proof of her deserving such an award is apparent in the rate of attendance to one of her classes; even though the class meets three days a week at 8 a.m. and she does not take attendance formally, students still choose to consistently attend because of the value of her teaching.” “Melissa is without exception the best teacher I have ever had. She not only cares about her students, but cares about her teaching. For example, she successfully campaigned for a brand new 3-dimensional classroom in the new Shapiro Science Complex–a novel teaching aid not found in New England. Melissa is not only an incredible educator, but an amazing person; she has undoubtedly touched the lives of hundreds of students she has taught here.” “Although she [was my teacher] two years ago, she is still the professor I go to normally with my everyday questions. Besides being a great person to talk to, she is also a great mentor. Dr. KC is always there for her present and past students. Anyone who has the opportunity to know her is truly blessed.”
April 16, 2010
The Brandeis Hoot
DIVERSE CITY
9
Let us form a diverse city BY ALIE TAWAH
Special to Diverse City
Let us form a diverse city, one full of different cultures, races and religions. Let our city be a place where people do not see race, only color. Where people do not judge others by what they wear but instead who they are. Maybe it would even be better if people did not judge at all. Look around you. Look at all the different kinds of people you see. Choose one person and take a guess about who they are from what you see and what you know about their race, their clothing style, their shoes. Are they religious? What is their sexual orientation? Are they rich? Stylish? Bummy? Whack? Do you think he or she works hard or are they a slacker? Why? What made you decide on the characteristics you have chosen? Do you think the way you interact with them will be affected by this? Perhaps if we lived in a diverse city, there would be less: less assumption making based on stereotypes, less judging based on outwards appearance. Less jumping to conclusions because of past surprises, more perspective. We base our assumptions on the knowl-
A note to readers Dear Readers,
edge we have acquired and experiences we have had. If someone has a bad experience with a certain group of people, even in knowing that not everyone is they same, they can still become biased. If this same person has a good experience with that same group of people, they then may begin to question their bias or simply realize that it is there. Knowing something to be true and experiencing it are different things. We can study as hard as we can to learn about different cultures, religions and races. We can read books about the different places in the world and their cultures but until we experience them we can never really know. You can never truly know your limits unless you push yourself. You can never really understand your comfort zone unless you step outside of it. Being in a diverse city does not automatically open our eyes and give us understanding, it simply increases the chances of being exposed to things that make us ask questions and form opinions. It simply enables us to know our limits and our weaknesses, it gives us a stronger, more rounded sense of self. Take a moment, take a week, take a few months. Brandeis isn’t perfect but it is a diverse city. Explore it.
Humanitarian violations in North Korea BY SARAH G. KIM Special to Diverse City
The Brandeis Hoot was founded five years ago as Brandeis’ community newspaper, inclusive of all members of the Brandeis family. In 2006, The Hoot partnered with the InterCultural Center in order to ensure diverse coverage in every issue of the paper. While in recent years this tradition has fallen by the wayside, The Hoot is proud to announce the reinstatement of that tradition. Beginning with this issue of The Hoot, one page of every issue will be devoted to “Diverse City” in order to bring a plurality of opinions to the forefront of campus conversation. Enjoy! Ariel Wittenberg Editor in Chief The Brandeis Hoot
GRAPHIC BY Ariel Wittenberg/The Hoot
What is the first thought that runs through your mind when you hear “North Korea?” Is it nuclear bombs? Or Communism? Or even their “dear leader,” Kim Jong-Il? Or maybe you were one of the few who thought about the human rights violations. At the end of World War II, the Korean peninsula was divided into Soviet and American occupied zones. Because North Korea refused to participate in the United Nations supervised election in 1948, two separate Korean governments were created for the two occupation zones. The clash of Communism and Democracy led to the Korean War in 1950. A 1953 armistice ended the fighting, however the two countries are technically still at war with each other because a peace treaty was never signed. Currently, communist North Korea is a single-party state led by the Korean Workers’ Party, of which Kim Jong-Il is the head. They claim to have an arsenal of Weapons of Mass Destruction and to
Established 2006 “Celebrating the precious human tapestry” Founders: Esther Joo, Stephen Sukumaran, and Rishun Fukazawa
possess nuclear weapons. This is the North Korea that is commonly portrayed throughout the world. However, there is another side to this dark story. Many people around the world are unaware of the human rights violations that exist in North Korea. Do you even know that they exist? Here are some basic facts about the human rights crisis from the organization Liberty in North Korea: The North Korean government forbids freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association. They even control the press and barely allow any outside information into the country. North Korea consistently ranks first among the countries with the least amount of freedom of the press. Freedom of religion, physical movement, and workers’ rights are also severely restricted. The mid-1990s famine killed over one million people in part due to the government’s neglect and mismanagement of relief efforts. During the past five years, the government has continued to let their people suffer
from severe food shortages and a near-total breakdown in the public health system. This has led to devastating malnutrition in North Korea and an entire generation of children physically and mentally impaired. Thirty-seven percent of children in North Korea have stunted grown due to malnutrition and 23 percent are underweight. There are an estimated 200,000 North Koreans who were forced into political concentration camps. They are provided no explanation or reasoning as to why they are brought to such a place. Usually, all sentences are for life, and execution and torture are a common method of punishment. Recently, satellite images revealed gas chambers in these concentration camps. Article Seven of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court defines 11 categories of acts that constitute crimes against humanity: murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation or forcible transfer of population, imprisonment, torture, rape, sexual slavery
or enforced prostitution, persecution and enforced disappearance of persons, apartheid and other inhumane acts. North Korea is guilty of committing every single one of these acts on a systematic basis with the exception of apartheid. North Korean laborers under labor contracts are forced to work under arrangements where they are denied the freedom of movement and a large portion of their salaries are deposited into government accounts. About 10,000 to 15,000 laborers are subjected to harsh conditions in jobs involving construction and logging. Estimates of 50,000 up to 400,000 refugees have fled to neighboring countries, risking torture and execution if captured. Of these refugees, 70 percent of North Korean women and children who escape into China face exploitation and sex trafficking. In North Korea, children are routinely forced into child labor, and sexual servitude within the prison camps.
A partnership between the Intercultural Center at Brandeis University and The Brandeis Hoot arts@thebrandeishoot.com | Volume V, Number I
ARTS, etc. Michael Ian Black cracks up Brandeis
10 The Brandeis Hoot
BY KAYLA DOS SANTOS Editor
Comedian Michael Ian Black’s smart and hysterical standup made an enthusiastic crowd of Brandeis students laugh so hard that they were able to forget about impending finals. Marking the beginning of Student Events’ Bronstein Week, Black’s performance started off things on the right foot. Known for his sarcastic, deadpan humor on VH1’s “I love the …” series and for his short-lived cult shows “The State” and “Stella,” Black did not disappoint the high expectations that preceded the event. Black quickly won over the audience, which he called the “chosen people” with dry commentary on the beauty (or rather lack thereof) of Waltham. He also critiqued Hoot sex columnist Sophie Reise to amusing effect. His style was cool and confident and the audience responded with uproarious laughter. Before the show, in an interview with The Hoot Black admitted that this confidence was hard-won over time. “I was scared to do standup for a long time,” he said. “[It was] something I always wanted to do and eventually I had to work up the courage to do it. It was definitely a challenge, but now I’m blasé.” Black’s career began while he was attending New York University and founded the comedy group “The State.” Black said he never thought of pursuing comedy as a vocation. “I didn’t choose it, I fell into it. When I was in college and started doing State … It had probably more to do with friendships than anything else,” he said. “I didn’t anticipate doing comedy for a living and I’m still surprised that that’s what I do even though I’m hilarious.”
April 16, 2010
Black’s performance certainly was hilarious. He tore apart several companies’ advertising campaigns, revealing them as ridiculous or inappropriate. For instance, McDonald’s ethnic outreach program describes different minorities as “My inspirasian” and “Black 365.” If a customer clicks on the African American tab s/he is directed to a picture of an African savannah with a silhouetted baobab tree that has a poem inscribed on it. The poem ends with “like the baobab, McDonald’s and I will not be moved.” Black was scathing. “Can you picture an ancient tribesman carving this poem into a baobab tree and dreaming of filet-o-fish?” he said. In the interview Black described how he comes up with his material, “You draw from personal experiences but in my case it’s total bullshit. It doesn’t have much to do with me.” However, one of his most hysterical and longest pieces seemed, at least, to come from a real-life experience. Black spoke about how every Halloween his children disappointed him with unoriginal costumes. One year, when his son went as a pirate and his daughter as a princess, a child dressed up as a cat’s tail appeared at his door. “I hugged that kid, and no, I didn’t give him candy. I wrote him a $50 check,” he said. What was surprising was the amount of physical comedy Black injected into his standup. His facial expressions and his outrageous actions complemented his smart jokes and made a scatological story even more gross and funny. Prior to the show Black said, “I think most people’s comedic sensibility is frozen when they’re about 12, it doesn’t progress much past that.” Black ended his routine as strongly as he began it. He read a poem with golden lines
PHOTO BY Andrew Rauner/The Hoot
COMEDIAN AT WORK: Michael Ian Black critiqued commercial corporations, horrible Halloween costumes and The Hoot during his standup at the kickoff of Bronstein week.
like “ball team wins/dolphins swims/separate freaky conjoined twin/I am not afraid to show emotions.” If the opportunity arises again, Black will be more than welcome back at Brandeis.
Black did not offer advice for aspiring comedians, describing the field as “one of those professions that there is nothing someone can tell you. You just have to find your way and do it.”
Novelists make the political personal
English Department hosts discussion about historical fiction BY LEAH LEFKOWITZ Editor
The Creative Writing Department hosted the first of a three part series on Tuesday, April 13, with a discussion titled “The Personal and the Political: Historical Novels and the Jewish Experience.” During the hour-and-a-half talk, novelists Anita Diamant and Jennifer Gilmore spoke to an audience of Brandeis students and community members about their most recently published novels, Diamont’s “Day After Tomorrow” and Gilmore’s “Something Red.” The event began with a brief introduction by Professor Stephen McCauley (ENG). He described the central theme of the dialogue as “why write historical fiction?” Diamant is perhaps best known for her first historical novel “The Red Tent,” which follows the biblical story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob who was attacked by a Canaanite prince. In addition, Diamant has written several guides to Jewish living along with a few other novels. Gilmore graduated from Brandeis in 1992 and now teaches at Eugene Lang College at The New School. In 2006, she published “Golden Country,” a historical novel about Jewish immigrants set between the 1920s and the 1960s. Gilmore’s novel, “Something Red,” takes place in 1979 and follows the story of a family whose members have a history of joining different radical movements—the grandfather, for example, fought for better condi-
Gilmore explained the nature of historical writing. She described all novels as somewhat historical because they capture the moment in which they were written. In her novels, she approaches history from the perspective of the characters because “inner life is timeless.” Diamant’s speech followed a similar format to Gilmore’s, as she began with a reading from her most recent novel and followed it with a discussion about how she views writing historical fiction. She said that, rather than planning to write within the genre, she “fell into historical writing.” On the topic of her most recent novel, “The Day After Tomorrow,” she described how she PHOTO BY Max Shay/The Hoot had to be very careful about how she apBOOK GROUP: Novelist Jennifer Gilmore talked about her novel “Something Red,” which takes place at Brandeis. proached the Holocaust and the founding of Istions in tenements. Gilmore read a segment rael, both of which are very sensitive topof the novel that takes place at Brandeis, ics. In order to circumvent controversy, which one of the characters attends. she, like Gilmore, wrote history from the In addition to reading from her novel, perspective of the characters.
Once the two authors finished their speeches, Professor John Plotz (ENG), led a panel discussion. Plotz asked the authors various questions about the writing process and specifically about the process of writing historical fiction. Diamant explained that she tries to be “true to a historical moment” rather than merely writing narratives of survivors. Similarly, Gilmore explained that she tried to write about how history “sits with us at all times” and therefore how it influences her characters. Diamant also spoke about her inspiration for “The Day After Tomorrow.” When she went to Israel, she visited the prison Atlit. At Atlit, Britain imprisoned illegal Jewish immigrants who came to Palestine after the defeat of the Nazis. The prisoners were dramatically rescued on October 10, 1945, an event that Diamant decided was too perfect to ignore despite its controversial nature. She admitted that her own parents’ status as Holocaust survivors made it easier to approach as she grew up around the topic. In addition to questions from Professor Plotz, the two authors answered questions from the audience. In response to a question about dealing with historical facts in their novels, Diamant explained that incorrectly using facts, even small ones, can discredit an entire book. As an author, however, one must balance accuracy with restraint, making sure not to simply regurgitate informa See HISTORICAL, p. 12
April 16, 2010
The Brandeis Hoot
ARTS, ETC.
Manginah hits right ‘Notes’ with new CD BY SEAN FABERY Editor
Four years after the release of their last album, Brandeis a cappella group Manginah has released its latest CD, “Notes in the Wall,” a collection of the group’s most popular songs from its present repertoire. The album serves as a good representation of the group’s live performances, mixing classic Israeli pop with a very modern, hip sensibility. Though a cappella albums in general risk losing some of the energy that characterizes live performances, “Notes” retains all the spirit and enthusiasm of the group’s concerts. The CD, the group’s fourth album since its creation in 1994, is the culmination of more than a year of work which they began in January 2009. “It was really exciting, because, for most of us, it was the first time going into a real professional recording studio,” Manginah’s business manager Jaclyn Frankel ’11 said. She also noted that this was the first album to feature the group’s present members. The group attended recording sessions once to twice a week at producer John Clark’s production facilities. Each of the group’s members recorded their portions separately while the others did homework together at Clark’s studio. Musical director Harrison Bannett ’11 experienced all the technical aspects of the album’s production firsthand. “I got to see the behind-the-scenes stuff and [also saw] how our recordings got turned into the final product. I learned a lot about sound engineering and general musical recording techniques that I never would have thought of had I not been involved with this,” he said. Manginah recorded approximately six songs both during the spring and fall 2009 semesters. Work on the album continued
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songs with modern sensibilities and upbeat tones. In addition to its use of Israeli pop songs, the group incorporated a song sung originally by Mika—“Happy Ending”—and infused it with what Frankel called a “Jewish twist” by using a phrase from a Hebrew text as the song’s first verse. “Notes in the Wall,” which is a reference to both musical notes and notes left in the Western Wall in Jerusalem, indeed proves to be an album that will satisfy the group’s many fans, including old devotees and new adherents. The album features a variety of the group’s most frequently performed songs. Most of the songs featured were introduced into Manginah’s repertoire in the past year, so fans of the group who have attended their various concerts will recognize most of the songs included. PHOTO COURTESY OF Jaclyn Frankel/Manginah Standouts include “Adam Tzoer MELODIOUS MANGINAH: The current members of the a cappella group spent a year recording the twelve tracks that Zichronot,” “Jerusalem” and “Yomake up their new album “Notes in the Wall.” shvim B’Beit Café,” all of which through February as the group put the fin- has grown so much over the past couple of make engaging listens. The album ends ishing touches on the CD and procured ad- years and we have a totally different sound with two favorites from the Manginah ditional financing for the release. now. We want to show it off.” catalogue, with “Latet,” which explores the For the group’s members, the album repGroup members also emphasized the col- nuances of giving, and the aforementioned resented an opportunity to solidify the new laborative nature of the album recording. “Happy Ending,” a sad pop song mourning identity it has tried to cultivate over the last “Most people don’t realize how much a life with “no hope or love or glory.” few years. thought is involved in singing the backThough the song’s subject finds no happy “We changed from a group of choral sing- ground parts. It’s not just up to the soloist ending, the song does mark a happy enders who happen to sing solos to a group of to tell a story or to get a message across in ing for an album that captures the dynamics soloists who can also perform as a group,” a song—it’s really about the whole group of one of Brandeis’ most popular a cappella Bannett said. “Overall the performance working together as a unit,” Bannett said. groups. quality has gotten better through our en“There were people here and there who Members of the group certainly have ergy level and general musical ability.” had titles, but it was really a joint effort. It good reason to be proud of the album, “Last year, we had to pick between going wouldn’t have happened without everyone’s which will officially debut at a release party on-tour and recording another CD,” Frankel efforts,” Frankel said. on the 22nd and will be followed by the said .” We decided it was more important to Along with becoming more cohesive as group’s spring concert at the Rose Art Mumake a new and fresh CD. Our reputation a group, attention was placed on including seum on the 25th.
‘M. Butterfly’ proves a riveting production BY KAYLA DOS SANTOS Editor
In their complex and thought-provoking production of “M. Butterfly,” the Brandeis Players provided their audience with an ambitious, searing drama. David Henry Hwang’s script tells the story of a French diplomat’s twenty-year love affair with a Chinese singer whom he discovers is both a man and a spy. The play’s primary preoccupation is with what happens when the East clashes with the West, as well as the conflict between men and women. It’s a play about the power struggles that exist in politics and in sexual relationships. Director Aaron Arbiter ’10 and producer Asya Bashina ’12 unflinchingly portray these topics in their production of “M. Butterfly,” bravely exploring the issues in an honest manner. The Western male characters in the play discuss Eastern women like they are merely playthings to be toyed with and thrown away. One character argues that “they want to be treated bad” and that “they don’t have to say yes.” Yet, this Western presumption of domination over the East is complicated by the fact that the French diplomat Renee Gallimard (Daniel Liebman ’12) is completely fooled and manipulated by his Eastern lover Song Liling (Dani Gurfinkel ’13). The story is mediated through the eyes of its main character, which gives the audience another layer to ponder. In his French prison cell, Gallimard tells his story to his “perfect audience,” causing reality and fiction to blur together. His memory of what happened in his past confronts the truth of
these same events, leaving the audience to be the judge. Liebman plays his character with the right amount of foolishness, cockiness and naïveté—after all, Gallimard did mistake a man for a woman for more than two decades. However, Liebman plays the French diplomat with an intensity that makes it seem that Gallimard was deceived more because he was blinded by love and his own self-absorption than because of outright stupidity. While Liebman had the challenge of making his character’s ignorance believable, Gurfinkel had to make the deception itself believable. He convincingly portrays a woman, a difficult task as the audience knows from the outset that Song is a man (the revelation is in the play’s program). Although there is clearly something off about Song—Gurfinkel plays him with an affected and controlled voice—it’s still shocking when Song sheds his kimono to reveal that he is, in fact, a man. The Brandeis Players did an outstanding job making the set. While the story takes place in the French prison, the set also proved to be effective in providing a background for Gallimard’s memories and figments of his imagination The sparse gray set, with its exposed wooden beams, illustrates a French prison and the production’s use of paper screens proves appropriate when Gallimard is recounting his time in China. However, what really transformed the stage was the lighting, which often set the tone of the scene and served the dual purpose of helping the audience differentiate between events that would sometimes oc-
PHOTO BY Max Shay/The Hoot
ENCHANTING BUTTERFLY: Daniel Gurfinkel ’13 plays Song Liling, a spy masquerading as a Chinese singer who seduces a French diplomat, Renee Gallimard, on assignment in China.
cur simultaneously on stage. For example, at one point Gallimard, bathed in light, speaks with an ambassador while Song paces in the shadowy background. Little but effective touches emphasized that the majority of the play takes place in Gallimard’s mind. One clever choice was that Gallimard never wears shoes and is barefoot throughout the entire play. Also, the movement of set pieces for different
scenes was seamlessly interwoven into the play. Silent figures in black with Eastern masks held up telephones for characters, creating a sense of unreality and foreboding. The Brandeis Players’ “M. Butterfly” succeeds on all fronts. Its set design, acting, lighting and costumes are all spectacular, but, most importantly, it proves intellectually and emotionally stimulating.
12 ARTS, ETC.
The Brandeis Hoot
April 16, 2010
From recent to renaissance: Timeless a cappella BY ADAM HUGHES Staff
A cappella music is represented by twelve separate student-run groups at Brandeis, but apparently that’s not good enough for the Department of Music. Last Saturday, the Brandeis University Chamber Choir had the sheer audacity to hone in on the a cappella racket, simply because none of the established ensembles perform sixteenth-century French music. Can you imagine the nerve of some people? Kidding aside, the Chamber Choir provided a welcome contrast to the rearranged pop songs that we all still enjoy and associate with a cappella at Brandeis. Their show, titled “A Cappella! & MORE!” featured a selection of Renaissance and modern songs from French and English composers. The singing was impeccable; the sixteen-member group is probably the most elite collection of vocal talent that the Department of Music has to offer. The material was generally strong as well, and the program contained a few rarely-heard gems of choral composition. The first half of the concert was devoted to French composers. Pierre Passereau, Orlando di Lasso and Clement Janequin may not be household names anymore, but, as music printing
began to spread in the 1500s, they were among the most influential and well-regarded musicians in Europe. The concert opened with Passereau’s “Il est bel et bon,” a delightful, peppy piece extolling the virtues of a good husband. Di Lasso, probably the most famous Renaissance composer on the program, was represented by the propulsive “Gallans qui par terre” and the short “Bon jour, mon Coeur,” which gave the basses and tenors a chance to shine on their own. The only disappointment was Janequin’s “Toutes les nuits,” a slow song that never really seemed to gel properly. The Choir wove back and forth among the centuries, alternating Renaissance pieces with more modern fare like compositions by Gabriel Fauré and Claude Debussy. Debussy’s “Quant j’ai ouy le tabourin” was one of my favorite works of the evening. Its sound was at once modern and ancient, with thickly textured vocalizations backing the soloist; the lyrics, which describe the composer’s aversion to parties, were humorously cynical. Fauré’s inclusion in the program was something of a mystery. Not only did both of his selections include instrumental accompaniment, but his emotional Romanticism contrasted strongly with the stripped-down philosophies that Debussy and the Renaissance composers shared. However, his pieces “Le Ruisseau”
and “Cantique de Jean Racine” were still very enjoyable, with beautiful piano parts played by Leslie Amper. After a short break, the concert shifted its focus to two English composers. Thomas Weelkes lived from 1576 to 1623 and was known for his vocal compositions and his organ playing. His pieces shared a common theme of pastoral sprightliness, making them a lot of fun to hear. The Choir made “Grace my lovely one, fair beauties” seem to leap from the stage with up-tempo exuberance and “On the plains,
Brandeis theater community shows it cares BY DESTINY D. AQUINO Editor
Many students attend Brandeis in the hopes of gaining an education that will allow them to make a positive impact on the world in the future, but a group of Brandeis undergraduates proved last weekend that there’s no reason students can’t start now. More than four hundred students gathered in Levin Ballroom on Saturday night to support the Brandeis arts community’s presentation of Brandeis Cares 2010. Tympanium Euphorium, Brandeis’ only musical theater troupe, raised more than one thousand dollars through their silent auction, raffle and t-shirt and ticket sales. More than one hundred students from across the Brandeis arts community hit the stage in an ensemble performance of 15 acts from beloved Broadway shows, both new and old. This is the second time that the normally competitive theater community has come together for the event. Brandeis Cares was previously coordinated in 2008 but failed to come together in 2009. Coordinators said they plan to hold the event again next year. All the money will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Broadway producers and actors founded the organization in 1988 to help their peers who had been stricken by the grow-
ing AIDS epidemic. Since its start, the group has raised more than $175 million. Donations are used to support industry professionals affected by AIDS, AIDS service organizations across the country and HIV/ AIDS research. Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS is one of the leading non-profit organizations contributing to cutting-edge research for a cure. All acts were directed, choreographed and preformed by current students. Two campus a cappella groups met on the stage for a singing battle of “Anything You Can Do,” which included some Brandeis specific jokes centered around determining which a cappella group on campus is actually the best. The audience happily joined in the singing of songs like an instrumental version of a “Lion King” medley and “La Vie Boheme” from Rent. For the finale Adagio joined female coordinators for a rendition of “Cell Block Tango” from the musical “Chicago.”
fairy trains” created a dance-like rhythm with its call-and-response vocal pattern. Edward Elgar lived from 1857 to 1934 and composed in a distinctly English late Romantic style. “As torrents in summer” and “The Shower” both featured wonderful harmonies and creative tone painting. But the best performance was the closing “Spanish Serenade,” with Amper again joining the choir for a rhythmic piano part. Based on a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the song was almost plot-like in its rising and falling, with dramatic releases
GRAPHIC BY Ariel Wittenberg/The Hoot
of tender beauty. I can’t forget to mention the reception after the concert, which had a great selection of bread, cheeses and baked goods. I’ve often ended my reviews by petitioning readers to attend future Music Department productions; perhaps the promise of food will tempt those who may be on the fence? I know I certainly wouldn’t mind if all post-concert receptions were as well-stocked! But music is, after all, food for the soul, and the Choir alone provided enough nourishment to keep me coming back for more.
Authors discuss their historical novels HISTORICAL NOVEL(from p. 10)
GRAPHIC BY Ariel Wittenberg/The Hoot
Despite minimal set and costume design, the group was still able to give the Brandeis community an impressive taste of Broadway. Taking into consideration the time commitment most students have to their academics and extracurricular activities, it is amazing that so many students were able to find the time to put on such an amazing show.
tion for the sake of showing off one’s knowledge. As an English major who has written a few, unimpressive short stories myself and as a voracious novel reader, I found the discussion very informative, especially because I have a particular soft spot for historical fiction. Hearing first-hand how the authors discovered their inspiration and how they went about the process of writing was very inspiring. Diamant and Gilmore somewhat demystified the process of writing by explaining their own thought processes. I also particularly enjoyed hearing Gilmore’s description of Brandeis in the 1970s, because I have never read a fictional account of the school. Gilmore explained her decision to specifically name Brandeis rather than keeping the university anonymous, by saying that other schools, such as Harvard, are frequently mentioned, but Brandeis seldom is. Other students with whom I spoke also found the event engaging. “It is cool to hear about historical perspective from a Jewish experience. And the authors weren’t didactic, despite being Jewish authors,” said Emma Needleman ’10. Another student, Noa Albaum ’12, said that she “appreciated how candid they were and that they talked about the process of historical fiction,
and what it means to be accurate.” All in all, I thought that the event was a great success, as it proved both interesting and illuminating. Others also seemed drawn to the event—turn-out was high, and though the event took place in the International Lounge, which is not exactly the largest room at Brandeis, the room was filled. I certainly enjoyed myself enough that I will be attending the second event organized by the Creative Arts Department, which will feature Louise Glück reading her poetry.
April 16, 2010
The Brandeis Hoot
ARTS, ETC.
3D is not for me
Let’s have a ‘Date Night’
BY SEAN FABERY Editor
The last three years have undoubtedly witnessed a boom in the number of 3D films arriving at cinemas across the country. Hollywood studios have continually restated their commitment to the technology, asserting that it is the way of the future—3D televisions will apparently be released within the next year—but all I see is a gimmick. I’ll admit that there have been numerous films that have successfully utilized the technology. Director James Cameron’s “Avatar” is just one recent example. That particular film managed to meld its state-of-the-art special effects with 3D to fully immerse its audience in the world of the film, giving viewers the sense that they were directly witnessing the action onscreen. Director Henry Selick’s “Coraline” also serves as another example of a film that has made good use of 3D. In this case, it was used to further unsettle the audience, bringing viewers closer to the film’s strange mirror world than they probably wanted to be. My final concession is that the technology employed has certainly advanced from the kind used in the past. Remember those old red-and-green 3D glasses? Those never completely succeeded in making images jump off the screen, and they also had the consequence of giving the images on the screen a bit of an unfortunate tint. That hasn’t been the case with modern 3D glasses which only darken the image slightly. Yet the majority of 3D films released have not effectively taken advantage of the technology. As much as I enjoyed a film like “Up,” for instance, none of the sequences created for the film worked any better in 3D than in 2D. Threedimensional sequences often feel very superficial as though they were added in as an afterthought so that audiences don’t feel cheated out of the extra money they have to pay for 3D screenings.
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BY SRI KUEHNLENZ Editor
GRAPHIC BY Ariel Wittenberg/The Hoot
As much as Hollywood executives keep pronouncing 3D as the future, its market so far seems pretty limited, restricted largely to children’s films and action-oriented blockbusters. While both types of films usually earn an immense amount of money, they represent a fraction of Hollywood’s cinematic output. Can you imagine a regular drama in 3D? While I would actually pay to see the sheer acting of Meryl Streep in 3D, it’s unlikely that a film like “Adaptation” or even “The Devil Wears Prada” would ever be released in 3D. The use of 3D by itself isn’t so bad—though not especially riveting, it’s not a huge annoyance. However, theaters have exponentially raised the price of attending 3D screenings in the past year. This is in response to the economics of the situation. Installing the technology necessary to make a screen 3D compatible is very costly and since distributors receive the majority of a film’s profits, theater owners have been forced to raise prices to pay for the added technology. Additionally, since most theaters only have a few designated 3D screens, 3D films cannot stay in theaters for as long as movies in 2D, which potentially hurts a studio’s profit. Price hikes have also been used to remedy this situation. While this wasn’t a problem for “Avatar,” which had 3D screens to itself for nearly three months, this has certainly influenced re-
cent price raises that occurred after a glut of films in 3D—“Alice in Wonderland,” “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Clash of the Titans”—were released all within the span of a month. To cash in on the higher prices that 3D screenings promise, some films that weren’t initially shot in 3D have been “upconverted”—a process that has elicited mixed reactions. “Clash of the Titans” is the most recent example of this. The studio added the 3D effects in postproduction and these effects have since undergone some criticism. Most theaters have retained screenings of these films in 2D, but film distributors have reportedly been increasing their pressure on theaters to cut down on their number of 2D screenings and have also in some cases suggested eliminating them altogether. Three-dimensional films have captured the attention of theatergoers before—most notably in the 1950s and 1980s. In both of these cases, however, it eventually fell out of favor and became seen as a gimmick after the initial excitement around the technology wore off. Hopefully the same will happen again—or maybe we’ll instead be reintroduced with such cinematic innovations as Smell-O-Vision. Perhaps I’m simply old-fashioned, but for now I’ll restrict my cinematic life to two dimensions.
Though Steve Carell and Tina Fey slip comfortably into the role of a mundane married couple in the new comedy “Date Night,” they never lose the comedic genius that made their past movies like “The 40-YearOld Virgin” and “Mean Girls” hits. Instead of playing the loser characters with which they’ve become associated, Carell and Fey star as Phil and Claire Foster, a regular couple— one is a tax lawyer and the other a real estate agent—living in the New Jersey suburbs. While enjoying a night out, they spontaneously claim a stranger’s dinner reservation at a restaurant in an effort to liven up their marriage. This seemingly minor action entangles them with the mafia when two thugs turn up at their table, mistaking them for the couple for whom the reservation was originally scheduled. It is Carell and Fey’s ability to have the audience take them seriously that heightens the film’s humor and makes the film a hit. For instance, one scene in which Phil and Claire must perform a burlesque dance to gain access to a seedy government official is so successful because they aren’t necessarily the bumbling idiots these actors have played in the past, but a straight-laced couple from suburbia. However, Carell and Fey do not hog the limelight the entire time. Like any good movie, the film’s supporting cast members do not function merely in the background, but contribute just as much as the two stars to the film’s charm. The film features cameos from various actors, each of whom injects the plot with a burst of energy. Ray Liotta plays a graying mob boss, somewhat of a tribute to his past role in the iconic gangster drama “Goodfellas.” James Franco, best known for his work in the “Spiderman” movies, and Mila Kunis, of “That ’70s Show” fame, appear as the actual holders of the reservation, a trashy couple making a living off of stripping and attempted blackmail. Much of the entertainment value of this scene comes from watching Franco, who prior to “Pineapple Express” took only the most serious of movie roles, first appear with gross facial scruff and wearing ragged boxers. Despite his grimy appearance, Franco recaptures the charm of his “Pineapple Express” character, again showing that even the seediest characters can have a heart of gold—well not quite, but something like it. Perhaps the most unlikely laughs came from watching Mark Wahlberg’s character, Holbrooke, a former government/black ops security specialist, who helps the naïve Fosters get themselves out of their dilemma. Even though Wahlberg and Carell are opposites in terms of comedic style, it works for the movie. Wahlberg does not attempt to rival Carell’s goofiness. Instead, he employs sarcasm and deadpan humor, allowing him to secure some of the wittiest one-liners and funniest parts of the film. The pairing of Carell and Fey, supported by notable supporting actors, is a perfect match. Though the film’s humor may seem repetitive at times, it is refreshing to see Carell and Fey temper their quirkiness and play a straight-laced but goofy couple. Though not the most outrageous film on either actor’s resume, “Date Night” is definitely a film worth catching on a date night of your own.
everyone has the time to pick up the latest books or see the latest films. Our Arts Recommends | Not editors make some recommendations that you can pick up at the nearest library. Director Phil Morrison’s “Junebug” is, in a way, the prototype of the classic fish-out-of-water story, but the film manages to be much more than that. Chicago art dealer Madeleine (Embeth Davidtz) travels to North Carolina in order to find a reclusive painter known for mixing zombies, genitals and Civil War battlefields in his paintings. More importantly, this trip brings her into contact with the family of her new husband George (Alessandro Nivola). The family initially reacts coolly to Madeleine, save for George’s sister-in-law Ashley (Amy Adams). While “Junebug” could easily submerge itself in an array of Southern stereotypes, the film chooses to instead intelligently investigate the dynamic that develops between Madeleine and her new family. Adams is easily the film’s standout, imbuing her character with a lightheartedness that has a real fragility beneath it.—Sean Fabery
Music Pick: “New Amerykah Part One”
Movie Pick: “Junebug”
Perhaps you’ve heard the controversy about Erykah Badu’s most recent video, which the singer filmed in Dallas’ Dealey Plaza. Regardless, you should not only check out her most recent album, but dig out 2008’s “New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)” if you haven’t listened to it yet. Badu works the personal and the political together seamlessly with a loose structure, an easy, yet unbelievably affecting, cadence and a willingness to be utterly open, even if not that accessible. The album closer “Honey” is a standout, a seductive soul tune with an expansive sort of chorus. Badu is without a doubt one of the most talented R&B artists around.—Danielle Gewurz
If you have a sense of the absurd and enjoy Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett novels, take a break and pick-up Jasper Fforde’s “Shades of Grey.” The novel takes place in a bizarre future where a person’s place in society is determined by the colors they perceive. Eddie Russett tries to follow the rules, but, in a world where it’s illegal to own a spoon, this proves difficult. Soon enough, he’s punished for playing a practical joke and is sent to conduct a chair census in a village in the middle of nowhere. As he tries to be a good, law-abiding citizen, he’s troubled by the strange disappearances of people in town, and his curiosity gets the best of him. Fforde writes with wit and a distinctly British humor: you’ll want to drink tea and have a scone while you read this engaging fantasy.—Kayla Dos Santos
Book Pick: “Shades of Grey” PHOTO FROM Internet Source
EDITORIALS
14 The Brandeis Hoot
Established 2005 "To acquire wisdom, one must observe." Ariel Wittenberg Editor in Chief Alex Schneider Managing Editor Destiny D. Aquino News Editor Nathan Koskella Deputy News Editor Bret Matthew Impressions Editor Chrissy Callahan Features Editor Hannah Vickers Sports Editor Jodi Elkin Layout Editor Max Shay Photography Editor Leon Markovitz Advertising Editor Vanessa Kerr Business Editor Savannah Pearlman Copy Editor Leah Lefkowitz Layout Editor Sean Fabery Arts, Etc. Editor Kayla Dos Santos Arts, Etc. Editor Senior Editors Sri Kuehnlenz, Kathleen Fischmann Alison Channon, Danielle Gewurz
April 16, 2010
Open forums, attendance not enough
T
he graduate and undergraduate open forums held this week were a mixed bag at best. The university administration made an attempt at bridging the information gap between the corridors of power and the student body—but a very small number of students showed up to walk across it. The undergraduate forum comprised only 22 students to listen
to President Reinharz, while an even more paltry number of three grad students attended. Clearly, students at Brandeis should live up to their reputation as socially active members of society. But the administration should also hold more interesting dialogues. After the Rose Art Museum debacle, the university realized at least some miscommunication and held a true pre-
sentation on Brandeis’ finances. The president’s small talks this week were simply not engaging enough to discuss a future of such magnitude as his resignation, the expanding student population or tuition costs. We hope that the university will put on similar presentations in the future, and sooner would be better. Maybe we would even attend.
FOUNDED BY
Leslie Pazan, Igor Pedan and Daniel Silverman
SUBMISSION POLICIES The Hoot welcomes letters to the editor on subjects that are of interest to the general community. Preference is given to current or former community members. The Hoot reserves the right to edit any submissions for libel, grammar, punctuation, spelling and clarity. The Hoot is under no obligation to print any of the pieces submitted. Letters in print will also appear on-line at www.thehoot.net. The deadline for submitting letters is Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. All letters must be submitted electronically at www. thehoot.net. All letters must be from a valid e-mail address and include contact information for the author. Letters of length greater than 500 words may not be accepted. The opinions, columns, cartoons and advertisements printed in The Hoot do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial board. The Hoot is a community student newspaper of Brandeis University. Produced entirely by students, The Hoot serves a readership of 6,000 with in-depth news, relevant commentary, sports and coverage of cultural events. Our mission is to give every community member a voice.
Think our editorials are wrong? Write a letter to the editor at eic@thebrandeishoot.com
Leaders must use student’s voices, be heard
T
his week’s Student Union election pleased members of this board for several reasons and could go a great deal toward future success of the currently dysfunctional organization. Each candidate for the post of president, especially, brought a unique story to the race in ways that may have been the causes of the extremely high and possibly record-breaking turnout. Fortyseven percent is not perfect, and while we would like to see much greater numbers of student go through the trouble of loading a Web page to vote, it is still encouraging. This is especially true in light of this winter’s election turnout for Judiciary and some Senate posts, where turnout was simply abysmal.
We congratulate not only Presidentelect Daniel Acheampong, but also other competitors Sahar Massachi, Associate Justice Matt Kriegsman and Racial Minorities Senator J.V. Souffrant. While each brought a unique element to the race, from Union experience, grassroots media activism or a younger candidate, all obviously inspired enthusiasm and the level of voting reflects that. We were glad to see that most positions had at least one candidate. The representative to the Alumni Association should have had more takers, as well as the Treasurer, of course. And we sincerely hope that someone is up to being for the powerful voting representative to the University Curriculum Committee, which directly approves all major or minor aca-
demic requirements and other academic changes, at the next round of elections this month. But all told, the race was clean and well run. It also showcased the success of the new instant-runoff voting system, which could be said to have helped turnout because it eliminates “wasted” votes by turning all losing votes to secondary candidates. More importantly it gives some much-needed legitimacy to the Student Union. With such a turnout, the new leaders must use the voice students gave them to speak to the administration. Students need answers on overcrowding, dining and the university’s budget—open forums are a nice first step, butwe have quite a way to go.
Hoot Classifieds First post is free thebrandeishoot.com/classifieds
April 16, 2010
Borde-nough
IMPRESSIONS
The Brandeis Hoot 15
The opportunities of nuclear arms control
ILLUSTRATION BY Ariel Wittenberg/The Hoot
BY CHRIS BORDELON Columnist
After the health care sprint, President Barack Obama needed a cakewalk. He chose the next issue on his agenda well. On April 6, the United States Department of Defense released its Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), which revised American nuclear policy. Obama signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Prague on April 7. He then returned home to host a summit meeting on nuclear terrorism and proliferation attended by more than 40 heads of state. Nuclear arms control affords American presidents wonderful political opportunities. The chips on the table in the arms control game, the weapons themselves, sometimes appear expendable. Most were bought (although, to judge by the size of our national debt, probably not paid for) long ago. Hundreds can be disarmed without creating immediate security risks. America can readily take the lead in nuclear arms control. Its arsenal, a Cold War legacy, is a brimming political kitty. Obama dug into that kitty and bought concessions from Russia. His administration adopted a more restrained American nuclear posture. He held a fine looking summit with other nuclear powers. The summit did little, but it allowed him to publicly talk tough about terrorism. Obama surely bolstered his image, but the substance of his policies is open to question. Should America pursue what Obama has called “the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons?” If so, America will not realize that goal by joining Russia at the wishing well and tossing in nuclear weapons. America's arsenal
is like a no-interest bank account on which we may draw to buy concessions. Neither America nor Russia speaks for the weapons most likely to be used. Those weapons belong to others. America's arsenal should be used to purchase concessions from them. India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea all face strategic threats that are not alleviated by either the START treaty or the NPR. Those states' leaders probably keep their fingers closer to the nuclear trigger than their American or Russian counterparts. Reducing the threat of nuclear war means bringing them to the bargaining table. Moreover, the NPR acknowledges that China is undertaking a “qualitative and quantitative modernization of its nuclear arsenal,” and that “the lack of transparency surrounding its nuclear programs...raises questions about China's future strategic intentions.” But Obama and Medvedev weren't joined in Prague by China's dictators. America's leaders settled for an easy bilateral pact with Russia—which has made no secret of its desire to reduce its arsenal—and made no effort to include China in a multilateral arrangement. Someday we may regret that. On the other hand, a world without nuclear weapons might not mean “peace and security.” Some academics and politicians think that we are living through a “democratic peace.” But there is reason to wonder whether peace among the major powers is founded not on democracy but on the folly of nuclear war. Eliminating nuclear weapons could make major wars conceivable again. If our democracy could elect the likes of George W. Bush, there is nothing inherently peaceable about democracy. Obama's no-nukes rhetoric
probably came from his Kennedy-esque speechwriters rather than his Bush-esque military advisers. START may have wasted some nuclear bargaining chips. The Washington summit may have fizzled. For the hawkish, the NPR's pledge that “the United States will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against nonnuclear weapons states that are ... in compliance with their nuclear non-proliferation obligations” may seem too meek. But what Obama has done is not tantamount to, as Sarah Palin put it, “getting out there on a playground, a bunch of kids, getting ready to fight, and one of the kids saying, 'Go ahead, punch me in the face and I'm not going to retaliate.'” He might have done better, but Palin cannot seriously maintain that Obama has immediately risked American security. Some supporters of the woman who appears to have a leg (or two) up on other Republican presidential aspirants find her lovely even when she's chewing on her foot. But Palin's wild sound bites may eventually cause her appeal as a candidate to fade. The emergence of a credible Republican candidate for 2012 would keep Obama and Congressional Democrats honest. Rather than prosecuting two wars, prostituting themselves to insurance companies with their health care legislation, and pushing offshore oil drilling and free trade arrangements with Republican zeal, Obama and his allies might have to tack a little closer to their base. If not, Obama will get a free pass in 2012 and can keep playing the Republican. Thankfully, something about Palin suggests that her appeal to voters won't last forever. She may have a couple of legs up on the competition in 2012, but neither leg is getting any younger.
Truth unto its innermost parts? I think not Brandeis is not entirely truthful in its self-representation to prospective students. BY GORDY STILLMAN Special to The Hoot
Brandeis' motto is “truth, even unto its innermost parts,” but Brandeis is not entirely truthful in its self-representation to prospective students. For instance, the web site for prospective students describes getting into Boston as a “breeze,” but fails to explain the frequency of the commuter rail and shuttle service. To a student not familiar with Massachusetts, the term Commuter Rail may seem synonymous with the L in Chicago, the Metro in DC or even the Light Rail in the Twin Cities. People from outside the area may think the Commuter Rail runs as frequently as the New York Subway, but it is nothing like it. Getting to and from Boston is a daylong activity not attractive to someone who might want to just go out to dinner or stop at Best Buy. This is complicated by the fact Brandeis only offers shuttles before 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Brandeis also misrepresents the state of student housing. When I applied and visited, everyone I spoke with, including students who were from my high school, told me nearly the same thing. They said that while housing is not guaranteed to upperclassmen, almost everyone who wants to
live on campus can do so. While that may have been the case, it could only be said because the former condition of the Charles River Apartments led students to “choose” off campus rather than live there. If people were choosing to live off campus (granted I hardly would consider Charles river to be on campus) then everyone who wanted to live on campus did so. That's quite the farce–for some students it could hardly be considered a “choice.” This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that Brandeis has committed itself to increasing enrollment over the next few years. While I do agree that this is a good thing, it’s causing a problem because buildings have been showing a need for repairs—Shapiro Hall for instance suffered major flooding in March. While these places could very well use improvements, if they ever are repaired it would likely require time during the academic year, displacing many students. Now, although I agree that Brandeis should portray itself in the best light possible, it shouldn’t be done at the expense of the truth. No school is perfect and no school should pretend to be. It seems as though the Brandeis that I attend is quite different from the Brandeis I applied to.
16 IMPRESSIONS
The Brandeis Hoot
April 16, 2010
Social Justice?
ILLUSTRATION BY Ariel Wittenberg/The Hoot
Book of Matthew
Aramark for justice? It's more true than you think BY BRET MATTHEW Editor
The next time you eat in one of Brandeis’ dining halls, be sure to buy tomatoes. Believe it or not, you may be helping farm workers in Florida live better lives with every purchase, thanks to a deal struck between Aramark and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) April 1. According to its web site, the CIW is “a community-based organization of mainly Latino, Mayan Indian and Haitian immigrants working in low-wage jobs throughout the state of Florida.” Based in the census-designated place of Immokalee in Collier County, Florida, the 4,000-member group has fought to stem the trend of falling wages in the tomato industry since its formation in 1993. Harvesters make an average of about $10,000 per year, which is hardly enough for them to live (the 2009/2010 fed-
eral poverty level for one person is $10,830). But this new deal could help alleviate the problem. On top of mandating a code of conduct for growers, it requires Aramark to pay an extra 1.5-cent premium for every pound of tomatoes picked. Harvesters who once earned 50 cents for every 32-pound bucket they filled will now earn 82 cents—a 60 percent increase that could translate into a yearly salary of about $16,000. By agreeing to these terms, Aramark will join the ranks of industry behemoths who have made concrete pledges to improve the wages and working conditions of harvesters, such as Taco Bell, Burger King, McDonald's, Subway, Whole Foods, Bon Appetit and Compass. More importantly, Aramark’s move could help convince other food service providers to make similar deals. For example, Sodexo, a corporation similar to Aramark that also pro-
Harvesters who once earned 50 cents for every 32-pound bucket they filled will now earn 82 cents—a 60 percent increase that could translate into a yearly salary of about $16,000. vides food to many colleges and universities, has yet to respond to the pressure being put on them to change their ways. Perhaps you are thinking, “This all sounds great, but what can I do to help?” Well, my young idealistic college student, there are actually several ways. First, you can eat dining hall tomatoes, especially during the winter when most of our produce will be coming from farther south. Even
better, you could become a vocal supporter of fair labor practices. Encourage the Student Union and the Administration to voice their approval of Aramark’s move. Or better yet, do so yourself. Take the time to write a letter to someone in the company’s upper echelons. I don’t know how much mail the CEO of Aramark gets from college students, but I imagine most of it isn’t very positive. A letter of approval would probably
stand out. Remember, neither Aramark nor any other food service provider came to their decision lightly. It was not the recent warm weather that softened the hearts of their CEOs and convinced them to share their enormous wealth wealth. They were pushed—hard—by the CIW, farmworkers, customers and even concerned students like us. Only the threat of a massive public backlash forced their hands. We are Aramark’s customers. Ultimately, its business success is up to us, and it ought to be interested in what we have to say, if only for the sake of its collective wallet. But we cannot expect them to remember that fact if we forget it ourselves. In its April 5 editorial, the Fort Meyers News-Press wrote that most companies submitted to CIW demands because “the public dislikes injustice in its food.” Let’s prove it.
April 16, 2010
The Brandeis Hoot
IMPRESSIONS
17
Sexcapades
Lubricating new possibilities
Patrick's health care headache BY NATHAN KOSKELLA Editor
BY SOPHIE RIESE Columnist
Lube is the great equalizer. Not all women get equally wet in every situation, and sometimes the circumstances mean that a normally wet woman is dry. But lube, that great invention, means it doesn’t matter. Lube takes good sex and makes it better, but the best part is it takes great sex and makes it amazing. It works well with condoms, without condoms, for handjobs, sex, oral, you name it. It takes away the pressure that sometimes comes with sex—can you get wet enough fast enough, and stay that way long enough? But you may run into problems introducing it sometimes. If it’s your first time sleeping with your partner, or you don’t yet know each other well, the introduction of lube could be construed as an indication that you have a lot of sexual experience, or that you have trouble getting wet, that you’re not horny, or any number of other possibilities (who knows what goes on in guys’ heads?). So the key then is to introduce it in such a way that the guy thinks it’s an awesome idea, or better yet, HIS idea. Some, like myself, might be fortunate. Until recently, I had never been the one to introduce lube into the bedroom. My boyfriend
of about 8 months suggested it one night after a particularly long and rowdy fight about the fact that it was no longer easy for me to get wet after a long night of drinking. It changed our sex life. After a week, we’d moved it to part of our normal kit, for use every night. Later, during my sophomore year, a grad student I was hooking up with asked if I had ever used lube. The one he wanted to use was tingly, and definitely fun. In a relationship, it’s always easier to introduce new pieces to the sex puzzle. Do we want to use toys, lube, tie each other up, stop using condoms? These are discussions that over time become easier, because sexually, and emotionally, you are (hopefully) comfortable with the person you’re dating. However, introducing additions to a hook up can be a little trickier. If it’s the first time, you may not know a lot about the person, or their past, and may not know how to approach the question, or how they will respond. If it’s a constant, but casual, hookup, you may only be able to introduce extras within the bounds of your own room, because if you’re also hooking up with either people, you can’t keep your bottle of lube at his house. Also, some hookups are freer than others. Sometimes a hookup is an outlet to experiment more,
but sometimes it’s just the opposite. It’s just plain old sex. Knowing how to introduce lube also depends on who you are. Obviously, I’m fairly comfortable discussing sex, and so you would think it wouldn’t be hard for me to bring up my wants and needs, or the idea of adding lube to the repertoire, but it’s certainly not easy. Talking about sex in the abstract is one thing, talking about the here-and-now is quite another. Only do what you feel comfortable with, and what you think will be received well by your partner (although I doubt the intelligence of hooking up with someone who won’t want to use lube). Maybe start by including a few of those little packets Student Sexuality Information Services puts in your mailbox along with the condoms. That way, they’re there, but not necessarily overt. Or if you’re hooking up at your place, you could say something like, “You know, I just got some new lube I’d love to try out.” Lube can be used to make any sexual act better. SSIS is well stocked with a variety of lubes for different uses, and different needs, but whatever you’re looking for, they’ve probably got it. However you manage to introduce lube, good for you. If you’ve never experienced the joys, you should definitely get on it.
President Obama’s health care reform is the law of the land. Yet in Massachusetts, birthplace of yet another national reform, the showdown between insurers and the insured is just beginning. Last month after the national Blue Cross Blue Shield group arguably reinvigorated Washington into passing health reform because of outrageous rate hikes, the commonwealth’s insurers, including the local Blue Cross, Harvard Pilgrim and Neighborhood Health, submitted for state review hikes as high as 32 percent. Governor Patrick’s health regulator refused to sign off on them, prompting a lawsuit from insurance companies that was expected and even understandable. But the companies responded by refusing to write new policies. New customers falling in certain ranges of need could not apply for coverage. The insurers’ shame lies in that not only are Bay Staters required to have coverage under the state’s landmark mandate, but also in that insurance is there for a reason—it saves lives. The companies who raised rates to stay afloat should have more concern for writing policies than the rest of us. Is that not why we put up with them? In buying insurance at all, we buy from the only business model that actively aims for the consumer’s lack and loss—except for gambling, of course. But only when Speaker DeLeo proposes betting human lives at the racetracks will insurers lose their dishonorable distinction. This week Judge Stephen E.
Neel rejected the plea to uphold the price increases and sent the case back to the executive review process. In addition, using a powerful tool in the Massachusetts system that unfortunately has not yet gotten to the federal level, the administration ordered the companies to return to granting coverage or face heavy fines. The irony of a public advocate admonishing the wealthy to work, to do their jobs, is the only satisfaction downtrodden citizens got from this disgraceful attempt.
This month, even with its consequences, is a mere preview of November. While Patrick and his advisers may regret getting more of a headache than they bargained for in an election year, the citizens of Massachusetts should hope the governor continues to succeed. Patrick’s track record on health care is possibly his most winning attribute—and voters should not forget it when he asks reelection and their firm support against Charlie Baker, a former CEO at, yes, Harvard Pilgrim. This month, even with its consequences, is a mere preview of November. Massachusetts must choose between lifting society’s bottom rungs or Big Blue’s bottom line.
14 The Brandeis Hoot
SPORTS
April 16, 2010
Baseball continues to struggle, goes winless this week
THREE STRIKES: Brandeis short-stop Sean O’Hare ‘10 (No. 11, left) nearly catches a Tufts baserunner during a home game, last season.
BY KARA KARTER Staff
It proved a forgettable week for the Brandeis baseball team. Of six scheduled games, only four were played. And, despite the continued offensive prowess of Judges leftfielder Chris Ferro ’13, the Judges lost all four matches. They have suffered defeats in seven straight games and now sit at 8-18 on the year. On April 9, the Judges were slated to host Western New England College in a game originally scheduled for April 2. With Waltham collecting .74 inches of rain on the day, the game was canceled yet again. An April 14 matchup against Suffolk (postponed from March 31) suffered the same fate. Due to class conflicts, neither contest will be made up. Brandeis did take the field on Sunday for a doubleheader against Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Engineers (18-6). Brandeis scored first in the opener, plating an unearned run in the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, WPI evened
the score. Though Drew Brzozowski ’10 struck out the side, he allowed two hits in the frame, including an RBI double down the right field line by WPI senior Mike Swanton. The Engineers – playing small ball – took the lead in the second. After leadoff man Mark Dignum ’10 was hit by a pitch, a wild pitch and pair of groundouts brought him home. Brandeis tied the game in the top of the third. Back-to-back-toback singles by James Likis ’10, Jon Chu ’12 and Ferro resulted in a run. However, the Engineers immediately responded, scoring three runs in the bottom of the inning, two on a home run from sophomore rightfielder Mitch McClune. The towering shot to center was McClune’s first home run of the season. The hosts scored four more in the fourth, sandwiching five hits around a pair of outs as they jumped ahead to a 9-2 lead. The teams traded runs in the following frame, and the scoring ended there. At the end of the day, WPI
would leave with a 10-3 victory. No Judges player amassed more than one hit in the opener, while 5 WPI players tallied at least two Overall, the Engineers outhit the Judges by a 15-6 margin. The nightcap told a similar story. After a one-two-three top of the first, WPI scored six in the home half of the inning. The six hits allowed by Brandeis starter Mike Swerdloff ’13 included four singles, a double and a bases-clearing triple by Cody McGregor ’10. WPI threatened again in the third before mounting another rally in the fourth. Rather than rely on the long ball, the Engineers used six singles to score four runs. The 10-0 lead proved more than enough, as WPI starter Alex Julian held the Judges to two hits over five innings. Brandeis scored its only run of the game on a Joe Galli ’12 single in the team’s last at-bat. Every WPI starter collected at least one hit in a contest the Judges lost 10-1. Brandeis totaled only five hits – two belonging to junior Eric Rosenberg – to the Engineers’ 18. The Judges remained in
Worcester for a Tuesday matchup against the Worcester State Lancers (17-5-1). The Lancers would plate the game’s first runs in the bottom of the second by way of a sacrifice fly and a single. The Judges took one back in the fourth on a one-out homer by Ferro. It was Ferro’s team-leading fourth home run of the season and the first of many long balls on a day that saw five shots leave the yard. The positive feeling was quickly erased, as Worcester State scored seven runs on six hits and batted around in the bottom of the inning. Most of the damage came as a result of a pair of three-run shots from a pair of juniors. After Corey McDonald took starter Dylan Britton ’13 deep, Paul Rodriguez did the same to reliever Nick Pollack ’10. The Lancers added three more in the seventh. Despite a late charge which saw homers from Tony Deshler ’11 and Rosenberg, the 12-1 deficit was too large to overcome, as Brandeis fell 12-4. On Thursday, Brandeis hoped to cook up a win against Johnson and Wales University (11-22 and winners of six straight) in Provi-
PHOTOS BY Max Shay/The Hoot
dence. Instead, they dropped drop another decision, suffering a walk-off loss at the hands of the Wildcats. Though the Judges again plated the first run, they, just as rapidly, lost the lead. In the bottom of the first, Johnson and Wales jumped ahead 2-1 on an RBI single and groundout. The Judges tied the score at 2, and, despite falling behind 7-2, clawed their way to a comeback. In the top of the eighth, Brandeis again evened the score. Sophomore Sean O’Hare played the role of hero for a day, belting a grand slam which evened the score at seven-all. Still, it was not enough. JWU’s Teddy Katz ’11 capped a 4-for-5 performance with a solo shot in the bottom of the ninth that sent the Wildcats to an 8-7 victory. Deshler had another productive game for Brandeis, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Chu also had a 3-for-5 afternoon, scoring one run and driving in two. The Judges return to action at home on Saturday in hopes of snapping their losing streak. They will tangle twice with Babson College (18-10). First pitch is slated to be thrown at noon.
April 16, 2010
The Brandeis Hoot
PHOTO: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BY HANNAH VICKERS Editor
The Brandeis softball team improved to 20-5-1 after winning five of their six games this week. The only loss, which came at Bowdoin on Sunday afternoon, snapped the Judges seven game winning streak and gave them their first loss in 12 games. Brandeis has moved up in the rankings, now No. 20 in country in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III poll. The women started off the week at home last Saturday with a doubleheader against the Clark University Cougars. The starting pitchers, Emily Vaillette and Caroline Miller ’12, gave the Judges incredible performances. Both threw seven shutout innings and recorded 10 strikeouts. With the help of their offense, Brandeis swept the Cougars 7-2 and 4-0. Brandeis got on the board early in the first game thanks to a solo homerun from second baseman Melisa Cager ’11 in the bottom of the first. Shortstop Chelsea Korp ’10 hit the eventual game winner in the bottom of the second when she sent the ball deep to the left for a two run homer. Korp, who hit .500 on the week with four RBIs and five runs scored, has been named one of the University Athletic Association Athletes of the Week. The rest of the Judges’ runs came in the bottom of the fifth when
SPORTS
PHOTOS BY Max Shay/The Hoot
Softball takes five of six they recorded four runs and three hits on two errors by the Cougars. Cager reached base on a single but moved to third on a fielding error. She scored on the next play thanks to a throwing error by the Cougars third baseman. With two on base due to errors, catcher Erin Ross ’10 hit a three-run homer to deep center to finish out the scoring for the Judges. Vaillette was pulled in the top of the seventh and the game was handed over to rookie reliever Keliann Kirby ’13. A single to start the inning put one on base for Cougars’ Maureen Coakley who hit her first homer of the season on the first pitch from Kirby. Vaillette was brought back in to finish out the game. With the win she improved to 8-3 on the season. Miller silenced the Cougars in the second game of the day, allowing six hits and just a single walk over a full seven innings. The Judges opened up the scoring in the bottom of the third. Korp doubled to right followed by a single to center by Cagar. Marianne Specker ’12 also singled to center to bring Korp home. Cager and Specker advanced to third and second, respectively, on an error in the outfield. Right fielder Brittany Grimm ’12 drove in Cager on a ground out to make it a 2-0 ballgame. Brandeis added on another two runs and three hits in their next plate appearance. Center fielder Lauren Porcaro ’12 hit one out for her fourth homerun of the sea-
son. Specker grabbed her second RBI of the game off a double to center that scored Korp. The Judges traveled to Maine on Sunday to face off against the Bowdoin College Polar Bears in a doubleheader. Vaillette earned her second win in two days in the first contest but struggled a bit more for this one. Bowdoin got on the board in the bottom of the third, scoring three runs off four hits. Brandeis got one run off one hit in the next frame when Grimm singled and eventually scored on an error by the center fielder. They added another run in the top of the fifth, this time without getting a hit. Third baseman Danielle Lavallee ’11 walked to start things off. Rookie Casey Ducinski took her place at first to pinch run and did her job well, advancing to second on an error by the Polar Bears third baseman, stealing third, and eventually getting home on an error by the center fielder. With the game sitting at 3-2 in favor of the hosts, Brandeis took the lead in the top of the sixth. Porcaro singled and advanced to second on a passed ball. Right fielder Carly Schmand ’11 singled and thanks to another error for the center fielder, Porcaro scored to tie the game. Korp came to the plate and lay down a bunt single to move Schmand to third before stealing second herself. Cagar came to the plate and had a two RBI single to give the Judges their first lead of the game.
19
The Judges added their final run of the day in the next inning when a groundout by Ross scored Grimm to take the game 6-3. Vaillette finished up the day with three earned runs, four walks and six strikeouts, having settled into a good rhythm after one rough inning. The Judges had three errors while their hosts had five. The second game of the day was much quieter. The two teams combined for just nine hits, all singles, compared to the 13 in the first game. There were also only two errors, both by Brandeis. Again, the runs for the Polar Bears came in the third. A walk and two hits resulted in two runs for Bowdoin. Brandeis managed five hits in the game but was unable to come back as they had in the first game and fell 2-0. The Judges got back on track Wednesday afternoon when they swept a doubleheader at home against the Wheaton College Lyons. As with Bowdoin, the Lyons jumped out to an early lead against Vaillette, scoring their one and only run in the top of the first. The lead did not last for long, though. In the bottom of the second Brandeis batted around, sending 12 to the plate and scoring seven runs on six hits. The bases were loaded with no one out after a double by Ross, an error by the Lyons and a bunt single by Schmand. The Wheaton shortstop dropped a pop up on the next play and despite the infield-fly rule being in effect, pinch-runner
Ducinsky scored from third. A poor throw by the Lyons allowed Lavallee to score from second. The damage continued from there as Brandeis solidified a six run lead over the visitors. They tacked on another two runs off three hits in the bottom of the sixth to finish things up with a 9-1 win. Rookie catcher Stacy Berg opened up the second game with a monster three-run homer to center to give the Judges an early lead. The Lyons got on the board in the next frame, scoring two of their own to make it a one run game. Berg nailed another homerun in the second, this time a two-run shot, that was the eventual game winner. The Lyons were able to add on another two runs in the top of the fourth but were silent from that point on. The Judges had four runs on four hits in the fifth to blow things open, taking a 9-4 lead. Cager added a two-run homer of her own in the sixth to close out the scoring for the game. Miller got the win in the second game and the save went to Allie Mussen ’10. The Judges will face Framingham State today at 3:30 and 5:30 on the road. Saturday they will travel to Connecticut to play Wesleyan. Brandeis will play again at home Thursday April 22 against Eastern Connecticut State at 4 and 6 p.m.
Golf opens up spring season with good performance BY HANNAH VICKERS Editor
The men’s golf team hit the links this past weekend in their first tournament of the spring season, the UMass-Dartmouth Hampton Inn Invitational at Allendale Country Club. In their first competition in over five months, the Brandeis team came out strong, tying for sixth place out of 18 teams with Nichols College. Both schools
had scores of 338-321-659, falling only five strokes behind the hosting UMass-Dartmouth. The top performance for the Judges came from Charles Sacks ’11, who finished tied with four other players for 17th place overall with a score of 86-76-162 (+18). By dropping 10 strokes fro his score from the first to second day, Sacks moved up 21 spots in the rankings. His 76 was the fifth-
lowest of the day. The University Athletic Association has named Sacks the Athlete of the Week for golf. Aaron Cusato ’12 and captain Lee Bloom ’10 came in two strokes behind Sacks at +20 in a tie for the 25th spot. Bloom shot 83-81-164, shaving two strokes off his score from day one to two while Cusato added four shots on, going 80-84-164. His 80 on
the first round had put him in a tie for 11th place. Scott Beaulac ened up tied for 38th place with a score of 89-80-169, going +25. Classmate Kyle Mangan shot a +40 over the two days, going 95-89-184, to land in 82nd place. The Judges were in action Thursday at the Western New England Tournament, however results were not available at press time.
20 The Brandeis Hoot
HOOT HOOPS
April 16ac+, 2010
MATCHUP:
Faculty and staff take down students By Jon Ostrowsky, Staff
Thursday’s Hoops for Haiti game was one for the ages. With Prof. Jacob Cohen (AMST) coaching the faculty and staff team to a 37 to 31 victory over the students, it was red shirts versus blue shirts as the stars of the Brandeis community displayed their talent, in all of its forms. The vocal leader of the faculty and staff team, Dean of Student Life Jamele Adams, made himself the star of the game early in the first half. Adams faked an injury as he fell down on the court, requiring Cohen to help him off the court. For much of the game, until the middle of the second half, Adams participated by playfully taunting Terrell Hollins and other students over his portable microphone. Yet as entertaining as Adams and other players on both teams were throughout the evening, this game was about far more than just basketball. The event, organized by Nate Rosenblum ’10 and Michelle Stoisits ’11 was part of The Brandeis Haiti Relief Effort’s (BHRE) semester long project to raise money for victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake that struck Haiti. “We’ve been overwhelmed by all the support from the Brandeis community,” Stoistis said. All proceeds from Hoops for Haiti and other BHRE events are being donated to Partners in Health, Hope for Haiti and Empowering Through Education (ETE) camp, a camp that Shaina Gilbert ’10 began last summer for children in Haiti. Rosenblum reminded the audience that although their support for the people of Haiti was great, “There’s still a lot of work to be done.” It was more than just the players who contributed to last night’s game. University President Jehuda Reinharz shot the ceremonial first basket and later drew raffle ticket winners during the first half. Senior Vice President of Communications and External Affairs Andrew Gully also drew raffle tickets later in the evening. During
the raffle, participants won Red Sox tickets and Hoops for Haiti T-shirts and gift certificates to restaurants. Adagio, Brandeis’ student run dance group, and the Brandeis cheerleading team also performed at halftime. After the halftime festivities, there was still plenty of basketball to be played. The faculty and staff team went into the half with a 13 to 9 lead and the students, despite intensity from Student Union President Andy Hogan ’11 and President-elect Daniel Acheampong ’11, couldn’t recover. Former President Jason Gray also tried to stop the star of the faculty and staff team, Eric McKoy. Other key players on the faculty team included Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer, Director of Community Service Lucas Malo, Senior Academic Advisor P.J. Dickson, Director of Athletics Sheryl Sousa and Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Jean Eddy. Theresa Sheehan ’11 was a crowd favorite for the students with several students in the first row wearing signs with her name on them. Shirel Guez ’12 also contributed to the action on the court. Adams continued to heckle the students throughout the game, but at points it appeared to bother Hollins as he missed some jump shots, mostly likely due to his deliberately moderate, rather than usual game like intensity. Hogan never seemed to be distracted. Instead, he was focused on grabbing as many steals as he could and scrambling for rebounds. Gilbert was the announcer and she tried to respond to Adams comments, but at times his humor was just too much. His play though, was not at the same level. McKoy, an assistant coach of the men’s basketball team, appeared calm and focused throughout, focusing on the basketball rather than the jokes.
In the end, it was a unique display of athleticism, humor and community service. Proceeds from Hoops for Haiti will help contribute to BHRE’s goal of raising $25,000. The final event of the semester, A Night for Haiti, a charity benefit and silent auction, will take place on Saturday May 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Levin Ballroom. The semiformal reception will include trustees, alumni, faculty, staff and students. Invitations will be sent out durring the next few days and tickets can be purchased at the Brandeis Ticket Office. Student tickets are $10 in advance and tickets for all adults are $25. All those who participated in Thursday’s game enjoyed the action. Maybe the students will hope for some revenge on the court next year. Either way, last night’s game was a success–for the players, the community and Haiti. As Sawyer said in an e-mail sent to students on Wednesday, regardless of his prediction that his team would win, “we will look to acknowledge the real winners–the students who have organized this great event.” Job well done. PHOTOS BY LIEN PHUNG/THE HOOT (From left to right, top to bottom) OPENING SHOT: Univ. President Jehuda Reinharz begins the festivities with a ceremonial first shot. STAFF VS. STUDENT: Dean of Student Life Jamele Adams squares off against former Union President Andy Hogan ‘11. SPIRIT: Mascot Ollie the owl cheers for students, staff and faculty during the game. TURNOVER: Former Union President Jason Gray ’10 runs up the court after losing control of the ball.