(02/08/05 5:00am)
Information Technology Services announced a pilot project late last week that would broadcast television over the University network. The pilot is set to start live streaming next Monday with Comedy Central and WFXT, the local Fox affiliate, as test channels before more become available.As with most television hook-ups, Brandeis is wired with coaxial cable that brings about 70 channels into student dorm rooms and other campus locations. John Turner, an ITS manager, described the project as no longer "delivering via the traditional coaxial method." He said the new system is called IPTV, which will stream video data over the network.Brandeis is developing the new service with Libertyville, Ill.-based Video Furnace, a company that provides Internet protocol video systems to high-speed private networks like Brandeis'. The company counts among its clients Northwestern University, where its technology was first installed in 2003.According to ITS Director Anna Tomecka, the current coaxial system is not flexible enough to meet the growing technological needs of the University. Live streaming would allow for changing the channel lineup according to students' preferences, incorporating on-campus programming and aiding the faculty and administration in reaching students via the Internet.Students will be able to log on to the ITS site with their UNet user names, and a television screen will pop up with channels and their relative schedules, Tomecka said. When users click the desired channel, a TV button expands the window and users can adjust the size of the viewing area."Part of the attraction of this new system is the flexibility of delivering internal content, which would give us an additional tool that we haven't really had so far to help faculty in teaching and learning and scholarship initiatives," Tomecka said.Turner said that this switch will take time, but if the pilot program runs well this semester, students may be watching all channels through live streaming as soon as next fall. He also it is not yet certain how much longer the coaxial cable system will be in place because all students would need to watch television on an Internet browser with the proper plug-ins installed.According to Chief Information Officer Perry Hanson, students wishing to continue using their regular televisions have two options: They can attach their television to their computer using a video-out card, or they will be able to borrow, rent or buy from ITS a special black box that connects directly into an Internet port, feeding into the TV without a computer.With live streaming, Hanson said it might be possible for a professor to allow students to view a movie through the streaming service, as opposed to going to the library. Hanson said that copyright issues surrounding this feature are still being worked out."One of the things we're committed to doing is keeping the language channels...and to expand the number of language channels that we offer because ultimately, we are a university and our primary goal is teaching," Turner said.According to Turner, BTV65 has been planning to purchase equipment to broadcast live news for some time. ITS was able to obtain a pilot from Video Furnace for the station's use and prevented BTV from buying equipment incompatible with the new system.Jason Heyman, a first-year student at Northwestern, said that while it is nice to be able to watch TV and use the computer at the same time, he misses the ability to use a remote."Sometimes, when a lot of people are on the network, the video can slow down and become choppy," he said.Hanson said that he thinks the Brandeis network is configured for the video streaming service and will not experience much degradation."Since we have a great high speed Ethernet network on campus already-we run our telephone system over that-it would be pretty reliable," Turner said. "We looked at putting the video signal over there as well."An ITS press release last Thursday stated that though the change would ultimately lower costs, its cost to the University is undetermined. There have already been two small-scale trials of the new equipment: Tsunami relief efforts and home basketball games have been shown on the plasma television in the Shapiro Campus Center."I just hope that students are going to work with us to make this happen and appreciate the fact that we are kind of cutting edge here, if not a bleeding edge, of technology," Tomecka said.
(01/25/05 5:00am)
To the Editor:I just read the article on possibly changing the USEM requirement for freshman at Brandeis University (Jan. 18, 2005 issue: "Professor recommends overhaul of USEM requirement") As someone who graduated only 3 years ago, I would like the faculty and administration to know that the USEM was what drew me to Brandeis and it is the most positive aspect of Brandeis that I remember. Professor Mandell's USEM, I Spy: the Ritual of Spectatorship and Violence, was a class that taught me how to analyze, taught me how to write, and made deeper forms of thought more accessible. It also helped edge me into college, preparing me for what a college course entails, while challenging me and guarding me within a group of other freshman. Please do not get rid of the best program that Brandeis has going for it. When I speak to friends about their freshman experiences at college, they had no introductory courses at an intellectual level equivalent to Brandeis's USEM. -Rachel Kessous '02 New York City
(01/25/05 5:00am)
The men and women's indoor track teams competed at the Reggie Poyau '04 Memorial Invitational on Saturday in front of their own crowd for the first time all season, and it was a sweet homecoming for the Judges.The women captured first place out of seven schools, edging out New York University by one point. The men captured first place in three events.While the Judges have struggled because of injuries, the women finally found success with a healthier roster."There were more runners running," co-captain Remy Coyle '07 said. "We're getting a lot healthier and everyone had strong performances. Last meet everyone was sick from break."Jane Farrell '06 led the Judges with outstanding performances in two individual events, in addition to anchoring a winning relay team. Farrell tied her own school record in the pole vault with a height of 10 feet six inches. She went on to win the 200-meter run with a time of just 26.94 seconds, followed closely in second place by teammate Olivia Alford '08 who finished in 27.06 seconds."The women's team came along well," Coach Mark Reytblat said. "They got together and did really well, especially [Farrell]. We still have a few people injured, and if we have them we'll be much better if we go into the UAA in a month."Farrell and Alford, along with Chen Yahav '06 and first-year Adie Sprague succeeded in winning the 1,600-meter relay in 4:09.31, 15 seconds ahead of NYU. The Brandeis women's 3,200-meter relay team of Camille Stevens-Rumann'07, Megan Bisceglia '07, Alyssa Ross '07 and Mary Schillinger '08 won first place. NYU did not enter a team in that event, allowing the Judges to outscore the Violets 145.5 to 144.5 for the first place title.Stevens-Rumann also finished first in the mile run with a time of 5:30.87 and Bisceglia won the 1,000-meter run with a time of 3:10.75. Sarah Romain '06 won the 3,000-meter run with a time of 11:17.16.The men suffered from multiple injuries and had only a few teammates well enough to compete. They still succeeded in placing first in three events, putting them in fifth place for the meet."We have a sensational sprinter [David Weinstein '08]," Reytblat said. "But he had a bone bruise and was out for the whole indoor season. We hope to have him back for the outdoor season. He would've been one of the best in New England had he raced."Ryan Parker '06 won the 800-meter run with a time of 1:56.21. This was his first event back at Brandeis after spending last semester at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.The Judges' other individual win came from Aaron Skolnik '05 in the men's 3,000-meter run with a time of 9:07.29. Skolnik was part of the men's victorious 3,200-meter relay team with Dan Suher '08, Geff Fauchet '08 and Joel Sunshine '07. Their time was 8:23.11, 5.77 seconds ahead of second-place Colby College."The men have a lot of people injured," Reytblat said. "Some of them were back last Saturday, but hopefully we'll have a full squad in another two weeks."The next meet for the women is the three-day Terrier Classic at Boston University starting on Friday.
(01/18/05 5:00am)
Sure, you're excited for the season premieres of hot shows like 24 and Alias, but January marks the debut of the networks' new, mid-season series. Here are some contenders hoping to become the next big hit. ABC 'Supernanny' (Monday at 10 p.m.): A reality import from the U.K., Supernanny takes viewers into another extreme location-the average household. The show stars Jo Frost, nanny-extraordinaire capable of taming any wild two-year-old and teaching indulging parents the art of tough-love discipline. Frost first spends a few days observing the families with out-of-control kids. She then gets down and dirty, instructing the parents and children how to make their household more functional. The big test comes at the end, when the parents must put Frost's advice into practice after she leaves. While Supernanny may be a hit among British families, it remains to be seen if American households can stomach another reality series. BRAVO'Queer Eye for the Straight Girl' (Wednesday at 10 p.m.): The creators of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, attempting to expand their popular franchise, bring in reinforcements for the female in fashion distress. Queer Eye for the Straight Girl invites you to meet the "Gal Pals" (three men and one woman), who prepare their lady charge for her special date, family reunion, etc. The team tries to teach their girl that being beautiful is both external and internal process. For the new show to be successful however, the quirky, quality Queer charm of the old series must be infused into the new, feminine version. CBS'Numb3rs' (Friday at 10 p.m.): Adding another cop tale to a schedule already heavy on police dramas, CBS rolls out Numb3rs, starring Rob Morrow (Northern Exposure) and David Krumholtz (Ray). To help capture a serial rapist-turned-assassin, FBI Special Agent Don Eppes (Morrow) teams up with his genius brother Charlie (Krumholtz), who uses a mathematical formula to determine the slayer's location by working backwards from the crime scene locations. With such a math-minded premise, CBS should just hope that the show will be a hit with viewers who aren't as big fans of numbers.ESPN'Tilt' (Thursday at 9 p.m.): The sports network's second-ever scripted series, Tilt takes viewers into the inner-workings of the Las Vegas gambling scene, from the showy floor tables to the seedy back rooms reserved for the most daring high-rollers. In the series, which premieres a month before the World Poker Championships, a trio of professional gamblers team up to unseat the current ace of the cards, Don "The Matador" Everest (Michael Madsen, Kill Bill). This mission leads the three friends-Eddie (Eddie Cibrian, Third Watch, Miami (Kristin Lehman, The Chronicles of Riddick) and Clark (Todd Williams)-into the depths of deception, lies and cheating in Sin City. For fans who can't get enough of the World Poker Tour, ESPN's latest series is definitely worth checking out. FOX'American Dad' (Premiering after the Super Bowl): From the creator of Family Guy, American Dad applies a similar sense of crass humor and bizarre plotlines to the world of American politics and policy. C.I.A. agent Stan Smith is not only an overzealous protector of American security, but also of his family, hanging a terroralert color-code on his fridge and putting his daughter through a metal detector every time she steps through the door. The Smith family also includes Roger, a wise-cracking space alien whom Stan retrieved from Area 51, and Roger, a German-speaking fish who has an obsession with Stan's party-hearty wife, Francine. With colorful characters taking on the same national security we often love to satirize, American Dad could be the next big American hit. HBO'Unscripted' (Sunday at 10 p.m.): Steven Soderbergh's and George Clooney's production company, Section Eight, unveils Unscripted-HBO's newest comedy/reality venture that documents the life of the struggling Hollywood actor. Like HBO's popular improvisational show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Unscripted follows a similar format in that there are no written lines and episodes are based off occurrences from the actors' actual lives. Starring Krista Allen, Bryan Greenberg and Jennifer Hall as themselves, the show tells stories of the countless auditions, greedy agents and the persistent hope it takes to make it in the entertainment business. The premise is original and the improvisational aspect challenging, yet it remains to see if audiences will give Unscripted its big break. NBC'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search' (Wednesday at 8 p.m.): In this six-episode series, 12 drop-dead gorgeous women live together in Malibu, California while competing for a year-long modeling contract and the biggest prize: a coveted spread in Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue. Competitions include exercise contests and photo-shoot sessions under uncomfortable conditions. Of this season's new reality programs, this show has the most intriguing premise...and the best bodies. UPN'The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott' (Wednesday at 8 p.m.): Rather than indulging contestants in luxury lifestyles, rap superstar Missy Elliott gives her wannabe celebrities a taste of the working world of entertainment. The artists live on a ratty tour bus while perfecting their own original melodies and lyrics. Think of it as an American Idol clone with a lot more edge.
(01/18/05 5:00am)
To the Editor:I just read the article on possibly changing the USEM requirement for freshman at Brandeis University (Jan. 18, 2005 issue: "Professor recommends overhaul of USEM requirement") As someone who graduated only 3 years ago, I would like the faculty and administration to know that the USEM was what drew me to Brandeis and it is the most positive aspect of Brandeis that I remember. Professor Mandell's USEM, I Spy: the Ritual of Spectatorship and Violence, was a class that taught me how to analyze, taught me how to write, and made deeper forms of thought more accessible. It also helped edge me into college, preparing me for what a college course entails, while challenging me and guarding me within a group of other freshman. Please do not get rid of the best program that Brandeis has going for it. When I speak to friends about their freshman experiences at college, they had no introductory courses at an intellectual level equivalent to Brandeis's USEM. -Rachel Kessous '02 New York City
(01/18/05 5:00am)
Please send this on to whomever it concerns:I just read the article on possibly changing the USEM requirement for freshman at Brandeis University. As someone who graduated only 3 years ago, I would like the faculty and administration to know that the USEM was what drew me to Brandeis and it is the most positive aspect of Brandeis that I remember. It was a class that taught me how to analyze, taught me how to write, and made deeper forms of thought more accessible. It also helped edge me into college, preparing me for what a college course entails, while challenging me and guarding me within a group of other freshman. Please do not get rid of the best program that Brandeis has going for it. When I speak to friends about their freshman experiences at college, they had nothing on the intellectual level (that was an introductory course) as Brandeis's USEM. I appreciate you sending this on.Sincerely,Rachel KessousUSEM "I Spy: the Ritual of Spectatorship and Violence" by Professor Mandell
(01/18/05 5:00am)
Please send this on to whomever it concerns:I just read the article on possibly changing the USEM requirement for freshman at Brandeis University. As someone who graduated only 3 years ago, I would like the faculty and administration to know that the USEM was what drew me to Brandeis and it is the most positive aspect of Brandeis that I remember. It was a class that taught me how to analyze, taught me how to write, and made deeper forms of thought more accessible. It also helped edge me into college, preparing me for what a college course entails, while challenging me and guarding me within a group of other freshman. Please do not get rid of the best program that Brandeis has going for it. When I speak to friends about their freshman experiences at college, they had nothing on the intellectual level (that was an introductory course) as Brandeis's USEM. I appreciate you sending this on.Sincerely,Rachel KessousUSEM "I Spy: the Ritual of Spectatorship and Violence" by Professor Mandell
(01/18/05 5:00am)
Please send this on to whomever it concerns:I just read the article on possibly changing the USEM requirement for freshman at Brandeis University. As someone who graduated only 3 years ago, I would like the faculty and administration to know that the USEM was what drew me to Brandeis and it is the most positive aspect of Brandeis that I remember. It was a class that taught me how to analyze, taught me how to write, and made deeper forms of thought more accessible. It also helped edge me into college, preparing me for what a college course entails, while challenging me and guarding me within a group of other freshman. Please do not get rid of the best program that Brandeis has going for it. When I speak to friends about their freshman experiences at college, they had nothing on the intellectual level (that was an introductory course) as Brandeis's USEM. I appreciate you sending this on.Sincerely,Rachel KessousUSEM "I Spy: the Ritual of Spectatorship and Violence" by Professor Mandell
(12/07/04 5:00am)
I am sick of Bono. It's true, he's done a lot of really great things in the past ten years, including bringing attention to third world debt and the AIDS crises in Africa. He's hung out at Camp David and had tea with Nelson Mandela. As a humanitarian, Bono is commendable, and potentially the most active, intelligent celebrity to ever get involved with the promotion of global issues. But between the new U2 iPod commercials and the proliferation of articles promoting their contention of being the best/biggest band in the world, I am nauseated by Bono. Now we come to the latest U2 release, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, just as gargantuan and insufferable a title as U2's ego is today. Not to suggest they weren't always like this; we are talking about a band whose guitarist renamed himself "The Edge." I suppose the real problem is that previously they could back up their claims of Grandiosity with substantive material, songs like "Pride (in the name of Love)," "Bad," and "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Those are wonderful, expressive tunes with great hooks. U2 talks the talk today, but they have lost the ability to assemble good albums, or completely good songs. They've also given up their rather interesting '90s experiments for the old formulaic patterns of their last album, "All that you Can't Leave Behind," the biggest cop-out of their career, two great songs surrounded by a lot of filler and rewrites.So HTDAAB is basically like the last album, except without any clearly great songs. It's a 'typical' U2 album in that any fan knows what they're getting when they purchase it: hopelessly sincere lyrics with soaring vocals about love and God , echoing guitars and simple arrangements and very good production values. In lead single "Vertigo," U2 revisit their best single 'I Will Follow" (by way of Sonic Youth's "Dirty Boots") with its propulsive bass line and powerful drumming. Even with ridiculous back-up vocals on the chorus, the song is fun and catchy as hell. With every listen, it becomes less absurd and more credible. "Peace and Love or Else," regardless of its horrible title and mostly banal lyrics, comes across as one of the 'heaviest' songs U2 has ever recorded, and "All Because of You" employs enough changing chords to almost convince one that this is the Stones, or at least a Keith Richards solo album. However, while the album starts with a bang, any sort of groove it has crumbles horribly half-way through. This album is built upon the backs of ballads, and they're mostly a rotten bunch. Don't expect to find any "One's" here: "A Man and a Woman" is closer to Robert Palmer than "Achtung Baby." "Yahweh" is a hookless mess of a recording, harkening back to the worst moments of "Pop" mixed with some nameless Christian rock band. "Original of the Species" is marred by synth-like strings that dominate the chorus.The album does have some nice moments: the vocal melody and hook of "Miracle Drug" marks it as the best on the album, and "City of Blinding Lights'" has lyrics that don't make you cringe. However, "Miracle Drug" is spoiled by the absolute worst lyrics on the album ("Freedom has a scent/Like the top of a new born baby's head") and "City of Blinding Lights" arrangement sounds like it's stuck in the 80's. "Sometimes you Can't Make it on your Own" wants to be the huge hit single, but comes off as an inferior "Stuck in a Moment you Can't Get out Of," with a falsetto chorus to boot.For every boring, used-up chimey Edge guitar line, we get a great vocal performance from Bono; for every compulsive musical moment, we get horrible lyrics. There is no great song on the album, and there is no song that one can't find better done on some previous U2 album. The truth is, U2 seems to be a caricature of themselves now, having eased into middle age in a pathetically unadventurous manner. U2 who have prided themselves on credibility and sincerity, no longer have relevance musically today.
(11/23/04 5:00am)
"My life so far has been like a thumbprint on a skyscraper," says Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti, Paycheck), protagonist of the exquisite new Alexander Payne film, Sideways. Miles's life is in catastrophe, and he's breaking down, mired in depression. He is a divorcee stuck in a lousy job teaching middle school English, whose first novel is unpublished and who visits his mother on her birthday both because he loves her and needs to steal money from her. His best friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church, George of the Jungle) tries to reassure him, noting the expressive beauty in Miles ability to string together such beautiful metaphors as he articulates his melancholy (which Miles didn't even write himself.)The movie details Miles's and Jack's road trip through the California wine country the week before Jack's wedding. Miles seeks to share his obsessive love of wine with his friend while Jack is looking to get laid. Jack, a TV actor on the slide, is the easygoing, horny, eternal-sunshine boy, who is now getting worried about his fading looks and needs constant reassurance from women. Former freshman-year college roommates, the two men are opposites and seemingly incompatible friends.We wonder at first what holds them together; it seems that at any moment all the resentment and bile from years of repression will bubble over and burst. But they hold a certain sort of affectionate intimacy even through their disagreements and mess-ups and are able to bluntly talk to each other bluntly about one another's faults. They watch over each other and cover for each other. This is a movie about mid-life crises, with two men assessing their failures together while drunkenly looking toward their future. As the film shows them as more vulnerable and pathetic, the viewer likes them more and more for it. Watching these men pour spit-buckets of wine over themselves and run home naked at 4 a.m., as every pathetic gesture and idea of theirs goes wrong, they become all the more human and their story more realistic. Payne is able to cut to the heart of their predicament in such a way that people of any age can relate to Miles's and Jack's failings.The performances of all the main characters are amazing. Besides the men, the two main women in the story, Maya (Virginia Madsen, American Guns) and Stephanie (Sandra Oh, Under the Tuscan Sun), are also excellent. Maya, as a fellow divorced, late-30s oenophile, is a perfect match for Miles. While Stephanie and Jack bed pretty quickly, Maya leads Miles into the back room to quietly and delicately talk about wines, flirt around past loves and the possibility of future ones. This terrifying, wonderful scene trembles on the edge of embarrassing, but their performances, hers especially, keeps us in the realm of breathlessness.Payne's direction is very good, stopping here and there to expose a corner of the countryside that he finds particularly interesting. The movement of the scenes and build-up of the drama are right on. However, the use of music in the film-a jazzy, jaunty score that seeks to lift comically certain sections of dourness-fails to complement the weight of the film quite right. It is a comedy, with many hilarious scenes, especially as the film gets to the final days of the trip. The music, however, gives a very pedestrian background to a very un-pedestrian, special film. The main genius of this film lies in the performance of Paul Giamatti. His accomplishment lies in minute human details: the slouch of Miles' shoulders as he walks, the passion and melody in his voice when he talks about wine, the pretensions that surround his novel that he cant quite describe. It is in his silent sighs, the bug-eyed hopelessness of his drunken call to his ex-wife, his terrified expressions as he realizes how much he likes Maya and the way he describes himself through his favorite wine-pinot noir. Giamatti gives this movie its true humanity in a role to which every man can relate. It is his best performance to date, and he deserves recognition for its delicate compassion and fearful reality. Every character Giamatti has ever played comes out in Miles as he moves from the self-pity, disgust, humor and delusion to the final bout of hope at the end that seems like clarity.
(11/16/04 5:00am)
I loved the first Bridget Jones movie and I have read both novels, which I found witty, intelligent and fun. Unfortunately, none of these words apply to Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Renee Zellweger reprises her role as Bridget Jones, a painfully insecure but charming 30-something journalist who, this time around, is actually not so charming. Hugh Grant (Love Actually) plays Daniel Cleaver, and Colin Firth (Girl with the Pearl Earing) plays Mr. Darcy. As in the first Bridget Jones, both still continue to vie for Bridget's affections. Daniel remains a womanizing jerk, and Mr. Darcy is, of course, annoyingly perfect.Sequels often pale in comparison to their predecessors, and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason is no different. The film is really just a series of misadventures feebly strung together. Naturally, Bridget creates all of the problems she is then later forced to solve. Throughout the film, I couldn't help but cringe as I watched her make mistake after mistake from insulting Mr. Darcy's co-workers to pretending she knew how to ski. Watching her try to hold onto Mr. Darcy proves too embarrassing to watch. It is as if she is more insecure as this film opens than at the start of the first movie. Bridget is supposed to be quirky and sexy, but instead she appears pathetic and silly. In fact, it was difficult for me to understand why Mr. Darcy and Daniel were interested in her, and furthermore, why Mr. Darcy puts up with her paranoia and insecurities.Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason is a poor model of a real romantic relationship. It infuses virtually all stereotypical insecurities that women have about men into its plot. First, Bridget is dissatisfied with her life until she has obtained the "perfect prince charming." Second, she can never truly enjoy this "perfect relationship" because she is too afraid and insecure to believe that a man can be consistently interested in her. Yet her low confidence does not seem to turn off the men in her life as it probably would in the real world. While the first Bridget Jones was empowering, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason is quite the opposite.The sequel mocks its heroine when it should celebrate her. The plot doesn't go anywhere, and each character is essentially one-dimensional. While I enjoyed Mr. Darcy in the first Bridget Jones, I found him to be an annoyingly dutiful boyfriend without any pizzazz this time around. As for Daniel Cleaver, he isn't even supposed to be in the sequel; all he does is rehash what Bridget has already settled into after the first film. I left Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason truly bothered by its message. Bridget dotes over Mr. Darcy as if she cannot believe she has "caught him," and that any day he will wake up and realize she is utterly beneath him. Obviously, we are made to believe that Bridget has found one of the few good men left in the world. Could any of us ever be that lucky?
(11/09/04 5:00am)
All seasons, good or bad, must come to an end. With the season winding down, the Brandeis women's volleyball team headed down to Atlanta this past weekend to take on their UAA foes for the last four games of the 2004 season. The Judges showed much improvement despite coming up short all four games and ending their season with a winless record in conference play. The team stepped up their play for these UAA matches, knowing that this tournament would not be like the previous round robins, and the increased intensity shined through in the Judges' play. Brandeis closed out its season with a tough loss to the University of Chicago. The Judges lost to the Maroons in five hard fought games this time, which showed a lot of improvement from their three-game sweep and loss to the Maroons earlier in the season. The Judges dropped the first game by a close 30-28 but came roaring back to win the next two, each by the same score of 30-20. However, the Maroons refused to roll over as they came back to win the next two games 34-32 and 15-9. "This was our best match all weekend," Coach Michelle Kim said. "We had lots of momentum in the second and third games and we needed to win it in the fourth, but they took it away from us and got an early lead in the fifth game. When a team takes an early lead, it's tough to come back." "We were communicating and trusting each other more so than in the past," Katie Wrynn '08 said. "We didn't let go and we came together defensively and offensively."The Judges took on three teams during the first day of competition before dropping their last bout to the Maroons. The team faced the always-tough University of Rochester Yellow Jackets in their last match of the day on Friday. Like the match againast the Maroons, this too was a nail-biter that came down to the fifth and final game. The Judges took the first two games 30-21 and 30-25, but were unable to hold on for the final three as the Yellow Jackets came back to beat the Judges 30-28, 31-29 and 16-14. Again, the extraordinarily close match versus the Yellow Jackets showed vast improvement for the Judges, who had dropped three games in a row to Rochester earlier in the season. "We went point for point the whole match," Kim said. "It was a tough game to lose because it could have been anyone's game; we blocked well, dug well and passed well."The Judges took on the nationally ranked New York University Violets before facing off against the Yellow Jackets. The Violets swept the Judges for the second time in a row this season; however this time the scores were notably closer as the Violets just managed to edge the Judges 30-21, 30-22 and 30-19. Before getting swept by NYU, the Judges took on Washington University in their first match of their last tournament of the season. Like NYU, the Bears swept the Judges for the second time this season. The Judges dropped the bout by close scores of 30-23, 30-22 and 30-16. "We played them much tougher than we did in the round robin," Kim said. "Although we lost in three we were able to put a lot more pressure on them and we were able to score more points against them this time." Although the Judges finish their season below the .500 mark with a 14-19 record, they are happy to go out on a high note, as before last weekend the Judges had not won more than two consecutive games in UAA matches and had only gone to five games just once all season. The Judges showed a lot of improvement this weekend as they went to five matches with two consecutive teams and won four games. "I think we were most improved going into this weekend," Kim said. "Although we didn't win any matches, we peaked this weekend, everything fell into place. We picked up a lot of balls, sent a lot of balls back, we did the little things well and we just worked better as a team." Although the Judges fell short, the team was determined to improve heading into this weekend."Everyone was determined to do whatever it took to win," Shannon Trees '08 said. "We succeeded but we just fell a little bit short."The 2004 volleyball season is over for the Judges and the team will lose their three captains, Shannon Eagan '05, Becca Segal '05 and Jen Lobban '05 to graduation. Though it will be extremely tough for Kim to fill their shoes, she has a lot of faith in her younger players that saw playing time this season. "We do have some recruiting to do," Kim said. "But I feel good about the fact that our younger players got a lot of playing time and experience." With their losing record, the Judges are out of the running for any postseason action. Although they did not win any games this weekend, the team is very happy with the improvement they saw in their play."It has been a roller coaster season," Kim said. "But I'm glad we peaked at the end and went out on a high note.
(11/09/04 5:00am)
After Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe presented his proposal for restructuring the curriculum at a special faculty meeting on Oct. 28, the prevailing sentiment was one of disapproval -both in the student and faculty ranks. Some, however, did show support for Jaffe's comprehensive recommendations.Calling for the phasing out of such departments as the linguistics program, the Ph.D program in music composition and parts of the classical studies department, as well as reductions of the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and the physics departments, Jaffe suggested re-channeling academic funding to endorse the introduction of courses in fields such as East Asian economics, urban politics and Korean.Prof. Leonard Muellner (CLAS) said that though he realizes the need for the University to develop, certain foundational courses such as Ancient Greek, which he teaches, must remain intact."We certainly aren't interested in keeping the university from innovating," Muellner said. But Muellner said that the Jaffe neglected to include the two most important and affected constituents in his decision-the faculty and the students.Prof. Bernadette Brooten (NEJS) agreed with Muellner, adding that while cuts should be made, Jaffe must consider three important issues-the foundational areas, such as Greek, the University's prominent programs such as its prize-winning music department and the exact costs of the hiring and firing of faculty.Brooten also said that it is important for a university of Brandeis' size to offer a range of courses rather than simply gearing all of the courses toward one specialty."Our niche is a small, liberal arts research university," Brooten said. "We need to maintain breadth of students in the future who, for example, want to study business, will not see a reason to spend so much in tuition to study at Brandeis rather than attending one of the business schools connected to corporate entities."Other professors expressed their concerns with eliminating some departments and courses, but understood the situation in which Jaffe found himself.Prof. Marc Brettler (NEJS) said that despite the underdeveloped state of the University's pre-professional programs, students have found their liberal arts education enriching for their graduate school applications."I do not believe that pre-professional studies at Brandeis are very strong and this does not bother me," Brettler said. "Brandeis students with their excellent liberal arts background do not, to the best of my knowledge, have any problems being accepted to the best professional schools."Brettler said that he realizes and respects Jaffe's goal to make Brandeis a cutting-edge university and that perhaps having some of the proposed cuts by way of attrition-and not necessarily in the short term-on departments that have not grown in "logical manners."Prof. Eric Hill (THA) agreed with being concerned over the loss of critical courses, but also said that that the campus should not be so quick to judge the administration so early in the process."No one wants to see important things cut due to redistribution of resources and no one knows an easy way of making decisions that will directly impact on the University in important ways in the long run," Hill said. "I think it's unfair to judge the process or second-guess it before it has a chance to work."Those of the faculty who agreed with Jaffe's initiative spoke primarily to the boons to their own departments and the larger plan rather than about those departments getting harmed as a product.Prof. Gary Jefferson (ECON) said that it would be more of an issue if the professional schools within Brandeis would depend on the curriculum restructuring that would take place within the college."As a procedural exercise, I think this is very important," Jefferson said. "I guess one issue I would raise that was not discussed is how the School of Arts and Sciences fits into the overall University budget. We have three professional schools-IBS, Heller and Rabb...so I think the professional schools should be able to carry their own weight and hopefully be net contributors to the School of Arts and Sciences."Prof. John Schrecker (HIST), the chair of the East Asian Studies program, said that he supports curriculum reform, especially his program-one that, to him, has long been overlooked."I think it's wonderful that [Jaffe] wants to develop East Asian Studies," Schrecker said. "It covers one of the great civilizations in human history and one of the most dynamic areas in that world today. We have a vibrant East Asian Studies program and a few appointments would really put us over the top."Student responses ranged from satisfaction with the addition of certain appointments to opposition to the removal of certain ones that they see as critical."I understand that to add a new program you have to cut pre-existing programs, but [Jaffe] needs to take more time considering which programs are integral to a liberal arts education and which are superfluous," Aaron Gaynor '07 said.Marc Braunstein '06 said that though he considers himself more occupied with pre-professional courses, he still has an appreciation of more traditional disciplines."I think classics are essential because it is fundamental to a complete liberal arts education," Braunstein said. "As an economics major and a pre-med, I focus my studies mainly on math and science. However, I just as equally enjoy the creative art of thinking and the expansion of ideas."Katherine S. Kim '05 praised Jaffe for introducing more East Asian studies courses."I feel like Jaffe's decision to add in [East Asian studies courses] is great step," Kim said. "It's been a long-awaited move and I am excited to see this new change.
(11/02/04 5:00am)
The cross country teams fought through a depleted roster and nagging injuries to capture fifth and sixth place for the men's and women's sides respectively at this Saturday's UAA championships in Rochester, N.Y. Dan Crespin '05 and Matt Griego '05 helped their team bring home the highest ranking in four years, with Crespin taking second place by running an impressive 26:18.6 over eight kilometers and Griego nabbing ninth with a time of 26:41.3. Their commanding performances were helped out by formidable efforts from Tim Condon '08, who finished fifth among first-year runners.The women's side also ran an excellent race, being narrowly edged out for fifth by the University of Rochester. Megan Bisceglia '07 and Sarah Romain '06 led the team, garnering 22nd and 23rd places respectively with Romain coming in six seconds behind Bisceglia's time of 26:18.6. "I'm proud of all of them," Evans said. "They haven't done a lot of training recently, but they really fought the whole way." This is only the second time the squads have posted a team score this season, but there has already been improvement. Evans is pleased but is looking for more progress, citing health problems and a small roster for not being able to achieve quite what he had hoped for so far this season. "On the men's side we just don't have enough people so we came down to a real small squad," Evans said. Evans also pointed to the loss of all-American Ryan Parker '06 as a set-back. "He would have given us a little depth and so that left us kind of short," Evans said.Evan hopes future recruiting efforts will help bolster his strong core of runners, and allow for inevitable injuries and illness like those sustained by Peter Vigneron '07, Aaron Skolnik '05 and other teammates. Vigneron's absence weakened the men's side, depriving them of a runner Evans anticipated being in the top three at UAAs. "The next two years are going to be vital [in] that we get more recruits and really build the program up," Evans said.The women's side boasts a very young team, mostly first-years and sophomores, which gives Evans great confidence for the future"When they get a little bit older and a little stronger and get more people on the team we'll start moving up the ladder in the UAA," Evans said.For now, Evans is hoping for the team to perform better that last year in the regionals on Nov. 13."Hopefully we'll have a couple people qualify for nationals, especially on the men's side," Evans said.
(11/02/04 5:00am)
Excelsior in The Heritage on the Garden, located on 272 Boylston Street near the Boston Public Gardens, is an exciting restaurant that is all and more than what one should expect from high-end dining. Although there seems to be little to look forward to from the austere exterior, once one walks through the rotating doors, one finds an invitation to enter an entirely new world of new and unforeseen delights.Upon entering this wonderland, I was greeted promptly and escorted across the grandiose bar to a glass elevator that doubles as a three-story wine tower for 7,000 bottles of wine and champagne. Excelsior, easily one of Boston's hottest reservations, is renowned as a dining extravaganza. This is highlighted by architect Adam Tihany's exquisitely designed bar and dining room which creates a dynamic environment full of energy, excitement and spontaneity. With the addition of the one-of-a-kind wine tower, Excelsior is able to showcase a vibrant dining atmosphere formed from a traditional foundation yet bolstered with a contemporary edge. In my opinion, any opulent dining room can be created, but a restaurant whose design heightens the dining experience deserves further admiration.Upon being ushered to an attractively modern table by a window flanked by two ceiling-to-floor orange-brown curtains, I was plunged into quiet deliberations with my waiter about dining options. Meanwhile, I was quickly served delicious breads similar to roti canai (a form of puffed bread served hot found in South Asian cuisines). After a quick survey of my surroundings, I was promptly served my selected starter, Foie Gras Steak with Brown Sugar-coated Brioche ($20) with a surprisingly aromatic half-bottle of 2001 Tobias Creek, 'Espririt de Beaucastel', Paso Robles-an American white wine ($45). Possibly one of the best renditions of Foie Gras I've ever encountered, it was divine! The moist, flavorful Foie Gras complimented by a sweet brioche surpassed its comparable dishes I had eaten. Proportioned appropriately as a starter, it enticed my appetite for the tantalizing courses yet to appear.No sooner did my fork settle upon the last speck of my starter, my main courses arrived. When I was able to sample the Tuna Au Poivre with Roman Semolina Gnocchi (rare peppercorn-coated tuna with coarsely-ground durum wheat pasta) as well as a Native Grilled Halibut with Quince Aioli/Fritto Misto (succulent halibut with an apple/pear mayonnaise sauce). Both were superbly prepared with considerably large portions, contrary to expectations. Well-marinated, the tuna and halibut arrived perfectly cooked. Concerned with perfection, it is of no surprise that Shire guaranteed each sweet morsel was perfect to the final bite. After such memorable courses, dessert seemed almost unnecessary-but for those with a viable sweet tooth, one recommends the Mascarpone Mousse Napoleon with Ginger Poached Seckel Pear ($9) that tastes as delicious as it sounds. Although the soft, poached pear was slightly tart, the oversweet mousse napoleon complemented the fruit as their two distinct flavors merge in proper proportions, bringing mind-boggling satisfaction. All in all, it was a wonderful evening and an excellent venture for Shire. Excelsior is de- -- if one is willing to participate in an occasional splurge. Today, Executive Chef Eric Brennan continues Shire's vision while adding his own sensibilities also. The entire experience was faultless as there were no lags between courses, and the well-oiled team of handsome wait-staff was not only pleasant but also knowledgeable about wine and entre selections. Together, a large meal with appetizers, main course, and desserts will probably cost between $60 and $75, excluding the tip, so be prepared, but if you're willing to spend the money I guarantee a memorable experience. For while Excelsior may seem opulent, but is also surprisingly quaint.
(11/02/04 5:00am)
If you see a college student at the polls today, honk your horn.The 18- to 24-year-old age group has taken a beating for years because of consistently low voter turnout. Politicians have come to assume that Americans our age are apathetic, unconcerned and uninterested in being involved in the democratic process. Politicians and their staffs no longer poll the youth voter demographic (as we are no longer considered "likely voters"), nor do their campaigns cater to issues that are especially relevant to young Americans. We're simply not on the radar.The one consistant method of reaching the youth demographic has been through popular culture. MTV shows, like the Choose Or Lose debates that were so beneficial to Bill Clinton in both of his elections, and youth-oriented political and voting organizations like Rock The Vote and MoveOn.org have somehow made it through the dense wall we have constructed around ourselves. When it comes to political awareness, we turn to celebrities and musicians to feed us opinions, which we either dispute or swallow without question.This year, that's changing. The number of projected voters between ages 18 and 24 is through the roof, and this time we're making our own decisions. What happened to the slacking, stupid and apathetic youngsters of only a few years ago?I'll tell you what happened. Those slackers were flipping through the channels when they saw the Twin Towers fall. They were sipping Coke and eating a sandwich when we declared war in Iraq. They were searching the classifieds for jobs when reports of sky-high unemployment and a declining economy were broadcast over the airwaves.There is no way to understate the importance of voting; it's not just a way to thumb our noses at the older, doubting generations, but also a way to make sure that our country, our democracy continues to be one that is "of the people, for the people and by the people." We are living on the edge of our own future, and this time we have a hand in deciding where it goes. No matter who you vote for, your presence in the voting booth is all that matters. So honk your horn if you see a college student at the polls. Then ask yourself, have you voted yet today?
(10/19/04 4:00am)
justNews: Do you think that your original vision for the recreation of Iraq is still feasible at this point?Thomas L. Friedman '75: I don't know. But I don't think anyone that I know of declared this week to declare whether it's feasible or not. And what I mean by that is that people have argued this question a lot. And I wish I could be more optimistic right now but if you've been reading me from the very beginning you know how I said this is a long-term project that I believe was grotesquely mismanaged by this administration.justNews: Do you think the Bush administration is still capable of improving the situation?TLF: I don't know. I'm not being coy, I'm just wrestling with the same issue in my own column. I will probably write about that on Thursday, in fact. You know, I was just talking on the phone to a friend of mine now just thinking through what I feel and you know they've grossly mismanaged this enterprise. But, there are two questions one has to ask about Iraq: are we on the wrong side or are we on the wrong way? Now, I know we're on the wrong way, but I still don't think we're on the wrong side. When I say "the wrong side" what I mean is that when I look at who are the people opposing us in the process. If I felt that they really represented the authentic will of the Iraqi people for an end result better than the one we're trying to engineer of albeit maladroitly, then I feel we're on the wrong side. But what do I see when I look at the other side? I see people sawing people's heads off on video, I see people blowing up Iraqis trying to join their own police and army. What they're doing to us-that I understand. I would never support. But I can understand some people say "This is an occupation, you are the occupier, I'm going to attack you. That is what they're doing to Iraqis. That is a relevant audience. And I see an opponent who is afraid to tell us who he is. When we were up against the Vietcong, Vietcong told us who they were and what their vision of Vietnam was. We're up against an enemy who doesn't even claim credit, you know, let alone tell us who they are and what's our vision for Iraq. Well, they must not be doing that for a reason. It must be because they don't want the Iraqi people to know who they are. So if I thought we were on the wrong side, then I would say "this is all wrong." That right now I know we're on the wrong way and I will throw in the towel if I see we're on the wrong side...I don't think we're there yet and until we get through this election process and see whether that's possible, then I'll look at the situation and see if I have to draw that conclusion or that we've gotten to a certain point and that... there's a sort of rush to judgement where because we're in election season, you know, and it's kind of "Alright, well whose side are you on and who's what," I'm trying to respond not to the election but what's going on there. I'm trying to write my column and how to react to events and, in my own universe, this has been very sad. It's been terribly mismanaged. It's gone so much worse than one could have hoped or dreamed. But it's not over. That's my take.justNews: On globalization, you said that although America is losing jobs, you said that we have the world edge as the engine of innovation, which you said around March or April, and that's the next biggest thing that comes from America. Looking back, based on our economy now and how things are going, is that something this country should rely on to remain prosperous- being the engine of innovation?TLF: Well, there's two parts to your question. Is that the way to remain prosperous? Absolutely. You want to be the person who thinks up the next Google, the next Starbucks or the next Microsoft because you'll capture more of the value added if you're the person who thinks it up rather than the person who copies it or works for the person who thinks it up. So we definitely want to have an economy that keeps us as the engine of innovation. The question is "Will we-are we doing the things that will keep us as the economy that is that engine of innovation? There, I think is reason to wonder and ask and so I think that we must have a much more focused national strategy to make sure we are staying in that niche. And that it remains ours.justNews: General question about Israel-in your opinion, what happened to the 'road map'? And, just as a kind of a follow-up, what has Bush's role been in this whole process? Has he been effective or has he been unproductive?TLF: I say this administration has been extremely ineffective in its Arab-Israeli diplomacy. I know Dennis Ross is going be here this week and I know Dennis, in his extremely wonderful book catalogues a lot of what happened. But, this train hasn't just jumped the tracks. It's now rolling down the hill and it's on fire, basically. We've jumped the rails, it's tumbling down the hill and it's burning. So, because of that I'm deeply worried.justNews: Do you think that Kerry's inauguration would salvage the situation?TLF: The only thing that would salvage it, what would make it fundamentally a new situation is if you had a different Palestinian leadership that had credibility with the Israeli public to fight suicide terrorists and being a responsible steward of the Gaza strip if Israel withdrew. In the absence of that kind of government, it makes it very easy for Sharon to play out his worst instincts, which is to "withdraw" from Gaza but keep it totally surrounded so it really can't become an effective state. If you're withdrawing from Gaza in order to make it really a big prison and in order to keep the West bank, it will bring us only tears. If you're withdrawing from Gaza to make it an example, a platform, to show Palestinians what they could do with self-governance, then you're on your way somewhere. And, that's what the focus of American diplomacy should be, that's what the focus of Israeli diplomacy should be and that's what the focus of Palestinian diplomacy should be. But, right now, as I said, no one is there and it's just like shouting into a cave, you know, saying "this is what we should be doing" but it's not anything I see happening from any direction. I find it very depressing and I have written about it very much. I'm thinking about writing on it for Sunday, but I don't know. We'll see what the rest of the week brings.-Interview conducted by Joshua Adland, Andrew Meyerson, Jacob Olidort and Samantha Slater
(10/12/04 4:00am)
About 40 students showed up at the Rose Art Museum last Wednesday to take advantage of a special opportunity to tour the museum's vault. In groups of 20, students and community members were taken on a guided tour of the Rose's permanent and private collections of paintings. Director of Education Stphanie Molinard led the tour groups into the vault where she gave a brief history of the Rose and its acquisitions. Before the museum was established on campus, there was an art collection, much of which was exhibited during the 1950's at local museums such as Harvard University's Fogg Art Museum. A $250,000 donation from Mr. and Mrs. Rose led to talk in the 60's of creating an art museum here at Brandeis. The Rose eventually was designed by Max Abramowitz, whose notable works include the Lincoln Center and United Nations building in New York City. The Rose was designed to be a Modern/Contemporary Art museum devoting itself primarily to works created post-World War II. The Rose's first curator was Sam Hunter, an established art critic and writer. His connections with the modern art world were responsible for some of the museum's most acclaimed acquisitions. With a $50,000 gift from the Menkin fund, Hunter was able to buy 21 paintings from up-and-coming artists of the era, like Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana. Hunter's solid reputation allowed him access to artists' studios where he was able to hand-pick new and cutting edge pieces. These initial big-name acquisitions attracted other donors, which enabled the Rose to purchase works from abstract expressionists like Willem DeKooning and Franz Kline during that movement's creative peak.Today, the Rose's permanent collection includes 10,000 works, 7,000 of which are currently housed at the museum. An additional thousand works distributed among various departmental offices on campus, and the rest are on loan to students or other museums. The Rose Art Museum collection includes paintings from all reaches of the avant-garde: minimalist, surrealist and abstract. It boasts works by the father of cubsim, Georges Braque, his predecessor, Paul Czanne and a group of younger artists including Marsden Hartley, Roy Lichtenstein and Ren Magritte. While it is most definitely a shame that most of these works stay locked in the vault, the Rose does try to hold at least one exhibition annually from the permanent collection. Last year brought attendees a fabulous look at the abstract expressionist works in the collection, corresponding with a course taught by visiting professor David Anfam. The next permanent collection exhibition will focus on photo-realism, with Molinard serving as curator.
(09/28/04 4:00am)
I saw the Rolling Stone review which raved about it. I saw it being pumped up on televsion, the radio and in print. Nelly was about to drop two CDs on the same day. But as so often happens with infomercial products, it just didn't live up to expectations. If I were to give a slogan to Nelly's new albums it would be "Sweat it and then Forget It." Maybe I'm just spoiled by Nelly. From "Country Grammar," to "Hot in Herre" to "Ride With Me," to "Shake Ya Tail Feather," Nelly has brought me quality dance music for four years now. "Where the Party At," featuring Jagged Edge, was one of my high school theme songs (and sadly has become one of my college tunes also but that's for another column). Even when other rappers claimed he was selling out by collaborating with N*SYNC in "Girlfriend" or Justin Timberlake in "Work It," I stood by him. I didn't have a problem that he wasn't really East Coast, West Coast or Dirty South. But this two-album release really didn't do it for me. I liked a bunch of songs on Sweat and a couple on Suit, but not enough for them to be two separate albums. I don't want to seem like I'm bashing Nelly, but these two albums were just not what I expected from the St. Lunatic. Sweat is more for working out or clubing music, while Suit is more for after the club or the bedroom. Sweat is more of what you expect from Nelly-up tempo music you could play during a sporting match to get a team pumped up or at a club to get people on the dance floor. It starts off great with "Heart of a Champion," a powerful, sports-referencing piece of adrenaline-pumping hip-hop that samples "Roundball," the theme music for NBC Sports. This track is full of sports references and seems like it could become a huge hit, especially at sporting events. It continues with two certain club songs, "Na-Nana-Na" and "Flap Your Wings," the latter of which is beginning to get serious airtime. In "Tilt Ya Head Back," Nelly teams up with Christina Aguilera for a 1970s funk style song which should hit the airwaves eventually. Although I expect these two lively artists to have better energy on a collaboration, they exude a strong chemistry. Although this song is not Nelly's typical style, I think it brings out his producing skills. The last song on the CD that may make it to the radio is "Playa" with Missy Elliot and Mobb Deep, but unfortunately, this song is way too easy-it just seems borrowed and unoriginal. Overall, Sweat is an above average CD that has some really good songs on it perfect for the club or the gym.Suit is a different story. Above all, with its retreat to an R&B sound, it's very different from mainstream Nelly songs. It's almost too cultivated and smooth from a guy who once sang "Country Grammar." "My Place," featuring Jaheim, is a very good song that is already being played frequently on the radio. "Play It Off," featuring Pharrell Williams and produced by the Neptunes, has a really nice sound to it. But the big names on this CD came up way short. "She Don't Know My Name," featuring Snoop Dogg and Ron Isley, was simply umimpressive. Mase may have made a comeback from retirement, but he shows he's no Roger Clemens in "In My Life." "Over and Over" features Tim McGraw, and the fact that his and Nelly's sounds don't mesh just begins to tell the story of a bad collaboration. The most exciting part of the track is that the background "N Dey Say" is Spandau Ballet's "True." I never said it didn't work - but it was pretty interesting. Overall, the only thing keeping Nelly from just having released one album seems to be the difference in sound. If he had combined all the best songs onto one album, it would have gotten an "A" grade. Unfortunately, he was much more interested in releasing two on the same day than making sure that Suit could stand on its own. That said, Nelly does impress at times on Sweat, and, after executive producing both albums, Nelly shows that he can excel in that role also. Even though he's without the Band-Aid, Nelly is always best when he reverts back to his old self. If you're looking to get your Nelly fix, I recommend to "Sweat It and Then Forget It.
(09/28/04 4:00am)
According to most analysts, voters will decide the 2004 election based on the records and stances of President Bush and Senator John Kerry on the key issues of the economy and terrorism. Such analysis is backed by five different national public opinion surveys taken in the last six months, wherein registered voters were given a list of issues and asked to identify the one most important to them. All of the polls, depending on their wording, concluded that the two broad issues most important to voters are Terrorism/National Security/Iraq and Economy/Jobs. However, none of the five polls contained an option to choose for environmental concerns. As the nation experiences a difficult job market, a growing insurgency in Iraq, and a seemingly endless "War on Terrorism," both the media and the public have focused less and less on environmental issues. During the 2000 election, the United States was at peace, had a surplus and had lower unemployment figures. Consequently, the environment was featured far more prominently in the campaigns, as former Vice President Al Gore, the author of Earth in the Balance, struggled to gain an edge over Bush, the Texas oilman and self-proclaimed friend of the environment. But the lack of voter attention to the environment in 2004 is very convenient for the reelection prospects of President Bush.In less than four years, Bush has compiled an absolutely atrocious environmental record. The head of the Environmental Protection Agency under fomer President Bill Clinton, Carol Browner, declared the Bush Administration to be "simply the most anti-environmental ever." The Sierra Club, one of the country's most influential environmental lobbying organizations, displays on its Web site a description of Bush's environmental record, entitled "More Than 300 Crimes Against Nature." The list, compiled by the National Resources Defense Council, another leading environmental group, is disturbing to say the least. To name a few: The Bush administration, under the guise of preventing forest fires, has allowed unprecedented logging in national forests. As a result, millions of beautiful acres of America's forests have been damaged, and some have been clear cut and destroyed completely. Bush is also seeking to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the last remaining truly pristine areas on Earth, to oil drilling. Most likely, such drilling would only increase America's oil supply by two percent over the next 20 years while causing untold destruction to the natural scenery and the wildlife. Similarly, in coordination with the Republican-controlled Congress, Bush has rejected attempts to cut our excessive consumption of fossil fuels with tougher emission standards on automobiles. Vice President Dick Cheney set much of America's energy policy in secret meetings with industry lobbyists, and is able to seal the records of the meetings due to the Supreme Court's postponement of a lawsuit that would have made them public. Bush has also pulled America out of the Kyoto Protocol, a treaty that seeks to lessen global warming. According to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the author of Crimes Against Nature, he has even questioned the existence of global warming, a notion that scientists find outrageous and laughable. While global warming is a serious long-term threat to the health of Americans, many of Bush's other decisions regarding the environment have put the health of Americans at more immediate risk. After being in office for only two months, Bush disposed of a rule that placed tougher standards on arsenic in drinking water. In addition, Bush's EPA has weakened pollution standards for 17,000 power plants, a move that could cause an increase in serious health problems, such as asthma and heat attacks. The EPA has even failed to properly address the concern of mercury, a deadly chemical often emitted from power plants. Mercury seriously harms the neurological development of young children and babies are likely to be harmed if their mother possesses a high level of mercury in their blood while pregnant. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, eight percent of pregnant women have too much mercury in their blood. It is interesting that a president who opposes abortion would allow the unborn to be at an increased risk of mercury exposure. In doing these things, President Bush has undermined the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, effectively doing away with three decades of environmental progress.He has filled administration posts with former oil and timber lobbyists. He has stacked the EPA with staunchly pro-business administrators, completely undermining its purpose of protecting the environment and instead using it to do just the opposite. Democratic Senator Joseph Lieberman recently mused that Bush's EPA would be more appropriately called the EDA, or "Environmental Destruction Agency." Clearly, Bush's record on the environment is terrible beyond belief, but the question becomes whether or not voters will hold him to account for it on Election Day.Largely due to the lack of media coverage on environmental issues and Bush's shrewd campaigning as an environmentalist, a Gallup poll from six months ago found that a whopping 59 percent of Americans believe that under Bush, environmental protections are being either strengthened or kept the same. The Kerry campaign cannot allow this misperception to remain. Kerry must constantly attack Bush's environmental record until the media and the public pick up on it. Another Gallup Poll from 2001 demonstrates a strong environmentalist streak among voters, with 75 percent or more supporting higher pollution standards for industry, more stringent enforcement of environmental laws, and increased funding for the development of alternative energy sources. The Bush administration is way out of touch with the pro-environmental public. While the economy and national security are very important issues, voters must not forget to consider the environment when making their choice.
