(10/22/12 4:00am)
* This past Sunday I had the honor and privilege to join hundreds of thousands of people across the country in what has become one of the greatest and most exhilarating moments in any American's life; attend a live National Football League game. * A ticket costs more than I make in a month in my on-campus job and I may no longer be able to look at a potato knish the same way; they were the complimentary gift to the fans in our section. While sitting in traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike, after watching Eli Manning connect with Victor Cruz for the game-winning touchdown to beat the Washington Redskins, I reflected on how football has become an integral part of the American democratic culture. * The 2012 Superbowl featuring the New York Giants and Boston's own New England Patriots set a third consecutive television record, drawing in 111.3 million viewers. To put that number in perspective, that is more viewers then the two presidential and one vice presidential campaign debates combined. * The question must be asked: How did a such a game whose violence may be the cause of severe depression, anxiety and numerous attempted suicides of former players due to repeated undocumented concussions, become such a classic American pastime? What is so attractive to us about giant, yet remarkably athletic men throwing themselves at each other, chasing a leather oval- shaped ball around a field? * Perhaps the answer lies in the structure of a successful football team. A team's compilation is remarkably similar to how a democratic society should ideally function. After all what is more American than democracy. * The sport of football has an inherent cooperative nature. Football is not a sport that can be won by a single player; it is the collective effort of all 53 players, the numerous coaches and athletic trainers. Each player must have the good of the team in mind in order to be successful. * Those players looking for impressive statistics and personal records simply do not succeed in the league. You can have all the talent in the world and fail without the proper mind-set and, more importantly, the proper team around you. A balanced team is almost always more successful then a team of flashy skill players. * Likewise, each football team is like a functional democratic society. Each role-player has the responsibility to follow the lead of, and help, the skill positions; the players in charge. The quarterback must have the proper protection from the offensive line, the offensive line needs the skill positions to play a certain speed and the skill positions need the quarterback to get them the ball. * And, of course, all units are under the discretion of the leaders, the coaches, who decipher exactly which play-call allows each unit to play effectively. * The United States is no different. Every faction of the democracy has a certain responsibility that can only be achieved if, and only if, every other part of the democracy does their respected part. We as citizens have the right and responsibility to vote for our best personal interests. We elect politicians on all levels of government that ideally coincide with our personal agenda. * However, that is dependent on politicians running on platforms that express the views of many, hence the need for multiple political parties. If there were only one candidate, it would be impossible for agenda of the masses to take form. * A single player, no matter how talented, cannot win a game on his own. A politician cannot, and will not, be successful in office without the cooperation of his team, comprised of both his constituents and fellow politicians. * Too often throughout the country, politicians are elected on charisma and rhetoric; on pure talent. For any democratic government to be successful, the agendas of the citizens, individual representatives and Congress as a whole must be in unison. * Only then can the platform chosen by the masses, and by extension in the best interest of all involved, be put in place. * It is impossible for a quarterback to win a game without the rest of his team. Likewise, it is impossible for any politician to succeed without his constituents and fellow politicians working in unison. * Take the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles on paper are arguably the most talented team in the league, yet they failed to make the playoffs last year, let alone the Superbowl. The Eagles players were constantly fixated on the preseason hype, not the task at hand. It was impossible for the team to succeed without all members striving for the same goal. * To quote former President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid sports fan, from his early days in office, "In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is, hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard." The strategic plan for any football team is predicated on playing a hard-fought, physical and mistake free game. * This holds true for our government. In today's day and age, where we are surrounded by bickering politicians, a financial system standing on thin ice due to excessive personal agendas, unprecedented foreign policy danger in a nuclear Iran and social issues from gay marriage to abortion we must remember those lessons from our favorite sport. * Every single member of a representative democracy needs to "play hard" in order for the government to be successful. We must look past what look like insurmountable issues and remember it is precisely the combination of opinions and issues that makes this country great. * Only with this balance can we assemble that Superbowl team around our star quarterback; the next president.
(10/22/12 4:00am)
* This past Sunday I had the honor and privilege to join hundreds of thousands of people across the country in what has become one of the greatest and most exhilarating moments in any American's life; attend a live National Football League game. * A ticket costs more than I make in a month in my on-campus job and I may no longer be able to look at a potato knish the same way; they were the complimentary gift to the fans in our section. While sitting in traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike, after watching Eli Manning connect with Victor Cruz for the game-winning touchdown to beat the Washington Redskins, I reflected on how football has become an integral part of the American democratic culture. * The 2012 Superbowl featuring the New York Giants and Boston's own New England Patriots set a third consecutive television record, drawing in 111.3 million viewers. To put that number in perspective, that is more viewers then the two presidential and one vice presidential campaign debates combined. * The question must be asked: How did a such a game whose violence may be the cause of severe depression, anxiety and numerous attempted suicides of former players due to repeated undocumented concussions, become such a classic American pastime? What is so attractive to us about giant, yet remarkably athletic men throwing themselves at each other, chasing a leather oval- shaped ball around a field? * Perhaps the answer lies in the structure of a successful football team. A team's compilation is remarkably similar to how a democratic society should ideally function. After all what is more American than democracy. * The sport of football has an inherent cooperative nature. Football is not a sport that can be won by a single player; it is the collective effort of all 53 players, the numerous coaches and athletic trainers. Each player must have the good of the team in mind in order to be successful. * Those players looking for impressive statistics and personal records simply do not succeed in the league. You can have all the talent in the world and fail without the proper mind-set and, more importantly, the proper team around you. A balanced team is almost always more successful then a team of flashy skill players. * Likewise, each football team is like a functional democratic society. Each role-player has the responsibility to follow the lead of, and help, the skill positions; the players in charge. The quarterback must have the proper protection from the offensive line, the offensive line needs the skill positions to play a certain speed and the skill positions need the quarterback to get them the ball. * And, of course, all units are under the discretion of the leaders, the coaches, who decipher exactly which play-call allows each unit to play effectively. * The United States is no different. Every faction of the democracy has a certain responsibility that can only be achieved if, and only if, every other part of the democracy does their respected part. We as citizens have the right and responsibility to vote for our best personal interests. We elect politicians on all levels of government that ideally coincide with our personal agenda. * However, that is dependent on politicians running on platforms that express the views of many, hence the need for multiple political parties. If there were only one candidate, it would be impossible for agenda of the masses to take form. * A single player, no matter how talented, cannot win a game on his own. A politician cannot, and will not, be successful in office without the cooperation of his team, comprised of both his constituents and fellow politicians. * Too often throughout the country, politicians are elected on charisma and rhetoric; on pure talent. For any democratic government to be successful, the agendas of the citizens, individual representatives and Congress as a whole must be in unison. * Only then can the platform chosen by the masses, and by extension in the best interest of all involved, be put in place. * It is impossible for a quarterback to win a game without the rest of his team. Likewise, it is impossible for any politician to succeed without his constituents and fellow politicians working in unison. * Take the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles on paper are arguably the most talented team in the league, yet they failed to make the playoffs last year, let alone the Superbowl. The Eagles players were constantly fixated on the preseason hype, not the task at hand. It was impossible for the team to succeed without all members striving for the same goal. * To quote former President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid sports fan, from his early days in office, "In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is, hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard." The strategic plan for any football team is predicated on playing a hard-fought, physical and mistake free game. * This holds true for our government. In today's day and age, where we are surrounded by bickering politicians, a financial system standing on thin ice due to excessive personal agendas, unprecedented foreign policy danger in a nuclear Iran and social issues from gay marriage to abortion we must remember those lessons from our favorite sport. * Every single member of a representative democracy needs to "play hard" in order for the government to be successful. We must look past what look like insurmountable issues and remember it is precisely the combination of opinions and issues that makes this country great. * Only with this balance can we assemble that Superbowl team around our star quarterback; the next president.
(10/22/12 4:00am)
This past Sunday I had the honor and privilege to join hundreds of thousands of people across the country in what has become one of the greatest and most exhilarating moments in any American's life; attending a live National Football League game. A ticket costs more than I make in a month in my on-campus job and I may no longer be able to look at a potato knish the same way; they were the complimentary gift to the fans in our section. While sitting in traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike, after watching Eli Manning connect with Victor Cruz for the game-winning touchdown to beat the Washington Redskins, I reflected on how football has become an integral part of the American democratic culture. The 2012 Superbowl featuring the New York Giants and Boston's own New England Patriots set the television record, drawing in 111.3 million viewers, for the third year in a row. To put that number in perspective, that is more viewers then the first two presidential, plus the vice presidential campaign debates combined. The question must be asked: How did a such a game whose violence may be the cause of severe depression, anxiety and numerous attempted suicides of former players due to repeated undocumented concussions, become such a classic American pastime? What is so attractive to us about giant, yet remarkably athletic men throwing themselves at each other, chasing a leather oval-shaped ball around a field? Perhaps the answer lies in the structure of a successful football team. A team's compilation is remarkably similar to how a democratic society should ideally function. After all what is more American than democracy. The sport of football has an inherent cooperative nature. Football is not a sport that can be won by a single player; it is the collective effort of all 53 players, the numerous coaches and athletic trainers. Each player must have the good of the team in mind in order to be successful. Those players looking for impressive statistics and personal records simply do not succeed in the league. You can have all the talent in the world and fail without the proper mind-set and, more importantly, the proper team around you. A balanced team is almost always more successful then a team of flashy skill players. Likewise, each football team is like a functional democratic society. Each indivdual player has the responsibility to follow the lead of, and help, those players with larger roles on the team. The quarterback must have the proper protection from the offensive line, the offensive line needs the skill positions to play a certain speed and the skill positions need the quarterback to get them the ball. And, of course, all units are under the discretion of the leaders, the coaches, who decipher exactly which play-call allows each unit to play effectively. The United States is no different. Every segment of the democracy has a certain responsibility that can only be achieved if, and only if, every other part of the democracy does their respected part. We as citizens have the right and responsibility to vote for our best personal interests. We elect politicians on all levels of government that ideally coincide with our personal agenda. However, that is dependent on politicians running on platforms that express the views of many, hence the need for multiple political parties. If there were only one candidate, it would be impossible for agenda of the masses to take form. A single player, no matter how talented, cannot win a game on his own. A politician cannot, and will not, be successful in office without the cooperation of his team, comprised of both his constituents and fellow politicians. Too often throughout the country, politicians are elected on charisma and rhetoric. Pure political talent does not cut it. For any democratic government to be successful, the agendas of the citizens, individual representatives and Congress as a whole must be in unison. Only then can the platform chosen by the masses, and by extension in the best interest of all involved, be put in place. It is impossible for a quarterback to win a game without the rest of his team. Likewise, it is impossible for any politician to succeed without his constituents and fellow politicians working in unison. Take the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles on paper are arguably the most talented team in the league, yet they failed to make the playoffs last year, let alone the Superbowl. The Eagles players were constantly fixated on the preseason hype, not the task at hand. It was impossible for the team to succeed without all members striving for the same goal. To quote former President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid sports fan, from his early days in office, "In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is, hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard." The strategic plan for any football team is predicated on playing a hard-fought, physical and mistake free game. This holds true for our government. In today's day and age, where we are surrounded by bickering politicians, a financial system standing on thin ice due to excessive personal agendas, unprecedented foreign policy danger in a nuclear Iran and social issues from gay marriage to abortion, we must remember those lessons from our favorite sport. Every single member of a representative democracy needs to "play hard" in order for the government to be successful. We must look past what looks like insurmountable issues and remember it is precisely the combination of opinions and issues that makes this country great. Only with this balance can we assemble that Superbowl team around our star quarterback; the next president.
(10/22/12 4:00am)
* This past Sunday I had the honor and privilege to join hundreds of thousands of people across the country in what has become one of the greatest and most exhilarating moments in any American's life; attend a live National Football League game. * A ticket costs more than I make in a month in my on-campus job and I may no longer be able to look at a potato knish the same way; they were the complimentary gift to the fans in our section. While sitting in traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike, after watching Eli Manning connect with Victor Cruz for the game-winning touchdown to beat the Washington Redskins, I reflected on how football has become an integral part of the American democratic culture. * The 2012 Superbowl featuring the New York Giants and Boston's own New England Patriots set a third consecutive television record, drawing in 111.3 million viewers. * To put that number in perspective, that is more viewers then the two presidential and one vice presidential campaign debates combined. * The question must be asked: How did a such a game whose violence may be the cause of severe depression, anxiety and numerous attempted suicides of former players due to repeated undocumented concussions, become such a classic American pastime? What is so attractive to us about giant, yet remarkably athletic men throwing themselves at each other, chasing a leather oval- shaped ball around a field? * Perhaps the answer lies in the structure of a successful football team. A team's compilation is remarkably similar to how a democratic society should ideally function. After all what is more American than democracy. * The sport of football has an inherent cooperative nature. Football is not a sport that can be won by a single player; it is the collective effort of all 53 players, the numerous coaches and athletic trainers. Each player must have the good of the team in mind in order to be successful. * Those players looking for impressive statistics and personal records simply do not succeed in the league. You can have all the talent in the world and fail without the proper mind-set and, more importantly, the proper team around you. A balanced team is almost always more successful then a team of flashy skill players. * Likewise, each football team is like a functional democratic society. Each role-player has the responsibility to follow the lead of, and help, the skill positions; the players in charge. * The quarterback must have the proper protection from the offensive line, the offensive line needs the skill positions to play a certain speed and the skill positions need the quarterback to get them the ball. * And, of course, all units are under the discretion of the leaders, the coaches, who decipher exactly which play-call allows each unit to play effectively. * The United States is no different. Every faction of the democracy has a certain responsibility that can only be achieved if, and only if, every other part of the democracy does their respected part. We as citizens have the right and responsibility to vote for our best personal interests. We elect politicians on all levels of government that ideally coincide with our personal agenda. * However, that is dependent on politicians running on platforms that express the views of many, hence the need for multiple political parties. If there were only one candidate, it would be impossible for agenda of the masses to take form. * A single player, no matter how talented, cannot win a game on his own. A politician cannot, and will not, be successful in office without the cooperation of his team, comprised of both his constituents and fellow politicians. * Too often throughout the country, politicians are elected on charisma and rhetoric; on pure talent. For any democratic government to be successful, the agendas of the citizens, individual representatives and Congress as a whole must be in unison. * Only then can the platform chosen by the masses, and by extension in the best interest of all involved, be put in place. * It is impossible for a quarterback to win a game without the rest of his team. Likewise, it is impossible for any politician to succeed without his constituents and fellow politicians working in unison. * Take the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles on paper are arguably the most talented team in the league, yet they failed to make the playoffs last year, let alone the Superbowl. The Eagles players were constantly fixated on the preseason hype, not the task at hand. It was impossible for the team to succeed without all members striving for the same goal. * To quote former President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid sports fan, from his early days in office, "In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is, hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard." The strategic plan for any football team is predicated on playing a hard-fought, physical and mistake free game. * This holds true for our government. In today's day and age, where we are surrounded by bickering politicians, a financial system standing on thin ice due to excessive personal agendas, unprecedented foreign policy danger in a nuclear Iran and social issues from gay marriage to abortion we must remember those lessons from our favorite sport. * Every single member of a representative democracy needs to "play hard" in order for the government to be successful. We must look past what look like insurmountable issues and remember it is precisely the combination of opinions and issues that makes this country great. * Only with this balance can we assemble that Superbowl team around our star quarterback; the next president.
(10/22/12 4:00am)
* This past Sunday I had the honor and privilege to join hundreds of thousands of people across the country in what has become one of the greatest and most exhilarating moments in any American's life; attend a live National Football League game. * A ticket costs more than I make in a month in my on-campus job and I may no longer be able to look at a potato knish the same way; they were the complimentary gift to the fans in our section. While sitting in traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike, after watching Eli Manning connect with Victor Cruz for the game-winning touchdown to beat the Washington Redskins, I reflected on how football has become an integral part of the American democratic culture. * The 2012 Superbowl featuring the New York Giants and Boston's own New England Patriots set a third consecutive television record, drawing in 111.3 million viewers. * To put that number in perspective, that is more viewers then the two presidential and one vice presidential campaign debates combined. * The question must be asked: How did a such a game whose violence may be the cause of severe depression, anxiety and numerous attempted suicides of former players due to repeated undocumented concussions, become such a classic American pastime? What is so attractive to us about giant, yet remarkably athletic men throwing themselves at each other, chasing a leather oval- shaped ball around a field? * Perhaps the answer lies in the structure of a successful football team. A team's compilation is remarkably similar to how a democratic society should ideally function. After all what is more American than democracy. * The sport of football has an inherent cooperative nature. Football is not a sport that can be won by a single player; it is the collective effort of all 53 players, the numerous coaches and athletic trainers. Each player must have the good of the team in mind in order to be successful. * Those players looking for impressive statistics and personal records simply do not succeed in the league. You can have all the talent in the world and fail without the proper mind-set and, more importantly, the proper team around you. A balanced team is almost always more successful then a team of flashy skill players. * Likewise, each football team is like a functional democratic society. Each role-player has the responsibility to follow the lead of, and help, the skill positions; the players in charge. * The quarterback must have the proper protection from the offensive line, the offensive line needs the skill positions to play a certain speed and the skill positions need the quarterback to get them the ball. * And, of course, all units are under the discretion of the leaders, the coaches, who decipher exactly which play-call allows each unit to play effectively. * The United States is no different. Every faction of the democracy has a certain responsibility that can only be achieved if, and only if, every other part of the democracy does their respected part. We as citizens have the right and responsibility to vote for our best personal interests. We elect politicians on all levels of government that ideally coincide with our personal agenda. * However, that is dependent on politicians running on platforms that express the views of many, hence the need for multiple political parties. If there were only one candidate, it would be impossible for agenda of the masses to take form. * A single player, no matter how talented, cannot win a game on his own. A politician cannot, and will not, be successful in office without the cooperation of his team, comprised of both his constituents and fellow politicians. * Too often throughout the country, politicians are elected on charisma and rhetoric; on pure talent. For any democratic government to be successful, the agendas of the citizens, individual representatives and Congress as a whole must be in unison. * Only then can the platform chosen by the masses, and by extension in the best interest of all involved, be put in place. * It is impossible for a quarterback to win a game without the rest of his team. Likewise, it is impossible for any politician to succeed without his constituents and fellow politicians working in unison. * Take the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles on paper are arguably the most talented team in the league, yet they failed to make the playoffs last year, let alone the Superbowl. The Eagles players were constantly fixated on the preseason hype, not the task at hand. It was impossible for the team to succeed without all members striving for the same goal. * To quote former President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid sports fan, from his early days in office, "In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is, hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard." The strategic plan for any football team is predicated on playing a hard-fought, physical and mistake free game. * This holds true for our government. In today's day and age, where we are surrounded by bickering politicians, a financial system standing on thin ice due to excessive personal agendas, unprecedented foreign policy danger in a nuclear Iran and social issues from gay marriage to abortion we must remember those lessons from our favorite sport. * Every single member of a representative democracy needs to "play hard" in order for the government to be successful. We must look past what look like insurmountable issues and remember it is precisely the combination of opinions and issues that makes this country great. * Only with this balance can we assemble that Superbowl team around our star quarterback; the next president.
(10/22/12 4:00am)
* This past Sunday I had the honor and privilege to join hundreds of thousands of people across the country in what has become one of the greatest and most exhilarating moments in any American's life; attend a live National Football League game. * A ticket costs more than I make in a month in my on-campus job and I may no longer be able to look at a potato knish the same way; they were the complimentary gift to the fans in our section. While sitting in traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike, after watching Eli Manning connect with Victor Cruz for the game-winning touchdown to beat the Washington Redskins, I reflected on how football has become an integral part of the American democratic culture. * The 2012 Superbowl featuring the New York Giants and Boston's own New England Patriots set a third consecutive television record, drawing in 111.3 million viewers. * To put that number in perspective, that is more viewers then the two presidential and one vice presidential campaign debates combined. * The question must be asked: How did a such a game whose violence may be the cause of severe depression, anxiety and numerous attempted suicides of former players due to repeated undocumented concussions, become such a classic American pastime? What is so attractive to us about giant, yet remarkably athletic men throwing themselves at each other, chasing a leather oval- shaped ball around a field? * Perhaps the answer lies in the structure of a successful football team. A team's compilation is remarkably similar to how a democratic society should ideally function. After all what is more American than democracy. * The sport of football has an inherent cooperative nature. Football is not a sport that can be won by a single player; it is the collective effort of all 53 players, the numerous coaches and athletic trainers. Each player must have the good of the team in mind in order to be successful. * Those players looking for impressive statistics and personal records simply do not succeed in the league. You can have all the talent in the world and fail without the proper mind-set and, more importantly, the proper team around you. A balanced team is almost always more successful then a team of flashy skill players. * Likewise, each football team is like a functional democratic society. Each role-player has the responsibility to follow the lead of, and help, the skill positions; the players in charge. * The quarterback must have the proper protection from the offensive line, the offensive line needs the skill positions to play a certain speed and the skill positions need the quarterback to get them the ball. * And, of course, all units are under the discretion of the leaders, the coaches, who decipher exactly which play-call allows each unit to play effectively. * The United States is no different. Every faction of the democracy has a certain responsibility that can only be achieved if, and only if, every other part of the democracy does their respected part. We as citizens have the right and responsibility to vote for our best personal interests. We elect politicians on all levels of government that ideally coincide with our personal agenda. * However, that is dependent on politicians running on platforms that express the views of many, hence the need for multiple political parties. If there were only one candidate, it would be impossible for agenda of the masses to take form. * A single player, no matter how talented, cannot win a game on his own. A politician cannot, and will not, be successful in office without the cooperation of his team, comprised of both his constituents and fellow politicians. * Too often throughout the country, politicians are elected on charisma and rhetoric; on pure talent. For any democratic government to be successful, the agendas of the citizens, individual representatives and Congress as a whole must be in unison. * Only then can the platform chosen by the masses, and by extension in the best interest of all involved, be put in place. * It is impossible for a quarterback to win a game without the rest of his team. Likewise, it is impossible for any politician to succeed without his constituents and fellow politicians working in unison. * Take the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles on paper are arguably the most talented team in the league, yet they failed to make the playoffs last year, let alone the Superbowl. The Eagles players were constantly fixated on the preseason hype, not the task at hand. It was impossible for the team to succeed without all members striving for the same goal. * To quote former President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid sports fan, from his early days in office, "In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is, hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard." The strategic plan for any football team is predicated on playing a hard-fought, physical and mistake free game. * This holds true for our government. In today's day and age, where we are surrounded by bickering politicians, a financial system standing on thin ice due to excessive personal agendas, unprecedented foreign policy danger in a nuclear Iran and social issues from gay marriage to abortion we must remember those lessons from our favorite sport. * Every single member of a representative democracy needs to "play hard" in order for the government to be successful. We must look past what look like insurmountable issues and remember it is precisely the combination of opinions and issues that makes this country great. * Only with this balance can we assemble that Superbowl team around our star quarterback; the next president.
(10/22/12 4:00am)
This past Sunday I had the honor and privilege to join hundreds of thousands of people across the country in what has become one of the greatest and most exhilarating moments in any American's life; attend a live National Football League game.
(10/22/12 4:00am)
In their first meet since 2010 and first home meet since four years ago last Saturday, the men's and women's swimming and diving teams didn't just dip their toes in the pool in the Joseph M. Linsey Sports Center. The squad dove in head first, picking up 15 individual victories and one school record in a pair of losses against Wheaton College. The men lost 159-97, while the women were defeated 163-120.
(10/22/12 4:00am)
The Brandeis men's and women's swimming and diving teams first started competing in 1968. Until being cut in 2010, the team was a national force, amassing 30 All-University Athletic Association performances and 15 Division III All-Americans. Until 1995, passing a swim test was a graduation requirement for University students.
(10/16/12 4:00am)
Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Abigail Fisher, a young caucasian woman claiming she was denied admission to the University of Texas because of affirmative action. Over the past thirty years, many institutions of higher education have consciously tried, and struggled, to create a fair admissions process with a diverse student body. How do you feel about affirmative action being integrated into universities' admission processes? Should race play a role in the decision?
(10/15/12 4:00am)
* The pool in the Joseph M. Linsey Sports Center, which has not hosted a competitive swim meet in three years, was home to the Alumni Swimming and Diving Meet last Saturday. * The event featured both past and current swimmers in timed races and diving competitions. * This event is traditionally held annually to both welcome back the alumni swimmers and kick off the swimming season by introducing the current squad * However, hosting the meet has proved implausible recently given the lack of a functional pool for the past three years after it was closed due to notable maintenance concerns. * "The meet provides a great way for the alumni to get back on campus and meet with the current swimmers." said coach Mike Kotch. "It's also a good networking tool for the students to meet and interact with the alumni." * The meet featured races of all sorts - from backstroke to the individual medley, as well as some relay races. * Though the races were timed, they were ultimately friendly competitions and provided a concrete way for much of the alumni to get back into competitive swimming in a relaxed environment. Following the races, the lanes were cleared for diving competitions amongst the alumni. The swimmers were of all ages, and there were several races over the course of the event, which lasted a good portion of the afternoon. In addition to having an official on location to record times in swimming events and performances in diving, the scoreboard was up and running for the racers to see their times places live. * The event was relaxed and enjoyable for all, both in the stands and in the pool. When not swimming, the athletes talked to each other and laughed while cheering on the people in the pool. After each race, the swimmers would cheer for everyone, regardless of who emerged victorious in the event. For added support, there were also family members in the pool area watching the events. * Despite the nature of the atmosphere, Kotch said that he uses the event to keep an eye on his current swimmers and see where they are in their training, thereby giving them a point of reference off of which they can base their training. * Overall, given what he saw this weekend, Kotch is enthusiastic about the upcoming season. "These kids are working very hard," he said. "We've got a good group of swimmers. They're good students and should represent Brandeis very well in this upcoming year." * The team opens its schedule on Saturday at home against Wheaton College. And while this weekend's event was a nice christening of the new-and-improved pool, this weekend's event will officially mark the return of swimming and diving at Brandeis.
(10/15/12 4:00am)
An article in News incorrectly stated that 80 percent of Library and Technology Services' collection budget is used for print resources, while 20 goes toward electronic resources. In fact, 80 percent goes toward electronic and 20 percent is used for print. (Oct. 9, pg. 1) A photograph in News was misattributed to Joshua Linton. The photo was taken by Jenny Cheng (Oct. 9, pg. 1) An article in Features cited Ashraf Hussein's year of graduation as 2013. Hussein received his undergraduate degree from Brandeis in 2012, and expects a master's degree from Brandeis International Business School in 2013. (Oct. 9, pg. 9) The "Judges by the Numbers" box in Sports misspelled the name of the men's soccer team's assist leader. His name is Sam Ocel '13, not San. (Oct. 9, pg. 15) An article in Arts misspelled the name of two students. The director of 'Into the Woods' is Jessie Field '13, not Jessie Fields, and the stage manager is Rachel Huvard '14, not Rachel Hubbard. (Oct. 9, pg. 18) The Justice welcomes submissions for errors that warrant correction or clarification. Email editor@thejustice.org. *
(10/08/12 4:00am)
If you go to Cholmondeley's on a typical Saturday night, you usually have plenty of space to move around, chat with your peers or maybe even catch one of Brandeis' many a caPpella groups. However, the packed, hot and sweaty scene at Chum's the Saturday night of Sept. 29 suggested a different story. Following the successful Student Events billing of Santigold and Theophilus London in Gosman Sports and Convocation Center for the annual Fall Fest Concert, Brandeis was lucky enough to have the critically acclaimed George Lewis, Jr., who records under the moniker Twin Shadow, take a stop off his Ton Up North American Tour and play to a small (relative to his other shows on tour), but eager, crowd in the packed intimacy of Chum's.
(10/08/12 4:00am)
"We want music!" repeatedly chanted an audience of over 100 students, huddled together in the front of the Shapiro Gym stage at the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center on Saturday Sept. 29. The continuously growing crowd that would eventually amass to approximately 850 people was restless.
(10/08/12 4:00am)
The Intramural Outdoor Soccer season came to a close on Thursday night when Gordon Field lit up with excitement surrounding the men's, women's and co-ed championships. In the first game of the night, the Men's Championship, the International Business School Men took on Brandeis F.C. in a game where the competitive nature of the two teams preceded them and it lived up to and exceeded the hype. Led by captain Carlo Frank MA '13 and an incredible cheering section, IBS took the lead early in the game, but Brandeis F.C. recovered and tied it up on a great goal by Ben Berson '15. The game went in to overtime after regulation ended 1-1, but the draw was short-lived as Brandon Kase '14. scored 40 seconds into overtime and Brandeis F.C. won the game on the golden goal. The women's final showed great sportmanship and the Senioras won a close battle that truly epitomized the easy-going and fun-loving nature of the two teams. Finally, in the co-ed final, Stan Ree came out with a vengeance and stormed to a huge lead that never faltered. Pat Seaward '13, an Intramural veteran and member of co-ed finalist Bingo Bango Bongos, reflected on his memorable moments in intramural soccer. "Intramurals is a part of me and I hold it near to my heart. I feel like a champion every time I leave the field after any athletic season," he said. Thank you to the staff and all of the participants this season. Next on the agenda is Flag Football and we cannot wait for another great season of Brandeis Intramural Sports! *
(10/08/12 4:00am)
The women's soccer squad pelted potential goal after potential goal at Case Western Reserve University rookie goaltender Megan Romelfanger, hoping for the decisive goal that would lead to a crucial University Athletic Association victory. The Judges' luck ran out, though, as the team failed to notch a score in a 0-0 double-overtime draw. The team, though, notched a 4-1 victory against Babson College, their cross-town rivals, in a must-win local match last Thursday. The Judges are now 11-1-1 overall and sport a 1-0-1 in University Athletic Association matches. Brandeis dominated possession and controlled the offensive tempo, outshooting Case 29-16, while also notching 10 corner kicks to Case's one. Forward Dara Spital '15 also notched a notable eight shots on goal but Romelfanger proved to be impenetrable. Both teams fought aggressively in the midfield for possession throughout the first half, unable to gain an advantage. As the half progressed, however, Brandeis began to mount more of an offense, earning seven shots on goal in the half. Goaltender Francine Kofinas '13 ultimately made two saves out of the seven shots Case offered. The second half was a different story for the Judges. Brandeis outshot Case 14-2 and took three additional corner kicks. However, in the 58th minute, Brandeis' chances of victory were suddenly on the line. Netminder Michelle Savuto '15 came up with a save on a shot destined for the top left corner, keeping Brandeis in the match. Spital, in the 59th minute, had a prime scoring opportunity with a powerful strike, but Romelfanger barely got her hands on the ball, tipping the shot up to the crossbar. Brandeis had one final opportunity in the 71st minute as midfielder Holly Szafran '16 ripped a shot from outside the 18-yard box, but the ball rose just over the goal. Brandeis continued to dominate the first overtime on the offensive side of the ball, doubling Case's shot total and posing a lockdown defense. Case managed to rally in the second overtime, outshooting Brandeis 5-3 and taking command of the midfield. However, at the end of the day, neither were able to produce a goal in an eventual tie. Coach Denise Dallamora stated that she admired the team's perseverance throughout the game and regretted that the team could not convert its efforts into a goal. "They never quit," she said. "I know we were the better team but did not score. I was happy with my team's work ethic and character." The Judges, though, took care of business at home last Thursday with a crucial victory over local rival Babson - despite the tough conditions. Szafran kicked off the scoring onslaught with a fifth-minute goal on the first shot of the game after receiving a cross from Spital. Spital did not stop there. She had yet another assist, launching a deep throw which forward Sapir Edalati '15 fired from the 18-yard box to give Brandeis a 2-0 lead. Edalati scored her second goal of the match just 11 minutes later, notching her first collegiate multi-goal game and handing Brandeis a sizeable 3-0 lead going into the second half. The Judges dominated possession of the ball, having complete control in the midfield. Kofinas was able to notch the win without making a single save in the first half. Brandeis continued to show its offensive prowess just five minutes into the second half with a third goal from Spital. Babson finally scored in the 69th minute, breaking their 434-minute scoreless streak, off of a rebound shot from senior Emily Anderson and deflected free kick by Savuto. Dallamora noted that, while Spital has been a invaluable offensive asset, the team must learn to plan an offense in light of her contributions. "They are double teaming Dara Spital so we need to continue to work an offense around that," she said. The Judges outshot Babson by a notable 26-14 margin while also firing off 12 shots on target, nearly equaling Babson's total shots. Katy Lehmann '16 debuted in her first collegiate match in goal, notching two saves in five minutes. Coach Dallamora figures to showcase Lehmann in a rotation for these crucial matches later in the season. Dallamora said that her squad's strong efforts at defense will be key in future conference matches. "My team has been playing unbelievable defense - only 3 goals in 12 games," she said. Brandeis will take to the road, though, for two crucial UAA games. The team first travels to the University of Chicago for a game this Friday at 4 p.m. followed by a game at Washington University in St. Louis this Sunday at noon. *
(10/08/12 4:00am)
Medical Emergency Sept. 29-A party called to report an intoxicated student in Usen Hall. The student was treated by BEMCo and declined further medical assistance. Oct. 1-A caller in the Foster Mods reported that their friend was dizzy and experiencing sharp pains in her chest. She was treated at the scene by BEMCo and declined further medical assistance. Oct. 2-A female party in Pomerantz was vomiting blood. She was treated by BEMCo and declined further medical assistance. Oct. 2-A student at the Mailman House agreed to a voluntary psychological assessment at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. An ambulance was assigned for the transport, and Community Living was notified of the situation. Oct. 3-The Provisions on Demand Market manager requested BEMCo to the area outside of the store for a student who was vomiting. The units were cleared, and the student was driven to the Health Center. Oct. 6-A student in Hassenfeld Residence Hall complained of an allergic reaction and was treated by BEMCo. The student was transported via ambulance to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Oct. 7-A 19-year-old female in Rosenthal was intoxicated but breathing and semi-alert. BEMCo was dispatched, and the party was transported to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Oct. 7-University Police received a report of a student with a dislocated shoulder on the athletic fields. The student refused BEMCo service and was transported to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital via a friend. Oct. 7-A student on the athletic fields contacted BEMCo regarding a possible concussion. BEMCo requested an ambulance to transport the student to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Drugs Oct. 1-University Police received a call from a student reporting smelling marijuana in Rosenthal East. Officers checked the area, but the odor had dissipated. No further action was taken. Traffic Oct. 4-A student at the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center reported hit-and-run damage to his car while it was parked. Disturbance Sept. 26-An anonymous caller reported a loud gathering in the lower Foster Mods. Officers discovered and dispersed an unauthorized party. Judicial action will be taken. Oct. 6-A large group of students was outside at the Charles River Apartments; police units dispersed the party, and the Community Development Coordinator was sent to the area. Oct. 6-A caller reported a group of students yelling outside in East Quad. University Police units were sent to the area, and the parties moved along. Oct. 6-A community adviser in East Quad notified University Police that there were several people in the quad being loud. Units were sent to the area, and three parties were sent on their way. Miscellaneous Sept. 25-A staff member reported an unattended briefcase in the Goldfarb Library. An officer checked the bag and discovered a lunch and miscellaneous papers. Oct. 2-A student in the Goldfarb Library reported an Internet fraud scam. The scammer tried to dupe the student into depositing a fraudulent check into their account. There was no loss of funds. A report was composed. Oct. 4-A student reported a past sexual assault that occurred off campus. -compiled by Marielle Temkin
(09/24/12 4:00am)
The Judges made a statement in the collegiate and professional sporting worlds over the past week.
(09/24/12 4:00am)
For the fourth time since 1992, the National Hockey League's owners have locked out their players in a labor dispute. This spells disaster for the league, considering that the last time this happened, the NHL lost an entire season and considerable revenue. In what should have been the 2004-05 hockey season, the league negotiated with the National Hockey League Players' Association to create a salary cap. Initially, the players' union was not willing to compromise. They wanted to preserve a system in which players could individually negotiate with teams, thus securing larger contracts for themselves. Under the system in place prior to that point, the teams spent 76 percent of their gross incomes on players' salaries, higher than any other American professional sports league. As a result, many teams were either going toward bankruptcy or dumping their players with large salaries On Feb. 16, 2005, the league officially announced that the season was cancelled. The NHL became the first American sports league to cancel an entire season due to a labor dispute. As the lockout pressed on, many players abandoned the NHL for the year, going to play for teams in Europe to stay in top hockey form. Finally, in July 2005, after the NHLPA replaced their executive director Bob Goodenow, an agreement was reached where the players would receive 54 percent of the league's revenues. Additionally, a salary cap was created so that the players could no longer receive bloated salaries that were dangerous to the teams' financial capabilities. The new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players also called for new rules for the game itself, including the move to a shootout after one overtime period during a regular season game. The size of the goaltenders' pads was reduced for more scoring opportunities, while penalties were much more strongly enforced for the safety of the players. All had been well in the league up until the end of the 2012 season, but now suddenly, the NHL is experiencing de ja vu. The players and the owners have again taken opposite sides, and neither seems to want to budge. The main issue here is money - how should the league split its 3.3 billion dollar revenue with the players. The players, during this past season, received 57 percent of the league's revenue. The league, in their last proposal before the lockout, wanted to lower that number to 46 percent. This does not bode well for NHL players. The NHL makes considerably less money than the NFL, and thus, the salaries of the NHL players will be considerably less as well under this proposal. Small market teams in the NHL, such as the Columbus Blue Jackets, will also be hurt by the upcoming lockout, as they will lose a significant amount of income if games are not played. As the lockout begins, players are already taking steps to play this season, although not necessarily in the NHL. Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk and Ottawa Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar have all already signed deals to play in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League. While they are the biggest names to leave, they are certainly not the only ones. Lord Stanley's Cup, which bears the name of every cup winner since the Montreal Hockey Club first won in 1893, reads in the place of the 2004-05 season this: "Season Not Played." As the lockout begins, we are left to wonder if this inscription will again be engraved on the trophy of North America's fastest-paced sport.
(09/24/12 4:00am)
Hollywood is making a pit stop in Waltham.
