A synopsis of media accounts mentioning Wellesley, its faculty, students and alumnae

If you would like a copy of any of these articles, please call 781-283-2373.

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December 2008

“Drink a Day May Keep Alzheimer's at Bay”
The (Toronto) Globe and Mail
December 31, 2008
Sarah Boesveld
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081231.wlalzheimers31/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home

People who have one to two alcoholic drinks a day are often at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia than their teetotalling peers, researchers concluded after analyzing 44 studies about moderate alcohol intake and its effect on the heart and the brain. While moderate alcohol consumption is lauded in the report, some researchers aren't so sure it can work to stop the onset of dementia or Alzheimer's. Carol Ann Paul, neuroscience, reported to the American Academy of Neurology that even small amounts of alcohol decrease total brain volume.

“Let's Get Real About Boundless Optimism”
The Kansas City Star
December 31, 2008
Rick Montgomery
http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/960632.html

Suddenly, it’s proper to be pessimistic, or so it seems when politicians and economists assure us that the nation’s financial health will get worse before it gets better. “The pessimists are probably the least anxious of anyone right now,” said Julie K. Norem, psychology. “They’ve been bombarded all these years by experts who said the only way to succeed is to believe that everything will be good. Don’t even think about negative outcomes. For those people who feel more comfortable considering worst-case scenarios when making a decision, there might be a little vindication here.”

“Hub Homes Not Hit 'Bad'”
The Boston Herald
December 31, 2008
Jay Fitzgerald
http://news.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2008_12_31_Hub_homes_not_hit__bad_/srvc=home&position=also

“October Home Prices in 20 U.S. Metro Areas Fall 18%”
Bloomberg News
December 30, 2008
Bob Willis
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ayVHSjfbyCuw&refer=home

The S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index shows that single-family home prices in the country’s 20 largest metropolitan markets fell 18 percent in October, compared to the year prior, setting another record and knocking back prices to their March 2004 levels. “Boston isn’t that bad,” said Karl Case, economics. Boston prices fell by only 6 percent for the year, according to the report.

“Flint's Jessica Anthony Continues to Succeed at Wellesley College Thanks in Part to Prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship”
The Flint (Mich.) Journal
December 30, 2008
Kristin Longley
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/12/flints_jessica_anthony_continu.html

You could say that Jessica Anthony ’09 has fallen through the rabbit hole. From the urban Flint School District to the stately 19th-century buildings and rolling hills of the elite Wellesley College, Anthony said she couldn't have picked a campus more different than her hometown. "I grew up around a lot of African Americans," she said. "People look like you, they have the same beliefs, they eat the same food as you – and~then you go to college and it's very multicultural. It's the real world."

“She's Building a Life with Animals in Mind”
The Boston Globe
December 28, 2008
Susan Chaityn Lebovits
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/12/28/shes_building_a_life_with_animals_in_mind/?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed7

Elise Traub ’09 spent her 21st birthday sorting petitions in an attempt to get Question 3 on the Massachusetts ballot and put an end to betting on dog races. Last month her efforts were rewarded when voters overwhelmingly passed the law, which calls for the state's dog tracks to be phased out by 2010. She hopes to pursue a career in animal welfare law.

“Giving Can Change Your Mind”
San Francisco Chronicle
December 25, 2008
Mark D. Lange
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/24/EDS014SODB.DTL

Even in the midst of a financial crisis, the single most self-indulgent thing you can do is give. A large body of research documents significant and positive health and cognitive benefits directly attributed to giving. And unlike the typical 401(k) lately, these benefits last. In a joint study by UC Berkeley and Wellesley College, giving in high school was associated with better physical and mental health over five decades, well into late adulthood.

“Messages Gone Wild”
The Boston Globe
December 24, 2008
Joseph P. Kahn
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2008/12/24/messages_gone_wild/

Jean Kilbourne, senior scholar at the Wellesley Centers for Women, has been documenting how the marketing of alcohol, cigarettes and other products undermines society's health. In this Q&A, she talks about the sexualization of children.

“Obama's North Korea Dilemma”
Daily Analysis (Council on Foreign Relations)
December 23, 2008
Jayshree Bajoria
http://www.cfr.org/publication/18056/

Foremost among the foreign policy challenges facing the next U.S. administration will be a nuclear North Korea under a Communist regime with a record of proliferation to states unfriendly to Washington. Katharine H.S. Moon, political science, argues that working with international institutions such as the United Nations would yield better results and convey to the regime in Pyongyang that it is not being "singled out for demonization.”

“Tha Fallout”
The New York Times
December 23, 2008
Laura Pappano
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/education/edlife/spending-t.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Laura Pappano, a writer-in-residence at the Wellesley Centers for Women, details how financial concerns have become the new hot topic on campuses. “The graph of the stock market’s downward zigzag, a sinking mountain range in silhouette, is a textbook illustration — for those who can still afford their own textbooks — of how quickly the comfy insularity of college life can vanish,” she wrote.

“Unusual is Standard for Old Post Road”
Worcester Telegram and Gazette
December 19, 2008
Richard Duckett
http://www.telegram.com/article/20081219/NEWS/812190522/1102

The Musicians of the Old Post Road have been traveling since their inception 20 years ago. In addition to rediscovering classical masterpieces, their idea has been to use reproductions and period instruments to recreate the authentic sound of the music they play — usually composed between the 17th and early 19th centuries — and to unite performances of classical music to intimate historical buildings that are appropriate to the music. Flutist Suzanne Stumpf, music, is co-artistic director of the group.

“Barney Frank Tireless Advocate”
The Boston Herald
December 17, 2008
Karl e. 'Chip' Case
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/letters/view/2008_12_17_Barney_Frank_tireless_advocate/srvc=home&position=recent

Karl Case, economics, lauds Rep. Barney Frank for his tireless efforts in establishing a rational and balanced housing policy. “Frank is not, nor has he ever been, a defender of Fannie and Freddie, and no one has worked harder in the last year to try and prevent an economic nightmare,” Case wrote. “We clearly owe him a lot. I am proud to be his constituent.”

“The Ideal Stimulus Package”
The New York Times
December 16, 2008
Catherine Rampell
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/16/the-ideal-stimulus-package/

President-elect Barack Obama and members of Congress are considering a fiscal stimulus package that’s reportedly in the ballpark of $500 billion. How should that money be spent? Ann Dryden Witte, economics, outlines how she would use the package if she had her druthers.

“Fannie Mae to Help Renters Stay”
Marketplace: American Public Radio
December 15, 2008
Sam Eaton
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/15/pm_fannie_mae/

Fannie Mae is developing a policy to allow renters who live in foreclosed properties to stay in their homes and avoid eviction. The new policy comes on the heels of the mortgage finance company's current holiday eviction moratorium. Some real estate experts predict the policy could make the crisis worse, including Karl Case, economics.

“Obama: Break Your Afghan Pledge”
The Harvard Crimson - Opinion
December 14, 2008
Robert Paarlberg
http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=525956

Robert Paarlberg, political science, offers his foreign policy advice to President-elect Obama. Paarlberg believes that escalating the war on terror in Afghanistan would be strategic mistake on behalf of the new administration, creating more problems than solutions. “First, security in Afghanistan has deteriorated so much that the 20,000 troops you have proposed to send are no longer enough to turn the tide against the Taliban,” Paarlberg said. “Second, America’s war on terror is no longer centered in Afghanistan, or even Iraq. Al Qaeda now works primarily out of Pakistan.”

“Cambodian Refugees Tell Their Stories, So That Others Find Peace”
The Lowell Sun
December 14, 2008
David Perry
http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_11231240

Last week, alumna Dahvy Tran ’08 participated in a panel of first-generation survivors of the Cambodian genocide that took place in the late 1970s, under the regime of Pol Pot regime. Tran works for the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence.

“DeWitt Vocalist to Perform on Ben Folds CD”
The Syracuse Post-Standard
December 14, 2008
Mark Bialczak
http://blog.syracuse.com/dailydose/2008/12/dec_14_daily_dose.html
http://blog.syracuse.com/listenup/2008/12/heres_the_video_that_got_helen.html

Helen Day ’09, of DeWitt, N.Y., will be in a recording studio with her vocal group, The Blue Notes. They were chosen by pop singer-songwriter Ben Folds as one of 18 groups to perform a cappella versions of his songs on an upcoming CD.

“Paying for College”
WBUR - Boston Radio
December 12, 2008
http://www.radioboston.org/stories/2008/12/12/paying-for-college/

President H. Kim Bottomly joined other local higher education experts to discuss the impact of the economic crisis on college affordability. “We recognize that this is an unprecedented time, this is a huge economic storm that is battering the whole society,” Bottomly said. “To make sure that we can support our students and their families, we actually sent out a letter, just before Thanksgiving, to the parents of the current students, to ensure them of the college’s commitment to meeting the financial need of each student. And we said in that letter that we would work individually with families to increase our level of help if we need to.”

“Home Sellers: Death By a Thousand Price Cuts”
India Post
December 9, 2008
Marcie Geffner
http://indiapost.com/article/realestate/4761/

It’s the worst-case scenario for home sellers to endure price cut after price cut in today’s troubled housing market. House prices have fallen more sharply and quickly during this downturn than they did during previous downturns, according to “Downward Stickiness in Prices,” a paper by Karl Case, economics, and co-creator of the S&P/Case-Shiller indexes.

“Funding Crunch Has Colleges Scrambling”
The Boston Globe
December 8, 2008
Peter Schworm
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/12/08/funding_crunch_has_colleges_scrambling/?page=1

For years, it seemed simple: Donations rolled in, the booming stock market multiplied them, and college endowments swelled. Now, colleges across the country that have watched years of double-digit returns wash away are scrambling to readjust to a stark new economic reality, with endowments predicted to plummet by an average of nearly 30 percent this academic year. At Wellesley College, finance officials have been tinkering with projection models by adjusting for unemployment rates and other economic variables to estimate student financial need. “It's a major unknown and a major concern,” Andrew B. Evans, the college's treasurer and vice president for finance, said of potential aid requests. “But you can't assume the norm in this environment. You have to adjust.”

“Economist Examines Housing Prices, Recovery Plans”
NPR – All Things Considered
December 8, 2008
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97973446

Karl Case, economics, the co-founder of the Standard & Poor Case-Shiller Housing Price Index, says across the country between 12 million and 13 million people now hold mortgages worth more than their homes.

“Russia’s Power Source”
The University of North Carolina Times (Charlotte, N.C.)
Diana Carlton
December 8, 2008
http://www.nineronline.com/news/russia_s_power_source

“Oil brings in revenue, but gas is political,” said Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, as he explained Russia’s attempt to come back as a superpower in the 21st century to an audience at UNC-Charlotte. While oil and gas production has certainly helped Russia’s GDP, speculation has mounted from the CIA whether or not Russia will deplete its natural resources and become a major oil importer, an idea which Goldman denounced. “It is intentional not to produce as much,” he said. “Since the market was doing well, they got more per liter – so they produced less to save more for future generations.”

“Future of Home Prices Difficult for Even Pros to Read”
The Wall Street Journal
December 7, 2008
James Hagerty
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20081207/BUSINESS/812070360/1036/NEWS07?Title=Future_of_home_prices_difficult_for_even_pros_to_read

Over the past few years, Americans have had a brutal lesson in the risks of real estate. House prices have crashed more than 35 percent in some parts of the country, millions of people are losing their homes to foreclosure and banks are failing. Karl Case, economics, has studied U.S. house prices going back to the 1890s. Over the long run, he says, home prices tend to increase on average at an inflation-adjusted rate of 2.5 percent to 3 percent a year, about the same as per capita income. He thinks that long-run pattern is likely to continue, despite recent choppiness.

“At Wellesley College, the Carillon Rings in Tradition”
The Boston Globe
December 4, 2008
Brian Benson
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/12/04/at_wellesley_college_the_carillon_rings_in_tradition/

On a recent Wednesday morning amid the hustle of students changing classes at Wellesley College, the majestic sound of ringing bells reverberated across the treetops and buildings that dot the campus. High up in Galen Stone Tower, Wellesley senior Kate Wyman manipulated a series of levers and foot pedals connected to the 32 bronze bells that make up the school's carillon. "It's really cool to be walking around campus and suddenly hear the music coming around the corner," Wyman said. "I think people recognize that this is something special to Wellesley."

“Joseph Smith's Journals Made Available to the Public”
The Mormon Times
Carrie A. Moore
December 2, 2008
http://mormontimes.com/studies_doctrine/church_history/?id=5257

The word-for-word content of journals kept by Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, has been made available to the public for the first time. Stephen Marini, religion, said that while Smith has been "one of the least accessible major figures in the history of American religion," the project is "a splendid debut for what is certain to become one of the great landmarks in LDS publishing and scholarship."

“High-Ranking Colleges and Universities Strengthen Financial Aid”
The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
December 1, 2008
http://www.jbhe.com/news_views/59_financialaid.html

With huge and growing endowments, high-ranking colleges and universities are facing enormous political pressure to use the earnings of these funds to increase financial aid and make higher education more affordable. Now that Congress is threatening legislation to require wealthy colleges and universities to spend more of their endowment earnings, many educational institutions have taken the initiative and added millions of dollars to their financial aid budgets. One example is Wellesley College, which announced that all students from families with incomes below $60,000 will have their student loans replaced with scholarship grants.

“Enrollments of African Americans at the Highest-Ranked Liberal Arts Colleges”
The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
December 1, 2008
http://www.jbhe.com/firstyearenrolls.html

Wellesley College comes in fourth in the ranking of percentage of African Americans at the most prestigious liberal arts colleges, as rated by U.S. News & World Report. Amherst, Williams and Swarthmore take the top three spots. Wellesley also has the highest acceptance rate for African-Americans.

“Secretary of State: Hillary Clinton”
Time
M.J. Stephey
December 1, 2008
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1863062_1863058_1863223,00.html

President-elect Barack Obama introduced New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as his choice for secretary of state. Clinton attended Wellesley College, where she served as student body president and helped the campus avoid the violence typical of American colleges during the late '60s. She appeared in Life magazine in 1969 for her widely praised commencement address.

November 2008

“The Politics of Hunger”
The Morung Express (India)
November 30, 2008
http://www.morungexpress.com/express_review/8772.html

After many years of stability, world food prices have jumped 83 percent since 2005, prompting warnings of a food crisis throughout much of the world earlier this year. Politicians and policymakers do, in fact, have it in their power to bring food prices down. One means of remediation is to lift the European and African bans on genetically modified foodstuffs. Robert Paarlberg, political science, anatomizes the politics of the European ban in his new book, Starved for Science.

“Crooked Highways”
Sing Out
Autumn 2008
Copies available upon request

The debut album of Beth DeSombre, political science, is marked by smart, uplifting writing and songs that focus on the quiet meaning to be found in ordinary life. Since DeSombre rarely performs outside the Boston area, this recording is a welcome way for a wider audience to hear her music.

“The Politics of Falling Oil Prices”
Radio Free Europe
Brian Whitmore
November 30, 2008
http://www.rferl.org/Content/The_Politics_Of_Falling_Oil_Prices/1354639.html

With crude oil prices falling by two-thirds – from just under $150 per barrel in July to slightly more than $50 today – the Russian political elite is getting visibly jittery in anticipation of shifts in domestic politics. "The oil regions are going to say, 'We need to keep the income here. Why do we need to support these other regions that are parasites?'" said Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus. It is therefore not surprising that with the economy in crisis, Russia's rulers are spending a great deal of time worrying about politics, rushing to amend the country's post-Soviet constitution for the first time since it was enacted in 1993.

“Tabling Politics”
The Boston Globe
Johnny Diaz
November 27, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/11/27/tabling_politics/

With the divisive presidential election fresh in the minds of Americans, bipartisan families will have to tolerate their differences under one roof for several hours during the holidays. Marion Just, political science, believes politics will surface one way or another. "It's inevitable, particularly because this was an election where there was a substantial generational gap in support of the candidates," she said. "I don't think many families can entirely escape that tension even though they have the best intentions of sitting down and giving thanks. I have had talks with colleagues and friends who will tiptoe into the kitchen to check on the turkey when the conversation gets particularly fraught when politics comes up."

“How I Got Into College: 5 Stories”
The Wall Street Journal
November 26, 2008
Ellen Gamerman
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122765578387658069.html

After her impatience with twisting essays to fit what she thought admissions officers wanted to hear, Sophie Nunberg ’12 realized that her Wellesley College application essay stood out because it sounded like her. Her two Wellesley essays about working for Planned Parenthood and her mother’s influence on her life came naturally. She is now a campus tour guide at Wellesley and says, “If it hadn’t been for a hard year and very difficult admissions, I might never have come here, and I might not be as happy.”

“Home Prices in Record Plunge”
Reuters
Julie Haviv
November 25, 2008
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Economy/idUSTRE4AN45720081125

Prices of single-family homes plunged a record 17.4 percent in September from a year earlier, according to a key S&P index released on Tuesday. "This is a pretty gloomy report," said Karl Case, economics. "Unemployment is rising rapidly, a primary factor that causes foreclosures to rise and home prices to decline. Plus, some people cannot even get a loan due to the credit crunch, so there are a lot of factors out there that have not even hit these home price numbers yet.” The U.S. economy is considered to be either in or on the brink of a recession, and most economists and experts contend that an end to the downward spiral in housing prices is crucial to any recovery.

“'She Has This Great Ability To Do Things World Class'”
The Chicago Sun-Times
Lynn Sweet
November 25, 2008
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1297550,CST-NWS-sweet25.article

Dipping into their close circle of Chicago friends to find the new White House social secretary, President-elect Barack Obama and wife Michelle named business executive Desirée Rogers ’81 to the job Monday. "This whole idea of having people feel comfortable, and having people be able to, in the warmth of wonderful surroundings, be able to develop relationships that are really deep is really what this is about,” said Rogers of the appointment. Rogers is the second Wellesley alumna tapped for a leadership role in the new administration; Senator Hillary Clinton ’69 is expected to be named Secretary of State.

“Michelle Obama Staff Picks: Rogers, Winter”
The Chicago Sun-Times
Lynn Sweet
November 24, 2008
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/11/michelle_obama_staff_picks_rog.html

President-elect Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama today announced the following White House staff: Desirée Rogers, Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary; and Melissa Winter, Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady. Desirée Rogers, Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary. Rogers is one of the most high profile executives in the Midwest and over the past 16 years has headed two major corporations. She received her bachelor of arts in political science from Wellesley College and earned a masters of business administration from Harvard University.

“CityLine”
WCVB TV 5
November 23, 2008
Karen Holmes Ward
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/station/282895/detail.html

CityLine host Karen Ward talks to Olga Shurchkov, economics, about portfolio management, student loans and how economic fear and uncertainty affect retirement and consumer spending.

“Brasher: Obama, Like Bush, May Be Ag Biotech Ally”
The Des Moines Register
Philip Brasher
November 23, 2008
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20081123/BUSINESS01/811230309/1029/BUSINESS

There are clues President-elect Barack Obama could be an ally of the agricultural biotechnology industry, like his predecessor, President Bush, especially in the effort to put biotech crops into widespread use in Africa. Obama's official statements on development are "pretty strong on agricultural science," said Robert Paarlberg, political science, "I certainly haven't seen any sense of opposition to technology." Paarlberg says U.S. agricultural aid is needed to help African scientists do their own modification of food crops.

“Only One Person Knows a Home’s Value: Its Buyer”
The Wall Street Journal
November 21, 2008
Carl Bialik
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122722235538745845.html?mod=rss_whats_news_us

The one point of widespread agreement in the real-estate industry is that there is no single accurate index of home prices. They are all over the map, cover different sets of homes, and may exclude parts of the country or be unduly influenced by the mix of homes sold in a given month. “Whether the transaction pool is reflective of the entire housing stock — nobody addresses that problem,” said Karl Case, economics.

“Gordon-Reen, Matthiessen Win National Book Prizes”
The Boston Globe
November 20, 2008
David Mehegan
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2008/11/20/gordon_reed_matthiessen_win_national_book_prizes/

Frank Bidart, English, was one of four Massachusetts authors among the five finalists for the 2008 National Book Award, for his collection of poems, “Watching the Spring Festival.”

“Winter Thee Observations: Evergreens”
West Roxbury (Mass.) Transcript
November 20, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/roslindale/fun/x1772950509/Arnold-Arboretum-happenings

Artist and naturalist Carol Govan will lead a tree observation workshop on the Wellesley College campus on Saturday, Jan. 31, in collaboration with the Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture.

“Relief Road Plan Is Threat Kilkenny's Heritage”
The Irish Times
November 19, 2008
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/letters/2008/1119/1227026410882.html

A number of prominent academics and public intellectuals, among them Peter Fergusson, art emeritus, wrote a letter expressing concern over the proposal to construct an inner relief road through “the heart of Ireland's only intact medieval city and a place of international importance.” They urge the local authorities to revise their proposal in order to protect the historic setting.

“Drinking and the Shrinking of the Brain”
HHS HealthBeat - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
November 19, 2008
Ira Dreyfuss
InTheNews/Mixdown Drinking and the shrinking brain.mp3

Carol Ann Paul, neuroscience, looked at brain images in research at the Boston University School of Public Health. She found brain size was smaller among people who drank – even among former drinkers. Men are more likely to drink alcohol, but the association between drinking and brain volume was stronger in women. “Women seemed to be more affected – they had a steeper decline in brain volume than men, but women metabolize alcohol differently," she said. "They’re generally more affected than men.”

“Activists Hail Obaman's Win but Warn Discrimination Not Ended”
Kyodo Today (Japan)
November 19, 2008
Ira Dreyfuss
http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=410030

While recognizing the importance of the election of an African-American, many civil rights activists know that their fight against racism and other forms of prejudice is not over. Michael Jeffries, American studies, warns that Obama's election to the country's highest office should not be seen as a sign that racial discrimination is a relic of the past. ''Obama's symbolic value as a transformative figure should not be mistaken for evidence of racial and ethnic harmony or equality in the United States,'' he explained.

“Industrial Ag-onistes”
Grist
November 18, 2008
Tom Philpott
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/11/17/13329/830/

Given that more than 95 percent of our food comes from chemical-intensive, concentrated agriculture, it’s important to know how such processes affect the surrounding ecosystems. Stacy Sneeringer, economics, looked at infant mortality rates near livestock confinements, publishing her results in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics. She finds a significant relationship between livestock farming and infant mortality.

“Taming Korea's Wild Wild Web”
Far Eastern Economic Review
November 18, 2008
Katharine H.S. Moon
http://www.feer.com/politics/2008/november/Taming-Koreas-Wild-Wild-Web

Katharine Moon, political science, writes that in~a society like South Korea where over 97 percent of households have high-speed broadband access, the Internet has the power to make or break the careers of politicians and entertainers and to publicize the private lives of common individuals. However, there is a downside, which is why the ruling Grand National Party is pushing for stronger regulation, which it hopes to pass by the end of the year. Moon argues that while improving laws on slander, libel and harassment, rather than tightening government control of the Internet, may be a more sensible way to hold online abusers accountable, ultimately civic education, from elementary school on up, about personal responsibility in all areas of public life, not just the Internet, is urgently needed.

“Effects of Climate Change on Birds of the Northeast”
iTunesU
November 18, 2008
http://deimos3.apple.com/indigo/main/main.xml

Nick Rodenhouse, biological sciences, presents a lecture on how birds are affected by changes in the climate. It has been featured on the front page of iTunes U among other ecology-related podcasts.

“Wise Counsel”
The Indianapolis Star
November 17, 2008
Abe Aamidor
http://www.indystar.com/article/20081117/LIVING19/811170314

Alecia DeCoudreaux, chair of the Wellesley College Board of Trustees, explains what it is like to be a top executive woman in the corporate world. Currently serving as vice president and general counsel, DeCoudreaux has been with Lilly USA since 1980. “I just think we have an extremely competitive environment, and things are changing very rapidly in every aspect of business,” DeCoudreaux notes. DeCoudreaux is also co-founder of the United Way Women’s Initiative, which seeks to involve the most successful business and professional people locally in charity work.

“Thousands Gather in Boston to Protest Prop 8”
Bay Windows
November 17, 2008
Johanna King
http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=83448

The threat of rain couldn’t keep people from gathering at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston to protest the passage of Proposition 8 in California, including a group of students from Wellesley College. "I’m from California. I voted in California," San Francisco native Nikita Carney ’09 said, expressing disappointment in her home state. "We were really excited about Barack Obama and so [the election] was bittersweet."

“Gas Price Drop Doesn’t Change Demand”
The MetroWest Daily News
November 16, 2008
Aaron Wasserman
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1013044534/Gas-price-drop-doesnt-change-demand

Despite gas prices being on the rise, the global recession is pushing down demand further, and the federal government projects U.S. consumption will decline this year by the largest amount since 1980. David Lindauer, economics, said the global economy is as important as the domestic one because oil prices are set in a global market. If foreign economies struggle longer than the domestic economy, that could keep prices low and entice people to drive more. “But if we enter a prolonged and steep recession, and people are hurting in terms of income, they'll be looking to save as much as possible, and we'll continue to see some of the steps to conserve gas and oil,” Lindauer said.

“Globe West Best Bets”
The Boston Globe
November 16, 2008
http://www.boston.com/ae/events/articles/2008/11/16/globe_west_best_bets/

Nora Hussey, theatre, directs students and local actors performing Rich Orloff's theatrical documentary, Vietnam 101: The War on Campus, opening Thursday, November 20.

“Local Wellesley Senior Studies Self-Esteem of Kenyan Girls”
Portsmouth (N.H.) Herald News
November 13, 2008
Jeanné McCartin
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20081113-LIFE-811130324

In a decidedly upscale version of "what I did last semester," Katie Bunten-Wren ’09 of Eliot, Maine, discussed confronting scorpions, poisonous snakes and, more importantly, the plight of refugee Sudanese women, in a presentation of her research "Drawings of Dreams: The Power of Women's Education in Kakuma, Kenya," at the annual Tanner Conference at Wellesley College. Bunten-Wren found there was a difference between boys and girls, with males showing greater self-esteem. But the startling finding was between the girls in two different schools. Half lived within the camp and attended its primary schools. The others attended the Angelina Jolie Girls' Boarding School, located in the camp. The latter had a "kindred spirit with Wellesley," which helped girls gain confidence as capable human beings and see their own potential, she said.

“Garden of Earthly Delights”
The Milford (Mass.) Daily News
November 13, 2008
Chris Bergeron
http://www.milforddailynews.com/arts/x1275807646/See-Boston-from-Wellesley

Wellesley College's arboretum and botanic gardens are among Metro West's lesser known horticultural wonders. Housing an incredible variety of temperate, tropical and sub-tropical plants, the climate-controlled greenhouse complex allows the college to maintain a dozen different climates including orchid house, hydrophyte or water house, fern propagation house and others.

“Hudson’s Student Standouts”
The Hudson (Mass.) Sun
November 12, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hudson/news/education/x466652063/Hudsons-student-standouts

Victoria Doherty Munro ’11 has won the Three Generations Prize in Writing 125. The prize is awarded by the Wellesley College Writing Program each semester to students whose work demonstrates clarity, eloquence and engagement with the subject.

“Ariel Levine: No Need to View My Locks With Dread”
Vail (Colo.) Daily
November 12, 2008
Ariel Levine http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20081112/COLUMS/811129920/1023/NONE&parentprofile=1065&title=Ariel%20Levine:%20No%20need%20to%20view%20my%20locks%20with%20dread

After going through a job application process, recent alumna Ariel Levine ponders the political correctness – and legality, for that matter – of employers discriminating against job applicants based on their hairstyle and accessories.

“How the Bad Economy Could Produce Better Teachers”
Education Week
Barbara Beatty
November 12, 2008
http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edweek.org%2Few%2Farticles%2F2008%2F11%
2F12%2F12beatty_ep.h28.html&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edweek.org%2Few%2Farticles%2F2008%2F11%
2F12%2F12beatty_ep.h28.html&levelId=1000&baddebt=false
(with registration)

Barbara Beatty, education, expresses the hope that a tough economy that guarantees much lower salaries, especially, she suggests, for new college graduates in the financial sector, could push some students into pursuing a career in education.

“Wellesley College Names Chief Investment Officer”
The Wellesley Townsman
November 11, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/education/x466649793/Wellesley-College-names-chief-investment-officer

Wellesley College today named alumna Deborah Foye Kuenstner as its chief investment officer. "Debby is an astute and highly regarded investment professional who has the experience and leadership to steward and strengthen Wellesley’s endowment during the current economic challenges and for the long term,” said President H. Kim Bottomly in announcing the appointment. "The search committee, which included trustees, senior staff and faculty, was impressed by Debby’s experience as an investor and as an endowment manager. She was at the top of an exceptionally strong pool of candidates that emerged from a comprehensive national search.”

“Never Mind Exams; Money on Boston Students’ Minds”
WBUR FM – NPR
November 10, 2008
http://multimedia.boston.com/pub/m/21403080/never_mind_exams_money_on_boston_students_minds.htm?q=%22Wellesley+College%22&index=1&seek=231.309

College is usually the time for students to focus on academics, not worry about loans, jobs and finances. But today economic anxiety is filtering down to campus. Professors at Wellesley College are using the economic meltdown as a teaching opportunity. About 300 students and faculty attended the faculty panel discussion, “Donkeys, Elephants, Bulls and Bears,” last month at the college. Julia Shew ’11 and Beth Schaaf ’10 comment on how the current crisis affects them.

“Artist's Vision: Decode Color Perception”
The Boston Globe
Billy Baker
November 10, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2008/11/10/artists_vision_decode_color_perception/

Bevil Conway, neuroscience, and a visiting scientist at Harvard Medical School, started out as a visual artist. In exploring the techniques of art — why certain color combinations work, why line drawings are effective even though they have no external basis in nature and how movement can be conveyed in a two-dimensional media — he found a desire to understand the way vision and perception work in the brain itself. By studying the behavior of Castor and Pollux, his two monkeys, he's made an argument that color, which is accessible only through vision, is encoded into the brain.

“Cost-Wary Students Turn to Community Colleges”
BusinessWeek
Jane Porter
November 10, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/bw/20081110/bs_bw/nov2008bs2008119094487

At a time when parents and college students are saddled with soaring tuition bills, a growing contingent are recognizing just how much they can save by substituting the first two years of school with community college. As a result, community colleges are seeing their number of traditional college-age students growing faster than any other demographic. While most elite schools don't recruit actively at community colleges, a handful of private schools, including Wellesley College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Bates College and Vassar College, visit community college campuses to help make the transition process more accessible.

“Housing Pains Continue”
CNBC
November 10, 2008
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=924578836&play=1

A discussion on the housing crisis features Karl Case, economics, who expresses some optimism about the market. While noting that many homes in some concentrated areas are undergoing foreclosures, he sees a turnaround occurring in much of the country. Case is accompanied by John Ryding of RDQ Economics and Diana Olick of CNBC.

“CityLine”
WCVB TV
November 9, 2008
Karen Holmes Ward
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/station/282895/detail.html

As President-Elect Obama organizes his transition team, his clear-cut victory is sending a resounding message around the globe, forever changing America's image and its very narrative. Wilbur Rich, political science, responds to the questions: Can we draw parallels between President-Elect Obama and past presidents? How will Obama shoulder the world's great expectations of him during these tumultuous times? And what can we expect from his foreign policy?

 “The Belles of Wellesley”
The Wellesley Townsman
November 6, 2008
Elana Zak
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/fun/x635430148/The-belles-of-Wellesley

Two to three times a week, the Wellesley College community is treated to a beautiful, yet invisible, concert performed by the unseen members of the Guild of Carillonneurs, one of the country’s only entirely student-based groups that plays the carillon, a musical instrument consisting of at least 23 bells.  Most other schools or churches that have carillons hire professional carillonneurs.  “What’s interesting to me about the Wellesley carillon is students have always played it,” said Jill Johnston, whose father, Cyril Frederick Johnston, made 30 of the 32 bells still used today in Wellesley’s carillon. “I don’t know of any other student guilds. I don’t think there is one.”

“Obama's Victory, and What it Means to America”
New England Cable News (NECN)
November 5, 2008
Greg Wayland
http://www.necn.com/Boston/Politics/Obamas-victory-and-what-it-means-to-America/1225940227.html

Wilbur Rich, political science, discusses Obama’s victory and its implications for the future of America. “Some of the things he wants to do in health, some of the things he wants to do with the military, you know, he may not be able to do all that stuff,” says Rich.  However, he notes that Obama’s election isn’t just about politics.  “I think what we're moving into is a kind of multi-racial society in which people are going to be looking all different types of colors and all different backgrounds.”

“From the Horse's Mouth”
The Independent (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Andrew Lawler
November 4, 2008
http://www.theindependent-bd.com/details.php?nid=102770

David Anthony, a historian and archaeologist at Hartwick College, has pieced together a comprehensive and remarkably vivid picture of the life and times of Bronze-Age riders who live on in the vocabulary of nearly half the world. Some colleagues, however, refute Anthony’s findings. "Languages are culturally learned, not biologically inherited," notes Phil Kohl, anthropology. "Conflating language and culture and race is the cardinal sin of anthropology."

“Where to, America?”
The Boston Globe
Jim Concannon
November 4, 2008
http://www.boston.com/ae/events/articles/2008/11/04/where_to_america/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Living+%2F+Arts+News

Sana Krasikov is not exactly a household name, but that's likely to change soon. Krasikov is a talented young writer who was born in the Ukraine, raised in nearby Georgia, and lives in New York City. She will read from her first story collection, For One More Year, at Wellesley College on Monday.

“Shelf Life”
The Boston Globe
Jan Gardner
November 2, 2008
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2008/11/02/shelf_life/

Dan Chiasson, poetry critic for The New Yorker and The New York Times Book Review as well as a poet in his own right, has added a new title: poetry co-editor at The Paris Review. On the masthead of the fall issue, he replaces former U.S. poet laureate Charles Simic.

“A Semester in Seoul”
The Boston Globe
Glenn Yoder
November 2, 2008
http://www.boston.com/travel/getaways/asia/articles/2008/11/02/a_semester_in_seoul/

Laura Corser ’10 is studying at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, for the semester. Corser has a number of things to say about the culture, including on gender relations: "For young couples, Korean women seem to rule over Korean men. I actually feel quite sorry for them. It is not uncommon to see a Korean man carrying a tiny frilly purse for his girlfriend or tripping over himself to get something for her. Another startling aspect of the Korean couple relationship is that every couple talks about 'when they get married,' even if they have only been dating for a few months."

“Presidential Election Follows Americans Studying Abroad”
The Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas)
Jennifer Ehrlich
November 2, 2008
http://www.star-telegram.com/travel/story/1009145.html

In the run-up to the presidential election, American college students living elsewhere are finding they are never far away from U.S. politics. In Vancouver, Jeanine Navarrete, a junior at Wellesley College, said she has been continually grilled by Canadians about the intricacies of the election and her political leaning.  "I’ve had to do some reading up just to keep up," Navarrete said.

“Push for More Sport in Public Schools”
The National (UAE)
Mitya Underwood
November 2, 2008
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20081102/NATIONAL/267340480/1010

United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education officials are working to address a disparity between the after-school programs offered in government and private schools. “There is a serious health problem emerging among very young children, with increased incidents of diabetes and obesity. We’ve got to pay attention to that,” said Ellen Gannett, director of the National Institute on Out-of-School Time at the Wellesley Centers for Women.

“Bush Library Focuses on NASA, Lectures”
The Eagle (Bryan-College Station, Texas)
Warren Finch
November 2, 2008
http://www.theeagle.com/lifestyles/Bush-library-focuses-on-NASA--lectures

The Scowcroft Institute International Affairs Seminar will feature Katharine Moon, political science, who will present a lecture on "Korean Democracy, Nationalism and the U.S. Alliance."

October 2008

“The Advantages of Women's Colleges”
Countdown to College Radio
October 31, 2008
Beth Pickett
http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/Countdown-to-College-Radio/archives/date/selected/10-31-2008.html

In this syndicated radio broadcast, Wellesley College Dean of Admission Jennifer Desjarlais discusses the advantages for students who choose to attend an all-women's college and reviews the disproportionate number of women's college graduates who run Fortune 1000 companies and sit at the highest levels of government. The program is available to listen to online or to download as a podcast.

“Jamie Baum Septet at Wellesley College”
All About Jazz
Virginia A. Schaefer
October 31, 2008
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=30913

Flutist-composer Jamie Baum and her septet presented a striking contrast to the imposing Gothic Revival Chapel at Wellesley College, the setting for the ensemble's Friday night performance. The concert was one stop in a tour celebrating Baum's recent release, Solace (Sunnyside), on which the septet is augmented by a few additional musicians.

“Over 360 Latin America Experts Call on Obama to Improve U.S.-Latin American Relations”
Venezuela Analysis
October 31, 2008
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/3919

Anticipating a democratic victory in the Nov. 4 presidential elections, 368 academics specializing in Latin America recently sent a letter urging presidential candidate Barack Obama to become a partner, rather than an adversary, concerning changes already under way in Latin America. Among those who participated are Eric Hershberg, president of the Latin American Studies Association, and Erich Fox Tree, anthropology.

"USA Still Struggling with Racism”
Associated Content
Wendy Rose Gould
October 30, 2008
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1144730/usa_still_struggling_with_racism.html

Although the United States has made a great deal of progress on the matter of race — for example, the candidacy of Barack Obama — that does not mean that the problem of black vs. white has been solved. Among those who have contributed to the field is Peggy McIntosh, Wellesley Centers for Women, who wrote in White Privilege and Male Privilege, “As a white person, I realized I had been taught about racism as something that puts others at a disadvantage, but had been taught not to see one of its corollary aspects, white privilege, which puts me at an advantage.”

“Learning Nintendo in the Golden Years”
The Boston Globe
Anna Fiorentino
October 30, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/10/30/learning_nintendo_in_the_golden_years/

The Sherborn Council on Aging has instituted a Lifetime Learning series, most recently holding two classes on “Demystifying Everyday Technology,” where members of the younger generation gave tutorials on using a remote, taking pictures with a cell phone and bowling with a Wii. In addition to this technology-made-easy class, this fall's classes include “Introduction to Drawing,” with local artist Jeanne Given, and a philosophy class called "Living a Life That Matters," taught by Maud Chaplin, philosophy emerita.

“Absentee Ballots Are Hot Tickets”
The Boston Globe
Megan McKee and Brian Benson
October 30, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/10/30/absentee_ballots_are_hot_tickets/

With the presidential election just days away, town clerks are trying to keep up with the frenetic pace of absentee ballots flowing in from college students, senior citizens and travelers who are worried about their votes counting in one of the most talked-about presidential elections in years. Leaders of the Wellesley College Democrats and Republicans said the majority of Wellesley students vote in their hometowns either in person or through absentee ballot. “Every time I go to the campus center, I see people mailing their absentee ballots," said Jennifer Willis ’09, co-president of the Wellesley College Democrats. Jillian Cunningham ’10, co-president of the Wellesley College Republicans, said "There's a general anticipation, as there would be on a campus as politically charged as Wellesley, but it's not manic."

“Former Sex Workers on Fight for Compensation”
The JoongAng Daily (Korea)
Park Soo-mee
October 30, 2008
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2896741

Recent studies in Korea by scholars and aid agencies have suggested that the Korean government helped build and maintain camptown brothels after the Korean War for use by American soldiers. The study suggests that the Korean government supported the brothels because they generated a significant amount of revenue for the war-torn country and they had to pay a monthly fee to the government. Camptown prostitution and related businesses on the Korean Peninsula contributed to nearly 25 percent of the Korean GNP, according to Katharine Moon, political science, in a 2002 study.

“Housing Finance Experts to Gather for Symposium on Mortgage Meltdown”
UCLA Newsroom
Susanna Park
October 29, 2008
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/housing-finance-experts-to-gather-70877.aspx?link_page_rss=70877

With the mortgage market and subprime loans taking much of the blame for today's global financial crisis, a timely symposium, "Mortgage Meltdown, the Economy and Public Policy," at UC Berkeley. Among those presenting are Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke, San Francisco Federal Reserve President Janet Yellen, and Karl Case, economics.

“Young, Republicans and Inspired by Palin”
The New York Times
Amanda Fairbanks
October 29, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/us/politics/29wellesley.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Of the 2,300 undergraduates at Wellesley College, 250 are on the mailing list for the campus Republicans; around 20 show up to weekly meetings. But four of them, along with eight women and three men from Harvard, packed onto a bus one recent morning and headed to New Hampshire to ring doorbells for the McCain-Palin campaign. Jennifer Huddleston ’09 recalled that she screamed so loud in August when she heard that Senator John McCain had tapped Palin that her parents, University of North Alabama professors whom she called liberals, pulled off the road to see what was wrong. Huddleston, co-president of the Wellesley Republicans, said, “I mean, how cool to have a young woman on the ticket who’s doing exactly what I want to do when I grow up.”

“Wellesley's Dan Chiasson Named Poetry Editor of Paris Review”
The Wellesley Townsman
October 28, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/homepage/x1197763278/Wellesley-s-Dan-Chiasson-named-poetry-editor-of-Paris-Review

Dan Chiasson, English, has been named poetry editor of the prestigious literary magazine, The Paris Review. Founded in 1953, The Paris Review publishes creative work — fiction and poetry — as well as offering an alternative to criticism: letting authors talk about their work themselves. Chiasson, who has won a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Whiting Writers Award, and an Academy Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, has published two volumes of poetry, Natural History and The Afterlife of Objects.

“House Prices Fall to 2003 Levels”
The Boston Herald
October 28, 2008
Jerry Kronenberg
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2008_10_28_House_prices_fall_to_2003_levels:_Sales_up_as_slump_eases/srvc=home&position=also

Massachusetts median house prices have fallen below $300,000 for the first time since 2003, but the number of houses changing hands has also risen for the first time all year, new figures show. Karl Case, economics, doesn’t think Massachusetts housing has bottomed out quite yet, “but we may be closer to a bottom than most people think.” However, Case added that, if the U.S. economy enters a deep recession, “all bets are off.”

“Reforming Unemployment Benefits”
The New York Times
Alan Krueger
October 27, 2008
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/reforming-unemployment-benefits/

With unemployment rising and the economy slowing, a number of politicians and pundits have called for extending unemployment insurance (U.I.) benefits, which are given to eligible workers who have recently been laid off. While it is not always clear what those who are calling for extended benefits are actually calling for, it is clear that there is a lot of sentiment to address the growing unemployment problem with the U.I. program. Phillip Levine, economics, warns that U.I. is underfunded in many states saying, “The ones with a reserve ratio under 0.5 are toast.”

“Frank, Challengers Joust in U.S. House Race Debate”
The Associated Press
October 27, 2008
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081027/NEWS0103/810279957/-1/ROCNEWS0213

Democratic U.S. Rep. Barney Frank on Sunday fended off attacks from two challengers who tried to tie him to the national financial crisis and criticized a $700 billion federal bailout package he backed. During the 1½-hour debate at Wellesley College, the candidates also jousted over the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the national budget, health care and same-sex marriage.

“Frank, Sholley Spar Over Gay Marriage”
PolitickerMA
October 27, 2008
http://www.politickerma.com/jeremyjacobs/1650/frank-sholley-spare-over-gay-marriage

Congressman Barney Frank, Republican Earl Sholley and Independent Susan Allen traded blows in an hour-long debate at Wellesley College. In one of the final questions posed by the moderator, the candidates were asked for their position on gay marriage and if judges should have the authority to determine whether gay marriage should be legal. Sholley strongly opposes same-sex marriage, adding that he believes homosexuality is an obsessive-compulsive behavior. In response, Frank noted that in both the 2004 and 2006 Massachusetts statewide elections, gay marriage was a central issue on which every candidate was asked to take a side. And, Frank said, Bay State voters elected a legislature "that voted by about 77 percent in favor of same-sex marriage."

“Prof: Dems Win in Economic Crisis”
The Harvard Crimson
October 27, 2008
Adeline Rolnick
http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=524919

This election day, American voters will face a choice between “Mars or Venus” when it comes to the presidential candidates’ dramatically different foreign policies, according to Robert Paarlberg, political science. In a speech at Harvard’s Institute of Politics, Paarlberg explained the stark differences between the two candidates’ approaches to key foreign policy concerns.

“Election '08: The World Weighs In”
The Boston Globe
Jennifer Ehrlich
October 24, 2008
http://www.boston.com/travel/articles/2008/10/26/election_08_the_world_weighs_in/

In the run-up to the presidential election, American college students living everywhere from Greece and Belgium to Thailand and Japan are finding they are never far away from U.S. politics. In Vancouver, Jeanine Navarrete, a Wellesley College junior, said she has been continually grilled by Canadians about the intricacies of the election and her political leaning. "I've never considered myself a politics junkie, but I've had to do some reading up just to keep up," said Navarrete about her study-abroad experience.

“Wellesley College Hosts Debate for Fourth Congressional District Candidates”
The Wellesley Townsman
October 22, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/x1348683199/Wellesley-College-hosts-debate-for-Fourth-Congressional-District-candidates

Wellesley College is hosting a debate among the three candidates for the Fourth Congressional District.~U.S. Rep. Barney Frank and challengers Earl Sholley and Susan Allen have accepted the invitation from Wellesley’s Political Science Department. The debate will be moderated by Tom Burke, political science.~ “The lively exchange of ideas is central to Wellesley’s role as a leading educational institution,” said Burke. “We are pleased to offer the candidates the opportunity to articulate their positions and goals during this important election year.”

“Pew Reports Media Bias”
Village Soup
Paige Pendleton
October 22, 2008
http://www.villagesoup.com//commletters/letters.cfm?TopicID=11760

The media coverage of the race for president has not so much cast Barack Obama in a favorable light as it has portrayed John McCain in a substantially negative one, according to a new study of the media since the two national political conventions ended. Marion Just, political science, is a consultant on the study, which examined 2,412 campaign stories from 48 news outlets, during six critical weeks of the general election phase from the end of the conventions through the final presidential debate.

“Director of Congressional Budget Office to Speak at Wellesley College”
The Wellesley Townsman
October 22, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/x1348682684/Director-of-Congressional-Budget-Office-to-speak-at-Wellesley-College

Peter Orszag, director of the Congressional Budget Office, will provide an economic analysis of climate change policy during his lecture “Preparing for Our Common Future: Policy Choices and the Economics of Climate Change” next week at Wellesley College.

“Pollster 101: The Ins & Outs of the Polling Profession”
iTunes U: Wellesley College
Anna Greenberg
October 22, 2008
Available on iTunes U

In a podcast of Anna Greenberg’s Oct. 15 lecture at Wellesley College, she discusses the recent history of polling and politics, the skills needed to be a pollster and the race between Barack Obama and John McCain.

“Petrostate, Putin and the New Russia”
The Foreign Policy Association
October 22, 2008
http://www.fpa.org/calendar_url2420/calendar_url_show.htm?doc_id=709711

The Foreign Policy Association hosted Marshall I. Goldman, economics emeritus, for a talk and signing of his recent book Petrostate, Putin, Power and the New Russia.

“Girl's LEAP Program at the Umana Middle School”
NECN
October 22, 2008
http://www.necn.com/Boston/Health/Report-raises-concerns-about-quality-of-health-in-Mass-/1224713433.html

Wellesley College’s Girls’ LEAP program at the Umana Middle School in East Boston is taking an important role by teaching about critical violence prevention and safety, in light of increasing violence in Massachusetts. A newly released report by the Massachusetts Health Council shows that the state has the highest rate of violence in the Northeast, with incidents involving girls and young children on the rise.

“Omaha Mayor Touts City’s After-School Activities”
The Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald
Michaela Saunders
October 21, 2008
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10465724

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey is working to ensure that every middle school student in his city’s metro area has a good after-school program. Of the area's work on after-school programming, Ellen Gannett, director of the National Institute on Out-of-School Time at Wellesley College, said, "It’s impressive. They have accelerated very quickly and have surpassed many major cities."

“More Affordable Colleges on Student, Parent Minds”
The Boston Globe
Peter Schworm
October 21, 2008
http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2008/10/21/more_affordable_colleges_on_student_parent_minds/

Cost, always a major factor in choosing a college, has taken on paramount importance this fall as high-school seniors decide where to apply. Many parents, gun-shy over plummeting retirement funds and home values, are urging their children toward more affordable alternatives. The projected rise in families seeking financial aid is not expected to have a major effect at the wealthiest schools, such as Harvard, MIT, and Wellesley, which admit students without considering their ability to pay and meet families' full demonstrated need. But most colleges lack such resources and must carefully consider finances as they assemble their incoming class.

“Russia’s Big Bang”
The St. Petersburg Times (Russia)
Marshall I. Goldman
October 21, 2008
http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=27419

Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, argues in this opinion piece that it is not surprising that Russian financial markets were hit harder than those in Europe, North America and Asia given their sudden swing from bankruptcy to unprecedented prosperity in the last 10 years. He attributes the current crisis in part to the decrease in the price of oil as well as to the concern of Russians for the safety of their bank deposits. Goldman concludes that the country might be heading into its worst financial collapse since the breakup of the Soviet Union.

“Ewha, Wellesley Discuss Leadership”
The Korea Herald
Kim So-hyun
October 21, 2008
Copies available upon request

Ewha Womans University and Wellesley College are hosting a conference on women's global leadership today at the Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel and W Hotel in Seoul. With the participation of women CEOs and corporate executives, the "Ewha-Wellesley Global Leadership Conference" will discuss systematic and substantial ways to foster essential leadership skills. "Wellesley and Ewha are very much alike in that their mission is to raise women leaders," Ellen Widmer, East Asian studies.

“Frank, Sholley Debate”
The Taunton (Mass.) Daily Gazette
Gerry Tuoti
October 21, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/taunton/homepage/x398374783/Frank-Sholley-to-debate

Republican Earl Henry Sholley and Democrat Barney Frank will face off in a debate at Wellesley College on Sunday. Sholley is challenging long-time incumbent Frank for his Congressional Seat in Massachusetts’ Fourth District.

“Spelling Lessons”
The Providence Phoenix
Sara Faith Alterman
October 20, 2008
http://thephoenix.com/Boston/Life/70140-Spelling-lessons/

On college campuses, where teenagers struggle to define themselves outside of preconceived boundaries, a fair number of students are searching for spiritual validity. Many find their spiritual and social needs best met by adopting a belief system that is the polar opposite of the one they were introduced to as children. Ariana Zarate, a sophomore at Wellesley College, was raised in Christian households, but found what she feels is a more accepting spiritual path in Wicca.

“Study Links Drinking, Brain Size”
The Boston Globe
Elizabeth Cooney
October 20, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2008/10/20/study_links_drinking_brain_size/

Moderate alcohol consumption might be good for your heart, but it doesn't appear to protect your brain. Researchers from Wellesley College and Boston University examined MRIs and surveys about drinking from more than 1,800 people in the Framingham Offspring Study. They report in the Archives of Neurology that the more alcohol that a person consumed, the smaller their total brain volume. The association was stronger in women than men, even though women tend to drink less than men.

“Political Lecture Touches on Gender, Race”
The Auburn (N.Y.) Citizen
Christopher Caskey
October 20, 2008
http://auburnpub.com/articles/2008/10/21/latest_news/latestnews03.txt

This presidential election has been a field day for Marion Just, political science. Between Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, she has not had a hard time finding subject matter. Just gave a presentation Monday at Wells College on race, gender and the media in the 2008 election, during which she showed through various statistics how the candidates have been portrayed in the news and how that may relate to race and gender issues in the United States.

“A Year in Israel”
The Boston Globe
Jennifer Ehrlich
October 19, 2008
http://www.boston.com/travel/getaways/asia/articles/2008/10/19/a_year_in_israel/

Stacy Lee of Wellesley College is spending her junior year in Israel. She debated picking a school in Jerusalem or one in Cairo before choosing Rothberg International School-The Hebrew University of Jerusalem for its curriculum, which includes the study of modern conflicts. Lee chose Jerusalem, saying “I was interested in studying in Jerusalem because as the sacred nexus of the world's three biggest religions, it has a rich history within the city's organic connections to the land, which I felt must be experienced in person to fully understand.”

“Black Voters Feeling a Mix of 'Anticipation, Hope, Pride – and Fear'”
The Los Angeles Times
Richard Fausset
October 19, 2008
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-na-mood19-2008oct19,0,526783,full.story

Polls show that black voters overwhelmingly support Barack Obama in the presidential race, in many cases for reasons that transcend policy: One popular T-shirt depicts Obama with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. under the banner "A Dream Answered." But many blacks are also steeling themselves for the heartbreak that will come if a breakthrough does not. In the long term, an Obama loss could discourage future political participation among the black voters who have registered for the first time this year, said Wilbur C. Rich, political science.

“Teaching the Moneyed Class”
The Boston Globe
Susan Chaityn Lebovits
October 19, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/10/19/teaching_the_moneyed_class/

Long before today's financial crisis, Ann Witte, economics, saw the vital importance of teaching students how to understand and manage their money. So she created a course on personal finance at Wellesley College, now in its third year and among the college's most popular offerings, with a waiting list of nearly 40 each semester. "It became clear to me that there had become increasing amounts of responsibility for people to manage their own finances," Witte said, but without "sufficient education for them to do so effectively."

“Seniors Feeling the Stress of Competition for College”
The Houston Chronicle
Meredith Baker
October 17, 2008
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/6065152.html

With the peak of the “baby boom” graduating high school this year, competition is rising and admission rates are falling as they apply to college. To stand out, high-school students often focus their high-school activities around what they think admissions boards will want to see. Jennifer Desjarlais, dean of admissions, says that this is not necessarily the best course of action. "We don't want to see a laundry list of things that the student dabbled in,” she noted. “We try to figure out who the student is and what they are interested in based on the choices they make."

“For Argument's Sake”
The Wall Street Journal
October 17, 2008
Mark Oppenheimer
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122420084779742873.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Mark Oppenheimer, Garis visiting fellow in writing, laments the state of political debate in America. “Compared with, say, the Kennedy-Nixon debates, today's presidential debates are a travesty,” he writes. “After the last debate, on Wednesday, what voters will remember most is not any eloquent articulations of the candidates' aspirations, but rather their tiresome efforts to pander to Joe the Plumber. And last week, we witnessed the extraordinary spectacle of candidates agreeing not to address each other directly. Tom Brokaw tried to stop Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama when they began actually debating!”

“Tres Vidas”
Newspaper Tree (El Paso, Texas)
October 17, 2008
http://www.newspapertree.com/calendar/1225-tres-vidas

As part of the Hispanic Heritage Celebration at UTEP, three iconic Latin American women will come to life at Magoffin Auditorium with the presentation of Tres Vidas, a chamber music theatre work for singing actress Karina Barros and the Core Ensemble trio. Tres Vidas is based on the lives of three legendary Latin American women: renowned Mexican Painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant-activist Rufina Amaya and Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni. The text for Tres Vidas was written by Chilean scholar and award-winning writer Marjorie Agosin, Spanish. The show premiered in 2001 at MIT and is now touring throughout the U.S.

“Wellesley College Faculty Panel Discusses Causes and Consequences of Current Financial Crisis”
The Wellesley Townsman
October 15, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/homepage/x282374743

American economic history contains many instances of boom periods followed by collapses and panics. “Although recent innovations in financial markets have made the current crisis more complex than its predecessors, the underlying dynamic is fundamentally the same,” says Eric Hilt, economics. “And like those earlier crises, the ‘panic of 2008’ will likely result in dramatic regulatory changes.” Hilt and four of his colleagues, Olga Shurchkov, Malhar Nabar, Joseph Joyce and Akila Weerapana will discuss the causes and consequences of the current economic crisis in a panel titled “Donkeys, Elephants, Bulls and Bears!”

“Virgil's Vox Regained in Translation”
The Australian
October 15, 2008
Jennifer Howard
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24496594-5001986,00.html

For more than 2500 years, classical epic has been the province of men: written by, for and about them, and passed down through the centuries by male translators. One could certainly describe Virgil's Aeneid as a manly poem. From its arms-and-the-man opening to its climactic bloodbath on the battlefield, the Latin epic tells a tale of exile, combat and slaughter, with a body count rivaling that of Homer's Iliad. Now, three new translations are under works that rethink the traditional interpretation. But even in the grand early passages, in which Aeneas and his family flee Troy, David Ferry, English emeritus, who is producing one of these translations, sees "so much else going on besides the epic."

“Retiring With a Windfall? How to Give It Away”
The Washington Post
October 15, 2008
Jennifer Barrett
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/13/AR2008101302399.html

In the mid-1990s, Barbara Harman, English (retired), and her husband, William Cain, enjoyed a spike in the value of some stocks they'd held for years. Longtime college professors, they'd already set aside enough money for their own retirement, so they decided to give away most of the unexpected windfall – about $400,000. Then came the tough part: determining how best to donate their money.

“The More the Drink. the More You Shrink”
Reuters
October 13, 2008
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081013.wbrainshrink1013/BNStory/Science/home

The more you drink, the more your brain shrinks, scientists said on Monday. Many studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption can be good for heart health. Researchers led by Carol Ann Paul, neuroscience, wanted to see if it also protected against the inevitable loss of brain volume that people experience as they age. It did not.

“Excess Drinking Shrinks the Brain”
U.S. News & World Report
October 13, 2008
Amanda Gardner
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2008/10/13/excess-drinking-shrinks-the-brain.html

The more alcohol you drink, the more your brain shrinks, a new study led by Carol Ann Paul, biological sciences, has found. Alcohol had no protective affect on the normal, age-related shrinkage in brain volume, the researchers found. To the contrary, the more a person drank, the more their brain volume diminished. This relationship was somewhat more pronounced in women, although women tended to be lighter drinkers. The gender difference could be explained by biological factors, namely that alcohol is absorbed faster in women and they tend to feel the effects of alcohol more than men, the researchers said.

“No Dice”
Fox News
October 13, 2008
Elizabeth MacDonald
http://emac.blogs.foxbusiness.com/2008/10/13/no-dice/

With governments around the world finally attacking the global credit crisis in concert, the push is on to stop the global economy from tipping over into a protracted recession that could last for years. ~But in a paper presented before the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., Karl Case, economics, argues that there is cause for optimism. He notes that of the 20 metropolitan areas covered by the Case/Shiller index, nine have shown prices slightly improving in recent months. Case also says that the relationship between incomes and home prices has neared a level seen at the end of past housing slumps.

“Pollution From Livestock Farming Affects Infant Health”
Science Daily
October 12, 2008
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008114516.htm

A new study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics by Stacy Sneeringer, economics, explores the effects of pollution from livestock facilities on infant health and finds that production is associated with an increase in infant mortality. Sneeringer utilized data on spatial variation in livestock operations from the past two decades to identify the relationship between industry location and infant health. As livestock production has become more concentrated in larger farms, production has become more concentrated in certain areas.

“London Actors Breathe Life into 'The Winter's Tale'”
The Daily News (Waltham, Mass.)
October 12, 2008
David Brooks Adams
http://www.dailynewstribune.com/arts/x707097381/London-actors-breathe-life-into-The-Winters-Tale

Drawing on their extensive experiences on London and other English stages, the Actors from the London Stage have the chops to turn Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale into a unique, theatrical experience that puts the emphasis on Shakespeare's words and story while enlisting the audience's imagination as a crucial creative partner. Wellesley College is making the company's three performances available to the public, free of charge.

“Roller Coaster on Wall Street'”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
October 11, 2008
Michael Kanell
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/printedition/2008/10/11/econ.html

Many are paying close attention to the stock market with the recent ups and downs of Wall Street, but not every person is impacted in the same way. “If you are not retiring in the next five years, then on a day-to-day basis, it shouldn’t affect what you are doing,” said Akila Weerapana, economics. “The question is, what is your horizon?”

“What Do Women Want? Speak Up, Girls”
USA Today
October 10, 2008
Jess Zielinski
http://blogs.usatoday.com/sciencefair/2008/10/what-do-women-w.html

"If you haven't got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me," Alice Roosevelt Longworth (daughter of Teddy) once famously said. But many women seem wary of sharing their true, not-nice mind to the world. Sally Theran, psychology, researches the problem: Why do women have trouble speaking our minds? She delves into the subject in the study “Predictors of Level of Voice in Adolescent Girls: Ethnicity, Attachment and Gender Role Socialization" in October's Journal of Youth and Adolescence.

“Lectures Celebrate Quantitative Reasoning in Polling and Predictions”
The Wellesley Townsman
October 10, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/town_info/government/x282369462/Lectures-celebrate-quantitative-reasoning-in-Polling-and-Predictions

A series of three lectures at Wellesley College will focus on the connections between quantitative reasoning, polling and predictions. Corri Taylor, quantitative reasoning, said of the final lecture by University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor Charles Franklin, the co-founder of Pollster.com and co-director of the Big Ten Battleground Poll, “Franklin will help us understand political numbers and the logic of statistical comparisons before he heads to New York City to help ABC News behind the scenes on election day.”

“Poetry Has Its Pros”
The Boston Globe
October 10, 2008
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2008/10/09/poetry_has_its_pros/

The first-ever Massachusetts Poetry Festival takes place on Columbus Day weekend. The festival is a celebration of poetry for its own sake, but could also be a tool to expand and capitalize on a precious cultural asset. It features emerging as well as award-winning poets, such as former U.S. poet laureate Robert Pinsky; Martín Espada, a University of Massachusetts-Amherst English professor; and Marjorie Agosín, Spanish.

“Visitor to Many Campuses Isn’t Seeking One to~Attend”
The Las Vegas Sun
Charlotte Hsu
October 10, 2008
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/oct/10/visitor-many-campuses-isnt-seeking-one-attend/

Steve Lake, 58, of Summerlin, Nev., is a repository for obscure information about four-year colleges, a product of having visited 499 of them. The love affair with colleges began in 1984, during Steve and Caroline Lake’s New England honeymoon. They visited Harvard University and other schools, admiring the architecture, landscaping and history. When they visited Wellesley College, they attended a women’s rugby match and had their pictures taken with a bride and groom, a Brazilian couple, on campus. At Yale University, they met Sidney Altman, a Nobel Prize winning professor of chemistry and distant relative.

“Pollution from Livestock Farming Affects Infant Health”
FirstScience News
October 8, 2008
Wiley-Blackwell
http://www.firstscience.com/home/news/breaking-news-all-topics/pollution-from-livestock-farming-affects-infant-health_53963.html

A new study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics explores the effects of pollution from livestock facilities on infant health and finds that production is associated with an increase in infant mortality. Stacy Sneeringer, economics, utilized data on spatial variation in livestock operations from the past two decades to identify the relationship between industry location and infant health. As livestock production has become more concentrated in larger farms, production has become more concentrated in certain areas.

“Social Brings Up Ways to Keep Farm Pond Clean”
The Dover-Sherborn Press (Mass.)
October 7, 2008
Bev Wax
http://www.wickedlocal.com/dover/news/x1196567566/Social-brings-up-ways-to-keep-Farm-Pond-clean

Most residents of Sherborn already realize they are fortunate to have Farm Pond in their midst. However, everyone attending a “Conscientious Cocktail Party” learned exactly why the body of water is one of the clearest and cleanest bodies of water in the state of Massachusetts. At the function, Marianne Moore, biological sciences, gave a presentation titled “Protecting Sherborn’s Rarest Asset: Farm Pond.” She said, “I am now the unofficial chief technical adviser” on how to protect Farm Pond.

“College Clubs Rally Young Republican Support”
The Financial Times
Rebecca Knight
October 8, 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d227a2ee-94d3-11dd-953e-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1

Jennifer Huddleston ’09 jokingly refers to the Wellesley College Republicans as her "support group." At a time when John McCain is slipping behind in the polls and university students overwhelmingly favor Barack Obama for president, college Republicans are boosting their efforts across campuses and beyond to help their candidate capture more of the youth vote. According to a recent poll of 18- to 24-year-old voters conducted by Harvard University, Obama holds a 23-percentage-point lead over McCain – 55% to 32% – with 13% undecided.

“Five to Watch: Cooking Up Relief”
The Boston Globe Magazine
October 5, 2008
Janice O’Leary
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/10/05/five_to_watch/?page=2

While visiting Tibet last year, Catlin Powers ’09 saw the need to create an energy-efficient solar cooker for the villagers who previously used either the scarce supply of wood or dung to cook their food. Powers, along with an MIT friend, developed SolSource Tibet to improve indoor air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

“Louisiana Oil & Gas Association: The Bear is Awake and Has an Attitude”
The Advertiser (Lafayette, La.)
October 5, 2008
Don Briggs
http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081005/BUSINESS/810050346

Russia has emerged from its collapse of the 1980s and has positioned itself as a leading power. The big difference this time around is that Russia is not flexing its military muscle, but using its vast oil and gas reserves to influence politics and economics of countries in Europe, South America, the Middle East and the United States. Says Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, "Gazprom (Russia's Natural Gas Company) and by extension, the Russian government, are already beginning to enjoy a power over their European neighbors far beyond the dreams of the Romanov czars or the Communist Party general secretaries."

“Intro to Empowerment”
The Boston Globe Magazine
October 5, 2008
Eliza Borne
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/10/05/intro_to_empowerment/

When introduced to criticism or even skepticism about attending a single-sex college, Eliza Borne ’09 explains the benefits she sees in her Wellesley experience: “I like that every student leadership position, every slot in a seminar, and every pronoun might apply to me.”

“Doesn't Anybody Get a C Anymore?”
The Boston Globe
October 5, 2008
Phil Primack
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/10/05/doesnt_anybody_get_a_c_anymore/

Trends of grade inflation, increasing student expectations over receiving A’s and the insignificance of these high marks may cause college administrators’ to deny grade inflation publicly, though they are concerned. As exceptions to the norm, Princeton University and Wellesley College are tackling grade inflation by setting the bar high. Wellesley calls for the average grade in basic undergraduate courses to be no higher than a B-plus (3.33 GPA). "It's not that we're trying to get grades down, but we're trying to get grades to mean something," says associate dean of the college Adele Wolfson, who teaches chemistry. Wellesley's GPA, which stood at 3.47 in 2002 and was 3.4 when the policy was implemented two years later, fell to 3.3 this year, mainly because of more B grades and fewer A's. "The A has really become the mark of excellence," she says, "which is what it should be."

“TV Coverage of Biden-Palin Vice Presidential Debate”
WCVB-TV - Boston
October 2, 2008
(Not available online)

As part of its "Commitment 2008" coverage of the presidential campaign, Boston's WCVB-TV Channel 5 brought a satellite truck to campus to follow Wellesley's CPLA-PNE election event, "Vice Presidential Debate."

“Published This Week”
The Times Higher Education (UK)
October 2, 2008
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=403788&c=1

This week, Princeton University Press published Trusting Doctors: The Decline of Moral Authority in American Medicine, by Jonathan Imber, sociology. In it, Imber attributes the development of patients’ faith in doctors to the inspiration and influence of Protestant and Catholic clergymen during the 19th and early 20th centuries. He explains that as the influence of clergymen waned and as reliance on medical technology increased, trust in doctors steadily declined.

“Poet Seamus Heaney reads at tonight's Lowell Lecture”
BU Today
October 2, 2008
Jessica Ullian
http://www.bu.edu/today/2008/10/01/poet-seamus-heaney-reads-tonights-lowell-lecture

Nobel Prize–winning poet Seamus Heaney joined David Ferry, English emeritus, for a reading and book signing at Boston University’s Robert Lowell Memorial Lecture. The semiannual lecture honors the former BU professor who taught young poets Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton and George Starbuck in the late 1950s.

“Global Artists Reassess African Womanhood in Wellesley College Exhibit”
The Wellesley Townsman
October 1, 2008
Chris Bergeron
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/education/x436987933/Global-artists-reassess-African-womanhood-in-Wellesley-College-exhibit

Visitors are invited to see black women through the varied eyes of their African communities, colonial oppressors and artistic sisters in Black Womanhood, at the Davis Museum and Cultural Center of Wellesley College. Informative but rarely didactic, this show offers three distinct kinds of art to illustrate its main premise: Until recently, black and Africa-descended women have been depicted by everyone but themselves with troubling results.

“Moscow’s New Economic Imperialism”
Current History
October 2008
Marshall Goldman
http://www.currenthistory.com/pdf_org_files/107_711_322.pdf

Despite expectations that Russia’s days as a world superpower had ended with its financial crisis in the late nineties, high energy prices have helped the country recover and reassert itself in the world, according to Marshall Goldman, Economics emeritus. Says Goldman, “Russia’s wealth has catapulted it into new power relationships not only with its energy customers, but also with what is still its main rival, the United States.”

September 2008

“Beyond Demonization: A New Strategy for Human Rights in North Korea”
Current History
September 2008
Katharine Moon
http://www.currenthistory.com/pdf_org_files/107_710_263.pdf

Katharine Moon, political science, offers diplomacy as an alternative strategy towards promoting and fostering human rights in North Korea. “Persistently engaging and formally recognizing North Korea are the measures that hold most promise on many contentious issues, including human rights,” Moon wrote.

“Colleges Calling Sleep a Success Prerequisite”
The Boston Globe
September 30, 2008
Tracy Jan
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/09/30/colleges_calling_sleep_a_success_prerequisite/

Alarmed by recent studies tying lack of sleep to poor academic performance, college officials at Massachusetts schools have begun campaigns touting the benefits of sleep through dorm seminars, posters and catchy slogans like Wellesley’s, "Want A's? Get Z's." "For college students, sleep is the most dispensable thing," said Vanessa Britto, director of health services. "Most people feel it's a badge of honor. ‘I didn't sleep. Parentheses, aren't I great?' Until you point out to them that pulling an all-nighter is the equivalent of driving drunk and is detrimental to their reaction time and memory.”

“The U.S. Mortgage Game: How Should It Change?”
The Christian Science Monitor
September 29, 2008
David Francis
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0929/p16s01-wmgn.html

Because the U.S. financial crisis is often blamed on the current mortgage-financing system, there is already talk, beyond the rescue package, of reforming the system to prevent a future crisis. One major issue is who absorbs the risk on what is usually the biggest investment for a family – a house. From 1975 to 2005, U.S. house prices never fell, notes Karl Case, economics. Homeowners and investors began to believe that there were "no snake eyes on the dice," he said.

"Global Artists Reassess African Womanhood in Wellesley College Exhibit"
The MetroWest Daily News
September 28, 2008
Chris Bergeron
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/arts/x1886925779/Global-artists-reassess-African-womanhood-in-Wellesley-College-exhibit

Visitors are invited to see black women through the varied eyes of their African communities, colonial oppressors and artistic sisters in "Black Womanhood," at the Davis Museum and Cultural Center of Wellesley College. Informative but rarely didactic, this show offers three distinct kinds of art to illustrate its main premise: until recently, black and Africa-descended women have been depicted by everyone but themselves with troubling results.

“There’s No Such Thing as the Women’s Vote…and It Looks Like It Might Not Matter if There Was.”
Miller-McCune
September 27, 2008
Emily Badger
http://www.miller-mccune.com/article/707

In politics, this has been, again, a Year of the Woman. For the last seven presidential elections, women have tended to be more Democratic than men have, in numbers that reached their height in 1996. So what happened in 1980? “Ronald Reagan was running for president, and he was a saber-rattler,” said Marion Just, political science..

“Unos 3.000 Alumnos Norteamericanos Had Pasado por Córdoba Durante 28 Años”
Diario Córdoba
September 24, 2008
http://www.diariocordoba.com/noticias/noticia.asp?pkid=432494

Nearly 3,000 American students have passed through Cordoba over the 28 years through the Hispanic Studies Program in Cordova (PRESHCO). The program is the result of sponsorship from a consortium of universities in the United States, including Wellesley College.

“Generation Gap”
Boston Phoenix
September 23, 2008
Greg Cook
http://thephoenix.com/Boston/Arts/68662-BLACK-WOMANHOOD-IMAGES-ICONS-AND-IDEOLOGIES-OF-T/

Visitors are invited to see black women through the varied eyes of their African communities, colonial oppressors and artistic sisters in Black Womanhood at the Davis Museum and Cultural Center atWellesley College. Genevieve Hyacinthe, art, praised the exhibit for reclaiming the black female body and raising pertinent questions. "This exhibit is for everyone,” she said. “It will help anyone who's hoping to learn about a culture that is not their own by changing and expanding the notion of black and African women."

“New England Aquarium Joins Lifetime Learning Series”
The Dover- Sherborn Press/MetroWest Daily News
September 23, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/sherborn/news/education/x810459003/New-England-Aquarium-joins-Lifetime-Learning-series

The “Living a Life That Matters” lecture series at the New England Aquarium starts Oct. l6 with Maud Chaplin, philosophy emerita, as she asks the question, “What would Plato advise today’s humans about our lifestyles, cultures and governments?”

“Consensus on Learning Time Builds”
Education Week
September 22, 2008
Catherine Gewertz
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/09/24/05narmain_ep.h28.html

Educators, academics and leaders around the nation have been concerned with finding more time for learning. Ellen S. Gannett, the director of Wellesley College’s National Institute on Out-of-School Time, warned against extending classroom time without engaging students. “Using time without a sense of personal, relational connection is a big red flag for me,” Gannett said. “Spending afternoons alone at computers without connecting with friends or a caring adult. This is when I get nervous.”

“The Finest Foreclosures”
The Wall Street Journal
September 19, 2008
Robert Frank
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122177752165254337.html

The housing crisis that swept through working-class and middle-class communities across the country is now creeping into some of the nation's most exclusive towns as it becomes apparent that even the well-to-do weren't immune to the aggressive lending practices of the past years. "If you've got a lender who pushed them to the limit and you have some change in supply or demand, you'll have foreclosures," says Karl Case, economics.

“Cocktail Party about Farm Pond Coming Up”
The Dover-Sherborn Press
September 19, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/sherborn/news/x55307329/Cocktail-party-about-Farm-Pond-coming-up

The Farm Pond Advisory Committee, supported by the Sherborn Forest and Trail Association and the Sherborn Community Center, is sponsoring a Conservation Connections Conscientious Cocktail Party Oct. 5. Marianne Moore, biological sciences, the featured guest speaker, will present a talk, “Protecting Sherborn’s Rarest Asset: Farm Pond.”

“Edvard Munch's Art Screamed”
Investors Business Daily
September 18, 2008
Brian Womack
http://www.investors.com/editorial/IBDArticles.asp?artsec=21&issue=20080918

Artist Edvard Munch probably doesn't have the name recognition of other famous artists, but his 1893 work, "The Scream," lives on as an elite painting. Patricia Berman, art, says Munch's early works — from the late 19th century and early 20th century — helped advance the ideas of art. Berman says Munch and his movement sought to focus more on the psychological rather than just the descriptive. "He was really grabbing for something beyond visual comprehension," she said.

“Wellesley Exhibit Looks at the Black Woman’s Body”
The Bay State Banner
Talia Whyte
September 18, 2008
http://www.baystatebanner.com/local14-2008-09-18

From the “Hottentot Venus” of the 19th century to the video vixens so prevalent in hip-hop music videos today, pop culture renderings of the black female form have been debated — and often decried — for years, by social critics and ordinary people alike. A new exhibit that opened yesterday at Wellesley College’s Davis Museum and Cultural Center aims to add to the discussion, offering in-depth analysis through art, photography, film and performances on the way perceptions of black women have evolved over the last 500 years.

“The New Common School Movement: The Pre-K Act and Paths to Universal Preschool Education”
Teachers College Record
September 17, 2008
Barbara Beatty
http://www.tcrecord.org/content.asp?contentid=15381

Informed by the history of the common school movement and movement to universalize public kindergartens, Barbara Beatty, education, summarizes the Pre-K Act, H.R. 3289, and discusses potential benefits and obstacles to its passage. She focuses on the debate about whether publicly supported preschools should be run by public schools or multiple public-private providers, the main policy issue in universal preschool education today, which she terms the common school movement of the 21st century.

“Benefactors Day Scheduled for Sept. 17”
Baylor University News
September 17, 2008
Jaime Bates
http://www.baylor.edu/pr/news.php?action=story&story=52797

Baylor University's Armstrong Browning Library hosted Benefactors Day, an event held each year to show the library's gratitude to donors and Guardian Angels — a program named after Robert Browning's poem, "The Guardian Angel." Funds from the membership fees of this program allow the library to continue the collection that is used by Browning Scholars around the world. Mariana Oller, special collections, presented a lecture on the Browning Collection at Wellesley College.

“College Rankings”
The Global Language Monitor
September 16, 2008
http://www.languagemonitor.com/college-rankings

The Global Language Monitor has ranked the nation’s colleges and universities~according to their appearance in the global print and electronic media, as well as on the Internet and throughout the blogosphere. In the liberal arts college category, Colorado College upset Williams for the top spot, while Richmond, Middlebury and Wellesley followed.

”Making Peace, and Prayers”
The Boston Globe
September 15, 2008
Michael Paulson
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/09/15/making_peace_and_prayers/?page=full

Sixteen years after two acres near Roxbury Crossing were designated for use as a mosque, the area's growing Muslim community has quietly begun using the building for regular worship. Having faced a number of obstacles, now hundreds of Muslims have been gathering for evening prayers at the mosque, called the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center. "The hardships, the suspicion, the anger, the mistrust – all those things are part of the American Muslim story right now, and I feel like we've grown a lot through experiencing that," said Najiba Akbar, the Muslim chaplain at Wellesley.

“Beautiful College Campuses”
MSN Travel
September 15, 2008
Heidi Schuessler
http://travel.msn.com//Guides/MSNTravelSlideShow.aspx?cp-documentid=608522&GT1=41000

Wellesley College is featured as one of the country’s 15 most beautiful campuses in MSN Travel’s Beautiful College Campuses. “Just west of Boston, the 500-acre campus of this liberal arts college is worth a side trip to see Lake Waban, its open meadows, woodlands and botanical gardens,” the website says.

“Paper Palaces: Massive paper drawings that have survived for centuries are now on exhibit at Yale”
The (Waterbury, CT) Republican-American
By Tracey O’Shaughnessy
September 14, 2008
http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2008/09/14/lifestyle/365739.txt

Lilian Armstrong, art emerita, will present the lecture, “Caesar and Faith: Triumphal Processions in Italian Renaissance Prints” at Yale University Art Gallery in conjunction with the exhibition of large paper murals in “Grand Scale: Monumental Prints in the Age of Durer and Titian.” Having opened at Wellesley College in the spring, the exhibit has been touring since then and is set to return to Wellesley on November 4.

“Marshall Goldman”
Russia Today
September 13, 2008
http://www.russiatoday.com/guests/video/1575

A lack of confidence in the business community is behind Russia's stock market slump according to a Russia Today interview with Marshall Goldman, economics.

“Housing experts: Bottom is near”
Boston Business Journal
September 12, 2008
Michelle Hillman
http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2008/09/15/story1.html?b=1221451200%5E1698728&brthrs=1

Area economists say the bottom may be near for the slump of housing prices in Massachusetts, but don’t expect a rapid rebound. It is likely that for the next several years, recently bought homes will be valued below the price they were purchased for. However, Karl Case, economics, says the slight uptick in sales from April-June mirrors the recovery of 1999.

“Housing-Price Economist Sees Market as Near Bottom”
The Wall Street Journal
Justin Lahart
September 12, 2008
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122118264043026339.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Karl Case, economics, thinks the housing market may be near a bottom. If he is right, financial firms may be able to breathe a sigh of relief. In a paper presented before the Brookings Institution in Washington, Case argues there is cause for optimism. He notes that of the 20 metropolitan areas covered by the Case/Shiller index, nine have shown prices slightly improving in recent months. He also says that the relationship between incomes and home prices has neared a level seen at the end of past housing slumps.

What is unearned privilege, and why are people so reluctant to admit that they have it? How can we use our privilege to do good? What does the existence of systems of power and privilege say about the United States’ focus on meritocracy? Peggy McIntosh, Wellesley Centers for Women, addresses these issues in an interview with Addicted to Race.

“Featured Guest’s Comments”
The Economist
September 9, 2008
Marshall Goldman
http://www.economist.com/debate/index.cfm?action=article&debate_id=12&story_id=12070647

In an online debate, Marshall Goldman, economics, argues that the West should be bolder in its response to Russia’s bully-like behavior in Georgia and discusses challenges the world faces in punishing the country which has emerged from an effectively bankrupt state to a super-energy power.

“The Economist Hosts Online Debate about Renewed Russian Assertiveness”
Enhanced Online News Business Wire
September 9, 2008
http://eon.businesswire.com/releases/debate/economist/prweb1309394.htm

The Economist is holding an online discussion on the current issue of renewed Russian assertiveness. The proposition for this debate is: "This house believes the West must be bolder in its response to a newly assertive Russia." While the main discussion will be between Anne-Marie Slaughter of Princeton University and Dmitri Trenin of the Carnegie Moscow Center, guest speakers will participate throughout the two-week debate, including Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus.

“MIT Students Take on Some Furry Roommates”
The Boston Globe
September 9, 2008
Tracy Jan
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/09/09/mit_students_take_on_some_furry_roommates/?page=2

Although most colleges forbid pets because of concerns about allergies, injuries, cleanliness and pet neglect, MIT allows students to have cats while living in the dorms. Kris Niendorf, director of residential and campus life at Wellesley, said that in the past students have not always made responsible pet owners.

“Dollhouses and Dream States”
The Boston Phoenix
Randi Hopkins
September 8, 2008
http://thephoenix.com/Boston/Arts/67792-Dollhouses-and-dream-states/

Cultural history gets physical, and political, in “Black Womanhood: Images, Icons, and Ideologies of the African Body” at Wellesley College, a show that explores a powerful icon in contemporary art — the black female body — and the perpetuation of symbols and stereotypes through three lenses: traditional African objects, Western colonial-era images, and works by contemporary African and African-descended artists including María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Lalla Essaydi and Renée Cox, along with a slew of emerging and established artists from around the world.

“Palin's Nomination Fuels Working-Moms Debate”
National Public Radio (NPR)
September 8, 2008
Tovia Smith
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94377275

Breaking the so-called glass ceiling in politics or business is seen as a mark of progress for women in America, but women who do that while they raise kids often receive critical scrutiny over how they manage work and family in a way that men never do. Susan Reverby, women's studies, contributed to the National Public Radio piece that aired Monday on "Morning Edition."

“Takeover Seen Easing Loan Crisis”
The Boston Globe
September 7, 2008
Robert Gavin and Kimberly Blanton
http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2008/09/07/takeover_seen_easing_loan_crisis/

The federal government is expected to terminate the tenure of Freddie Mac chief executive Richard Syron, former president of the Boston Federal Reserve Bank. By most accounts, he succeeded in cleaning up the accounting mess. But like so many others connected to the housing industry, analysts said, he and his company were caught in a downward spiral of historic proportions. “Anyone who stayed in the business after 2004 was fried,” said Karl Case, economics, a housing analyst.

“Lulu Wang’s Driving Passion Is Her Racecar Collection”
Fast Money
September 5, 2008
Jonathan Welsh and Nina Simonds
http://magazine.wsj.com/hunter/great-vintage/fast-money/

As a collector — in this case, of vintage cars worth eight figures — Lulu Wang ’66, a Wellesley College trustee, has a distinct philosophy. “There are people that just show their cars, and I say it’s like emasculating this beautiful beast,” she says. “I think it is just wonderful to let it do what it was meant to do.”

“Moscow's New Swagger”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
September 5, 2008
Marshall Goldman
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v55/i02/02b01101.htm

When the Russian army invaded the former Soviet republic of Georgia last month, it was little surprise to many observers, who have noted for several years the increasingly assertive and aggressive foreign policy of Vladimir V. Putin, Russia's prime minister and former president. “Assuming Russia remains strong economically for at least a decade~— that its oil and gas reserves, the reason for its economic turnaround, last that long~— it will continue to reassert itself as a political superpower internationally,” said Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus. “Its bully-like behavior in Georgia is a perfect preview of Russia's new swagger.”

“Fall Preview: Film”
The Winchester (Mass.) Star
September 5, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/winchester/fun/entertainment/movies/x997990306/Fall-Preview-Film

As the summer of the comic book action hero movie winds down, Hollywood turns to the fall, with nary a super character in sight. The lineup includes goofy comedies, hard-hitting dramas and even an epic or two. Among those that look to be the best is Towelhead, which is based on the novel by Alicia Erian, English, about a young girl’s sexual coming of age.

"Getting the Lead Out"
WBZ Radio
September 4, 2008
Diane Stern
(Not available online)

Dan Brabander, geosciences, has been interviewed by reporter Diane Stern on his research on lead contamination of urban gardens.

“City's Sometimes Rocky Image Tarnished Further by Scandal”
The Detroit News
September 4, 2008
Darren Nichols
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080904/METRO01/809040454/1361

Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's decision to step down as part of his criminal case has cast what many considered to be the fatal blow to a political scene that is considered among the most-corrupt in the country. Wilbur Rich, political science, said it's not damaging because the expectation is that black leadership in Detroit cannot handle being in power. "I don't think it will be devastating or anything like that or be the end of Detroit,” said Rich, who is a native of Detroit. “People sort of expect Detroit to be an estranged place. Over the years, it's had all kinds of negative images. Kilpatrick is different in a sense that these so-called incidents occurred while he was mayor. (But) he's been an embarrassment for the city."

“Analysis: McCain Risks Being Eclipsed by Palin”
The San Francisco Chronicle
September 4, 2008
Carolyn Lochhead
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/04/MNQ312NHT1.DTL

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin took a live road test before the entire nation Wednesday night, and she didn't crash. "She's attractive, she speaks well, and ... it's who she is that's her great advantage" in the setting of the GOP conclave, said Marion Just, political science. "It's also her disadvantage outside of that setting." Former supporters of Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton are probably unreachable, Just said, given Palin's positions, but "among independents, and women who are conservative on social issues, I think she has a good chance."

“Home Seizures Surge”
The Boston Herald
September 4, 2008
Jerry Kronenberg
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2008_09_03_foreclosure/

Lenders took legal ownership of nearly 8,000 Massachusetts homes during 2008’s first seven months — more property titles than banks seized for mortgage nonpayment in all of 2007, new figures show. Despite other signs that the housing market might be improving, Karl Case, economics, said, “It’s too early to say that the market has hit a bottom.”

“Psychology Faculty, Student Study Emerging Sign Language in Nicaragua”
The Wesleyan Connection
September 4, 2008
Olivia Bartlett
http://www.wesleyan.edu/newsletter/campus/2008/0908signlanguage.html

The emerging language of Nicaraguan Sign Language is the topic of a recent study by Wesleyan faculty and students. The study is in collaboration with Jennie Pyers, psychology, of Wellesley College and Ann Senghas, psychology, of Barnard College.

“Insurance is Unlikely an Issue for Mass. Banks”
The Boston Globe
September 2, 2008
Ross Kerber
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/09/02/insurance_is_unlikely_an_issue_for_mass_banks/

Massachusetts' state-chartered banks and credit unions are unlikely to face higher deposit insurance rates this fall, officials said, in a sign that local institutions are largely weathering the financial storms buffeting banks elsewhere. Karl E. Case, economics, said "The DIF (Depositors Insurance Fund) is in terrific shape." One caveat, Case said, was if commercial loans some banks hold turn out to be backed by weak real estate assets. That's a question for both local and national banks. "I'm paid to worry, and my worry now is keeping an eye on commercial real estate," Case said.

“Climbing Career Ladders: More Youth Workers Forge Their Own Paths, But Payoff Remains Iffy”
Youth Today
September 1, 2008
Martha Nichols
http://www.youthtoday.org./publication/article.cfm?article_id=2208
(Hard copy available upon request)

Ellen Gannett, director of the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) at the Wellesley Centers for Women is featured in the September 2008 issue of Youth Today on the struggle today’s youth faces when climbing the career ladder.

August 2008

“First Regional University for Women in Asia Hosts Inaugural Symposium on Women’s Economics, Women’s Right to Leadership”
PRNewswire
August 28, 2008
http://www.itnews.it/news/2008/0828020201555/first-regional-university-for-women-in-asia-hosts-inaugural-symposium-on-women-s-economics-women-s-right-to-leadership.html

The inaugural symposium for the first Asian University for Women will be held Oct. 15-18. Rangita deSilva, senior advisor on international programs, Wellesley Centers for Women, will participate in a panel, “Breaking Old Molds: Successes In Empowering Women, Dhaka, Bangladesh.”

“Youssef Nabil Cinema”
actuphoto (Saint-Denis, France)
August 28, 2008
http://www.actuphoto.com/8126-elliott-erwitt-unseen.html

Black Womanhood: Images, Icons, and Ideologies of the African Body will travel to the Davis Museum and Cultural Center.

“Wellesley Vows to Better Protect Art”
The Boston Globe
August 28, 2008
Geoff Edgers
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/08/28/wellesley_vows_to_better_protect_art/

A day after reports surfaced that a 1921 painting by French cubist Fernand Leger has gone missing from the Davis Museum, President H. Kim Bottomly promised that new controls will be in place by October to better protect the museum’s art.

“A Masterwork Goes Missing”
The Boston Globe
August 27, 2008
Geoff Edgers
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/08/27/a_masterwork_goes_missing/

A 1921 painting, “Woman and Child” by the French cubist Fernand Leger, is missing. John McAndrew, then director of the Davis Museum, gave the oil on canvas to the museum in 1954.

“U.S. Economy: Confidence Up, House-Price Drop Slows”
Bloomberg News
August 26, 2008
Timothy Homan and Courtney Schlisserman
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aiy_NLimavV0&refer=news

Confidence among American consumers improved in August for a second month as the surge in gasoline prices and the slide in home values abated. “We have cities that have been up three months in a row, including Boston,” said Karl Case, economics, co-founder of the S&P/Case-Shiller Index. “The last three months are encouraging to me.”

“The Shy Child”
WellesleyWeston Magazine
Fall 2008 issue
Betsy Lawson
http://www.wellesleywestonmagazine.com/fall08/dept_familymatters.htm

Many young children appear to be shy when first going to preschool, a phenomenon that preschool teachers refer to as “slow to warm up.” Shyness expert Jonathan Cheek, psychology, has a more scientific name for it: “slowness to adapt to novel stimulus.” Professor Cheek offers nine tips on how best to help the shy child.

“Money Tight, Loans Scarce, Some do College in 3 Years”
The Boston Globe
August 24, 2008
Tracy Jan
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/08/24/money_tight_loans_scarce_some_do_college_in_3_years/

A small but growing number of students are compressing their college careers into three years and, in the process, saving their parents and themselves tens of thousands of dollars. "Accelerating can solve one major problem by saving money, but it can intensify the academic pressures of trying to take on a great deal of demanding work at the same time," said Class Dean Susan Cohen. "It can be exhilarating, or it can be exhausting and a strain."

“Predicting the Next Aug. 17”
The St. Petersburg Times (Russia)
August 22, 2008
Marshall Goldman
http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=26905

Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, analyzes the most recent developments in the Russian economy, as it is affected by the war in Georgia, and reflects on the condition of the Russian financial market 10 years ago. He concludes that “Russia in many ways looks to be economically and financially healthier than it has ever been in its history.”

“U.S. News Media Group Announces America's Best Colleges: Harvard, Amherst, and Williams Top 2009 Lists”
PRNewswire
August 22, 2008
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-22-2008/0004871770&EDATE=

Once again, Wellesley Colleges ranks fourth in the “Best Liberal Arts Colleges” category of America’s Best Colleges Rankings, published annually by U.S. News & World Report. In a newly developed “High School Counselor” ranking, Wellesley College ties in the third place, along with Harvey Mudd College, in California, and the U.S. Military Academy, in New York.

“Seeking Counterbalance in Economics”
The Daily Pioneer (India)
August 22, 2008
Parth Krishna
http://www.dailypioneer.com/vivacity1.asp?main_variable=ADWORLD&file_name=usp6%2Etxt&counter_img=6

Feminist economics broadly refers to a developing branch of economics that applies feminist lenses to economics. The Economics Department at Wellesley College defines the term in a unique way. Quoting directly from the site, while feminist economics defies easy definition, it involves the application of gender-based analysis and a feminist critique of gender inequality – to economic theory, economic life and policy-making.

“Kids Meet Local Author at Wellesley Library's Pajama Storytime”
The Wellesley Townsman
August 21, 2008
Alison Griswold
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/education/x81485034/Kids-meet-local-author-at-Wellesley-Library-s-Pajama-Storytime

Susan Meyer, English, recently read her new children’s book, Matthew and the Tall Rabbit Go Camping, at a bedtime story event at the Wellesley Free Library. “I’ve noticed that the older kids understand that Matthew’s feelings are being expressed through Tall Rabbit,” she said. “Younger children still feel themselves that Tall Rabbit is alive — they have that magical, animated understanding of the world still.”

“Gender Segregation in Schools Isn't the Answer”
USA Today
August 20, 2008
Lisa Eliot and McGee Bailey
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/08/gender-segregat.html

Susan McGee Bailey, executive director of the Wellesley Centers for Women, is the co-author of an op-ed piece on single-sex K-12 education. From the perspectives of neuroscience and sociology alike, the authors reach the conclusion that “a focus on gender differences emphasizes limitations; we send our children to school to expand, not limit, their possibilities.”

“Struggling Lenders COntinue to Suspend Federal and Private Loan Programs”
Market Wire
August 19, 2008
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/struggling-lenders-continue-suspend-federal/story.aspx?guid=%7B746A08FA-FC81-4018-8B36-68444ACB1D7F%7D&dist=hppr

On the heels of its decision in April to stop issuing federal student loans, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority – the largest student loan issuer to Massachusetts residents – suspended its private student loan program on July 28, citing turmoil in the student loan credit market. “An economy that is in such a tailspin that it affects a critical agency like MEFA is an economy that scares me,” said Kathryn Osmond, executive director of student financial services at Wellesley College.

“Ten Top Bogus Justifications for the Iraqi War”
Antiwar.com
August 19, 2008
Christopher Deliso
http://www.antiwar.com/deliso/?articleid=689

Columnist Christopher Deliso claims that the fight against terrorism is among many bogus justifications for the war in Iraq. “The most dangerous outcome of the erroneous association,” he claims is aptly stated by Roxanne Euben, political science: “As the U.S. continues to press its case against these two men [Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein], U.S. policymakers must identify and understand the differences between them. The more they are lumped together the more we risk bringing about the collaboration we most fear, thereby making it a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

“The Upside of Home Foreclosure”
The Boston Globe
August 19, 2008
Jenifer McKim
http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2008/08/19/the_upside_of_home_foreclosure/

As devastating as it has been for families who have lost their homes, the foreclosure epidemic has presented an unusual opportunity for a small but growing group of buyers previously priced out of Boston's real estate market. Government agencies and nonprofits are revving up rescue plans, but housing specialists say private buyers - new homeowners - are critical to reviving neighborhoods, because they have so much invested in their property. "It is the quickest way to get this mess cleared up," said Karl Case, economics. "You need people to buy the property and fix it up and move back. It's the way the market works its wonders."

"Property Tax Bills Climb Up as Values Decline”
The Boston Globe
August 17, 2008
Matt Carroll
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/08/17/property_tax_bills_climb_as_values_dip/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Latest+news

it's hard for homeowners to mentally adjust to falling assessments and rising taxes, after more than a decade of solid gains in values. Psychologically, it bothers people," said Karl Case, economics. "In an absolute sense it feels worse because houses went down in value."

“Home Economics”
The Economist
August 14, 2008
http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11921704

As devastating as it has been for families who have lost their homes, the foreclosure epidemic has presented an unusual opportunity for a small but growing group of buyers previously priced out of Boston’s real estate market. “It is the quickest way to get this mess cleared up,” said Karl Case, economics. “You need people to buy the property and fix it up and move back. It's the way the market works its wonders.”

“The Merck Index Women in Chemistry Scholarships to be Presented at American Chemical Society National Meeting”
Business Wire
August 18, 2008
http://www.pr-inside.com/the-merck-index-women-in-chemistry-r761087.htm

Merck & Co. Inc. today announced the winners of the second annual Merck Index Women in Chemistry Scholarship program. The program is designed to foster support for women choosing to pursue advanced degrees in medicinal or synthetic organic chemistry. Christina Woo ’08 is among 10 students presenting their research at poster presentations and receiving special recognition awards in the form of a travel grant.

“On a Quest to Give Female Composers Their Due”
The Boston Globe
August 17, 2008
Emma Brown
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/08/16/on_a_quest_to_give_female_composers_their_due/?page=1

Laury Gutiérrez has spent the last 16 years rescuing female composers from oblivion. Among the 17 female composers that she had studied along with the other members of La Donna Musicale is Venetian Antonia Bembo. Claire Fontijn, music, and Bembo's biographer, has played with La Donna Musicale and helped Gutiérrez decipher Bembo's notations.

"Web 'zine Gives Teen Girls Their Say, Connects Voices from Around the World”
Medill Reports (NorthWestern University)
August 14, 2008
Liz Logan
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=97319

Anyone who says teens are lazy hasn't met the young women of Girlspeak. Each staff member of the literary Web 'zine, produced every summer at Young Chicago Authors in Wicker Park, has something to say to girls all over the world and has spent her summer getting ideas down on paper. At the same time, the girls are improving their writing. "We're all here to work on our craft," said Diamond Sharp, the oldest of the group at 19, and a sophomore at Wellesley College.

“Wish You Weren’t Here: Nothing is More Annoying Than Bad Houseguests —Except Bad Hosts”
The Boston Globe
August 14, 2008
Beth Teitell
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2008/08/14/wish_you_werent_here/

There, she'd said it out loud: the thought so many will only whisper. "I hate being a houseguest." Ann Velenchik, economics, paused for effect. "It's the towels." She scrunched up her face and recalled the time she unwittingly used her host's towel, assuming it had been left in the bathroom for her. "Ewwww." It's so nice spending time with friends. Or it should be. But ask around, and it's a wonder anyone stays with anyone.

“Spending to Save”
Forbes
August 13, 2008
Chuck Grassley
http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/13/college-university-endowments-oped-college08-cx_cg_0813grassley.html

As leaders of the Senate Finance Committee in charge of tax policy, including the tax breaks that apply to colleges, Sen. Max Baucus and Sen. Chuck Grassley wrote to the 136 schools –including Wellesley College – with endowments of $500 million or more to learn about their costs, their student aid policies and their endowment amounts per student. They want to analyze what the institutions doing to hold down tuition and enhance educational quality.

“Higher Ed Responds to the Digital Generation”
Connection, New England’s Journal of Higher Education
August 14, 2008
Joan Menard
http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1521301/higher_ed_responds_to_the_digital_generation/

Institutions are disseminating content in new ways and to a wider audience — making courses and syllabi available online for anyone to access regardless of whether they are students, individuals looking to enrich their lives through learning online, or professors from other institutions seeking to augment their own teaching and curriculum. New England institutions — including Wellesley College, MIT, Gordon, Bowdoin, University of Maine, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Yale — make material available via iTunes University. These podcasts include information about campus activities, alumni events, conferences, lectures and readings.

“If Diplomacy Doesn’t Stop Russia, What Will?”
New England Cable News
August 12, 2008
http://www.necn.com/Boston/World/If-diplomacy-doesnt-stop-Russia-what-will/1218587230.html

With the world fixated on the Olympic spectacle in Beijing, Russia has been marching off to war. Russia's military campaign is raising a question for the west. If diplomacy doesn't stop the aggression, what will? Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, comments on the situation.

“Hub Russians, Georgians Fear for Relatives, Friends”
WCVB-TV – Channel 5 - Boston
August 12, 2008
Michael Yakavonis
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/17167629/detail.html

As the Russian-Georgian confrontation intensifies overseas, worried Boston-area residents from Russia and Georgia are holding little hope that the world community will intervene to help halt the conflict. Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, said diplomatic efforts will be in vain because the U.S. has continued commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and European powers are keeping their distance. “The U.S will not get involved, so there’s not much we can do,” Goldman said. “And there’s not much
Europeans could or would do, and this is part of [Russian Prime Minister] Putin’s calculations. The rest of the world can only wave their fingers and say, ‘Russia’s a bully.’”

"Lead May Lurk in Backyard Gardens"
The Boston Globe
August 11, 2008
Beth Daley
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2008/08/11/lead_may_lurk_in_backyard_gardens/

As backyard vegetable gardens undergo a renaissance, environmental officials and scientists are warning homeowners to be careful before planting the carrots and chard: There might be lead in the soil. Having lead doesn't have to mean no garden, however. Environmental and health officials say if you live in an urban area, first pick a place for a garden away from the house. If that soil tests high for lead, build a raised bed and place clean soil in it. People do need to monitor raised beds because they can become contaminated by windblown lead dust, said Dan Brabander, geosciences.

"The 2009 Kaplan/Newsweek ‘How to Get Into College’ Guide Names America’s 12 Hottest School Rivalries”
Business Wire
August 11, 2008
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080811005351&newsLang=en

This year's guide features “The 12 Hottest Rivalries in the Country" – highlighting 11 pairs of top schools and one trio of competitive colleges with strong similarities that often create competition within the same applicant populations. Wellesley is pitted against Smith College in the “For Women Only” category.

“Just What Are American Homes Worth, Anyway? ”
International Herald Tribune
August 10, 2008
Catherine Rampell
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/10/business/09bargain.php

Let's be honest. No one actually knows when and where the U.S. housing market will bottom. Experts have been proclaiming the bottom is now — this very moment — since Alan Greenspan notoriously predicted the worst was "over" way back in 2006. "Anybody who says they know when it's going to end with confidence is delusional," said Karl Case, economics. "But yes, you can get a sense of where things are going."

“Errol Flynn Was Missing Character in Novel Set in Jamaica”
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
August 10, 2008
Chauncey Mabe

The Pirate’s Daughter, by Margaret Cezair-Thompson, English, tells the story of May, the illegitimate child of the rakish (and sometimes dastardly) Errol Flynn and a teenage Jamaican beauty. "I think the book has gone beyond people's expectations," said Cezair-Thompson, now touring in support of the softcover edition. "It's had an interesting journey.”

“Wellesley College to Offer Instruction In Swahili”
The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
August 7, 2008 Issue
http://www.jbhe.com/latest/index080708.html

Wellesley College has announced that beginning this fall it will offer students instruction in the African language of Swahili. The language is spoken by an estimated 50 million people in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and several other nations.

“Honduras Embraces Genetically Modified Crops”
Checkbiotech
August 6, 2008
Dan Charles
http://greenbio.checkbiotech.org/news/2008-08-06/Honduras_embraces_genetically_modified_crops/

As governments search for solutions to the global food crisis, some are taking a second look at a controversial technology: genetic engineering. Robert Paarlberg, political science, and author of Starved for Science: How Biotechnology Is Being Kept Out of Africa, says concern over food shortages may be shifting government policies in other countries, too. "Egypt has gone ahead and approved GMO corn; China has just announced a large increase in its research budget for GMO foods," Paarlberg says.

“Patriotism in U.S. Strong, Multifaceted”
The Daily Yomiri (Osaka, Japan)
August 6, 2008
Cameron McLaughlan
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20080806TDY18002.htm

Though most Americans share their patriotic pride, the ways in which they demonstrate their patriotism vary. According to Thomas Cushman, sociology, U.S. patriotism is unique among modern industrial societies in terms of its extensiveness and intensity among the population. “Americans do not need to be compelled to be patriotic as in some other nationalist and authoritarian countries,” Cushman said. “Most Americans love their country, and like other forms of love, it is not forced.”

“Literature Group Discusses Cultures and Traditions”
Wayland by the Way
August 6, 2008
Susan Wagner
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wayland/news/lifestyle/columnists/x1600193908/Literature-group-discusses-cultures-and-traditions

Anna Ronell, English, will moderate a series of literary discussions at the Wayland Public Library. The theme of this year’s Jewish literature discussion group is the relationship among neighboring cultures and traditions. The series will begin Sept. 9 with Journey to the End of the Millennium – A Novel of the Middle Ages by A.B. Yehoshua.

"Spa Kids: Salons Welcome Grade-School Customers for Pedicures, Manicures, Massages"
The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch
August 4, 2008
Amy Saunders
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2008/08/04/1_SPA_KIDS_2.ART_ART_08-04-08_D1_7TATEMM.html?sid=101

Girls of increasingly young age are enjoying the amenities of spas and beauty salons these days. In her upcoming book, So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do To Protect Their Kids, Jean Kilbourne, senior scholar at the Wellesley Centers for Women, worries that spa visits reinforce gender stereotypes and make children think that their appearance directly relates to their worth and desirability. “Girls have always gotten that message, but it used to start when they're 13,” she said. “Now it starts when they're 5.”

"A Lasting Inspiration"
The Boston Globe
August 3, 2008
Peter Schworm
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/08/03/a_lasting_inspiration/?page=1

Randy Pausch’s “The Last Lecture” is one of many in the tradition of last lectures in the world of academia. Wellesley College faculty have had a history of such lectures. "There's a huge block of faculty who moved through the system in the late '60s and the '70s who are about to leave," said William Coleman, chemistry, who gave a “last lecture” several years ago, before the series lapsed at Wellesley. “They are wondering on a personal level if they can continue as scholars and how they will make the transition to life outside of academics. That's part of the reason it resonated so strongly.”

"Too good to Be True?"
Columbia Journalism Review
July/August 2008
Michael Schudson and Danielle Haas
http://www.cjr.org/the_research_report/post_135.php

The decade-long collaboration between the Project for Excellence in Journalism and several academics led by Marion Just, political science, concludes that the more local TV invests in quality reporting, the bigger its audience tends to be. Crime news and celebrity news, contrary to all popular and professional wisdom, they say, aren’t as appealing to TV viewers.

July 2008

“Making Friends”
Parents
Pamela Brill
July 2008
http://www.parents.com/preschoolers/socializing/social-growth/making-first-friends/

Once children enter their preschool years, they develop the social skills necessary to form friendships independent of their parents. To help foster this growth, Tracy Gleason, psychology, suggests that parents should allow their child to play host for their new friend when he or she visits by letting him or her choose a snack and open the door upon his or her arrival. “All these things will teach your child what it means to be a good host,” Gleason says.

“I Love Storytime”
Parents
Leslie Garisto Pfaff
July 2008
Copies available upon request

Exposing children to books when they are as young as 12 months old can help them boost language skills. For a toddler to gain the most skills, it is important that reading becomes a routine and that the books are varied, notes Mary E. Ucci, Wellesley Child Study Center, who also stresses the importance of a soothing setting, saying “Make sure your spouse and older kids know they shouldn’t interrupt you.”

"Typically Twisted"
Psychology Today Magazine
July/August 2008
Kevin Johnson
http://psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=20080623-000001&page=5

Some types of shyness are associated with depression. But some people — Jonathan Cheek, psychology, calls them the "secure shy"— have figured out how to have good relationships in spite of their social anxiety. They don't have a lot of friends, but they also may not need a lot of friends. Just as with nonanxious introverts, the secure shy don't seem to be very limited by the trait, says Cheek. "Not everybody's a people-person."

"California's Discount Foreclosure Sales Point to Housing Bottom"
Bloomberg News
July 31, 2008
Dan Levi and Daniel Taub
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aAL047pyn7t4&refer=home

California led the U.S. into the worst housing recession since the 1930s. Now the most populous state may be the first to find the bottom. The amount of time it would take to deplete the supply of homes decreased to 7.7 months from 10.2 months a year earlier, and the median price fell 38 percent to $368,250 last month, according to realtors. “Things are beginning to happen,”' said Karl Case, economics, and co-creator of the S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index. “We're not going to get reestablished in a stable market unless that inventory gets cleared out.'”

"Wellesley Student Takes Home Top HOnors in PBS Engineering Competition Show"
The Wellesley Townsman
July 31, 2008
Jett Wells
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/education/x380000001/Wellesley-student-takes-home-top-honors-in-PBS-engineering-competition-show

When Leah French ’11 signed up for WGBH’s season two of “Design Squad” in June 2007, she had her eyes on work experience for a possible film career. But she had no way of knowing she would also end up $10,000 richer and the first woman to win the engineering contest. Although French is at Wellesley College trying to design her own major by combining history with anthropology, engineering is still her childhood pastime. “If I had two lives, engineering would be one of them,” French said. “It’s kind of like a fantasy idea. The show brought back a lot of my creativity.”

"James Clan, a Family with a Load of Baggage"
The New York Times
July 30, 2008
Charles McGrath
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/books/30book.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin

House of Basket Cases might be a better title for Paul Fisher’s big, sweeping biography of the James family, House of Wits. The Jameses were dysfunctional and had issues with love, sex, money, intimacy and substance abuse. In this respect, he writes, they “can strike us as curiously contemporary — the forerunners of today’s Prozac-loving, depressed or bipolar, self-conscious, narcissistic, fame-seeking, self-dramatized, hard-to-mate-or-to-marry Americans.”

"New Housing Numbers Mixed"
WBUR News
July 30, 2008
Deb Becker
http://www.wbur.org/news/2008/79058_20080730.asp

There are more housing market numbers out, and they offer a mixed picture of what's happening in Greater Boston. The S&P/Case-Shiller Index compares housing prices in 20 metropolitan areas around the country. Co-author of the index Karl Cases, economics, talks about what the numbers mean.

"Panhandle Players Rule W. Va. Women's Am"
The Herald-Dsipatcher (Huntington, W. Va..)
July 30, 2008
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x2061739547/Panhandle-players-rule-W-Va-Womens-Am

Kimberly Eaton ’11 had an impressive first-year golf season at Wellesley College, where she is a pre-med student. She finished 10th overall in the NCAA Division III Championships and made honorable mention All-American.

"Sea Turtle Hospital News"
Topsail Adevertiser(Surf City, N.C..)
July 30, 2008
Karen Sota
http://www.topsailadvertiser.com/articles/news_2408___article.html/sea_turtle.html

Bailey Brame ’10 put her concern for the environment to good use this summer and decided to intern to at the nonprofit organization Sea Turtle Hospital on Topsail Island, N.C. She was previously acquainted with the inmates of the hospital as a visitor, but now she is helping keep the turtles groomed and healthy.

"Not to be Out-Greened"
The Boston Globe
July 29, 2008
Tracy Jan
(not online - hard copy available upon request)

Colleges across the country have become more “Earth-conscious” in recent years. “Wellesley College will buy produce for its dining halls from students who have been farming organically on campus land,” notes Globe reporter Tracy Jan.

"Magazine Has Sobering Rality for Two Bay State Schools"
The Associated Press
July 29, 2008
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view/2008_07_28_Magazine_has_sobering_reality_for_two_Bay_State_schools/

According to Princeton Review's survey of 120,000 college students, Wellesley College ranks No. 8 on the list of the top 20 "stone-cold sober schools" in the nation.

"Cooking Up a Solution to Poverty"
The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.)
July 29, 2008
http://www.mercurynews.com/losgatos/ci_10034942?nclick_check=1

A local woman has helped design an inexpensive, lightweight solar cooker and heater for use by people in rural areas of Tibet and other parts of the Himalayas. Catlin Powers ’09, of Los Gatos, Calif., worked on the project with students from MIT.

"NCC Summer Programs Provide College Pathway for Local High School Students"
NorwalkPlus.com (Norwalk, Conn.)
July 28, 2008
http://www.norwalkplus.com/nwk/information/nwsnwk/publish/Local_2/NCC_summer_programs_provide_college_pathway_for_local_high_school_students1881.shtml

Norwalk Equal Opportunity Now volunteer Morgan Graham ’08 participated in Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Prep, a program offered by Norwalk Community College to local high school students. Now in its second year, ConnCAP serves 56 high school freshmen and sophomores by sharpening their skills in writing, reading, math, social studies and environmental science.

"Helping to Make a Difference"
The Woodinville (Wash.) Weekly
July 28, 2008
Deborah Stone
http://www.nwnews.com/editions/2008/080728/features2.htm

Jasmince Rana ’12, a Girl Scout for the past 13 years, volunteers on the Women’s and Children’s floor of Evergreen (Wash.) Hospital. While brainstorming ideas for her Girl Scout Gold Award project, on which she spent more than 80 hours, Rana realized that she wanted to make a difference by improving the quality of patients’ stays at the hospital. “My long-term goal was to reduce the stress and anxiety that kids have when they’re at the hospital, especially those who are long-term patients,” Rana noted.

"Russia, Riches, and the Law"
National Public Radio - "On Point"
July 24, 2008
Tom Ashbrook
http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2008/07/russia-riches-and-the-law/

Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, joined National Public Radio’s “On Point” to discuss the struggle of an American attorney to free multi-billionaire, oil-rich oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who has been tried and imprisoned by the Russian government.

"U.S. Rep Baldwin: Announces Staff Changes"
WisPolitics.com
July 22, 2008
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=131720

Recent Wellesley College graduate Elizabeth Strickland joins the Washington, D.C., office staff of Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). Strickland was an intern at Baldwin’s D.C. office in the summer of 2007, prior to joining her staff.

"Stoughton Book Shop Switching Ownership"
Stoughton (Mass.) Journal
July 22, 2008
Chris Bergeron and Jeff Mucciarone
http://www.wickedlocal.com/stoughton/news/x1346889529/Stoughton-Book-Shop-switching-ownership

Stepping into the 19th century barn in Hopkinton housing Vintage Books, co-owner Nancy Haines is happy to show visitors the world’s largest collection of books and pamphlets of rare Quakeriana. “Part of the enjoyment of a store like this is the serendipitous experience of discovering a book you read as a child, maybe something from your parents’ library or just a completely unexpected find,” said Haines, a former engineer who opened the store in 1993 with her husband David Haines, chemistry.

"Tuned In: Evidence That Black-Throated Warblers Use the Grapevine to Pick Nesting Sites Upends Conventional Wisdom""
The Boston Globe
July 21, 2008
Billy Baker
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2008/07/21/tuned_in/

This summer, Nicholas Rodenhouse, biological sciences, along with his scientific team, is trekking in the woods of the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, studying the patterns of bird singing and how it is affected by mating season. His field is not one that lends itself to the eureka moment; it's about gathering information daily, he said. "Trust the data" is a mantra posted in the barn that serves as the hub for the 17 members of Rodenhouse's "bird crew."

"James Bonds"
The Boston Globe
July 20, 2008
William Pritchard
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2008/07/20/james_bonds/

Over the past decades, many biographies and portraits of various Jameses have appeared. Is it time to declare a moratorium on further books about the Jameses? Paul Fisher, English, doesn't think so, since he has produced what he takes to be a fresh look at the James family as a "dysfunctional" one. They strike us, he announces in an overheated introduction, as "curiously contemporary - the forerunners of today's Prozac-loving, depressed or bipolar, self-conscious, narcissistic, fame-seeking, self-dramatized, hard-to-mate-or-to-marry Americans."

"Monet? Gauguin? Using Art to Make Better Doctors"
The Boston Globe
July 20, 2008
Liz Kowalczyk
http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2008/07/20/monet_gauguin_using_art_to_make_better_doctors/?s_campaign=8315

Dr. Joel Katz's class of Harvard Medical School students meets on Friday afternoons at the Museum of Fine Arts, where they discuss artworks Katz believes will make them better doctors. When Alexa Miller, curator of education at Wellesley’s Davis Museum and Cultural Center, posed a question: "What's happening here?" the students initially observed that the figure was made of stone and appeared peaceful. But she pushed them further. "What do you see that makes you say that?" she asked. "When we get fixated on getting the right answer, we miss the diagnosis because it blocks the ability to think flexibly," Miller said. "We want them to puzzle through things."

"Paul Fisher Reinvents Henry James, William James and Alice James"
Dazed Digital (from Dazed & Confused, UK)
July 18, 2008
Ned Beauman
http://www.dazeddigital.com/incoming/paul-fisher-reinvents-henry-james-william-james-and-alice-james/

House of Wits, by Paul Fisher, English, tells the rich story of the James family – novelist Henry James, philosopher William James and diarist Alice James, a clan of troubled intellectual titans. “It's one of the most amazing and bizarre families in American history,” Fisher said. “For five years I've been living in a cave like a hermit trying to channel these ghosts, but what's kept me going is that with all that conflict and dysfunction they're like a troop of glorious misfits, almost circus freaks – Alice James once described herself as a ‘Barnum monstrosity.’”

"New State-Level Research Debunks the Myth of Immigrant Criminality"
ImmigrationProf Blog (Member of the Law Professor Blogs Network)
July 18, 2008
Kevin Johnson
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2008/07/new-state-level.html

The persistent myth that immigrants are more prone to criminality than the native-born continues to circulate among politicians, commentators and the public despite a century's worth of contrary evidence. As Kristin Butcher, economics, told The Sacramento Bee, "If you are coming to support your family, you don't want to get sent back for some graffiti violations."

"People at Play"
The London Free Press (Canada)
July 18, 2008
Steve Coad
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Sports/OtherSports/2008/07/18/6193926-sun.html

When Wellesley decided to start a varsity softball program in the fall of 2004, it invited London's Jenna Harvey to be its pitcher. Harvey not only graduated cum laude with a double major in Spanish and French literature, but she also won several distinctions as an athlete, including the NEWMAC player and pitcher of the year, a NCAA woman of the year nomination and the Barbara Barnes Hauptfuhrer scholar-athlete award, presented by Wellesley College to the graduating senior who best combines excellence in scholarship, leadership, sportsmanship and athletic achievement.

"Urban Gardener: Tasha Tudor, Master Gardener"
The Allston-Brighton Tab
July 17, 2008
Fran Gustav
http://www.wickedlocal.com/allston/news/lifestyle/columnists/x2043511053/Master-Gardener-Tasha-Tudor

Wellesley College Botanic Gardens is offering a workshop, “The Art of Botanicals,” with guest lecturer Linda Funk. The series will run from July 28 through July 31, 10 am to 4 pm.

"The Bear Is Back: Rising Oil Prices Raise Russia's Global Influence"
Knowledge@W.P. Carey (School of Business, Arizona State University)
July 16, 2008
http://knowledge.wpcarey.asu.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1642

Knowledge@W.P. Carey, an online publication of W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, reviews Petrostate: Putin, Power, and the New Russia by Marshall Goldman, economics (emeritus). “Oil, natural gas and the political power of Vladimir Putin have brought Russia back from its precipitous economic collapse in 1998 and left the former communist nation bristling with cash, pride and unprecedented global influence,” the reviewer writes. “That is the richly researched and entertainingly written message of Petrostate.”

"The Great Greek Race Odyssey"
The Times Literary Supplement (UK)
July 16, 2008
Mary Margaret McCabe
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article4343455.ece

Mary Margaret McCabe, ancient philosophy, King’s College London, reviews History Lesson: A Race Odyssey by Mary Lefkowitz, classics (emerita). In her memoir, Lefkowitz describes her efforts to defy the claim about the dependence of ancient Greek civilization on African culture, especially Egypt. “Lefkowitz has a clear view of the nature of truth: that relativism is false … and that evidence and experience reveal to us matters of fact,” McCabe wrote.

"Chicago's Remarkable Restrooms"
WTTW11-Chicago Tonight
July 16, 2008
http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=42,8,4&vid=http://wttw.vo.llnwd.net/o16/wttw/c2n/071608d.flv

Lauren Friedman ’09, who is interning at local Chicago television station WTTW this summer, produced a clip about high-rating bathroom facilities at Chicago restaurants, featuring the restaurant critic for The Chicago Reader, Mike Sula. Friedman introduced her audience to a mobile service that finds for its female users the closest bathroom and rates its cleanliness.

"The World's Greatest Investors"
SmartMoney
July 15, 2008
Dyan Machan
http://www.smartmoney.com/cover/index.cfm?story=august2008-greatest-investors&cid=1122&pgnum=1

Former Wellesley College chief investment officer Jane Mendillo is among the five investors featured in the cover story of this week’s issue of SmartMoney. Under Mendillo’s leadership, the Wellesley endowment outperformed the S&P 500 index by more than 35 percent.

"Summer Poetry Reading: Louise Gluck and Frank Bidart"
BU Today
July 15, 2008
http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/calendar/event.php?id=35184&cid=17

The Summer Poetry Institute of Boston University is hosting a poetry reading with Pulitzer-prize winner and former poet laureate Louise Gluck and Frank Bidart, English, a former student of poets Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop.

"Fung Wah Is Getting Stuck In Low-Cost Bus Traffic Jam"
The New York Sun
July 15, 2008
David Pepose
http://www.nysun.com/business/fung-wah-is-getting-stuck-in-low-cost-bus-traffic/81901/

Rising gas prices are proving to be a boon for New York City's increasingly competitive intercity bus industry. Among the newest low-cost competitors is Megabus, owned by Coach USA. A student at Wellesley College, Yael Misrahi, said prices and safety concerns led her to the newer bus companies. She said she's been warned against Fung Wah "by many people and told it was unsafe. I heard the bus drivers are not certified and that the buses are old and uninsured. That's why I would never take it ... on the other hand, I feel very safe on the Megabus."

"Bottom's Up: This Real-Estate Rout May Be Short-Lived"
Barron's
July 14, 2008
Jonathan Laing
http://online.barrons.com/article/SB121581623724947273.html?mod=googlenews_barrons

"The U.S. May Be Poised to Stop Digging Out Of The Home-Value Hole"
Bloomberg News
July 11, 2008
John Berry
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/11/bz-the-us-may-be-poised-to-stop-digging-out-of-the/

"Worst of Housing Crisis Is Behind Us - Really"
Bloomberg News
July 10, 2008
John Berry
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_berry&sid=aanTIZfXg.zg

"Home Resales Around Nation Down in May"
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
July 9, 2008
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/national/230787/

This real-estate rout has been more painful than prior ones, but it may be shorter-lived. Indeed, there are early signs of recovery. Surprisingly, Karl “Chip” Case, economics, whose knowledge of the housing market goes back decades and is based on the voluminous collection of data, is among those who think home prices may be nearing a bottom. "Every time this has happened before, housing-market activity has rebounded within a quarter and caught experts by surprise," he says. "In many areas, particularly outside the overbuilt markets of Arizona, Florida and Nevada and the huge bubble market of California, home prices may well stabilize."

"Putin Energized Russia's Economy"
The Providence Journal
July 13, 2008
Donald Breed
http://www.projo.com/books/content/BOOK-PETROSTATE_07-13-08_JEAN57U_v7.1106b97.html

Donald Breed reviews Marshall Goldman’s newly published book, Petrostate: Putin, Power, and the New Russia. “Ten years ago, Russia was just about bankrupt,” Breed writes. “Today it is again a superpower with a huge trade surplus, its foreign debt all but paid off, and huge hard currency reserves that continue to grow. How did this happen? Lenin would have called it ‘economic imperialism,’ says Marshall I. Goldman, an economist at Wellesley College and Harvard University, who has spent a long career studying Russia and the Soviet Union.”

"Did Bubba Cost Hillary the Presidency?"
The Columbian (WA)
July 11, 2008
Gregg Herrington
http://www.columbian.com/opinion/news/2008/07/07112008_Did-Bubba-cost-Hillary-the-presidency.cfm

Candice Young, a 1969 psychology major at Wellesley College, recalls when the first lady Hillary Clinton offered the White House for a couple of Wellesley Class of 1969 reunions. “It was darn cool,” Young said. At one of the reunions, “they set up a bunch of different activities for us,” including a briefing by Cabinet secretaries Madeleine Albright of the State Department and Donna Shalala of the Department of Health and Human Services.

"Hindu Priest Shortage Spurs Women to Take Up Profession"
Chicago Tribune
July 10, 2008
Margaret Ramirez
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-hindujul11,0,6607845.story

As more Hindu men enter more lucrative, secular professions, some Hindu women in America have begun performing priestly duties as a way of passing their faith to the next generation. Neelima Shukla-Bhatt, South Asia studies, said more Hindu women are learning priestly functions not necessarily because they feel drawn to religious life. Rather, women—including Shukla-Bhatt—are stepping forward to meet the growing Hindu community's needs.

"Save-A-Date, July 10"
The Wellesley Townsman
July 10, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/news_calendar/x518435456/Save-A-Date-July-10

The Wellesley College Concert Series begins this fall on September 17, when the series presents Zili Misik, in conjunction with the Davis Museum’s visiting exhibition “Black Womanhood.”

"Richard Rorty: The Making of an American Philosopher"
Times Higher Education
July 10, 2008
Simon Thomson
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=402680&c=2

Richard Rorty: The Making of an American Philosopher, by Neil Gross, details the life of the intellectual, including his first academic position at Wellesley College.

"Hold Your (Native) Tongue"
The Boston Herald
July 10, 2008
Michael Graham
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/op_ed/view.bg?articleid=1106084

America’s language gap isn’t French, German or Swahili (currently being offered by Wellesley College). It’s English. Most Americans are annoyed by how many people living here can’t - or won’t - use it.

"Keeping Up With The Jameses"
The Christian Science Monitor
July 9, 2008
Marjorie Kehe
http://features.csmonitor.com/books/2008/07/09/keeping-up-with-the-jameses/

Paul Fisher, English, examines the family of Henry James in his new book House of Wits. “Fisher creates a detailed 19th-century backdrop for his characters, describing the ships on which they sailed, the rooms in which they lodged, the houses they inhabited,” Kehe wrote in a review. “Yet House of Wits is not an examination of 19th-century culture or even the intellectual achievements of the Jameses themselves. Fisher’s focus is the family. What he achieves is to show us the Jameses in two dimensions: how they appeared in their own time and how they seem today, in an era of a deeper (or more obsessive – take your pick) interest in familial dysfunction.”

"Financial Surveys Do Women a Disservice"
TheStreet.com
July 9, 2008
Joanna Ossinger
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10425362/1/financial-surveys-do-women-a-disservice.html

Women and men may have different financial needs, but don't rely on recent studies to explain those differences. Loaded terminology doesn't help. Words such as "insecurity" and "overwhelming" probably wouldn't be used in studies about the general population, or about men, says Ann Dryden Witte, economics, and a researcher at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

"Sonia Raman Named Head Coach of Women's Basketball"
CBS College Sports
July 9, 2008
http://www.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/stories/070908aaa.html

Sonia Raman, who has served as an assistant coach at Wellesley College for the past six years, has been named head coach of MIT women’s basketball.

"MIT Theater on Ice Ends Season at International Competition in Vermont"
The Tech (MIT)
July 9, 2008
Diana Cheng
http://www-tech.mit.edu/V128/N29/skating.html

MIT’s Theater on Ice team competed at the Thirteenth Annual International Theater on Ice competition, held at the Gordon H. Paquette Arena in Burlington, Vt. on June 28. Coaches and choreographers were included Wellesley College student Anne Goldberg ’10, Jessica Eisenstein ’05, and Aubrey Samost ’10.

"U.S. Economy: Pending U.S. Home Resales Drop More Than Forecast"
Bloomberg News
July 8, 2008
Bob Wilis
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aXWzOrMhNFMg&refer=home

Contracts to buy previously owned U.S. homes declined more than forecast in May, a sign prices that have been sliding for more than two years have yet to touch bottom. Karl Case, economics, co-founder of a home-price index that bears his name, predicted last month that almost half the U.S. housing market will be over the worst of the housing slump by year-end. There may be "some surprises in the next few months that would indicate we are at or near a bottom in probably one-third to one-half of the country,'' Case said in an earlier interview with Bloomberg Television.

"E-mail: A Help or Hindrance"
Republican-American (Waterbury, Conn.)
July 8, 2008
Chris Parker
http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2008/07/08/news/352678.txt

When it started, e-mail was hailed in workplaces as an innovative alternative to inter-office memorandums, mail sent through the post office, and phone calls. Susan Challenger, executive director of the Wellesley College Alumnae Association, says e-mail is one way the college’s graduates stay connected to each other. Several years ago, Challenger worked for a company that developed computer technology that allowed people to create single messages that could be distributed to hundreds of thousands of people. Today, some universities use the technology to alert students of campus lockdowns, and some businesses use it to let customers know about products. The technology has had its abusers, mostly folks who send spam, but Challenger believes it has helped people get their messages out quickly.

"An ETF With All Russia's Benefits - and Risks"
TheStreet.com
July 7, 2008
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10425034/1/an-etf-with-all-russias-benefits--and-risks.html

As the largest country on the face of the planet, Russia has its fairre share of natural resources. It also has an economy that continues to grow at a healthy clip as evidenced by its 8.5% expansion in the first quarter. "Within less than a decade, the country has gone from bankruptcy to prosperity," says Dr. Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, and author of Petrostate: Putin, Power, and the New Russia.

"Price Tag Aside, $15M Boathouse Aimed for Public"
The Boston Globe
July 6, 2008
Megan Woolhouse
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/07/06/price_tag_aside_15m_boathouse_aimed_for_public/~

Up the Charles River from the Esplanade and Harvard University, almost to the Newton city line, what may be the most expensive public boathouse in the country is under construction. Built to house the narrow sleek shells that ply the river from dawn till dusk, it will cost $15.6 million, much of it raised through private contributions from wealthy donors. College officials at Wellesley and Lesley confirmed that they are no longer housing their boating programs in the new Community Rowing facilities.

"Price Gouging to Blame for Gas Crisis"
The MetroWest Daily News
July 5, 2008
Aaron Wasserman
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x875596633/Is-price-gouging-to-blame-for-gas-crisis

The uproar over alleged gouging does not seem as strong as summer 2005, after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, when prices spiked. But last month, Congress returned to the topic, considering a bill that would criminalize gasoline and diesel price-gouging. The bill did not pass. "There's no reason to believe it would have any effect at all because it doesn't address the problem of growing global demand on one hand and not a very large supply response on the other," said David Lindauer, economics. "Prosecuting price gouging is not going to get people to explore for more oil or come up with alternative fuels."

"Framingham Woman Looking for Growth Opportunity"
The MetroWest Daily News
July 5, 2008
Laura Chaput
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1816439762/Framingham-woman-looking-for-growth-opportunity

Turning down Weston Road, it's hard to spot. But tucked away behind a line of trees is a unique part of Wellesley College's property: fields of gardens. Johannah Murphy ’09 and her sister Eliza Murphy ’10, of Framingham, have started a garden. Walking through the garden, there's a row of potatoes on the right, heads of lettuce on the left, and in between are onions, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, basil, corn, asparagus, cabbage, flowers and a raspberry bush. “The tomatoes, basil and lettuce, we are trying to sell to the El Table, a student-run co-op on campus," she said. The dining halls are also planning to buy some of the products. The rest of the fruits and vegetables are donated to local food shelters.

June 2008

"Book Drive for Iraq"
Slate Magazine
June 30, 2008
Christopher Hitchens
http://www.slate.com/id/2194308/

One of the most dynamic projects for revitalizing intellectual freedom and prosperity in Iraq is led by Thomas Cushman, sociology, who is working in collaboration with the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani. Cushman says that the American University attaches very special importance to the establishment of a library in English. An initiative has been set up to furnish the campus with the most up-to-date books that can be provided. “What I did was ask colleagues to donate books, which they did in good numbers,” Cushman said. “We sent 30 cartons of first-rate books, especially on global affairs, history and literature, and they are housed in the new library.”

"Mail Call: Taking a Look at Our Economic Woes"
Newsweek
June 30, 2008
Sarah Turrin
http://www.newsweek.com/id/142637/page/3

In a letter to the editor, Sarah Turrin ’11 comments on the June 16th Newsweek article, “Revenge of the Nerdette.” “By emphasizing the nerd girls' appearances over their scholastic accomplishments, Jessica Bennett and Jennie Yabroff, who attempt to disprove the stereotype that smart girls are unattractive girls, miss the point entirely,” Turrin wrote. “Women in professional or academic settings should not be characterized by their level of sex appeal at all—it shouldn't matter.”

"Investing: Long Term is 'Treacherous'"
Omaha World-Herald
June 29, 2008
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1208&u_sid=10369414&u_rss=1&

Juliet Johnson, political science, McGill University, reviews Petrostate: Putin, Power, and the New Russia by specialist on Russian affairs Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus. “As Marshall Goldman's timely new book demonstrates, this natural-resource wealth has fundamentally shaped Russia's internal politics, economics and foreign policy from imperial times through the post-Soviet era,” Johnson writes.

"The Bear Barrel Back"
The Globe and Mail (Canada)
June 28, 2008
Juliet Johnson
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080628.BKPETR28/TPStory/Entertainment

Juliet Johnson, political science, McGill University, reviews Petrostate: Putin, Power, and the New Russia by specialist on Russian affairs Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus. “As Marshall Goldman's timely new book demonstrates, this natural-resource wealth has fundamentally shaped Russia's internal politics, economics and foreign policy from imperial times through the post-Soviet era,” Johnson writes.

"The New Food Crisis"
The Chronicle of Higher Education
June 27, 2008
Robert Paarlberg
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i42/42b01201.htm

Robert Paarlberg, political science, discusses the current food crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, and how it is affected by oil prices, local agriculture and the aid from the World Bank and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. "The true threats are local, not global," reveals Paarlberg.

"Doomed If we Do, Doomed If we Don't"
The Texas Observer
June 27, 2008
James McWilliams
http://www.texasobserver.org/article.php?aid=2798

Author James McWilliams describes how Robert Paarlberg, political science, offers a complex and malleable analysis of globalization in Starved for Science. “Rather than dismiss globalization’s many excesses with an abrupt Marxist swat, he molds them into something more applicable to our environmental and humanitarian dilemmas,” he writes.

"Former Student to Represent Massachusetts"
Arlington (Mass.) Advocate
June 27, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/arlington/news/education/x1470894007/Former-student-to-represent-Massachusetts

Hoping to introduce greater diplomacy and conflict resolution in U.S. politics and international affairs through the next generation of leaders, the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship announced the launch of a novel program of study for top college students from each state. Dana Montalto ’09, a resident of Arlington, will represent Massachusetts.

"Camp Ayadeh Lesson: Cumberbund From the Word 'Kamarband'"
Payvand's Iran News
June 27, 2008
Sharareh Hakimi
http://www.payvand.com/news/08/jun/1253.html

This year, Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB) held its third annual Camp Ayandeh, an Iranian-American camp for rising sophomores to graduating high school seniors at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. IAAB is a volunteer organization, established in 2003 by students at Wellesley College and Tufts University.

"Published This Week"
Times Higher Education
June 26, 2008
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=402555&c=2

Journeys to the Other Shore: Muslim and Western Travelers In Search of Knowledge by Roxanne Euben, political science, had been released this week by Princeton University Press. The contemporary world is increasingly defined by dizzying flows of people and ideas. But while Western travel is associated with a pioneering spirit of discovery, the dominant image of Muslim mobility is the jihadi, who travels not to learn but to destroy. Journeys to the Other Shore challenges these stereotypes.

"Home Prices and the Economy"
WBUR - On Point
June 26, 2008
Jane Clayson
http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2008/06/20080626_a_main.asp

"Prices Slide Fast, Particularly In Suburbs"
Seattle Post Intelligencer
June 25, 2008
Aubrey Cohen
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/realestatenews/archives/142042.asp?source=rss

"'Overvalued' House Prices Tipped to Fall"
Radio National (Australia) - PM
June 25, 2008
Stephen Long
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2286039.htm

Economics correspondent Stephen Long discusses the credit crunch as a global phenomenon with guest Karl Case, economics, on Mark Colvin’s daily radio show ‘PM,’ broadcasted by Australian radio stations Radio National and ABC Local Radio. “There’s no secret that house prices are down. But this month, meaning April and over March, eight cities, eight of our metropolitan areas out of 20, actually went up,” said Case. Case also was a featured guest on the nationally syndicated public radio program, “On Point.”

"'Local Students to Serve 12-Week Stint with State"
The Times Record (ME)
June 25, 2008
http://www.timesrecord.com/website/main.nsf/news.nsf/0/4EA8B68C7AFCF84785257473005D64CB?Opendocument

Anna Studwell ’09 of Brunswick, Maine, was among 37 college students to be awarded Maine state government internships, administered by the University of Maine’s Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center. Studwell is spending her internship time as a contingency planning and training unit assistant.

"Index Hits 16-year Low"
The Baltimore Sun
June 25, 2008
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/investing/balbz.economy25jun25,0,1728458.story?track=rss

"U.S. Economy: Consumer Confidence, House Prices Slide"
Bloomberg
June 24, 2008
Shobhana Chandra and Timothy Howan
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aPc3_GLRw.Mk&refer=home

"Letting In Some Light"
The Washington Times
June 24, 2008
Donald Lambro
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=FB6DFF58-7907-4558-9F70-5FE7882967C1

"S&P/Case-Shiller Home Prices Fell 15.3% in April (Update 2)"
Bloomnerg
June 24, 2008
Shobhana Chandra
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601010&sid=a3Y8rFO8fmk8&refer=news

"At Last, Common Sense of The Economy"
Jewish World Review
June 24, 2008
Donald Lambro
http://jewishworldreview.com/0608/lambro.php3

"Over The Horizon, A Housing Discovery"
CNNMoney.com
June 23, 2008
Beth Braveman
http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/23/news/economy/harvard_housing_study/

The current housing market is bleak: home prices and sales are plummeting, foreclosure proceedings are skyrocketing and mortgage rates are on the rise. A sharp drop-off in housing starts has precipitated housing turnarounds in previous bubble-bust cycles, said Karl Case, economics, and a co-founder of real estate consulting firm Fiserv CSW. Case also sees long-term growth in the housing market and agrees that immigration and other demographic trends will help fuel a long-term recovery.

"Teagle Foundation Announces over $3.5 Million in New Grants: Spotlight on Improving Student Learning at the Undergraduate Level""
AScribe Newswire
June 23, 2008
http://newswire.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20080623.120627&time=12%2052%20PDT&year=2008&public=0

Today, the Teagle Foundation announced 30 new grants totaling over $3.5 million to fund projects involving more than 45 colleges, universities and other institutions in higher education. Wellesley College is among seven institutions to receive the "Assessing the Senior Thesis to Improve Teaching and Learning" grant and among eight institutions to receive the "To Continue the Work of the New England Consortium on Assessment and Student Learning" grant.

"Harnessing the Tibetan Sun"
Science Daily
June 22, 2008
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617115524.htm

When MIT student Scot Frank and Catlin Powers of Wellesley College visited Tibet two years ago, they heard from villagers of the need for a solar cooker that was lightweight enough to be carried with them when they went off to spend the day tending their fields or their flocks, yet strong enough to stand up to the strong winds that howl across the Tibetan plateau. Powers and a team of students from MIT and from Qinghai Normal University in Tibet's Amdo region ended up producing exactly that.

"Vailed or Naked: Scrutinizing Women's Roles"
The New York Times
June 20, 2008
Karen Rosenberg
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/arts/design/20amer.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

“Love Has No End,” Ghada Amer’s first retrospective in the United States, has plenty of glamour, sex and multicultural baggage, but no logos. Works made since September 2001 are more overtly critical of the West’s perception of the Muslim world. One such project, “The Reign of Terror,” hinges on dictionary definitions of terrorism in various cultures. This site-specific installation originally at the Davis Museum and Cultural Center at Wellesley College took the form of pink, green and yellow wallpaper bearing definitions of terror and terrorism, as well as disposable cups, plates and napkins printed with the words “‘Terrorism’ is not indexed in Arabic dictionaries.”

"AU (Auburn University) Women's Tennis Hires Assistant Coach"
Opelika-Auburn News (Alabama)
June 20, 2008
http://www.oanow.com/oan/sports/college/article/au_womens_tennis_hires_assistant_coach/21056/

Christine Franek has been named Auburn assistant women’s tennis coach after serving seven seasons as the head women’s tennis coach at Wellesley College.

"Exeter/Hampton Area Religious Listings"
Seacoast Online
June 20, 2008
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/LIFE/806200412

Rev. Pamela Barz, Unitarian Universalist chaplain, delivered the sermon at the First Congregational Society in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, on June 22.

"Birds Communicate Reproductive Success In Song"
Science Daily
June 19, 2008
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080618082046.htm

Some migratory songbirds figure out the best place to live by eavesdropping on the singing of others that successfully have had baby birds — a communication and behavioral trait so strong that researchers playing recorded songs induced them to nest in places they otherwise would have avoided. The discovery was just published by scientists from Oregon State University, along with collaborators from Wellesley College, Queen's University and Trent University in Ontario, Canada.

"Summer Dance Showcase To Be Held at St. Mark Church"
The Daily Journal (Seneca, S.C.)
June 19, 2008
http://www.upstatetoday.com/news/2008/jun/19/summer-dance-showcase-be-held-st-mark-church/

Catherine Ulissey, physical education, is among the guest faculty for the summer dance intensive at Foothills Dance Conservatory. For three weeks students worked with several prominent guest dance instructors, each of whom will present choreography.

"Putin's Giant Chess Game: 'Petrostate'""
The New York Sun
June 18, 2008
Martha Mercer
http://www.nysun.com/arts/putins-giant-chess-game-petrostate/80187/

Russia's re-emergence as a "petrostate" is the subject of Marshall Goldman's new book of the same name. Goldman, economics emeritus, has spent decades delving into Russian and Soviet economics, and his latest in a dozen books offers critical insight into the country's energy sector.

"Why We're Gloomier Than The Economy"
The Washington Post
June 18, 2008
Neil Irwin
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/17/AR2008061702463.html?nav=rss_email/components

Karl Case, economics, and two co-authors researched how changes in the value of homes affect what people spend and got a curious result: When home prices are rising, people spend more money. When they are dropping, they don't spend less money. With stocks and other assets, by contrast, spending both rises and falls with prices.

"Local Athletes In The Nation's Colleges"
The Times (N.J.)
June 17, 2008
http://www.nj.com/columns/times/tarr/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/121367550471710.xml&coll=5

Junior right-handed pitcher Barbarajean "Beej" Grundlock ’09 finished with an ERA of 1.18 and a record of 10-4 in 17 appearances. The former Peddie all-star pitched 11 complete games and teams averaged just .175 against her as she led Wellesley softball into the Top 25 of Division III in only its fourth year of existence. Grundlock will serve as a team captain next season.

"Wellesley College Acquires Rare Edition of Copernicus Book"
WBUR-FM (National Public Radio)
June 17, 2008
(not available online)

Ruth Rogers, special collections, talked about Wellesley's acquisition of a book by Copernicus, who wrote about one of humankind's scientific breakthroughs: the discovery that the earth is not the center of the universe.

"Wellesley College Acquires Copernicus's Masterpiece"
The Boston Globe
June 17, 2008
Brian Ballou
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/06/17/wellesley_college_acquires_copernicuss_masterpiece/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z

"Wellesley Buys Astronomy Text Published in 1566"
Associated Press
June 16, 2008
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1101139

Wellesley College has purchased "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres" in honor of its new president, H. Kim Bottomly. The Copernicus book, which joins about 40,000 other works lining the cherry wood cabinets of the Special Collections Room inside the school's Margaret Clapp Library, appears to have weathered the years well. The pages, which contain rag material, are not brittle and bend with ease. The library, with the help of the astronomy department and alumni donor Nan Walsh Schow, bought the book in February for more than $100,000.

"Wellesley College Acquires 442-year-old Copernicus Book"
The MetroWest Daily News
June 16, 2008
Chris Bergeron
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x875592181/Wellesley-College-acquires-442-year-old-Copernicus-book

Wellesley College has purchased a 442-year-old book that is considered the scientific masterpiece of 16th century astronomer Nicolas Copernicus. The title of the book translates from Latin to English as On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres. Its acquisition places the school on uncommon ground for a small liberal arts institution as there are only 28 copies of the book housed in U.S. academic libraries. "This book changed everything," said Richard French, astronomy. "It went against what was being taught, that Earth was the center of the universe." The book was presented to President H. Kim Bottomly at her inauguration last month and is now housed in Wellesley’s Special Collections.

"Gas:From Asia to the E.U."
Eurasia.org.ru (Russia)
June 16, 2008
Alla Yeremenko
http://eurasia.org.ru/cgi-bin/datacgi/database.cgi?file=News&report=SingleArticle2005&ArticleID=0002527

On March 7-8, 2008, the international conference, “Reassessing Post-Soviet Energy Politics: Ukraine, Russia, and the Battle for Gas (from Central Asia to the European Union),” took place at Harvard University. Marshall Goldman, economics, introduced his vision of the situation in his report “Energy: A Case Study in Russia’s Political Gamesmanship”. In his opinion, Russia is not just supplying gas to other countries, but also is trying to receive full control over their gas markets through local transport and distribution companies.

"'House of Wits' Is a Fascinating Study of Henry James' Family"
The Plain Dealer
June 15, 2008
Daniel Dyer
http://www.cleveland.com/bookreviews/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1213432441262990.xml&coll=2

In his comprehensive and compelling biographical narrative “House of Wits,” scholar Paul Fisher, English, tells the stories of Henry James’ family. Fisher begins as the Jameses sailed in 1852 for Europe. Henry Sr. believed the Swiss schools were best, but within months the family left, tried London, then Paris. By 1858 they were back in the United States, then off to Switzerland again before settling in Newport, R.I., in 1860. "Family life became a mania," Fisher writes, "a fascinating long-running social experiment, and one in which they all participated - though the children primarily figured as the guinea pigs of different educational systems."

"Paying for Work"
The Daily Mississippian
June 13, 2008
Joel Cohen
http://media.www.thedmonline.com/media/storage/paper876/news/2008/06/13/Opinion/Paying.For.Work-3381502.shtml

Paying to work. Sound like a new work-at-home scheme? Think again. This is the norm thousands of college students take each year in the form of unpaid internships. A possible solution is to give students a financial break for credits earned through internships. Wellesley College takes this one step further — they issue stipends to students who participate in non-paying summer internships.Paying to work. Sound like a new work-at-home scheme? Think again. This is the norm thousands of college students take each year in the form of unpaid internships. A possible solution is to give students a financial break for credits earned through internships. Wellesley College takes this one step further — they issue stipends to students who participate in non-paying summer internships.

"College Philanthropy Is Alive and Well"
CollegeNews.org
June 13, 2008
Matthew Keegan
http://www.saycampuslife.com/2008/06/13/college-philanthropy-is-alive-and-well/

Not every gift involves money with some bequests made in the form of land, stock or other transferable assets. Among the more notable gifts of the past few years was given to Wellesley College. In 2005, Wellesley had the distinction of receiving the single largest contribution ever made to a women’s college. Leonie Faroll, a lifelong New Yorker and Wellesley grad, asked that the funds be used for capital improvements to the power plant and for infrastructure improvements, structural renovations, and new equipment in the Science Center.

"Wayland League of Women Gets Reinvigorated"
Wayland Town Crier (Wayland, Mass.)
June 12, 2008
Susan Wagner
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wayland/news/x710599607/Wayland-League-of-Women-gets-reinvigorated

Hahrie C. Han, political science, will give the lecture “Election 2008” at the Wayland League of Women Voters. Han is currently writing a book about people’s sources of motivation to participate in politics and the implications this has for institutions of democracy.

"Unnecessary Fatalism"
The Daily Pennsylvanian
June 12, 2008
Julia Harte
http://media.www.dailypennsylvanian.com/media/storage/paper882/news/2008/06/12/Opinion/Julia.Harte.Unnecessary.Fatalism-3381228.shtml

A glance at the past shows that our generation is not the first to face big issues – and that the situation is not hopeless, writes Kacie Kocher, a senior majoring in political science and Middle Eastern studies, who has chosen not to register with any political party. She is especially concerned that American students are not receiving the education they need to compete in the global economy. "There doesn't seem to be a way, or an effort, to fix this," she said.

"Capturing the 'Real World' Transition for Israeli Teens"
The Jewish Journal (Los Angeles, CA)
June 12, 2008
Celia Soudry
http://www.jewishjournal.com/films/article/capturing_the_real_world_transition_for_israeli_teens_20080611/

Maital Guttman completed her International Area Studies senior thesis at Duke by shooting a documentary about the life of teens in her home country of Israel. She shot some of the film at Wellesley College.

"Globe West Best Bets"
The Boston Globe
June 12, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/06/12/globe_west_best_bets/

Wellesley Summer Theatre presents “The Princess and the Pea” the next two Saturdays at Wellesley College’s Barstow Stage in Alumnae Hall. Performances are followed by picnic with the cast.

"Our Wondrous One Hundred"
Columns (The University of Washington Alumni Magazine)
June, 2008
http://www.washington.edu/alumni/columns/june08/content/view/79/1/1/9/

June 2008 marks the hundredth anniversary of the University of Washington’s alumni magazine. The editors celebrate by turning the spotlight on 100 remarkable UW alumni, among them Wellesley President Kim Bottomly, member of the UW classes of ’69 and ’75. “After27 years as a faculty member and administrator at Yale University, Bottomly was recently named the 13th president of Wellesley College. Despite these East Coast affiliations, her ties to her alma mater remain strong. Her daughter, Hannah Janeway, graduated from the UW last year.”

"Flucht In Die Karriere"
Academics.de
June 12, 2008
Martin Spiewak
http://www.academics.de/wissenschaft/flucht_in_die_karriere_30745.html

Academics.de, the career site for professionals in higher education of the German newspaper Die Zeit, features a story about Sanja Jagesic ’08, who was recently awarded a Soros Fellowship and who lived in Germany as a child refugee before coming to America.

"'Tall Rabbit' Hops Onto The Children's Train"
Dover-Sherborn Press (Mass.)
June 11, 2008
Bev Wax
http://www.wickedlocal.com/dover/news/x710599774/Tall-Rabbit-hops-onto-the-childrens-book-train

Sherborn author Susan Meyer, English, is excited that her first children’s picture book, Matthew and Tall Rabbit Go Camping, was published in May, and is now busy touring local libraries and other locations reading her beloved story to young, captive audiences.

"Admission Games"
The Telegram & Gazette (Worchester, Mass.)
June 11, 2008
Laura Porter
http://www.telegram.com/article/20080611/NEWS/806110715/1008/NEWS02

Alexis Kelleher, who graduated from Bancroft School in Worcester last week, plans to go to Wellesley College in the fall. A serious golfer, she has worked hard to be able to combine strong academics and sports while in college. At Wellesley, "everything fell into place," she said. She submitted her application for an early decision, an option that binds both student and college, and was accepted in December.

"Groundbreaking Work On White Privilege"
The Kansas City Star
June 10, 2008
Lewis Duguid
http://www.kansascity.com/278/story/658449.html

Peggy McIntosh, associate director, Wellesley Centers for Women, connected her transformative work on white privilege to college curriculum changes sought decades ago as feminists worked to gain recognition for women’s contributions. McIntosh recalled that she and other women professors questioned why women’s accomplishments were not included in history, literature and other courses. Men said the syllabus was already full. “One ‘nice’ man said, ‘We’re trying to lay the foundation blocks of knowledge,’” McIntosh said. “‘You can’t put in the soft stuff.’”

"Today Is Not The End, Live For Tomorrow"
The Medford (Mass.) Transcript
June 10, 2008
Kayla Scire
http://www.wickedlocal.com/medford/news/lifestyle/columnists/x120336403/Scire-Today-is-not-the-end-live-for-tomorrow

Kayla Scire, Medford High School class of 2008 president, will enroll at Wellesley College this fall as a member of the class of 2012. “Class of 2008, tonight make a decision and live for the moment — soak up your environment,” Scire said during her commencement speech. “Appreciate and embrace every movement — every smell and every sound. See every face. Live and love today — be proud.”

"Clinton's Run, My Seminar On Sexism"
The Washington Post
June 8, 2008
Sarah Odell
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/03/education/03sisters.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=slogin

Sarah Odell ’10 narrates the process of her transformation into a feminist while being actively involved in the Clinton campaign through Wellesley Students for Hillary, a group formed in support of Sen. Clinton’s presidential campaign.

"Good Work Environment Improves Satisfaction, Productivity"
The Chicago Tribune
June 8, 2008
Patrick Kampert
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-0608-workplace-ambiencejun08,0,2564315.story

Experts say that employers who pay attention to niceties are more likely to retain their best people and improve worker productivity—which leads quite naturally to making more money and saving on the cost of having to train new people. "To be honest, employers may not be aware of the impact the physical environment has on individuals," said Steve Schiavo, psychology, who has presented papers at the Environmental Design Research Association. "Employers may only think of financial compensation as contributing to morale, but clearly there's more than that."

"Berkner High Alumna Takes Her Studies To China"
The Dallas Morning News
June 8, 2008
Chris Coats
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/richardson/stories/DN-riccoatscol_08met.ART.Central.Edition1.4675814.html

While most new college grads are hitting the pavement looking for work, Tina Yen will be traveling to China. Yen, an urban studies major who graduated last month cum laude from Wellesley, has been awarded a Fulbright grant.

"Rare Books, One From 900 A.D., On Display at KSU"
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
June 6, 2008
Karen Rosen
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2008/06/06/kennesaw_rare_book_exhibit.html

The most valuable book is in the temperature-controlled Bentley Rare Book Gallery is "The Woorkes of Geffrey Chaucer" and is worth $1.6 million, Impey-Imes said. The volume from 1542 is one of just five copies of this Chaucer version in existence. The other copies are at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Wellesley College.

"Natick Sculptor Creates Celtic Connections"
The Daily News Transcript
June 6, 2008
Chris Bergeron
http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/lifestyle/x858456809/Natick-sculptor-creates-Celtic-connections

Whether in her Natick garden, a hotel in northern Greece or Wellesley's Elm Bank Reservation, Karin Stanley’s stone sculptures transform everyday spaces into magical landscapes by sowing stone seeds of permanence and memory. Stanley's current working commissions include a new sculpture for the spiritual chapel at Wellesley College and a piece for the Irish Cultural Center in Canton.

"Greenville Student Awarded Watson Fellowship"
Greenville (S.C.) Online
June 5, 2008
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200806050200/YOURUPSTATE/806050379

Wellesley College graduate Mackensie Yore, daughter of Joanne Armstrong and Brian Yore of Greenville, has been awarded the Thomas J. Watson Foundation fellowship for a year of independent exploration and travel outside the United States.

"Bernanke for Harvard '08 Means No Faustian Bargain"
Bloomberg
June 4, 2008
Oliver Stanley and Brian Kladko
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=af8P5EVP1q_4&refer=home

Early in her tenure, Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust was faced with the resignation of Mohamed El-Erian, who, as chief executive officer of Harvard Management Co., managed a $34.9 billion endowment, the world's largest. Faust won praise from investors and peers for quickly selecting his successor, Jane Mendillo, who ran the endowment at Wellesley College.

"Sisters' Colleges See a Bounty in the Middle East"
The New York Times
June 3, 2008
Tamar Lewis
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/03/education/03sisters.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=slogin

Like other U.S. colleges and universities, the five leading women’s colleges — Bryn Mawr, Barnard, Mount Holyoke, Wellesley and Smith — are actively recruiting international students. The deans of admission for the Sister schools recently conducted a joint recruitment effort in the Middle East and Persian Gulf region, visiting high schools and meeting with guidance counselors, prospective students, and parents, describing what a liberal-arts women’s college can offer academically talented students. The idea grew out of an international conference, where counselors from the Middle East said they wished more American liberal arts colleges would visit their schools, said Jennifer Desjarlais, dean of admission.

"How Do You See This Glass"
The Boston Globe
June 2, 2008
Emily Anthes
http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2008/06/02/how_do_you_see_this_glass/?p1=email_to_a_friend

Most people see the glass ‘half full’, and scientists are exploring why optimism is so prevalent. Pessimism can be useful for some situations and people, argues Julie Norem, psychology, who studies a coping strategy that she calls defense pessimism. "My evidence shows that taking anxious people and making them optimistic doesn't make them do better," she said. "In fact, they do less well and aren't as happy."

"Odds and Ends"
The Boston Globe
June 1, 2008
Martin Pave
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/06/01/hirsh_is_back_on_the_javelin_scene/

Brian Kuscher, assistant women’s tennis coach at Dartmouth, is the new head tennis coach at Wellesley College. He succeeds Christine Franek, the ITA Regional Coach of the Year, who led Wellesley to four straight New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conferences titles and the NCAA tournament appearances. Franek has received a fellowship at Stanford University.

"La Casa De Colón Analiza En Un Seminario Las Graciones En Los Espacios Insulares"
La Provincia (Spain)
June 3, 2008
http://www.laprovincia.es/secciones/noticia.jsp?pRef=2008060300_15_155120__Cultura-Casa-Colon-analiza-seminario-migraciones-espacios-insulares

Experts from Europe, Africa and the U.S. participated in a panel about international immigration and cultural integration, including Peggy Levitt, sociology.

May 2008

"Panel Addresses Effectiveness of NGOs, Gives Mixed Grades"
Harvard University Gazette
May 29, 2008
Colleen Walsh
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2008/05.29/09-ngo.html

In reference to the recent natural disaster relief efforts in Myanmar, a panel of scholars at the John F. Kennedy School of Government acknowledged the increasingly influential role of NGOs over the part 30 years. The major dissenting voice belonged to Robert Paarlberg, political science, and associate at Harvard’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. NGOs have had limited ability to “alter traditional world hierarchies,” he said. He used the grave human rights violations in the post-Cold War era to support his claim.

"Our Town's Time"
The Boston Globe
May 29, 2008
Denise Taylor
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/05/29/sculptures_awaken_as_sun_rises/?page=2

American Theatre magazine recently reported an interesting phenomenon that caught the attention of Nora Hussey, theatre studies. “All across the United States, the play ‘Our Town’ is being done this spring and summer,” said Hussey, who is directing the Wellesley Summer Theatre’s production of the Thornton Wilder classic, opening next week. "So many regional theaters are doing it, and I think it's because the world is in a very frightening place. We have a lot of natural disasters. We have a war. We have poverty. And I think this play is an attempt to stop and look at what makes life worth living. So it's just very appropriate for our time."

"Events Calendar"
Walpole Times (Walpole, Mass.)
May 29, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/news_calendar/x2128346347/Events-Calendar

On Monday, June 9, the League of Women Voters Westwood/Walpole invites interested citizens to its Annual Meeting Dinner. Wilbur Rich, political science, will give the speech “The Media and Presidential Politics.”

"At Home In The World: An Evening With Caribean Women Writers, June 10, 2008, Washington, D.C."
Jamaicans.com (Miramar, FL)
May 29, 2008
http://www.jamaicans.com/news/events/womenwriters-042008-82.shtml

On Monday, June 9, the League of Women Voters Westwood/Walpole invites interested citizens to its Annual Meeting Dinner. Wilbur Rich, political science, will give the speech “The Media and Presidential Politics.”

"Fed's Tug-of-War of Pessimists, Optimists"
Bloomberg
May 28, 2008
John Berry
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a8tlD_d40Q5k

Despite the primarily pessimistic views of the economy recently expressed by several members of the Open Market Committee at the Federal Reserve, Karl Case, economics, says “the market is beginning to clear somewhat.”

"Partnership to Create Countrywide Network of After-School Programs"
The Gazette (Gaithersburg, Md.)
May 28, 2008
Joe Beck
http://www.gazette.net/stories/052808/wheanew201039_32362.shtml

A public-private partnership to be unveiled Thursday aims to mold more than 100 after-school programs into a countywide network after a study determined that providers lacked effective ways to communicate with each other. Excel Beyond the Bell grew out of a 2007 report produced by the collaboration council and the National Institute on Out-of-School Time at Wellesley College.

"College Board Hepls College Recruiters Target Low-Income Students"
Next Student (Student Loan Blog)
May 28, 2008
http://www.nextstudent.com/student-loan-blog/blogs/sample_weblog/archive/2008/05/28/750.aspx

As part of a College Board pilot program nearly 30 colleges and universities will be allowed to buy the names and personal information of low-income high school students — a data set that has been off limits since the early 1980s, according to the Chicago Tribune. Wellesley College was one of three schools that tested the system last year.

"Fighting Africa's Brain Drain"
Forbes
May 26, 2008
Victoria Barret
http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/23/africa-brain-drain-tech-ebiz-cz_vb_0526africa.html

Wellesley is listed as one of “10 Great Schools for Networking.” “This idyllic school just outside of Boston is one of the few remaining all-women colleges,” the article noted. “The school has a tight-knit alumni community, a reflection of — as described by former school president Diana Walsh—‘a culture of women struggling to succeed in a man's world.’ It boasts an impressive list of graduates including Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright and several executives of large companies.”

"Massachusetts Eyes Endowment Tax"
Investment News
May 26, 2008
Sue Asci
http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080526/HOLD/308459320&fromRSS=true

A first-in-the-nation bid by Massachusetts legislators to tax large private-college endowments would result in less money for research and student financial aid, according to many institutions. The proposal, if approved, would affect nine institutions in the state, whose endowments exceed $1 billion, including Wellesley College. To protect its endowment for the future, Wellesley must stay at the current spending rate, noted chief investment officer Jane Mendillo.

"Award Named After Cynon Valley MP"
Cynon Valley Leader (Wales, United Kingdom)
May 22, 2008
Linda Elias
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/cynon-valley/2008/05/22/award-named-after-cynon-valley-mp-91466-20936239/

Ann Clwyd, the UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to Iraq on Human Rights, will have an annual human rights prize named after her. It will be awarded by Wellesley College to a graduating senior who, across her entire college career, has shown an academic and practical commitment to international human rights causes.

"Where Leaders Are Made"
The Daily Star (Bangladesh)
May 21, 2008
Saushan Rahman
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37408

After much anticipation, Asian University for Women started its journey on April 5. All students will take a course titled “Women Shaping Society.” Rangita de Silva-de Alwis, Wellesley Centers for Women, says the course will "provide an alternative discourse to challenge prevailing norms on gender in Asia and help students become a vital part of Asia's new role in global, social and economic development, or what Susan Roosevelt Weld refers to as 'Asia Rising'."

"Shots, Miscellany"
Sports Illustrated and CNN
May 21, 2008
Jon Wertheim
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/05/21/henin.mailbag/index.html?eref=si_writers

Trish Devine ’08 receives Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s 2008 Arthur Ashe Jr. Award for leadership and sportsmanship.

"Race, Class, and the Democrats"
National Public Radio - "On Point"
May 21, 2008
Tom Ashbrook
http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2008/05/20080521_a_main.asp

Wilbur Rich, political science, and author of African American Perspectives on the Political Science Discipline, comments on the role of race and class in the Democratic race for the presidential nomination.

"How to Choose a College"
Forbes
May 19, 2008
Richard Vedder
http://www.forbes.com/opinions/forbes/2008/0519/030.html

U.S. News and World Report produces the most prominent of the college rankings, selling an additional 9,000 copies of that issue on top of its usual circulation of 2 million. U.S. News evaluates educational quality by looking inside colleges at measures like faculty-student ratios, admissions selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving. The Center for College Affordability & Productivity also conducts college evaluations and finds U.S. News a poor indicator of quality education. Including factors such as graduation rates, fellowship awards and vocational success, CCAP reorganizes the best liberal arts schools with Williams College at the top, followed by Amherst, Wellesley and Swarthmore.

"On Campus: Salvia finds New Challenge"
MetroWest Daily News
May 18, 2008
Eric Avidon
http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/pros_and_colleges/x2118741054/On-Campus-Salvia-finds-new-challenge

Wellesley College announced the hiring of Brian Kuscher as head tennis coach and assistant professor of physical education. Kuscher was a tennis standout at Franklin Pierce University.

“Measuring the ‘Aeneid’ on a Human Scale”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
May 16, 2008
Jennifer Howard
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i36/36b00901.htm

In recent years, the Aeneid has been translated anew a number of times, with four major English-language versions in the past three years alone and two more in the works. David Ferry, English emeritus, is in the first stages of translation of Book 3 of the Aeneid. But even in the grand early passages, in which Aeneas and his family flee Troy, Ferry sees "so much else going on besides the epic"~— for example, the way that Aeneas' boy, Iulus, "is trying to keep up, matching his father's footsteps" as the city burns behind them.

“Wellesley College Welcomes Its 13th President”
The Wellesley Townsman
May 15, 2008
Samantha Fields
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/x1867423487/Wellesley-College-welcomes-its13th-president

In a celebration that lasted three days, and began with fireworks over Lake Waban, H. Kim Bottomly was officially installed as the 13th president of Wellesley College.

“Chicago-Area Home Prices Fell 6.6%”
The Chicago Tribune
May 14, 2008
Susan Diesenhouse
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed-existing-home-prices-may14,0,2739060.story

In a broad-based housing decline, the price of existing single-family homes fell in 100 out of 149 U.S metropolitan areas during the first quarter. The ultimate cure for the housing industry's woes will be absorbing existing inventory and decreasing new-home construction. But that could signal danger for the overall economy, said Karl Case, economics.

"How High Can Gas Prices Go?"
The Waltham (Mass.) Daily News Tribune
May 13, 2008
Aaron Wasserman
http://www.dailynewstribune.com/news/x194394947/How-high-can-gas-prices-go

The increase in the price of gas mostly comes from the basic concept of supply and demand, with petroleum sources struggling to keep pace with growing demand that is spurred by the Chinese and Indian economies, say local academics. "As the Chinese and Indian and Asian economies continue to do so well, which we hope they will, demand will just keep growing, which comes up against a supply constraint," said David L. Lindauer, economics. "That's when you see prices rise and I believe we'll see prices like this for quite some time."

“Good Threshing”
Fund Strategy
May 12, 2008
Daniel Ban-Ami
http://www.fundstrategy.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=164768&d=11&h=312&f=311

Robert Paarlberg, political science, argues that poor access to technology has held back the development of agriculture in Africa. If Africa could acquire modern agricultural technology – along with the necessary infrastructure such as airports, an electricity grid, roads and telecommunications – it could enjoy an enormous rise in agricultural productivity.

“Wellesley College: Wellesley Inaugurates H. Kim Bottomly as its 13th President”
Individual
May 12, 2008
http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=82391272

The installation of H. Kim Bottomly to the presidency of Wellesley College included greetings from Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick and State Rep. Alice Hanlon Peisch, as well as college presidents Susan Hockfield of MIT and Joanne Creighton of Mount Holyoke College, among others.

“African Bodies of Evidence”
The Boston Globe
May 11, 2008
Cate McQuaid
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/05/11/african_bodies_of_evidence/

Black Womanhood, an art exhibition organized by Dartmouth College’s Barbara Thompson, draws a powerful portrait, vivid with pride and celebration, degradation, anger and reclamation. Themes of maternity, sexuality, beauty and women's social roles cycle throughout. The show, which travels to the Davis Museum at Wellesley College in September, grapples with representations of the black female body through history.

“Disaster in Burma Drives Rice Prices Even Higher”
The Salem (Ore.) News
May 11, 2008
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/may112008/rfa_burma_5-11-08.php

Damage from Cyclone Nargis may spread beyond Burma in the form of higher food costs throughout Asia and the rest of the world, experts say. "When Asian countries encounter natural disasters and have to turn to the market ... it can produce a further price shock because the international market is so thin," said Robert Paarlberg, political science.

“New Leader Inaugurated at Wellesley”
The Boston Globe
May 10, 2008
(Contact Office for Public Affairs for a copy.)

H. Kim Bottomly received a standing ovation during her inauguration yesterday as 13th president of Wellesley College. A noted immunobiologist and former deputy provost of Yale University, Bottomly came to Wellesley last August. Governor Deval Patrick was among the many officials who attended the ceremony.

“What Is Eating into the Indian Food Basket?”
The Economic Times of India
May 9, 2008
Kunal Kumar Kundu
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/What_is_eating_into_Indian_food_basket/articleshow/3024696.cms

According to Robert Paarlberg, political science, hunger is caused in Asian countries not by high international food prices, but by local conditions, especially rural poverty linked to low productivity in farming.

“Food Crisis: The Need to Go Beyond the Blame Game”
Commodity Online
May 9, 2008
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/topstory/newsdetails.php?id=8180

Food crisis is a global phenomenon. But instead of finding the real cause of the crisis, developed countries are blaming developing countries.~Robert Paarlberg, political science, says that international food markets, like international markets for everything else, are used primarily by the rich, not the poor.

“House Approves Homeowner-Rescue Legislation”
National Public Radio
May 9, 2008
Chris Arnold
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90309565

The U.S. House passed a huge homeowner rescue package Thursday to provide cheaper, government-backed mortgages to a half-million debt-ridden borrowers. NPR talked to Karl Case, economics, about the bill.

“Commencement Readers Cram to Prep for Tongue-Twister Names”
The Associated Press
May 8, 2008
Justin Pope
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j7Oy2RqgzWGhU7IpqLNcV88k9hbgD90HKQ3O1

With commencement approaching, name-readers are preparing for the task of announcing correctly the names of an ever-more-diverse group of American university graduates. At Wellesley College, students are asked to speak their names into tape recorders at rehearsal a few days before the ceremony. Joanne Berger-Sweeney, associate dean and one of the four name-readers at commencement, sometimes follows up with students by phone. If they don't answer or call back, just listening to their voice-mail message can help. At first, name-reading duty was "utterly terrifying," Berger-Sweeney says. But every year she enjoys it more. "If you pronounce their name right and it's difficult, they usually give you the biggest, broadest smile you've ever gotten," she says.

“Lawmakers Target $1b Endowments”
The Boston Globe
May 8, 2008
Peter Schworm and Matt Viser
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/05/08/lawmakers_target_1b_endowments/

Massachusetts lawmakers desperate for additional revenue are eyeing the endowments of deep-pocketed private colleges to bolster the state's coffers by more than $1 billion a year, asserting that the schools' rising fortunes undercut their nonprofit status. The idea has prompted a range of questions, including whether it is legal to infringe upon private colleges' tax-exempt status or single them out based on their wealth. The legislation would affect Amherst College, Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Smith College, Tufts University, Wellesley College and Williams College.

“Foreclosure Surge Hits Toney Towns”
The Boston Herald
May 8, 2008
Scorr Van Voorhis
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/view.bg?articleid=1092553

The downturn in the market and falling home prices have made it difficult for people to escape, even in wealthy communities, if there is a job loss or other setback, said Karl Case, economics. In a down market, the option of selling the house is no longer there. “House prices are really the culprit,” Case said.

“Fulton Native Travels to Peru During Break”
The Valley News of Oswego County (N.Y.)
May 7, 2008
http://www.valleynewsonline.com/viewnews.php?newsid=82124&id=4

Community Service Travel Grants are offered by Wellesley College’s Center for Work and Service on a continuing basis throughout the academic year to fund community service projects during winter session, spring break, and summer vacation. Wellesley College juniors Julia Schroeder of Fulton, N.Y., Sara Dickhaus of Bayville, N.J., and Kelly Jauregui of Union City, N.J. used the grants to travel to Huancayo, one of the poorest areas of Peru, located in the Andes Mountains. They joined the Tinkuy Peru program, which was founded and is directed by Tino Leoncio, a world-famous weaver and artisan.

“Lost In Migration: The Perils of Traversing a Warming Planet”
Plenty Magazine
May 7, 2008
Sarah Parsons
http://www.plentymag.com/features/2008/05/lost_in_migration.php

Late last January, scientists in New Hampshire found something unusual on ice-covered Lake Winnipesaukee: 17 frozen loons. Usually, changes in day length and temperature cue the threatened birds to leave in early January for their wintering grounds off the Atlantic coast; they return to the lake about four months later to breed. Biologists think unseasonably warm weather may have disrupted their migratory instincts, prompting them to linger on the lake. When conditions turned harsh mid-month, the birds were already molting new flying feathers, which usually happens after they migrate. Unable to fly away, they succumbed to the frigid conditions. “It was very unexpected,” says Nick Rodenhouse, biology. “If warmer winters become more frequent, [loons] could die more often.”

“Historic Courthouse Talk at HSI Meeting”
The Salem (Mass.) News
May 7, 2008
Tom Dalton
http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_127203020.html

Martha McNamara, art, will deliver the keynote address, “Shaping Civic Space: Massachusetts Courthouses and County Seats, 1770-1850,” to the annual meeting of Historic Salem Inc., a preservation group. McNamara's illustrated lecture will show how the construction of court buildings, like those on Federal Street in Salem, affected public space in Massachusetts county seats.

‘Immigration Up, Crime Down”
The Wenatchee (Wash.) World Online
May 6, 2008
Tracy Warner
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/OP02/472681141/-1/OP

Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than the native born, and less likely to go to prison. The Public Policy Institute of California studied the issue and in February reported that while people born outside the United States constitute 35/% of California's population, they comprise only 17% of the state prison population. "Our research indicates that limiting immigration, requiring higher educational levels to obtain visas, or spending more money to increase penalties against criminal immigrants will have little impact on public safety," said one of the study's authors, Kristin Butcher, economics. "In California, as in the rest of the nation, immigrants already have extremely low rates of criminal activity."

“Is Housing Slump at a Bottom?”
The Wall Street Journal
May 6, 2008
Brett Arends
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121010993704671887.html

A recent chart created by Karl Case, economics, shows that our economy may be at, or near, the bottom of the housing crash. “It is really remarkable how much where we are today looks like the bottom we’ve had in the last three cycles,” Case said. “Every time we’ve gone below a million starts, the market has cleared at that moment.”

“La Russie Ne Peut Se Passer Du Savoir-Faire de l’Occident”
Le Temps (Geneva, Switzerland)
May 6, 2008
Stephane Bussard
http://www.letemps.ch/template/economie.asp?page=9&article=231291

Professor Emeritus Marshall Goldman discusses Vladimir Putin, Dmitri Medvedev and the state of Russia.

“Family Science Project Yields Surprising Data About a Siberian Lake”
The New York Times
May 6, 2008
Cornelia Dean
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/science/earth/06lake.html?_r=1&partner=MOREOVERFEATURES&oref=slogin

The Kozhov family began to record water temperature and clarity and track the plant an animal plankton species in Lake Baikal in the days when Stalin still ruled the Soviet Union. Now Dr. Izmesteva, a member of the third generation of Kozhov researchers, and scientists in the United States have analyzed the data and concluded, to their surprise, that the water in Lake Baikal is rapidly warming. As a result, its highly unusual food web is reorganizing, as warmer water species of plankton become more prevalent. Marianne Moore, biology, brought a group of students to the lake and, upon hearing the data, “my jaw dropped to the floor,” she said. “I realized this is just extraordinary.”
ABC (Spain): http://www.abc.es/20080507/sociedad-medio-ambiente/teson-familia-hace-lago_200805070251.html
Pollution Online: http://www.pollutiononline.com/article.mvc/Global-Warming-Affects-Worlds-Largest-0001?atc~c=771+s=773+r=001+l=a&VNETCOOKIE=NO

Baikal Challenges Global Warming Ideas
The Moscow Times
May 5, 2008
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1009/42/362450.htm

Lake Baikal is warming faster than the atmosphere, challenging the idea that large bodies of water can withstand global warming, U.S. and Russian scientists said. Baikal, which holds 20% of the world's fresh water, has warmed by 1.21 degrees C. since 1946, said Marianne Moore, biology. Global temperatures have risen 0.76 degrees C. since industrialization, a United Nations panel on climate change said in March.

“IAAB’s Successful Student Summit Builds Connections and Strengthens Communities”
Payvand’s Iran News
May 5, 2008
http://www.payvand.com/news/08/may/1044.html

Iranian Alliances Across Borders held its first Iranian-American Student Summit last month at Wellesley College, in which 13 Iranian American student organization leaders from 10 universities and colleges around the nation convened. The Student Summit provided an opportunity to connect student groups from across the country, and create a forum for them to collaborate and discuss setbacks, successes, and future plans, as well as hear from leaders in the wider Iranian-American community today.

“Military Maneuvers”
The New Jersey Star-Ledger
May 4, 2008
Ian Graham
http://www.nj.com/books/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1209875806185770.xml&coll=1

Wellesley College assistant archivist Ian Graham reviews “The Three Trillion Dollar War: The True Cost of the Iraq Conflict” by Joseph Stiglitz and Linda Bilmes. Graham writes that in the book, the authors lay out a systematic accounting of the costs-to-date of the war and then project expected costs based on both a best-case and more probable scenarios.

Short Takes
The Boston Globe
May 4, 2008
Amanda Heller
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2008/05/04/short_takes_boston_globe/

In the early 1990s the acclaimed classicist Mary Lefkowitz, humanities emerita, has written a new book that asks and answers provocative questions about the limits of academic freedom and about what scholars owe their disciplines, their students and their colleagues.

“MIT-Wellesley Field Camp 2008”
The Lowell Observer (Flagstaff, AZ)
Spring 2008
Kathryn Neugent
http://www.lowell.edu/friends/content/observer/08spring.pdf

After participating in the MIT-Wellesley Field Camp at the Lowell Observatory, Wellesley student Kathryn Neugent reflected that her “experience of studying astronomy outside the confines of problem sets and final projects was deeply rewarding.” The Field Camp is led by  Stephen Slivan, astronomy.

“Top Colleges Admit Fewer Low Income Students”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
May 2, 2008
Karin Fischer
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i34/34a00103.htm

A Chronicle analysis of federal Pell Grant data shows the proportion of financially need undergraduates dropped between 2004-05 and 2006-07 academic years. But some researchers say using Pell Grant data as a leading indicator of how well colleges are serving low-income students is problematic. For example, institutions with substantial numbers of foreign students, who are not eligible for Pell Grants, could have their numbers skewed downward. Wellesley ranked No. 22 among private institutions.

April 2008

“Cheers to a Liberal Arts Education”
The (Singapore) Straits Times
April 30, 2008
Sandra Davie
http://meltwaternews.com/prerobot/sph.asp?pub=ST&sphurl=www.straitstimes.com/Prime%2BNews/Story/STIStory_232423.html

The Singaporean government wants to start a liberal arts college, adopting the idea from the United States higher education system, in which a number of Singaporean youths study. Tan Shin Ban, a former Hwa Chong Junior College student, went to Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where almost all classes were discussions or seminars attended by between three and 15 students. “Because there were so few of us in a class, you are forced to participate. My education in Wellesley taught me to speak up and take a stand on issues,” says Tan.

“Lake With 20% of Earth’s Fresh Water Is Warming Faster Than Air”
Bloomberg News – Reuters - Público (Spain)
April 30, 2008
Jim Efstathiou Jr.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=aZ4dLJ4xTeSQ&refer=home

The world's largest lake is warming faster than the atmosphere, challenging the idea that large bodies of water can withstand global warming, according to U.S. and Russian scientists. Siberia's Lake Baikal, which holds 20% of the world's fresh water, has warmed by 2.16 degrees Fahrenheit since 1946, said Marianne Moore, biological sciences. Global temperatures have risen 0.76 degrees Celsius since industrialization, a U.N. panel on climate change said in March.

“State May Tax College Endowment Money”
The MetroWest Daily News – WCVB-TV, Channel 5, Boston
April 30, 2008
Lindsey Parietti
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/state/x2124113777

Searching for new solutions to the state's budget woes, lawmakers are considering a tax that could boost state coffers with hundreds of millions of dollars from private university endowment funds. During budget debates Monday night, House members considered imposing a 2.5% tax on any endowment that exceeds $1 billion. They voted to have the state Department of Revenue study the proposal. "I think the amendment singles out higher education among all nonprofit and charitable organizations unfairly. ... Wellesley uses its endowment wisely to support students and learning here," said Mary Ann Hill, assistant vice president for public affairs at Wellesley.

“Wellesley Will Inaugurate H. Kim Bottomly as 13th President May 9”
Collegenews.org
April 28, 2008
http://www.collegenews.org/x8120.xml

The inauguration of H. Kim Bottomly as Wellesley College's 13th president will take place on Friday, May 9. The festivities begin on the evening of Thursday, May 8, and continue with special events throughout the day and evening on Friday. Inauguration itself takes place Friday, May 9, at 3 pm on Severance Green, on the Wellesley College campus, 106 Central St., Wellesley, Mass.

“Hooping It Up at Wellesley College”
The Wellesley Townsman
April 28, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/education/x828495158

On Saturday, about 200 Wellesley College seniors lined up for the 113th annual hoop rolling competition. This year, Rachel Goldstein of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., a political science and women’s study major, was first to the finish line.

“Somerville Poets Host Dylan Thomas; Daughter”
The Somerville (Mass.) News
April 28, 2008
Doug Holder
http://somervillenews.typepad.com/the_somerville_news/2008/04/somerville-poet.html

Aeronwy Thomas, a well-regarded educator and poet in her own right, is on a national tour talking about her father Dylan, who wrote some of the most revered verse in the 20th century, as well as a critically acclaimed play, Under Milk Wood. Somerville resident and owner of the famed Grolier Poetry Book Shop, Ifeanyi Menkiti, philosophy, hosted a reading with Aeronwy Thomas, her husband, Trevor Ellis, and Peter Thabit Jones, a respected Welsh poet. About Thomas’ work, Menkiti says, “Whether one reads his poems alone, by oneself, or hears them read aloud by him or others, or perhaps hears read aloud the captivating words of  “A Child's Christmas in Wales,” one always comes away with a sense of ineffable magic in the air-a sense that words are potent things.”

“Athletics Helps Protect Against Teen Pregnancy”
The Illinois Daily Journal
April 28, 2008
Rob Laird
http://daily-journal.com/archives/dj/display.php?id=419466

A 1998 Women's Sports Foundation report shows young women are less than half as likely to become pregnant than non-athletes. That survey also claimed girls in sports were more likely to use contraceptives and to abstain from sexual activity. Sumru Erkut, Wellesley Centers for Women, co-authored "Sports as Protective of Girls' High-Risk Sexual Behavior," a study to determine why sports seem so beneficial in regard to unwanted pregnancy. "Sports have a lot of positive effects," Erkut said. "The group support that can be found in sports, even in individual sports like gymnastics and tennis, provides a great opportunity for development. It tends to have protective factors."

“Cityline”
WCVB – Channel Five Boston
April 27, 2008
Karen Holmes Ward
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/station/282895/detail.html

This month, two Korean presidents visited the U.S. – two men with very different messages about dealing with North Korea. Professor Katharine Moon, political science, was featured on CityLine to re-cap President Lee Myung Bak's recent visit to Washington, D.C. as well as former President Kim Dae Jung's recent visit to Boston.

“Assessing Agricultural Science and Technology”
The Manila (Philippines) Times
April 27, 2008
Rony V. Diaz
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/apr/27/yehey/opinion/20080427opi2.html

The food summits at Clark and UP diverged in their conclusions and recommendations on key points. But they converged on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Both chose to be silent about them. The question of whether enough food can be produced without GMOs, in the face of growing populations and shrinking farm lands, needs to be assessed scientifically. However, the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development, created by the World Bank and United Nations, is a “document that has much less scientific credibility,” according to Professor Robert Paarlberg, political science.

“Thinking Big: Monumental Prints”
The Boston Globe
April 27, 2008
Greg Cook
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/04/27/thinking_big_monumental_prints/

The great exhibition Grand Scale: Monumental Prints in the Age of Durer and Titian at Wellesley College's Davis Museum shows that beginning in the late 15th century, artists stretched the technical boundaries of woodcuts, engravings and etchings with multipage prints that rival tapestries and easel paintings in size and drama. Such large-scale Renaissance prints are rarely seen or discussed because few remain. So the 48 prints, dating from 1486 to 1636, that curators Larry Silver of the University of Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Wyckoff of the Davis Museum have assembled in Grand Scale produce a rare sort of exhibition – one that rejiggers our sense of history.

“Hoopla: Wellesley Seniors Run Annual Hoop Race”
The Metrowest Daily News
April 26, 2008
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x883025663

Graduating Wellesley College seniors took to the road for the 113th annual hoop race. Rachel Goldstein of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., won the race. After crossing the finish line, Goldstein was presented with a bouquet of roses, and then thrown into Lake Waban by her classmates, another part of the tradition.

“Hoopla: Does Win Guarantee Success?”
WCVB-TV Boston
April 26, 2008
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/slideshow/news/16017230/detail.html?rss=bos&psp=news

The annual hoop roll was held at Wellesley College Saturday. It’s a 113-year-old tradition at Wellesley College.

“Reconciling the Races Must Be Shared by All of Us to be Effective”
The Jacksonville (Fla.) Times-Union
April 25, 2008
Bryant Rollins
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/042708/opl_272150524.shtml

Racism has been a defining issue in the United States from the beginning, woven into its fabric, structures and institutions. White privilege, as described by Peggy McIntosh, Wellesley Centers for Women, involves the advantage that whites have in remaining oblivious to, or denying, the depth and scope of racism. Because of the pervasiveness of prejudice throughout society, racial reconciliation is a shared responsibility among us all.

“Vernon Resident Awarded Fulbright Teaching Assistantship”
The Hartford Courant
April 24, 2008
http://www.courant.com/community/hc-community-articleresults,0,5942637,results.formprofile?SortBy=cdb_09_txt+desc&PageSize=10&Page=1&Query=&turbine_cdb_lib__cdb_06_txt=Vernon

Wellesley College senior Sarah H. Chung has been awarded a 2008-2009 Fulbright teaching assistantship. Chung, who has majored in biology and has minored in history, will teach secondary high school students in South Korea.

“Rockefeller Brothers Fund Names 2008 Teaching Fellows”
Rockefeller Brothers Fund
April 24, 2008
http://www.rbf.org/resources/resources_show.htm?cat_id=1668&doc_id=679475

Twenty-five college juniors from 15 participating institutions have been named recipients of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund's 2008 Fellowships for Aspiring Teachers of Color. Each fellow receives up to $22,100 over a five-year period that begins this summer and ends after completion of three years of public school teaching. "The 2008 Fellows bring diverse experiences - both personally and academically - that will be assets one day in the classroom," said Miriam Aneses, director, Fellowships for Aspiring Teachers of Color. Among this year’s winners are Wellesley College seniors Christina Tilghman and Yesenia Vargas.

“Toughened by Journey, Ready for Another”
The Boston Globe
April 24, 2008
Christine Judge
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/24/toughened_by_journey_ready_for_another/

Sanja Jagesic ’08 has just been awarded the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, which she will put toward earning her master's degree and doctorate in sociology. Jagesic’s interests in inequality and social class, along with her own experiences as a refugee, have led her to take an interest in helping other students from underprivileged backgrounds. "My career goal is to find the best ways in which persons from underprivileged backgrounds can survive the pitfalls and inequalities present in the American education system," she said. "She's the kind of student professors pray for," said Thomas Cushman, sociology, Jagesic's faculty adviser. "She has a real love for learning and she makes that very clear."

“Wellesley College Grad on ‘Big Break’”
The Boston Globe
April 24, 2008
Marvin Parve
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/24/wellesley_college_grad_on_big_break/

Susan Choi ’06 never played competitive golf until she was a senior in high school. Now, as a 23-year-old, the former Wellesley College star is appearing on the Golf Channel's "Big Break: Ka'anapali," has turned professional, and is competing on the LPGA's Futures Tour. "I'm a string bean at 115 pounds and I usually get outdriven, so I'm working on strength and conditioning," said Choi, who is spending time in Orlando, Fla., working with Bill McInerney Jr., her instructor for the past four years. McInerney was also the head coach at Wellesley for Choi's final three seasons.

“Enrolling Needy Students: How the Wealthiest Colleges Rate”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
April 24, 2008
http://chronicle.com/free/v54/i34/5434pell_table.htm

New figures were released ranking the proportion of undergraduates who received Pell Grants at the wealthiest public and private colleges in 2006-2007. Topping the rankings were UCLA, Florida State University and Rutgers University. Wellesley College was 22nd on the list, followed by MIT.

“Local Runners Fare Well at Boston Marathon”
The Galveston County (Texas) Daily News
April 23, 2008
Bernice Torregrossa
http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=b3c193597b754ddb&-session=TheDailyNews:42F946750a54400B5FQRI339E4C9

Runners from Galveston County, Texas, took advantage of the good weather and enthusiastic crowds in the Boston Marathon. Tonya Arnold especially enjoyed the cheering throngs near Wellesley College, where she spotted a Wellesley student, Ball High graduate Beth Schaaf  ’10, cheering on Galveston runners. “It was fun seeing her out there,” she said. “The crowds and the noise were incredible.”

“It’s Not the Price That Causes Hunger”
The International Herald Tribune
April 22, 2008
Robert Paarlberg
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/22/opinion/edpaarlberg.php

In an op-ed, Robert Paarlberg, political science, writes, “International prices of rice, wheat and corn have risen sharply, setting off violent urban protests in roughly a dozen countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. But is this a ‘world food crisis’? It is certainly a troubling instance of price instability in international commodity markets, leading to social unrest among urban food-buyers. But we must be careful not to equate high crop prices with hunger around the world. Most of the world's hungry people do not use international food markets, and most of those who use these markets are not hungry.”

“The Doctor Can’t See You Now”
National Public Radio - WBUR-FM
April 2008
Rachel Gotbaum
http://www.insideout.org/documentaries/primarycare/

Patients are finding it harder and harder to see a primary care physician, according to a new series on WBUR. Rachel Gotbaum, with the help of Susan Reverby, women’s studies, analyzes the complexity of the modern healthcare environment, the aging population and new attitudes towards practicing medicine that have transformed the doctor’s role.

“Grant Aims to Spark Science Education in Liberal Arts Colleges”
The Boston Globe
April 22, 2008
Elizabeth Cooney
http://www.boston.com/news/health/blog/2008/04/grants_aim_to_h.html

Four dozen liberal arts colleges have won $60 million to stimulate undergraduate science education, with plans that range from marrying genetics and dance to getting freshmen through "gateway" courses in biology, chemistry and mathematics. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute selected 48 winners from 192 colleges that submitted plans to create more inviting classes, offer research experience and increase diversity among science students. Wellesley College was awarded $1.2 million.

“Dad, Daughter Run Their Dream Race”
The San Diego Union-Tribune
April 22, 2008
Don Norcross
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20080422-9999-1s22locmara.html

Carl Johnson, who ran the 100th Boston Marathon in 1996, told his daughter, Tami Threet, about some of the race's memorable landmarks: the screaming Wellesley College co-eds, Heartbreak Hill and the downtown Citgo sign off in the distance that serves as a welcoming beacon just past Heartbreak Hill. About the raucous Wellesley students, Threet said, “You could hear them before you could see them.” Yesterday, Johnson shared these experiences with his daughter, and 25,000 other runners, in the 112th edition of the world’s oldest marathon.

“Dire Tune, Robert Cheruiyot Win Boston Marathon”
The Boston Herald
April 21, 2008
Joe Dwinell and Ben Bell
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1088649&srvc=home&position=0

From Hopkinton to Boston, marathon fans packed the streets as perfect race-cheering conditions turned today’s 112th running of the Boston Marathon into a spectator’s dream. As usual, Wellesley College was a pocket of packed fans with cowbells clanging and coeds screaming. The elite women and men marathoners raced through the half-way mark of today’s race in tight packs. “This is the best day of the entire year,” said Emilie Papageorgiou, 22, as she took it all in outside Wellesley College.

“As More Take a Year Off, Colleges Often Don’t Mind the Gap”
The Washington Post
April 21, 2008
Valerie Strauss
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/20/AR2008042002112.html?hpid=topnews

Gap years between high school and college have become more mainstream in the United States during the past decade as "students consider jumping off the hamster wheel of high school for a bit," said Jennifer Desjarlais, dean of admission. In recent years the number of students taking a gap year at Wellesley College has gone from about 10 to 20 out of a class of less than 600.

“Give Young Women the Confidence to Tackle the 21st Century”
Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch
April 20, 2008
Nancy Oliver Gray
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/opinion/commentary.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-04-20-0082.html

A recent poll published by the Scholastic News revealed that 81% of girls in first through eighth grade have no interest in becoming president of the United States. Meredith Reid Sarkees, president of the Global Women's Leadership in International Security, has said, "If we want to have a society in which there is equity for women, then we have to nurture and support transformational leaders who have both a vision of a better world for women and who are willing to take actions and risks to benefit others." She added that women's colleges can be the catalyst with which we can accomplish this vitally important endeavor. After her graduation, Sen. Hillary Clinton said that attending single-sex Wellesley College taught her "to practice politics as the art of making what appears to be impossible, possible."    

“Philanthropist Helps Students Give Peace a Chance”
The Christian Science Monitor
April 18, 2008
Stacy Teicher Khadaroo
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0418/p01s05-ussc.html

On her 100th birthday, Kathryn Davis gave $1 million to support college students' pursuit of peace around the world. About 15 percent of the peace projects took place in the U.S., with the rest spanning the globe from Zimbabwe to Brazil. Solo or in teams, students made their mark on everything from health to sustainable development, including Wellesley senior Dafna Ashkenazi, who, with her twin sister, set up weekend Arabic courses in Arara, a small Arab village in Israel about 50 miles outside their hometown of Tel Aviv. Alumna Kathryn Davis will celebrate her own 80th reunion in May at Wellesley, one of about 80 U.S. colleges chosen to run the peace grant competitions because of their affiliation with the Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars Program, a group that fosters cross-cultural understanding and is funded by Davis's son, Shelby Davis.

“It’s Colleges’ Turn for Nail-Biting”
The Boston Globe
April 18, 2008
Peter Schworm
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/18/its_colleges_turn_for_nail_biting/?page=full

To attract accepted students to attend their colleges, admissions offices are employing a range of methods. Wellesley College's admission office recently sent personalized postcards of a newspaper cartoon depicting a young girl wanting to dress up as a National Aeronautics and Space Administration mission commander for Halloween, rather than the typical princess, noting that a 1983 graduate commanded a space shuttle voyage last year. Wellesley students also mailed handwritten notes describing their college experience and often strike up friendships with accepted high school seniors. "In the past year or so, the things that have resonated the most with admitted students is what we might consider the old-fashioned personal touches," said Jennifer Desjarlais, dean of admission. "We're almost taking a step back.”

“Childhood Cancer Survivor Rallies College to Help Others”
The Wellesley Townsman
April 17, 2008
Elana Zak
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/x1041572498

Having overcome cancer at a very young age, Wellesley College first-year student Eleanor Crummé decided to give back to the cancer community. She organized and started Wellesley College’s Relay for Life team, which participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life All University event April 11. The 12-hour overnight walkathon is the ACS’ largest fundraising event that includes area schools, such as Harvard University, Boston College and Boston University.

"Road Warriors Ready for Monday"
The Hudson (Mass.) Sun
April 17, 2008
Catherine Buday
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hudson/news/x883016471

On Monday, April 21, more than two dozen runners from Marlborough and Hudson will be part of the 112th Boston Marathon from Hopkinton to Boston. Some are running for charity; others for the thrill of completing the world's most revered race.~All have interesting stories and hopes for the Big Day. One runner interviewed, Daniel Milton of Hudson, says his motivation for running is "all the people along the route, especially Wellesley College. It's something I do every year."

"Tired of Looking on the Bright Side? Me Too, I Think"
CBC News
April 17, 2008
Richard Handler
http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_handler/20080417.html

In recent years, many authors have attacked the therapeutic culture of American society and the prevalence of books that proclaim new strategies for greater happiness, success and love. However, some books are still worth reading. Among them is The Positive Power of Negative Thinking: Using Defensive Pessimism to Harness Anxiety and Perform at Your Peak by Julie Norem, psychology, who writes for the book jacket, "Are you tired of always being told to 'look on the bright side?' If the answer is yes, it may be time to discover the hidden benefits of defensive pessimism."

"Globe West Arts: Can You Hear Them Now"
The Boston Globe
April 17, 2008
Denise Taylor
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/17/globe_west_arts/?page=full

In her production of Spoon River Anthology, director Nora Hussey, theatre studies, is using theater in the round and a jug band to accompany the play’s characters, from lovers, preachers and teachers to a Jewish man buried in the wrong cemetery. Their tales of the view from the afterlife are based on the poems of Edgar Lee Masters.

"Le Berceau Intellectuel d'Hillary"
Le Temps
April 15, 2008
Stéphane Bussard
(Hard copy available upon request)

Andrew Shennan, history, and dean of the college, Alan Schechter, political science emeritus, and students Samantha Heep and Lauren Tilden are quoted in an article in the French daily newspaper Le Temps. The article talks about Hillary Rodham Clinton’s intellectual growth during her years at Wellesley College as well as the college itself.

"Inter-faith Housing Planned for Fall"
The Dartmouth News
April 15, 2008
Emily Goodell
http://thedartmouth.com/2008/04/15/news/interfaith/

At Dartmouth College, a new inter-faith community residence option will allow 11 students to explore issues of faith and religion within their residence halls beginning next fall. The school's multi-faith intern, Kurt Nelson, conceived of the program when he attended a religious pluralism conference at Tufts. At the conference, Nelson learned about similar programs at other schools, like Wellesley College, which has had an inter-faith living community for the past three years.

"The Hazards of Telling the Truth"
The Wall Street Journal
April 15, 2008
John Leo
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120821739801814533.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

The rise of Afrocentrism, a movement that began in the 1980s and gained astonishing momentum with the publication of Martin Bernal's Black Athena: The Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization, held among its beliefs that Western civilization had been founded on materials and discoveries borrowed or stolen from black Egyptians. During the development of this scholarship, the academic world did not often question the claims. The scholar who did the most to break this silence was Mary Lefkowitz, classics, when she accepted an assignment in the fall of 1991 to write a review of the second volume of Black Athena for the New Republic magazine. Now Lefkowitz has published History Lessons, which recounts her experiences resulting from questioning the veracity of Afrocentrism.

"What Your Workspace Says About You"
ThomasNet
April 15, 2008
David R. Butcher
http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/2008/04/what-your-workspace-says-about-you-personality-factors-psychology.html?t=recent

Much can be learned about a person by the way they decorate the places they inhabit. The Researchers at the University of Texas determined that offices reveal key aspects of a worker's personality. Given how much time workers spend in their offices, it comes as little surprise that 70 to 90% of Americans personalize their workspaces. "People decorate their offices because it makes them feel more comfortable and satisfied, and that can make them more productive," said Steven Schiavo, psychology. Some research even shows that people who are more territorial about their offices have more influence within them, and feel surer of themselves when presenting ideas there, Schiavo said.

"Runner's High Highest in Boston"
The Rocky Mountain News
April 14, 2008
Brian Metzler
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/apr/14/metzler-runners-high-highest-in-boston/

There are a lot of great races out there, but for recreational runners the Boston Marathon stands alone. New York, Chicago and other big cities' marathons boast big curbside crowds, but none has the fervor of the passionate folks in Boston. Near the halfway point, just about the time you start to feel fatigued, you hear a chorus of cheers that crescendos to an almost-deafening roar as you approach Wellesley College. The Wellesley girls are famous for their nonstop cheering and "Kiss Me" and "Marry Me" signs, each of which have been motivating runners for decades.

The Athens (Ohio) Post
April 14, 2008
Ashley Luthern
http://www.thepost.ohiou.edu/Articles/Culture/2008/04/14/23734/

Peggy McIntosh, Wellesley Centers for Women, will speak for Diversity Awareness Month in Athens, Ohio. Her speech will focus on how she came to see her white privilege and what she did about it. She began to see white privilege in a systemic way, not just concerning individuals but the circumstances that surround our lives.

“At Our Best: Corvallis Native Leads Relay for Life”
Corvallis (Ore.) Gazette Times
April 14, 2008
http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2008/04/14/news/community/7loc03_aob.txt

Wellesley College first-year student Eleanor Crummé has brought Wellesley College into the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life All-University event for the first time. On April 11 at Harvard University’s Gordon Track, 83 Wellesley students on 11 teams participated, after raising more than $6,000 in donations, the third highest total for participating colleges.

“Parents Weigh Day-Care Options Online”
The Washington Post
April 14, 2008
Donna St. George
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041302741.html

At a time when many parents worry about safety in child care, a growing number of states have launched online record systems that bring a new layer of accountability into day-care decision making. A study by researchers at Wellesley College that focused on Broward County, Fla., found that the Internet system alone improved the quality of child care at centers serving low-income children. The study also found that inspectors produced more detailed critiques, in greater number.

“Faculty Salaries and Priorities”
Inside Higher Ed
April 14, 2008
Scott Jaschik
http://insidehighered.com/news/2008/04/14/aaup

The American Association of University Professors is reporting an increase in average faculty salaries of 3.8 percent — the same as last year. But because inflation is up this year to 4.1 percent from 2.5 percent, the association says that this year’s increases point to a real decline in faculty standards of living. However, in the average salary for a full professor at a liberal arts college, Wellesley College retained the top spot while — in a sign it may pay to work at women’s colleges — Barnard moved up two slots to claim second place.

“When Strings Are Attached, Quirky Gifts Can Limit Universities”
The New York Times
April 13, 2008
Karen W. Arenson
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/education/13endow.html?_r=2&ref=education&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

As the nation's wealthiest colleges and universities report on their finances to Congress, seeking to head off federal requirements that they spend at least 5 percent of their ever-growing endowment income, new attention is being paid to how endowments are structured, and on the restrictions imposed by donors. At Wellesley College, Leonie Faroll, a 1949 graduate, asked the college to use her gifts for the college’s power plant. When she died in 2003, those gifts totaled $860,000. “It was about giving for something that makes the place run,” said Lynn C. Miles, acting vice president for resources. Ms. Faroll later left the college more than $27 million in her will, the largest bequest the college ever received. Some could be used for the science center; the rest was for the power plant.

“Washington Takes On the Mortgage Mess”
The Wall Street Journal
April 13, 2008
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120805134086510643.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

What started as a slump in home building and rising delinquencies on dodgy mortgages has evolved into a financial crisis and a likely recession. U.S. authorities are scrambling to respond, proposing a number of measures designed to address the situation. "Taken together, they all likely will have some effect," says Karl Case, economics. "They're not designed to make prices go up, but to make them stop going down and bring some volume back into the market."

“Potomac Fever”
Des Moines (Iowa) Register
April 13, 2008
Jane Norman
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/NEWS09/804130327/1001/NEWS

Aides to Rep. Steve King say The Toledo(Ohio) Blade may not have given him any love in trashing his comment that terrorists would be "dancing in the streets" if Barack Obama were elected, but other publications have. Thomas Cushman, sociology, wrote that King's remark was "infelicitous in the extreme, at least in a world where politicians always have to watch their words." But Cushman also wondered who the Islamic world would want to win. "It is reasonable to think that it would be the man who wants to surrender Iraq, make peace with and appease dictators who wish harm to the United States, and work within the United Nations and the illiberal blocs who dominate that institution," he wrote in the Journal of Human Rights.

“Researcher to Speak About ‘Invisible Knapsack’ of Racial Privilege”“Parents Look for Things for Kids to Do This Summer”
Muskogee (Okla.) Phoenix
April 13, 2008
Cathy Spaulding
http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/features/local_story_104222203.html?keyword=secondarystory

With the end of school six weeks away, many parents have yet to find constructive summer activities for their children. And now is the time to start looking, area child and health specialists say. A 2003 report by Wellesley College said that young people with nothing constructive to do when they’re not in school are more likely to find activities that negatively influence their development.

“African Artists in New England Create Art in Response to the Violence in their Homelands”
The Quincy (Mass.) Patriot Ledger
April 12, 2008
Jody Feinberg
http://www.patriotledger.com/entertainment/x681525564

Salem Mekuria, art, presents ``Ruptures: A Many Sided Story'' as a triptych, a reference to the Ethiopian Orthodox religion, in the exhibit Reflections in Exile: Five Contemporary African Artists Respond to Social Injustice, which runs  through May 11 at South Shore Art Center in Cohasset.

“Choi Chosen to Compete in Golf Reality Show”
The Natick Bulletin and Tab
April 11, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/natick/sports/x681526714

Susan Choi of Natick was one of 12 women chosen to compete in the ninth season of "The Big Break," a golf reality show. More than 25,000 professional women golfers from all over the world auditioned to compete on the show, which allows its contestants to compete for an exemption into LPGA Tour events, cash, a car and other prizes.

“Going the distance”
Martha’s Vineyard Times
April 10, 2008
Pat Waring
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/dining/09campus.html?ex=1208404800&en=90974ff41fd8526f&ei=5070&emc=eta1

Marylee Schroeder runs along the coast of Martha’s Vineyard in training for the Boston Marathon, now only a few days away. Among the things that she looks forward to is seeing the Wellesley College students lining the route – "You can hear them from miles away!"

“The Happy Economist”
Metrowest Magazine
April 2008
Steve Maas

The gloomy real estate market has vaulted Karl “Chip” Case, economics, into the media spotlight. Metrowest Magazine gives a more personal profile of the man who developed the S & P/Case-Schiller Index, one of the most cited indices in recent economic news.

"The Fight to Feed Africa"
The New York Post
April 6, 2008
Robert Paarlberg
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04062008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/the_fight_to_feed_africa_105148.htm

In the view of Robert Paarlberg, political science, so many people in African nations are poor because more than 60% of them work with unimproved agricultural crops and grazing animals. Their farming techniques lack the aid of modern science that could improve productivity, and many Western charities are working to keep it this way.

“African-American Institute Celebrated”
The Boston Globe
April 6, 2008
John S. Forrester
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/06/african_american_institute_celebrated/

Rhythmic steps and cadences of claps filled Northeastern University's Matthews Arena as part of Step Fest 2008, one of a weeklong series of events being held to celebrate the John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute's 40th anniversary. The event drew about 2,500 people and step-dance teams from several schools, including Boston University, Tufts University, Wellesley College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Simmons College.

“Symposium: The Unknown Obama”
FrontPage Magazine
April 4, 2008
Jamie Glazov
http://frontpagemagazine.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=C753AD1A-9481-43B1-AB96-3121A49B10F0

Thomas Cushman, sociology, Fred Siegel of Cooper Union and Jeff Herf of the University of Maryland discuss the topic of the “Unknown Obama.” Acknowledging the many talents and strengths of the Democratic presidential candidate, these academics look at “some particular points about what is known about him, but which few people have dared to bring up for fear of political correctness,” says Cushman.

“College Deans Talk Internationalization”
The Yale Daily News
April 4, 2008
Zachary Abrahamson
http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/24208

The New England Deans’ Meeting, an annual gathering attended by nearly 80 deans from around the region representing 30 colleges and universities, took place at Yale University last week. “This was the most civilized meeting of these folks we’ve had in several years,” said Lori Tenser, dean of the first-year class of Wellesley College. The focus this year’s discussion was internationalism, although other subjects were addressed.

“Medvedev’s Economic Pledge”
Russia Profile
April 3, 2008
Yelena Biberman
http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=Business&articleid=a1207233879

According to the report disseminated at Russia’s State Council meeting, the annual turnover of small businesses is slowly increasing. There are currently 1.1 million small enterprises in Russia. The annual employment gain in small business accounts for 3 to 4%. Meanwhile, firms employing fewer than 100 people account for only 10 to 15% of Russia’s gross domestic product. Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, pointed out that this number stands in sharp contrast to some 50% in the United States and parts of Europe.

“Olympic Torchbearers Don’t Seem Fazed by Protest Threat”
The Examiner
April 3, 2008
David Smith
http://www.examiner.com/a-1317840~Olympic_torchbearers_don_t_seem_fazed_by_protest_threat.html?cid=rss-San_Francisco

The Olympic Torch will travel six miles on the San Francisco waterfront this week, carried by a relay of 80 runners. Half of the runners were chosen through a city-sponsored contest that included a 200-word essay that asked applicants such questions as “How is your personal journey making your community, your country and the world more sustainable?” while the other half was chosen by the event’s sponsors, along with the U.S. Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee and the Beijing Olympic Committee on Games. One torchbearer is Wellesley College sophomore Katie Gosling, who was chosen for the task for calling 911 with her father when they saw a rock climber fall.

“It Could Be a Stalemate”
New Statesman (United Kingdom)
April 3, 2008
Andrew Stephen
http://www.newstatesman.com/200804030028

One of the largest influences on the election race is the media’s coverage of the candidates. Marion Just, political science, who is undertaking a joint major study of U.S. election coverage for Harvard's highly respected Shorenstein Center and the Project for Excellence in Journalism, says preliminary studies show that coverage of Clinton has been 26.9% positive and 37.8% negative, while Obama's was 46.7% positive and 15.8% negative.

“No Gap in Tai’s Talents”
The Boston Globe
April 3, 2008
Julian Benbow
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/03/no_gap_in_tais_talents/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z

Since beginning her work for the Wellesley College softball team five years ago, Keri O’Meara has dedicated herself to recruiting great players. One of the best is Amanda Tai ’09, who actually called O’Meara up herself. Seeing Tai’s potential, O’Meara worked hard to get her on the team, and that work has paid off.

“Iranian Alliances Across Borders to Host First Iranian-American Student Summit”
Payvand News
April 2, 2008
http://www.payvand.com/news/08/apr/1019.html

Iranian Alliances Across Borders had its first Iranian-American Student Summit April 4-6 at Wellesley College. The Iranian-American Student Summit will brought together representatives from 11 universities to explore the challenges, goals and successes of Iranian-American student organizations.

March 2008

“Feminist Scholar Shares Her Thought on Privilege”
The University of Georgia Columns
March 31, 2008
Matt Weeks
http://www.uga.edu/columns/current/news-Feminist.html

Groundbreaking feminist and anti-racist scholar Peggy McIntosh, Wellesley Centers for Women, spoke about inequality and privilege to a packed house at the inaugural Franklin Diversity Lecture at the University of Georgia. McIntosh spoke candidly about the realizations that led her to write her seminal essay, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.”

“More Florida Mothers Staying Single By Choice”
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
March 31, 2008
Jamie Malernee
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/mar/31/more-florida-mothers-staying-single-choice/

About 40 women have formed a group in South Florida called Single Mothers by Choice, all of whom decided to raise children alone. "We are no longer living in a culture where motherhood alone is condemned," said Rosanna Hertz, sociology.

“The View From Across the Water”
The Boston Globe
March 30, 2008
Mark Feeney
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/03/29/the_view_from_across_the_water/

Jem Southam: Upton Pyne is a pond-sized show (there are just 21 photographs) about an English pond. Its concerns are oceanic, though: the struggle – or is it alliance? – between timelessness and time. The exhibit is currently showing at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College.

“Lowell Film Festival Honors Bette Davis”
The Boston Globe
March 30, 2008
Leslie Brokaw
http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2008/03/30/lowells_first_film_fest_honors_native_daughter/

To celebrate the centennial of Lowell native Bette Davis, her hometown is hosting a special evening of celebration on Wednesday. The event includes a number of film screenings and museum exhibits, as well as a Davis look-alike contest.

“Iran Human Rights Documentation Center Releases Report”
News Blaze
March 30, 2008
Judyth Piazza
http://newsblaze.com/story/20080328153557tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html

Mehrangiz Kar, Newhouse Center for the Humanities, has written “Crushing the Reformist Students,” the third of a series of commentaries on developments in Iranian law and the shadow state activities of the Iranian conservatives during the reform period. The series is published by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, a New Haven-based nonprofit.

“Demon Seed: How Fear of Life-saving Technology Swept Through Africa”
Reason Magazine
March 28, 2008
Kerry Howley
http://www.reason.com/news/show/125722.html

In an interview with Reason Magazine, Robert Paarlberg, political science, discusses his new book Starved for Science: How Biotechnology is Being Kept Out of Africa. Cast as toxic to humans, destructive to the environment and part of a corporate plot against the poor, cutting-edge technology is often most feared where it is most needed.

“Harvard’s $34.9 Billion Endowment Makes Its Choice for New Chief”
The New York Times
March 28, 2008
Geraldine Fabrikant
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/28/business/28harvard.html?sq=jane%20mendillo%20&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&scp=1&adxnnlx=1206727841-F8vb39fRrfQ3V7ct2W3dwA 

The Harvard Management Co., which oversees the university’s $34.9 billion endowment, has appointed Jane Mendillo, chief investment officer at Wellesley College, as its president and chief executive. Mendillo, who was appointed after a six-month search, joins a growing number of women who are running some of the nation’s largest university endowments. 

“Women’s Colleges Remain Relevant Higher Ed Choice”
Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.)
March 27, 2008
Lena Juarez and Anne Yastremski
http://www.mcall.com/news/opinion/anotherview/all-bottom_col-a.6330939mar27,0,6080072.story

Many higher education professionals consider same-sex colleges passé even though they have produced some of the most prominent women of our time. Women’s colleges, such as Wellesley and Bryn Mawr, continue to provide a success model for high-achieving students who desire such an option.

“Sculpture Center Taking Proposals”
Rutland (Vt.) Herald
March 27, 2008
http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080327/FEATURES17/803270307/1045/FEATURES17

The theme for this year's SculptFest08, held by the Carving and Sculpture Center in West Rutland, Vt., is "Human Interventions and the Industrial Landscape" and guest curator is Carlos Dorrien, a sculpture professor at Wellesley.

“Thursday’s Agenda, March 27”
The Miami Herald
March 27, 2008
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/story/471403.html

Under the direction of Lisa Graham, the Wellesley College Choir appeared in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Parish in Coconut Gove, Fla. 

“Encouraging Interfaith Experiences”
Inside Higher Ed
March 26, 2008
Elizabeth Redden
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/03/26/religion 

Peter L. Laurence, the founder and executive director of Education as Transformation Inc., a consulting and educational organization based at Wellesley College, said that at Wellesley, a number of religious advisers report to a dean. “They as a team exemplify collaborations across religious lines,” Laurence said. Meanwhile, at the student level, a student multifaith council meets regularly at Wellesley. Specific religious celebrations, like Sukkot, a Jewish festival, and Diwali, a Hindu one, are open to students from across the campus. 

“S&P Sees Housing Bottom in Early ’09”
SmartMoney
March 25, 2008
Prabha Natarajan
http://www.smartmoney.com/bn/ON/index.cfm?story=ON-20080325-000388-1108

U.S. home prices, which declined sharply in the 12 months through January, will continue to drop until early next year, according to S&P forecasters. Despite the increase in existing home sales in February, the overriding subprime crisis makes it difficult for regional economies to recover, said Karl Case, economics.

“The Sins of Our Preachers”
The Chicago Tribune
March 25, 2008
Katharine Moon
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0325preachermar25,0,2197444.story

Katharine Moon, political science, comments on the upheaval regarding Sen. Obama’s pastor, Rev. Wright and analyzes the role of faith communities in U.S. society. 

“Unbridled Galloping Along”
Publishers Weekly
March 24, 2008
Claire Kirch
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6543967.html?industryid=47152

Unbridled Books, a small publisher, is increasing both its output and its fiction offerings at a time when many other small presses are having to cut back. Fred Ramey, the co-publisher, ascribes the recent growth of Unbridled to the success of its quality list of 33 titles in print, with three more releases shipping in May and June. Of those 33 releases, 13 have been named as Booksense picks, with two of them reaching the No. 1 rank, most recently the fall 2007 release, The Pirate's Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson, English. The Pirate's Daughter was also named a Booksense year-end Highlight and was chosen by four independent booksellers as a selection for their signed first editions book clubs.

“Jem Southam: The Rockfalls of Normandy”
Robert Mann Gallery
March 20, 2008
http://www.artinfo.com/galleryguide/exhibition/20291/6826/114994/jem-southam-the-rockfalls-of-normandy/

Wellesley College is currently exhibiting the Upton Pine series of photographs by Jem Southam at the Davis Museum. Another series of Southam’s, The Rockfalls of Normandy, is on display at the Robert Mann Gallery in New York City.

“Economics and Global Justice is Focus of Lecture”
WMU News
March 18, 2008
Mark Schwerin
http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news/2008/03/046.html

Joseph Joyce, economics, will deliver a talk, “Global Justice: An Economist’s Perspective,” at Western Michigan University, part of the school’s Werner Sichel Economics Lecture-Seminar Series.

“Feminist Scholar Will Open New Diversity Lecture Series”
University of Georgia Columns
March 17, 2008
Philip Lee Williams
http://www.uga.edu/columns/current/news-series.html

Peggy McIntosh, Wellesley Centers for Women, will deliver the first address in the new Franklin Diversity Lecture Series at the University of Georgia. McIntosh is renowned for her essay, “White Privilege and Male Privilege: A Personal Account of Coming to See Correspondences through Work in Women’s Studies,” and her body of work focusing on the systemic advantages and disadvantages that maintain and reinforce the status quo while also limiting the ability to truly be diverse and inclusive.

“Hot or Not”
The New York Times
March 16, 2008
Dan Chiasson
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/books/review/Chiasson-t.html?_r=1&ref=books&oref=slogin

Dan Chiasson, English, reviews David Lehman’s anthology, The Best American Erotic Poems. He notes both the surprising inclusions and exclusions of the work, wondering how this collection can be deemed the best without a poem from either John Ashbery or Frank Bidart.

“When Girls Will Be Boys”
The New York Times
March 16, 2008
Alissa Quarthttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/magazine/16students-t.html?em&ex=1205899200&en=fa3092b6bb658df8&ei=5087%0A

There is a growing population of transgender students at the nation’s colleges and universities. Traditionally it has been adults in middle age who wished to transition, but today a larger percentage of transitions occur in adolescence or young adulthood. As one student at Wellesley pointed out, women’s colleges offer safe havens for transgender students.

“Hemenway Receives Reading Award”
The Framingham Tab
March 15, 2008
John Hilliard
http://www.wickedlocal.com/framingham/news/education/x691149479

The Hemenway Elementary School was honored with the exemplary reading program award by the International Reading Association last week. As part of the school’s reading program, Hemenway creates its own graduate-level courses for teachers, provides resources for teachers to help them develop new strategies and coordinates with Wellesley College to build a group of tutors for the students.

“Dueling Visions for a Hungry World”
Science
March 14, 2008
Erik Stokstad
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/319/5869/1474

The first international assessment of agricultural research, the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development, was recently released. The report is highly critical of agricultural biotechnology, leading many large biotech companies to withdraw from the report. Those involved hope that governments will still use the report to guide their investment, but Robert Paarlberg, political science, is skeptical. "It's a document that has much less scientific credibility," he says. By being so inclusive of different topics and viewpoints, it ended up more a collection of opinions than an incisive summary of the scientific literature. And because its scope is so broad, the assessment doesn't offer targeted analyses for particular problems.

“Female Walks a Fine Line”
The Cleveland Plain Dealer
March 14, 2008
Karen Sandstromhttp://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1205497813170420.xml&coll=2

A recent poll by the Pew Research Center confirms widely held beliefs about the perceptions of women in power, and that this harms powerful women who speak brusquely or loudly, gesture assertively, disagree directly or take a purely autocratic approach to decision-making – though all those actions are commonly and even successfully used by male leaders. Linda Carli, psychology, who co-wrote the new book Through the Labyrinth, rethinks the glass-ceiling metaphor for an era when business and industry are more evolved yet more complex than ever.

“Data on Neurogenetic Discussed by Researchers at Wellesley College”
NewsRx
March 13, 2008
http://calibre.mworld.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=298020861

In a detailed study published recently in the Journal of Molecular History, J.M. Sullivan and Barbara Beltz, biological sciences, find that the features of the neurogenic niche and migratory streams, and the fact that these continue to function in vitro, provide opportunities unavailable in other organisms to explore the sequence of cellular and molecular events leading to the production of new neurons in adult brains

“IWU Named on Magazine’s List of College Best Values”
Individual.com
March 13, 2008
Michele Steinbacher
http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=79163068

Among private liberal arts colleges, Wellesley ranked fourth on Kiplinger's Personal Finance 100 Best Values in Private Colleges.

“Scholar Who Stepped Down as Obama Advisor Expressed Complex Views on Human Rights”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
March 12, 2008
Evan R. Goldstein
http://chronicle.com/daily/2008/03/2019n.htm

Professor Samantha Power of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, in a recent trip through Europe promoting both her new book and presidential candidate Barack Obama, told a Scottish newspaper that Hillary Clinton was a “monster.” Power has since resigned from the campaign, but her work continues. Her new book, A Problem from Hell, departs from her earlier optimism about the ability of using America’s military power for good. "The implication of A Problem From Hell is that, in the end, the only way to really stop genocide is through armed intervention," said Thomas Cushman, sociology.

“Chilean Poet, Activist to Speak at IC”
The Ithaca Journal
March 12, 2008
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/COLUMNISTS32/803120340/1002/NEWS01

Marjorie Agosin, Spanish, will present “Weaving of Justice: The Arpillera Movement in Chile” at Itahca College. Agosin’s book Scraps of Life: Chilean Arpilleras tells of Chilean women who make their struggles known to the world through the exposition of arpilleras — folk tapestries which tell of their bravery and hardships in the face of oppression. Money from the sale of these handicrafts aids them in supporting families in which the men have been arrested, murdered or simply “disappeared.”

“JazzBoston Announces highlights of Jazz Week April 26 to May 4”
Jazz News
March 12, 2008
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=17523

For nine days, JazzBoston will highlight hundreds of musicians of all generations who will appear at venues throughout the Greater Boston Area, including Wellesley College, the Real Deal Jazz Club and Caf, Ryles, the Lily Pad, Boston University, Boston College and others.

“North Korea Extends Its Freedom Overture”
Asia Society
March 11, 2008
Katharine H.S. Moon
http://www.asiasociety.org/pressroom/oped_nk_overture.html

Katharine Moon, political science, comments on the motives and importance of the New York Philharmonic orchestra’s visit to North Korea. “The Philharmonic's trip hasn't, and won't, make or break America's relationship with North Korea, but it is one giant step toward a much needed reinvigoration of public diplomacy,” she wrote.

“Grad Schools Step Up Efforts to Recruit Women into MBA Programs”
WAFB – Louisiana
March 11, 2008
Tammy Worth
http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=7982658

A study by the University of Michigan and Catalyst, a nonprofit organization working toward expanding business opportunities for women, found a number of barriers exist for women seeking an MBA. C.A. Webb, a student currently enrolled in Simmons College’s MBA program specifically designed for women, says that going to Wellesley College made her realize the benefits of an educational atmosphere focused on females.

“Boards Are From Mars ...”
The Wall Street Journal
March 11, 2008
Heidi Moore
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120520372393726295.html?mod=moj_companies

The InterOrganization Network (ION), a women’s financial association, found that women are not making progress in the highest level of business, looking at the percentage of women who hold corporate board seats or executive officer positions. ION said Fortune 500 companies with more women on their boards performed better than the average, citing data from research firm Catalyst and academic analysis from Wellesley College.

“Exhibit Offers Western Views of Modern China”
The Boston Globe
March 11, 2008
Cate McQuaid
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/03/11/exhibit_offers_western_views_of_modern_china/

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting an exhibit “Eastern Standard: Western Artists in China.” The exhibit follows a series of shows of contemporary Chinese art in recent years including "On the Edge: Contemporary Chinese Artists Encounter the West" two years ago at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College. The exhibit examined how Chinese artists have been grappling with their changing culture, with the Western marketplace and with the clash between Eastern and Western aesthetics.

“Grant Helps Campuses Build Interfaith Bridges”
Hillel News
March 11, 2008
http://www.hillel.org/about/news/2008/mar/interfaithgrant_11march2008.htm

With a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Tufts University Hillel held “Religious Pluralism in a Time of Extremism: The Campus Responds.” The event brought together students and academics from Wellesley College, MIT, Brandeis, Tufts and the University of Maryland to design and implement pilot programs that support civil discourse between students of various faiths. The $1.6 million grant is being divided between the schools over three years.

“One-Woman Play ‘Afghan Woman’ Coming to SUNY Oswego”
Oswego County Today
March 10, 2008
http://oswegocountytoday.com/fulton-home/entertainment-fulton/2008/03/10/one-woman-play-afghan-woman-coming-to-suny-oswego/

Pakistani-American actress and playwright Bina Sharif wrote “Afghan Woman” in response to post-September 11th events, and has presented it across the United States and the globe. “Having watched the tragedy of Sept. 11 from her own rooftop in Manhattan, where she has lived for more than 20 years, Sharif has an intensely personal connection with the events of that day,” said Elena Tajima Creef, women’s studies. “She draws on these to create one of the most compelling pieces of theater . . . performing the entire show while wearing a blue burqua — the head-to-toe garb of Afghan women.”

“Sizing things up”
The Phoenix
March 10, 2008
Randi Hopkins
http://thephoenix.com/article_ektid57661.aspx

Opening at Wellesley’s Davis Museum on March 19, “Grand Scale: Monumental Arts in the Age of Titian and Durer” offers rarely-seen 16th-century woodcuts, engravings and etchings. Also opening at the Davis Museum, “Jem Southam: Upton Pyne” presents large-format photographs chronicling the evolution of a small pond near Southam’s home in Cornwall that were taken during the artist’s regular walks to the pond between 1996 and 2001. Southam documents the transformations caused by time and by humans.

“Chargers Drop Season Opener to Wellesley”
Colby-Sawyer College Athletic News
March 8, 2008
http://www.colby-sawyer.edu/athletics/womens_lacrosse/08_Season/Game_1.html

Sophomore sensation Haley Geller scored nine goals as the Wellesley College lacrosse team downed Colby-Sawyer 23-4 in Saturday afternoon's pouring rain.

“Immigration and Crime: Facts Not Fear”
San Diego Union-Tribune
March 7, 2008
Kristin F. Butcher and Anne Morrison Piehl
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080307/news_lz1e7piehl.html

In California, immigrants are more likely than U.S.-born residents to be young, male and have low levels of education— all factors associated with higher levels of crime and incarceration, says Kristin Butcher, economics.

“No Boys and Girls Allowed”
Arizona Daily Wildcat
March 7, 2008
Sarah Devlin
http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu/media/storage/paper997/news/2008/03/07/Opinions/No.Boys.And.Girls.Allowed-3258676.shtml

A study at Stetson University in Florida concluded from test scores and anecdotal evidence that single-sex education benefits students, improving their performance and making them more likely to engage in subjects that cross stereotypical educational boundaries. There are many other factors that may explain this efficacy, however, and the success of some alumnae from single-sex institutions like Wellesley College may have more to do with the motivation and ambition of individual students.

“Conference to Examine Culture of Eating Disorders”
Duke University Chronicle
March 7, 2008
Anne Rhett
http://media.www.dukechronicle.com/media/storage/paper884/news/2008/03/07/News/Conference.To.Examine.Culture.Of.Eating.Disorders-3258842.shtml

Duke University is hosting a conference, “Shifting Campus Cultures: Addressing Disordered Eating in Changing Academic Climates.” Experts from Wellesley College and the University of Kentucky will speak.

“Dodd honors 20th Anniversary of National Afterschool Association Conference”
State News Service
March 7, 2008
http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/4305

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) congratulated members of the National Afterschool Association (NAA) for twenty years of dedication to creating safe and engaging afterschool environments for America’s children. The NAA has taken a number of actions to help school-age children, in one case collaborating with Wellesley College’s School Age Child Project to develop national quality standards and a national accreditation process for afterschool programs.

“Help Is Hip Again”
LA Weekly
March 6, 2008
Article Available Upon Request

Working for a public service organization has become almost the things to do for recent graduates, particularly those from elite colleges. Teach for America, founded in 1990 by a Princeton University student, has attracted 11% of the senior classes at Amherst and Spelman to apply, 10% at the University of Chicago and Duke, and more than 8% of the graduating seniors at Notre Dame, Princeton and Wellesley College.

“Foreign Policy Discussed: US Military Creates Tension Abroad”
Indiana Daily Student
March 6, 2008
Elvia Malagon
http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=49550&comview=1

Focusing on the backlash against U.S. military bases in South Korea, Professor Katharine Moon, political science, looked the influence of the American military on local politics and international activism.

“Published This Week”
Times Higher Education
March 6, 2008
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=400947&c=2

Professor Philip Kohl, anthropology, is the editor of a recently-released book titles “Selective Remembrances: Archaeology in the Construction, Commemoration, and Consecration of National Pasts,” looking at how new and reconfigured states draw on their remote pasts to create a claim to or unity in their homeland.

“SwatBBS Added to Dashboard”
The Swarthmore Phoenix
March 6, 2008
Matt Bleiman
http://phoenix.swarthmore.edu/2008-03-06/news/17997

To facilitate discussion among Swarthmore students, the college has added a new online forum that allows all participants to post and discuss. It is meant to be a less formal venue for the dissemination of news and ideas, following the example of  Haverford’s Go Boards and the online forums at Wellesley College.

“Campus Poll on Social-Sexual Behavior Reveals Campus Trends”
Williams College Record
March 5, 2008
Kevin Waite
http://www.williamsrecord.com/wr/?view=article&section=news&id=9623

In comparing results of surveys conducted in 1976, and 2007, Williams College’s Dean Merrill finds that students at his college are likely less promiscuous now than they used to be. A 2001 joint survey of MIT and Wellesley College, for example, from that only 59% of Harvard undergraduates have had sex, while only 51% of MIT students have.

“Medvedev’s Election Victory”
Oxford University Press Blog
March 5, 2008
Marshall Goldman
http://blog.oup.com/2008/03/medvedevs_election_victory/

In his upcoming book, Professor Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, chronicles Russia’s dramatic resurgence on the international stage.

“Olin College Thespians Perform ‘Into the Woods’”
Holliston TAB
March 5, 2008
Steven Ryan
http://www.wickedlocal.com/holliston/fun/entertainment/arts/x1870699816

Students from Olin, Babson, and Wellesley Colleges are putting on Stephen Sondheim’s famous musical, which retells well-worn fairy tales with an unexpected twist. It is set to open tomorrow night, and will also play on Saturday.

Forecast: No housing recovery until 2009”
Boston.com
March 4, 2008
Kimberly Blanton
http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2008/03/04/forecast_no_housing_recovery_until_2009?mode=PF

A widening credit crunch and rising risks of a US recession will delay the Boston housing market's recovery until mid-2009, according to a new forecast.  Karl Case, economics, said the Boston and Massachusetts housing markets could turn around this year while noting the wide variation between troubled markets such as in Lawrence, where subprime mortgages were concentrated, and wealthy suburbs such as Weston that are holding up well.

“Texas Schools Districts Trying to Combat Teen Dating Violence”
The Dallas Morning News
March 3, 2008
Matthew Haag
http://www.quickdfw.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/030408dnmetdateviolence.353a56e.html#

In some Texas school districts student mentors are sitting down with their peers to discuss the dangers of abusive relationship, learn about the signs and how to have a healthy relationship.  Nan Stein, Wellesley Centers for Women, says recent studies that physical or sexual violence among teens in relationships is rising.

“Black Solidarity Conference Draws Students from 53 Schools”
Yale Daily News
March 3, 2008
Raymond Carlson
http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/23853

More than 400 students from 53 colleges and universities converged on Yale over the weekend for the 13th Annual Black Solidarity Conference, where participants discussed the racial dynamics of electoral politics and the importance of student activism. “All the programs seem to be building up to the theme of empowerment in the black community,” said Makkah Ali, a sophomore from Wellesley College.

"The Price of Sugar"
CityLine - WCVB Channel 5 Boston
March 2, 2008
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/station/282895/detail.html

A new book, Starved for Science: How Biotechnology is Being Kept Out of Africa, by Robert Paarlberg, political science, notes that rich countries are withholding science from Africa.  Further, while Europe and North America see modern crop biotechnology like genetic engineering as potentially dangerous for Africa, Paarlberg argues that reasoning is moot on a continent where most farmers have no improved seeds, chemical fertilizers or irrigation.

"Does Boston Really Need a Mayor?"
The Boston Globe
March 2, 2008
Tom Keane
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/03/02/does_boston_really_need_a_mayor/

Changes reducing the power of the mayor may explain why so many towns don’t have elected mayors. Wilbur Rich, political science, argues that sometimes municipalities need mayors.

“How Swiftly Falls a Media Darling?”
Daytona Beach (Fla.) News Journal
March 1, 2008
Marie Cocco
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/opnOPN58030108.htm

A study released last October by the nonpartisan Project for Excellence in Journalism found that Barack Obama, in the early stages of the primary campaign, was the clear recipient of the most positive coverage when compared to all presidential candidates, Democrat or Republican. During the same pre-primary period, McCain received uncharacteristically negative media attention but most of the negative tone involved coverage of the financial and political difficulties his campaign was going through at the time, according to Marion Just, political science, who was one of the study's authors.

“Japanese Lit Scholar Devotes Attention to Caste System”
The Brandeis Justice
March 1, 2008
Madler
http://media.www.thejusticeonline.com/media/storage/paper573/news/2008/03/11/News/Japanese.Lit.Scholar.Devotes.Attention.To.Caste.System-3262989.shtml

Eve Zimmerman, East Asian Languages and Literatures, gave a presentation on Japanese outcaste fiction at Brandeis. The lecture was part of the university’s "Re-imagining Tokyo" program, an attempt to encourage the Brandeis community to picture Tokyo's role in the modern world. Zimmerman's talk focused on her book Out of the Alleyway: Nakagami Kenji and the Poetics of Outcaste Fiction. The book centers on the burakumin caste society of Japan, a social class of people who are ethnically indistinguishable from the Japanese, yet are discriminated against due to their practice of occupations labeled as culturally "unclean."

February 2008

“Facing Default, Some Walk Out on New Homes”
The New York Times
February 29, 2008
John Leland
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/29/us/29walks.html?ref=business

In a declining housing market, many new homeowners owe more than their houses are worth, and can no longer afford their mortgage payments. In an era in which new types of loans allowed many home buyers to move in with little or no down payment, and to cash out any equity by refinancing, the meaning of homeownership and foreclosure have changed, economists and housing experts say. “When people don’t have skin in the game, they behave like they don’t have skin in the game,” said Karl Case, economics.

“Africa’s Organic Farms”
The International Herald Tribune
February 29, 2008
Robert Paarlberg
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/29/opinion/edpaarlberg.php

Nearly all of Africa's farms are "organic." Poor and non-productive, but organic. On the continent, there are few farming machines and irrigation systems are sparse, never mind there being an agribusiness.. Africa has an urgent need for agricultural modernization in order to increase production and decrease their dependency on food aid.

“Wellesley Celebrates Black History Month With LeVar Burton”
The Wellesley Townsman
February 28, 2008
Farah Hussain
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/fun/entertainment/x288023781

As part of the college’s celebration of Black History Month, Burton celebrated self-discovery as he shared with his audience the links between his personal history and his television roles. Burton is best known for his roles as Kunta Kinte in the 1977 award-winning miniseries “Roots,” as host of “Reading Rainbow” and as Geordi La Forge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

"Ousting the Ideological Enemy"
Russia Profile
Yelena Biberman
February 28, 2008
http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=Politics&articleid=a1204212722

Marshall Goldman, economics emeritus, joins others in the international academic community in discussing the recent and shocking closing of a prominent Russian university.

“Wellesley Students Have a Ball with Hollywood”
Wellesley Townsman
February 28, 2008
Samantha Fields
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/x374197249

Alicia Erian's first novel will be made into a movie by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alan Bell. Starring Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Peter Macdissi and newcomer Summer Bishil, the movie is set to be released sometime in August, and has already been screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (where it was picked up by Warner Independent), the Sundance Film Festival, and most recently at Wellesley College, where Erian teaches creative writing.

“Colleges Guard Soaring Endowments”
The Boston Globe
February 28, 2008
Peter Schworm
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/02/28/colleges_guard_soaring_endowments/

Under growing pressure from Congress, the country's wealthiest colleges and universities are sharply resisting calls to spend more of their soaring endowments to expand financial aid and curb tuition hikes. The Boston area's eight wealthiest schools, including Wellesley College, hold a combined fortune approaching $50 billion.

“These Are Forever”
Inside Higher Ed
February 28, 2008
Elizabeth Redden
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/02/28/thesis

The media has often expressed a great deal of interest in the senior theses of political figures, particularly those of Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama. Some who work in higher education are worried that scrutinizing the work of a 22-year-old may not be useful or informative, and does not necessarily represent the person’s current views and understanding. “It tells you what she’s interested in and the quality of it will tell you something about how good of a student or researcher she is at that point in her life," said Adele Wolfson, associate dean. "I’m not sure it can tell you much more than that.”

“At a Loss on Local Black History”
The Boston Globe
February 28, 2008
Robert Knox
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/02/28/at_a_loss_on_local_black_history/?p1=email_to_a_friend

The state Travel and Tourism office cites Black History tours of the Freedom Trail and events in Newton, Cambridge, Worcester, and at Wellesley College as activities recognizing the month.

“Immigration: No Correlation With Crime”
Time
February 27, 2008
Kathleen Kingsbury
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1717575,00.html

Despite our melting-pot roots, Americans have often been quick to blame the influx of immigrants for rising crime rates. But new research released Monday by Kristin Butcher, economics, shows that immigrants in California are, in fact, far less likely than U.S.-born Californians are to commit crime.

“Migrants Unlikely to End up in Jail”
San Jose Mercury News
February 26, 2008
Javier Erik Olvera
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8365551

A new report shows California’s foreign-born population – including illegal immigrants – makes up only a sliver of the state’s population of inmates.  Kristin Butcher, economics, says, “The type of people who are immigrating are less likely to commit crimes because they’re here for jobs.

“Sales Hit New Lows”
The Boston Herald
February 26, 2008
Jerry Kronenberg
http://news.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/view.bg?articleid=1075969

Massachusetts house sales tumbled nearly 30 percent last month to their lowest January levels on record, new figures show. “We are an expensive place where house prices rose a lot during the boom, so I’m not surprised that things have slowed considerably,” said Karl Case, economics. Case blames much of the latest downturn on foreclosures, stricter lending standards and other woes hitting lower-priced housing.

“Flip-Flop or Not?”
The Hartford Courant
February 25, 2008
Michael Dobbs
http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-flipflop0225.artfeb25,0,6746993.story

In the Democratic debate Senator Clinton’s campaign emailed reports says, “Obama flip-flop on Cuba” while the Obama camp struck back minutes later pointing out that Clinton had changed her position on immigration reform.  Such shifts are pretty standard in presidential election politics, according to Marion Just, political science, who has been following the campaign closely.

“Democrats Equally Adept at Shifting Positions”
The Washington Post
February 25, 2008
Michael Dobbs
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/02/24/ST2008022402134.html

A review of the two Democratic candidates' records shows that both senators have shifted positions on numerous issues, but such shifts are pretty standard in presidential election politics, according to Marion Just, political science, who has been following the campaign closely.

“With ‘Gary,’ Playwright’s Career is Rocking”
The Boston Globe
February 24, 2008
Megan Tench
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/02/23/with_gary_playwrights_career_is_rocking/

Melinda Lopez, theatre studies, has written Gary, about three troubled siblings in an Indiana city where hard luck is channeled into hard rock. "I never intended to write a play with music, but that's what the play wanted – something about the violence, the age of the people, and that need to escape. It resonated with me and my young adulthood, and that period is just all tied up in music for me," Lopez said.

“Fight Those Winter Blues”
Hopkinton Crier
February 21, 2008
Dear Lily
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/news/lifestyle/columnists/x1637671859

The long and snowy winter can often have an effect on one’s mood. Among the suggested destinations is the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens and Greenhouses.

“Parents Learn Tips to Stop Bullying”
The Daily Telegram (Michigan)
February 20, 2008
David Panian
http://www.lenconnect.com/articles/2008/02/20/news/news01.txt

Psychologist Marcia McEvoy spoke to a small audience of local parents about bullying and its impact on child development. Researchers at Wellesley College found 71 percent of bullying happens right in front of adults who see it as “kids being kids” or as not wanting to “raise a generation of wimps.”

“Authors’ Corner”
Metrowest Magazine
February 2008
http://www.communitymagazines.net/metro_current_issue.html

Mary Lefkowitz, humanities emerita, is featured for her new book “Women in Greek Myth,” which looks at what women were about to achieve in a world where they had no political power.

“Breaking the Code: 02481 02482”
Boston Common
February 2008
Not available online
For a copy of the story, contact public affairs at publicin@wellesley.edu

The residents of Wellesley have a high net-worth, but it is nonetheless a college town. It is home to Wellesley College, the highest-ranking women’s liberal arts college in the country and alma mater to some of the most recognized public figures. The school hosts more than 250 cultural and educational events ever year, most of which are open to the public.

“Campus Calendar”
The Boston Globe
February 20, 2008
Catherine Elcik
http://www.boston.com/ae/events/articles/2008/02/20/campus_calendar/

Wellesley College hosts a screening of Alan Ball's adaptation of Alicia Erian's novel “Towelhead” Thursday, Feb. 21. The story follows 13-year-old Jasira's rough sexual awakening in Houston during the summer of 1991.

"Melroy Lifts Off With Tales of Female Achievement in Space"
The Wheaton Wire
February 20, 2008
Elspeth Lodge
http://media.www.thewheatonwire.com/media/storage/paper1134/news/2008/02/20/Features/Melroy.Lifts.Off.With.Tales.Of.Female.Achievement.In.Space-3205029.shtml

On her most recent mission, Pamela Melroy commanded the space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Her job is not easy – her most recent task was to install a new connecting Destiny module onto the International Space Station, move solar energy array into position, and evaluate a shuttle tile repair method – but she enjoys doing it.

“Getting Back to His ‘Roots’”
The Boston Globe
February 20, 2008
June Wuff
http://www.boston.com/ae/events/articles/2008/02/20/getting_back_to_his_roots/

LeVar Burton, Emmy-nominated actor in the epic miniseries “Roots,” speaks at Wellesley about his role as Kunta Kinte.

“Career Talk for Female Scientists Spreads in the Blogosphere”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
February 17, 2008
Jeffrey Brainard
http://chronicle.com/blogs/conference/1698/career-talk-for-female-scientists-spreads-in-the-blogosphere

Female scientists are increasingly using blogs and electronic message boards to talk about their professional challenges and connect with female colleagues. Blogs and boards provide a platform for expression, but their contributors should give some additional thought to ensuring that they are also useful to women professionally, said Jolene Kay Jesse, an official of the National Science Foundation. Jesse is directing an NSF research program on gender in science and engineering that financed a Web site, FairerScience, which is affiliated with Wellesley College.

“Now It’s (Really) Personal”
The Oregonian
February 17, 2008
David Sarasohn
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/david_sarasohn/index.ssf?/base/editorial/120313051916640.xml&coll=7&thispage=1

When one reporter suggested that the Clinton campaign has “pimped out” Chelsea Clinton, the story made little news and the reporter only apologized after much pressure from the campaign. The media coverage of the candidate has not always been flattering, and has certainly been of a different tone than that of many other campaigns. Marion Just, political science, and other academicians are looking at the reasons for this differential treatment.

“Bond Rating Update”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
February 15, 2008
Martin Van Der Werf
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i23/23a01901.htm

Wellesley College had its bond rating upgraded during January 2008 from Aa1 to Aaa.  Ratings reflect the relative financial strength of the institution and help determine their cost of borrowing.  Reasons cited for the increase include a capital campaign that raised more than $470 million, a 22.7% return on endowment investments in the 2007 fiscal year, and more than $750,000 per student.

“Converts to Leading Women’s Colleges”
Inside Higher Ed
February 15, 2008
Scott Jaschik
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/02/15/women

Kim Bottomly joins a team of new women’s college presidents in the U.S. after she assumed the role of president of Wellesley College last year. Bottomly is an immunologist, with a bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Washington. She was an associate provost at Yale University when she was nominated for president of Wellesley College.

“A Feminist Icon at Wellesley”
The Wellesley Townsman
February 14, 2008
Samantha Fields
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/education/x2122715977

Women’s rights advocate and journalist Gloria Steinem spoke last week at Wellesley College. Invited by Wellesley Students for Reproductive Rights, Steinem spoke not only about reproductive rights, but also about race, gender and equality for all, which are all fundamentally and inextricably connected issues.

“The Meme Prisoner”
New York Magazine
February 14, 2008
John Heilemann
http://nymag.com/news/politics/powergrid/44211/

Both Democratic presidential candidates have received a lot of attention from the media, but the way that they are treated is quite different. “Both of them have gotten an enormous amount of play, but the coverage of Hillary has been primarily negative, while the coverage of Obama has been so positive that you have to call him, though I really hate this term, a media darling,” said Marion Just, political science. Just suggests that the difference is due to the meta-narrative of each campaign, the backdrop against which all media is played out.

“Musician Among Fox Valley’s Finest”
The Courier News (Chicago)
February 14, 2008
Emily MacFarlan
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/entertainment/791628,3_5_EL14_READERS_S1.article

Professor Martin Brody, music, and six other artists were recently inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. "It feels great," Brody said. "I think that when you're growing up, the area is your universe, and you always hope that what you do, other people will appreciate. ... The people that matter most, for me, are in Elgin and in the area." Currently on leave from Wellesley College, Brody is serving as arts director at the American Academy in Rome.

“Forgot Valentine’s Day?”
Boston Globe
February 14, 2008
Meredith Goldstein
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2008/02/14/forget_valentines_day?mode=PF

For all of the people who forgot about Valentine’s Day and need a last-minute plan, the Boston Globe has a few suggestions. Among its ideas is visiting the Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses at Wellesley College. Kristina Jones, director of the gardens, recommends a few detours for maximum romance. "There's a beautiful bench in the Tropical House [populated by palms and fig trees], so if you wanted to sit down in the tropics you can do that," she says.

“Uncle Sam Wants…Marriage Recruits”
The Tucson Citizen
February 13, 2008
Jean Hardisty
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/opinion/76726.php

According to Jean Hardisty of Wellesley Centers for Women, cupid won’t be the only matchmaker on Valentine’s Day. Now, the federal government is getting involved. An increasing number of low-income women find themselves encouraged to marry and bring a father into their families.

“Local Events Mark Black History Month”
Metrowest Daily News
February 13, 2008
Chris Bergeron
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/lifestyle/x176581796

With February designated as Black History Month, several state and private agencies across the Bay State will be offering historical, cultural and educational events to honor the heritage of blacks who called Massachusetts home. Wellesley College will hsot several guest speakers, films, dance, martial arts and cultural events, including a lecture by LeVar Burton of “Roots”, a howing of “City of God”, a performance by Deraldo Ferreira’s Afro-Brazilian dance group, and a showing of the movie “A Raisin in the Sun.”

“Constructing Color: Neural Mechanisms of Color Vision”
At Williams (Williams College Public Events)
February 13, 2008
http://www.williams.edu/admin/news/atwilliams/

Professor Bevil Conway, Neuroscience, will present a lecture at Williams College on Thursday titled “Constructing Color: Neural Mechanisms of Color Vision.” His research examines the neural basis for visual behavior, with a particular focus on color vision, and investigates the relationship between visual processing and visual art.

"Thespians from Three Colleges Form Cast for ‘Into the Woods’"
Babson College Newsroom
February 12, 2008
http://www3.babson.edu/Newsroom/Releases/BabsonOlinWellTheatre2-08ns.cfm

Students from Wellesley, Babson, and Olin Colleges will be teaming up to put on a production of James Lapine’s Into the Woods, which won the 1987 Tony Award for Best Score and Best Book. A modern interpretation of many classic fairytales, such as Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk, this play will be running on Fridays and Saturdays from February 29 to March 7.

"Campus Insider"
The Boston Globe
February 12, 2008
Peter Schworm
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/02/10/faust_wins_vindication_in_dust_up_over_quote/

Joining a growing number of top colleges that have recently expanded financial aid, Wellesley College has eliminated loans for students from families who earn less than $60,000 and reduced loans by one-third for families with incomes between $60,000 and $100,000. Under the new plan, which takes effect this fall, students from those families will graduate with a maximum debt of $8,600. "This plan will bolster aid to students and families who need it the most, those who are least able to repay loans," said the college's president, H. Kim Bottomly. Correction: The article states that 30% of Wellesley students are from families with income under $60k. In fact, 29% of students on aid are from families with income under $60k

"Wellesley College Boosts Grants, Ends Loans for Some”
Bloomberg News
February 11, 2008
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=aVYkOksZ_pKY

Wellesley College will replace loans with grants for students from families earning less than $60,000 a year as it competes with other U.S. schools for applicants. The also will increase grants by one-third to families with incomes from $60,000 to $100,000. The policy takes effect in August.

“Arts Calendar”
Milford Daily News
February 10, 2008
http://www.milforddailynews.com/lifestyle/x1548757536

The ESP trio, featuring vocalists Emily Browder, Sandi Hammond and Patrice Williamson, will perform a jazz concert accompanied by arranger Mark Shilansky and other musicians, Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Wellesley College.

“Congress’s Cure May Have Side Effects”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
February 8, 2008
Kelly Field
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i22/22a00101.htm

As more and more families worry about the rising cost of a college education, members of Congress believe they have found a way to press institutions to rein in their tuition: federal watch lists. Under legislation Congress is considering, colleges whose annual increases in tuition and fees outpace the average for their respective sectors would be placed on a federal watch list. Wellesley would not be placed on this proposed list based on tuition and fees for 2006-2007.

“Quick Takes: Wellesley Replaces Loans”
Inside Higher Ed
February 8, 2008
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/02/08/qt

Wellesley College announced Thursday that it would replace loans with grants for students on financial aid who come from families with annual income below $60,000, and would reduce loans for those on financial aid with higher income levels.

“Nation in Brief”
Washington Post
February 8, 2008
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/07/AR2008020704141_pf.html

Wellesley College will replace loans with grants for students coming from families that earn less than $60,000 a year. Next academic year, the Massachusetts college will also reduce loans by one-third for those with family incomes from $60,000 to $100,000.

“Alabama Experience: How to Firm a Foundation”
Alabama Public Television
February 8, 2008
http://www.aptv.org/Schedule/showinfo.asp?ID=92758&Nola1=AEX

Alabama Public Television aired "Rosenwald Schools," an episode of its "Alabama Stories," which shows the efforts of a small community in Notasulga, Ala., to have three structures – a school, church and cemetery – placed on the National Register of Historical Places. The Rosenwald Fund built schools in the early 20th century for the education of African Americans throughout the South. The school was also used as a site in the 1930s to recruit black men for the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study and a number of the study's participants are buried in its graveyard. Susan Reverby, women's studies, appears in the film because of her work on the syphilis study and with the Notasulga church community.

“Ride of A Lifetime”
The Wellesley Townsman
February 7, 2008
Samantha Fields
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/education/x265751722

Five years to the day after the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded over Texas, killing all seven people on board, NASA astronauts Pam Melroy ’83 and Stephanie Wilson came to speak at Wellesley College.

“’Roots’ Star to Revisit Miniseries”
Boston Globe
February 7, 2008
Lisa Keen
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/02/07/meeting_tonight_on_128_expansion/

Actor LeVar Burton, who was among the stars of the famed 1977 television miniseries "Roots," will speak at Wellesley College on Feb. 20 as part of the school's celebration of Black History Month. Burton, who is also known for his role as Geordi in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series and movie spin-offs, will discuss "The Making of Roots" during his talk. Also scheduled for the school's month-long observance is a former Black Panther Party leader, Elaine Brown, as the featured speaker for "Quintessence Day."

“A New Stanza for a Poet”
Boston Globe
February 7, 2008
James Sullivan
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/02/07/a_new_stanza_for_poet/

When Melissa Green took the podium at a Boston University event in her honor in December, the gathering held its collective breath. The assembled poets, publishers, and writing professors, among them a former US poet laureate and Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners, were all too aware of the writer's sometimes debilitating depression. She put her audience at ease, however, and her new collection of poems, “Fifty-Two,” has already attracted attention by The New Yorker and the Poetry Society of America. Reading from Ms. Green’s new work at the tribute was Professor Frank Bidart, english.

“AMT Beth DeSombre CD Release Party for ‘Crooked Highways’”
Acoustic Music TV
February 6, 2008
http://acousticmusictv.blogspot.com/2008/02/amt-beth-desombre-cd-release-party-for.html

Beth DeSombre, political science, released her debut CD, “Crooked Highways,” last December. A video of that performance, which also features Pete and Maura Kennedy, Lynda Warwick and Dave Chalfant, is now available.

“Mass. Voters Break Poll Record”
WCVB Channel Five News
February 6, 2008
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/politics/15231409/detail.html

Massachusetts voters turned out in record numbers for the state’s Super Tuesday primary, that gave the state’s delegates to Hillary Clinton and former Governor Mitt Romney. Some of the surge in participation may have to do with a larger turnout of young voters, such as the group that gathered at Wellesley College.

“Starved for Science: How Biotechnology is Being Kept Out of Africa”
African Science News Service
February 5, 2008
http://africasciencenews.org/asns/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=160&Itemid=1

Professor Robert Paarlberg, political science, says people in Africa are poor because their labor as farmers has not yet been improved by science, including modern biotechnology. He believes that agricultural science has fallen out of fashion in rich countries, even though the prosperity and productivity of farms depends on it, and now, these prosperous countries are telling impoverished Africa, where farms are not yet productive, not to invest in science.~~In his new book "Starved for Science," Paarlberg defends the potential for helping Africa rise out of hunger and poverty through science. Without it, African farmers are hearing the message that, in the eyes of the world, they may as well remain poor.

“Super Duper Tuesday”
Chronicle – WCVB Channel Five News
February 5, 2008
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/15198189/detail.html

Professor Marion Just, political science, CPLA Chair Rose-Ellen El Khoury, and other Wellesley students are interviewed about Super Tuesday and the politics of 2008.

“Africa’s Sorghum Controversially Modified to Meet Food Needs”
Africa Science News Service
February 5, 2008
Henry Neondo
http://africasciencenews.org/asns/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=159&Itemid=2

Researchers at Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. announced that it is helping develop a controversial transgenic sorghum that will be more nutritious for the 300 million Africans who eat the grain as a staple in their diets. The firm is building better sorghum as part of the Africa Biofortified Sorghum Project, a nine-member consortium that won a five-year, $18.6 million grant, one of four funded by the Gates Foundation. Although some are worried about the risks of genetically modified foods, Professor Robert Paarlberg, political science, say, "It would be a shame if unproven and undocumented biosafety risks block the (biofortified sorghum) project."

“A Tiny Staff, Tracking People Across the Globe”
The New York Times
February 4, 2008
Jason DeParle
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/washington/04migration.html?hp

Every moment has its magazine, and for the age of migration it is the Migration Information Source, a weekly (more or less) online journal followed worldwide by scholars, policy makers and the occasional migrant in distress. Among the contributors to the site is Peggy Levitt, sociology, who, in studying a village in the Dominican Republic, found that women prefer to marry men who have worked abroad ''because they want husbands who will share in the housework and take care of the children the way men who have been to the United States do.''

"Christie's Organ Recital Features the Baroque and the Romantica"
The Brown Daily Herald
February 4, 2008
Rafael Chaiken
http://media.www.browndailyherald.com/media/storage/paper472/news/2008/02/04/ArtsCulture/Christies.Organ.Recital.Features.The.Baroque.And.Romantica-3185860.shtml

James David Christie delivered the annual E. J. Lownes Memorial Organ Recital Sunday afternoon in Sayles Hall, Brown University, demonstrating that a top-notch concert need not include composers with household names. He performed the hour-long recital without an intermission, assuring the good-sized audience that it would be finished in time for the Super Bowl. James David Christie is the Boston Symphony Orchestra's organist and teaches at Wellesley College and the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.

“16 Ways of Looking at a Female Voter”
New York Times
February 3, 2008
Linda Hirshman
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/magazine/03womenvoters-t.html?ex=1202878800&en=55bdaffd264af0b3&ei=5070&emc=eta1

The candidacy of Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Presidential nomination raises interesting questions about women in politics, both as the voted and the voter. In an article focusing on how what factors women take in voting, Marion Just, political science, characterizes the female agenda as focusing mainly on “family, education, things that affect the household budget, health care.” This can also, however, include war and peace.

“Single Parents Guide”
Time Out New York Kids
February 1, 2008
Amanda L. Freeman
http://www.timeout.com/newyork/kids/articles/features/25936/single-parent-guide

Today, nearly 11 million single mothers live in the United States, and the number of single fathers has skyrocketed in recent years to almost 2 million. While this places many hardships on those parents, its prevalence is having some upsides. Professor Rosanna Hertz, sociology, says, “No one today is handing you a scarlet A because you are an unmarried parent.

January 2008

“Wellesley College to Honor Exceptional Alumnae at Feb. 7 Ceremony”
The Wellesley Townsman
January 31, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/lifestyle/x142940590

Ophelia Dahl DS ’94, Mary Rosenthal Lefkowitz ’57, Katherine Marshall ’67, and Diana Chapman Walsh ’66 were honored at the 2008 Alumnae Achievement Awards for excellence and distinction in their fields and adding to the legacy of Wellesley College.

“As Close As Possible”
Stage Directions
January 31, 2008
Lisa Mulcahy
http://stage-directions.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=624&Itemid=1

A profile of the Wellesley College Theatre Program highlights small class sizes, experimentation and wonderful opportunities for students to perform in the Wellesley Summer Theatre, the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, Radio City Music Hall and interact with guest artists.

“Campaign ’08: Capturing the College Vote”
The Wellesley Townsman
January 31, 2008
Je’Lesia Jones
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/homepage/x603852135

In the upcoming elections, all of the candidates are trying to reach out and capture the youth vote, and it seems like the youth are responding. Young voters are more engaged than in 2004, and many local students at Wellesley and Babson Colleges are voicing their opinions and involving themselves in some type of campaigning. While candidates target youth with speeches on education, student loans, and jobs, the advice of Wellesley senior Bai Kamara is “Talk real politics. We want to hear the truth.

“Globe North”
Boston Globe
January 31, 2008
http://www.boston.com/ae/events/articles/2008/01/31/globe_north_listings/?page=full

Martha McNamara, art, will give a lecture titled "An Elegant Brick House: Samuel McIntire's 1787 Courthouse," Feb. 7 at 7:30 pm at the Peabody Essex Museum. The lecture, presented in collaboration with Historic Salem Inc., is part of the McIntire Lecture Series, held in conjunction with the museum's exhibition Samuel McIntire, Carving an American Style.

“Urban Gardener: Trees to Wood, the Renewable Resources”
Allston-Brighton Tab
January 31, 2008
Fran Gustman
http://www.wickedlocal.com/allston/news/lifestyle/columnists/x469089168 ]http://www.wickedlocal.com/allston/news/lifestyle/columnists/x469089168

A horticulture columnist recollects attending a lecture on woodworking and woods at Wellesley College for the Friends of Horticulture volunteers. “A passionate hobbyist, Jonathan Levy, creates bowls from a large variety of woods by spinning them on a lathe to shape them,” writes Gustman.

“Terreno Vedado Para Hombres” (“Land Off-limits to Men”)
El Mundo
January 30, 2008
E. Landaluce
http://www.elmundo.es/suplementos/campus/2008/507/1201647613.html

In 1950 there were more than 300 universities that admitted only women. Desde entonces, la mayoría ha ido desapareciendo. Since then, most have been disappearing. Muchas, especialmente las adscritas a alguna confesión religiosa, cerraron sus puertas. But still “The Pleiades” or “The sisters,” five schools established between 1861 and 1889, remain exclusively for women, receiving 10,500 new students each year. Jennifer Desjarlais, Wellesley’s Dean of Admissions, explains, "We create an environment focused on teaching women. Without prejudice. Regarding the number of students, we can not compare with major universities. We only have 2,300 - Harvard has 20,000. But in 1953, we were only 1,500, rejecting 3,000 applications annually. Our admission requirements are among the most stringent.

“G-L-O-R-I-A, Gloooria!”
Boston Globe
January 30, 2008
Ralph Ranalli
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/regional_editions/globe_west/west/2008/01/gloria_gloooria.html

Gloria Steinem will speak at Wellesley College on Feb. 6, hosted by the Students for Reproductive Rights student organization. Steinem is a leading advocate on issues of equality and women’s rights.

“Cape Rights Panel Elects New Chairwoman”
Cape Cod Times
January 29, 2008
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080129/NEWS/801290315/-1/NEWS01

Jacqueline Fields, retired Wellesley College faculty member and Wellesley Centers for Women researcher, has been elected as the new chairwoman of the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission. She is currently a consultant to state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Political Wrap-Up: Obama Taking JFK Mantle?”
NPR
January 28, 2008
Farai Chideya
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18482816&ft=1&f=11

NPR radio host Farai Chideya interviews Wilbur Rich, political science, who offers insight on the endorsement that Obama received from Kennedy and analyzes the presidential contest overall.

“Duo ‘2’ to Perform at College”
The Star Democrat
January 28, 2008
http://www.stardem.com/article.asp?section=145&article=35355

Mary Jane Rupert, music, is to participate in the 56th season of the Washington College Concert Series with her Boston-based duo ‘2’. The concert, called “Majesty and Passion: Concert Duos from the Old World and the New,” will be held Saturday, Feb 2, at 8pm, in the Norman James Theater in William Smith Hall, at Washington College in Chestertown.

“U.Know U.Should”
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
January 28, 2008
Matthew Brunn
http://www.telegram.com/article/20080128/NEWS/801280554/1008/NEWS02 ]http://www.telegram.com/article/20080128/NEWS/801280554/1008/NEWS02

Many Massachusetts parents are choosing to save for their children’s college education through the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA), which offers education loans and other savings programs designed to help make college affordable. M. Michelle Tufau, director of educational financing and student accounts at Wellesley College, believes that parents should be told about 529 accounts such as this one very early in their children’s lives. “The system is built for you, parents, to pay for college,” Tufau said. “Chances are you’re going to have to borrow money to make this happen for your child.” In the 10 years since Massachusetts began its U.Fund program, 146,000 accounts have been opened, with some $2.9 billion invested.

“Globe West Best Bets”
Boston Globe
January 27, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/01/27/globe_west_best_bets/

Environmental writer and activist Bill McKibben will be giving a lecture at Wellesley College called “Building the New Climate Movement.” The event will take place Thursday, Jan. 31, in the DCW ’66 Alumnae Hall.

“Rich Language and Colorful Characters Make for a Glowing Production”
Boston Globe
January 26, 2008
Terry Burne
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/01/26/rich_language_and_colorful_characters_make_for_a_glowing_production/

The house at the center of Marina Carr's family drama, The Mai, is full of "proud, mad women." In a sleek, well-balanced production by the Wellesley Summer Theatre Company, director Nora Hussey gently guides this wonderfully crazy crowd through a moment when the disparate members of a family come together. The Mai will play at the Ruth Nagel Jones Theatre through Feb. 3.

“RI Premiere of ‘Treemonisha’ to Take Place During Black History Month”
Cranston Herald (RI)
January 24, 2008
http://www.jacneed.com/Archives/012408OP.htm

Opera Providence presents Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha, a folk opera of ragtime, pre-blues, and spiritual music, this month. Directed by Professor Lois Roach, theatre, Joplin’s opera is an optimistic snapshot of an African-American community’s emergence from slavery.

“Local Business Community Honors its Members at Dinner”
Wellesley Townsman
January 24, 2008
Anna Kivlan
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/business/x603846620 ]http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/business/x603846620

The Wellesley Chamber of Commerce honored Wellesley College in its sixth annual recognition dinner, noting its efforts to sponsor more that 250 cultural and educational events per year in the Wellesley community. Barry Monahan, assistant vice president of administration and community affairs, accepted the award on the college’s behalf. Also recognized at the dinner were Newton-Wellesley Hospital; North Hill, an assisted-living facility; Pinnacle Residential Properties and Lyn Evans-Potpourri Designs.

‘The Late Deciders”
The New York Times
January 23, 2008
Janet Elder
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/us/politics/23web-elder.html?ref=politics ]http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/us/politics/23web-elder.html?ref=politics

They are elusive. They can upend campaigns. They are the great swath of voters who decide just days before or even moments before they actually vote. Marion Just, political science, suggests that late deciding voters may actually have a preference but are looking and waiting for something to validate the choice they have already made. “To a great extent people are trying to come up with answers that correlate with their preferences,” she said. “They are just waiting for it to happen.”

“Fed to the Rescue”
The Boston Herald
January 23, 2008
Jerry Kronenberg
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1068418 ]http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1068418

The recession clouds building over the economy come with a silver lining for homeowners: Falling interest rates that offer a chance to refinance out of risky adjustable-rate mortgages. Economists say a recession could deepen the real estate sector’s slide. “If we have a recession, that’s clearly going to hurt the housing market,” said Karl Case, economics.

“Lecture and Film Wednesday to Honor King and Civil Rights Movement”
Montana State University News Service
January 21, 2008
http://www.montana.edu/cpa/news/nwview.php?article=5510

Peggy McIntosh, Wellesley Center for Women, will discuss "Coming to Understand Privilege Systems: The Surprising Journey" at Montana State University. The author of White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, McIntosh is founder and co-director of the United States S.E.E.D. Project on Inclusive Curriculum (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity.) She also consults throughout the world with faculty who are creating more gender-fair and multicultural curricula.

“Alpha Poet”
The New York Times
January 19, 2008
Dan Chiasson
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/books/review/Chiasson-t.html?em&ex=1200891600&en=22a1649d4b02a978&ei=5087%0A

Dan Chiasson, English, reviews Mark Scroggins’ The Poem of a Life: A Biography of Louis Zukofsky, saying this “terrific new biography never strays far from Zukofsky the poet. Though he treats all of Zukofsky’s writing respectfully, Scroggins, who teaches literature at Florida Atlantic University, keeps his focus on ‘A,’ the first seven parts of which were published in 1932.”

“Environmentalist Bill McKibben Takes on Climate Change at Wellesley College Jan. 31”
The Wellesley Townsman
January 18, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/education/x1151548922

Last January, renowned author and environmentalist Bill McKibben testified on climate change at the Vermont Statehouse. “It’s warmer than it has been since the beginning of primate revolution,” he said at the time. McKibben will present the 2008 Carolyn Wilson Lecture “Building the New Climate Movement” Thursday, Jan. 31, at 8 pm in the Alumnae Hall Auditorium.

“Public Invited to Hear Astronaut Pamela A. Melroy at Wellesley College”
The Wellesley Townsman
January 18, 2008
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellesley/news/education/x142930333

On Friday, Feb. 1, at 4:30 pm, Pamela Melroy will talk about her experience at “Women in Space,” an event held in Wellesley College’s Jewett Arts Center Auditorium.

“This Man is an Island”
The Chronicle of Higher Education
January 18, 2008
Tom Bartlett
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i19/19a00401.htm ]http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i19/19a00401.htm

When you're the only guy at a women's college, you get used to the jokes. And the winks. And the nudges. And the atta-boys. But Mohammad Usman is a serious young man, and, frankly, he can't understand what all the fuss is about. Usman is a sophomore at Dartmouth College, and last fall he participated in a semester-long exchange program at Wellesley College.

“Fannie, Freddie Seen as White Knights?"
American Public Media- Marketplace
January 17, 2008
Jill Barshay
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/01/17/fannie_mae ]http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/01/17/fannie_mae

Mortgage lenders have been stingy about issuing home loans since credit tightened back in August. The Bush Administration wants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to step in and raise more money to buy more mortgages. The hope is that mortgage lenders will issue new home loans with the money they get from Fannie and Freddie. “It's certainly true that there's a lack of credit for people with reasonably good credit standards at the bottom end of the income distribution, and this will provide some resources to get those people into houses,” said Karl Case, economics.

“Oscillations Found in Saturn’s Rings”
United Press International
January 16, 2008
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Science/2008/01/16/oscillations_found_in_saturns_rings/7716/

U.S. scientists have found evidence of periodic variation in the density of particles in some of Saturn's outer rings. The findings were made by instruments aboard the Cassini spacecraft in a series of experiments exploring the structure of Saturn's rings, and measuring the size and distribution of particles in the rings. Scientists from Wellesley College, Stanford University and the California Institute of Technology analyzed the radio signals to help determine properties of the rings.

“Pulses in Saturn’s Rings”
American Geophysical Union
January 10, 2008
Peter Weiss
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-01/agu-ajh011408.php

Richard French, astronomy, is among the authors of a new report that speculates that the number density of ring particles contracts and relaxes to form periodic structures that affect the radio signals seen on Earth.

“Sky High”
The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine
January 13, 2008
Nancy Heiser
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/01/13/sky_high/ ]http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/01/13/sky_high/

Pamela Melroy, the Wellesley College alum and trustee who commanded last fall's space shuttle mission, on why she's a leader. And not, say, a singer. And her ties to Rambo. “I am 5 foot 4,” said Melroy ’83. “I look like somebody's kid sister. People say, ‘Oh, you're in charge?’ It can be very disarming. Then they start calling me Pambo.”

“’The Mai’ Offers an Irish Family to Laugh at and Cry Over”
The Metrowest Daily News
January 13, 2008
David Brooks Andrews
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/arts/x41089374

The most satisfying evenings in the theater are spent witnessing the flow of honest emotions delivered by characters who are so real they remind us of ourselves or people we know. It's like the pleasure of a wonderful conversation with an old friend we haven't seen for ages. Honest emotions and real characters have been the hallmark of Wellesley Summer Theatre since it first opened 10 years ago, and they're very much in evidence in their current production of "The Mai" (pronounced "may") by Marina Carr.

“Web Site Provides Data about Education in City”
Staten Island Advance
January 11, 2008
http://www.silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1200058211206910.xml&coll=1

Getting access to information about education in New York City has become more readily available with the launch yesterday of a new Web site by the Commission on School Governance. It provides reports from education researchers and experts around the country, including “"Who is Afraid of Mayoral Takeover of Detroit Public Schools?" by Wilbur Rich, political science.

“Young Feminists Split: Does Gender Matter?”
The Washington Post
January 11, 2008
Eli Saslow
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/10/AR2008011003941.html?hpid=topnews

The two students walked on the same paths across campus, past the dormitory where Hillary Rodham lived for four years, past two dozen framed portraits of groundbreaking women in Alumnae Hall, past the banners on the quad proclaiming "Wellesley: Women Who Will." But Katie Chanpong ’10 and Aubre Carreon Aguilar ’08 -- feminists and political activists -- arrived at contradictory conclusions. The election has inspired a debate at Wellesley about what it means to be a feminist. Do you vote for a woman to shatter the glass ceiling and further the cause? Or do you make an empowered, individual decision that is not confined by gender?

“Short Runs”
Cabling Installation and Maintenance
January 2008
http://cim.pennnet.com/display_article/316202/27/ARTCL/none/none/1/Security-installation-helps-reduce-vandalism-by-98/

ACUTA (www.acuta.org), a non-profit association that supports higher education communications technology professionals, has named Sandy Roberts as director at large at Wellesley College.

“Sharing Music Through the Ages”
The Boston Globe
January 10, 2008
Milva DiDomizio
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/01/10/sharing_music_through_the_ages/?page=2

Nora Hussey, director of theater studies at Wellesley College, started the Wellesley Summer Theatre Company for the benefit of her pupils. "It was founded initially to give my students and alums a place to work and be treated well," she said. The group has grown from doing one summer production annually to producing three to five shows a year. Tonight at 7, the group opens the Boston premiere of Marina Carr's "The Mai," a drama spanning one year in the life of four generations of Irish women.

“Colleges ‘Engineering’ Change”
Deseret Morning News (Utah)
January 8, 2008
Kathy Matheson
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695242098,00.html ]http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695242098,00.html

An increasing number of colleges known for the humanities — English, history, philosophy — are creating or strengthening niches for engineering students. Wellesley College, the top-tier women's school outside Boston, offered its first engineering course last spring. Smith College, an elite liberal arts school for women in western Massachusetts, graduated its first engineering majors in 2004. And New York University is considering a merger with an engineering school.

“Novelist Featured in Hamilton Hall Lecture Series”
The Salem News
January 8, 2008
Tom Dalton
http://www.salemnews.com/pulife/local_story_008110117?keyword=topstory ]http://www.salemnews.com/pulife/local_story_008110117?keyword=topstory

All the world will be on stage this winter during Hamilton Hall's 62nd lecture series. The eight Thursday morning lectures will cover most of the major issues around the globe - war in the Middle East, U.S. national security, the rise of China and global warming. Ann Velenchik, economics, will give a lecture, "Are We There Yet: A Midterm Assessment of the Millennium Development," Feb. 28.

“The Voyage of the Argo”
Shakespeare Theatre Company
January 3, 2008
Mary Lefkowitz
http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/plays/articles.aspx?&id=614

Mary Lefkowitz, humanities emerita, writes of the landmark voyage of the Argo, a story about ancient Greece and its people. Lefkowitz calls the story characteristically Greek with a tragic ending, “but it also showed that, for all their courage, the men who undertook the voyage – and the princess they brought back with them – were also weak and fallible, like the rest of us.”

“Green Revolutionary”
Technology Review
January/ February 2008
John Pollack
http://www.technologyreview.com/printer_friendly_article.aspx?id=19871

Four decades ago, Norman E. Borlaug developed a wheat variety that fed the world. Now he's battling an old enemy: a pathogen whose spread could cause starvation. "If the Green Revolution in India was proposed to the World Bank today, it would be turned down," says Rob Paarlberg, political science. By the 1980s, he says, "public investment in roads, research, irrigation, fertilizers and seeds was politically unacceptable to the Washington consensus on the right—and on the left, among environmentalists opposed to chemical fertilizers, road building and irrigation projects."

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