People say that the best years of your life are those in college. They’re great, that’s for sure, but I’m also looking forward to what’s ahead. If you allow yourself to get caught up in this cliché, you’ll spend college wondering why you don’t always feel the best and you’ll spend post-graduation dwelling on the (in retrospect) perfect years you left behind. Every stage of life will have its ups and downs, but it’s all about making the most of what you’ve got.

Now I’ll wax sentimentally, so bear with me, but what truly got me to really enjoy college and seize each moment as my own was what you are reading right now-Student Life. This newspaper gave me purpose when I was floundering for it, it reinvigorated my passion when I thought it had faded, and it has given me the career path I am setting out on now, as a science journalist and hopefully an editor some day. Working for Student Life kept me from transferring to another school after freshman year, and it has delivered wonderful friends to me. I am also lucky to have found the love of my life, my fiancé, at this student-run newspaper.

But this wasn’t all a ploy to get you to read my sappy memories. I have a message here too. Simple things really: Select a few activities here at Wash. U., then really throw yourself into them, and also, follow your passions. Of course, working for the newspaper isn’t going to be everyone’s thing (but we are hiring.). I just hope everyone can leave Wash. U. having found something, be it a future, a friend or a stronger sense of self.

When I first came here, as the innocent freshman we all were, I remember thinking how endless my possibilities were. I could go by a completely different name or create a new self-image. I would be making new friends and be presented with new experiences. Needless to say, I decided to just keep going by Erin, but I do think a part of me has changed. I’m still a procrastinator, I’m still reliably five minutes late to any engagement and I can still sleep until noon if undisturbed. But I also have a wider group of friends, I’m not afraid to really take charge of something, and I can step out of my comfort zone to follow my passions.

These things are not necessarily what my parents were looking for from a $44K education of course, but my family has been wonderful in supporting me and has always being there; I’ll never be able to thank them enough. I am also fortunate to have so many friends who never absquatulated when I needed them and were always there to help the Tuesday blues. And, not many people get to go to college with their best friend from first grade.

So I consider myself very blessed, but what does this do for you, dear reader? Probably nothing. I can only hope that you too have made the most of your college career and that you look forward and put your energy into the wonderful future ahead for you. Recognize the fortunes all around you, in friends, love and family and go toward your passions. Life is rich, if you make it happen.

So, good luck to all of my Studlifers (especially you Sam); treasure every minute of it all. I’ll be reading the paper online too, so keep up the good work. And to everyone at Wash. U., get out there and live.

Erin Fults is graduating from the college of Arts & Sciences. She is the former editor in chief of Student Life and can be reached by e-mail at efults@gmail.com.

…most of your Wash. U. apparel consists of free shirts, because the sweatshirts at the bookstore are too damn expensive.

…more salt ends up on the ground than actual snow.

…you wake up to the sounds of construction

…you know you will never get a snow day.

…Uggs are seen all year round.

…you think the Loops is what a “real college town” is like.

…your freshman dorm has been demolished, or is at least slated for destruction.

…there are more prospective freshman on campus in the spring than actual students.

…the typical weather is rainy, with a chance of sun and possible earthquakes and maybe tornadoes.

There are many ways to procrastinate without using your computer.

1. Go to a different library every 15 minutes.

2. Visit the zoo with friends and watch the penguins.

3. Go to the other side of the floor and talk to someone you haven’t talked to in awhile.

4. Visit another university (Fontbonne counts).

5. Play football in the hallway.

6. Buy several things at Bear Mart, mix them up and serve it for dinner.

7. Empty your mailbox.

8. Try to catch a bunny or a squirrel.

9. Go to a Cardinals game.

10. Read the Finals Survivals Guide.

Finals are fast approaching and students are flocking to the library. It will be days before some of them see genuine sunlight. While not everyone enjoys studying there, those that do are dedicated and strict in their code of conduct. Study spots are marked and outsiders are soon detected.

“People get possessive of the library,” said seasoned library studier Whitney Lesch (who prefers the second floor, right hand, window study carrels), “and the influx of studiers around finals gets annoying.”

With the increased load of studiers in the library, and the increased workload on students, library manners can sometimes fall by the wayside. Remember the two-inch whisper the librarian made you use? There may be no librarian to enforce such rules anymore, but it is clear that an unwritten code of library etiquette exists. So before packing up the books, laptop and provisions to camp out in “the lib,” consider these tips and remember to mind your manners.

Volume: Just like in elementary school, the library is a place for indoor voices. While most people don’t talk loudly in the hallowed halls and rows of books, whispering isn’t always so quiet. The classic loud annoying whisper is a pet peeve to many, so make sure to keep your indoor whisper at a restrained decibel level.

Noises: The library is usually quiet enough to hear an orgo notecard drop, but there are an assortment of irksome noises that can pollute the silent atmosphere. Among these are loud nose blowers and the occasional snorer. Library users are also encouraged to turn off their AIM sounds and computer noises. No one wants to hear the Windows start-up noise or the Word paperclip constantly tapping on your screen.

Cell phones: The signs on the doors say it, but people still forget to turn their phone off or put it on silent. Even with it on silent, library studiers consider it an affront when people answer and talk before exiting to the stairwell. Two words: text message.

Food: Everyone needs munchies to get through the study day, but not all food is library friendly, at least to those around you. “My pet peeve is when people bring full course, loud meals,” said Lesch. It’s generally safe to stick to food offered in Whispers.

Sprawl: More obnoxious than suburban sprawl, study sprawl causes grief to the many looking for a place to sit only to see an empty chair surrounded by spread out notes and books. The library is not your room, so conserve space.

Study rooms: Quiet and set aside, study rooms are vied for frequently. It can be frustrating, then, when only one person is occupying a room. Get some friends together and share a room. But, noise levels can be an issue there too. “Study rooms aren’t soundproof,” said junior Sally Preminger, “and you can hear people talking loudly.”

Computers: When there’s a queue for the comps, be respectful and efficient. Facebook checking, sports and porn are not acceptable when others are waiting, and porn really isn’t for library time anyway.

Making out: “Just don’t make out, it’s distracting,” said senior Sarah Muszynski. Cuddling and other forms of excessive PDA are typically discouraged. “This is a work place,” said sophomore Ian Pearson. “Come to work, not to love.” Mild making out is a don’t, but it seems that many students do condone sex in the library, particularly in the stacks (see the popular Facebook group).

Whispers: For those who require a certain degree of background distraction, Whispers is the preferred study zone. Disagreements arise, however, on the respectful noise level here. “It’s called ‘Whispers,’ not yells,” said Preminger. “Just keep an inside voice.” Some disagree. “You’re allowed to be loud,” said Muszynski, “it’s a café.”

Holmes Lounge: Non-library studiers may also find refuge in Holmes. Space is of the essence here and space-saving techniques are often debated. “People put their backpack at a table and then go get in line for food,” commented junior Jonathan Shelley. “Holmes is an in demand location and it’s unfair to rob a person of space. You either wait for a table or wait for food – make a choice.”

So remember to mind your library manners. The library dwellers are always watching – and listening.

First off, I’d like to thank all of you who helped make our first political poll such a great success. This is the first time we have undertaken a survey on this scale and we believe this is the first definitive measure of the campus political atmosphere. One sixth of you participated in this endeavor and the results speak for themselves. This is just the first of many polls we plan to conduct between now and the election and we hope the rest will be even better than this one.

I would also like to apologize for the errors we made in this survey. As with any task attempted for the first time, conducting this survey was a learning process for all of us and consequently mistakes were made along the way. Some of these were minor errors and others were more significant oversights. We are, however, confident that the accuracy of the survey was not jeopardized.

In particular, the most glaring error was the lack of a log-in mechanism. Such a mechanism was needed to enter the drawing for the gift card and to ensure that no one took the survey multiple times. However, given the large number of respondents (over 2,000), we do not believe that the poll results were compromised. As for entering your name into the drawing, on our next political poll in two to three weeks we will ask whether you participated in this poll and give you an additional entry in the drawing.

Additionally, we also forgot to list the Medical School as an option in one of the demographic questions, an oversight on our part. Rest assured that this and other errors will be addressed when we formulate our next survey. Thank you to all of you who responded to me directly to bring these problems to our attention.

We hope that you find these poll results as intriguing as we do. To see the complete data compiled in the survey, please visit our Web site, www.studlife.com. Also be sure to check out our new blogs, including our Political Unit blog, where you can stay up to date on the presidential campaign and how it relates to the University community.

Again, thank you to everyone who participated and our apologies for the errors.

-Erin Fults
Editor in Chief

The George Warren Brown School of Social Work is doing more than talking about the Jena Six-they’re taking action, starting with a blank sheet of paper.

Last night, the School of Social Work hosted a panel discussion regarding the recent events and issues surrounding the Jena Six. Attendees included individuals who attended the Sept. 20 rally in Jena, La., interested community members and those who participated in

local solidarity events here in St. Louis.

The Jena Six refers to six black high school students charged with various felonies after allegedly beating up a white student in Louisiana on Dec. 4, 2006. The altercation was part of a series of racially-charged incidents that stemmed from the hanging of nooses on a tree at Jena High School after a black student and his friends asked to sit under the “whites only” tree. Numerous protests, rallies and discussions, such as this one, have sprung up in response to the charges, which critics say are overly harsh and motivated by racism.

“I’m thrilled with the turnout,” said Sara Ward, a masters of social work student and one of the organizers of the event. “There are high school students, undergraduates, retired people and even a 2-year-old here.”

The goal of the event was to catalyze community dialogue and action.

“It’s not enough just to go to this rally,” said Ward. “There’s been amazing energy building around Jena and we want to continue that movement and actually leave here tonight with some concrete action steps.”

These desired “action steps” began on blank sheets of paper that were distributed to the approximately 50 attendees. People were asked to write down their suggestions and ideas or specific programs and ways of coming together to address the issue of racism, the judicial system and the Jena Six case. They could also provide their e-mail address to be contacted for involvement in future actions.

“The idea is not just to talk about these issues, but to act on them as well,” said Sudie Nallo, a second-year student in the School of Social Work who was instrumental in organizing the panel discussion. “[We want to] form a collective effort toward seeking change.”

Panel members represented a wide range of age, profession and involvement. Members included Dorothy Rocks, an 18-year-old from Hazelwood East High School; Reverend Jimmy Scott, president of the East St. Louis NAACP; Jack A. Kirkland, associate professor at the

Brown School of Social Work; and several rally participants.

These panelists detailed their involvement in the Jena Six case and what drew them to become more involved. They responded to audience comments later in the discussion and, in effect, demonstrated the wide range of individuals affected by this event.

“[Racism] is not just happening to a people, it’s happening to a society and a nation,” said Kirkland. “The reason progress is so slow is because it only responds to pressure.”

A’eesha Bell aided in leading the panel discussion and was the organizer of the bus that took Washington University students to the rally in Jena in September. She urged continued action and awareness of the racial and judicial issued surrounding Jena Six.

“The 21st Century civil rights movement, as this has been called, is not over with the rally down in Jena. This injustice that happened in Jena is not just exclusive to Jena.It’s everywhere,” she said.

Speakers recalled their experiences at the rally and the power they witnessed when so many people came together to try and make a difference.

“When I was there, I sensed the solidarity and was humbled,” said Tesheba Wadley, a first-year Brown School student.

The panel pointed out that racism exists on many levels-with individuals, institutions and the judicial system-and that there is much left to do to fix these inherent problems.

“If we don’t get it right the first time or the second time, it’s going to repeat itself,” said Reverend Scott. “That’s the way history is and we’re going to be in it.”

WEAPONS VIOLATION-DELMAR AREA-Officer observed a middle aged, black female screaming and yelling obscenities in Ackert Park in University City. This was frightening the other occupants of the park. U-City Police were notified. Upon arrival they searched her and found a 10′ knife in her purse. Disposition: Cleared by arrest.

Wednesday, Aug. 1

8:37 a.m. FRAUD-UNDESIGNATED AREA OFF CAMPUS-University pro card was used to purchase phone cards from STC in Saudi Arabia. Time of occurrence: July 26 at 8 a.m. Disposition: Referred to FBI.

Friday, Aug. 3

7:39 a.m. LARCENY-PLANT GROWTH-Foreman for BRK Electrical Contractors reported unknown person(s) stole two 60′ rolls of copper wire and a pipe bender from unlocked room in Plant Growth. Theft occurred between 9 a.m. on Aug. 2 and 7:30 a.m. Aug. 3. The items were valued at $870. Disposition: Pending.

Saturday, Aug. 4

2:16 a.m. TRESPASSING-MILLBROOK SWIMMING-While on patrol, officer found 5 subjects in the gated swimming pool area. The subjects are not affiliated with Washington University and were issued summons for trespassing. Disposition: Cleared.

9:22 a.m. DAMAGED PROPERTY-ATHLETIC COMPLEX-Contract company was moving audio equipment into the AC and broke the push bar on the gym door. No criminal activity involved. Disposition: Cleared.

11:33 a.m. AUTO ACCIDENT-PARKING LOT #20-While on patrol, Police saw that someone had struck the fence on the south side of the Simon Hall Parking Lot and left the scene. A six-foot section of the fence and a supporting post were damaged. Facilities responded. No leads to the identity of the striking vehicle or driver. Disposition: Pending.

Tuesday, Aug. 7

12:54 p.m. LARCENY-PARKING LOT #10-Witnesses reported two B/M’s broke into a vehicle and left the area in a white car with temporary IL plates. Victim reported his wallet missing from his vehicle. Disposition: Pending.

2:52 p.m. LARCENY-SIMON HALL-Facilities Manager of Simon Hall reported a Camcorder stolen on Monday, Aug. 6 between 4 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Value $400. Disposition: Pending

3:46 p.m. TRESPASSING-SIMON HALL-While investigating a larceny report, officer located a subject in Simon Hall that did not belong. Subject had previously been warned against trespassing. Disposition: Cleared by summons.

Wednesday, Aug. 8

11:51 a.m. PROPERTY DAMAGE-SIGMA PHI EPSILON-Maintenance Supervisor reported that two windows were broken out basement level of Frat house 8 and 11. Unknown cause of damage. Theft occurred 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 6 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8. Disposition: Pending

7:31 p.m. LARCENY-EADS HALL-Complainant reported her purse stolen. Item had been turned in, minus $230 cash from her wallet. Theft occurred 2:00 to 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 6. Disposition: Pending

7:50 p.m. SUSPICIOUS PERSON-OLIN LIBRARY-A suspicious person call reference a B/M who has been seen on a previous occasion masturbating in Olin library. The subject was contacted, identified, given a “No trespass warning” and told not to come on campus until this matter could be fully investigated. Disposition: Pending 70342-Report number issued in error

Thursday, Aug. 9

8:45 a.m. LARCENY-ATHLETIC COMPLEX-Three pieces of jewelry were stolen overnight from an unattended display that had been covered with a blanket 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8 to 8:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9. Value $650. Disposition: Pending

11:41 a.m. FIRE-ANHEUSER BUSCH HALL OF LAW-Small mulch fire caused minor damage. Disposition: Cleared

Friday, Aug. 17

10:07 p.m. DRUG OFFENSE -LOOP LOFTS-Marijuana found in an empty apartment, possibly from the former tenant. Disposition: Referred to Judicial Administrator.

Saturday, Aug. 18

10:21 p.m. RECOVERED STOLEN PROPERTY-PARKING LOT #4-Officer stopped a subject in possession of aluminum/copper wiring and a bag full of scrap metal. Subject admitted to just coming from the WU Campus and said that he got the wiring and metal from a site on campus. The stolen property was confiscated. Disposition: Cleared by arrest; larceny/burglary charges are pending the identification of the owner of the property.

Wednesday, Aug. 22

2:15 p.m. AUTO ACCIDENT-JANUARY HALL-Summary: Bon App‚tit truck struck a parked vehicle belonging to Drain Surgeons near the Busch Hall dock area. Disposition: Cleared
4:10 p.m. ANIMAL COMPLAINT-PARKING LOT #54-Subject left a dog in a vehicle. Animal was released and given water by officers. Disposition: Summons issued to owner.

Thursday, Aug. 23

11:02 a.m. LARCENY-MALLINCKRODT CENTER-Unknown subjects removed a quantity of copper wiring from the rooftop of the Mallinckrodt center. Arno electrical contractors are replacing the air-handler units there, and sometime over the weekend of Saturday, Aug. 18 to Monday, Aug. 20, someone stripped all the useable wiring from the old units that had been disconnected. The roof access was apparently insecure during the period. Disposition: Pending

11:55 p.m. WARRANT ARREST, FUGITVE ARREST-PSYCHOLOGY BUILDING-Traffic stop resulted in an arrest of the driver on outstanding warrants. Disposition: Cleared by arrest.

Friday, Aug. 24

2:14 p.m. LARCENY-MCMILLAN LAB-Student working in McMillan Lab reported the theft of her cell phone and two dollars in change. Occurred at 9:17 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24. Disposition: Pending

4:30 p.m. PROPERTY DAMAGE-ALUMNI HOUSE-Two employee vehicles damaged by falling tree branches. Occurred between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24. Disposition: Cleared

Saturday, Aug. 25

9:26 a.m. ARTICLE-SHANEDLING DORM-Student lost wallet, possibly near the hammocks outside the dorm. Occurred between 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24. Disposition: Pending

1:45 p.m. TOWED VEHICLE-BROOKINGS DRIVE-Vehicle towed for blocking a traffic lane. Disposition: Cleared

2:06 p.m. PROPERTY DAMAGE-SHEPLEY DRIVE-A student driving a U-haul truck drove over a traffic cone that had two neon yellow traffic wands on top of them. The traffic wands were both destroyed and the student was refereed to the Judicial Administrator. Disposition: Cleared.

2:32 p.m. LARCENY-CAMPUS BOOKSTORE-Student reported the theft of her credit card after using same to make a purchase at the campus bookstore on Thursday, Aug. 23. Disposition: Pending.

5:29 p.m. PROPERTY DAMAGE-ATHLETIC COMPLEX-Locking mechanism broken on equipment room door. Occurred between 2:00 and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. Disposition: Pending

7:59 p.m. AUTO ACCIDENT-SOUTH 40 RESIDENCE AREA-Moving truck struck and knocked down a light pole. Driver was contacted and information taken for the report. Disposition: Cleared.

Sunday, Aug. 26

2:36 p.m. ACCIDENTAL INJURY-DANFORTH CAMPUS-Accidental injury. Disposition: Cleared.

Tuesday, Aug. 28

3:14 p.m. LOST ARTICLE-SOUTH 40 RESIDENCE AREA-Student lost a white deposit envelope containing checks. Occurred between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Disposition: Pending

4:10 p.m. LARCENY-EARTH & PLANETARY SCIENCE-Reporting party advises one Dell MD 1000 Data storage unit was stolen between Tuesday, Aug. 21 and Tuesday, Aug. 28 from Earth and Planetary Sciences. Disposition: Pending.

Wednesday, Aug. 29

11:54 a.m. AUTO ACCIDENT-ANHEUSER BUSCH HALL OF LAW-A student attempted to drive around a delivery truck at the same time the truck started in motion. No injuries. Disposition: Cleared

Friday, Aug. 31

12:49 a.m. SUSPICIOUS PERSON-MALLINCKRODT CENTER-Bookstore reported a subject who appeared suspicious due to his loitering in the area. Officers responded and made contact. All in order. Disposition: Cleared.

5:04 p.m. AUTO ACCIDENT-MALLINCKRODT CENTER-Student reported unknown person(s) in an unknown vehicle damaged his vehicle on the visitor parking lot of Mallinckrodt Center between 4:00 p.m. and 4:20 p.m. Disposition: Pending

8:33 p.m. DRUG OFFENSE-HOUSE 1-Student had drugs in his room which officers confiscated. Disposition: Cleared by arrest referral.

Sunday, Sept. 2

3:29 a.m. INJURY-DANFORTH CAMPUS-Accidental injury. Disposition: Cleared

3:05 p.m DRUG OFFENSE-SHEPLEY DORM-Student found in possession of marijuana. All drug items were confiscated. Disposition: Cleared, referred to JA.

Monday, Sept. 3

11:38 a.m. PROPERTY DAMAGE-MILLBROOK GARAGE-The traffic arm for the lower level westbound exit to the Millbrook Garage was found broken and inoperable. Damage occurred sometime between 1500 hours on Friday, Aug. 31 and 1130 hours on Monday, September 3. No cost estimate of damage available at this time. Disposition: Pending

12:13 p.m. STOLEN AUTO-SNOWWAY GARAGE-Student reported his car stolen from the garage. Vehicle was later found parked on the first level. Disposition: Unfounded.

1:15 p.m. PROPERTY DAMAGE-SNOWWAY GARAGE-A vehicle was found with its rear window smashed in with a large chunk of concrete that was found on the front passenger seat. Occurred sometime between 1045 hours on Sunday, September 2 and 1315 hours on Monday, September 3. All the doors to the vehicle were locked and it appears no entry was made into the vehicle. Disposition: Pending

On May 25, Clayton Police Department and the Washington University Police Department (WUPD) announced the arrest of a suspect in the sexual assault of a Washington University student in Myers residence hall, which occurred Feb. 12, 2007. The suspect was identified as 24 year-old William Harris.

Harris had been in custody since March 5, 2007 for violation of his parole in an unrelated crime that occurred in University City in 2003. He became the prime suspect in the sexual assault case after further investigations by both Clayton Police Department and WUPD.

Warrants were issued today against Harris for burglary in the First Degree, three counts of forcible sodomy, forcible rape, robbery in the Second Degree, kidnapping and sexual misconduct in the Second Degree. The latter, however, is not in relation to the student assault and is an incident of indecent exposure occurring January 2007.

Captain Steve Grenier of Clayton Police was unable to comment on the specifics of the case, but stated that information gathered from a detailed investigation of the crime scene led to this arrest.

Grenier reports no knowledge of whether the suspect knew the victim.

“At this time we would classify this as an isolated incident,” said Grenier.

William Harris lived in U. City at the time and is a former employee of the Subway on campus. He was not employed by Subway at the time of the incident, although Grenier was unable to provide details as to the date of his termination.

At this point, Grenier believes the attack was random.

Washington University Police Department Chief Don Strom was also at the press conference announcing the suspect and thinks it is likely that Harris tailgated, or followed another student, into the Myers residence hall.

Strom also reported great cooperation with the survivor and with an additional witness, who is also a Wash. U. student.

“[The survivor] is doing great. She is an incredible inspiration to the investigators who worked on this case and she’s been an incredible asset in this case,” said Strom.

Strom expects further campus security measures, which were discussed during the campus security forums following the attack, to be in place for the fall semester.

“Hopefully [students] can rest assured and draw from this that the system was able to work and we were able to identify the suspect. The community helped a lot,” said Strom.

At this time, no further developments on the case have been made and a court date has yet to be established.

“We’re waiting for the next court date to be assigned. There’s nothing new at this stage. We’re like everybody else, just waiting for the process to move along,” said WUPD Police Chief Don Strom.

This year, incoming freshman will all arrive on campus with at least one thing in common besides their acceptance to Washington University-they will all read Alan Lightman’s book, “Einstein’s Dreams.”

“The title is what came to me first and the book developed from there,” said author Lightman. “Those two words together seemed to me to represent the creative tension between the sciences and the arts.with Einstein representing the rational side and dreams representing the intuitive side.”

Lightman’s book was selected for this year’s Freshman Reading Program, in which freshmen are assigned to read the selected text before arriving to campus. Students will attend discussions led by faculty members on Monday, August 27 and are strongly recommended to participate in online discussions before arriving to campus.

“It’s an opportunity for new students to meet with a faculty member in an informal setting and to have meaningful discussions with other students on a level that is more what the academic experience is going to be like here,” said Karen Coburn, assistant vice chancellor for students and associate dean for the freshman transition.

In choosing this year’s book, suggestions were solicited from current students and faculty through online polling. These suggestions were collected and reviewed by the Freshman Reading Program steering committee, composed of students, faculty and staff, and ultimately, Lightman’s book was selected. Previous program picks have included “One Nation, Underprivileged: Why Poverty Affects Us All” by Mark Rank and selections from the works of Mexican-American author Richard Rodriguez.

“[Einstein's Dreams] is the kind of book that I think will stimulate discussion among students who do have a strong science background as well as those who don’t,” said Coburn. “It’s a stimulating, thought-provoking work of art.”

“Einstein’s Dreams” takes students to new worlds inside the mind of Albert Einstein as he slumbers. The pages share with readers the new worlds of Einstein’s dreams, worlds where time acts quite differently than we know it.

“I hope that the book changes the readers view of the world and makes them think about the world in a larger way. Time is something that is so basic to our lives that we don’t even think about it. I hope this book will make people think about things that they didn’t think about before,” said Lightman.

Lightman says he has always been interested in both the sciences and the arts. Throughout his life he has made major contributions in both science, particularly in the field of astrophysics, and literature, with his poetry and other writings.

“I’m a physicist, so I do theoretical work and physics. I also write about science and then I write novels,” he said.

Lightman bridges the gap between science and writing through his novels and he is also the co-founder of the Graduate Program in Science Writing at MIT. The science displayed in his books, however, is not what is called science writing and he is quick to point out the difference.

“Although the novels have science in them, they are very different from pedagogical writing. [Science writing] is a very different activity than novel writing,” he said.

Lightman is excited to have his book adopted by Washington University’s program, because he feels he has special ties to the school since his wife graduated from the University in the mid-70s.

“An important thing about any work of art is not just the message but the emotional experience. I want the readers to be amused, delighted and provoked and just have a good experience reading the book, beyond any big philosophical goal,” said Lightman.

For more information on the 2007 Freshman Reading Program, visit frp.wustl.edu.

Hip-hop returns to W.I.L.D. this fall as Lupe Fiasco headlines at the biannual outdoor concert. The rap artist received three Grammy nominations for his debut album, “Food & Liquor” and is well known for his hit single, “Kick, Push,” which references skateboarding.

“Lupe Fiasco is a big name. He’s decently respected in hip-hop circles and because his music isn’t hard-core and really dirty, he’s made waves with people who don’t listen to hip-hop as their main genre,” said Team 31 Co-chair Pehr Hovey, a senior.
Opening for Lupe Fiasco will be Kid Beyond and DJ Unk.

Kid Beyond is touted as a one-man band-a singer and beat boxer who live-loops his vocals.

“It’s been a while since [Kid Beyond] has played in St. Louis. He’s excited and loves doing college gigs,” said Kid Beyond’s manager, Joyce Williams.

DJ Unk entered the music spotlight in 2006 with his hit single “Walk it Out.” He started out as a DJ and then started writing raps, with music characterized by energy and heavy bass lines.

“In the past we’ve had a strong demand for hip-hop. We’re really happy to be able to deliver high-quality hip-hop acts to students this year,” said Team 31 Co-chair Randy Lubin. “The primary focus for us is shows that are high energy and interesting and we definitely have that.”

W.I.L.D., or Walk In Lay Down, has stood as a Washington University tradition since 1973. Each semester, the student group Team 31 brings in several artists for a school-wide concert in the Brookings Quad, complete with pizza and soda. Students can register to bring couches to the Quad and those who are of age can bring in six-packs of beer with an ID.

Students can get involved in W.I.L.D. by becoming roadies and helping out with the show, sometimes even getting a chance to meet the bands.

“W.I.L.D. really shows the less serious side of Wash. U. students and I look forward to a fun and safe W.I.L.D.,” said Student Union President Neil Patel.”

Last spring, Team 31 faced some student opposition with their choices of OK Go and Reel Big Fish, particularly after a fall W.I.L.D. featuring Guster, when traditionally fall W.I.L.D. features a hip-hop artist.
“My co-chair Randy had the idea back then that we should look into it. [Lupe Fiasco] wasn’t available because he was playing Coachella [a music festival in Indio, California]. So from the get-go this year we wanted it to be hip-hop as well and that’s very evident in the line-up that we have,” said Hovey.
W.I.L.D. will be Saturday, September 29, a date set to accommodate Lupe Fiasco. The Quad opens at 4:30 p.m. and there will be a free barbeque for students. The first act starts at 5 p.m. and pizza will be served starting at 5:30 p.m.
“It’s going to be an exciting show from start to finish,” said junior and SU Vice President Brittany Perez.

W.I.L.D. is one of SU’s premiere events. Team 31 has an annual budget of over $200,000 to pay for both the fall and spring shows.

“There are a lot of opportunities to get involved in W.I.L.D. and people have great stories to tell. It all comes down to showing up and being involved,” said Hovey.

Students can bring their non-Wash. U. friends to the show, but must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets go on sale in September.

For more information on the bands or how to get involved with W.I.L.D., visit team31.wustl.edu.