Prof. Dupes Crimson

The Crimson is a soapbox for all University affiliates--real and, on one occasion, imaginary.

An "Ulf Fuerloin" was quoted in the October 15, 1997 issue of The Crimson as part of a story on Oxford Street's Chinese food truck, the Chinese Kitchen.

Researching an article for the City & Region page, Crimson staff writer Jason T. Benowitz '00 learned the Chinese Kitchen had a Web page, and traced its creators to the physics department.

When he called the department, Benowitz was given Fuerloin's name and an e-mail address to which he was instructed to direct his questions.

"Fuerloin" told The Crimson that he and a friend "were frequent patrons of the foodtruck and thought making a Web page would be fun."

The story appeared in The Crimson--no questions asked.

So when CUE Guide Editor-in-Chief Ona M. Hahs '99 was searching for the true identity (or lack thereof) of Ulf Fireloins a.k.a. "Fuerloin," she asked Loeb Associate Professor of the Natural Sciences John M. Doyle if he could confirm his colleague's existence.

"Surely if The Crimson published quotes from him," Doyle wrote in an e-mail message, "he must be real."

Crimson officials declined to comment for this story.