The Heights encourages students to vote in the UGBC primary on MyBC lOVE, NOT ACTUALLY
eagles upset ’noles
pilot taxes
SPORTS
mETRO
THE SCENE
Behind Jordan Daniels, BC defeats No. 15 Florida State, 64-60, B1
Several Boston non-profits refuse to adhere to Mayor Menino’s tax request, B10
Some celebrity couples exist only in our dreams, A10
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Vol. XCIII, No. 7
WRC sponsors petition Barstool Blackout event provokes center to solicit support for victims of sexual assault By David Cote News Editor
A perfect storm has arisen this March at Boston College due to the scheduling of two separate events—Take Back the Night and the Barstool Blackout Tour at the House of Blues, both of which will take place on Wednesday, Mar. 28. Take Back the Night, an annual event sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center, allows survivors of sexual assault to speak publicly about their experiences to friends and peers in O’Neill Plaza. Each year, the event takes place as part of Concerned
About Rape Education (C.A.R.E.) Week. The second event, the Barstool Blackout Tour, has been described as “the world’s largest blacklight party,” and tours colleges and college towns in the United States. Students purchase tickets months in advance to attend a party with lasers, fog, and blacklights to provide “an absolute orgy of sound and lights for all your senses,” according to the event’s Facebook page. The Women’s Resource Center (WRC), has sponsored a petition for BC students to sign since Monday, encouraging students to
See Petition, A4
Ishmael Beah visits BC for lecture on life experiences daniel lee / heights editor
Boston College remains one of the few schools in the power six conferences that continues to use paper tickets for attendance at games.
The logic behind BC ticket prices Athletics explains ticketing strategy By Austin Tedesco Heights Editor
While winning, and winning often, packs stadiums more than anything else, the cost and simplicity of the ticket process is a major determining factor in the level of attendance at athletic events, especially for students. Boston College’s men’s basketball team has struggled over the season with poor attendance at home games. Though many would say the final score is a reason for not attending, it is important to note how BC’s ticket process differs from other schools’, in both cost and functionality. The total cost of season tickets for all three revenue sports at BC amounts to
$300: $120 for football and $90 each for men’s hockey and basketball. Student season ticket holders pay $20 per game for six home football games, $7.50 per game for men’s basketball’s 12 home games, and $8.18 per game for the 11 men’s hockey home games. Students with season tickets end up saving more than 50 percent compared to what the public pays, while individual student tickets are priced right at the 50 percent off mark. These types of discounts have led to solid student attendance for the successful men’s hockey squad. “2,100 students attending hockey games is fantastic for us when you look at 25 percent of our building being students,” said James DiLoreto, the associate athletic director of external operations. While the top-ranked Eagles hockey team has not had trouble drawing a crowd, the student section in Conte Forum for men’s basketball is often relatively small
during this rebuilding season. On the other hand, although the football team finished with a 4-8 record, DiLoreto was pleased with the attendance in Alumni Stadium last fall. “If you look at the percentage of students who attend our football games, at about 6,000 students in the Superfan area versus the overall student body being close to 10,000, that’s 60 percent of your student body attending a game,” DiLoreto said. “I’d put that percentage of the student body against anybody in the country from a support standpoint.” More wins always bring more students, but the ticket process is also key. After purchasing student tickets, whether it is an individual or a season ticket, Superfans must print out their ticket and present it with their Eagle ID in order to be admit-
See Tickets, A4
By Brandon Stone For The Heights
This past Monday at 7 p.m., Gasson 100 was filled to capacity by students, faculty, and guests waiting to hear a lecture by Ishmael Beah. Beah, best-selling author of A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, came to Boston College to discuss his experience as a conscripted child sol-
dier during the civil war in Sierra Leone, as well as his current efforts to improve international standards in relation to the use of children in conflict. The event was co-sponsored by the BC Center for Human Rights and International Justice and the BC Arts & Social Responsibility Project. Beah works for the Human Rights
See Beah, A4
daniel lee / heights editor
Ishmael Beah spoke about his life as a child soldier in Africa Monday night in Gasson 100.
Candidates for UGBC office face off at presidential debate Fair Trade Week brings vendors to BC
By David Cote News Editor
Candidates for UGBC president and vice president met on the eve of primary voting last night in Hillside for a debate sponsored by the Elections Council. The five remaining candidate teams, Vanessa Gomez and Jennifer Wanandi, both A&S ’13; Chris Osnato and Kudzai Taziva, both A&S ’13; Michael Salerni and Benjamin Donovan, both A&S ’13; Conor Sullivan, LSOE ’13, and Daniel Tonkovich, CSOM ’13; and Robert Veiga and Jeff Colonnese, both CSOM ’13, answered questions posed by ALC, GLC, the Elections Council, and The Heights. In response to the question, “What do you think the greatest issue on campus is currently, and how would you address it if elected?” candidates gave a variety of answers. Veiga and Colonnese emphasized that lack of student involvement in the undergraduate government is the number one problem on campus, and stated that only nine of the people they spoke with during dorm walks could name the sitting UGBC president and vice president. Gomez and Wanandi emphasized the ways in which UGBC can help student groups, a facet of the government they would like to strengthen if elected. “We want to have our directors work directly with RSOs in order to see the changes they want,” Gomez said. When asked questions by Gururaj Shan, ALC president and A&S ’12, Osnato and Taziva stressed the importance of diversity and interaction between various groups at Boston College. “One big thing on our platform is collaborations,” Taziva said. “We really want to encourage collaboration to bring better events to campus. Collaborations
Four seniors hope to inform students By Andrew Millette Assoc. News Editor
has been the Backgrounds seminar,” Wanandi said. “I really want to work with ALC and Cabinet to push this diversity seminar to come into fruition.” Students also spent time emphasizing the ways in which they differed from the other teams. Salerni and Donovan pointed out that there were no supporters wearing
This week marked a major step in Boston College’s evolution as a socially just campus. Four students, Jinah Kim, A&S ’12; Megan Monahan, A&S ’12; Matthew McCluney, A&S ’12; and MaryJo Maliekel, A&S ‘12, worked together to plan Fair Trade Week, a week of events designed to inform students both generally about the fair trade movement and specifically about fair trade resources and issues on campus. “This started because we were all concerned about social justice,” Maliekal said. “The four of us went to a fair trade symposium at MIT this fall and decided this was an issue we wanted to bring back to BC.” The week’s first event, “Fair Trade at BC and Beyond,” which took place on Monday in the Murray Function Room, featured a host of student organizations involved with fair trade issues, as well as both corporations and independent businesses that sell free trade products. Student organizations that set up tables at the event included R.E.A.C.T.— a group that raises awareness about human trafficking—EcoPledge, and Real Food. Ben and Jerry’s and Equal Exchange both offered free samples of their products, including ice cream and chocolate, and representatives from these
See Debate, A4
See Fair Trade, A4
daniel lee / heights editor
T-shirts of all colors filled Hillside last night, as UGBC candidates for president and vice president spoke about their campaign platforms. will furnish the diversity that we want to build here at BC.” Sullivan and Tonkovich spoke often about their “create-your-own directorship” idea, a program that would allow students to approach UGBC with plans for an initiative, and receive funding with which to advance it. A large theme to the night was issues of diversity on campus. In response to questions from the GLBTQ Leadership
Council (GLC), candidate teams spoke about the ways in which they would support the interests of GLBTQ students at BC. Each team stated their belief that the GLC needs and deserves the support of the UGBC. “The role of the student government is to advocate for the student, no matter what their sexual orientation is,” Sullivan said. “Part of my experience here at BC
TopTHREE
The Heights
Thursday, February 9, 2012
things to do on campus this week
..
1
TBS Comedy Competition Sunday Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Devlin 008
Rooftop Comedy and TBS are hosting a competition that pits comedy teams from 32 universities against each other in stand up battles. Come vote for the eight funniest BC student comedians to move on to the next round against Boston University on Mar. 28th.
Boston College Composers Concert
2
Today Time: 8 p.m. Location: Gasson 100
Come listen to the works of renowned Boston College professors, including Thomas Oboe Lee, Ralf Yusuf Gawlick, and Christopher Willcock, S.J.
Bringing King to China Screening
3
Today Time: 7 p.m. Location: Cushing 001 Fimmaker Kevin McKiernan will show his documentary about an American teacher trying to bring MLK’s philosophy of civil disobedience to China.
the
University
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Stanford fundraising campaign is the most successful of all time
On Campus Biology professors discover critical protein in the spread of malaria Two Boston College biology professors, Marc-Jan Gubbels and Gabor Marth, are part of a team that has recently discoverd a protein that is responsible for the spread of toxoplasmosis and malaria. This team believes that new drugs could be developed to target this protein, prevent it from functioning, and therefore stop the spread of these diseases. Gubbels and Marth, along with team members from the Harvard School of Public Health, Children’s Hospital Boston, and University of Oxford, published their results in a recent issue of the journal Science. This protein, called DOC2.1, is crucial for the secretion of microneme organelles which give the parasite that spreads toxoplasmosis and malaria the mobility it needs to enter host cells. The research team was able to find the protein they now hope to attack by sequencing the DNA of a mutant toxoplasma parasite that lacked the mobility to enter host cells. The team then identified the places on the genome that could be responsible for this defect and was able to isolate a single defect in the DOC2.1 protein as the culprit.
Stanford University announced this week that its five-year fundraising campaign, called “The Stanford Challenge,” raised $6.2 billion. This campaign, which concluded on Dec. 31, raised more money than any other campaign in the history of higher education, defeating the second highest campaign total by more than $2.3 billion. The campaign’s final total far surpassed its initial goal of $4.3 billion. The money raised by this campaign will go toward a vareity of projects, including the construction of 38 new or renovated campus buildings, and the creation of 130 new endowed faculty positions.
Local News Former Newton teacher arraigned on yet more child porn charges Thirty-four-year-old David Ettlinger was recently arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court, where he pled not guilty to charges of aggravated indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14, posing a child in a state of nudity, posing a child in sexual conduct, possession of child pornography, and secretly recording a partially nude person. The Middlesex County DA is claiming that Ettlinger’s victim was a child he was hired to babysit, and not one of his students. Ettlinger also faces charges in Suffolk County and is part of a federal investigation.
BC director hopes to legitimize social work in Afghanistan By Devon Sanford Heights Editor
Photo courtesy of Eileen Ihrig
Eileen Ihrig and Martha Bragin (above) are two major figures in Afghanistan’s social work movement. The first phase of the social work project began in July of 2011. Ihrig and co-principal investigator Martha Bragin, Hunter College School of Social Work associate professor and chair of the school’s Global Social Work and Practice with Immigrants and Refugees program, started a one-year program to develop occupational standards and curricula in Afghanistan. The collaboration is now in discussions with Kabul University, the oldest and largest institution of tertiary education in Afghanistan, to develop a department of social work. The college hopes to launch a social work program and degree
by March. “The discussions with Kabul University came faster than we expected,” Ihrig said. “But it’s great news.” Ihrig plans to begin the second phase of the program with support from Kabul University. The college is working to train staff and develop course work for the new social work department. Kabul University plans to use staff from Afghanistan, as well as faculty from nearby regions such as Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and India. In the beginning stages, BC and Hunter College faculty members will be at the college for short periods
of time, holding workshops and training staff. Unlike American social work, which deals primarily with cases of abuse and violence, Afghanistan social work faces issues of early and forced marriages for young girls, the recruitment of boys as soldiers, and child labor. “The situation is very complex, and some of the issues vary regionally,” Ihrig said. “There is a lot of progress to be made. In certain areas, especially in communitybased structures, there has been significant change.” Due to the constant political conflict and economic instabil-
ity in the past 20 years, Afghan families have been forced to make unwanted decisions. Parents unable to repay debts or feed their families have been forced to send their children into marriage or orphanages. “Afghan culture and society has very strong child protection traditions, but they’ve just broken down over the years and now they need to be built back up,” Ihrig said. “But there has been progress. In some communities, there are child well-being committees, and the community is taking responsibility for the security of children. They’re monitoring and bringing attention to problems when there are child protection issues.” In the past year, Afghanistan has developed a National Child Welfare Policy that incorporates child protection acts. Ihrig hopes to continue this progress and develop a social work infrastructure that can support the new policy. While there is still much room for progress, Ihrig says that there has been a large embrace on the ministry and university level for a recognized need for social work. “In a very short period of time, there has been a complete shift in the idea of social work,” Ihrig said. “The government is seeing the need for a professionally trained work force … It’s very exciting.” n
Police Blotter
Voices from the Dustbowl
2/6/12 - 2/8/12
“What song do you listen to when you need to get pumped up?”
Monday, February 6
ported to a medical facility.
2:21 p.m. - A report was filed regarding a past hit and run of a motor vehicle in the basement of the Commonwealth Ave. garage which resulted in property damage only. The party responsible for the accident left a note on the window of the parked vehicle which was struck. An officer spoke with the party and obtained proper information for insurance purposes.
3:05 p.m. - A report was f iled at McElroy regarding a party who was the victim of an assault and battery at an unknown location. The victim did not wish to provide any details of the incident and did not wish for police intervention.
4:05 p.m. - A report was filed regarding a past hit and run of a motor vehicle in the commuter lot. It was undetermined where the damage to the vehicle occurred. There is no suspect vehicle at this time. 6:23 p.m. - A report was filed regarding an injured party at Conte Forum who was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital via Armstrong Ambulance Unit 74.
Tuesday, February 7 1:45 a.m. - A report was filed regarding a suspicious circumstance at the Brighton Campus Gymnasium. A follow up will be conducted. 12:10 p.m. - A report was filed regarding an ill party at St. Clement’s Hall who was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital via Armstrong Ambulance 74. 1:36 p.m. - A report was filed off campus regarding an ill party who was trans-
4:15 p.m. - A report was filed regarding a fire alarm activation at Edmond’s Hall. Boston Fire Department apparatus Engine 29 and Ladder 1 responded with Lt. McAdams in command. The cause of the alarm was a result of burnt cooking in the area of room 512. The alarm was reset and all units cleared the scene. 8:08 p.m. - A report was filed regarding a larceny at the Plex. A Detective will investigate further.
“‘Sexy and I Know It’ by LMFAO.” —Margaret Bowlby, LSOE ’14
“‘Stereo Hearts’ by Gym Class Heroes.” —Greg Kane, A&S ’15
Wednesday, February 8
—Source: The Boston College Police Department
“‘Not Afraid’ by Eminem.” —Katlyn Prentice,
A&S ’14
47° Partly Cloudy 28°
Friday
49° Sunny 33°
Saturday
35° Snow Showers 17° 30° Mostly Sunny 18°
Source: National Weather Service
A Guide to Your Newspaper The Heights Boston College – McElroy 113 140 Commonwealth Ave. Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02467 Editor-in-Chief (617) 552-2223 Editorial General (617) 552-2221 Managing Editor (617) 552-4286 News Desk (617) 552-0172 Sports Desk (617) 552-0189 Marketplace Desk (617) 552-3548 Features Desk (617) 552-3548 Arts Desk (617) 552-0515 Photo (617) 552-1022 Fax (617) 552-4823 Business and Operations General Manager (617) 552-0169 Advertising (617) 552-2220 Business and Circulation (617) 552-0547 Classifieds and Collections (617) 552-0364 Fax (617) 552-1753 EDITORIAL RESOURCES News Tips Have a news tip or a good idea for a story? Call David Cote, News Editor, at (617) 552-0172, or e-mail news@ bcheights.com. For future events, e-mail, fax, or mail a detailed description of the event and contact information to the News Desk. Sports Scores Want to report the results of a game? Call Greg Joyce, Sports Editor, at (617) 552-0189, or e-mail sports@bcheights.com. Arts Events The Heights covers a multitude of events both on and off campus – including concerts, movies, theatrical performances, and more. Call Brennan Carley, Arts and Review Editor, at (617) 552-0515, or e-mail arts@ bcheights.com. For future events, e-mail, fax, or mail a detailed description of the event and contact information to the Arts Desk. Clarifications / Corrections The Heights strives to provide its readers with complete, accurate, and balanced information. If you believe we have made a reporting error, have information that requires a clarification or correction, or questions about The Heights standards and practices, you may contact Taylour Kumpf, Editor-in-Chief, at (617) 552-2223, or e-mail editor@ bcheights.com. CUSTOMER SERVICE Delivery To have The Heights delivered to your home each week or to report distribution problems on campus, contact Dan Ottaunick, General Manager at (617) 552-0547. Advertising The Heights is one of the most effective ways to reach the BC community. To submit a classified, display, or online advertisement, call our advertising office at (617) 552-2220 Monday through Friday. The Heights is produced by BC undergraduates and is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year by The Heights, Inc. (c) 2012. All rights reserved.
“‘Since U Been Gone’ by Kelly Clarkson” —Min Hyeong Ki, A&S ’15
9:55 p.m. - A report was filed at More Hall regarding found property which was brought to Boston College Police Headquarters and stored for safekeeping.
12:54 a.m. - A report was filed at Walsh Hall regarding an ill party who was transported to the Boston College Primary Care Facility via a Boston College Police unit.
Today
Sunday
featured story
Eileen Ihrig, director of international programs at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW), is the co-principal investigator for a project that aims to establish social work as a recognized profession in Afghanistan. Ihrig and BC have partnered with Hunter College School of Social Work in New York and the Afghan Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs, and Disabled. With funding from UNICEF, the collaboration intends to establish occupational standards and curricula at undergraduate and graduate levels for social work in Afghanistan. “Afghanistan currently doesn’t have an established social work profession,” Ihrig said. “In recent years, the government has recognized the need for such a profession with national standards and training at a university level.” Originally established by UNICEF, the social work movement has been in development for over 10 years. In past years, social workers have received only a few weeks of training and are therefore not considered professionals. Ihrig’s project plans to change this standard of social work into a recognized profession.
Four Day Weather Forecast
CORRECTIONS In the Feb. 6 edition of “Voices from the Dustbowl,” the name Michel Adjibodou was misspelled. In the article titled “Bringing a Modern Twist to Teaching Literature,” in the Feb. 6 issue, “Gossip Texts” came out 400 years before “Sex and the City,” not 100. Professor Bicks was a high school teacher for three years, not one.
The Heights
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A3
Court rules Zaarly and LeapTask here to help in the right direction By Brigid Wright For The Heights
Sean Talia Hooray justice! On Tuesday afternoon the 9th Circuit Court struck down California’s Proposition 8, declaring it unconstitutional and dealing a heavy blow to all those who frown upon the idea of same sex couples being granted the right to marry. A member of that prestigious club includes our old friend Newt Gingrich, who immediately after the decision tweeted, “Court of Appeals overturning CA’s Prop 8 another example of an out of control judiciary. Let’s end judicial supremacy.” Gingrich’s public outcry aside, the Circuit Court’s ruling is probably not as significant as the headlines make it seem. The court maintained that it decided as it did because California had already granted both “the incidents and the official designation” of marriage to same-sex couples. Proposition 8, it argued, was essentially rescinding a right given to gays and lesbians simply because they belong to a particular social class, which isn’t actually a legitimate reason to do such a thing. The court went on to say that, “Proposition 8 served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California.” The court did not say, however, that it is unconstitutional to ever deny same-sex couples the right to marry. It merely said that once the right is granted, it cannot be taken away. The judges explicitly said in the ruling that it was not for them to answer the broader question of whether or not it’s constitutional to outright deny a same-sex couple the right to marry. Regardless, however, samesex couples in California are still not allowed to get married until the deadline, which would allow supporters of Prop 8 to file an appeal, has passed. Even if that were to happen though, and it certainly will, marriages between same-sex couples will still remain on hold until the Supreme Court upholds the decision or takes up the case. So while the ruling represents a symbolic victory for Prop 8’s opponents, it will have little effect in practice for some time to come. What’s now of great interest is whether or not this issue is going to rear its head at some point during the presidential election. Rick Santorum’s clean sweep of Colorado and Minnesota’s caucuses and Missouri’s primary – all of which took place on Tuesday night as well – sent the frightening message to Romney and his campaign that Santorum isn’t going away any time soon. Were he to get the GOP nomination, it would be bad news for same-sex couples around the nation. Santorum has already shamelessly paraded his ludicrous beliefs about gay marriage, going so far as to say that “an imprisoned father is preferable to a same-sex parent,” and that he would render all current same-sex marriages invalid. Yikes. President Barack Obama, too, opposes gay marriage, though his administration announced last year that it would no longer legally attempt to defend the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that recognizes marriage strictly as the legal union between a man and a woman. So while the gay and lesbian community may not necessarily have a friend in Barack Obama, they don’t have an outright enemy, which can’t be said of whoever gets the Republican nomination. With gays and lesbians in the U.S. numbering somewhere around four million, that will be an important fact to note come November.
Sean Talia is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at news@bcheights. com.
Two new opportunities for Boston College students to get the things they need quickly, and maybe make some extra money, have been introduced to campus. The first is Zaarly, an interactive website and public marketplace (with a recently introduced BC branch) that allows members of any community to post “what they want, when they want it.” The second, exclusive to BC, is LeapTask, a company of “on-demand personal assistants” for BC students, completing tasks requested by website users. Although the two are not affiliated, both are working for a common goal: to help people with the little things they need in their already stressful lives. Zaarly works like this: a buyer posts an ad onto the website requesting something they need, and a seller will reply to complete the task for compensation. Danny Sauter, marketing coordinator for Zaarly, said that students have requested a variety of things, like “$80 for a textbook, and $20 dollars for a ride to the airport.” Then, a seller would reply to the request. From that point, the two can chat through the website, negotiate prices, and decide on a meeting place. The buyer can pay in cash directly to the person, or through a credit card transaction made through the website that is not completed until the buyer
clicks “pay.” “Zaarly is an ideal platform for college students,” Sauter said. “You’ve got an extra basketball ticket and you see someone will pay for it, or that you’re a Spanish pro and someone is saying they’ll pay $20 for a tutor … the possibilities to make money are endless.” Zaarly allows students in the community to make money doing things they are good at. The website has created a marketplace for students, and anyone in a community, to post their needs and give capable people the opportunity to fulfill them for compensation. “The goal of Zaarly U is to build a community of BC students on the website,” said Annie Pemberton, campus CEO of Zaarly and A&S ’13. Pemberton mentioned that Zaarly might even provide a more systematic way to obtain popular campus needs, like event tickets, textbooks, and furniture for off-campus living, putting an end to the chaotic BC Class Facebook group posts. LeapTask works in a similar way. A BC student can go to the website and post a task online, and if an assistant is available, he or she will respond immediately. LeapTask also has pre-set tasks, like a Chipotle burrito and chips delivered for $15, or a Red Bull and snacks for $5. According to Matt LeBel, co-founder of LeapTask and A&S ’13, “There is no bartering with a seller.” An assistant who works for LeapTask completes the
request as soon as it is submitted for a set price. LeBel included that the average time for completion of a task with a LeapTask assistant is 33 minutes, and over 1,000 BC students are already registered on the site. Safety is a huge concern when it comes to media of this sort with person-to-person interaction. Both companies have kept this in mind in their design, however, and have executed with extreme precaution. Pemberton commented on Zaarly’s website interactions, saying privacy and safety are always maintained. “ You can chat w ith them through the website interface or call them through a provided number,” Pemberton said. “Once you have spoken to the responder and determined whether you trust them, you can choose to accept or deny their offer.” Zaarly’s website also assures that you do not have to click submit on a credit card payment until the exchange has been completed. Zaarly also offers the option of flagging posts if there is something inappropriate posted, such as a request for alcohol delivery, or even a request for someone to write a paper or take a test for another person. LeapTask is no different. “We only allow BC students to be assistants,” Lebel said. “We have approved assistants who have given us permission to do a background check.” n
Charity: water celebrates offical start
R E D I S N O C Fair trade for all: This week marks Boston College’s first Fair Trade week. Hopefully, after this week BC students will be more informed about this topic. Here are some facts about the fair trade movement to aid in BC’s fair trade education: -The idea of fair trade can be traced back to the 1800s. The “Free Produce Society,” founded by Thomas M’Clintock and other abolitionists in Philadelphia in 1827, started a boycott of goods produced with slave labor. -The term “fair trade” applies to items that have been produced under fair conditions, This means that the people who produced these goods were paid a just wage for their work. -At BC, one of the most visible examples of a fair trade item is Dean’s Beans coffee. Dean’s Beans is a Massachusetts company that purchases its beans from villages and importers that are committed to improving the health and economy of these villages. Dean’s Beans also supports efforts to improve the lives of disenfranchised groups here in the United States, such as Native Americans, the homeless, and the disabled -The Mennonite Central Committee was one of the first organizations to develop fair trade supply lines in developing countries in 1946. -$4.12 billion was spent on fair trade products during 2008, according to the UK’s Fairtrade Foundation.
Jamie Ciocon/Heights Editor
The group pledged to raise $20,000 to help provide clean water for an Ethiopian village at Tuesday’s kickoff.
-The U.S. and Canada experienced a 102 percent growth in Fair Trade sales between 2004 and 2007 according to the Fair Trade
Federation Interim Report on Fair Trade. -The global fair trade certified tea sector experienced 112 percent growth in 2008, according to the Fairtrade Labelling Organization. In 2008, Fair Trade Certified cotton product sales also increased by 94 percent and Fair Trade Certified coffee sales increased by 14 percent. -Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International estimated that over 7.5 million producers and their families currently benefit from the sale of fair trade products. -According to Break for the World, 1.4 billion people live on less than $1.25 a day, and 2.7 billion people live on less than $2 a day. -According to a 2000 U.S. State Department report, 15,000 children aged nine to 12 in the Ivory Coast alone have been sold into forced labor on coffee, cotton, and cocoa plantations. -The average farmer who works on a conventional farm will make two cents from a three-dollar latte sold in the U.S. A fair trade farmer will make 20 cents, according to Fairtrade Labelling Organization standards. -If African countries’ share of world exports increased by only one percent, they would make $70 billion a year. This figure is five times what the continent receives in aid each year. -According to the 2005 UNICEF State of the World’s Children Report, only $13 billion is needed to provide basic education and nutrition to all developing countries. -Andrew Millette and Samantha Costanzo n
Fair Share uses grassroots approach to support jobs By Samantha Costanzo Asst. News Editor
Though the unemployment rate has gone down, there are millions of Americans still struggling to find jobs. The Fair Share Alliance (FSA), a national non-profit group that recently opened a branch of its organization in Newton, strives to help these Americans by giving them a better chance at finding a good job. “We’re a citizen advocacy organization, so the mission is to make sure everyone has a fair shot at a good job, a secure future, and a strong voice in our democracy,” said Jane Wiedenbeck, field organizer for Massachusetts. “Essentially, we do work on the ground – grassroots type of work to make sure that local and national governments are putting policies in place that support your average
citizen over corporate profits.” Rob Balint, A&S ’13, became involved with FSA after Wiedenbeck gave a talk to his Comparative Social Movements class. “I really liked the idea of powering ahead with this new industry of clean energy,” he said. “At the same time that would increase job growth, which is desperately needed right now.” FSA uses media coordination, grassroots campaigning, and coalition building for its several nationwide campaigns. Three of its biggest projects are campaigns to close tax loopholes and end tax breaks for large corporations and the wealthy, improve healthcare, prevent cuts to funding for schools, and renew a series of tax credits for wind energy production. “They’re really critical to the wind industry and the clean energy
industry as a whole,” Wiedenbeck said of the Production Tax Credits (PTC). “They’re critical to make sure we’re adding jobs in the clean energy sector. Essentially, renewing these production tax credits for wind this year will create or save 54,000 jobs across the U.S.” According to saveusawindjobs. com, a group that is now part of FSA’s coalition supporters of the wind energy tax credits, the PTC allows developers to use private financing for wind projects. The site says that if the U.S. generated 20 percent of its electricity from wind power, it could create 500,000 jobs by 2030. The American Wind Association, another member of FSA’s coalition, reports that wind farms in Massachusetts power about 4,500 homes each year. This number is expected to increase significantly since the installation of Cape
Wind, the country’s first offshore wind project, can now go forward after being approved in 2010. “Massachusetts is critically important,” Wiedenbeck said. “We’re working to make sure that Senator Scott Brown stands up for these policies because he’s a relatively moderate senator and could go either way. He has been supportive of clean energy projects in the past but has not spoken out yet on this issue, so we definitely want to make sure he takes the lead on this and supports putting people back to work in the clean energy industry.” Because the FSA uses grassroots methods to achieve its goals, Balint and Wiedenbeck stressed the importance of getting the support of students like those at Boston College. “There’s a strong environmental responsibility element, and we’ve got a lot of geoscience majors and
environmental studies minors that really want to be a part of this,” Balint said. “On the other side, there’s some good political experience to be had … you can try to get your message across at a grassroots level.” Aside from its wind production campaign, FSA is working on several campaigns specific to Massachusetts. According to its website, these include investing in infrastructure, which would create more than 11,000 local jobs; providing funding to prevent public servants such as police officers and teachers from being fired, thereby protecting 6,300 jobs; and reforming unemployment insurance to help put up to 123,000 Massachusetts residents back to work. “There’s kind of a responsibility to pay back the state where your college is,” Balint said. n
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Thursday, February 9, 2012
Athletics pursuing a potential switch to paperless ticketing Tickets, from A1 ted into the arena. Many other private schools in the power six conferences, including Stanford, USC, Wake Forest, Duke, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, and Syracuse, load the information onto a student’s ID card, eliminating the paper ticket and permitting students to enter the stadium by swiping their card. The only exception is Notre Dame, which distributes a booklet at the beginning of the year containing all of the tickets for the season. “The system that we use is a ticketing system called Paciolan,” DiLoreto said. “They are just now being able to unveil an option for the ID card, but we’re converting it to also work with our system on campus.” Syracuse, Notre Dame, and USC have student ticket policies similar to those at BC. At Syracuse, season tickets for football cost $99, while basketball season tickets cost $160. Syracuse also offers a package deal for both season tickets with a $40 discount. USC charges $155 for football season tickets, but does not charge for men’s basketball. Notre Dame’s football season tickets cost $210 and basketball costs $65, but hockey at Notre Dame, which joins BC in the Hockey East next
season, is free to all students. Other private schools with major athletic programs do not use season tickets for students. Both Wake Forest and Duke, fellow members of the ACC, as well as Stanford, do not charge their students for admittance to any athletic events, including football and basketball, requiring just a student ID for admission. Duke is a four-time national champion in men’s basketball that thrives financially off of a partnership with Nike, while Stanford has one of the largest endowments in the country, making this option nearly impossible for BC. “The tickets are already discounted versus what they would be for regular price, and getting lower than $10, for us, that’s probably where we feel comfortable being at a student rate versus all those regular seats in the same area at $20,” DiLoreto said. “Packaging it at any more of a discount, we didn’t see more of an option there. From a pricing standpoint we feel that it’s pretty affordable.” Vanderbilt and Northwestern employ tuition fees that contribute to the athletic department, leading to an invisible cost which allows games to be marketed as “free” to all students. Vanderbilt charges a $506 a semester student activities and recreation
fee, significantly more than the $298 a year activities fee that BC charges. This fee allows all undergraduate students admittance to the athletic events throughout the year. Up until 2004, Northwestern distributed student season tickets the same way BC currently does. The associated student government at NU pushed to add an athletics fee separate from the student activities fee, a method used by many public universities across the country, and the Board of Trustees approved the change. Ever since then, Northwestern has had an athletics fee added to their overall tuition fees, which allows students admittance to all athletic events. The price for this year was $41. In a letter to Northwestern students, Director of Athletics Mark Murphy expressed the reason behind the change and said it would help “promote community-building among the NU student body.” “There is not a more unique and important element of a college athletic venue than a loyal, loud, and passionate student section,” Murphy wrote. “When coupled with good sportsmanship, the intensity and support that students demonstrate for their fellow students create a special home court and home field advantage. “
Besides Wake Forest and Duke, BC is the only school in the ACC that does not use this kind of athletics fee. The cost of the fee varies greatly among the conference schools, mainly due to the amount of funding these public institutions receive from the state for athletics. Florida State’s athletics fee, the lowest, is $14 a year, while UVA’s, the highest, is $657 a year. Even though the size of the fee varies from school to school, many students do not even know about the fee. As it is an invisible cost, admission to football and basketball games appears completely free. “For us, when we look at the total student body, and the interest level, it’s a choice,” DiLoreto said. “Rather than asking all students to be required to purchase it, it allows them to have choices, and that was a decision we made a long time ago and we stick to it. For the most part, I think students make the choice out of an interest in going to the game or not, and hopefully a $10 charge wouldn’t be the amount that would force them not to come.” The biggest issue found with the athletics fee is that it removes choice, requiring students who do not attend athletic events to pay the mandatory fee. Many universities’ athletic departments have countered this complaint with the
ability to apply for a refund on the fee if a student never uses his or her ID to receive admittance to games. In this scenario, students could purchase individual tickets to the games of their choosing, totaling a price less than the athletics fee, and then apply for the refund in order to make up the difference. It’s an option the BC athletics department has discussed, but not a change they are actively pursuing. “ We ’v e t a l ke d ab o u t i t ,” DiLoreto said. “For us, we look at the option of giving students choice, so for us it’s important to take a look at having the three sports season ticket packages available. We offered them last spring so you can bill it to your student account, so it’s very similar to an activities fee, in that the students can select to bill it to their student account.” Last spring, BC students had the option to sign up for season tickets for this year’s home games. By selecting this option, the $300 charge showed up on the tuition bill for the upcoming school year. “At all the schools, they have a process that takes place,” DiLoreto said. “Everybody is different for how they handle that. For us it is a first come first served basis, but we do it through the process of being able to bill the student
account. We give priority to season tickets, so we’d rather sell out and commit to students being able to come to all the games and be rabid supporters of all of our programs.” The two factors holding back this support are simplicity and cost. BC is trailing other competing private institutions when it comes to paperless tickets. Furthermore, the combined $210 cost of football and basketball season tickets is the third highest among private schools in the power six conferences, behind Notre Dame’s $275 and Syracuse’s $219. However, Notre Dame’s hockey tickets are free, while BC’s are an extra $90 charge. Given the overall cost and the comparatively inefficient printing process, the attendance and general fan interest this season has taken a hit while the football and basketball teams struggled. The current system is not set in stone, however, and the athletic department welcomes suggestions from students about how to better build student support and simplify the system. “We are very open minded to look at any of the processes that would help students the best we can, to make sure that we have great student attendance and the process is as simple as possible,” DiLoreto said. n
Primary voting begins today Debate, from A1 their t-shirts at the debate simply because they didn’t make any, a fact that they felt emphasized their dedication to fiscal responsibility and a realistic approach to tangible issues on campus. “We’re here to deal with the issues that really affect the student body, for instance, the smoking campus,” Salerni said. “We aren’t here to promise you things that are non-issues or things that you just want, like ABC Family on your TV. We
want to get rid of red tape that held up the Outdoors Club from getting approved for a year because they couldn’t decide if it was athletic or academic.” “Chris and I are very charismatic and approachable, an important characteristic of leaders,” Taziva said. “We want people to flag us down and talk to us.” Wanandi and Gomez pointed out the strength of their experience in UGBC as the characteristic that most sets them apart from the other teams . “The UGBC office is our home,” Gomez said. “A lot of times I put
UGBC work before my homework.” Wanandi also pointed out that they were the only team of both females to be running. If they were to be elected president and vice president, Gomez and Wanandi would be the first twofemale team to assume office in the history of the organization. Primary voting begins today, Feb. 9, and ends on Friday, Feb. 10. The primaries will eliminate three of the teams, leaving the top two vote-getting teams to battle in the final week of campaigning before the official vote. n
Beah speaks of troubled childhood Beah, from A1 Watch Children’s Division Advisory Committee and has used the success of A Long Way Gone to raise awareness about the horrifying plight of child soldiers across the globe. He has spoken at the United Nations and traveled to areas of the globe where children are used in conflict. Beah began his lecture on Monday night by discussing his early childhood in Sierra Leone. He said that before the war began, he lived a “simple but remarkable life” in a rural village in southwestern Sierra Leone devoid of running water or electricity. Beah chose to read a passage from A Long Way Gone that described the bloody scene when his village was first attacked, after which Beah was forced to flee with a group of children. However, the group was unable to find much help. “Child recruits of the war were forced to kill members of their own community, so when we came
into a village everyone closed their doors. People began to distrust the innocence of children.” Next, Beah described his life after his conscription into the army. He explained how the experience perverted the children’s senses of normalcy. “With all our families dead, the squadron became the new family, and the new way to show loyalty was violence … There were even times when we had to shoot our own people because stopping to ask could cost you your life.” Eventually, Beah was rescued from the war by UNICEF workers who placed him, along with other former child soldiers, into a rehabilitation center. Beah described the long and difficult process of learning how to function normally again and attempting to stop using violence as the default response in nearly every situation, “Sleeping was also very difficult for me because of my nightmares about the things I had seen as a solider. Sleep was filled with horrible, horrible things.”
After being released from the rehabilitation center, Beah went to live with an uncle in the capital city of Freetown, and was selected by chance to be flown to New York to speak to the United Nations about the horrors of the war. While there, he met an American woman who would adopt him a few years later. Having told most of his life story, Beah then began to discuss the development of international standards to abolish the conscription of child soldiers. Though he praised many efforts by the UN to set international laws and courts in place to fight the practice, he warned that “we sometimes focus too much on things in theory, and forget that these are things happening to human beings.” Finally, when asked about his reasons for writing A Long Way Gone, Beah replied: “I wanted to show people the strength of the human spirit to recover, but to also show that it is not easy or quick; it’s a process.” n
daniel lee / heights editor
Students who attended the Fair Trade Week event in the Yawkey Center met with a variety of fair trade vendors.
Fair trade events will last all week Fair Trade, from A1 companies gave speeches about how they have incorporated free trade practices into their business models. A representative from the Autonomie Project, a free trade clothing company, also spoke. Two national social justice organizations similarly spoke at the event, including the Student/Farmworker Alliance, which fights for better conditions for farmworkers, and Not For Sale, a group that fights to end human trafficking. A host of independent fair trade sellers offered a wide range of products from around the world, including everything from t-shirts to vases and wooden sculptures. Some of these businesses do much more for the communities they work with than simply offer a fair wage for their products, however. “On top of selling Guatemalan fair trade products, I spend two to four months in Guatemala each year offering free business consul-
tation to cooperatives, and I also offer scholarships for Guatemalan students,” said Eliza Strode, the owner of A Thread of Hope. Tuesday night’s event, “The Truth Behind BC Dining and Coffee,” was held in Gasson 305. Real Food and BC Dining presented a panel of representatives from BC’s three major coffee suppliers, Dean’s Beans, Peet’s Coffee, and Equal Exchange, that spoke about the fair trade work of their companies. Helen Wechsler, the director of BC Dining, also spoke about BC Dining’s commitment to fair trade practices. A film screening of Trade, a movie about human sex trafficking, was held Wednesday night in Higgins 300. This event was hosted by R.E.A.C.T., the Asian Caucus, and the AHANA Leadership Council. Tonight’s event, “Wear Fair,” will be held in the Rat at 8 p.m. Students will be able to tie-dye free t-shirts provided by the free trade clothing company Alta Gracia. They will also be able to learn more about
the BC Bookstore’s involvement with the free trade movement. The Volunteer Service and Learning Center and Nights on the Heights will sponsor the event. The final event of the week will be a student brainstorming session for fair trade activities on campus hosted on the second floor of Corcoran Commons. Malieka has high hopes for this event. “We’re hoping to find students to take over after we leave,” she said. “We hope there will be a fair trade registered student organization in the near future.” Though the student leaders who planned Fair Trade Week are looking for students who have a passion for social justice to take over their efforts in the future, they hope that this week will have an impact on all BC students. “We want students to realize it’s not a stretch to support fair trade,” McCluney said. “Consciousness and awareness is what we hope we’ve achieved this week.” n
Blog accused of normalizing rape Petition, from A1 stand up for rape victims. “On a day where BC survivors of sexual assault share their stories, we as a community listen, support, and empower others to advocate and continue the fight for a safer campus,” the petition reads. “On the other side of the spectrum, students will be partying at an event organized by Barstool Sports, a group that condones and mocks the rape culture. This is a call to BC students and members of the greater community to be men and women for others by refusing to support violent rhetoric, even in the name of satire or not-so-funny humor, that contributes to a culture that blames victims and condones rape. By signing this petition I am supporting survivors of sexual assault and not condoning the rape culture that Barstool Sports
blog perpetuates.” The petition currently has more than 760 signatures, 720 of which are from current BC students. “Our main goal for this petition is not necessarily to ‘shut down’ Barstool or to label it as the primary cause of the problem,” said Nicole Laniado, WRC staff and CSOM ’13. “We want to start a dialogue among students about why the comments like the ones that Barstool has made are problematic, and to encourage students to support survivors of rape and sexual assault in the BC community by attending Take Back the Night.” Two specific quotes from Barstool Sports are also mentioned in the petition as the way in which the blog “condones and mocks the rape culture.” Many students at BC have pointed out that the blog is satirical and humorous, and that attending the
Barstool Blackout Tour does not condone rape or support the rape culture. Many have also argued out that if blogs like Barstool were to be censored, various forms of communication, like movies and television, would also need to be censored. Laniado responded to such an argument by saying that jokes about rape are never funny. “The problem with these jokes is that they normalize rape and sexual assault and put it into a less negative light, so that the reality of rape and sexual assault on our campus is taken less seriously as well,” Laniado said. “Being a survivor on this campus can be very isolating, and hearing those jokes further gives a message to survivors that their experiences are not taken seriously.” David Portnoy, Barstool Sports’ publisher and chief blogger, was contacted by The Heights for comment but was unavailable. n
CLASSIFIEDS
The Heights
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Thursday, February 9, 2012
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Check out the B-Line at theb-line.tumblr.com
Directions: The Sudoku is played over a 9x9 grid. In each row there are 9 slots, some of which are empty and need to be filled. Each row, column and 3x3 box should contain the numbers 1 to 9. You must follow these rules: · Number can appear only once in each row · Number can appear only once in each column · Number can appear only once in each 3x3 box · The number should appear only once on row, column or area.
A6
The Heights
Editorials
QUOTE OF THE DAY
BC Memes a symbol of campus unity
Thursday, February 9, 2012
“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940), American novelist
Recently popular Facebook page connects undergrads via humor and shared experiences On Tuesday night, two Boston College juniors founded the Facebook group “BC Memes.” Quickly and exp onenti ally g row ing in
BC Memes, as trivial as it may seem, is a prime example that , de spite our differences, we are truly one student body. popularity, BC Memes allows BC students to wittily caption pictures and relate them back to college life
and culture. In a mere 48 hours, the group has amassed over 4,000 “likes.” BC is a campus that is often criticized for its lack of cohesiveness and united mobility. BC Memes, as trivial as it may seem, is a prime example that, despite our differences, we are truly one student body. We face the same banal irks, celebrate the same minor victories, and question the same insignificant issues. We can find common ground via humor over Professors and Pastries, crowded Hillside elevators, and the Walsh check-in desk. The Heights would like to urge each undergraduate to view BC Memes as an example of how we all can connect with each other, even if just in small way. We are all BC, and BC Memes illustrates that.
Athletic ticket process in need of a facelift ‘The Heights’ suggests three options for boosting attendance and fan interest Boston College is among a minority of universities nationwide, as well as the only private university, that charges students for season tickets to all three revenue sports: football, men’s basketball, and men’s ice hockey. The Heights recognizes that the athletic department gives a significant discount to students, but the $300 charge, which does not include events like the Beanpot, the BC Notre Dame football game, or bowl games, is a burden to even the most passionate fans who wish to attend every game. The current
system, which requires students to print out tickets and use a credit card for individual games, also cuts down on the interest of causal fans. More than anything else, The Heights wants the highest possible student attendance at BC athletic events, and the policies at other universities across the country set an example of how to achieve this goal. We recognize that the athletic department is doing e ver ything they can to build fan interest, and
we commend them for being open to new ideas from students. The Heights understands that the overall price of tickets may not be able to be lowered, but policy and system changes could make a huge difference in attendance. The fan experience as a student is both incredible and inherently rare. We believe there are ways to make it easier for students to participate in this atmosphere without compromising the financial stability of the athletic department. The Heights has three recommendations which would help attendance and boost overall fan interest. The first is to implement the athletics fee used by Northwestern and the rest of the ACC. This fee, which would be added on to the tuition each semester similar to the student activities fee, would allow “free” access to all sporting events during the season. While this may take away choice from students, BC could set up a refund program, so that anyone who does not use their Eagle ID to take advantage of the tickets can apply for a refund at the end of the season. This still allows students to have choice, while also providing an easier route for students to attend games, and for the athletic department to market them. The second recommendation, if the athletics fee is not possible, is to increase the student activities fee and use that money the same way the athletics fee is used. This would also be an “invisible cost” that would similarly boost attendance. The final re commendation is an achievable one that the athletic department could and should have in place by next fall when the football season begins. Student tickets should solely be handled through the Eagle ID instead of requiring students to print tickets. Students should also be able to swipe their cards at the stadium entrance and charge a game to their Eagle Bucks. This change would provide an immediate boost to attendance, especially for weekday games when a student’s schedule might clear up at the last minute. The Heights suggests that B C students take this information and push for a change that would benefit themselves, the student-athletes, and the athletic program as a whole.
The Heights The Independent Student Newspaper of Boston College Established 1919 Taylour Kumpf, Editor-in-Chief Daniel Ottaunick, General Manager Lindsay Grossman, Managing Editor
Contributors:
Adriana Mariella/ Heights Illustration
Letters to the Editor Why are you buying that? Boston College Dining Services maintains a list on its website of its accomplishments in sustainability. One bullet point says: “Fall of 2008: installed new vending machines to sell bottled Dasani water. This allows us to offer water at a lesser price while being environmentally conscious as well.” Wait, what? Water at a lower price? The vending machines sell each bottle of Dasani, a brand owned by the Coca-Cola Company with whom BC has an exclusive contract, for $1.50. The water in the bottle, which CocaCola admits comes from the taps of Queens, N.Y. and Jacksonville, Fla., only costs about 11 cents per gallon. For the price of one bottle of water, you could drink almost 38 times as much tap water. And environmentally conscious? Twice the amount of water in a plastic bottle is needed to produce the bottle itself, says the Pacific Institute, and 17 million barrels of oil are used each year in the production of water bottles. Not to mention that thousands of watts of energy are used every day to power each illuminated vending machine. BC students buy crates full of water packaged as Dasani and SmartWater, another Coca-Cola brand that sells for $4.50 a bottle in dining halls. Though BC declined to comment on the actual number of water bottles sold, if each student bought only two bottles each semester, more than 35,000 bottles would be paid for and thrown away each year. Why do students keep buying these bottles? Because CocaCola has created an attractive product and has convinced consumers that they need it. And, despite the undeniable human rights abuses and social injustices caused by the Coca-Cola Company, BC continues to exclusively advertise and sell Coca-Cola brand water and soda products. The Coca-Cola Company launched a campaign called “H2NO” in 1998 in response to competition from tap water. People chose tap water out of convenience and habit, Coca-Cola found. The company developed an education kit that trained restaurant servers to persuade customers to buy Coca-Cola soft drinks instead of drinking tap water. The program was implemented in restaurants such as Olive Garden. But a year later, Coca-Cola’s “H2NO” campaign became an H2YES campaign. In the late 1990s, a record number of consumers gravitated towards tap water with the added bonus of convenience and style: bottled water. Within a few years, buying bottled water became an American habit. Annual U.S. consumption of bottled water per person grew from 9.8 gallons in 1992 to 21.2 gallons in 2002. Coca-Cola no longer had to compete with tap water, it could sell it. In 1999, the Dasani brand was created. Coca-Cola uses fancy description and outright false advertisement to sell its water products. Dasani offers “purified water enhanced with a special blend of minerals.” Well, we can only hope that Coca-Cola purifies its water before it goes on the shelf. Because “unlike tap water, where consumers are provided with test results every year, the bottled water industry is not required to disclose the results of any contaminant testing that it conducts,” says the Environmental Working Group. And SmartWater boasts “added electrolytes for taste.” Electrolyte is a scientific word for salt. If there is a high level of electrolytes in a liquid, the liquid will taste salty. I don’t want to drink salty water, and I think it is safe to assume that most other people don’t either. That is why sports drinks are flavored with sugar, to mask the taste of the electrolytes. Thankfully for its consumers, SmartWater does not have a high enough level of electrolytes to taste
salty, or add any health benefit. However ridiculous, CocaCola’s advertising skills deserve some credit, because many Boston College students spend hundreds of dollars each year on possibly-purified water that may have a normal level of electrolytes. The Coca-Cola Company supposed commitment to sustainability also attracts BC students. The Dasani vending machines on campus display phrases such as “Designed to make a Difference,” and Dasani bottles, as displayed in bright green on the label, are made with “up to 30 percent plant-based 100% recyclable material.” BC feeds off of the Coca-Cola sustainability initiative to advertise its own commitment to social-justice issues. The dining halls use Coca-Cola compostable cups, and several years ago the former CEO of the Coca-Cola Company gave a speech at BC’s Chief Executive Club of Boston about Coca-Cola’s global initiatives. But what’s really going on? Coca-Cola gives BC millions of dollars a year for it to sell Dasani and SmartWater, among other products, and the Dasani and SmartWater bottles sold at Boston College promote and strengthen the Coca-Cola Company as it continues to devastate the water quantity and quality in foreign countries, such as India. Coca-Cola extracts one million liters of water a day in some parts of India, according to Common Dreams. And, one region saw an 83-foot decrease in the groundwater level in the 10 years after Coca-Cola began operations (2000-2010) compared to a 12-foot decrease in the 10 years before (1990-2000), the Indian Resource Center reports. Seventy-five percent of the water Coca-Cola extracts turns to waste water, which is mostly discharged into fields, damaging agriculture. Coca-Cola’s Water Stewardship Goal was created in 1997 and focused on replenishing water in Asia and Africa, including a lake in Karnataka, India. And in 2008, CocaCola announced its new Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative: to achieve water neutrality in India by 2009. Yet the company admitted that water neutrality is “troublesome and generally impossible.” And last year, Coca-Cola released that it had not met its replenishment or neutrality goals. Later that year, S2C Global Systems, Inc. announced it would transport water from Blue Lake in Alaska to India to provide water to the 210 million people in the country with no access to clean water. Some BC students and faculty, including a group that traveled to Mexico to see the negative effects of Coca-Cola production and sales in Cuernavaca, have attempted to get information about the school’s contract with the Coca-Cola Company and to get the University to end the contract. But, BC will not budge; it says that the contract is too important to the University. In India, Coca-Cola sells water at a higher price than Coke. This has caused mass protests and strikes, and some plants were forced to close in 2004. But BC does not mind that SmartWater is sold at three times the price of a bottle of Coke, because its students can pay for the bottles, and they have access to clean tap water, unlike villages in India where Coke owns the only water supply. So, the sale of Dasani and SmartWater bottles on campus, which BC says “allows us to offer water at a lesser price while being environmentally conscious as well,” will continue to support a company that implements higher water prices and environmentally harmful practices not only on campus but worldwide.
The Heights welcomes Letters to the Editor not exceeding 200 words and column submissions that do not exceed 700 words for its op/ed pages. The Heights reserves the right to edit for clarity, brevity, accuracy, and to prevent libel. The Heights also reserves the right to write headlines and choose illustrations to accompany pieces submitted
to the newspaper. Submissions must be signed and should include the author’s connection to Boston College, address, and phone number. Letters and columns can be submitted online at www.bcheights.com, by e-mail to editor@bcheights.com, in person, or by mail to Editor, The Heights, 113 McElroy Commons, Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02467.
Nicole Zanardi A&S’12
Business and Operations
Editorial Eleanor Hildebrandt, Copy Editor David Cote, News Editor Greg Joyce, Sports Editor Therese Tully, Features Editor Brennan Carley, Arts & Review Editor Charlotte Parish, Metro Editor Elise Taylor, Opinions Editor Molly Lapoint, Special Projects Editor Jae Hyung (Daniel) Lee, Photo Editor Maggie Burdge, Layout Editor
Woogeon Kim, Graphics Editor Katie McClurg, Online Manager Michelle Tomassi, Assoc. Copy Editor Chris Grimaldi, Asst. Copy Editor Andrew Millette, Assoc. News Editor Sam Costanzo, Asst. News Editor Chris Marino, Assoc. Sports Editor Austin Tedesco, Asst. Sports Editor Alexandra Schaeffer, Asst. Features Editor Taylor Cavallo, Assoc. Arts & Review Editor
Dan Siering, Asst. Arts & Review Editor Marc Francis, Asst. Metro Editor Graham Beck, Asst. Photo Editor Mary Rose Fissinger, Asst. Layout Editor Joseph Castlen, Asst. Graphics Editor David Riemer, Asst. Online Manager Devon Sanford, Editorial Assistant Cathryn Woodruff, Executive Assistant
Jamie Ciocon, Business Manager James Gu, Advertising Manager Adriana Mariella, Outreach Coordinator Borui Wang, Systems Manager Amy Hachigian, National Sales Manager Daniel Arnold, Local Sales Manager Natasha Ettensberger, Collections Manager DJ Terceiro, Asst. Local Sales Manager Christina Quinn, Project Coordinator
The Heights
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A7
Opinions
Contraception, Catholics, and religious liberty
Thumbs Up Janine Hanrahan BC Memes- Who knew BC had so much (sarcastic) creativity running through its veins? Launched only a few days ago, the BC Memes Facebook page has over 4,000 likes, and it is easy to see why. Commenting on everything from Professors and Pastries to CoRo conundrums, BC Memes exposes the hilariously awkward problems and experiences of everyday life in Chestnut Hill. Lets keep em’ coming everybody. D re a m Te a m - Wed d i n g Crasher fans, rejoice. Fox recently announced that Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson will be reunited once again in Interns, a movie about middle-aged men who are laid off and forced to become interns for a new start-up company. Sounds Old-Schoolish to us, and we like it. Comeback Kids- BC basketball beat the highly ranked Florida St. Seminoles last night 64-60, coming back from a 13-point gap in the first half. Long the punching bag for BC athletics, last night’s “W” taught us to never lose faith in the underdogs. A Whale of a Tale- Fishermen in Pakistan found a 40foot whale shark earlier this week. When they performed an autopsy, they discovered that ancient Biblical character Jonah had comfortably fashioned himself a three bedroom, three bath apartment with adjacent garden. Turns out when God gave him the chance of redemption, he went out, realized he was in Pakistan, then just went right back in.
Thumbs Down Major Misstep- Congressman John Fleming of Louisiana accidently used a satirical piece on Planned Parenthood from The Onion as factual evidence against abortion. Don’t feel bad for Congressman Fleming, however. His starring role in “True Life: I have a third grade education and am the potential result of centuries of incest” is posed to give him a healthy amount of cash. Breaking the code of conduct- To the kid who repeatedly asked in-depth questions at 3:58 in my Philosophy of the Person class, everyone hates you. There’s a reason no one sits next to you, and there is a reason everyone groans when you open your mouth. If you won’t take the obvious social hints of rolling eyes and dirty looks, let me state it clearly: please, save the questions for after class or an e-mail to the professor.
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Throughout American history, protecting religious liberty has been a fundamental tenet of government. Freedom of religion is enshrined in the First Amendment, ensuring that religious beliefs are protected. Yet, conceptions of religious liberty diverge and inevitably lead to controversy. In the latest example, the Obama administration has issued a mandate that rolls over the liberty of Catholic institutions across America. As part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare), religious employers are required to purchase contraception, sterilization, and abortifacient coverage for their employees. While there is an exemption, it only includes employers that have religious inculcation as their primary duty, primarily employ people of the same faith, and primarily serve people of the same faith. As a result of this narrow criteria, universities, charities, and hospitals are not exempt, leaving a multitude of Catholic institutions to comply with a law that violates their faith or face of fine of $2,000 per employee. According to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the mandate “respects” religious beliefs. Of course, that is decidedly not the case. The Church teaches that it is “intrinsically wrong to use contraception to prevent new human beings from coming into existence,” yet under this mandate, Catholic institutions will have to directly pay for actions that violate their longstanding teachings. According to the Obama Administra-
tion, this is acceptable because almost all women, including Catholics, use contraceptives at some point in their lives, contraceptives have health benefits, and contraceptives are expensive if not covered by insurance. While these points are valid, they are not grounds for violating the First Amendment. Furthermore, there are alternative approaches to ensuring more women have access to birth control without violating freedom of conscience. Although there are 28 states that already have contraception mandates, 15 of them have exemptions that are broader
than the one offered by the federal government. In Hawaii, for instance, women who work at institutions exempted under state law are able to buy inexpensive contraception coverage outside of the work place. Yet, rather than pursue this approach, President Obama and Secretary Sebelius have decided that trampling religious liberty is better policy. Additionally, the mandate may end up adversely affecting the individuals Catholic institutions serve. Cardinalelect Timothy Dolan (who is also the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) wrote that organizations opposed to the mandate might either “stop serving people of all faiths in their ministries—so that they will fall under the narrow exemption—or stop providing healthcare coverage to their own employees.”
Even worse, these organizations may shut down all together. In 2006, one of the most successful adoption services in the country, Boston Catholic Charities, closed down rather than comply with Massachusetts’ law requiring that the organization place children with same-sex couples. While some may celebrate the dissolution of Catholic organizations due to differences with the church, that is a decidedly absurd attitude given the tremendous good they do. Meanwhile, those who support the mandate are busy painting Catholic opposition as anti- women. Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Patty Murray, and Barbara Boxer say, “The millions of American women who choose to use contraception should not be forced to follow religious doctrine, whether Catholic or non-Catholic.” Yet this argument is utter nonsense. The fact that Catholic institutions do not provide birth control to their employees is not forcing them to follow religious doctrine—employees can get birth control elsewhere. Furthermore, employees choose their employers. If access to free contraception is a priority for a woman, then working for a Catholic organization probably is not the best idea. As a feminist and someone who believes in the use of birth control, I want to side with the Obama Administration. But despite the fact that I think the Church’s position on contraception is nonsensical (natural family planning—are you kidding me?), it is simply not the president’s place to interfere with religious institutions. Once the government’s tentacles reach the conscience of the believer, God only knows where they will go next. Janine Hanrahan is a staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.
Dissecting an IPO
Tim O’Connor On Feb. 1, Facebook posted the status update the tech-finance world had been anticipating for years: it’s going public. Later this year, the company will start trading on the open market, letting anyone with a bit of cash and an appetite for risk to own a little slice of the web’s preeminent social media service. In Facebook’s S-1 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted that Facebook “was built to accomplish a social mission—to make the world more open and connected,” and that the company’s move to raise $5 billion with the public offering will support the company’s efforts to further that mission. Things are changing at Facebook, but who’s clicking the “like” button? The obvious answer is “anyone who already owns part of the company,” including Zuckerberg himself. Though he has often been perceived as wary of the damage a public offering could do to the company’s culture and focus (many claim he single-handedly curtailed efforts by the other owners to push for an IPO back in 2010), the company’s founder and CEO owns roughly 24 percent of the company. Financial services site Learnvest compiled a list of other confirmed or suspected owners that includes Zuckerberg’s co-founder Eduardo Saverin (famously depicted as ousted from the company in 2010’s The Social Network), Napster founder Sean Parker (famously depicted doing cocaine with minors in 2010’s The Social Network), Goldman Sachs, and Bono. Yes, that Bono.
Bazoomie Wagon
The day after the company announced it would go public, trading on private exchanges valued Facebook at $94 billion. That would place Zuckerberg’s holdings at $22.5 billion, making him richer than Google co-founder Larry Page. The question is: will that valuation hold up as Facebook approaches public trading? Many financial advisors are already steering clients away from Facebook, contrasting the company’s modest $1.19 billion in earnings against the impossibly high valuation. Most companies on the public market are valued at roughly 12 times their earnings, while the early numbers have Facebook pegged at almost 80 times what it brought in last year. So, what does this mean for all of us who don’t own Facebook, don’t care to own Facebook, but who obsessively use it every day? It’s tough to say exactly what will change, but the simplified version is “Facebook will need to make more money.” Private equity may have been willing to nurture the service through its infancy, but future potential will only take Zuckerberg and company so far. Facebook must demonstrate the ability to profit, and selling Farmville tokens and ad space just won’t cut it. Of course, everyone knows that Facebook’s number one commodity is its ludicrously comprehensive database full of our status updates, personal information, and photos, and the company is hard at work figuring out new ways to sell our stuff. In January, Facebook and Politico announced that they had reached a deal to give the political news site unprecedented access to help measure the internet-buzz surrounding Republican presidential candidates. Politico will receive data from any posts or comments that refer to a candidate, including status updates and comments that are marked as private. Though Facebook claims that the information-harvesting will
BY BEN VADNAL
be sanitized and automated, and thus not anything users should worry about, those of us who like “private” to mean private can’t help but be a bit skeptical. Facebook might be taking our privacy for granted, but statutes surrounding publicly traded companies may force the social media site to give up some of its own secrecy. The SEC’s rules require Facebook to publicly disclose anything that could have a substantive effect on their earnings, and that could include privacy investigations. So far, the company has been able to handle any wrongdoings behind closed doors, but it is tough to gauge whether or not this change will actually impact the company, as it already finds itself under careful scrutiny due to the sheer volume of personal data it manages. Nonetheless, an airing of dirty laundry could cause some users to second-guess their relationship with the site. The challenges ahead for Facebook are the same that most of the last decade’s major internet sensations will inevitably face in the coming years: can you sell your stock without selling your soul? Zuckerberg is keenly aware that making the service too commercial will turn users away, and he’s attempting to monetize the very act of sharing information—the thing people use Facebook for to begin with. But what about other sites, like Tumblr or reddit? They’ll have to find their own paths to prosperity, and they run the same risk of alienating the people who use their services every day if they push too hard. We may be the generation that made Facebook, but will we be the generation that makes Facebook profitable? Mark that as a “Maybe.” Tim O’Connor is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.
A midcollege crisis
Pooja Shah Every now and then, I have a sudden panic attack about what I am going to do for the rest of my life. It’s as if I am waking up from a recurring bad dream where I am stranded in a sea of resumes, transcripts, job applications, and mostly questions marks. What will I do post-graduation? Will I get a job that I am happy with? Is my resume strong enough? What if I don’t have enough work experience? Did I choose the right major? I sometimes feel as if nothing I do seems enough. No number of service trips, club membership, leadership roles, dance teams, internships—the list goes on. It’s as if grades are not even as relevant, but are simply numbers that determine how hard you studied during finals week or how lucky you got not having to complete all the reading on the syllabus. No matter how hard I study or how many hours are spent hibernating in O’Neill, there’s always room for improvement. I like to think I am not alone in this “mid-college crisis” I suffer from (even though I’m a second semester junior, but that’s beside the point). I am sure there are others who feel overwhelmed by the pressure of being the best or most successful. Yet, for some reason, we all continuously stress ourselves out over the littlest things. Take internship hunting, for example. It’s a given that internship experience is a key component for students when they apply for jobs after college. Though interns often indulge in grueling, unpaid labor, they ultimately develop valuable communication and interpersonal skills. Statistics even show that 61 percent more students are employed if they have internship experience than if they do not. However, even if students receive these benefits and the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to “real life,” there is no guarantee that they are happy with what they are doing. Similarly, even choosing one’s major is a difficult, sometimes unsatisfying decision. We are often advised by mentors, parents, and other adults to study what we are most passionate and good at. However, what about the practicality and relevance of certain majors over others? What happens when you have a degree from an accredited university, but sill struggle to find a job that meets your qualifications or interests? I recently read an article in The Washington Post that talked about how not all college majors are created equal. Though that’s pretty obvious, it’s unfortunate how unemployment rates are increasingly higher in certain majors than others. As the article states, about 9 percent of recent college graduates are unemployed and swimming in education loans that aren’t paid off. It emphasized students should research what majors receive highpaying jobs before attending college to explore all employment prospects and to make a decision that is financially stable. At this point, it’s too late to change my major. I can’t go back to my carefree high school years and research on what the highest paying occupations are. There is no point thinking another major or career path would be more rewarding because it will not change the present situation. Although I’m still searching for an enlightening moment where I’ll just know what career path I want to choose, I’ve heard some encouraging words: “If you are not concerned about the outcome of a circumstance, you will experience no fear. When you attach yourself to expectations, anxiety and fear will overcome you.” In other words, the experience of college is supposed to be empowering, educational, and illuminating. Whether the fruits of your labor will prove to be gratifying now or down the road, every bit of what you have done will one day be worth it. As cliche as it may sound, a bit of optimism and hope can only help contribute to the wonderful opportunities we receive as Boston College students.
Pooja Shah is a staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.
The Heights
A8
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Eagles provide strong offense in first-round win over NU By Austin Tedesco Asst. Sports Editor
Graham Beck / heights editor
Freshman Johnny Gaudreau (left) and senior Paul Carey (right) were both huge offensive assets for the Eagles in their Beanpot victory.
Carey, Gaudreau, and Whitney lead route Beanpot, from A10 Penalty trouble allowed the Huskies to make a comeback try—first Kreider was called for roughing at the 11:09 mark, and shortly after Steve Whitney was hit up for roughing as well. With the 5-on-3 advantage, Northeastern finally got a point on the board with a score by defenseman Anthony Bitetto. The first period ended with a close 2-1 contest. “I thought the first period, certainly, Northeastern had the edge in play,” said BC head coach Jerry York. “We were back on our heels a little bit and were very fortunate to come out of that up 2-1. They scored a really well executed 5-on-3 goal on us. I thought our team came out and did very well in the second and third period.” The second period saw the Eagles take their game to a new level. The team scored three goals, two of which were short handed, while holding the Huskies to none. The first goal came when Whitney took a pass across the front of the net from senior Barry Almeida. The setup gave Whitney enough space to beat Rawlings to his right. This score came with BC down a man in the box. The second came on a quick breakaway down the ice from the Eagles. Patch Alber took a hard shot while driving down the center of the ice. Both Gaudreau and Mullane appeared to get a piece of the puck, as they moved on front of net, causing the puck to ricochet to the back of the net. The score was given to Gaudreau for his second of the night, putting
the Eagles up 4-1. The final score of the period came when Whitney caused a turnover, and began to take the breakaway, down a man. He attempted to pass the puck across the ice to Almeida, however a defender knocked it back to him. Whitney collected the puck, and set up for a slap shot. The puck went top shelf and over the left shoulder of Rawlings to put the Eagles up 5-1. The most impressive part of this highscoring period was BC’s ability to make plays despite being down men. Not only was the penalty kill successful, but the team managed offensive production as well. York pointed out that the team’s goal in games like this is to “not to let the other team do what they like to do.” Furthermore, York pointed out that this period was undoubtedly the game changer for his team. “I thought that was the breaking point, that really got us going, the two short-handed goals in the second period,” he said. “Our team came out and played very well in the second and third periods.” The final stanza began with sophomore Clay Witt taking over in net for Rawlings. The Eagles were unfazed by this change, adding two more goals in the period. The first score came when Almeida sent back a rebound off a shot from Whitney. It was the Eagles’ first power-play goal of the night. The score gave Whitney his third point for the night. The second and final goal of the night came off the stick of the man who started the
Eagles’ scoring effort. Carey tipped in a quick shot from sophomore Isaac MacLeod just past the blue line. Northeastern head coach Jim Madigan felt that his team was totally shut down by the Eagles in all aspects of the game. “They outplayed us, they outcoached us, they wanted it more than us,’’ he said. “They were much more hungry, they were stronger on pucks. Right from the get-go they took it to us and we couldn’t get going. We just didn’t play to their tempo at all.’’ York was impressed by his team’s play under the poor ice conditions. With a game played on it just before, the puck seemed to bounce around more frequently than in most contests, especially towards the end of the game. “There were bouncy pucks,’’ York said. “They were on the power play and we got two shorthanded goals. That got us really going. I thought our team came out and played very well in the second and third period.’’ For the Eagles, a win like this not only launches them into the final against rival BU, but also gives them necessary momentum for the end of the season. “We, as a team, haven’t been playing as well as we are capable of,” Gaudreau said. “We were just looking forward to getting that win, we were on track, we swept UNH last weekend and we just wanted to keep things rolling. Coming out here and beating Northeastern 7-1, I think that as a team we’re playing really well and it should carry over into next weekend.” n
Northeastern goalie Chris Rawlings had a rough second period on Monday night against the No. 5 Boston College men’s hockey team, and to little fault of his own. The Eagles beautifully converted great defense into offense, even while being shorthanded during their three-goal second period. BC has had some trouble offensively this season, but with this kind of defense and Parker Milner’s solid goaltending, the team is really starting to hit its stride. “I think, come the second period,” head coach Jerry York said, “we took the great effort we had in the first period and we put everyone on the same page, and it definitely made a difference. I think it was just a slight adjustment.’’ Turnovers first began to hurt the Huskies with 10:17 left in the first period, already trailing 1-0 to the Eagles, when freshman forward Johnny Gaudreau put BC up 2-0 by sliding the puck through the legs of Rawlings with no defenders in front of him. The young forward almost converted another turnover just two minutes later, but after sending Rawlings diving after a fake, Gaudreau slipped and lost the puck. Gaudreau would show up again in the second half, but not before senior forward Barry Almeida and junior Steven Whitney began to put the game out of reach. “When you’ve got forwards like [Steve Whitney and Barry Almeida], some highly skilled forwards, if the other team puts them in a spot where they can make a play, chances are more times than not they can make a good play with it,’’ York said. York attributed many of the Huskies’ turnovers to the chippy ice conditions because of the earlier first round game between BU and Harvard. “The ice conditions are terrific because of back-to-back games with bouncing pucks,” York said. “I attribute that to the ice being rough here, and we took it to our advantage.”
In the second period, the Eagles used those ice conditions to their advantage wonderfully. Steven Whitney contributed two shorthanded goals, the first coming after junior forward Chris Kreider was given a two-minute penalty for hitting from behind. Whitney and Almeida wasted no time, scoring just one minute later. Almeida stole the puck from a Huskie and set up Whitney for a one-timer seven minutes into the second, opening the floodgates. Whitney would connect again seven minutes later by stealing the puck on his own, even while short-handed, and driving down the ice to score on Rawlings again. In between the two Whitney scores, Gaudreau found the net again off of a Northeastern turnover. Patch Alber stole the puck from a Huskie and took a shot that Gaudreau and junior forward Pat Mullane simultaneously rebounded and knocked into the net. “Mullane made a huge effort to get the first (defenseman) to cough up the puck,” Gaudreau said. “Paul was just screaming, and I knew where he was for a nice little drop pass that he ripped in.” The goal would end up being credited to Gaudreau, who had a magical night during his first Beanpot. Almeida would get a goal of his own in the final period to seal the win off of an assist from Whitney, capping off a huge night for the upperclassmen. Recreating defense this good will be tough, and whether or not Milner can continue this kind of goaltending is a huge question mark for the Eagles, both in the Beanpot final against BU on Monday and for the rest of the season. Without all of the Northeastern turnovers, Milner could have been more exposed, and the goals would not have come nearly as easily. Even while they were on a roll, the BC offense could not get anything going when the Huskies were set up on defense. BU will likely do a much better job of holding on to the puck in the finals than Northeastern did on Monday, forcing Milner to continue to make saves and forcing the offense to create goals some other way. n
Senior leadership essential for Eagles Travis Roy, from A10 portunity to play in the Beanpot. “It’s a little bittersweet,” he said. “I can’t deny it. Surely anyone growing up in New England has dreamed of going to a Beanpot school. I was excited to be headed to BU so that I could have that experience.” This sentiment made me think about not only the fragility of athletics, but also the emotions that athletes invest in their respective sports. Roy went on to explain that one of the things he misses the most is the locker room atmosphere. “I always remember our parents yelling at us to come out of the locker room an hour, half hour after the game,” he said. “Just because you love that moment, you love that time in there. The lessons you learn in there, and the camaraderie.” Listening to a speaker like Roy can give athletes a lot of perspective. Here is a man who was at the top of the mountain, playing the sport he loves. In an instant, he lost that opportunity. He has the chance to reflect on the importance of sports. He undoubtedly values the little parts of the game, such as the relationships he’s made with teammates. Roy described this idea of “the hockey family.” He said that the relationships made throughout a player’s career create a special bond between hockey players. This extends especially to the four teams playing in the Beanpot. Roy praised the support given to him and his family after his accident. He said that, “although there are divisions, those rivalries are dropped” during times of suffering and struggle. The Beanpot epitomizes the values necessary in sports. There are four teams playing for pride. These are players, coaches and fans who realize the beauty of the game. Roy was the perfect speaker for this event, because he has the perfect attitude of a Beanpot player. Watching Johnny Gaudreau score two goals in his Beanpot debut and Paul
graham beck / heights editor
Parker Milner turned in a solid game for the Eagles Monday night, recording 22 saves.
BC rebounds against Harvard Women’s Beanpot, from A10
ap photo
Travis Roy (above) carries an amazing attitude that all Beanpot participants could learn from. Carey collect two scores in his final Beanpot tournament finale, it is easy to tell that this Eagles squad appreciates the little things. There is a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship that is necessary for playing under a head coach like Jerry York, and this team has it. There’s something special about this team. The players seem to have the sportsmanship necessary to take their games to the next level. They have faced adversity. Between the goalie shuffle, loss of a strong senior class and several tough conference losses, this team has not had the smoothest season. However, they seem to have overcome this adversity. York has applauded the leadership of captains Tommy Cross, Paul Carey, and Barry Almeida all season long, and with good reason. These three players have led by example and have helped this team mature on the fly. Monday’s victory over Northeastern seemed like the culmination of this team’s season-long development. The
whole team played tough at both ends of the ice. They made the necessary passes, created turnovers and took care of the puck. This team values the opportunity to play in the Beanpot tournament and respects the honor that comes with donning the maroon and gold. They respect all aspects of the game, just as Roy expressed in his speech. Although there are certainly rivalries amongst these four schools, it is easy to see the respect between coaches, players and schools. This tournament epitomizes what is good in athletics. It’s athletics in its purest form. Playing for the glory and pride of Boston. This is the kind of game Travis Roy played. It’s the kind of play that York expects from his team. It’s the way sports should be played.
Chris Marino is the Assoc. Sports Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at sports@bcheights.com.
goal apiece. The second period began with BC killing off a penalty, followed quickly by Motherwell’s first goal of the night. Alex Carpenter’s original attempt to slap home a rebound was denied, but Motherwell came right back with another attempt that got through the goalie’s five-hole for the power-play strike. The goal was reviewed by the referees, but eventually deemed good after the replay. Later in the second frame, the Eagles took advantage on another power play. The score was set up by beautiful passing between Carpenter and Emily Pfalzer. The two went back and forth with the puck to work up the defensemen, before Pfalzer finally slid the pass over to Blake Bolden at the top of the point. Bolden unloaded a powerful slap shot that flew just over Harvard goaltender Laura Bellamy’s left shoulder and into the net. It was Bolden’s signature scoring move, with her snipe of a slap shot too much to handle for Bellamy. Motherwell finished off the BC scoring early in the third period for her second tally of the game. Leary took a shot from the circle, the puck bounced off Bellamy and trickled through the crease until Motherwell slapped it home to make it 4-1. “It’s exciting to be able to have two goals in one game and be able to come out with a win too,” Motherwell said. Harvard got back on the scoreboard
with a goal midway through the period, but the Eagles locked down in the final nine minutes to deny any Crimson comeback. Crowley lauded her team for being composed against a tough Harvard offensive attack, something the team had been working on coming into the game. “I think we got a little off track there in the last couple of games and so we focused on getting back to the fundamentals and getting back to doing your job,” Crowley said. “That’s what our kids did tonight. We’ve gone back to fundamentally doing things the right way, and our kids did a great job with that.” The win was especially important after three straight losses. With the homestretch of the regular season looming, a win over the No. 8 team in the country will go a long way in maintaining BC’s ranking nationally, as well as with providing a boost in confidence going forward. “It’s a huge win for us,” Crowley said. “After the loss the other night, we knew that we needed to get a few W’s here. This one was a huge one with Harvard being a ranked team. Our kids were pretty composed from the beginning of the game to the end.” The Eagles also received a clutch performance between the pipes from Corinne Boyles, who has numerous spectacular saves in net en route to racking up 33 in total. Boyles and her defensemen were able to calm down a tough Harvard offense, allowing the BC offense to gain momentum throughout the game. n
The Heights
Editors’ Picks
Thursday, February 9, 2012 The Week Ahead
Standings
Men’s hockey tries for its third straight Beanpot title against BU on Monday. Men’s basketball travels to Virginia Tech on Sunday. Women’s hockey faces off against UConn on Saturday. Women’s basketball hosts conference foe Duke tonight. The Lakers visit the TD Garden to battle the Celtics.
A9
Recap from Last Week
Chris Marino
9-6
Austin Tedesco
9-6
Greg Joyce
8-7
Heights Staff
7-8
Men’s hockey advanced to the Beanpot finals after blowing out Northeastern, 7-1. Men’s basketball continued its losing streak against Georgia Tech. Women’s hockey was upset by Providence. Maryland outplayed women’s basketball. The New England Patriots broke my heart. Again.
Guest Editor: Elise Taylor
Game of the Week Men’s Hockey
Boston University
Opinions Editor
“How much do a new pair of Ugg slippers cost?” Greg Joyce Sports Editor
This Week’s Games
Chris Marino Assoc. Sports Editor
Austin Tedesco Asst. Sports Editor
Elise Taylor
Opinions Editor
Men’s Hockey: No. 4 BC vs. No. 1 BU
BC
BC
BU
BC
Men’s Basketball: BC at Virginia Tech
BC
BC
BC
Virginia Tech
Women’s Hockey: No. 6 BC vs. Connecticut (Series)
BC
BC
Split
BC
Women’s Basketball: BC vs. No. 5 Duke
Duke
Duke
Duke
Duke
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics
Celtics
Celtics
Lakers
Lakers
vs.
Boston College
After destroying the Northeastern Huskies 7-1 in the Beanpot semifinals, the Eagles now look toward their matchup against rival Boston University in the 60th annual Beanpot Championship. The team will rely on the strong offensive production that carried them against the Huskies. Johnny Gaudreau, Steven Whitney, and Paul Carey all scored two goals in the contest, while junior goaltender Parker Milner made his Beanpot debut with 22 saves. The Terriers currently hold a 12-8 lead in Beanpot Championships against the Eagles.
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Daniels’ leadership proves key in upset Daniels, from A10 and south, we were going to have a hard time. I thought Jordan did a great job, and then everybody kind of played off of that. We were able to drive and make good decisions about when to attack and when not to.” Daniels showed flashes of this kind of play earlier in the season. Against Bryant and Sacred Heart, Daniels led the Eagle offense just like he did last night, but when conference play started, his production began to slide as his trademark pick-and-roll game was taken away by bigger and more experienced players. “When we recruited him, I thought he was terrific at it,” Donahue said of Daniels’ pick-and-roll game. “I think he got overwhelmed early on with the size and the athleticism. I think he’s now starting to figure out how much he can get away with and how much
he can’t. But his size actually plays an advantage against a team like [Florida State]. Tonight we kept telling him, ‘You’ve got to keep doing it. You’ve got to attack.’” Every BC player looks a little better on the court when Daniels is controlling the offense. Junior guard Matt Humphrey gets more space to create his own shot. Lonnie Jackson gets better three-point looks or can attack defenders closing out too hard. Dennis Clifford rolls to the rim hard after setting a screen, knowing Daniels is looking to feed him. Ryan Anderson gets a clear lane to drive and attack because of the spacing Daniels creates. Daniels’ best play of the night didn’t end with points, but it was still stunning. After sparking a BC run that put the Eagles up 48-45, Daniels stole the ball from the Seminoles and drove down the court before bouncing a pass
through his legs to a trailing Jackson, who caught the pass in perfect stride for a three that just barely went in and out. It takes an incredible basketball IQ, as well as great team chemistry, to make a play like that. Rather than get frustrated that Jackson didn’t convert the play, Daniels responded by draining a three of his own on the next play, and then setting up Anderson to go to the line the next time down the court. Daniels’ biggest strength as a point guard is his composure. After great plays, Daniels remains calm, and after turnovers, he hustles back on defense unphased, ready to make a stop. The only time Daniels snapped out of his calm demeanor was with a small amount of time left on the clock and the victory sealed. It’s likely the first of many big wins for the young point guard, and the leader for the BC offense going forward. n
Eagles down the ’Noles at Conte, prove they ‘aren’t freshmen anymore’
daniel lee / heights editor
Matt Humphrey (above) and Jordan Daniels (below) combined for 36 points in the win.
Upset, from A10 it seemed that the play of senior forward Bernard James and sophomore forward Okaro White was going to be too much for the Eagles to handle. The Seminoles jumped out to a 14-5 lead that was capped off by a 12-0 run behind the powerful inside presence of White and James.
At the 12-minute break in the first half, the Seminoles had racked up 12 of their 16 points in the paint and held a plus-four rebounding margin. Things continued to roll for the Seminoles until the eight-minute mark, when the Eagles began their rapid run right after a timeout when Lonnie Jackson connected from three to close the gap and bring the score to 23-15. From there, BC went
on an impressive 23-3 run, as the Eagles fired on all cylinders from behind the arc. During that time span, the Eagles obtained a seven-point lead, 33-26. Due to the hard-fought battle downlow and BC’s inability to get back on defense, the Seminoles cut the lead to one at halftime, as the Eagles entered the locker room with a narrow 34-33 lead. Despite the Seminoles’ ability to cut the deficit, the Eagles were the story of the half, and their 23-3 run turned Conte Forum into an electric environment that fueled the entire contest. During that game-changing run, junior forward Matt Humphrey and Daniels each hit two 3-pointers, while Jackson and Ryan Anderson each added one of their own. Head coach Steve Donahue noted that his players “weren’t indecisive in terms of stepping up and shooting. The only way you’re going to beat a team like this is you got to make plays.” Playmaking was a strength of BC not only from behind the arc, but in all facets of the game. For the Eagles, the all-important W stemmed from their ability to handle the ball effectively, as evidenced by their 14-to-10 assist to turnover ratio. Not only were the Eagles effective with the ball, but they were also able to play great defense. BC held the Seminoles to just eight offensive rebounds, marking only the fourth time this season the Seminoles have been held under 10 offensive rebounds. Donahue attributes much of the success of the defense to the zone. “I thought the zone in the second half saved our legs a little bit,” he said. “I thought it was a good defense for us, as we were able to limit them to one shot, and there wasn’t a lot of penetration—all the things you hope a zone would do, and they did a great job with it.” The BC defense and its zone was also able to hold All-American candidate Michael Snaer to just 33 percent shooting from the field, and effectively rendered him as a non-factor. As the second half began, there was no rest for the weak and weary, as both teams came out hot, scoring a combined 13 points in the first two minutes. During this fast-paced opening, the Eagles were able to retain a marginal lead of 41-39. Fouls, steals, and tough defense slowed the game to a more moderate pace while the two teams continued to battle. BC still found opportunities to score behind the phenomenal play of Daniels and two crucial scoring plays that contributed to the game-winning 9-2 run. Once the Eagles obtained a 55-47 lead at the 8:00 mark, they never looked back. Even though there were six lead changes and two ties during the game, BC never relinquished the lead at any one time during the final 14 minutes of play.
daniel lee / heights editor
Lonnie Jackson (above) and Daniels used slick moves to get through a tough FSU defense. With that said, the game continued to be a tough-nosed battle. Snaer finally reared up his head to add two baskets and cut the deficit to four, and the Eagles held a 55-51 lead with 5:22 to play. From there on out, BC fought hard to get to the foul line. At the stripe, the Eagles were able to capitalize on opportunities, shooting 70 percent from the line and making enough free throws
to win this David versus Goliath-esque matchup. Donahue is certainly right: “They aren’t freshmen anymore.” This win not only proved that the Eagles aren’t a collage of inexperienced freshmen, but also that they are players who can win. Most importantly, the Eagles have showed they can win when it matters—down the stretch. n
SPORTS The Heights
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A10
Thursday, February 9, 2012
EAGLES STUN SEMINOLES IN UPSET BC closes out the game in the final minutes over No. 15 FSU By Alex Dripchak For The Heights
Wednesday night’s basketball game against No. 15 Boston College 64 Florida State Florida State 60 not only gave the Boston College faithful something to talk about—it gave them something to nearly storm the court about. The Eagles’ 64-60 victory over the Seminoles was one of the more improbable victories of the ACC season thus far. The Eagles ended their own 6-game losing streak by also extinguishing the red-hot play of the ACC co-leader Florida State and its 7-game win streak. Behind the poised point guard play of Jordan Daniels and his 21 points and five assists, the
Daniels’ drive gives BC the ability to create great offense
Eagles came together for their first big win of the season. The key word for BC on Wednesday night was poise. As it has been seen throughout the season, the Eagles have been able to play 32-36 minutes of good basketball and have fallen victim to their inexperience down the stretch. Last night, they were as “cool as the other side of the pillow” down the stretch, and it was the monumental role Daniels played that propelled the Eagles to victory. The first half of play was marked by two consistent themes: domination of the paint for the Seminoles and bombs away from behind the arc for the Eagles. At the open,
See Upset, A9
By Austin Tedesco Asst. Sports Editor
daniel lee / heights editor
Jordan Daniels racked up 21 points in the upset win, and often drove to the basket at will.
It all seems so simple now. With the Boston College men’s basketball team struggling to finish close games because of offensive struggles, something was clearly missing. It wasn’t experience, it wasn’t defense, and it wasn’t the crowd. It was a point guard. Last night against No. 15 Florida State, freshman Jordan Daniels cemented himself as the point guard this team has needed, and it was a joy to watch. From the opening tip, Daniels orchestrated the offense beautifully. The calm and quiet point guard erupted for 21 points, while dropping five dimes and only coughing up one turnover. More importantly,
he consistently put his teammates in positions to succeed offensively, especially down the stretch, which can’t be reflected in a box score. “Jordan had so much to do with that, I thought,” head coach Steve Donahue said of BC’s ability to score late in the game. “You’re not getting much off your offense against Florida State. Jordan’s ability to just drive it and find somebody, I thought that was key. We didn’t have to worry about how we were going to get the ball from A to B because Jordan was able to create something off the dribble. I thought that was the key to the whole game, to be honest with you. I thought if we couldn’t get someone to go by them north
See Daniels, A9
BC crushes Northeastern in Beanpot opener By Chris Marino
Assoc. Sports Editor The No. 5 Boston College men’s ice hockey team had played Northeastern three times this season prior Boston College 7 to Monday night’s 1 Northeastern semifinal Beanpot matchup. Each game had a one-goal differential in favor of the Eagles. Monday saw head coach Jerry York’s boys make a huge offensive stride, outscoring the Huskies 7-1 in TD Garden. The Eagles came out firing early, as senior captain Paul Carey began the game’s scoring at the 14:46 mark. Freshman Johnny Gaudreau gave him the perfect pass as he cut across the right circle. Carey took the feed home easily for his eighth goal for the season. Line mate Pat Mullane was also credited with an assist on the play. The key to the play was truly communication from the veteran captain, as well as solid instinct from the freshman. “Pat Mullane made an awesome effort to make the first [defenseman] cough the puck up in the middle of the zone, and fortunately the puck didn’t get out for them,” Gaudreau said. “I cut towards the middle, and Paul was just screaming, and I knew where he was. Thankfully, he called my name, or else I would have never known where he was. Nice little drop pass, and he ripped it in.” The Huskies responded with two close scoring opportunities, but junior goalie Parker Milner came up with some outstanding saves to keep them scoreless. The first came when forward freshman Ludwig Karlsson tried to tap in a goal just in front of the net. Milner shot out his glove at the last second to make the stop. The second came when fellow freshman Joseph Manno slid on his knees across the net, shooting in the center of the right circle. Milner slid to his left to make the stop. At the other end, BC continued its offensive output when Gaudreau intercepted a pass from Huskies defenseman Luke Eibler, and turned around quickly. He was able to outhustle his opponent on the one-on-one, challenging Huskies goaltender Chris Rawlings with the five-hole score.
lucky number seven
See Men’s Beanpot, A8 Graham Beck / heights editor
Travis Roy a role model for Beanpot participants
Motherwell helps BC rebound By Greg Joyce Sports Editor
On the back of Ashley Motherwell’s first career multi-goal game, the No. 6 Boston College Boston College 4 women’s hockey 2 Harvard team got back on track Tuesday night with a 4-2 win over No. 8 Harvard in the Beanpot consolation game at Walter Brown Arena. Having lost three straight games coming into Tuesday night’s matchup, the Eagles got back to the fundamentals, and it showed in their dominating win over a highly-ranked Crimson squad. BC notched two power-play tallies while also keeping Harvard 1-for-8 on its power play. “I thought our kids played well, and they did a good job killing off quite a few penalties, and they really worked hard
to do that,” said head coach Katie King Crowley. “We’ve been focusing a little bit on that and a little bit on our power play, that hasn’t been super successful. So to see two power play goals tonight, those were the little things we’ve been working on—finding those rebounds and finding those pucks first. The kids were able to do a pretty good job of that. Overall, we played well.” “It’s a really big win,” Motherwell said. “To be able to come out and beat Harvard, it feels good. I think it’s a big deal.” Senior captain Danielle Welch got the scoring going early for BC, taking a pass from Kate Leary and finding the back of the net just 1:51 into the game. The teams went into the first intermission tied, though, as Harvard capitalized on a rebound to even the game at one
See Women’s Beanpot, A8
i nside S ports this issue
Chris Marino
Graham Beck / heights editor
Motherwell notched two goals in the win.
Turning defense into offense
On Monday night, the men’s hockey team converted NU turnovers into goals......A8
As the Boston College men’s hockey team torched past the Northeastern Huskies, I couldn’t help but think about the words of one man. This former hockey player became a solid force throughout the New England prep school hockey circuit. He was a dedicated, hardworking player. His dreams were finally realized in the form of an athletic scholarship to Boston University. This player, known
Game of the week
It will be yet another BC-BU matchup in the Beanpot final next Monday night..................A9
by many throughout the college hockey community, is Travis Roy. As most people know, devastation struck within Roy’s very first shift for the Terriers. On an attempt to check an opposing University of North Dakota player, he hit the boards awkwardly, resulting in the cracking of his fourth and fifth vertebrae. He became paralyzed, and was never able to play again. The Monday before the Beanpot, the Beanpot held its annual tournament luncheon. Roy was the guest speaker for the event. He opened his speech by describing how honored he was to be asked to speak. He did, however, admit that it was still challenging not to have had the op-
See Travis Roy, A8
Editors’ Picks..............................A9 The Week Ahead.........................A9
radio singles
madonna’s ‘Luvin’
Scene and heard
Hot off the super bowl, madge delivers another hit page b5
m.i.a.’s finger
Taste Debate
was her gesture harmful or merely innocent? page b2
Valentine’s day
the holiday might not represent all it seems to, page b4
Thursday, FEBRUARY 9, 2012
Style brity
C ele
By B r e n na n Ca r l ey | A rts & R evi ew Edito r Tay l o r cava l l o | as s o c. A rts & R evi ew Edito r a n d da n s i e r i n g | as st. A rts & R evi ew Edito r
A
dmit it: you’ve dreamt about certain celebrities or TV characters making their way to the smush room. It’s part of what makes up the fandom culture, a passion and understanding of characters and actors that allow the audience to take part, albeit fictionally, in a perceived reality. We define these fantasies with the popular Internet term “ship,” a shortened version of the word relationship that has taken on an entirely new meaning. “I ship it” means you stand staunchly behind an unconventional couple’s pairing—say, Jim and Dwight from The Office, or Maeby and George Michael from Arrested Development. Maybe they won’t work in real life, but that’s what dreaming—and this week’s spread—is for. See Couples We Ship, B3 Woogeon kim / heights photo illustration
The Heights
B2
How reality TV became much more
Thursday, February 9, 2012
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Scene and Heard
BY: Elias Rodriguez
Brennan Carley Whether you’ve watched it or not, the odds are strong that you’ve heard rumblings about the newest season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH). Over the past four months, the reality television show spun the story of Russell Armstrong, seemingly abusive husband to Taylor Armstrong, whose financial shortcomings and increasingly heated spotlight became too much too quickly for him to handle. He killed himself a week before the season began airing, reportedly fearful of how the show would portray his behavior. I’m not usually one to encourage audiences to flock to reality TV. I fully acknowledge how mindless and usually scripted the episodes are, but I appreciate them as diversions in my otherwise busy weeks. However, I think that this season’s RHOBH has delivered one of the most compelling storylines offered on the small screen in years. It’s sort of like Memento—the audience essentially knows how it’s going to end, but the beginning and middle sections are fuzzy patches that need filling in. It’s not clear whether or not Bravo reedited the show following Armstrong’s suicide. If so, and doing so means the removal or lightening of many scenes between the unhappy couple, the network only fueled the fire underneath an audience desperate to learn the truth. Though they can exclude key details and producers can ramp up the excitement, there’s no getting around the fact that the Armstrongs’ marriage was crumbling quickly, no matter how much hasty patching and scotch-taped backpedaling the couple attempted. Gruesome though it may be, Russell Armstrong’s death stands in stark contrast to others’ on television because his was real, his demise was filmed from start to finish, and producers decided to air the show against his family’s wishes. It’s a Shakespearean drama through and through, rife with infidelities and betrayal, gossip and lies. Armed with knowledge of the situation, watching the housewives struggle to make sense of Taylor’s abuse becomes a fascinating study of how women interact with each other. Each member of the group is put under a microscope and the audience, the all-knowing eye in the sky, can pick apart loyalties and rumors. Because the show is part of the long-running Housewives franchise, of course, the male Armstrong’s role was already a minor one, more an arm to lend Taylor at social gatherings. Had viewers not known of Russell’s wrongdoings in advance, interpretations of Taylor’s actions might have been fairly skewed. Instead, her painstakingly slow breakdown gains new resonance. When she crumples into her suitcase while on vacation with the other women in Aspen, we are left to fill in the blanks: it’s not just altitude sickness and an overabundance of wine, but the cruel text messages her husband has sent her, the abuse he’s put her through, and the fear for her young daughter’s safety. It’s compelling because it clearly isn’t scripted (Taylor remains mum until several months into the season about the extent of her abuse, and never says anything on camera about her hardships). Though reality TV is frequently lambasted for its oftenphony storylines, RHOBH unknowingly captured an important and, I’d say, unprecedented character study that led to some uncomfortably great television. Now Taylor Armstrong is making her rounds on the talk show circuit, peddling her memoir Hiding From Reality—My Story of Love, Loss and Finding the Courage Within, but in a way it fails to spark my interest because its legitimacy comes into question. Without saying she did so, she absolutely could have fabricated some of the stories in the book—drama sells, after all. In the end—or the beginning, rather, as Bravo tacked on a five-minute post-suicide gathering of the women— it was the frequently dismissed but always right in the end Lisa Vanderpump who stuck to her guns about Russell, while the other ladies tiptoed around the issue. Vanderpump had pegged him as a sneak and a cheat very early on. Perhaps she was, alongside viewers, the only one who knew just how disturbed the man really was.
Brennan Carley is the Arts & Review Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at arts@bcheights.com.
1. M.I.A. FLIPS US OFF During her performance alongside Madonna at the Super Bowl on Sunday, rapper M.I.A. decided to end her rhymes with a gift to viewers: the middle finger. Talk about desperate for press. With “Bad Girls” just released and an album debuting this summer, M.I.A. seems to be pulling all the strings to get some attention. It’s a disappointing move on her part, and one that could cost her a pretty penny. Prior to her performance, she signed a contract with a no-funny-business clause, meaning she will potentially have to pay a fine.
2. DEMI HITS REHAB
Following her breakup with Ashton Kutcher, her husband of six years, Demi Moore lost an unhealthy amount of weight and was hospitalized after she “smoked something” and things took a turn for the worst. As a result, the 49-year-old actress has traded Sunset Boulevard for Sundance, Utah, where she is currently a patient at the Cirque Lodge rehab center seeking treatment for an eating disorder and a substance abuse problem.
3. MODEL THROWS FIT After the New York Giants took the Vince Lombardi trophy at this year’s Super Bowl, Tom Brady’s wife came to his defense. Gisele Bundchen, the 31-year-old supermodel, was overheard saying, “My husband cannot f—ing throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time. I can’t believe they dropped the ball so many times.” But while Gisele blames the receivers, fans are blaming her. After marrying the former Victoria’s Secret angel, the quarterback hasn’t won a Super Bowl, having won three prior to meeting her.
4. LANA CANCELS TOUR
5. SPIDEY SWINGS BACK
It seems that not all press is good press after all. After a disastrous delivery of “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans” on Saturday Night Live several weeks ago, Del Rey’s PR team has apparently decided to pull the plug on her as yet still unnanounced tour–for now. The singer’s team thinks it’s best to let things cool off before asking audiences to shell out cash to see the critically maligned star, and reinstate the tour later on. On the bright side, it wasn’t as bad as Ashlee Simpson’s lip-syncing/hoedown fiasco of 2004.
The trailer for the latest movie version of the arachnid superhero was released online a couple of days ago. The Amazing Spider-Man is set to hit theaters on July 3 this year, featuring The Social Network’s Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spidey and The Help’s Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy/Spidey’s love interest. What’s so amazing about this Spider-Man? Well, it’s in 3D, for one–shocking, I know. If anything, it’ll be more vivid than its precursors, especially the Tobey Maguire helmed trilogy.
The Critical curmudgeon
@damonlindelof (damon lindelof, writer, ‘alcatraz’)
photo courtesy of google
“The SNL writers must have coasted this week knowing they’d be in the steady hands of channing tatum’s impeccable comedic timing.”
With its extraavagent cheerleader and Roman themes, this years halftime show’s antics did not impress this curmudgeon.
Super Bowl halftime show tries too hard to be edgy Matt Mazzari I didn’t watch the Super Bowl halftime show. I was too busy being immensely saddened by its existence. On a brutally personal note, it was honestly as if the conference for staging that performance was a deliberate effort to bum me out. Only in my darkest apocalyptic day-terrors can I imagine what those meetings were like. “I’m thinking this Super Bowl’s entertainment should be bold.” “Yes…” “And sexy.” “Of course…” Like, 53 year-old sex-icon bold and sexy.” “Dude, cool it! You’re going to entertain my face off!” These people disgust me. But in the aftermath of this lunatic carousel, one instance of sequined debauchery confounded me far more than the others: artist M.I.A. has been receiving a sudden rush of unprecedented attention for flipping off the cameras mid-performance. Her behavior has been denounced by viewers and sponsors alike as reprehensible, and it’s monopolized the larger part of the show’s media coverage with its controversy. In fact, Madonna herself has come out against M.I.A for distracting the massive viewing population from the show itself. Really, people? Really? You’ve got a stage full of men in spandex and
women in cheerleader costumers flipping and gyrating to pop music from the 80s, and this is what you choose to be offended by? The middle finger? Are we all about ready to leave fourth grade yet? I’m no proponent of meaningless shock gimmicks, but not because they’re shocking. It’s because they are meaningless, and in being meaningless they are boring. I feel like most of the obscenity boundaries have been broken at this point. You want to move like Mick Jagger, that-guy-from-Maroon5? Try flooding your backstage with topless women. As a nation of music listeners, we are no strangers to the risque. Call me desensitized, but I’m not impressed by celebrities in meat outfits. I can take a few f-bombs with my lyrics. I’m practically unfazed by a live concert that almost entirely features skimpy outfits, which is precisely what this particular halftime show did. In such a context, why on earth should we be appalled by someone flipping the bird? How can we subject our children to every form of sexually depraved hiphop fluff-substitute for art and then recoil in horror when one of them flips us off? On stage, while this “unacceptable rudeness” was occurring, were the same mindless idiots who became most-played artists with such timeless hits as “Sexy and I Know It” and “Shots.” The same guy, whose last and only solo hit was titled “F--k You,” was literally within spitting distance. You
want to talk about obscene? What’s obscene is changing the lyrics to “Imagine” at the Ball-Drop. Yes, Cee-Lo, I know what you did. I’m watching you. If Katy Perry and Justin Bieber want to tag-team an erotic zebra costume at next year’s Grammy Awards, tell them to go right ahead. I won’t even bat an eye. But by God, it won’t make those two into “controversial” artists because it has nothing to do with the art. Just so you know, if you want to flip me off during the Super Bowl performance of a Madonna single, I couldn’t care any less. It has nothing to do with anything, and isn’t worth the time. You know what would really shock me to death? If M.I.A. wrote a damn hit without ripping off a superior artist like the Clash. Or if modern pop produced a musician with the artistic lifespan of Madonna, rather than the horde of flash-in-the-pan acts that stormed this Sunday’s stage. Some people might claim that M.I.A. did it because she’s expected to be an “edgy” act, but “edgy” is not the word I’d use. I don’t consider it edgy to go onstage in a frilly costume with the secret intention of photo-bombing the Super Bowl. There’s nothing raw or untamed about springing for effortless media attention. I suggest we stop granting it to her.
Matt Mazzari is a staff columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at arts@ bcheights.com.
@elliottdotabby (abby elliott, actress ‘saturday night live’)
“tonight’s the night! the tigers vs. the other team! all the players will win. they’re going to throw the ball so fast! and make many plays xo.” @gilozeri (gil ozeri, writer, ‘happy endings’)
“if jimi henrix was a starbucks barista he’d be lenny kravitz” @paulscheer (paul scheer, actor & comedian, ‘the league’)
“i wanted to feel like m.i.a. today so i went into a wal-mart bought something and gave the cashier the finger!” Submit your favorite tweets of the week for consideration at artseditors11@gmail.com.
The Heights
Thursday, February 9, 2012
B3
Couples We “Ship”
Any Seinfeld fan would agree that the flame of this relationship should be rekindled. Having dated before the start of the show (unfortunately, viewers never see the two as an item), Elaine and Jerry remain best friends throughout the nine seasons of Seinfeld, any couple’s dream. Their dry sarcasm and unbelievable wit is no doubt what kept a friendship alive for so long after dating. In Seinfeld’s second-to-last episode, a plane crash threatens the lives of the infamous quartet, and Elaine and Jerry almost confess their love for each other, but it is never properly articulated. Elaine and Jerry date countless men and women during the show, but never find happiness: probably because they’re meant to be.
America’s only “playboy” president and the ideal 1960s housewife: it’s destiny. President Kennedy’s womanizing ways have been speculations and facts for some years now, and he would have no doubt been attracted to Betty Draper, the beautiful, slightly disgruntled upstate New York housewife. Betty Draper has the class and warmth of Jackie O., but is a blonde bombshell, like Marilyn—the president’s two favorite women. In the later seasons of Mad Men, Betty begins dating a politician, so Kennedy’s presidential status would surely be attractive to her. While it is clear that Betty has potential to be a loving, faithful wife, hopefully this hybrid of Jackie and Marilyn could keep Kennedy from cheating, as Betty has had enough of Don’s wandering eye.
One only has to look at Lana del Rey to see that she has the nostalgic style, grace, and look of a classic movie star, from the red lips and flawless porcelain complexion to the waved, light brown hair and enviable bone structure. She can’t be paired up with just anyone. Her look requires a certain kind of man—another classic movie star, the 1950s heartthrob James Dean. Del Rey, clearly a blast from the past compared to her fellow female vocalists, needs a man with style reminiscent of an earlier time. Ironically, Del Rey’s video for the single “Born To Die” depicts a car crash in which the singer dies, which is exactly how Dean died. Coincidence? I think not.
Isn’t it about time that SNL cast member and Weekend Update anchor Seth Meyers finally give into the advances of his faithful news correspondent? Stefon, who has been cluing viewers in on the latest and greatest from the New York ultra-underground scene for years, has expressed endless admiration for Meyers during his time on the show. Meyers has been steadfast in deflecting Stefon’s bizarre advances, but behind that suit-and-tie professionalism we can see that the love is mutual. We can’t think of a better suitor for Seth—Stefon is hip, funny, and has access to all of New York’s hottest clubs.
Hear me out on this one. You either know Britton from her role as the mother you’ve always wanted to have on Friday Night Lights, or as the emotionally-wrecked housewife turned specter on Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story. You might recognize Margulies from her time on ER alongside George Clooney, but more likely as Alicia Florrick on the best network drama currently airing, The Good Wife. Both women have displayed the ability to crack a joke just as well as they shed a tear, so the pair’s dynamic as a couple would be an interesting one. Theirs would be a modern relationship, juggling kids, work, and awards ceremonies—because in my ideal world, both women would be winning copious amounts of Emmys. The best part? Neither woman would outshine the other. Now that’s a harmonious relationship.
Take present day Ryan Gosling and Brigitte Bardot circa 1956, and what you have is one of the sexiest transgenerational couples a pop culture connoisseur can surmise. Though he’s still relatively new to the game, Gosling’s remarkable 2011 campaign has vaulted him onto the Hollywood A-list and into the minds of female admirers. This sounds strangely similar to what Bardot did in the mid-’50s, when the French actress became a cultural icon overnight and was plastered onto the walls of college frats across the country. These two sex symbols smashed together would bring about a new echelon of celebrity couples that would make Brad and Angelina look like Britney and K-Fed.
They’ve already collaborated on several successful tracks (“Make Me Proud,” “Moment 4 Life,” and “Up All Night” just to name a few), but we would love to see this super friendly pair couple up. Their chemistry is evident based purely on their joint red carpet appearances and videos of the two goofing around backstage that have surfaced on YouTube. Nicki has demonstrated herself as one of the fiercest rappers in the game, outshining Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Rick Ross on the 2010 smash “Monster,” but showed a softer side on songs like “Super Bass.” Everyone knows Drake is a big old softie too— Take Care is a great album, but it’s more R&B than it is rap. The two Young Money superstars would cozy up quite nicely. Though not quite up to par talent-wise with Jay-Z and Queen Bey, Nicki and Drake are definitely on their way there, if only they would get there together.
Don’t pretend like you haven’t been thinking it for years. The sexual tension between these two Top Chef hotties has been sizzling ever since the show’s second season (Lakshmi’s first) began over 10 years ago. Their repertoire is one of the snarkiest, snappiest, and spiciest ones on reality TV. Sure, there is the little problem of Colicchio’s marriage, but ever since Lakshmi mentioned how one dish’s garlic blossom flavor blast was like “a little prick on my tongue,” her bald co-judge has been giving her the saucer-eyes. Though only one of them has stripped down to skivvies for photo shoots—sorry ladies, it wasn’t Colicchio—both have released fiery cookbooks. It’s clear that both Lakshmi and Colicchio have a burning passion for food—why not turn it into something more?
Could you possibly think up a more powerful couple within the indie universe? These two starlets originally joined forces in (500) Days of Summer, a rom-com popular amongst the youth that became a definitive launch pad for both actors’ careers. Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel have since remained close friends and have collaborated on several musical numbers, including recent string duet cover of “What Are You Doing New Years Eve?” With J Go-Lev’s suave rock covers and Zooey’s quirky She & Him vocals, these two together would not just rule the silver screen but also be set to become a potent alt-rock duo.
BRENNAN CARLEY | ARTS & REVIEW EDITOR, DAN SIERING | ASST. ARTS & REVIEW EDITOR, TAYLOR CAVALLO | ASSOC. ARTS & REVIEW EDITOR
The Heights
B4
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Star value by Courtney seitz
Lana Del Rey turns listeners’ heads with solid debut release Last week, up-and-coming alternative singer Lana Del Rey released her new album, Born to Die. While the album has seen glimpses of success, with a steady, top-10 ranking on iTunes and features on numerous television shows, the 25-year-old, born and bred New Yorker is facing backlash after an off-key and lackluster Saturday Night Live performance. Even a follow-up damage-control routine on the Late Show With David Letterman couldn’t seem to salvage the singer’s SNL snafu. In fact, Del Rey’s scheduled spring tour has even been postponed in the wake of the bad press. Was this sultry starlet’s career only born to die? Her growing fan base and iTunes success seem to suggest otherwise. Make sure to check out Lana Del Rey’s new album, Born to Die, and decide for yourself.
Hollywood horizons
Where have you gone, James Dean?
Dan Siering
Fashion Forward
Channeling Valentine’s Day through fashion Despite ambivalence for the holiday, fashion presents fun alternatives
Therese Tully That time of year is approaching again. Yup, it’s less than a week until Valentine’s Day. Let’s not worry about whether you’re in a relationship or not, because really, worrying is counterproductive and it only gives you wrinkles anyway. But at the same time, it’s hard not to worry. Everywhere we turn, the dreaded day is shoved in our faces–some group wants me to purchase a candy gram, another wants me to buy a serenade from an a cappella group for someone, and Mac is full of Valentine’s Day decor. Seriously, I get it, Valentine’s Day is coming. If you couldn’t already tell, I don’t happen to have a Valentine this year, but what I do have is Valentine’s Dayinspired fashion. I try in my life to turn negatives into positives, so I figured that I might as well turn this Feb. 14 into something good. So I’ll take this day and turn it into some inspiration. There is no need to sulk—in all seriousness, ladies, don’t sulk, because it’ll just wrinkle your dress. While browsing the world of online fashion, which seems to be the only respite in this busy semester, I was happy to stumble upon Kate Spade’s latest collection. It is one filled with gorgeous black and white floral prints accented throughout with hot pink, rich corals, and hints of yellow. While the pink woven throughout the collection comes in shocking bursts, it is balanced with the black and white motif that complements it in this collection. Perfect for a somber day, like Valentine’s Day. In fact, the entire Spring 2012 campaign is inspired by music and edgy girl bands–who wouldn’t want to support this feminine empowerment vibe right before good old Valentine’s Day? If I had it my way, I’d be wearing the Kate Spade Siren Dress in its shocking pink hue, accented with a black bow belt to classes on the day of love, just to spite everyone. Or, in the spirit of breaking the rules and not caring what anyone thinks, I would love to have one of Spade’s classic white tees embroidered with the words “Skirt the Rules,” reminding myself, fashionistas, and secret admirers alike that sometimes rules, in both fashion and love, are simply meant to be broken. Why not make a statement— it’s just another day. Then again, there is another alternative. One that is a bit sadder than simply throwing on a pink sweater and calling it a day. This of course is to ignore the holiday completely, to the best of your ability, that is. No need for pink or red or flirty or feminine. How about good old jeans and a sweatshirt? You know how I feel about these sorts of fashion choices, so you have to believe that this situation is
quite dire, and my feelings are equally strong. Alright, I am done entertaining that bleak thought –back to bright pink, or at least a hot pink, state of mind. Coral may be the solution to the Valentine’s fashion dilemma at hand. If pink is feeling too cliched for you, and how could it not, the whole holiday is cliched–teddy bears, candy hearts, carnations, no thank you – then maybe a more sophisticated hue will cure these ills. A coral skirt, or coral-striped top, or even just a quick swipe of coral lipstick could liven your mood. In this way, the fashion forward can participate in the “holiday spirit” whether single or not, without feeling oh so cheesy. Coral allows us to rebel, but not too drastically. We aren’t making a completely radical statement, mainly that Valentine’s Day has to be about the stupidest holiday ever thought up, yet we are not giving into all its candy-coated sugary sweetness. We are doing coral. We are doing this holiday in our own way. I guess that’s the moral of the story: fashion and love and stupid holidays are all about doing it your own way. If you want to participate and throw on a pink dress for your date with your boyfriend who will surely pick you up with a box of chocolates and a bouquet of pink carnations in tow, be my guest. But if you’d rather mix a little sweetness into your day, a hot pink accessory to accent your black and white ensemble, or just a little lipstick, that’s okay too. Far be it from me to judge.
Therese Tully is an editor for The Heights. She can be reached at arts@bcheights.com.
Top: Incorporating the bold red maxi skirt with the subtle red stripes of the white long-sleeved shirt ties the two colors together in an interesting, quirky way. Bottom (left): This classic bright pink dress screams Valentine’s Day, with it’s flirty eye-catching color and girly pleated bottom. Bottom (right): Mixing vibrant corals and pinks with surprising colors such as black and white, this edgy take on the Valentine’s Day theme freshens the somewhat cliched tradition.
Taste debate: Valentine’s day
Pro
Carolina del busto
heights staff
When February rolls around, it brings a nice, big red cloud along with it. Stores immediately begin to stock up on candy and heart-shaped things, and flowers can be found on every street corner. Overall, it feels like a scene straight out of a romantic comedy. Valentine’s Day is that one special day a year where it becomes okay to stock up on chocolate and watch sappy movies on TV. Some people feel lonely on the holiday because they’re single, but that’s not a valid excuse. I’ve been celebrating Valentine’s Day with my family since I was a kid. It’s a day to show your love for your friends, family, and yes, your significant others. Who cares if you don’t have a hot date on the 14th? Go out with your girlfriends, send your mom and dad a card, buy yourself a box of chocolates, and decorate your room with flowers that smell like heaven. Truth is, every day should be like Valentine’s Day!
con
Christine Zhao
Heights Staff
Valentine’s Day, which evidently boasts one of the highest suicide rates, is not about love. It’s not about celebrating a relationship, and it’s not at all about the saint. It’s about delicious boxed chocolates, overpriced bouquets, and excessive spending. It’s even better than Christmas for the jewelry and lingerie industries. Name brands churn out the cheesiest ads and commercials they can think of, and then throw on extra sugar for the teenyboppers who decide that the only way to feel loved is if their boyfriend or girlfriend buys them a really expensive present. In its earliest version, the cards were at least handwritten, but now they are mass-produced by Hallmark, and it’s much more of a chore for most lovers than a celebration. Expectations are high, and if left unmet, it could mean a sour turn for the relationship. If you love the one you’re with, you should love them every single day, not just when the sudden onslaught of red and pink everywhere tells you to. It’s much more meaningful to do something special just because.
One year after his untimely death at the ripe age of 24, James Dean had accomplished what few actors had achieved in the history of Hollywood. By 1956, the defiant icon had been given two posthumous Oscar nominations, one in the previous year for his debut screen role in East of Eden and the other for his final film Giant. Yet Dean transcended the spectrum of the Hollywood celebrity and quickly became a cultural symbol, personifying the rebellious antiestablishment attitude that would consume America in the next decade. His on-screen attitude, looks, and fashion sense (you can thank him for making blue denim jeans a popular look) furiously infected the youth. Before I digress, I’ll have you know that I’m not recalling Dean’s accomplishment to express a latent man-crush or to promote our clever Scene Spread on the back of this page. No, instead I’m setting up some parameters in an attempt to unveil this generation’s James Dean, or, more realistically, to unveil the troubling scarcity of strong cultural figures in this generation. Who, in present day Hollywood, emulates the rebellion of the youth? Now, you might be thinking that I’m asking too much. Dean, like Kerouac and Elvis, represents a much larger societal phenomenon—a defining turning point in American history that draws a thick line between the conventions of the first half of the 20th century and the intellectual freedoms of the latter half. This fact is undeniable, but it does not appease my apprehensions. Why not? Look at the decades that follow. The ’60s had Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate, who showed that it was okay to throw conventional careers to the wayside in order to follow popular hippy virtues of love and peace. The ’70s had Malcolm McDowell as Alex Delarge in A Clockwork Orange, who embodied a warped disregard for human life that the protesting youth believed their Vietnam-entrenched government possessed. The ’80s had Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller, who showed that it was cool to slack off and disregard Reagan’s ultra-conservative do-it-yourself ethics. This leaves us with the ’90s and ’00s. After scouring through several “best of the decade” lists, it’s hard for me to find any single acting role, or single movie for that matter, that firmly defines the sentiments of the youth. There’s Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and Nolan’s Momento, two films that rebelled against movie-making conventions, but I see no single film or character that represents stark, defining claims on society. So, what has changed? More specifically, what has changed in the last decade? In a generation that has coped with 9/11, endured two overseas “conflicts,” and experienced a complete cultural upheaval from social media, where is our James Dean? A closer look at male acting performances of the last twelve years is troubling. Since 2000, there have only been three actors under 30 nominated for a Best Actor Oscar—Heath Ledger for Brokeback Mountain, Ryan Gosling for Half Nelson, and Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network. From these three notable performances, Eisenberg’s Mark Zuckerberg is probably the one that treads closest to cultural commentary about the youth. Yet the emotionally detached Zuckerberg is much more a criticism than an advocate. Now, I don’t want to rule out the actresses from this discussion. In fact, in each of the last five years, there has been at least one Best Actress nominee under 30. And female characters undoubtedly have the ability to define generations—Brigitte Bardot’s role in And God Created Women in 1956 definitely wiped away the notion of male suppression and brought forth a new sense of female independence. However, much like their male counterparts, I can’t point to a definitive actress that protrudes from the deep reservoir of female acting presently in Hollywood. Maybe I’m just a sucker for the perceived ideals of past generations and, ultimately, a film or a character that I have skimmed over will ascend to a higher meaning after a few decades of reflection. I also must keep in mind that Dean, as well as Hoffman and Broderick, emerged from complete obscurity to define their respective eras. So perhaps there is a script being written right now that will sternly sum up the current social climate. And perhaps there is a young actor or actress out there primed to take on the shape of a cultural symbol. Or perhaps this generation will be defined by its lack of a cinematic icon.
Dan Siering is the Asst. Arts & Review Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at arts@bcheights.com.
The Heights
Thursday, February 9, 2012
B5
McCartney is too safe, despite familiarity with pop songs
Chart Toppers
By Sean Keeley
1 Stronger Kelly Clarkson 2 Set Fire to the Rain Adele 3 Good Feeling Flo Rida 4 We Found Love Rihanna 5 Turn Me On Nicki Minaj 6 Domino Jessie J 7 Rack City Tyga 8 Young, Wild & Free Snoop Dogg 9 Sexy and I Know It LMFAO 10 It Will Rain Bruno Mars
Heights Staff
In one of his most famous post-Beatles songs, Paul McCartney sang lyrics that could serve as a mantra for his latest album: “You’d think that people would have had enough of silly love songs / But I look around me and I see it isn’t so / Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs / And what’s wrong with that? / I’d like to know / Cause here I go again.” Yes, McCartney is up to his usual tricks on his latest album, effortlessly churning out light and enjoyable pop tunes. What distinguishes Kisses on the Bottom, though, is that it is largely a covers album, in which McCartney surveys the classic pop standards of his youth—songs like “It’s Only a Paper Moon” and “Always.” McCartney only includes two new original compositions, and they fit seamlessly into the album’s fabric. The result is a perfect example of what is sometimes called “easy listening”: music that is light on substance or innovation, but pleasant enough in its own breezy way. The first track sets the mood: “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” dating from 1935, is given a traditional but enjoyable treatment from McCartney, who sings over a
setting of bouncy piano and soft jazz instrumentation and carries the song in and out in a little over two and half minutes. Kisses is full of such songs, with highlights including “It’s Only A Paper Moon” (where the inclusion of violin adds some spice), the bluesy “Glory of Love,” and the silly little ditty “My Very G ood Friend the Milkman.” These tunes exemplify McCartney’s irresistible likability, his restrained but still very capable vocals, and the sheer fun he seems to be having working through a songbook of old pop tunes. But although McCar tne y holds his own on each one of these songs, he never really owns them. McCartney has always seemed the most eager-to-please of the Beatles, and here that desire to be liked comes at the expense of any risk-taking: he gives the listener exactly what’s expected and nothing more. Compared to Johnny Cash’s series of American albums—which were like wise cover albums made by a great musician at the end of his career—Kisses seems rather tame. Cash covered not only country-western and folk standards but, more surprisingly, modern rock songs like Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” and most famously, Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt”—and in the process of recasting them to fit his style, Cash
Kisses on the bottom paul mccartney produced by Hear music released Feb. 7, 2012 Our rating C+
Singles
Top Albums
courtesy of google.com
Listeners would expect pop lyric expertise from the former Beatle, but somehow the one-tone tracks don’t deliver. made the songs undeniably his own, deeply personal reflections of his life and experience. McCartney doesn’t aspire to such goals here, though on a few tracks there are glimmers of something deeper. One of these tracks is the McCartney-penned “My Valentine,” which features rich and vibrant guitar work from Eric Clapton and favors a darker ambiance than the rest of the album. Another is the
bluesy “Get Yourself Another Fool.” Both of these tracks share an ever so slightly darker edge than the rest of Kisses, and it’s a welcome change amidst all the frothy stuff. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the silly love songs that populate this album, and McCartney proves that he is a capable interpreter of these old standards. But it also seems that McCartney could do these
kinds of songs in his sleep, and sometimes it gets too syrupy—especially when he brings on a children’s choir in “The Inch Worm.” There are few real clunkers here, but even an album of consistently nice and pleasant songs can be a letdown, and a bit of a bore. Here’s hoping that on his next album, McCartney recovers something of the irreverent spirit and energy that made him so great. n
1 21 Adele 2 Born to Die Lana Del Rey 3 Old Ideas Leonard Cohen 4 2012 Grammys Various Artists 5 Kidz Bop 21 Various Artists
Source: Billboard.com
‘Scars & Stories’ is truly an experience, telling an emotional tale By Kira Mulshine For The Heights
Front man Isaac Slade and his band celebrate 10 years together with the release of a mature and intricately composed list of 12
tracks titled Scars & Stories. It is a massive accomplishment for this Denver based group: they came together in 2002 with only dreams but used their creativity to enhance our musical experience, and they were noticed. The
world has given them respect that will only be improved upon with this week’s album release. In an interview with Billboard. com, Slade indicated that these 12 tracks are especially distinctive because they are chosen from a
scars & stories The fray produced by Epic released Feb. 7, 2012 Our rating B+
courtesy of google.com
The Fray delivers on its new album with deep, emotional lyrics, but as expected, lacks any sort of variety in sound.
stunning 70 that exist. Your first reaction to this information could be that 58 songs by this band will unfairly remain unknown to us eager fans, but after a few seconds of thought, you should have a stronger appreciation for the time and effort put into perfecting the 12 chosen melodies. They are bound to satisfy the ears of millions just as previous tracks “You Found Me” and “How to Save a Life” have, and still do, today. Picture this setting: “We’re on an open-bed truck on the highway / Rain is coming down and we’re on the run.” Its thrilling, enigmatic draw is not only the opening line to “Heartbeat,” The Fray’s Top 20 charttopping single, but it is also the opening line to Scars & Stories. It depicts an undeniably captivating scene in one stanza, closing with, “Think I can feel the breath in your body / We gotta ke ep on
running till we see the sun.” From there the song, and album, sprint forward with impressive strength. The recognizable emotion emanating from Slade’s vocals is constantly convincing with each sentimental track. In “The Fighter,” optimistic guitar melodies and hopeful, steady drum patterns are paired with Slade’s voice. Together they depict the story of lovers: the woman fights for love and fails, but never stops—she is always hopeful, and the man wants to love her but cannot. Slade sings of his belief that “Maybe we were meant to be lonely / Maybe we were meant to be on our own.” But with the track’s last line, “But I got to try or it will destroy me / Cause maybe we don’t have to be all alone,” Slade’s voice confidently rings with a sense of positivity that sets
you at ease. You are then ready to hear another of The Fray’s influential tunes. There is one setback to Scars & Stories that may not come as a surprise to frequent listeners of The Fray. As in their previous albums, variety in style is almost nonexistent. Each song has a full rock band feel, that, as you can infer from the album’s title, tell stories of healed hardships (scars) that you can assume someone in the band experienced. Fortunately, there are two exceptions to this in the tracks “48 to Go” and “Rainy Zurich.” Both of these passionate songs close out the album with the same full rock band feel, but they express stories of harmonious romance. This optimism is rare to glimpse in a Fray melody, but it is a masterful and clever way to end their album. When the last track of the album closes you will be left feeling giddy, still reminiscing about past pleasant romance, and willing to favorably recommend Scars & Stories. I take no hesitation when I state that Scars & Stories will be another of The Fray’s world-wide conquering creations.n
Dr. Dog’s disc brings avid listeners an energetic and varied sound By Margaret Fahey For The Heights
On Feb. 7, Dr. Dog released Be the Void, a mix of indie, psychedelic rock songs that proves a great addition to the band’s previous six albums. The band consists of Scott McMicken (lead guitar), Frank McElroy (guitar), Toby Leaman (bass), Zach Miller (keyboard), Erick Slick (drums), and Dimitri Manos (drums). McMicken and Leaman, the band’s founders and friends since the eighth grade, both contribute the harmonizing vocals in Be the Void. The musical group was born in Philadelphia as McMicken and Leaman’s creation Raccoon. Since 1999, the band has polished its members and changed its namesake to fit a superior animal. In 2004, when Jim James of the folk-rock band My Morning Jacket listened to their album Toothbrush (released two years prior), Dr. Dog was invited to tour with him. Since then, Dr. Dog has released five critically lauded albums that have resulted in a deservedly large fan base. With the release
of their Anti-Records produced second album debut, Be the Void charms fans again. The catchy lyrics and energetic sound of Be the Void are reminiscent of 1960s rock bands, and I challenge anyone to find one song on the album they don’t enjoy. After Shame, Shame (released in 2010), fans wondered if Dr. Dog could produce another album of its predecessor’s caliber. Be the Void is similar enough to Shame, Shame to please fans, but is unique enough to stand alone. The album transitions between many different genres, producing sounds that range from folk, rock-n-roll, to pop. I’ve always loved Dr. Dog’s poetically strange lyrics that somehow seem to make sense. With lyrics in this album like, “I am the youngest of a family of spiders / I’ve got a web of my very own weaving” and “There’s an elephant in my head / And I tip toe around it,” Dr. Dog delivers again. “That Old Black Hole” is the album’s gem, a wonderful blending of vocals and guitar that can’t help but take the spotlight of the album. The song is reminiscent of many
in Shame, Shame and so refreshingly uplifting that it deserves many repeats. “Get Away” is a much more mellow song, with a folksy sound and haunting melody reminiscent of bands like Fleet Foxes. My other album favorite, “Over Here, Over There,” is one of the most creative pieces. The song’s whimsical lyrics, “I tip my hat to the heavy, heavy rain / I wave hello when I see a snake go by,” backed with fresh, exciting music is quite addictive and embodies what listeners love about Dr. Dog. The album’s first song, “Lonesome,” lacks the band’s typically outstanding lyrics with its refrain, “What does it take to be lonesome? / Nothing at all,” but boasts a classic rock-n-roll sound that starts the album off right. “These Days” is one of the album’s more poppy songs, and the happy tone of “How Long Must I Wait” follows, a product of harmonizing vocals and upbeat guitar chords. “Do the Trick,” with wacky lyrics “All my marbles gone down the drain / You could say I’m a lunatic / Won’t you set my mind at ease” saunters more toward the folksy
sound of “Get Away”. Those who prefer more rock-n-roll jams will enjoy “Warrior Man,” whose unique beat sets it apart in the album. The album’s last song, “Turning the Century,” ends its addicting collection of tracks with a more soothing rhythm. This song isn’t as fast-paced as the others, and serves as a nice
bookend to Be the Void’s more chaotic tunes. Be the Void, with its fresh, unpretentious energy, will make its listeners feel as if they are listening to a live performance in great weather. On their website, Dr. Dog claimed, “You start with [seven] guys in a room staring at one another and then [five] months later
you’ve got yourself a record. We love and are proud to share it with you.” The band’s latest creation is definitely something to be proud of. What a world it would be if all eighth grade friendships were this creative and enduring. Dr. Dog is a quirkily happy band, continuing to jam melodies that quench a wide range of musical thirsts. n
Be The void Dr. dog produced by anti records released Feb. 7, 2012 Our rating A-
courtesy of google.com
New ‘Be The Void’ brings a voluminous sound, expressing maturity and refinement in Dog’s development as a band.
Radio singles by Allie Broas Madonna feat. Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. “Gimme All Your Luvin” Madonna’s long-awaited single will undoubtedly please avid fans. The dance beats and delectable spitting by Nicki Minaj are enough to satisfy for a Madonna single, but it lacks the vocal power that Madonna usually delivers. Despite the background elementary chants, Madonna’s latest single fits perfectly with the latest wave of dance songs and will surely see success on the chart.
Snow Patrol “In the End”
Monica and Brandy “It All Belongs To Me” Monica and Brandy’s single serves as a nostalgic reminder of the pair’s Grammywinning record “The Boy is Mine.” The references to Facebook in the song are quite uncomfortable, yet the slower pace seems to work well to highlight the powerhouse vocals. While it doesn’t hold a candle to their 1998 hit, the song is catchy enough to leave fans wanting more collaboration between the duo.
Just when echoes of alternative rock seem to be silenced by the sounds of dubstep, Snow Patrol comes back with a song filled with catchy melodies that remind audiences of the strength of this Irish-Indie band. Their latest “In The End” is one of their strongest in recent memory—with a dance-like background and slow, resilient vocals, the romantic lyrics make it almost irresistible as a catchy new single.
B6
The Heights
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Heights
Thursday, February 9, 2012
B7
BY ELEANOR HIlDEBRANDT
A cost-friendly trip through the heart of Boston A few days ago, a friend came to Boston to visit, and I faced the quintessential college student question: how does one show an outsider the best of the city, while avoiding tourist traps and, more importantly, spending as little money as
possible? The answer lay in the two things beloved by all: free stuff and food. So, after breezing past various Freedom Trail icons, walking down the steps of City Hall and past the ice sculpture of Tom Brady that stood in front of Quincy Market, we made a beeline for what may well be one of the best freebies that Boston has to offer: the harbor seal exhibit in front of the aquarium. Seals? Really? Yes, my friend. Really. These creatures are not only adorable
Courtesy of Google.com
The seal exhibit outside of the New England Aquarium delights passerbys free of charge.
and somewhat mysteriously tubular, but they are also the embodiment of happiness, the anthropomorphism of Zen. Most animals—and people, for that matter—have this look in their eyes, that they’re tired, expectant, or just the tiniest bit sad. Not the harbor seals. They swim around like there’s nowhere they’d rather be and nothing they’d rather be doing, and it’s impossible not to physically feel stress levels drop while watching them. The aquarium is making a huge tactical error by putting that tank outside—who wants to pay to see anemones when you can watch smiling seals freestyle upside down for free? I could have stood there all day, but I had a city to show off, so we reluctantly moved on to the sunlit streets of Boston’s North End. After wandering for a while and taking in the sights of Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church, the perfect spot for lunch is undoubtedly the original Regina Pizzeria, located at 11 1/2 Thacher Street. The famous pizza joint (whose fare pops up in chain location all over town in places such as Quincy Market and South Station) is pure and classic Boston. Small and clean, the restaurant’s atmosphere was nothing so much as down-to-earth and unpretentious, yet the walls were covered in blackand-white photographs of famous
Allston-Brighton Crime Reports 2/3/12— 2/4/12
athletes and people like Rob Lowe, who assures patrons that Regina has the absolute best pizza. The Parks and Recreation star didn’t lie: the pie is hot, thin-crusted, and quite simply delicious. In her thick Boston
who spent an hour stretching but never actually began to exercise, to the tourists who wanted pictures in front of the State House’s gold dome, to the plethora of small children walking around in Pats gear, the sunny
Courtesy of Google.com
A staple of the North End, Mike’s Pastry is famous for their vast array of cannolis. accent, our waitress sassed us about how quickly we ate as she refilled our glasses. Leaving the North End, the only pit stop, but a highly necessary one, is at Mike’s Pastry—300 Hanover St., if you haven’t been there yet, and are currently wallowing in shame. From there, we took our desserts over to the Boston Commons for some quality people-watching. From the guy
afternoon brought out a lovely (and entertaining) display of humanity. As far as pathways through Boston go, not everything wonderful has to be completely undiscovered and trail -blazing. While riding the D-line home, I reflected that the simple days are often the best. It could be that sometimes all you really need in order to be happy is a harbor seal, some pizza, and a friend. n
Restaurant review
Paris holds the key in the creperie
Assault and Battery at Brainerd Road, Allston home About 12:01 a.m. on Friday Feb. 3, officers arrived and spoke to the victim, who stated that he was working on the house at 34 Brainerd Road and was fired by the homeowner. The victim stated that he came to take his ladders when the home owner started arguing with him regarding the ladders and the job (vinyl siding). The victim took his ladders and told officers that the homeowner assaulted him by pushing him. Officers advised all parties to take up the matter in civil court if necessary, and to re-contact the police in the case of further assaults.
Breaking and entering at a house on Ashford Street At 2:47 a.m. on Saturday Feb. 4, two officers responded to a radio call for a breaking and entering in progress on Ashford Street. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated that he was having a party at his house when four uninvited males showed up. The victim then stated that he asked the four white males to leave and that the white males left the party but then returned a short time later and began to attempt to kick the front door in. The victim stated that he and others at the party held the door closed to prevent the suspects from entering the house. Officers observed heavy damage to the front door. The victim then stated that during this, the suspect displayed a knife before all four suspects fled from the scene in an unknown direction of flight. Courtesy of Google.com
Robbery with a firearm at Brighton intersection At about 6:30 a.m. on Saturday Feb. 4, two units responded to a call about an armed robbery at the intersection of Gardner and Linden Streets, Allston. On arrival, the officer spoke with the victim’s friend, who stated that her friend had called her after being robbed. Because the victim only speaks Russian, the call to the police was delayd until the friend arrived, approximately 30 minutes after the incident occurred. The victim stated that she was walking to work, as she does every morning down Linden St., when she began to detect someone following her. She crossed the street and at the corner of Linden and Gardner, a male grabbed her and put a gun to her chest. She stated that she began to scream and the suspect jammed the gun into her chest again and grabbed her shiny, black tote bag and ran down Gardner St. towards Chester St. Inside the bag were her keys, bank statements and bank cards, her passport, her son’s passport, and approximately $20 to $30. She stated that the gun was dark in color. She denied the need for medical attention.
- Courtesy of the Boston Police Department, District 14 Gathered by Charlotte Parish, Metro Editor
HOUSE AD
By Tricia Tiedt For The Heights
While not a Boston College staple like Eagle’s Deli or Mary Ann’s, the Paris Creperie in Coolidge Corner is Brookline’s hidden gem. A Parisian cafe, the tiny restaurant serves up smoothies, coffee, salads, dessert, and, most notably, crepes—not just the traditional ham and cheese crepe either, but every kind of crepe imaginable. Categories range from breakfast to light savory to a dessert menu based entirely around the popular Nutella spread. Located off the Cleveland Circle C-line at the Coolidge Corner T stop, the Creperie is easy to overlook amidst the Starbucks, Panera Bread, and local diners on the same block. After shuffling inside the narrow door, one immediately notices that there are fewer than ten tables in the entire restaurant. In fact, a sign on the wall asks customers to be friendly and share tables if others are waiting to sit. Albeit crowded, the Paris Creperie is undoubtedly quaint. Shades of white, black, and gray encompass the restaurant’s decorations, except for the bright yellow coffee mugs. Leather booths line the walls, and a window nook complete with pillows provides the ultimate coffee shop setting. The Creperie also provides free WiFi access to its customers. One of the most unique and prominent features of the place is the open kitchen. Customers can watch their crepes cook to their liking with the freshest ingredients. Notable additions to any crepe include sundried tomatoes, salmon, duck, artichokes, and specialty cheeses (such as Brie and gruyere). The Creperie’s menu spans every version of crepe possible–French toast, buffalo chicken, and my personal favorite, brie and apples. Breakfast crepes, consisting mostly of omelet and egg creations, are served all day. The most popular crepes include “Lilli’s Crepe” and the “Tuscan Crepe,” both served “provence style” (i.e., herb-infused). The dessert portion of the menu merits heavy recognition. The Creperie employs Nutella, a popular chocolate hazelnut spread, in every form of dessert offered. Most popular are the Nutella crepe with strawberries, and the “S’mores Crepe,” filled with Nutella, marshmallows, and graham crackers. The most basic crepe is the “Butter and Sugar Sweet Crepe,” usually supplemented with
fruit, coconut, walnuts, cinnamon, and other ingredients. For non-chocolate lovers, “Gram’s Apple Pie” and “Dulce de Leche” crepes also are available. While the dessert options may include the best crepes around, the most popular dessert is a frozen concoction on the coffee board. Nutella frozen hot chocolate consists only of skim milk, fat-free frozen yogurt, and Nutella, but all customers marvel over how something so seemingly simple can be so delicious. On a frequent basis, patrons come in to pick up multiple servings of this popular beverage. Other Nutella-based drinks include hot chocoLocation: 278 Harvard Street, Brookline Cuisine: French Signature Dish: Tuscan Crepe Atmosphere: 6 / 10 Price: $ Overall Experience: B+
late and Nutella lattes, served in original, mint, or raspberry flavors. Coffee house staples and fresh fruit smoothie varieties are a perfect substitution to the Nutella menu. Also, the broad selection of hot leaf teas and iced teas are often overlooked, yet the pomegranate iced tea especially should not be missed. The Creperie is not just a business, but also a family. All employees can often be found at the Creperie, even on their days off. Customer input is essential to the kitchen’s success: every week, new crepes are created in the kitchen and offered on a special “Test Kitchen” menu. The Creperie has also begun to offer a glutenfree buckwheat crepe recipe, currently free of charge as long as customers help perfect the recipe. College students receive a 10 percent discount with a college ID on already low prices. Since it is open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends, employees recommend stopping in during late afternoon on the weekends and anytime during weekdays for a guaranteed table. The Paris Creperie provides scrumptious food, a homey environment, and a getaway from the typical BC scene.
B8
The Heights
Subway Series
Tawkin’ up a stahm in the city
Marc Francis “Bahston” and “Noo Yawk” accents have grown to such a level of distinction that they each have their own “wikihow” pages. In fact, checking up on this wiki page was one of the first things I did upon confirming my enrollment at Boston College—at the time, I felt it to be paramount that I knew how to pronounce my “r’s” like “ah’s” and “o’s” like “aw’s.” Coming to BC has shed so much light on the amount of culture that lies within our own nation—a Bostonian and a New Yorker might as well come from two different countries with entirely different traditions. Residents of both cities carry with them a unique way of speaking that is recognizable across the United States. I only had to speak for 10 minutes with the guys in my residence hall for them to guess that I come from the Big Apple. I attempt to add at least one element of mystery to my character by trying to avoid pronouncing words in such a stereotypical “New York” manner, but my roots never fail to expose themselves. Whether it’s saying “gotcha” instead of “I understand” or “fuggedaboutit” instead of “forget about it,” I am a full-fledged New Yorker. My earliest memory of recognizing the New York accent comes from watching The Nanny, starring Fran Drescher—for months I ran around the house howling “Mistuh Sheffield!” While New Yorkers’ voices are not quite as penetrating as that of Drescher, the accents of both cities are heavily used in the media. For instance, Good Will Hunting with Matt Damon serves as a popular reference to the enunciation in Boston. Moreover, New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose hometown is Brighton, has a hint of a Boston accent, further emphasizing the connection between these two iconic cities. It is truly awe-inspiring to envision the process that takes place in order for an accent to come about— millions of foreigners communicating throughout the decades, eventually culminating in one, unified speech. In other words, the New York accent was essentially formed as a result of people failing to grasp complete hold of the English language. One of my previous columns took a look at how each city’s residents strut their stuff on city streets, some faster than others. Well, there appears to be a direct correlation between walking speed and talking speed. Bostonians pay less mind to the length of their sentences, while New Yorkers tend to combine words for the sake of time and breath, such as shortening “should have” to “shudda,” and “did you” to “dijuh.” Nowadays, Upper East Siders tend to avoid associating themselves with the standout accent which, unfortunately, I fail miserably at hiding. So, as it turns out, there is more to a region’s conversational skills than its innate accent: speed, pitch, tone, loudness, and train of thought all contribute to speech characteristics. Although they are highly subjective for each person, there is a level of consistency for each city when viewed on a general scale. For example, New Yorkers are known for their highly vocal and “aggressive” qualities, while Bostonians possess more laidback charqacteristics. At BC, other students tend to confuse the opinions of an innocent New Yorker like myself for harsh judgments and criticisms of others. Meanwhile, the New Yorker usually does not consider himself to be aggressive or over-the-top because he comes from a dog-eat-dog culture that focuses on the vocalization of thoughts and opinions. Likewise, a New Yorker may consider a Bostonian to be just a small town guy with a token lackadaisical attitude, while, the Bostonian considers himself to come from the fast life. Overall, the reason why no one ever asks, “Do you speak American?” seems fairly evident—each state, city, or town has its own unique, personal, way of communicating that highlights the strength of America’s diversity. Marc Francis is the Asst. Metro Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at metro@bcheights.com.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Non-profit empowers disadvantaged women By Devon Sanford Heights Editor Last Wednesday evening, a meeting for Dress for Success Boston was held in the Fulton Honors Library. Kim Todd, executive director at Dress for Success Boston, spoke to a group of students interested in the non-profit organization. Dress for Success, a program founded in 1997, promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women through network support and career development tools. The organization collects donations and raises money to provide in-style business attire to low-income women. “We work with women who have hit rock bottom and need help getting back up,” Todd said. “Over the past several years, we’ve helped women with various career experiences. We’ve seen business workers, airline attendants, scientists, even a CPA from Chile.” Dress for Success was founded in 1997 in New York City. Since its foundation, the organization has served more than 550,000 women in 110 cities across 10 countries. It serves women by referral only, and customers must have a scheduled interview. Clients are accepted through more than 3,000 organizations throughout the world, including govern-
ment agencies, homeless shelters, immigration services, job training programs, and educational and domestic violence shelters. Dress for Success then provides women with professional apparel and career development services. After a woman finds a job, she can return to the organization for additional clothing to begin her professional wardrobe. The non-profit organization has worked to establish the Professional Women’s Group (PWG) program and Career Centers to give additional job support for unemployed women, providing clients with the means to thrive in the mainstream workplace. Dress for Success Boston, located on Commonwealth Ave, was established in 2001. Since its inception, the non-profit organization has served over 6,000 women in the Boston area. The program celebrated its Sixth Annual Self-Sufficiency Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 27. Co-chaired by Lois Dehls Cornell of Tufts Health Plan and Rosalin Acosta of TD Bank, the event raised over $100,000. On May 12, Dress for Success Boston will host its second annual Power Walk in Castle Island. Through continuing support and donations, the event is anticipated to be a successful fundraiser for the non-profit organization. n
Courtesy of Google.com
Dress for Success provides working women with advice, support, and casual business attire.
Institutions refuse to pay requested tax
Cadets cut loose at Park Plaza formal ball
from PILOT, B10 the PILOT payments are “based on the value of real estate owned by an institution. This approach both reflects the size and quality of the institution’s real estate holdings and is consistent with the approach taken for taxable properties.” The PILOT programs decided that the institutions should pay 25 percent of what their property tax would be, because police, fire, snow removal, and other essential services represent approximately 25 percent of the city’s budget. For the fiscal year 2012, the City of Boston is asking for $21.5 million in cash and $22 million in community benefits. Last year, the city requested $15.2 million in cash and $2.3 million in community benefits. What exactly is meant by community benefits is unclear, but in the PILOT task force executive report final summary from 2009, the guidelines for “community benefits” are that they “directly benefit City of Boston residents, support the City’s mission and priorities … emphasize ways in which the City and the institution can collaborate to address shared goals, services should be quantifiable, the City must be consistent and transparent in its approach so that institutions can plan appropriately.” The amount that the tax-exempt institutions are asked to pay will increase in the upcoming years. Eventually the requested amount of PILOT contributions will reach the target amount of $28 million. The reason that the majority of tax-exempt institutions did not pay the requested amount in PILOT contributions varies. According to The Boston Globe, some
from ROTC Ball, B10
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The New England Aquarium is one of 26 nonprofits that has not fulfilled its tax obligations. nonprofit leaders expressed reservations “because of concern that participating in a plan that calls for making payments based on a percentage of property values might set a precedent that could eventually compromise the tax-exempt status of their institutions.” Richard J. Doherty, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, said that boards of trustees share this concern of where the PILOT program could lead in the future. “We have some boards of trustees that are asking, ‘What are the implications? Does this exist elsewhere in the country? Are there precedents we need to be considering? Are we heading down a slippery slope?’” Eric Buehrens is the interim president and chief executive officer at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, one of the 19 institutions that did pay the requested amount in PILOT contributions. Beuhrens said in a Globe interview that although the hospital is not excited about paying taxes, “we recognize that the municipal budgets, including the city of Boston’s, are under an
enormous amount of strain, and we think we have to be good citizens.” Boston College has not made the suggested PILOT contributions for fiscal year 2010 or 2011, and in a statement from 2010, University Spokesman Jack Dunn explained the reasoning behind BC’s stance on the PILOT contributions, stating that BC only has to offset BC’s reliance on local fire departments, because BC, unlike many other Boston universities, has its own campus police force and provides for its own trash and snow removal. Dunn also said that BC’s many initiatives with Boston-based schools and organizations are more in line with the University’s mission. “While we are sympathetic to the City’s financial struggles, we feel that the best way for us to make meaningful contributions to the City of Boston is through our volunteer service, our grant procurement, and our outreach to Boston’s schools, hospitals, and community agencies.” Dunn was unable to be reached for a comment on the PILOT taxes for fiscal 2012. n
Person to Watch Paula Argento, BC ’78, has no small resume. A partner to Argento International Law Firm and the president of the Argento Venture Group, she has amassed over 20 years of experience working in law fields stretching from entertainment to securities, has consulted on transactions totaling more than $6 billion, and is a beacon of legal achievement and expertise. However, preceding her stream of professional success, Argento was a proud High Honors graduate of Boston College. She went on to obtain a law degree from the Catholic University of America and a master’s in banking and finance law from the Boston University Law School. Most recently, Argento has decided to reinvest her knowledge in the community of prospective law students. Her book, How to Avoid the Law
Who: BC alumnus Paula Argento What: With over 20 years of experience in the field of law, Argento’s How to Avoid the Law School Trap guides hopeful law students. Where: Argento International Venture Group Why it matters: With many aspiring lawyers enrolled at BC, Argento provides a useful tool to avoid common pitfalls in the legal profession.
School Trap (and achieve lasting success in the 21st century), offers cautionary advice for those interested in pursuing one of the most coveted, and costly, educations in America. Argento argues that in today’s job market more and more students are attracted to the stability of a legal profession, assured by the mythology of a great demand for lawyers. The reality of the situation is, unfortunately, quite different. “What many students and parents may not realize is that many law schools educate at least 30 percent more students than there will ever be legal jobs for,” said Argento. The talented individuals that persevere through the rigorous academic regime of law school are increasingly turned away from firms in economic straits. The specificity of their skills leaves these graduates virtually unemployable in any field outside of the legal profession. Argento’s guide offers a solution: “I advocate that law schools teach other executive skills so students will be able to bulletproof their careers. I debunk the myths surrounding law school and law practice, and give resources to obtain key executive skills and develop alternative careers.” Argento offers post-graduate advice on the rewarding, though exclusive, realities of the legal profession. In this time of occupational uncertainty, her book is an essential resource for understanding the benefits and pitfalls of modern law practice. Argento herself has come a long way from her undergraduate stay at BC, leading an ambitious and accomplished career. She remains
camaraderie between branches of the armedforces in different schools, which rarely happens as their daily activities are separated. Kelsey K., a freshman at BU and army cadet, rarely happens as their daily activities are separated. A freshman at BU and army cadet, described the ROTC program as rigorous, but manageable. They commit on average 10 hours a week, including physical training, labs, and meetings. Cadets agree that the military ball was a nice way for the competitive branches to “get over their differences.” Christian Schaible, A&S ’12, is in the Navy and is a philosophy major who joined originally because his father was in the Navy. He has also been recently accepted into a competitive pilot program in Florida for Navy cadets wanting to fly. Yuri Talin, a BU sophomore and psychology major, received a four-year scholarship through the program. The military ball inspired tradition for her and was a “nice break from military training,” she said. Just before the ball started, the Air Force drill team gave the audience a little taste of the evening program. Synchronized, they spun the rifles above them elegantly a few times and, like clockwork, marched out of the room. Then the walls of the room began to slide open to reveal another ornate ballroom with a dance floor and a live band playing music from the ’40s. All the cadets and their dates rushed in eagerly. It was as if it were a different decade. n
By: Dmitry Arjun By: Gajulapalli Larionov
grateful, however, to her alma mater, and reserves a special affinity for the BC community: “I really want to help young people achieve lasting success, and I particularly want to make sure that BC students get the best information.”
Courtesy of Google.com
The Heights
Thursday, February 9, 2012
B9
Cafe ignores CORY From Haley House, B10 soon apparent that they could no longer operate out of the small soup kitchen. There was but one oven—a problem since they were now baking wholesale—so they opened Haley House Bakery Cafe in Dudley Square. Haley House had great ambitions for its cafe. “This cafe would do a lot. It would provide good, healthy, organic food to a part of Boston that otherwise did not see much food of this quality. It would be sold at an affordable price to the community, and it would offer jobs to people,” Pung said. Eventually, Haley House’s Bakery Training Program developed into the Transitional Employment Program (TEP) at the Cafe. The program initially accepted people from an array of different backgrounds—victims of domestic abuse, refugees, and individuals coming out of jail—but because the program was so broad, people would be placed on a crowded waiting list, sometimes for up to five years. In light of this problem, “Haley House reflected and envisioned a new program for folks coming out of prison, one that would have a deeper impact,” said Bing Broderick of the Bakery Cafe. The TEP was developed from a singular, philanthropic vision—to guide those who seem to have strayed off the right path. The TEP assists incarcerated individuals as they prepare to re-enter the workforce. Through the program, about five people at a time receive on-the-job training as they produce homemade cookies, pizza dough, pies, and, tea loaves at the Bakery Cafe. In fact, participants of the TEP help bake and package the chocolate chip cookies that are sold in Boston College and Northeastern University dining halls. Haley House’s Bakery Cafe is CORY friendly, meaning that it does not discriminate
against hiring people with a criminal record. “There are things that happen in peoples’ lives. We don’t close the door,” Broderick said. Though many of the Bakery Cafe’s employees do come through the TEP, there are some who do not. Nevertheless, Broderick said, “People want to stay.” There are many far-reaching benefits of the TEP and the Bakery Cafe, some that are less obvious than simply job provision. Because the Cafe is CORY friendly, it ensures workers have more options in the future. Moreover, participation in the TEP requires additional education or tutoring, which is provided by Haley House Live-in Community members and volunteers. Education, like employment, aggrandizes an individual’s potential opportunities. Through employment, Pung says that individuals are able to support themselves and gain a “more confident sense of self-worth.” This newfound assurance empowers people “to be productive” and to advance their “overall well being.” Like the rest of Haley House’s initiatives, the TEP and the Bakery Cafe place a vital emphasis on self-improvement. Broderick explained, “It used to be about in culinary skills, but now it’s about teaching people life skills.” In addition, the Bakery Cafe cultivates a “real sense of community” that not only includes the employees of the Cafe and the participants of the TEP, but the customer base as well. The Cafe cares about “what’s going on in people’s lives,” according to Broderick. Haley House’s commitment to preserving and promoting the inherent worth at the heart of every person is three-fold. Thanks to the organization’s many different programs, people receive not only what they need, but also what they are entitled to as human beings: food, shelter, and work. n
Questioning Conventions
UGBC election frustrations Courtesy of Google.com
Brown may be in hot water, as the price of the fundraising box was not declared as a contribution.
Jenzabar denies association From Scott Brown, B10 Blute and Peter Torkildsen, two former U.S. Representatives. It is worth noting that neither of these high-profile hires had any experience in working with software. More recently, Maginn has hired Rob Willington, a former executive director of the state party, as a consultant for his firm. On top of that, Willington began working for the Republican campaign almost at the same time he agreed to the position at Jenzabar. Resulting from these activities, the state’s suspicion is that Jenzabar is indirectly funding the GOP’s activity by putting unqualified workers on their
payroll while they are out campaigning for Scott Brown. When asked about the curious amount of former Republicans brought on to the Jenzabar team, Brown’s spokesman Colin Reed said, “The Brown campaign finance team organizes fundraisers for Senator Brown, in conjunction with event hosts, in full compliance with federal election law.’’ Maginn has refused to answer questions from The Globe, but a spokesperson has released statements addressing Willington and his affiliations with Jenzabar. When asked what Jenzabar’s plans were for furthering its relationship with the Republican Party, spokesman Tim Buckley responded simply, “I have no idea. I’m not Jenzabar.” n
Ease and clarity of application emphasized in loan reforms From Student Loans, B10 The first wave of reforms, which were reviewed by over 20,000 college administrators and federal loan recipients, have many components. A college scorecard was proposed for all accredited colleges and universities, making it easier for students and families to choose a college that is best suited to their needs, priced affordably, and most consistent with their career and educational goals. Also, an updated “financial aid shopping sheet” would allow students to compare tuition costs and available financial aid at different
schools. Previously voluntary, these sheets would be made mandatory for all degree-issuing institutions. The new model makes the costs and risks of student loans clear upfront, before students have enrolled, outlining their total estimated student loan debt and monthly loan payments after graduation. The president is also proposing to begin collecting earnings and employment information for colleges, so that students can have an even better sense of their post-graduation futures. Also, efforts are underway to increase the number of work-study jobs available to students, giving all students a chance
to get a head start on paying back their loans. The administration has asked universities to reconsider yearly tuition increases in an effort to reign in college costs. Federal aid programs would be shifted away from colleges with higher tuition and towards those who keep prices affordable and provide financial assistance for students in need. Obama’s proposed “Race to the Top” program would reward states that make positive changes in their higher education systems. Without loan and affordability reform, the U.S. faces a reduction in
college graduates for the first time in history, as well as a loss of education and employment power on a global scale. Obama’s reforms focus on preventing college tuition from spiraling out of control, informing future students of their costs, and simplifying the financial aid system. While Boston College does offer significant financial aid, its $54,000 per year price tag puts it well out of financial range for many. Obama’s proposed reforms could prevent tuition from rising even higher for BC undergraduates, as well as inform prospective students of the financial implications of their education. n
Graham Beck is an editor for The Heights. He can be reached at metro@ bcheights.com.
Andrew Schweiger is a staff columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at metro@bcheights.com.
Courtesy of Google.com
Gas tax superior plan to cuts Quick cash injection required Boston mayor Thomas M. Menino is on the right track—excuse the pun—by suggesting that raising MBTA fares and slashing certain services is not the best way to reduce the T’s deficit. While the proposed price hike for the elderly is by far the most extreme—150 percent on rapid transit, 175 percent on local buses—the increases on fares for students and adults in general are also significant. Similarly, cutting bus routes and certain commuter rail services will make Boston much less accessible, for those outside and within the city. The T is an important method of transportation around Boston: raising prices and cutting services will not only alienate patrons, it will also place an undue burden on those for whom riding the T is the only viable way to move around the city. Menino points out, specifically, that the changes to door-to-door services, called The Ride, for disabled persons, many of whom may be on fixed incomes, are particularly “drastic.” Citizens who are able to take these price increases and service cuts in stride are more likely to have, or be able to afford, another mode of transportation. Furthermore such a citizen probably is not a student, an elderly person, or a person with disabilities. The proposed changes are unfair to
Eleanor Hildebrandt is an editor for The Heights. She can be reached at metro@ bcheights.com.
Graham Beck While Mayor Thomas Menino would like a gradual and “eased in” strategy of helping the failing MBTA system, the changes he proposes are as impractical as putting a Band-Aid on a foot-long gash. Mayor Menino rightfully acts on behalf of the citizens of his city by opposing large increases for T fares. However, the truth of the matter is that no easy solution exists. The staggering debt from the MBTA speaks for itself—$5 billion in debt, with $161 million in deficit from just this year. The unfortunate, and yet only truly practical solution to prevent the system from completely crashing, is to follow through with significant fare increases and route cuts. Yes, it’s true that since 2000 the debt from the Big Dig, which provided slow MBTA expansion into Beacon Hill, crippled the system. However, the system currently needs a jump-start, and while fare hikes and route cuts seem like a hugely unpopular way to go about this, it helps decrease maintenance costs while injecting much needed revenue to help make up the deficit. Though Menino considers this strategy a “one-year Band-Aid,” the truth is that this is exactly what the MBTA needs. Menino’s idealistic strategy of increasing other tax rates to provide crutches for the T will not only be met
I know many dismiss UGBC elections as popularity contests, but it only degenerates into that if you allow it to.
and slowed by the legislative process, but will just take too long to make any impact at all in helping the overall debt and annual deficit. Furthermore, attempts to increase other tax rates to help the MBTA have failed thus far. MBTA routes, such as the Green Line, contain too many different routes, and strategic cuts will still connect Bostonians to their city without hurting the disabled and elderly. Furthermore, hikes in student and general commuter fares will be met with angry opposition, but, as even Menino conceded, they will not turn customers completely away from taking the T. “What I’ve heard from most customers is that if choosing between the two, folks would rather pay more than see service be cut,” said Menino to The Boston Globe. Without immediate and substantial aid, the deficit rate and subsequent debt of the MBTA will only continue to “balloon in coming years,” said Richard Davey, Secretary of Transportation, resulting in even more drastic cuts and fare hikes. Menino and commuters throughout Boston need to accept these much needed route cuts and fair hikes, or see the slow and painful end to the entire MBTA.
Despite having a record high number of commuters the past year, the MBTA faces a daunting deficit of $161 million, as well as a $5 billion debt. Current state proposals to help save the failing public transit system consist of numerous cuts to transit stops, as well as large increases to commuter fares. Boston mayor Thomas M. Menino believes that such proposals are too detrimental to the large percent of Bostonians who rely on the T to move about the city, and describes other options to help the sinking system.
these demographics, and such a skewed plan of action will lose in goodwill what it makes up in revenue. Some changes are necessary, of course: for example, a smaller fee increase, proportional to the current prices, would be easier to accept. Menino’s proposed gas tax also seems like a viable option. While the financial burden of the T should not rest on the shoulders of those who drive, it seems worthwhile to note that more riders on the T means fewer drivers on the road, which alleviates traffic and reduces pollution. Car owners may grumble, but pitching in a few extra cents per gallon to keep the roads and skies that much clearer seems eminently worthwhile. Finally, Menino also hinted at some “other levy” that could gather revenue and support the T. What that levy could be is unclear—now that Governor Deval Patrick has cleared the way for them, maybe Menino should cut a deal with casino owners. Gamblers subsidizing public transportation? Sounds good to me. But regardless of the specifics of the plan, creativity (not penalizing the patrons of the MBTA) is key to fixing this debt-ridden system.
I dislike being told what to do. I especially dislike it when I am confronted by others, in say, the Quad, telling me in raised voices, as I innocently make my way to class, that I should do something. And I really, really dislike it when others make their pleas more of a guilt trip, bordering on desperation in a bid to be heard. It is annoying. It is tiresome. It is inevitable. As we have all been hearing unceasingly for the past several days, today and tomorrow are the presidential primary elections for the UGBC. Teams have been decided, colors chosen, doors held open, and t-shirts worn. It is officially the campaign season … take deep, slow breaths. Close your eyes if you have to. I can only imagine what today will bring. Without a doubt, the number of raised voices and a sense of urgency will rise. Campaigners will be all over campus, wearing monochromatic t-shirts, indiscriminately hawking their respective candidates’ platforms to any passerby who fulfills two specific requirements: that he or she be an undergraduate, and has full use of their ears. In the face of such circumstances, I don’t even bother with “bah, humbug.” No, if need be I will respectfully, but
firmly, articulate that it would be best not to pester me with urgings to vote for team [insert color here]. It’s not even the elections that irritate me. It’s the manner in which the candidates campaign. Some campaigns organize shifts in which volunteers hold doors open for any student wishing to pass through. They do not do this because it is a kind act, but because it’s a gesture meant to demonstrate how kind and well-intentioned the candidate and his or her campaign is. Other campaigns may hold a flash mob or play music to illustrate how cool, down to earth, and fun their candidate is. Both examples are purely political strategies meant to garner votes, not genuine acts of kindness or coolness. Their motives are too obvious, their appeals too manufactured. Some may wonder, why bother? What’s the point? It’s not like it makes a difference who is UGBC president. But here’s the thing—it actually does matter. With or without overzealous supporters, many UGBC presidential candidates have had very compelling platforms over the years, each helping to lead to some new change or innovation within the University, as well as the greater BC community as a whole. If you haven’t noticed already, BC welcomes progress and change, so long as it is initiated by motivated people and is done in a proper manner. As an undergraduate, you can make a difference in the evolution of BC by voting in the presidential primary and the later election. I know many dismiss UGBC elections as popularity contests, but it only degenerates into that if you allow it too. Don’t let the guy down the hall, your girlfriend, or some stranger persuade you to vote for a candidate you know nothing about. On the flip side, it is equally lazy if you don’t vote at all. You don’t have to go anywhere special. You can vote right from your own laptop or desktop computer. So I encourage you, from these very unbiased and calmly printed words, to take the time today before you vote to research all the potential candidates. You may be surprised by the creative ideas each candidate has to offer. These people are undergraduate students like you and I. The only thing that separates us from these presidential candidates is that these students see how they could help bring about a positive difference on campus and are willing to annoy the rest of us to get it. So please, do the right thing over the next two days, and vote for a difference.
THE ISSUE:
Eleanor Hildebrandt
Andrew Schweiger
metro The Heights
Thursday, December 8, 2011
B10
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Non-profits cough up tax dollars
Wicked Cultured
Stalwartly ‘Pat’riotic
Although non-profit companies, including Boston College, are not required to pay property taxes, Boston has recently asked them to make voluntary payments to account for the services provided to them by the city. By Caroline McManus For The Heights On Jan. 20th, 2012, Mayor Thomas Menino announced the Payments-InLieu Of Taxes, or PILOT, contributions for the first half of fiscal year 2012. In a press release, the PILOT contributions were said to be 24 percent higher than the contributions from last year, totaling $9.4 million. This is just short of the $10.8 million requested by the City of Boston under the new PILOT program. Despite this increase in contributions, only 19 of the 45 tax-exempt institutions that fall under the PILOT program paid the requested amount. Tax-exempt educational, medical, and cultural institutions, including Boston College, have voluntarily paid PILOT contributions for many years. The PILOT contributions by tax-ex-
Charlotte Parish Sometimes people just take insults too far. Giants fans, you can have your victory dance, but please do not rub salt in others’ wounds. I understand that a fair number of people in the country feel the need to belittle and mock the physical pain that New England Patriots fans are feeling after Sunday’s game-thatshall-not-be-named Part II (if we are willing to remember for an excruciating half-second the travesty of 2007). However, there is tasteful winning and then there is just being obnoxious. Anyone who walked through Copley Square on Tuesday witnessed a fiveyear-old’s dream and a Patriot fan’s worst nightmare: hundreds of Butterfingers. How does this connect to the Patriots? Because Pawngo.com (an online pawn shop started in 2011) decided that they would oh so very cleverly mock Patriots’ wide receiver, Wes Welker, and the rather unfortunate (read: I’m still crying when I watch clips of it) pass that he did not catch by dumping hundreds of Butterfingers candy bars onto the street with a sign reading “Thank you Wes Welker.” Aside from the fact that the woman featured in a photo holding this sign in front of the prank needs to go into protective services to hide from distraught Patriots fans, Pawngo.com needs to check themselves before insulting the mass entity that is the New England fan base. Yes, there will be some tension across the city and Boston College’s campus for those Giants fans who cannot be quietly victorious. Especially if the so-called fans (not that I am referring to
When push comes to shove, I would still rather be from Boston right now, heartbreak and all. a certain roommate of mine) ask if Tom Brady is the quarterback for the Giants and if there are five downs in a drive, and then proceed to celebrate the win loudly with other, more legitimate Giants fans. Not that I am considering Parent Trapstyle redemption for the taunting. However, this company can congratulate itself on being witty and hitting us on our home turf when we are down. They can also pat themselves on the back for guaranteeing that not a single loyal Patriots fan will ever, and I mean ever, use their website. Boston sports fans are the most stalwart in the country. How else do you weather 86 years of Red Sox tragedies? So if you insult us, we do not forget. And like any real family, while we can say whatever we want about what goes on in our house (including rounds of silent screams of frustration aimed at Welker for the pass or Brady for the safety), you as an outsider, Pawngo.com, cannot say jacks—t about our teams. I’m really curious as to why exactly this startup thought they needed to enrage Patriot fans everywhere, but as much local publicity as they are getting from the prank, they can be sure that we will rally together against Pawngo.com like Douggie and Jamie of The Town do against the fuzz. When push comes to shove, I would still rather be from Boston right now, heartbreak and all. In the past decade, the Patriots still have more Super Bowl and conference wins than the Jets and Giants combined. That’s right, New York has twice as many chances and still can’t. So while in this moment, New Yorkers are laughing, we Patriot fans will hunker down, continue supporting Belichick and his sweatshirt without arms and his sour-faced brilliance, waiting for redemption next year.
Charlotte Parish is the Metro Editor for The Heights. She can be reached at metro@bcheights.com
empt institutions are meant to offset the “essential city services” that they receive, such as police protection, fire protection, and snow removal. In 2009, however, Mayor Menino, created a task force to investigate PILOT taxes in Boston because, according to the interim report from 2009, “significant disparities exist between PILOT contributor amounts and in relation to their respective amounts of tax-exempt property. As such, the Task Force was asked to review the current PILOT program and make recommendations on how to create more equitable PILOT agreements.” The Task Force released its recommendations on April 6, 2009, in which it decided that the PILOT contributions should remain voluntary because mandatory payments would “face significant opposition and [run] counter
to the spirit of partnership between the city and it s institut i o n s ,” according to the executive report final summary. Yet, since the 2009 Task Force recommendations, the City of Boston has sent the 45 tax-exempt institutions, with revenues that exceed $15 million, letters requesting they pay a certain amount in PILOT contributions. According to the executive summary of the final report,
See PILOT, B8
Joseph Castlen \ Heights Editor
Legality of Brown’s fundraising questioned By Sean Powers For The Heights All is quiet in Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, following Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants in Indianapolis. But, if one were to listen closely enough, whispers of Jan. 14’s controversial conglomeration at the stadium could still be heard. That conglomeration being, of course, the collection of Scott Brown and various other GOP members, who enjoyed all the perks of a $30,000 luxury suite during the Patriots’ divisional playoff matchup against the Denver Broncos.
At the surface, the meeting appeared to be no more than a few men in suits enjoying an extravagant afternoon, safely isolated and elevated high above crowds of the common people—nothing new. But something fishy was transpiring, and it was not the delectable crab spread or the shrimp cocktails. This suite, which cost $30,000 to rent, was hosting a “fundraiser” that was fiscally backed by the Republicanrun Jenzabar Inc., a software firm that is headed by the chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party. Campaign regulations strictly prohibit corporations from making donations, stat-
ing that any money given to a campaign must retroactively be compensated. However, this was not the case for the Jenzabar team, who were not refunded this large sum of money spent on Brown’s campaign. This is not the first time, however, that Robert Maginn Jr., the Massachusetts GOP chairman and head of Jenzabar Inc., has come under fire for suspicious activity within his Republican-tied software firm. In December of 2011, Maginn was scrutinized for hiring Peter
See Scott Brown, B9
Pres. Obama reconstructs financial aid
Haley House emphasizes employment
New legislation calls for transforming the college loan process
By Ariana Igneri For The Heights
By Molly Shea
This is the fourth installment in a series exploring Haley House’s contribution to the local community.
In an effort to help college students manage debt from federal loans, President Barack Obama’s administration has called on Congress to support reforms to the United States higher education system. With tuition prices creeping higher and higher, Obama has proposed a series of reforms to the current federal aid system, as well as incentives for states and universities to lower tuition prices and increase accessibility to financial aid information. Federal student loans are closely linked to the state of the economy, with interest rates staying low in times of economic prosperity and inflating when the economy takes a downturn. In his State of the Union address on Jan. 24, Obama reiterated his plans to loosen the tie between economy and education costs, as well as his plans to simplify the college loan process. Emphasizing “the responsibility shared by the federal government, states, colleges, and universities to promote access and affordability in higher education,” Obama spoke of the work he and his administration have done to both restructure the student aid system and expand grant aid. The Obama administration has taken steps to advocate for students who have taken out federal loans, as well as prospective students who have yet to begin the federal aid process.
the Army (hence the inspiration for the color name), while the Navy/Marines and Air Force were in navy blue, the former differentiating themselves with a small metal anchor pin on their collars. Female cadets dressed up their uniforms by wearing swanky studs in their ears. Male dates wore tuxedos and female dates wore elaborate floor-length gowns, but the bold uniforms took the spotlight. Gabrielle Horton, a freshman at Northeastern, beamed and said that she always wanted to serve the country, loved community service, and saw ROTC as a great opportunity to do both. She felt that the military ball celebrated morale and
Haley House is firmly rooted in the sacred belief that each and every person possesses intrinsic human dignity. For about four decades, the House has been integrating programs in the South End of Boston that provide distressed individuals with the most fundamental necessities of life. The establishment of a soup kitchen and an organic farm has ensured that people receive proper nourishment, and the institution of a permanent housing program has provided individuals with shelter, security, and stability. Their initiatives, however, expand far beyond the aforementioned. “Though a person has food and housing, those things are not sustainable without a job,” said Elizabeth Pung of Haley House. Thus, the Haley House Bakery Cafe and the Transitional Employment Program were started. The growth of Haley House has been gradual. At a humble soup kitchen, homeless men, without jobs and unable to support themselves, would receive a hot meal and a place to sleep. As a way to generate income, they decided to bake fresh bread and sell it to the community. Their efforts eventually culminated in the Bakery Training Program, where they taught student volunteers basic baking skills. Time passed, and it was
See ROTC Ball, B8
See Haley House, B9
For The Heights
Courtesy Google.com
Cadets from the Army, Navy, and Marines gathered to celebrate their work this Saturday.
Boston’s undergraduate ROTC gathers for annual celebration
See Student Loans, B9
i nside Metro this issue
On the Flip Side
By Jasmine Rebadavia For The Heights
Nametags were straight. Hair was slicked back. Creases were ironed out. Shoes were shined. These were not college students, but polished patriotic men and women wearing prestigious uniforms. On the evening of Feb. 3, 2012, hundreds of U.S. Army, Navy/Marine, and Air Force ROTC cadets from BU, Boston College, Northeastern, Simmons, Bridgewater State, and UMass Boston were gathered together at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel for the annual intercollegiate Military Ball. In the dim, glowing light of the prereception ballroom, it was difficult to tell which person belonged to which branch. However, those in army green were from
Should Mayor Menino continue to support a gas tax to help the MBTA reduce its debt instead of service cuts?................................... B9
Restaurant Review: Paris Creperie....................................................B7 Dress for Success: Non-profit help women enter the business world............B8