The Heights 04-26-10

The Independent Student Newspaper of Boston College Established 1919

THE HEIGHTS MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010

Vol. XCI, No. 22

www.bcheights.com

Students injured when car collided with T trolley

BY PATRICK GALLAGHER Assoc. News Editor

AND TAYLOUR KUMPF Asst. News Editor

On Saturday night, seven individuals were allegedly involved in a collision with an MBTA Green Line trolley, six of whom are Boston College students – including three members of the NCAA champion men’s ice hockey team.

At approximately midnight, the students were in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with New Jersey license plates, traveling on Commonwealth Avenue toward BC, when the driver allegedly swerved in front of the oncoming trolley, said Joe Pesaturo,

MBTA spokesman.

Firefighters and Boston EMS treated four of the car’s occupants at the scene, while the three other individuals allegedly fled the scene of the accident, Pesaturo said. According to the Boston Fire Department’s Twitter, one of the victims had to be forcefully extracted from the vehicle.

“The trolley operator told police the Jeep Cherokee turned into the Green Line right of way just as the train was approaching,” Pesaturo said. “Citations or charges against the motorist are likely.

Four occupants of the Jeep Cherokee were transported to Beth Israel and Brigham and Women’s for treatment of non-life

threatening neck and back injuries.”

No one on the trolley was injured.

Jane Stanton, LSOE ’13; Philip Samuelsson, A&S ’13; Patrick Wey, CSOM ’13; and Tina Dilandry were treated for nonlife threatening injuries, Pesaturo said.

Reilly Corbett, A&S ’13; Parker Milner, CSOM ’13; and Elizabeth Motley, A&S ’13, allegedly fled the scene.

Initially, Pesaturo said that the operator of the trolley saw some occupants of the vehicle pick up what appeared to be alcoholic beverage containers before leaving the scene. However, University Spokesman Jack Dunn said MBTA authori-

See Collision, A4

COUTESY OF WHDH-TV CHANNEL 7 NEWS

Police examined the scene of the crash on Commonwealth Ave. following the accident .

Steel Train, The Fray struggle to fill spring concert

BY ANA T. LOPEZ Heights Editor

Thursday night, students turned out to listen to this year’s spring concert lineup, Steel Train and The Fray, in Conte Forum. The crowd of students was smaller in size than at previous spring concerts, student organizers said.

The intimate size of the crowd translated into losses for the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC), the extent of which is yet to be determined.

The Fray was chosen as a result of pricing, availability factors, and student preference, said James D’Ambra, executive director of campus entertainment for the UGBC and Maureen Keegan, assistant director, both A&S ’10.

“We sent out a survey to see what people were interested in for the spring concert,” Keegan said.

This survey, which appeared on the UGBC Web site, Twitter, and Facebook pages, showed that students were interested in a pop or Top 40 artist. “We got over 600 responses,” D’Ambra said.

“That was good. Any time you survey, you’re lucky if you get a 10 percent response.”

KEVIN HOU / HEIGHTS EDITOR

The UGBC took student surveys into consideration when choosing The Fray to perform last week.

Based on the survey results, concert directors compiled a list of potential artists that was pared down by an agent before bids were established. “The agent finds out if an artist would even consider

coming here,” D’Ambra said. “It’s always a guess and check process to put in a bid for an artist,” Keegan said. “They might be available on paper, but maybe they don’t want to do a college show.”

In the end, The Fray was the only group that fit the UGBC’s budgetary and time constraints and thus, the only group to which they officially sent a bid.

“The process is convoluted by the rumor mill,” D’Ambra said.

Because the event did not sell out, the UGBC took a budgetary hit. The severity of the monetary losses on the concert is not known as of yet, as the Robsham ticket office staff has not released the final figures for ticket sales.

The band members, famous for their hits “Over My Head” and “You Found Me,” were described as friendly and approachable, and did not make any outlandish requests. “Their requests were pretty standard,” Keegan said.

“They asked for a lot of towels. They also asked for a lot of fruits and veggies for their juicer.” After the concert, when the band members craved French cuisine, a group of students drove them to a late dinner.

D’Ambra said that the crowd was tame throughout the night – much more so than in previous years. “The incidents were incredibly minimal, which is amazing,” he said. “That’s been a theme this year. Students just know how to act at events.” 

Celebration surrounds scholarship naming The newly-named Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship honored its first recipient Saturday

BY MICHAEL CAPRIO News Editor

On Saturday night, Jessica Chau, A&S ’11, was named the first recipient of the Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship since its recent naming.

Students held celebrations during the week to honor the naming of the scholarship, which had gone nameless for 15 years.

“It was an honor to have this privilege of receiving the scholarship,” Chau said.

“I feel now that I have so much I need to do and it really gives me a fresh new perspective in the strive for social justice, whether it’s through non-profit or through education.”

Students gathered in the Quad on Friday afternoon, donning yellow T-shirts to celebrate the naming of the scholarship.

“This is not only a great celebration

and something that will go down in the history books for the Asian Americans at BC, but it is a celebration for the entire BC community,” said Jennifer Liao, president of the Asian Caucus and CSOM ’10, in an e-mail.

“The celebration lies in that the University recognized student voice on campus after years of hard work, countless sleepless nights, and research from current students and alumni.”

INSIDE SPORTS

Fans get a first look at football team in the Spring Game, A10

ARTS & REVIEW

KEVIN HOU / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Students celebrated the scholarship’s naming with a gathering in the Quad Friday afternoon.

The Fray and Steel Train chug into Conte Forum, B1

FEATURES

See where in the world summer will take BC students, B10 Crossword, A5 Classifieds, B6 Editorials, A6 Inside the Locker Room, B2 Box Office, A8 iEdit, A9 Police Blotter, A2 Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down, A7 World Record, B7 Weather, A2

The scholarship banquet honored Chau, along with Mario Bucal, co-founder of the Aquino Memorial Foundation, a human rights organization that shares its namesake with the scholarship.

“I think a lot of students feel relieved and feel they finally have a name for the scholarship,” Chau said.

“We have many great leaders in our community. To have a name sends a great message to a lot of leaders out there. We finally have a name and we finally have a presence here.”

Liao said that the naming of the scholarship also received attention from BC alumni. “Just the naming of the scholarship alone literally sent a wave of shock and unbelievable excitement because this was something that the Asian-American community has struggled with for years,” Liao said.

“When the announcement came out, alumni who were working in their offices across the nation and the world were so overjoyed that many of them had to leave their offices to scream in celebra-

See Scholarship, A3

ALC, GLC release budgets Organizations manage a combined $110,000

BY PATRICK GALLAGHER Assoc. News Editor

The AHANA Leadership Council (ALC) and the GLBTQ Leadership Council (GLC) have disclosed their respective 2009-10 budgets to The Heights as part of efforts to foster an environment of transparency with regard to the finances of student organizations.

For the 2009-10 academic year, the ALC was given a budget of $80,000, while the GLC was budgeted $30,000.

Both organizations are funded by the annual budget of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC), which, this year, had a total budget of $538,000.

The two largest expenses of the respective budgets this year were the ALC Ball, which was allocated $35,000, and the GLC Gala, which was given $20,000.

Additional expenditures for the ALC ranged from the annual Boat Cruise, which cost the ALC $11,000, to the AHANA Caucus retreat and Summit, which cost a combined $10,200. Other ALC initiatives included in the budget were $2,400 that was delegated for political action and entertainment – such as Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Reform efforts and the ALC Movie Festival – and $2,180 that was budgeted for the Women of Color Caucus.

The budget also included $9,790 in funds that could be spent at the discretion of the executive department over the course of the year.

Erika Hernandez, ALC presidentelect for the 2010-11 academic year and A&S ’11, said the release of the budget was the result of a need for greater openness.

“Most directly, it is students’ money that makes up the budget,” she said.

“It comes from the student activities fee. Students have a right to know where their money is going. We would want students to understand what we’re doing and the process that goes into developing a budget and the types of things we do outside of our big three events,” Hernandez said.

See Budgets, A3

Volunteer EMTs honored at awards banquet

BY MICHAEL CAPRIO News Editor

Eagle EMS hosted its annual awards banquet Saturday morning, honoring student EMTs and naming Chris Faherty, A&S ’13, as its president for the next academic year, replacing Katie Davis, LSOE ’10, who will graduate this May. The organization also awarded the 2nd annual Kevin M. Eidt Award for Excellence to Davis.

The award, which honors one distinguished EMT each year, is named after Boston College student Kevin Eidt, who died of cardiac arrest in the spring 1997 during an intramural basketball game.

Mark Ritchie, BC ’00, who responded to Eidt at the scene, formed Eagle EMS following Eidt’s death.

Christian Eidt, father of Kevin and BC ’66, presented the award to Davis and praised the student EMTs for their work. “They have made this campus a

See Banquet, A3

MICHAEL CAPRIO / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Students received various awards for their service at the EMT Banquet Saturday morning in the Cabaret Room in Vanderslice Hall.

TopFive

Monday, April 26, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

things to do on campus this week

Boston College Blood Drive Today Time: 12 p.m.

Location: Vanderslice Cabaret Room The American Red Cross of BC is hosting another blood drive, welcoming both previous and first-time donors. Students may be eligible to make double-red donations.

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German Awards Party 2010

Refugee Camp(us)

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Tuesday Time: TBA Location: Dustbowl

Refugee Camp(us) is a week-long intercollegiate event in which participants displace themselves in a portrayal of a refugee camp to promote awareness.

Wednesday Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: McGuinn 5th Floor Lounge All German students and their supporters are invited to a party celebrating student achievement and the end of the school year. The new Fulbright scholars will be announced.

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FEATURED ON CAMPUS

Poetry Revival held in Yawkey

Genocide in Our Community

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Wednesday Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Fulton 511

Members of the BC community will discuss how genocide has affected their lives by sharing personal stories. The panelists will include faculty, BC affiliates, and graduate students.

America the Beautiful

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Wednesday Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Higgins 310

The UGBC’s Women’s Issues Council will be showing a documentary on the definition of beauty, where it comes from, and its impact on the lives of people worldwide.

IntheNews

On Thursday, the NCAA announced that it had signed a new 14-year deal with CBS and Turner Broadcasting to televise its annual men’s basketball tournament worth $10.8 billion. The move, which is expected to result in the distribution of at least $740 million annually to NCAA member colleges, will likely be accompanied by an expansion of the tournament from 65 participants to a 68-team field, according to the NCAA’s announcement.

Local News Mayor Menino disapproves of City Council pay raise decision Boston Mayor Thomas Menino expressed his disapproval of the decision to give the city’s firefighters a 19 percent pay raise over four years in a recent statement.

Last Monday, the state’s arbitration panel approved the raise by a vote of two to one. “This contract provides a 19 percent raise – which is 5 percent more expensive than the wages provided to other public safety agencies during successful negotiations,” Menino said in the statement. The City Council will make a final decision on whether or not to approve the raise.

On Campus The 5th Annual Greater Boston Poetry Festival hosted men and women from 25 local colleges and universities.

BY MORGAN HEALEY

Dan Soyer, associate director of marketing communications, who delivered the opening remarks. Soyer said that the Boston College hosted the event was a “wonderful night of 5th Annual Greater Boston original student work.”

Intercollegiate Poetry Festival Kevin Young served as in the Yawkey Center Thursday. keynote speaker at the 2010 The event involved participants festival. Young, from over 25 local teaching chair at colleges and uniEmory University versities.

“Voice is a way a n d c u ra to r o f Suzanne Matson, professor in of encouraging its poetry library, began writing his the English dewriters to look first book as a colp a r t m e n t , wa s crucial in reviving within themselves. lege student. At Thursday’s event, the festival. MatIt is about the Young read from son, who teaches writers finding his poem “Throw creative writing and contempo- something uniquely Your Voice,” which incorporated vorary poetry, is the their own.” cal, written, and author of three musical forms of esteemed novels, expression. two books of po—Kevin Young, “ Vo i c e i s a etry, a collection Keynote speaker way of encourof short fiction, as aging writers to well as many nonlook within themfiction essays. selves,” Young said. “It is about “Her work has appeared in the writers finding something numerous literary journals, and uniquely their own.” He said is highly anthologized,” said Heights Staff

that poets write not necessarily about things they want, but about things they must.

One poet present was Joy Holliday, a student at Wheelock College in Boston. A human development major, Holliday said that she uses poetry as a means of expression, and looks at it as a hobby more than anything else. Her poem “Tears of a Young Girl” served as the closing piece for the evening’s event.

“Tonight was my first night speaking in front of a crowd,” she said. “I have never done anything like this before.”

The poem was drawn from inspiration she gained from the traumatic experiences of a childhood friend, she said. “I struggled with the ending of the poem,” Holliday said. “My brother writes poetry too, so he helped me finish it.”

Participants came from over 25 local colleges and universities, including Boston University, Bentley, Wheelock, Tufts, and Emerson. 

TODAY

52° Showers 45°

TUESDAY

51° Showers 39°

WEDNESDAY

56° Partly Cloudy

University NCAA announces $10.8 billion deal with CBS and Turner

COURTESY OF LEE PELEGRINI

FOUR DAY WEATHER FORECAST

Doctoral student honored by the American Psychological Assoc.

Lynn Walsh-Blair, an advanced doctoral student in the LSOE’s Counseling Psychology program, has been honored as a recipient of the 2010 Minority Fellowship Award in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services by the American Psychological Association, according to a release from the Office of News and Public Affairs.

The award recognizes the efforts of doctoral level minority students who demonstrate a commitment to reducing health care-related disparities for ethnic minorities, according to the release.

National Activists protest new Ariz. law targeting illegal immigrants PHOENIX (AP) — Activists called on President Barack Obama to fight a tough new Arizona law targeting illegal immigrants, promising Sunday to march in the streets and invite arrest by refusing to comply if the measure goes into effect. U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona told about 3,500 protesters gathered at the state Capitol that the Obama administration can help defeat the law by refusing to cooperate. The law requires Arizona police officers to question people about their immigration status if there is reasonable suspicion they’re in the country illegally, saying it would undoubtedly lead to racial profiling.

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THURSDAY

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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 Michael Caprio, 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 Zach Wielgus, 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 Kristen House, Arts and Review Editor, at (617) 552-0515, or e-mail review@ 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 Matthew DeLuca, Editor-in-Chief, at (617) 552-2223, or e-mail editor@ bcheights.com.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Police Blotter 4/18/10 – 4/22/10 Sunday, April 18 11:06 a.m. – A report was filed regarding a suspicious circumstance involving a large, heavy rock which had been pushed onto a sidewalk, impeding foot traffic in the Newton lots. The office placed a work order to have the rock removed from the area.

3:47 p.m. – A report was filed regarding the confiscation of drug paraphernalia in Cushing Hall. A report will be sent to the ODSD for review.

9:18 p.m. – A report was filed regarding two underage intoxicated students in Lyons Hall. The individuals were transported to a medical facility in a police cruiser.

Monday, April 19 12:42 a.m. – A report was filed regarding the confiscation of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia in Ignacio Hall. A report will be sent to the ODSD for review.

11:56 a.m. – A report was filed regarding an individual attempted to gain access into the Mods, a restricted area. The party was identifed and escorted from the area.

2:26 p.m. – A report was filed regarding the arrest of Renzo E. Rivadeneira Fuenzalida of Germantown, Md., for trespassing af-

ter previously receiving a verbal trespass warning. The party was booked at BCPD headquarters.

4:21 p.m. – A report was filed regarding an underage intoxicated student who had sustained a head injury in the Mods. The individual was transported to a medical facility by ambulance.

Tuesday, April 20

Voices from the Dustbowl “What is your favorite spring activity?”

“Hiking [in the] New Hampshire White Mountains.”

—Ethan White, A&S ’13

2:19 p.m. – A report was filed regarding a past attempted breaking and entering of a locker in the Plex. A detective will follow up.

Wednesday, April 21 7:23 a.m. - A report was filed regarding a malfunctioning vending machine in Lyons Hall. The machine was turned off and the owners of the machine were notified of the problem.

“I like intramurals. I’m a big intramurals guy.”

—Brendan Howard, CSOM ’12

Thursday, April 22 6:30 p.m. – A report was filed regarding a motor vehicle that was struck by an unknown vehicle while parked in the Lower lots.

—Source: The Boston College Police Department

“Golf.”

—Matt Zikaras,

A&S ’13

Delivery To have The Heights delivered to your home each week or to report distribution problems on campus, contact John O’Reilly, 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) 2010. All rights reserved.

CORRECTIONS Please send corrections to editor@bcheights.com with ‘correction’ in the subject line.

A(fray)ed of budget short falls

Joseph Pasquinelli The Fray performed last Thursday for a less than crowded Conte Forum. Why was this concert not well attended?

What can we do to make sure that we have better performers come to campus in the future?

What can be done if students are not happy with the Undergraduate Government of Boston College’s (UGBC) events?

Earlier this year, the UGBC distributed a survey to the student body asking them questions about the type of performer they would like to see come to campus. The UGBC based its decision to select The Fray, partially on of that survey.

However, student turnout Thursday was not as great as anticipated.

Thursday seemed like a bad day to hold an event. Students have tests and papers to prepare for Friday classes.

Students do not have time to attend an event during the week. If the event were to have been held on a Friday or Saturday, more students would be able to attend because they would have Sunday to catch up on their work. The event being held toward the end of the semester also likely contributed to the low attendance. If the event were to have been a few weeks earlier, before students’ workloads became too heavy, more students would have been willing to attend the event on a weekday night.

The Fray also did not help to promote student turnout.

At the risk of sounding cruel, The Fray was a bad decision.

The band has not released an album in over a year and has not achieved the status, or anything close to it, in the music world to draw a crowd.

Snoop Dogg or Kanye West could have drawn a large crowd without having made new music, but The Fray is not Snoop or Kanye. It may seem harsh, but the band has become all but irrelevant in the world of music. Perhaps The Fray is the genre or type of performer students wanted, but the band itself is clearly not what students wanted playing at their Spring Concert.

How could the UGBC have taken better care to ensure that the band that came for the Spring Concert was what students wanted? The preliminary survey was a good first step, but it was just that – a first step. A follow-up survey asking something along the lines of, “Would you attend the Spring Concert if The Fray were performing?” could have helped to prevent the UGBC from losing the amount of money that it likely lost on this year’s Spring Concert. Also, having an appealing opening act – not a folk rock band from New Jersey – may have encouraged more students to attend. A student band would have made for a good opening act (students at BC would love to see their classmates on stage), or possibly a band of a completely different genre (last year Ben Folds opened for Lupe Fiasco) would have drawn students of a different musical persuasion to Conte Forum last Thursday.

What can be done if the UGBC drops the ball again? To be quite honest, not much. How can students not involved in UGBC help to affect programming decision? What is to be done about this lack of real accountability? The burden seems to fall on the student body.

Students need to talk to their senators and other members of the UGBC. They should express what they like and dislike on campus, and demand that their elected officials do something to change it. After all, a Heights columnist should not be the only entity getting into the fray with the UGBC.

Joseph Pasquinelli is a columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at tmooney@bcheights.com

A3

The Heights

Monday, April 26, 2010

ALC manages $80,000 budget

Organizations seek funding transparency Budgets, from A1 Each year, the student activities fee is divided in half, with one portion going to the UGBC and the other going to the Student Organization Funding Committee (SOFC), which funds student organizations on campus outside of the UGBC. “The retreat and retreats in general exist [for] the purpose of strengthening student leaders and for unifying different ideas,” Hernandez said, as well as “to create the best ways to have

events, to make sure that events are welcome to everyone, [and] to make sure that events are necessary or educational.” She said that the success of such retreats and similar leadership-oriented activities affects how the events that are put on by various campus groups will turn out.

GLC expenditures, in addition to the Gala, included $3,000 to the Support Love Campaign, $2,500 to National Coming Out Week efforts, and $2,500 to the alumni reunion and senior sendoff. n

Students honored at EMT banquet Banquet, from A1

special place,” he said. “They work so that the lives of others can be celebrated rather than mourned.”

The Eidt family has also established the Eidt Memorial Scholarship Fund in the name of their son, whose legacy has served to raise awareness of the need for medical response systems on campus. “We knew he was a special person who had touched many lives, but we had no idea of the width or length of that touch,” Eidt said of his son.

Davis said that, although she will no longer be serving as president, she would like to see the organization grow in coming years. “We are making sure

we are growing stronger every day,” she said. “But we always make sure we remember our own beginnings.”

Eagle EMS currently has 140 members and 70 active EMTs. This past academic year, the organization logged over 2,700 hours of event staffing.

“We pride ourselves on being a professional organization,” Faherty said. “We have a stable, viable organization.”

Meredith Koch, an EMT for Eagle EMS and A&S ’12, said that Eagle EMS gave her an opportunity to explore her interest in the medical services.

“It’s a passion of mine,” she said. “It’s really good to have a program like this on a college campus.” n

Kevin hou / Heights editor

Students gathering in the Quad celebrated the naming of the Asian-American Scholarship, which was awarded Saturday.

Benigno and Corazon scholarship awarded Scholarship, from A1

tion and walk off the sheer joy and overwhelming excitement of hearing that the scholarship was named.”

Liao said that the years without a scholarship reinforced negative stereotypes about Asians. “Asians

have always been portrayed as being just an amorphous group with no real distinct name or hero,” she said. “There’s always stereotypes that Asians are docile and quiet.

The lack of a name for the AsianAmerican Scholarship simply reinforces that stereotype, to make it seem like its the truth. It seems

as if we have no real hero, no Asian who has had a voice, someone who has done great things for the Asian and Asian-American community.”

Chau, who is currently studying sociology, said that she plans on attending graduate school following graduation. n

Professor challenges definition of terrorism

By Divya Prakash For The Heights

Friday evening in the Fulton Debate Room, Professor Tomis Kapitan of Northern Illinois University, gave a lecture on “Terrorism and Self-Determination in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.”

An expert on the international ethics of terrorism, Kapitan said that there is no universally accepted definition of “terrorism.”

He said that vagueness is useful because it allows politicians room to maneuver. Otherwise, Kapitan said, you “open the doors to political scrutiny.”

Kapitan said that the “rhetoric of terror,” such as labeling someone a terrorist, might be a political act in itself. When this word is attached to a group or individual, they are “dehumanized and discredited.”

Sam Kent, A&S ’13, said that it was “interesting how the professor started with the linguistics and the importance of defining terms” because the “legitimacy of actors affects the nature of their acts.”

Kapitan said that a 1982 massacre of 2,000 Palestinians in Beirut refugee camps was not deemed an act of terrorism. He also said that attacks on Palestinians are not called acts of terror, but attacks by Hamas are referred to as terrorism.

“Terrorism was not used to

describe the violence until the 1970s,” Kapitan said of Palestinian militia groups. The terms used by U.S. and European officials were “guerilla warfare” and “commando violence,” he said.

In recent years, the ratio of Palestinian to Israeli casualties has increased, Kapitan said. He added that 65 percent of Palestinian casualties are civilian.

Kapitan also pointed to the history of the Jewish state. “Without the use of strategic terrorism, it is unlikely that a Jewish state would have been created.”

In 1982, Kapitan was in occupied territory in Beirut. He said that, during that time, there was “constant talk of 2000 terrorists in refugee camps.” He said the Israeli Army surrounded the camp and that refugees were murdered.

Labeling groups or individuals as terrorists allows the paving of a way for the unchallenged use of violence against them because different rules apply to the treatment of terrorists, Kapitan said. He gave the example of Abu Ghraib, where up to 70 percent of inmates were not involved in any acts of terrorism, yet they were still beaten and tortured, he said.

Kapitan said the use of the word ‘terror’ activates fear in Americans, and it allows them to endorse violent actions on the part of the U.S. government.

After Sept. 11, 68 percent of

Sang lee / heights editor

Kapitan spoke during his lecture on his own experience as a witness of the abuse of Palestinian refugees in Beirut.

U.S. citizens said that they would support military action against terrorists, even if it results in civilian deaths, Kapitan said.

Kapitan also spoke about the

kevin hou / Heights editor

Students gathered in the Dustbowl Friday afternoon, where vendors sold traditional Latin American arts items and students demonstrated for the furthering of civil rights for undocumented workers in the United States.

challenges of modern warfare.

According to his definition, terrorism involves the targeting, either advertently or inadvertently, of innocent civilians.

Modern warfare involves more civilian casualties than warfare of the early 20th century, he said. “A lot of battles take place in cities, so terrorism will happen.” n

Monday, April 26, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

A4

ResLife amends housing form Freshmen to no longer be given option to give preference campus on housing forms

BY MICHAEL CAPRIO News Editor

Students in the class of 2014 will not have the option of selecting a preference for Newton or Upper Campus on their freshman housing forms, the Office of Residential Life (ResLife) announced.

Steve Prue, assistant director for ResLife, said that the exclusion of the campus preference is in accord with the idea that it is not where you live that is important. “It goes in line with our housing philosophy.”

Theforms, which previously allowed students to choose their preference among doubles, triples, and quads, and between Upper and Newton Campus, left many students feeling

their preferences were not considered when they received their housing information, Prue said. “People who were identifying their three preferences as being on Upper Campus felt as if their preferences were not being met,” he said.

“We don’t want to miss our main goal – which is the size of the room.”

While ResLife fields complaints from dissatisfied students each year, they decided to make the decision to amend the housing form so that it fits with the ResLife philosophy, Prue said.

While ResLife officials said that roommates are more influential in students’ housing experiences, students have mixed opinions.

“I think that both housing and friends matter,” said Marty Long, CSOM ’13. “All the friends I have on Newton, they curse it every day of their

lives.” But, he said, “I think my friends curse Newton because all of their friends are on Upper, so they don’t get to see them as often.”

Andrea Ballute, CSOM ’13, said that campus preferences depend on where one’s friends happen to be.

“I have a friend who lives on Upper and has a lot friends on Newton,” she said. “Because of that, she’s always talking about the benefits of Newton Campus.”

But, Ballute said, excluding housing preferences could be problematic, because the change does not take into account students who prefer Newton Campus. “There aren’t that many students who say they prefer Newton Campus,” she said. “Why not let them live there?” 

SANG LEE / HEIGHTS STAFF

Students said that, for many, Upper Campus is preferred over Newton Campus.

Collision leaves four injured Students volunteer in Collision, from A1

ties confirmed the driver of the vehicle, identified by Pesaturo as Stanton, was not drinking on the night of the collision.

“The MBTA police report confirmed that the driver of the vehicle was not drinking the night of the accident,” Dunn said. The MBTA is still in the process of investigating the collision, he said.

No arrests were made and no charges have been filed, according to a statement by Tim Clark, assistant director of media relations for the athletics department.

Olivia Hoyt, an eyewitness to the collision and CSON ’13, said, “I was walking down Comm. Ave. with my boyfriend, just past Gerald [Road], when we heard the T honking and slamming on its breaks. We turned around and saw the T hit the [Jeep].”

Hoyt said that she and her

boyfriend proceeded to run toward the scene to assist the victims. “I tried to get the driver’s door open because [she] appeared to be unconscious, but I couldn’t because the door was stuck.”

“Two people jumped out of the car while it was still rolling, and one of their faces was covered with blood,” Hoyt said.

Katherine Sullivan, A&S ’12, who witnessed the aftermath of the accident, said, “I was taking the BC bus back down Comm.

Ave. and the whole street was blocked off with fire trucks and police cars. The bus had to pull over, and students had to walk the rest of the way back to campus.”

Stanton was driving the Jeep at the time of the accident. Stanton and her family declined to comment. Both Stanton and Wey were taken to Brigham and Women’s hospital. According to a hospital supervisor, Wey was discharged

yesterday. Stanton was still in the hospital as of last night, but her condition is stable.

Dilandry was admitted to Beth Israel hospital early Sunday morning. According to a Beth Israel representative, when a person is a victim of violence they are taken to the emergency room and assessed there as to whether they need to be admitted. Dilandry was admitted into the emergency room. Neither hospital reported having records of Samuelsson being admitted.

Although the BC Police Department (BCPD) responded to the accident, it occurred outside of the department’s jurisdiction, and officials declined to comment.

“MBTA police are investigating the incident, and Boston College is cooperating with MBTA police in their investigation,” Dunn said. 

COUTESY OF WHDH-TV CHANNEL 7 NEWS

The Boston Fire Department had to forcefully extract the driver from the vehicle that collided with the MBTA trolley.

Newton for BC Give Day

BY TAYLOUR KUMPF Asst. News Editor

Yesterday, the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) partnered with the City of Newton in its annual day of beautification and volunteering, involving BC students in NewtonSERVES Day for the first time.

Six students participated in the 10th annual event, whose BC offshoot has been dubbed BC Give Day. “The purpose of the event was to give back to the immediate surrounding community,” said Caitlin Molloy, a member of the UGBC’s Mentoring Leadership Program (MLP) and A&S ’13.

The UGBC put together each team to get involved throughout the day in NewtonSERVES projects.

NewtonSERVES is one day a year when citizens of the City of Newton can apply for a project and then become site coordinators, Molloy said.

Samantha Lipscomb, director of communications for the UGBC and A&S ’10, said, “The event allows BC students to become more involved in our own community. BC Give Day, as part of NewtonSERVES Day, is a way for BC students to give back to our home.”

NewtonSERVES Day typically involves close to 1,500 volunteers who volunteer at 55 project sites around the City. The day provides $150,000 worth of services to the participating agencies and city departments, according to the City of Newton’s Web site.

“There were 52 sites and projects going on today around Newton with hundreds of volunteers,” Molloy said. “The UGBC has not had a group of students go

to volunteer for NewtonSERVES before.”

“The day features an opening ceremony before the teams leave to volunteer for their projects,” Lipscomb said. “Projects include, but are not limited to, helping the elderly in their homes, cleaning up libraries, parks, and elementary schools, and planting trees and flowers in public areas.”

Other projects involved painting, general trash and litter pick-up, biking around Newton to create an online map of bicycle routes in the city, and putting together birthday boxes for shelters and making goodie bags. Green projects included a recycling effort, which entailed collecting paper and cardboard from stores, and putting together invitations for the Green Decade 20th Anniversary, an environmental event.

Molloy, who served as a liason between the University and the City of Newton, said she explored a project like this in early December. “I wanted to do something to give back and [that desire] formed into getting a group of students to help the NewtonSERVES Day,” Molloy said.

The six BC students, who included Molloy, volunteered at the Newton Center “T” stop project. “This project involved moving mulch, planting flowers, moving rocks to create a path, and general beautification of the T stop,” Molloy said.

“The site coordinators could not have been happier that a group of college students came out, and it was a great feeling to give back,” she said. “I’m hoping to continue this volunteering effort throughout the years that I am here at BC, and I hope that the number of volunteers will grow.” 

A5

The Heights

Monday, April 26, 2010

Answers to Crossword

I went there after Ling’s burned down...

Answers to the left.

A6

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Heights

Editorials

GLC / ALC budgets

The release of the ALC and GLC budgets provides transparency for student-funded programs, which should be supported.

The AHANA Leadership Council (ALC) and GLBTQ Leadership Council (GLC), in order to be more financially transparent, have released to The Heights line-item budgets for the 2009-2010 year. As both of these organizations are funded by allocations from the student activities fee, we think it is important that they maintain transparency. Unfortunately, people seem to only bring up issues of transparency when they believe that something has gone awry, or that something might. We do not think that the money allocated to the ALC or GLC is currently being misspent. What we would like to do is provide some advice to students who might be interested in the ultimate destination of their student activities fee.

If transparency is good for anything other than detecting abuses in financing, it is to avoid the appearance of secrecy, or the perception that something is being kept from students. By laying out their finances, these two organizations make it clear that they have nothing to hide. For the most part, the money appropriated to the ALC and GLC for the 2009-2010 academic year has gone to lecturers, speakers, and other programming. The money has made possible events that have contributed significantly to the social, cultural, and educational life of this campus. Both the ALC and the GLC should be applauded for the efficacy with which they have allocated their funds.

We imagine that some students who look at the budgets may ask, of certain programs, “How do I benefit from this?” Some events, such as the AHANA Caucus retreat, which costs $7,200, are by nature closed events, but

that does not mean they are exclusionary.

We feel that no student can have a reasonable objection to this allocation of funds.

Students, even if they do not benefit from a specific event, benefit from being on a campus where they are surrounded by such events. As Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “I like paying taxes. With them I buy civilization.”

The GLC Gala and the ALC Ball are the two most expensive events on the budgets.

The funding of these events demands no justification. They are both major and highly anticipated annual events open to the entire Boston College community, and it is perhaps not coincidental that they both champion the diverse nature of our student body. There are some important differences between these events, however.

The ALC Ball is worth its price tag because of the way in which it draws together a very large number of students and its status as a campus tradition. The GLC Gala attracts a smaller crowd, which may cause some to balk at its $20,000 cost, but the event needs time to grow. At a campus where the University makes little institutional effort to support GLBTQ students, the GLC Gala serves as a prime example of why the budgets of these two organizations cannot be subjected to cost-benefit analysis bereft of some human concern. Numbers separated from their context can be used to make almost any point. If students are concerned about any of the items in the ALC or GLC budgets, we encourage them to contact the student leaders involved and contribute to the discussion that is student program funding.

Scholarship named

The newly-named Aquino scholarship has been 15 years in the making, but it’s arrival should be celebrated.

Although some may argue that it is 15 years overdue, the Asian-American scholarship has finally been christened the Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship.

Both Benigno and his wife were leaders of the pro-democracy movement in the Philippines, and Corazon was the president of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992, where she oversaw a peaceful and democratic period. From 1980 to 1983, the Aquinos and their children lived in Chestnut Hill, directly across from Boston College. They were chosen to be the namesake of the Asian-American scholarship, not only because of their commitment to social justice, but also because of their Catholic heritage and relationship with BC. The Asian American Scholarship Committee (AASC) has been working on this issue for years, and in May 2009 began compiling a list of nearly 100 names from which five final candidates were selected and submitted to BC administrators. Last April, the initial proposal of Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese activist, as a potential namesake for the scholarship was vetoed, and forced

the committee to continue to search for an individual that would represent both the University and the Asian-American student body. The administration stipulated that the scholarship be named for an individual who was not only Catholic, but also somehow related to BC. This rigorous standard may have been fruitful, because it did eventually produce individuals who fit the criteria remarkably well. However, the delay in reaching an agreeable name reflected poorly on the University. The other Office of AHANA Student Programs (OASP) scholarships, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship and Oscar Romero Scholarship, are not held to the same standard, with reference to relation to BC and even Catholicism. This inconsistency gave the impression that the administration was singling out the Asian-American community on campus. We feel that it would have been better to have a more attenuated approval process, but that is a lesson for the future.

The BC community is right in celebrating this newly-named scholarship.

Concert advice

The amount that the UGBC loses on concerts suggests that offering more, smaller acts throughout the year would solve the issue.

Though attendance numbers for last Thursday’s The Fray concert in Conte Forum have not yet been released, general student sentiment seems to be that they did not enjoy this Spring Concert as much as they have those of years past. We would like to encourage the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) as it works on planning events for next year, and remind it that sometimes intuition is better for gauging student interest than surveys.

We think that the musical and entertainment interests of students would be better served by a steadier stream of smaller, perhaps more local acts. Bands that can be hosted in the O’Connell House, the Rat, and the Plex have proven tremendously popular before, and excited the campus far more than the most

recent event. It is better to have a smaller act that generates pockets of genuine enthusiasm than a big, Top 40 name that comes and goes with hardly a whisper.

The UGBC also provides room in the entertainment budget subsidize the cost of tickets. Without this padding, the cost of tickets would be prohibitive. Perhaps if the UGBC contracted smaller bands, this money could be better appropriated. The fun of a concert on campus has to do more with the friends one sees it with, the ease in getting to and from the event, and the sense of collegiality more the national prominence of the act one is seeing. The UGBC should play to this unique situation. Capitalize on the particularity of the college campus.

The big names will always be in Boston, anyway.

The Heights The Independent Student Newspaper of Boston College Established 1919 Matthew DeLuca, Editor-in-Chief John O’Reilly, General Manager Darren Ranck, Managing Editor

Contributors: Molly Lapointe, Will Watkins, Krysia Wazny

Robin Miller / Heights Illustration

BCSSH: Boston College Students for Sexual Hypocrisy James P. Cahill On April 19, a member of Boston College Students for Sexual Health (BCSSH) announced by means of her blog on www.amplifyyourvoice.com that BCSSH has begun to offer free “Responsible Party Kits” to students planning parties in their room. According to the post, “Each kit consists of two components: a set of Solo cups with a condom taped to the bottom of each cup, and a series of three flyers with consent and safer sex information.”

BCSSH has clearly found a creative way of violating BC’s policy prohibiting the distribution of contraceptive materials on campus. But while this effort may at first glance seem like nothing more than an otherwise innocent smuggling ring, in actuality, these BC students, who profess so loudly to be in favor of what they call “sexual health,” have demonstrated themselves to be in favor of nothing more than the blind distribution of condoms.

BCSSH must also be equally blind to the fact that by taping condoms to the bottoms of Solo cups, they are, at best, not only enabling the post-party hook-up culture, but are also, quite literally, forming an adhesive bond between sex and alcohol, a bond far more long-lasting

and significant than any of the sexual encounters likely to be experienced after such a “Responsible Party.”

The BC student who favors this latex laden vision of sexual health might object that sex and alcohol are not necessarily being linked, as the condoms are taped to the bottoms of empty Solo cups, the future contents of which are neither the concern nor the responsibility of the distributors. This logic seems stretched thin to the point of snapping.

And indeed, the acumen of these students has been vindicated! The author of the blog piece, while explaining the contents and function of these “Responsible Party Kits” writes that, “Anyone holding a cup of beer [an alcoholic beverage] at a ‘Responsible Party’ is also discretely provided a condom.”

While the folks of BCSSH are clearly intelligent enough to realize that the ultimate purpose of a Solo cup is to facilitate the consumption of quantities of alcohol, the literature that the hosts of such responsible parties are asked to display quite clearly states that, “Yes only means yes when consent is given freely, without verbal or physical threats, and not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.”

The entire “Responsible Party Kit” program is thus completely self-contradictory. The promoters clearly assume that students will drink alcohol

Balancing the budget on the backs of students?

Jamal Ahmed Governor Patrick and the Senate Ways and Means Committee are debating the state budget for fiscal 2011. I cannot morally tolerate two cuts they are considering: $2 million and $4.3 million from career development programs Connecting Activities and YouthWorks, respectively. These programs provide internships and summer jobs to Massachusetts’ high school students.

They are indispensable to the growth of mature and proactive young people.

I speak from experience.

I grew up in Brighton and feel privileged to now attend Boston College. In high school, my teachers, parents, and classmates constantly reminded me of the urgency and importance of a summer internship. I knew if I was going to be competitive for college and future work, I needed to get experience in the workforce as quickly as possible.

At the beginning of the summer of my junior year, I still fell victim to a contracting job market. A Private Industry Council office representative, in conjunction with Connecting Activities, helped me get an internship in late June at State Street Corporation. Then, because of my association with Connecting Activities, I was able to get a higher-level internship the summer before I entered college. These positions provided me with essential vocational experience.

The recession is straining our wallets and the state budget. But allow me to say this: Massachusetts cannot afford to continue to degrade its

school-to-career programs. In fiscal 2008, Connecting Activities received $7 million and served over 13,000 kids. In fiscal 2009, YouthWorks received $11 million and served over 4,200 kids. Now, our state’s next budget could eviscerate these programs’ capital and dissolve countless professional opportunities for thousands of kids across the state.

Connecting Activities and Youthworks are about more than just student jobs, and the budget debate is more than just money-talk. The benefits these career-development programs provide all Massachusetts residents are easily visible.

In the short term, we can empower young people to participate positively in the state economy. Much of our recovery depends on more buyers in our local markets, and we can facilitate this with an influx of young consumers. In the long term, students with robust resumes are likely to secure better, higher paying jobs than those who do not. Restoring funds to Connecting Activities and YouthWorks is more than a good idea for Massachusetts – it is essential.

Some say that our grim economic circumstances necessitate the withdrawal of funds from these programs. Some argue that we must economize in all sectors to deal with the recession. The reality, however, is that legislators slash some sectors harder than they do others – public education and youth development programs in particular – and I am appalled that this is the case.

I am part of a group of BC students joining the movement to tell Governor Patrick not to balance the budget on the

backs of Massachusetts’ students. Because I truly believe that I would not be the man I am today without my association with Connecting Activities, I want to broadcast through our campaign, Student Allies for Vocational Experience (S.A.V.E.), that none of us can be stingy about the futures of our kids and teens. You may have seen us in the Quad or signed our petition. We urge all students to do what they can to support us. As BC students with so many opportunities in front of us, we cannot allow similar opportunities to be blatantly denied to others. These are the kids at our PULSE and 4Boston placements, the kids that we tutor after school, the kids at our teaching practicums. Let us do all that we can to ensure that they succeed. Let us truly show that we are men and women for others.

Now is the time to focus on our social and governmental priorities. We should not be satisfied with the fact that our legislature would gut proactive and successful programs. Why do our legislators value slot machines and lobbyists over giving aspiring students the resources they need to succeed professionally?

I want to see funding for these programs restored to their 2008 and 2009 levels because I believe that, in economically turbulent times, Massachusetts desperately needs to commit to long-term and sustainable economic strategies. Help me fight for the restoration of funds for Connecting Activities and YouthWorks.

Jamal Ahmed is sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Readers Note: 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 email to editor@bcheights.com, in person, or by mail to Editor, The Heights, 113 McElroy Commons, Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02467.

Business and Operations

Editorial Kaleigh Polimeno, Copy Editor Michael Caprio, News Editor Zach Wielgus, Sports Editor Jacquelyn Herder, Features Editor Kristen House, Arts & Review Editor Daniel Martinez, Marketplace Editor Hilary Chassé, Opinions Editor Ana Lopez, Special Projects Editor Alex Trautwig, Photo Editor Karolina Cyburt, Layout Editor

at these “Responsible Parties” and also assume that sexual interactions will take place subsequently. These kits provide the means of doing both while simultaneously demanding all decisions regarding sexual activities be made without the slightest influence of alcohol. What hypocrisy!

A second poster that BCSSH demands be displayed at any party utilizing their “kits” states that, “Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of some STIs.” BCSSH, that at least in word promotes safe sex, has championed the cause of taping condoms to the bottom of items, which their own leadership admits will be used to imbibe quantities of alcohol. Such imbibing has consistently been found to impair the ability of drinkers to make sound choices regarding sexual activity, and would also seriously impair the ability of any drinker to properly read, comprehend, remember, and much less correctly follow the instructions on the back of a condom wrapper or the information on any of BCSSH’s fliers. Any true “responsible party” on BC’s campus should see this effort for what it truly is: an impotent exercise in irredeemable and reprehensible irresponsibility.

James P. Cahill is senior in the College of Arts & Sciences.

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Zachary Jason, Assoc. Arts & Review Editor Allison Therrien, Asst. Arts & Review Editor Patricia Harris, Asst. Marketplace Editor Kevin Hou, Asst. Photo Editor Margaret Tseng, Asst. Layout Editor Rachel Gregorio, Asst. Graphics Carrie McMahon, Editorial Assistant Zachary Halpern, Executive Assistant

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THE HEIGHTS

Monday, April 26, 2010

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OPINIONS

The Marathon: “Who’s in plaid?” Speaking Thumbs of success Up

Flash Mob – In celebration of the recently christened Aquino Scholarship (previously the oh-so-boring Asian American Scholarship), a group of students celebrated in the Quad with dancing, balloons, and bright yellow shirts. Also, the balloons and streamers set up on the stairs in festive jubilation provided endless entertainment to those staggering either up or down them later that night, so it’s a win-win!

Comedy– Four students are representing BC in the the National College Comedy Competition, heading up against MIT in online votes.

Although you can vote for your favorite individual BC lad or lass, the team with the most votes will advance collectively to face up against the winner of Emerson v. Tufts. Voting ends Monday so vote early and vote often (that’s actually legal this time so do it) online at rooftopcomedy.com Dave – What a great guy!

New Bill – Because the economy has been fairing so well in the past few years, the Treasury Department has decided to spice things up by revealing a new $100 bill. Benjamin’s facelift includes a portrait watermark, security thread, and color shifting 100 mark (trippy!).

The Treasury clearly has nothing better to focus on at the moment, so thanks for the entertainment!

Formals – From prom in the Rat to fetes hosted by every club and sport imaginable, formalwear has been popping up all over campus.

These past few weekends have seen an influx of undone ties and heels being carried. You stay classy, BC!

Thumbs Down Fenway Crowds – Baseball, for those who can sit through 10 hour games, is a beloved springtime Boston tradition. For others who might be passing the Kenmore / Fenway district for other reasons, baseball season is also known as “wait for 40 minutes for a spot in the T” season.

“Give it Back” – BC Dining Services has laid down the law. It wants you to “give it back.” While the antecedent is seemingly vague (perhaps the hundreds of missing bowls?), this BCDS campaign, with the violent red warning signs and multitude of posters covering Corcoran Commons, is decidedly dystopian. What did Orwell write? Oh, yes. “Winston loved Big Brother.”

Ke$ha – Although this TD is a little overdue, this songstress’ “performance” on SNL last Saturday cannot go uncommented on.

Beginning the evening with an American flag cape and ending with glow-in-thedark tribal war paint weren’t even the most offensive parts. No, that would be the singing, or more accurately, squealing. Ashlee Simpson’s infamous SNL performance seems like Beyonce in comparison.

3D Google Earth – Because it wasn’t creepy enough before.

CJ GUSTAFSON I’ve never waited so long to use a port-o-potty. Honestly, I wish I brought a Gameboy, because I guarantee I would have caught every mystical creature in Pokemon Gold before I got to use the john. And the worst part was that I had not stretched yet and it was becoming increasingly close to the start of the Marathon.

I set out to accomplish this endeavor 20 weeks prior to April 19. In retrospect, the start of training feels so far in the past now that I’m surprised I actually stuck it out until race day. It’s difficult to believe that I ran around a frozen Reservoir in preparation for the same event only a few months ago.

I expected to hear some words of wisdom before I ran: “Don’t go out too fast,” or, “Remember Heartbreak Hill.”

Instead, an elderly volunteer ushering us to the start told me, “If you finish, beer’s on me,” (I’m still looking for him) and a fellow student warned me, “Don’t drink the water at BC – it’s Rubinoff.”

With these tidbits of motivational confusion, I started to run. However, it was like trying to park a Boeing 747 between two carelessly placed shopping carts in a supermarket parking lot.

With tens of thousands of people both in front and in back of me, I suddenly felt like I was caught up in a torrent of pinballs crashing back and forth at altering speeds.

By the eighth mile in Framingham, it was becoming easier to move. But at this marker my right foot had gone numb and was completely asleep. I thought this was strange, chucking the gel insoles from my shoes out near a Mariachi band on the sidewalk. However, by mile 14, my foot was anything but numb. Running by my family, I yelled to my father, “I think I broke my foot.” He didn’t seem too concerned, and my sister handed me a freeze pop.

It was tasty.

Apparently during training I never “discovered” all of Heartbreak Hill.

Waddling like a chafed duck with a hemorrhoid on ice, I began an assent that felt like climbing Everest with Oprah on my back. I never remembered it being so tall. But on my ascent, the student body came to my rescue. Seriously, without all of the Superfans out there, I would never have made it up the hill and over. I’ve never experienced such a rush of euphoria in my life. I felt resurrected as I continued to move my lead legs.

That’s when Dylan and Brendan jumped in. The fact that friends are willing to do ridiculous things for one another was reaffirmed for me here.

Brendan, clad in a Mighty Ducks tee and holding a sign telling me to run faster, with Dylan, wearing Reebok Pumps, cargo shorts, and a long-sleeve, red plaid shirt, decided to help me run the last six or so miles. Both of them had bellies full of “Hawaiian Punch.”

Dylan offered me the ice cream he was eating. I missed my mouth on the first attempt, smearing it on my face, and devoured the rest in one bite. Suddenly, my senior role model Charlie, in flip-flops, khaki shorts, and sporting a full cooler of “Hawaiian Punch” around his neck, starts sprinting beside me. He has drunk more “Hawaiian Punch” than Dylan and Brendan, so he only lasts a few hundred yards.

I have no recollection of the last three miles: I now know what it feels like to be Lindsay Lohan on Sunday morning, although for different reasons.

According to my friends, I was asking them to tell me stories and challenging them to freestyle rap battles. What I do recall, however, was every few yards someone in the crowd yelling, “Hey, who’s the [explicit] in plaid!” and “Hey, [explicit] in cargo shorts, this is the Marathon, get lost!”

(People did like Brendan’s Duck’s shirt, though.)

I limped through the end, with my two buddies by my side. I pumped my fists over my head like Rocky, thinking the end was near. But I was wrong. For seemingly 26.2 miles after the Marathon, we were goaded like cattle off to slaughter through an endless expanse of

pavement. At this point, I was cramping to the stage where I could barely stand.

Refusing to listen to the KGB-like Marathon directors, who, in the words of Brendan, “hated the Marathon and everyone who ran it,” I collapsed on the sidewalk. Apparently I chose the wrong curb, since the contents of a woman’s stomach were dribbling down into the sewer by my feet. (Does anyone have shoe cleaner I can borrow?)

Eventually I’m thrown into a wheelchair, after finding a way to jump out of the first, and brought to the medic’s tent. My legs are cramping so much that they are stuck in rigor mortis like planks in front of me, kicking people who do not move in the behind. The doctors there don’t appreciate my sarcasm. Apparently the response, “I’m in the sick people’s tent because I drank too much beer while running the Marathon” (which was a joke) did not pass their tests of coherency or funniness.

While I’m being an uncooperative patient, Brendan and Dylan are physically escorted out of the medic tent area. They are falsely, and absurdly, accused of throwing cans at a man named “Mark”, and attempting to wreak havoc. After about 30 minutes, the cramps subside and I’m able to limp out of the tent with a different injury: what looks like a stress fracture in my right foot.

But physical pain and mental duress aside, the point of this Marathon timeline is to emphasize friendship and community. I don’t think I would have run my 3:48, or even finished at all, without the sea of gold that carried me to the end. I know I speak on behalf of all the other Campus School runners who participated this year in saying thanks to the BC community that showed such unrestrained support last Monday. It made me proud to be an Eagle and happy that I had friends who would jump into a marathon in Pumps and cargo shorts to help me finish. They may have chafed more than I did. And that would be really, really hard.

CJ Gustafson is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at cgustafson@bcheights.com.

The riot that never happened

WILLIAM MOONEY SLONEKER In 2002, the Indiana University men’s basketball team advanced to its first NCAA championship game in 15 years with a 73-64 victory over No. 2 seed Oklahoma. Following the victory, pandemonium broke out on the streets of Bloomington. An enormous gathering of rowdy, zealous Hoosiers filled Kirkwood Ave. and duly proceeded to vandalize the area. Fans ripped streetlights and stop signs from the pavement and passed them across the crowd. Another mob formed at Showalter Fountain, where students felled a fully grown tree, carried it a quarter mile down the road, and set it on fire.

Needless to say, this kind of mob-led destruction cannot be rationally justified by any Hoosier, yet many students, alumni, and faculty embrace this episode as a positive reflection of IU school spirit.

Official University tour guides cite the commotion when leading groups past the once ravaged areas.

When Boston College’s men’s hockey team won the national championship more than two weeks ago, I speculated over what sort of mayhem Superfans would unleash. I envisioned a fantastical scene where some cavalier seniors imploded a Mod before breaking a fire hydrant in an ill-fated attempt to turn Campanella Way into an ice rink, but I was availed. Compared to IU – and many other large state schools – the celebration remained relatively docile.

Conversely, a lack of widespread

rowdiness does not inherently indicate a predominant apathy on the Heights, but it does reflect the unique dynamic of Eagle pride. Anecdotal evidence and statistical analysis both suggest that fandom assumes a distinctive character within the BC bubble – a character falling somewhere between apathy and militancy.

With regards to attendance, BC trails many other schools. BC men’s ice hockey owns two of the past three national championships, but saw average rates of attendance of 70.9 and 63.6 percent in those two seasons. Other sports, such men’s and women’s basketball and soccer, saw still more dismal numbers.

Football generally represents the hallmark of spectator sports at BC as the best attended and most profitable games, but these superlatives belie the true quality of football fandom. In 2009, the average rate of attendance reached a meager 80.3 percent. Granted, this figure represents a departure from the historical norm, whereas the average for the past eight years – excluding 2009 – is 91.9 percent.

Still, fandom may be called into question given this sharp decline in attendance. For a school to tout its fandom in brochures and promotional materials, the fans ought to demonstrate unwavering team loyalty, for better and for worse.

Ticket sales will take an inevitable dip when a team performs poorly, but the best, most devoted fan bases will make this dip marginal.

For instance, the Michigan Wolverines have had little to celebrate the past two years, posting an 8-16 record with no bowl game appearances. Attendance at Michigan Stadium fell 2 percent, but the rate of attendance remained over 100 percent, and Michigan maintained its streak as the most attended team in the NCAA. BC saw its attendance fall a steep 11 percent, primarily influenced by the

FROM HERE TO RESERVOIR

BY SAL CIPRIANO

bleak preseason expectations which yielded the two lowest showings in the first two games. Additionally, BC played its marquee rivalry games away against Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, and Clemson. Still, the team posted a 6-1 home record and an 8-5 overall record.

The on-field product was, at least satisfactory, and Alumni Stadium never reached full capacity even after predictions were delegitimized. Above all, fans did not show consistency following the graduation of Matt Ryan and sidelining of Mark Herzlich.

Of course, comparing BC to Michigan does not necessarily give an accurate conception of the state of BC fandom, but BC does not exactly measure up to the reputed fervency Bostonians display for its professional sports teams. The Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, and Red Sox all enjoy higher average rates of attendance with less fluctuation and more expensive ticket prices. All four teams enjoyed average rates of attendance of 97.6 percent or greater for their most recent seasons.

And even when the teams perform poorly, such as the 2004-05 Celtics or 2006-07 Bruins, attendance remains at or above 84 percent.

BC certainly does not have the worst fans in collegiate sports, but I doubt students will ever uproot a tree from Linden Lane following another championship. Still, perhaps this naturally fits into the administration’s formula for the well-rounded individual. BC has more to celebrate than just athletics, so maybe fandom gets diluted in the mix. Chestnut Hill is not Bloomington or Ann Arbor, but it does not have to be, either. We can have an identity of our own, even if it fails to fill the stands.

Willaim Mooney Sloneker is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.

HAYLEY TRAHAN-LIPTAK It is your last lecture as a college student. After 16 years of education and four years of speakers, exams, and lectures, on the morning of commencement your college has one last lesson to teach before you can stand on the stage with a diploma in hand.

The content of that lesson and by whom it is taught speaks volumes about your institution, its values, and its hopes and dreams for your future.

Every spring, at every university across the country, one person is placed before graduates to present that last lecture. In the individual’s speech is supposedly a wealth of knowledge on how to reach that point, advice on the future. But before the speech even begins, simply by placing that person at that podium, our institution crowns that individual as the exemplar of success.

What is success to Boston College?

As a Jesuit Catholic institution, our mission is “Ever to Excel.” As every graduate of BC should know, based on the required theology and philosophy core, excelling according to this tradition does not mean acquiring money or prestige. The way it is used in our motto, “excellence” is derived from the Greek word arete, which can also be translated “virtue” or “goodness.”

At BC, a life of virtue is not supposed to be defined by monetary success. Excellence, we are taught by the Jesuits, is about the mark of your own actions on those around you.

However, if you answer the question based on the commencement speaker BC will present to us this May, success is controlling a large company and striving for monetary wealth. As the CEO of General Electric, Jeffery Immelt has also found success as a leader, but leadership in the growth of a business’ money and prestige rather than leadership in the growth of society.

When choosing a commencement speaker to address thousands, it is impossible to please everyone. Some will decry the speaker’s politics, others may find fault with the organizations he or she is involved in, and still others may not find the person notable or famous enough. In the past years, controversy has erupted surrounding the chosen speakers at academic institutions around America. The choice of Barack Obama by Notre Dame last year was criticized based on his beliefs in abortion rights, while Brigham Young University criticized the choice of Dick Cheney beacuse of his involvement with the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility. The controversy extends beyond the political realm. Other speakers who have received criticism include Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Bush, Jerry Springer, and J.K. Rowling.

This list of rejected speakers shows the challenges a university faces when selecting a speaker. No one will be perfect. Searching for minute details we dislike or refusing to listen to a speaker who has differing opinions only shows a lack of appreciation for conflicting viewpoints and the flaws everyone has. However, the person we receive our last lecture from should, at the very least, follow the traditions our University has taught us.

As BC students, students taught to question and seek truth, we need to ask our University what it is trying to teach us in that last lecture.

We need not ask Immelt about the organizations he has led or his political beliefs, for those are not elements that disqualify one from delivering our last lecture. Yet, we do need to ask both him and BC what “Ever to Excel” means. Our last lecture should mirror the educational tradition we have been taught in four years and encourage us to pursue virtuous success in our lives.

Anything less will shirk the mission of Boston College.

Hayley Trahan-Liptak is a staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.

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THE HEIGHTS

Monday, April 26, 2010

Lopez lifts ‘The Backup Plan;’ all else fumbles

BY BRENNAN CARLEY For The Heights

In the past decade, it is the rare romantic comedy that rises above the pile of trash that now defines the genre to steal audience’s hearts. Thanks largely to the lovely Jennifer Lopez, the new movie The Backup Plan manages to elicit laughter and even heartfelt emotion from THE BACKUP PLAN its audience.

Alan Poul Lopez, armed CBS Films with a surprisingly amusing supporting cast, conquers the conventional and heavily unoriginal script and steals the entire film. Inherently likeable, pleasant, and funny, Lopez reminds us just how much we have missed her as she stumbles and charms her way through the film.

The plot is formulaic but proves an interesting counterpart to Lopez’s life over the past few years. She plays Zoe, a middle-aged New York City woman who has given up on finding “the one” and is determined to have a baby. The rest of the movie is filled with “surprising twists” or, as I like to call them, “But waits!” After

her artificial insemination, she hails a cab only to have a run in with a mysterious dairy farmer from upstate New York named Stan (Alex O’Loughlin). She decides to take the subway – BUT WAIT – he follows her onto the subway and they proceed to have a lengthy (albeit unbelievable) conversation.

When Zoe gets off at her stop, she thinks she’s seen the last of him – BUT WAIT! – she and her friend (Michaela Watkins of Saturday Night Live) stop by a farmers’ market where they find Stan selling his homemade cheese. The two go out for a romantic dinner in a park, but nothing goes as planned. Wine spills, a fire starts, and water sprays, yet they still find themselves in love. The rest of the film is a very predictable rollercoaster ride of emotion, fluctuating between love and hate depending on how severely Zoe’s fear of being let down affects her each day. Needless to say, Zoe and Stan wind up together in the end. How surprising!

The movie shines, however, due in large part to the fantastic Jennifer Lopez. She and Sandra Bullock command a similar respect from audiences, as they both are perceived (Bullock more so these days) as “America’s sweethearts.” Bullock stole America’s heart

in Miss Congeniality just as Lopez charmed people everywhere with The Wedding Planner and Maid in Manhattan. Even in her flops (think Gigli and Jersey Girl), Lopez is radiant and delightful. She steals the film right from under her counterpart’s feet. Honestly, I would have rather seen the film if it was just about her struggles to become a single mom.

I could have happily done without the flat, phoned-in performance from O’Loughlin.

Give us more J-Lo! The film could have been so much better had it focused on its brilliant supporting cast. The scene with her Single Moms and Proud group gathering around one woman giving birth in an inflatable pool is hands down the most hysterical scene in the movie. Friendly face Anthony Anderson pops up as an advice-wielding savior to Stan. Watkins, as her best friend, delivers some of the funniest lines in the film. Each one of the supporting cast members is underused, whereas O’Loughlin is (understandably) overused. It leaves us wondering how much better the movie could have been if it gave more time to Zoe’s friends and family.

It is a fair assumption to say that the movie was tailored for its star. In fact, it isn’t so much a movie about a fictional

Predictably, ‘Losers’ loses

BY ROBERT ANDWOOD For The Heights

The recent dominance of movies based on comic books has produced such excellent films as Iron Man and The Dark Knight.

However, it has also produced bottom-ofthe-barrel duds like The Losers. The Losers tries to appeal to every possible demographic, but it ends up as another mindless and forgettable exercise in energetic pointl e ss n e ss . W h i l e THE LOSERS t h e re a re s o m e Sylvain White DC Entertainment impressive action sequences, the thin script makes The Losers one of the worst entries into the hit-and-miss comic book catalog.

The Losers is a revenge story about a team of specialized soldiers who are betrayed by their unseen boss, Max (Jason Patric), and left for dead. So, of course, they have to locate and kill Max while simultaneously stopping him from destroying the world with the latest advancement in weaponry, the “snuke.” Based on that, apparently the writers have never seen an episode of South Park. Complicating matters is Aisha (Zoe Saldana), who has her own motives for hunting down Max. Simple, right?

Wrong. This movie takes so many unnecessary diversions and location changes that it somehow makes such a basic and formulaic plot seem complex. Another problem is the lack of foreground. There is no explanation given for why Max wants to destroy the world, or who Aisha is, and so it is difficult

to really take any interest in the story. In reality, the story is just an excuse for the characters to jump around to varied exotic locations, have fights, and blow things up.

As should be expected from any comic book movie, the action sequences are top-notch. This is clearly where director Sylvain White shines. He borrows camera techniques from many other films, and they all work well for him. He employs many 300-esque slow motion action shots, and there is one shot of the team that is lifted straight from Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. White makes his influences pretty obvious, but the direction is still solid, if unoriginal at times. The only problem is that he relies too much on “trick shots” so that they come off as a little gimmicky at times. Still, he makes the action sequences exciting and easy to follow, which is a rarity in most mindless action movies.

The acting is also hit-and-miss. The character archetypes are so contrived, however, that it would be difficult for anyone to truly shine in any of these roles. The cast is composed of such recent action-movie staples as Jeffrey Dean Morgan of Watchmen and Zoe Saldana of Avatar fame. Morgan plays Clay, a character so excessively familiar that it becomes laughable at times.

He is the epitome of “the tough guy with a heart,” never showing any temptation to make a bad decision. Saldana’s job is mainly to look attractive, which she does, but after Avatar one would think she would have the ability to pick better roles than this. Chris Evans from the Fantastic Four

movies is funny and likable as the awkward Jenson, whose love of his niece’s soccer team is one of the movie’s recurring jokes.

The only real lowlight is Patric as Max, who is basically a parody of the classic Bond villain – an insane, rich genius who wants to destroy the world. He is supposed to be over-the-top, but Patric takes it several steps too far, to the point where his presence onscreen yields instant irritation.

The Losers is also defined by B-movie influences, as writers Peter Berg and James Vanderbilt try to wring humor out of every non-action scene. Surprisingly, many of their stabs at humor are successful, with only a few being overplayed or dated. In most places, they avoid the typically cliched dialogue of such movies, which definitely makes The Losers more enjoyable. The real problem with the script is the lack of any background, which makes the onscreen story fairly difficult to follow. Furthermore, the writers occasionally try to be a bit too clever, which results in predictable and pointless plot twists near the unsatisfying end. Unfortunately, it would seem that the writers are setting up for a sequel.

The Losers ends in limbo. Clearly, it does not take itself very seriously, but the parody does not work well enough for it to be considered a satire like Tropic Thunder. The recent trend in good comic book movies has put the emphasis back on acting and writing rather than just pure adrenaline. A few years ago, the impressive special effects would be enough for a recommendation, but now the The Losers just ends up behind the times. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

A revitalized Jennifer Lopez and Alex O’Loughlin star in the romantic comedy The Backup Plan. woman as it is a vehicle for the real story, the invitation to admire its star’s highly publicized life. There are the obvious comparisons to both her relationship troubles (remember “Bennifer?”) and the birth of Lopez’s twins in 2008. The film has some gratuitous shots of her svelte and toned body, working out at the gym and trying on a bathing suit. These scenes advertise

Title

the amazing shape that Lopez was in just weeks after giving birth. As the movie progresses, we essentially see her reliving her own pregnancy, still managing to look gorgeous. It seems like a calculated move, and it works. The audience loves her and they really always have. We could just use a better vehicle for her, but instead, we wind up stuck with her very own backup plan. 

Box Office Report Weekend Gross

Weeks in release

1. How to Train Your Dragon

15.0

5

2. The Backup Plan

12.2

1

3. Date Night

10.6

3

4. The Losers

9.6

1

5. Kick-Ass

9.5

2

6. Clash of the Titans

9.0

4

7. Death at a Funeral

8.0

2

8. Oceans

6.0

1

9. The Last Song

3.7

4

10. Alice in Wonderland

2.2

8 *WEEKEND GROSS FIGURES IN MILLIONS

Bestsellers of Hardcover Fiction 1. The Shadow of Your Smile, Mary Clark 2. The Help, Kathryn Stockett 3. Changes, Jim Butcher 4. Caught, Harlen Coben 5. Every Last One, Anna Quindlen 6. House Rules, Jodi Picoult 7. Wrecked, Carol Higgins Clark 8. Matter Hunter, Karl Marlantes 9. A Mighty Fortress, David Weber

ACCORDING TO PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

It’s all smiles for Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Idris Elba, who star in the revenge thriller ‘The Losers.’ But a flimsy plot lives up to the title.

Cackles, tears, and fusion at Boston’s film fests

BY MICHELLE KACZMAREK Heights Senior Staff

Anyone who is slightly out of the film loop may be unaware that there are two film festivals coinciding in Boston during the month of April – the Boston International Film Festival (April 1625) and the Independent Film Festival Boston (April 21-28).

Each festival has its own spin, but what they have in common is a wide array of films you not only have never seen advertised on a billboard, blog banner, or television commercial, but also films that you otherwise would likely not have the opportunity to see.

For those who missed out on Sundance or South by Southwest, IFFB offers a chance to see some buzz-worthy studio indies, films like Cyrus, which played on Thursday at the Somerville Theatre. Featuring John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, and Marisa Tomei and directed by the notably rising independent director team, Mark and Jay Duplass, the film represents mumblecore’s mainstream debut. With low-budget and improvisation at the heart of mumblecore, it is

easier to understand what this film is otherwise democratic means of access doing at an independent film festival, it is a chance to experience films for and easier still after having experi- what they are: filmmaking. Tickets are enced the theater line that stretched available to everyone online. All-access around the block. Lesson learned: Ar- passes may sell out quick, but anyone riving 30 minutes before screen time can get one, and for those with less does not count as early. With shorts, money, volunteering requires an apdocumentaries, and panels at four plication but includes free movies. different venues across the city, it isn’t The BIFF is exclusively concennecessarily a compact festival experi- trated at the AMC Theatres at Boston ence of film loving, but with Boston Common, and provides an intimate and as its backdrop, it congenial approach not only is a great Film festivals at their heart to the film festiway to reflect on the are a way to open up the val. Divided into city’s film culture, 42 sessions that filmmaking process. They play one to 10 films but it itself represents the culture. are about allowing film to in sequence, the Fi l m fe st iva l s festival gives films serve as platforms be what it should always be: the chance to reach for independent a communal opening of the varied audiences filmmakers to leverthrough a compersonal. age their art within munal approach. the industry, and With the intention they also are ways for these filmmak- of bringing films and filmmaking to ers to have their work distributed to a its audience, the film not only offers a much wider audience. Although, all- wide array of topics to discuss but also access passes do not come free, film connects the audience with the people festivals are not solely for producers, behind the movie with panels set in agents, and publicists, and with an conjunction with the screened movies.

In this kind of environment, there are multiple chances to meet people within the industry and learn their stories while discovering the personalities behind the entertainment.

Films do not necessarily have to relate to one another. The session I attended, for instance, included a short about a young boy and his discovery of musical improvisation, a longer but not quite feature-length documentary about efforts for clean water in Cambodia, and an hour-long documentary that follows the efforts of a film crew to make the first ever IMAX movie made on the Hajj to Mecca. Each film had a panel or Q&A session, providing the audience an opportunity to talk with the director or producer, and in the case of the first film, the film’s composer.

For me, and much of the audience there, these screening were personal. A friend from high school was the same composer mentioned above at the panel. The film that he worked on, Sidewalk Symphony, was a project he had been working on back home in Los Angeles with the director whom I had met last

summer at a backyard birthday party.

The director’s entire family was there to see the movie, along with a collection of what I guess people would call “Hollywood” friends, although I would hesitate to use this in such an independent context. The film was intimate, as many films are, based on the director’s childhood growing up in Revere, Mass.

However, in the context of the BIFF, it became even more personal, something akin to a piece of kindergarten art on the fridge, only, in this case, the fridge is sitting amid strangers, peers, and mentors as well as mom and dad.

Film festivals at their heart are a way to open up the filmmaking process.

They are about allowing film to be what it should always be: a communal opening of the personal. Film is inherently different from any other artistic medium – many times it takes an army to create, depends on viewership and sometimes even dialogue, and yet it is still art, a creative expression of the soul. Film festivals are a place where this is easy to see, and a place that depends on this to be true. 

Monday, April 26, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

iEdit Layout

Now playing on Taylour Kumpf’s iPod Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot I feel Home - OAR Boom Boom Boom - Vengaboys Last Dance with Mary Jane – Tom Petty Redemption Song – Bob Marley The Scientist – Coldplay Don’t Stop Believing – Journey I Am The Walrus – The Beatles Lola – The Kinks Paper Planes – M.I.A.

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The Music Behind the Woman Contrary to popular belief, Taylour “River Rat” Kumpf doesn’t hunt. The Nebraska native has shot at birds, but missed. On top of this, Kumpf quit playing saxophone after just three months (though she claims this has less to do with her lack of skill and more to do with her crazed music teacher). Somehow, Kumpf found a way to overcome these deficiencies, collecting rocks, swimming, and listening to OAR for comfort. While she was growing up, her family fed her an ungodly diet of The Beatles. One time, instead of shopping in the mall, her family opted to stay in the parking lot and watch Across the Universe in the car.

Today (still a freshman), Kumpf hopes to pursue a career in enviornmental law, where she may finally get a chance to avenge those birds. – ZAK JASON

A frayed sound in Conte Young brings his Fray, from A10

solid 80 days as of Thursday night, sounded like a love child between Vampire Weekend, The Fray, and Radio Disney. Even if the words of the band sounded poorly enunciated from time to time, the group produced solid instrumentals throughout. At one point, the lead singer’s dad even made an appearance on the guitar. Jack Ontonoff, the lead singer of the band, had odd mannerisms, almost feline in nature, and would make exceedingly awkward chat in between songs. “Do you feel like a million bucks?” Ontonoff yelled at one point.

The most winning song of the group’s

set was its “Road Song,” written about leaving New Jersey for its first tour as a band a couple years ago. With just a guitar and the five guys around one microphone, they sang about launching out on their own with meaningful clarity. This was followed shortly after by Ontonoff shouting, “Go Wildcats! Wait … what does that say? Oh. Go Eagles!”

Thus, Steel Train rolled out with a decidedly irritating whimper.

The Fray hit the stage at around 9:30 p.m., with the stage adorned with four tall pillars of white light, and the overall lights draping jewel-toned purples, greens, and blues. The band kicked off its set with a song from its new self-titled album “Absolute.” Then, the rather

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

At Thursday’s concert, The Fray pumped pure angst-ridden emotion into Conte Forum.

ubiquitous “You Found Me” brought audience participation to an all-time high, followed by “She Is,” a song from the band’s double platinum album, How to Save a Life. Other songs from The Fray included “Say When,” “Where the Story Ends,” and “Look After You.” The Fray played “Little House,” “How to Save a Life,” “All at Once,” “Over My Head (Cable Car),” and “Trust Me” from How to Save a Life. Lead singer Isaac Slade gave a powerhouse performance, richly hitting every note as well as he did on the album, while the band kept him going with outstanding instrumentals. For all the anxiety that the student population experienced over the news that The Fray was coming to campus, the audience could not have left the concert feeling shortchanged. The Fray even performed a lengthy encore of approximately four songs. It may not have been the first choice of the student body, but it was by no means a waste of time or money for anyone who attended.

Between “How to Save a Life” and “Happiness,” Slade took a bit of time to wax poetic on his ties to Boston … in a way. “I lost my voice here four years ago five songs into the show,” Slade said, forcing him to cut the performance exceedingly short and scurry away. Despite this trauma, Slade maintains, “Boston, we love you.” Even The Fray’s version of talking up the townies was anxiety ridden.

The crowd formed long, swaying chains to the melodious and poignant songs as the 14-year-old males (like the braces-clad gang in front of me) and the college students alike came together in one of the most somber displays the spring concert has had in a long time.

But who said a bit of seriously somber contemplation was a bad thing? Maybe a little bit of emotionial catharsis isn't such a bad thing after all. 

poetry to Gasson Poetry, from A10

of work is diverse, and mixed in with his darker poems come titles such “Ode To Chicken,” “Ode To Greens,” and “Ode To Grits.” Ironically, those three poems were among the first he wrote after the death of his father, when he felt the need to write about ordinary things as opposed to loss, showing that he draws inspiration from unexpected sources.

His poems tend to not be particularly long, and most of his selections took about a minute to read.

Young opened the reading with selections from his most recent collection of poems, Dear Darkness, which he described as a mixture of odes, elegies, and blues, before remarking that, in his view, “blues mix odes and elegies.” The first poem Young read was “Farm Team,” a rhythmic piece dealing with personal and economic desolation. His reading of this poem highlighted his sense of the musical qualities of his own poetry, a theme that would repeat throughout the night.

Young knew precisely when to let a word hang in the air for the listener to contemplate and when to keep the lines coming at a fast pace to inundate the audience with his message. His tone of voice changed to fit the lines he was reading, and he managed to convey passion without being overly dramatic.

Next in the reading came poems from Jelly Roll, including the sole love poem of the night, “Song Of Smoke.” This poem deals heavily with sexual desire, opening with, “To watch you walk / cross the room in your black / corduroys is to see / civilization start.” This poem, literally and figuratively about burning sexual desire and the effect it has on a man, was one of the highlights of the night’s read-

ing and showed Young’s ability to deal with a variety of subjects while staying in the blues genre. It may be a poem of love, but it deals primarily with unfulfilled sexual desires, and the metaphor of fire that runs through it is done in a way that masterfully avoids the cliched association of fire and passion.

Also from Jelly Roll and included in Young’s reading were the 10 “Sleepwalking Psalms.” Young read these poems at a brisk pace, barely stopping to announce the number of the next section.

While speed may have been necessitated by the combined length of these poems, the poems might have benefitted from a slower pace to enhance the audience’s comprehension, especially considering that many people in attendance were probably hearing Young’s poetry for the first time.

Still, the general theme of a failing relationship was easy enough for the listener to understand, bringing strength to some of the poem’s best lines, such as, “even the funny-lookingest kid / in class gets a valentine / and I hear he’s now got mine.”

Young also showed his skills as a reader when he read the work of other poets from The Art of Losing, which he called “a book I wish I had when my father died.” These poems included “Men At My Father’s Funeral” by William Matthews, in which Young masterfully delivered the haunting line, “Silence, the anthem of my father’s new country.” Young then closed the reading by including some of his own poetry, and then mingling with the audience and signing books.

Young is in the process of establishing his status as one of his generation’s strongest poets, and the reading was a treat for all who came. 

Art groups gather for Kenya Kenya Benefit, from A10

that had patrons feel both moral about supporting the cause and rewarded for their donations. The group hosted a benefit concert of student performances and a raffle in the Vanderslice Cabaret Room, an event after which other service organizations could use as a model.

Before the student showcase, host Kathie Chang, A&S ’10, explained how the group had been fundraising since September, using tactics as basic as selling cookies at each football game last season. But the benefit concert, if it did not generate the most money, garnered the most warmth and attention.

This year’s winner of the AHANA Leadership Council (ALC) Showdown, Synergy, opened the night with a bombastic, hypnotic medley of hip-hop choreography. Amid flashing lights and to the beat of songs that shifted from Britney Spears’ “Toxic” to a mash-up of Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” and the Super Mario Bros. theme song, the troupe popped, locked, and orchestrated enigmatic robot maneuvers. As songs switched, the girl

and guy members would trade off moves.

At one point, a dancer back-flipped off a human pyramid, sparking catcalls from the crowd. Just a few weeks after its win, Synergy managed to choreograph a new and innovative set.

The tone morphed from enervated to mellow once a cappella group Acoustics began its trio of songs. The nine-member group opened with a serene rendition of Beyonce’s ballad “Halo,” and with the doo-wopping and beatboxing in the background, the harmonies filled the room, somehow sounding more like 29 members. Will Thompson, A&S ’11, soloed in a version of John Legend’s “Refuge” with a soulful croon reminiscent of D’Angelo, drawing yelps from the crowd. Meyer wrapped up the Acoustics’ set with a breathy and spirited ballad that warped into a verse of “Hot n’ Cold,” making it maybe the first time an a cappella group has tackled Katy Perry.

Synergy’s rivals, Fuego del Corazon, took the stage next, this time with only a duet. Though with just a fraction of the group, the two possessed an immense stage presence with erotic thrusting, injury-de-

fying flipping, and a series of splits.

An original singer / songwriter closed the night with a brief set of his own acoustic songs. With soft-spoken lyrics and a forlorn yet warm guitar, he sounded like a mix of Andrew Bird and Matt Pond PA. Between songs, he would say endearingly goofy lines like, “The first thing I did wrong was forget a pick. The first thing I did right was fashion a pick out of a pizza box.” (At one point the cardboard pick broke, and he had to craft another.) In one track, he played guitar, harmonica, and stomped on a tambourine simultaneously. But his last song marked the highlight of his performance, when he bopped around serenading girls in the crowd singing, “My only social problem is I don’t know when to stop.”

Instead of barking at students coming and going from lunch, members of the Kenya service trip, who leave next month to aid in reforestation and work with high school girls, found a way to make service trip donations enjoyable. With some friends in performance groups, fundraising quickly elevates from an annoyance to a treat. Appalachia and Arrupe, take note. 

JORDAN MENDOZA / FOR THE HEIGHTS

Asinine kept it quick with brief sketches and allowed each member a moment in the spotlight.

Asinine banters Asinine, from A10

KEVIN HOU / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Synergy, Fuego and the Acoustics came together for Kenya with performances of everything from “Hot n’ Cold” to John Legend’s “Refuge.”

outsider. It was a disheartening tale to be sure, but just absurd enough to keep the audience laughing.

This group excels at expediency.

Often their sketches ran no more than a minute or so in length, and yet they could drive home a punch line in that amount of time. This technique broke up the longer sketches and kept the show flowing smoothly. The videos were also in this style. Particularly funny was a commercial featuring the world’s least interesting man endorsing XX beer. However, sketches were also performed in this abbreviated manner. “Recess” provided a rather literal interpretation of the law, when every member of a courtroom whipped out jump ropes, lollipops, and plastic balls as soon as the judge’s gavel was

lowered for a recess. Each of these snippets of action was made more amusing by its brevity and the quick manner in which it was performed.

Asinine might not have shocked its audience’s senses, but it did keep things interesting. After all, who hasn’t been waiting for a Harry Potter commentary on Twilight? Or to have someone finally point out how weird the dining hall dynamic really is? The cast seemed comfortable on stage, and it worked well together to produce a scene. With a little further development, these budding comics might have had viewers rolling in the aisles, but too often they fell back upon a cliche. Nevertheless, every member had his or her moment to shine, and so the show accomplished what it set out to do with unpretentious and silly confidence. 

ARTS&REVIEW

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MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010

NOTES ON A SCANDAL

Artistic revelry at Coachella

ALLISON THERRIEN Sometimes I want to precisely reenact this seasons’ finale episode of MTV’s The Buried Life. The show’s four 20somethings throw what they deem “the party of the century” in the final episode, the culmination of just a few days of planning. Hundreds of strangers come together at the residence of someone the boys have just met, and everyone dances and jumps around to live music. The oddity of being in a completely random location in the middle of nowhere surrounded by strangers doesn’t seem to occur to anyone present, and no one seems confused by the boys’ motives. Explosive, organic moments like these make me feel a little let down by the types of social events that I frequent.

In my history class, we’ve lately been talking a lot about the ’60s, when random cultural events like these weren’t so rare. Woodstock, of course, comes to mind, and we hear about a pregnant Joan Baez singing “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” at 3 a.m. and the Grateful Dead blowing out the stage amps. Still, our generation hasn’t been completely deprived of these types of experiences. We’ve got Burning Man, which I’m desperate to attend some day. We’ve got Glastonbury, one of the biggest music festivals in the world.

We’ve also got Coachella, a music festival that brings upwards of 100,000 people to Indio, California, for a Woodstockreminiscent show of live talent. This year’s festival took place last weekend and featured a roundhouse of acts, including Sia, Grizzly Bear, She & Him, MGMT, Muse, Phoenix, and Spoon. It’s no surprise, then, that everyone from John Mayer to Anne Hathaway to Danny Devito was seen at this year’s event, and since scandal tends to go hand-in-hand with these types of celebrity-rife festivities, I think it’s only fitting to recount some of last weekend’s most talkedabout stories.

Coachella has been known for more than a few debuts. For the 2001 festival, a newly reunited Jane’s Addiction headlined, and 2003 festival attendees witnessed the first performance by a just-reformed Iggy Pop. The most talkedabout debut of the 2010 festival has been that of Kate Hudson’s recent plastic surgery augmentation. “Augmentation” as a term is actually misleading in this case, though, since what she really did was create something where there was previously nothing.

Jay-Z delivered a new rendition of “Forever Young,” which he performed as a duet with surprise guest Beyonce.

Apparently the true scandal here was Beyonce’s choice to wear a t-shirt covered in profanity. From looking at pictures of the festival – many which show topless women and groups dressed as what can only be assumed are characters from Lord of the Rings – such an outcry seems more than a little misplaced.

Instances of celebrities blowing up at photographers are by no means a rare occurrence. A much-younger Sean Penn once dangled an especially invasive photographer from a ninth-floor balcony window. At last weekend’s Coachella festival, True Blood actor Alexander Skarsgard got into a fight with a belligerent photographer and had to be restrained by the police. He managed to evade arrest with the argument that he was merely a method actor, trying to maintain his aggressive, vampire persona. At least, that’s what I imagine he might have said.

Though the opportunity to come face-to-face with True Blood eye candy is tempting, I think that the festival’s true draw is the opportunity to experience art with complete strangers. Somewhere within the mass of pictures I’ve perused of this year’s festival, there is a girl dressed as a marijuana plant and a guy wearing a unicorn costume. I can’t help but think that someday, the three of us could be friends. Or at least strangers jiving side-by-side to the same great song.

Emotions unravel with Steel Train and The Fray

BY KRISTEN HOUSE

Arts & Review Editor Long before the apologies of Tiger, Jesse James, and Jon Gosselin, The Fray was epitomizing male angst and sensitivity. It was contemplating how to save a drug addled life, reaffirming the obvious by telling everyone “I’m in over my head,” and, more recently, exploring the trials and tribulations of being “lost and insecure” (you found me). When the crowd infiltrated Conte Forum on Thursday night to watch opener New Jersey-based Steel Train and healiner The Fray, it was obvious that it would not need much suppressing.

Security guards surrounding the floor seats focused their efforts instead on insisting that seats could not be saved. Certainly, administrators everywhere were probably relieved that it’s impossible to grind to the dulcet tunes of The Fray. Perhaps this was, in part, the reason that a large portion of the student body did not turn out. The crowd ended up being an odd amalgamation of what appeared to be freshmen in high school and the occasional parent.

The opening band Steel Train came on with effusive energy. The band, which said it had been on tour for a

See The Fray, A9

KEVIN HOU & ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITORS

New Jersey-based Steel Train opened for kings of angst The Fray this past Thursday in Conte Forum for the annual Spring Concert.

Peanuts of praise thrown for Asinine’s Circus

BY KRYSIA WAZNY Heights Staff

SANG LEE / HEIGHTS STAFF

Asinine’s opening sketch brings the wildlife into the ring.

The cast of Boston College’s most recently-formed comedy troupe, Asinine, put on a show that, while very funny at points, left the audience feeling as though they had not witnessed the best the troupe could offer. This weekend’s show, “Circus Peanuts,” was silly with a touch of the profane, and it certainly managed to point out the absurd at BC and in wider society. However, what it lacked was a greater depth of humor — something this group only achieved momentarily and on few occasions. They kept the chuckles coming, but not once did my eyes pop because the group had gone just

too far with their particular brand of comedy.

Asinine Comedy claims to be BC’s only combined improv and sketch comedy troupe. The sketches were performed live, for the most part, with brief video clips to enhance the experience throughout. Their range of comedic abilities was rather impressive. However, with only two improv games in the entire show, whatever skills they might have in this arena were not given a fair opportunity to shine through. An improv game gone bad can easily be redeemed if the next round is stunning, but these comics of the impromptu never had that chance.

Their focus seemed to revolve more around sketch comedy, regard-

less of their claims to the contrary. In this realm, the group managed to hit upon several original topics perfect for ridicule, but only a few pushed the subject matter beyond the obvious. Among these was “Cookie Crisp,” in which a father reacts far too strongly to the discovery that his son has been eating cookies for breakfast. Soon the poor boy is eating out of the dog’s bowl, and the dog is, supposedly, sitting at the table, all while the sophisticated lady of the household chugs raspberry Rubinoff through her tears. “Fireflies” examined the behavior of BC girls when put into a room with alcohol and a camera through the eyes of an

See Asinine, A9

At long last, a fun fundraiser

Young love

BY ZAK JASON

BY WILL WATKINS

Assoc. Arts & Review Editor

Heights Staff

Most of the time, people donate to service trips out of either guilt or annoyance. Service groups’ guerilla fundraising — attacking students with sandwiches and hot ID cards ready to be swiped — hardly imbue students with a sense of charity. They mainly think, “I’m glad that’s out of my hands.

Now, where was I?” But on Saturday night, Michelle Meyer, event organizer and A&S ’12, and members of a summer service trip to Kenya organized an event that had patrons feel both moral about supporting the cause and rewarded for their donations. The group hosted a benefit concert of varied student performances and a raffle in the Vanderslice Cabaret Room, an event

Kevin Young, poet, editor, and professor at Emory University, read some of his work on Wednesday night as part of the Lowell Humanities series. Young was in Boston to give the keynote address at Thursday’s Greater Boston Intercollegiate Undergraduate Poetry Festival, and did the reading in Gasson’s Irish Room as part of his visit. The already intimate space was only half-filled, which made for a very personal reading.

Young’s poetry is difficult to generalize in terms of style or substance. He grew up in Nebraska where he had the experience of being one of the few African Americans in his town, was educated in New England at Harvard and Brown, and now teaches in Atlanta. He does seem to emphasize sadness and loss, writing many blues poems and editing an anthology, The Art of Losing, which deals with grief. Still, his body

Allison Therrien is the Assistant Arts & Review editor of The Heights. She can be reached at arts@bcheights.com

See Benefit, A9

I NSIDE ARTS

The Losers drastically misses the mark

THIS ISSUE

See Poetry, A9 KEVIN HOU / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Perhaps it’s about time these losers were represented. But what happens when the losers actually lose? A8

Back Up Plan sustained by Lopez

Jennifer Lopez becomes this movie’s own back up plan when her performance saves the show, A8

iEdit.............................................A9 Box Office Report........................A8

SPORTS THE HEIGHTS

Monday, April 26, 2010

Section

B

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010

BASEBALL

BC sweeps ’Pack with late rally

BY JAKE BURG Heights Staff

The Eagles played a game of give and take with North Carolina State. They Boston College 11 gave t h e l ea d away in the sev10 enth and eighth NC State innings, only to take it right back in top of the ninth to edge out the Wolfpack, 11-10, in a battle of the bats.

There were a combined four lead changes, 26 hits, and 21 runs scored in the game. The win extends red-hot Boston College’s winning streak to eight games, and the Eagles have also now won

their last three ACC series, including sweeps of both NC State and Wake Forest.

After allowing NC State (26-16, 9-12 ACC) to crawl back into the game, allowing three runs in the seventh and eighth innings, BC (2317, 12-9 ACC) answered with another ninth-inning comeback, its second of the series.

Down by one with one away, Garret Smith slapped an 0-1 pitch into the left gap to send Brad Zapenas home from first, tying the game at 10. After a strikeout brought the Wolfpack an out away from keeping the game tied, Matt Hamlet singled up the middle to score Smith and give the Eagles the lead.

Kevin Moran retired the batters in order in the bottom of the ninth to earn his first save

of the year.

The Eagles jumped on the Wolfpack early, capitalizing on both pitching and fielding mistakes. In the first, senior Robbie Anston led off and reached on an error by NC State shortstop Matt Bergquist. Three batters later, Anston scored off a sacrifice fly hit by senior John Spatola.

Then in the second inning, the Eagle bats came alive. Anthony Melchionda jacked a homer over the left-center wall to extend BC’s lead to 2-0. Next up was Andrew Lawrence, who roped a single to center field.

At that point, BC decided to play small ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

See Series Sweep, B4

The Eagles snuck by the Wolfpack with two ninth-inning rallies this weekend.

Four QBs battle for top spot Marscovetra shines in final scrimmage, still no official starter named

BY GREG JOYCE For The Heights

Ryan Lindsey for a 44-yard strike, flashing the arm strength and accuracy that could vault him into the starter’s role in the fall. The sophomore was 13 of 16 on the day with 146 yards and a touchdown.

Freshmen early enrollees Josh Bordner and Chase Rettig split the reps in the late first half and throughout the second half. Bordner went seven for 12, passing for 83 yards, while Rettig threw for 48 yards on four for 12. He was picked off twice by sophomore cornerback Aj Currelley.

Running backs: B With Montel Harris (21 yards on six carries) solidi-

Heading into the annual Jay McGillis Spring Football Game on Saturday, many speculated that Dave Shinskie would be the starting quarterback come September.

Mike Marscovetra, however, did everything in his power to show why he should be starting behind center. The sophomore went 13 for 16, passing for 146 yards and throwing the game’s only touchdown.

“It went pretty well,” Marscovetra said. “I felt pretty comfortable.”

At the start of the game, Shinskie played with the first-string offense, but could not generate any points in his first two series.

Marscovetra started off the game playing with the second string, but led them to a long scoring drive that resulted in a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordon McMichael. A long 44-yard pass to receiver Ryan Lindsey was key for the drive, in which Marscovetra’s strong arm and accuracy were showcased.

“That was nice,” Marscovetra said. “He got open, and [there was] a lot of protection, so everything worked out well.”

After looking impressive in that drive, Marscovetra was bumped up to first string, and led the Eagles down the field on the ensuing series. The freshman nearly tossed his second touchdown pass of the day, but overthrew an open Chris Pantale in the end zone.

“I’m disappointed obviously, I had Pantale pretty open in the end zone,” Marscovetra said.

But this was really the only thing that went wrong for the quarterback from Oakland, N.J. While he played only three series, two with the second string and one with the first string, his performance was enough for the coaches to see what he was capable of. He was the most dominant quarterback of the day, and consistently led the longest drives.

See Spring Game, B3

See QB Controversy, B3

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Sophomore quarterback Mike Marscovetra finished the Spring Game a sterling 13 of 16 for 146 yards and a touchdown to lead the Boston College offense over the defense, 42-41.

Passing the Test

Aerial attack, defensive line earn high marks in Spring Game; offensive line, linebackers stay quiet

BY PAUL SULZER

Asst. Sports Editor The story of Saturday’s Jay McGillis Spring Football Game was the offense’s performance in a 42-41 victory over the defense at Alumni Stadium.

Don’t be fooled by the game’s score – points were awarded for first downs, explosive plays, sacks, and a number of other statistics. The takeaway from the game is that the offense is light years ahead of where it was last year, when Steve Aponavicius kicked a single field goal for the game’s only true points.

Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of how the Eagles faired on Saturday:

Quarterbacks: BSophomore Dave Shinskie, the incumbent starter, led the first-team offense for the first two drives, completing six of 12 passes for 50 yards. His first pass of the game was an underthrown jump ball for Clyde Lee that should have been picked off, but senior cornerback DeLeon Gause couldn’t hold on to it.

Although Shinskie’s passes were at times forced or erratic, he looked more mobile and aware in the pocket than he was last year.

Mike Marscovetra, though, stole the first-team reps from Shinskie by the third drive thanks to two phenomenal series with the backups.

On his second series, Marscovetra connected with

The sad stain on a perfect season

ZACH WIELGUS It is a remarkable shame when people worthy of our respect make a decision that can only be described as downright stupid.

It is even worse when those individuals, revered for the poise with which they handle the challenge of balancing the role of full-time student and recognizable athlete, have just come off a national championship win.

Saturday night at midnight, however, was the time when the honorable became the irresponsible. Freshmen hockey players Parker Milner, Philip Samuelsson, and Patrick Wey chose to leave a party, pack themselves in a black Jeep Cherokee, sandwiching themselves between several others and allegedly

containers of alcohol, and roll the dice.

As a T trolley sped down Comm Ave., the vehicle carrying three of our champions and four fellow students opted to challenge fate. Their SUV took a sudden turn, attempting to cross the tracks and beat the train.

The freshmen lost.

The train slammed into the SUV, crushing the driver’s door and putting the lives of seven young adults in jeopardy. Three, including Milner, climbed out and fled the scene, figuring that if they could run fast enough, they wouldn’t be caught. Unsurprisingly, they were later apprehended, most likely at the hands of their four friends, who were left behind in the manhandled vehicle.

The only way out for Samuelsson and Wey, a pair of defensemen and close friends who have bonded as backline mates, was with the Jaws of Life.

Both of them were transported to the hospital, and soon were discharged after luckily escaping with minor injuries.

The night earlier, Milner, Samuelsson, and Wey were soaking up a stand-

I NSIDE SPORTS THIS ISSUE

ing ovation in the infield of Fenway Park. Two days before that, they stood in a proud row inside TD Garden, recognized for their place in BC history in the middle of the Bruins’ doubleovertime, Game 4 win over the Sabres.

And the week before, the trio gathered on stage in O’Neill Plaza to the roars of a thousand Eagle hockey fans as the championship banner – the banner that they helped bring to Chestnut Hill – was unveiled.

I realize that athletes are unfairly placed on a pedestal, thrust under the spotlight and scrutinized for every misstep. Expecting 18-year-old kids to act as perfect citizens, at a time when mistakes and regrets help form the person you become by graduation, is unrealistic.

But this was not just a slip-up. This was not a minor infraction that a coach or fan can merely frown at but quickly forget. This cannot be chalked up to athletes getting a little too heady, smitten with success.

Saints take Tennant

See Sad Mistake, B5

The center who snapped for Matt Ryan will now be charged with protecting Drew Brees............B5

CREW TAKES FOURTH

COURTESY OF ELISABETH LOBKOWICZ

The women’s crew team took fourth at the ACC championships in Clemson Saturday.

Will the baseball team make the NCAAs?

The Heights debates if Mik Aoki’s club is peaking at the right time or will fizzle out...............................B4

Game to Watch..............................B2 Numbers to Know.........................B2

B2

Monday, April 26, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

Eagles dominated by Duke in ACC first round

BY ADAM ROSE For The Heights

The women’s lacrosse team has put itself in a position to win the most games in program history, yet its struggles against ACC opponents continued Thursday, as the Eagles lost to No. 4 Duke in first round of the ACC tournament, 17-6.

“The ACC has some of the top teams in the country, and you have to come ready to play,” said head coach Bowen Holden.

The Eagles have won nine out-ofconference games but only one conference game, when they defeated Virginia Tech, 14-9.

When the Eagles squared off with the Blue Devils earlier in the season, they held a lead for most of the contest before giving it away at the end. Duke scored the last four goals of the game to steal a 12-11 victory.

“We were up for all but the last piece of the game,” Holden said.

BC entered the tournament knowing that it could compete with the strong Duke team, and also came in on the heels of two exciting wins, a victory over No. 17 BU and a double overtime win against Brown.

“We felt like we were in a good place going into the tournament,” Holden said.

The Eagles, however, could not carry the momentum into the tournament.

In the first contest against the Blue Devils, the Eagles received four goals from first team All-ACC recipient and BC’s all-time scorer Lauren Costello, as well as two from ACC second-teamer Kristen Igoe. This time around, though, Duke smothered the Eagles’ leading scorers in the ACC tournament, therefore effectively stifling the Eagle offense. Costello netted one goal, and Igoe missed her four attempts. Brooke Blue and Jill Rekart provided two goals each for BC. The Eagles found themselves in a deep hole early, and they never received

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Senior Lauren Costello, BC’s all-time leading scorer, was stifled by the Blue Devils’ tough defense in the first round of the ACC tournament, only scoring one goal in BC’s 17-6 defeat. the offensive firepower to climb back out. In just over five minutes, the Blue Devils raced to a 5-0 lead to stun BC early. It was only 22 minutes into the first half when Blue finally put the Eagles on the board, barely cutting into Duke’s 8-0 lead.

Though Brittany Wilton notched a quick goal to open the second half and make it 8-2, Duke rattled off seven straight goals to crush the brief glimpse at BC momentum. With 11 minutes left,

the score stood at 15-2 in favor of the Blue Devils, and four Eagle goals at the end of the game did nothing to help correct the daunting deficit.

Duke was paced by four players who scored at least three goals each, with Sarah Bullard leading the way with four scores. Goalkeeper Kaitlin Gaiss only needed to make four saves for the Blue Devils, as the Duke defense harassed the Eagles all game long, preventing clean shots on net. Twenty turnovers also

played a key part in the Eagles’ loss.

“We couldn’t get the ball over the blue line because we kept turning it over,” Holden said. “There was a lack of fire and intensity that we needed to have.”

The team will have to find that fire and intensity in the next couple of weeks, as the Eagles still has have games left on their schedule.

“I think it’s always a challenge to get back up and get going again, but after

a team meeting, I have no doubt in my team’s response,” Holden said.

Despite a disappointing early loss in the tournament, the Eagles have three games to potentially put themselves in the record books with the most wins in program history, starting on Wednesday with a game against New Hampshire in Chestnut Hill.

“Our team has taken another step this year, and we’re very positive and upbeat,” Holden said. 

Tennis teams find silver lining after first-round loss

BY ROBERT T. BALINT For The Heights

SPORTS in SHORT

Thursday was a tough day for Boston College tennis, as both the men’s team and women’s team lost in the first round of the ACC tournament, held this weekend in Cary, N.C. The men’s team played No. 20 Virginia Tech, while the women’s team drew the Virginia Cavaliers.

The men were swept by the Hokies in both singles and doubles competition. For first and second singles, the Eagles were competitive for both matches, as No. 1 Thomas Nolan and All-ACC No. 2 Akask Muppidi both kept close to the Hokies. Ultimately, the deciding factor came at the third, fourth, and fifth singles, as the Hokies dominated.

In the third singles position, Hokie Corrado Degl’ Incerti Tocci beat BC’s Alex Skinner in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. Next up was the No. 4 match between Virginia Tech’s Patrick Daciek and junior Erik Kreutzer, which Daciek won 6-1, 6-2. Finally, BC sophomore Justin Schroeder lost to Will Beck in the fifth match 6-2, 7-5.

Virginia Tech continued its dominant play in the doubles matches. Beck and Daciek eked out a win in the closest match of the day, a 9-7 victory over the BC duo of Skinner and Schroeder. This win gave the Hokies the deciding point, winning the overall match, 4-0. BC’s The Hokies’ sweep of the third, fourth, and fifth matches put the win out of reach.

After Thursday, the men’s team ended its season with a 10-16 record, while Virginia Tech moved to 15-6. The Eagles will return all but two players next year after seniors Nolan and Brian Garber graduate.

The team will benefit from the underclassmen who gained experience playing this year.

The women’s team fared little better on Thursday. The Eagles, seeded 11th, faced the sixth seed, Virginia, in the first round. The Cavaliers, ranked as the No. 26 program in the nation, swept the Eagles, 4-0.

“It certainly was not for a lack of effort,” said head coach Nigel Bentley. “We played our hearts out.”

BC freshman Alex Kelleher played Cavalier Lindsey Hardenbergh in the opening match, losing in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1. Freshman Ina Kauppila

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

PHOTO COURTESY OF BC ATHLETICS

Senior Adam Davison (left) and freshman Alex Kelleher (right) could not pick up wins for the Eagles in the ACC tournament, as both teams were swept in the first round. and senior captain Brittany Delaney, the fifth and sixth players, respectively, also dropped straight sets against their Virginia opponents. This sweep, coupled with Virginia’s 8-2 and 8-3 wins in the first and second doubles matches, put the Cavaliers on top. In those matches, the freshman first doubles team of Kelleher and Olga Khmylev fell to the Cavalier tandem of Jennifer Stevens and Hana Tomlijanovic, while Katharine Attwell and Delaney fell at second doubles.

Although the Eagles were swept by Virginia to

Notable Quotable “We’ve been playing well for a couple of weeks. It starts with the starting pitching. Hopefully the good health for guys like Leonard and Dean can continue. Our hitting also has seemed to come back. We are playing some of our best baseball right now. Hopefully we can continue playing at a high level tomorrow and get into the ACC tournament. We are looking to take a page out of Coach York’s playbook – let’s peak at the right time.”

—Mik Aoki, head coach of the BC baseball team in reference to his team’s eight-game winning streak. Like Jerry York’s strategy, Aoki hopes his team will finish the season strong and earn an NCAA tournament bid.

end their season, Bentley emphasized the transitory nature of this past season, in which his team finished with a 6-16 overall record.

“It is all part of the learning curve for our very young team to play in big matches like this with the intensity and energy at the highest level,” he said.

“We have three top recruits coming in the fall, and we return a very strong cast of players.”

Thursday marked the end of Delaney’s career as a BC tennis player. The senior was the sole captain of the squad during the 2010 season, and

Numbers to Know

173

“has done a tremendous job this year instilling in this young team a sense of pride, work ethic, and determination,” that, Bentley said, “we will carry forward.”

Bentley can also look forward to next season, as he returns five starters while also bringing in three highly-regarded recruits.

Programs take a good deal of time and effort to develop into successful teams, and there is no doubt that this offseason will be a busy one for BC tennis. 

Game to Watch Baseball

Career hits by BC softball player Renee Ramos, which moves the senior second baseman into sixth place on the all-time list.

8

Consecutive games won by the baseball team after sweeping Wake Forest and NC State and winning the baseball Beanpot.

42-41

Score of the Jay McGillis Spring Football Game on Saturday, in which first downs counted for one point.

Virginia vs.

Tech

Boston College

The Boston College baseball team, currently on an eight-game winning streak, will head to Blacksburg to take on Virginia Tech, which just took two of three games against No. 3 Georgia Tech this past weekend. The series matches two of the ACC’s hottest teams as only a month remains before the ACC tournament. The Eagles are 12-9 in the ACC, while the Hokies are 11-10.

Friday, 5:30 p.m.

The Heights

Monday, April 26, 2010

B3

Holloway, Momah able to bring the pressure

By DJ Adams Heights Editor

As the quarterback controversy grew more and more convoluted at the Jay McGillis Spring Game on Saturday afternoon, another equally important problem was temporarily solved.

The defensive line, which struggled to maintain consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season, lost two regular starters in seniors Jim Ramella and Austin Giles. Boston College faced an important dilemma in creating a pressure scheme that would pack a better punch despite fewer personnel. But the Eagles found a potential solution, as their line steadily breathed down fellow teammates’ necks in the game, combining for 10 sacks and several pass breakups.

With the days of B.J. Raji and exciting Eagles pass rushers long past, the defensive line has been criticized lately for its inability to go against some of the bigger offensive lines in the ACC. It was this critique, though, that fueled several players to want to change that perception.

“This spring, our coach came out and said that we have to come out here and prove something to our team, not only to the BC Eagles, but to ourselves,” said Max Holloway of his line’s motivation. “So we came out here with a little chip on our shoulder, and we handled our business pretty good.”

Holloway, himself competing for a starting position this fall, manhandled the right side of the offensive line. He registered six tackles and four sacks, with one of the quarterback stops occurring at a pivotal spot with his defense up against the wall as the offense pushed into the red zone.

The first-team offense never recovered from the blow, and was forced to settle for a field goal.

The consistent pressure caused several quarterbacks to rush their decisions and make mistakes by heaving jump balls into tight coverage. On one occasion, end Alex Albright came off the edge so quickly that freshman Chase Rettig threw a deep rainbow to his receiver to avoid the sack.

Despite dodging the loss of yards, the ball hung in the air long enough for walk-on sophomore Aj Currelley to jump in and intercept the pass for a turnover.

“The line did a good job of pressuring, pressuring the O-line, and making the quarterbacks panic, and that was good,” Currelley said. “They had to rush the throw, and that gave me the time I needed and put me in good position to get the pick.”

Meanwhile, the shortage of linemen for next fall was addressed by moving former wide receiver Ifeanyi Momah to defensive end. The move, unusual in nature, was met with skepticism early but produced great results in Saturday’s scrimmage.

The senior tallied two sacks and stripped Dave Shinskie for a turnover.

“At the beginning of the spring, we were a little skeptical because we didn’t know how he was going to fit in,” Holloway said.

“But he got so much better as a player and a defensive lineman. His speed rush is going to be good for us next year.” “[Momah’s] made the transition really well,” Albright said. “He gives tackles a rough time coming off the edge, and that really helps me and everyone else out when people have to worry about him.”

The strong pursuit from the edge allowed holes on the inside for the defensive tackles to jump through, as well. Dillon

alex trautwig / heights editor

Linebacker Dan Williams upends Codi Boek during the Spring Game. The linebacking corps generated little pressure during the scrimmage.

Quinn recorded a sack, and the running game was nonexistent all day.

“In the offseason, a lot of guys have gotten stronger and better at technique, especially Dillon and the way he is able to move guys around,” Albright said. “His improvement, along with the other inside guys, Brian Murray and Conor O’Neal, really help out a lot.”

Because sacks are not always easy to come by, one aspect that the Eagles focus

on for their linemen is getting hands up and batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. BC’s big bodies up front got more than a few fingers on the ball in the game, batting down four strikes in total.

“We really stress on getting our hands up,” Holloway said. “I mean, that’s a loss of a play. You knock a ball down, and that’s just as good as a sack.”

“The guys did a good job of [knocking down passes],” said head coach Frank

Spaziani. “That’s what we needed to be able to play good defense.”

Despite just being a simple scrimmage, the Spring Game demonstrated what a productive defensive line could contribute to BC’s success next fall against opposing offenses.

“That’s the whole thing with defense, you work as one unit,” Albright said. “I think us coming together this offseason will really help for the regular season.” n

BC passes final test of spring Spring Game, from B1

alex trautwig / heights editor

(From top): Shinskie unloads a pass; Luke Kuechly halts a play; Harris breaks through the line.

fied as the feature back, and primary reserves Rolandan Finch and Sterlin Phifer nursing injuries, lesser-known running backs were given a chance to prove themselves. Sophomore Mike Javorski ran for 34 yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for 34 yards. Senior Chris Fox split reps with him, carrying the ball eight times for 46 yards. Neither figures to see much time with the first team in the fall, but both could be factors on special teams.

Seniors James McCluskey and Codi Boek shared the fullback duties. Both players looked dynamic out of the backfield, catching passes when the quarterback checked down and running through arm tackles when defenders tried to drag them to the ground. Boek could be especially intriguing in the Wildcat, as he played as a quarterback last year. The Eagles did not run any plays out of the formation, however.

Receivers: AFinding dependable receivers will be among the Eagles’ chief concerns this year, as they lose Rich Gunnell and Justin Jarvis to graduation. Colin Larmond, Jr., BC’s No. 2 receiver last year, should be the primary target, although he did not play in the Spring Game due to a hamstring injury.

Lee snagged six passes for 44 yards, flashing a quick burst to get open a couple times, while Lindsey gained a game-high 81 yards, including the 44-yard diving catch that showed his sure hands. Redshirt freshman Johnathan Coleman was Shinskie’s security blanket on the first two drives. At 6-4, 218 pounds, Coleman could be one of BC’s red zone targets in the fall.

Tight end Jordon McMichael (48 yards on three receptions) caught the game’s only touchdown – a 15-yard post. Chris

Pantale (two catches, 14 yards) and Lars Anderson (one catch, four yards) were not frequent targets for the quarterbacks.

Offensive line: C The offensive line was without left tackle Anthony Castonzo, who is still recovering from the broken right foot he suffered in January. Sophomore John Wetzel started in his place.

As a whole, the offensive line struggled to contain a defensive front seven that could not generate any pressure last year.

The line looked much better in run blocking – the linebackers were unable to blow up many plays in the backfield because the offensive line protected the running backs so effectively.

Defensive line: A Perhaps the brightest surprise of the Spring Game was the consistent pressure applied by BC’s previously anemic defensive line. Max Holloway was a terror in the backfield, registering four sacks and regularly disrupting the offense’s rhythm.

Wide receiver-turned-defensive end Ifeanyi Momah contributed two sacks, including a strip-sack of Shinskie. Alex Albright added two more sacks. Highlyregarded redshirt freshman defensive tackle Dillon Quinn took down Rettig once for a 9-yard loss. The ends and tackles also batted down several passes at the line of scrimmage.

Linebackers: C+ Luke Kuechly (eight tackles) headlined a quiet day from the linebackers, nearly picking off a Shinskie pass intended for Pantale on one play and wrapping up Javorski for a huge loss on another. Although the defense pressured the quarterbacks throughout the day, very little of the heat came from the linebackers.

Mark Herzlich was unable to play as he continues to recover from Ewing’s sarcoma, the rare form of bone cancer with which he was diagnosed in May.

Defensive backs: B+ After playing such soft zone coverage for most of last season, the Eagle secondary played much closer to the receivers for most of the afternoon. Except when Marscovetra was running the offense, the secondary read the quarterback well and jumped many routes.

At corner, Currelley intercepted Rettig twice, while Gause dropped two easy picks – one each from Rettig and Shinskie.

Junior Isaac Johnson finished second on the team with five solo tackles.

Wes Davis was a force at safety, almost intercepting Marscovetra on a bad pass over the middle, the sophomore’s lone mistake of the afternoon. Jim Noel, who is competing with Dominick LeGrande for the starting strong safety spot, matched Johnson with five solo tackles.

Special teams: B For the first time in four years, Aponavicius will not be kicking field goals for BC in the fall. The first candidate to take his place is junior walk-on Michael Sodic, who converted both his field goal attempts (two 34-yarders) and his lone extra point.

Sophomore Gerald Levano handled the punting duties with Ryan Quigley injured, and his four kicks averaged 41 yards with a long of 57. Lee handled the return duties, waving for a fair catch or letting the ball drop on each kick.

Final grade: B Usually, the defense dominates the offense in the Spring Game. That wasn’t the case this year. Although the game is a glorified scrimmage, an impressive performance can go a long way toward shaking up the depth chart. Marscovetra may have done just that by leading two scoring drives. BC has all of summer practice to figure out who the starters should be, but several Eagles staked claims to playing time on the field Saturday. n

QBs jockey for starting position QB Controversy, from B1

On playing with the first-string unit, Marscovetra said it was a “confidence booster” that his coaches trusted him to play with the starters, and he showed them that they had made the right decision.

Shinskie finished the day six of 12 for 50 yards. At times, the 25-year-old looked solid playing with the first-team offense, but in his first two series of the second half, he looked uncomfortable, and his day ended when he was stripped by receiver-turned-defensive end Ifeanyi Momah.

Shinskie led the Eagles to six wins last year when he started, and according to head coach Frank Spaziani, “that counts for something.”

“Dave is the incumbent,” Spaziani said. “Now he’s gotta move forward.”

Spaziani also said that none of the quarterbacks did anything to hurt or help their spot on the depth chart.

“No, not really,” Spaziani said. “We’ll look at the film and adjust, but they just confirmed what we thought of all of them.

We’ve got some good prospects there.”

The two newest Eagle quarterbacks, Chase Rettig and Josh Bordner, saw most of their action in the second half of the

game. Bordner completed seven-of-12 passes for 83 yards, while his classmate Rettig went four of 12 for 48 yards, getting picked off twice by freshman Aj Currelley.

Besides his two interceptions, which came on underthrown balls, Rettig’s stat line may be deceiving. Many of his incompletions could have been caught by Eagle wide receivers, and Rettig showed glimpses of being a strong, accurate quarterback.

“It was good practice,” Rettig said.

“It’s a big deal, but we’re still learning out there. I had a lot of fun. The offense did pretty well today. I’m just looking forward to getting better, going into the summer, just trying to get as game-ready as I can, and compete with the rest of the quarterbacks. That’s what it’s gonna come down to is the competition.”

Spaziani stressed that nothing was set in stone as far as the depth chart goes, and that the competition will continue right up until the Eagles’ first game next fall.

“We’ve got 40 more practices, so it’s gonna take a lot more,” Spaziani said.

“Dave has done a tremendous job for us, and that can’t be minimized. So he’s gotta build on it, and the other guys have to catch him. We feel good about

the quarterbacks where we’re at, so we’ll see.”

As far as what it will take to win the starting job, Marscovetra and Rettig both know what they have to do.

“Consistency,” Marscovetra said.

“I think that’s my biggest problem. I feel like if I can be more consistent, get better footwork, master the playbook a little more, I’ll have a better shot coming into camp.”

“I definitely think I just need to come in here in the second session in the summer with that attitude that I’m gonna be the starter and just learn as much as I can and just take as much as I can from these coaches,” Rettig said.

With a cloud of uncertainty over who the starting quarterback will be for the Eagles on Sept. 4 against Weber State, there is one thing for certain: They are in a much better spot than they were last year at the quarterback position.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of experience lacking, but we’re light years ahead at that position than we were at this time last year,” Spaziani said. “I think they all have tremendous redeeming qualities about them, and it’s a good group and there’s going to be some good competition there. We’re excited about it, and we’ll see where it takes us.” n

alex trautwig / heights editor and mike saldarriaga / heights photo illustration

B4

Monday, April 26, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

Baseball takes three crucial games in Raleigh Series Sweep, from B1

ball to help extend their lead. Zapenas laid down an excellent bunt for a single to put runners on first and second for Smith. Smith also laid down a bunt, but Lawrence was thrown out at third, leaving runners on first and second with one out.

After Anston flied out to center, Hamlet hit a single through the left side of the field to bring Zapenas around to score. The Eagles ended the top of the second on top, 3-0.

Meanwhile BC’s John Leonard was pitching another gem. He entered the game 2-0 with an ERA under 2.00, and not much was different in the first few innings for Leonard.

He retired the first six batters he faced. But then Leonard tossed two pitches he certainly would like to have back.

The first pitch hit NC State’s Tarran Senay. The second pitch was to Russell Wilson, who sent it flying over the left

field wall, cutting the Eagles’ lead to 3-2.

Leonard then settled down and got himself out of the inning before the Wolfpack could do any more damage.

In the top of the fourth, BC blew the game wide open, torching NC State’s pitchers for three runs. With two runners on, Anston hit an RBI single, followed by a sacrifice fly by Hamlet. Then, with Anston still on the bases, Mickey Wiswall came up to bat. He promptly ripped a double to center field, scoring Anston, and pushing the Eagles lead to 6-2.

It seemed like smooth sailing from then on out, but the Wolfpack hung around long enough to make a comeback.

After managing a run in both the fifth and sixth innings, NC State got up to bat down only 6-4. Hunter Gordon came in to pitch for the Eagles. He quickly walked the first batter he faced, hit the second, and then threw a wild pitch to advance both runners.

Chris Kowalski came in on relief, but due to a fielding error by Anston, he did

not fare much better than Gordon. NC State took advantage of the error and scored two runs, plating three in all before Kowalski was replaced by junior Dave Laufer, who was able to get Wilson to fly out to end the inning.

The damage was already done, though, and the Eagles headed into the eighth inning down for the first time in the game.

Anston quickly made up for his error with a leadoff home run to tie the game.

Watson then hit a RBI triple down the line, giving BC the lead once again.

Then, Melchionda stepped up to the plate and hit a RBI single to stretch the Eagle lead to 9-7.

But NC State refused to go away.

They matched the Eagles run for run, scoring three more in the bottom of the eighth to retake the lead.

Down a run, BC’s bats did not fail them in the top of the ninth. The Eagles managed to scatter enough hits to plate two runs, retaking the lead for the second time in as many innings. 

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Second baseman Matt Hamlet knocked in the winning run to cap off a ninth-inning rally.

Point / Counterpoint Every team has upswings and downswings over the course of a season. Weeklong slumps can turn into month-long winning streaks from a single late-inning rally. The teams that achieve success in the postseason are not always those with the highest rankings, the best winning or percentage, or even the most talent. The squads that win big are the ones that hit a hot streak at the right time. Right now, the Eagles are in that prime position for a shot at the NCAA tournament.

Sure, this year has had its downswings. The three-game sweep down in Charlottesville in March at the hands of the Cavaliers stung, and dropping the last two games of the Miami series after shutting out the Hurricanes, 3-0, in the opener hurt. Losses in the early regular season, however, bear little to no impact as the postseason draws near. They’re in the past, and the Eagles haven’t looked back. The BC squad has won the past four series, all against ACC rivals.

Head coach Mik Aoki has been looking for a “turning point” for the season, and his team may have found it in the 2-1 series win over Maryland two weeks ago. The Eagles almost doubled the Terrapins in runs, outscoring them 11-6 over three games. BC’s Mike Dennhardt pitched a complete-game shutout in the series opener, an encouraging sign for BC’s banged-up pitching department. Fellow hurler John Leonard started the series finale, and, although the Terps won in the end, allowed only one run in five innings of work.

Leonard, who missed a chunk of the season due to a torn rotator cuff, has come back in a big way. He is now 2-0 on the season, with an impressive 1.46 ERA in 12.1 innings pitched. His second win of the season came in last week’s sweep of Wake Forest, and he was supported in a big way

by BC’s offense.

The Eagles have been inconsistent at the plate over the course of the season, but they showed off their capabilities in the Wake Forest series finale. BC smacked a total of 11 extra-base hits, with seven players contributing at least one RBI. Robbie Anston stood out, going 4-for-5 on the day and ending just a home run shy of the cycle. John Spatola smacked a pair of triples

and recorded three RBIs, and Mickey YES: Wiswall went yard for the 11th time this Robert T. Balint season while hitting 3-for-4.

All this late-season success has culminated in this weekend’s critical series, a match-up against ACC rival North Carolina State (26-15).

Both teams entered the weekend with conference records of 9-9, and shared sixth place. Needless to say, the series is clutch, and the Eagles were the ones to step up, sweeping the series behind two ninth-inning comebacks.

After a rocky start to the season, the Eagles now stand with four ACC series wins under their belts, boosted offensive production, and a recovering starting rotation. This high-caliber play is the kind that the squad needs to do well enough in the upcoming conference tournament to be considered for the College World Series.

Last year, Boston College burst NO: onto the national Adam Rose scene with a 25-inning thriller against Texas in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately for the Eagles, though, things do not look good for a repeat appearance in the tournament.

Coming into the season, the press picked Mik Aoki’s team to finish third in the Atlantic Division of the ACC, but the remaining schedule for the Eagles, coupled with a lack of pitching, may prevent that from happening. As of Sunday afternoon, BC had an RPI of 50, which theoretically would put them in a regional if the tournament started today. They currently sit above .500 with a 22-17 record and an 11-9 conference record. Being below .500 hundred in conference will not get them into the tournament.

After sweeping a series against Wake Forest,

Will the baseball team make the NCAA tournament?

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

which sits at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, as well as NC State, the Eagles offense seems to have found its stride. Powered by John Spatola, Mickey Wiswall, and Anthony Melchionda, the Eagles have outscored their opponents 47-32.

Yet it is worth noting that the pitching staffs they have scored so many runs against hold a team ERA of 4.24 for Wake Forest and 5.08 for NC State.

To close out the season, the Eagles must face three of the top five pitching staffs in the conference: Virginia Tech, Florida State, and Georgia Tech. The offense has proved to be streaky, and elite pitching staffs could give the Eagles problems. As of April 24, BC had a team batting average of .293, which makes it the fourth-worst hitting team in the conference.

Last year’s team won key series down the stretch against Clemson and Virginia behind the stellar pitching of JB MacDonald, Pat Dean, and closer Mike Belfiore. With the departure of McDonald and Belfiore, the pitching has yet to find an identity. Dean, who emerged this year as a quality ace, has suffered from an injury that he has yet to fully recover from.

Dean will eventually get back to form, but he only gives the Eagles one start each weekend.

Mike Dennhardt, who earned ACC Pitcher of the Week honors on April 12, has become a sturdy No. 2 pitcher, but his walks continue to outnumber his strikeouts, which may become a problem against their upcoming schedule.

The relievers have struggled at times this season and without a No. 3 pitcher, Aoki has been forced to find creative ways to adjust his staff, game in and game out. Stopper of the Year candidate Kevin Moran struggled as a starter, and only now has started to find his form out of the bullpen.

Lack of pitching and a streaky offense will ultimately keep BC out of the NCAA tournament.

The series wins against Wake and NC State give them an outside shot, but to make the tournament, the Eagles will have to win their next three conference series against Virginia Tech, Florida State, and Georgia Tech, and then follow it up with a good showing in the conference tournament, which seems somewhat unlikely.

Anston leads BC past NC State in first two games

BY TOM BUCKLEY For The Heights

The Boston College baseball team took the first two games in a three-game series against the NC State Wolfpack at Doak Boston College 10 Stadium in Raleigh, N.C. BC 8 NC State won the first game, 9-5, and used a ninth-inning comeback to grab the second win, 10-8. The Eagles (22-17) have now won seven of their last eight ACC games.

Game 1 of the series certainly did not get off to the most promising of starts for the Eagles. Starter Pat Dean breezed through the first two innings, but then ran into serious trouble.

The first six men reached in the third inning, plating four runs for the Wolfpack. The inning was highlighted by a two-run double for third baseman Andrew Ciencin and singles from Dallas Poulk and NC State football star Russell Wilson. Dean went four full innings, giving up nine hits and four earned runs.

BC’s offense began to answer in the top of the fourth inning with a home run from right fielder John Spatola off starter Jake Buchanan. In the top of the fifth, BC scored four times, all off Buchanan. Mike Sudol led off the frame with an opposite-field triple, and center fielder Robbie Anston hit a blistering grounder that bounced over the head of NC State first baseman Danny Canela and rolled to the wall for a triple and RBI. The Eagles plated three unearned runs in the top of the sixth inning, and tacked on an insurance run in the eighth to take a 9-4 lead.

Throughout the wild display of offense in the fourth inning, BC received tremendous relief pitching. Hunter Gordon pitched a scoreless 0.2 innings, and sophomore Taylor Lasko took care of the rest.

Lasko pitched a stellar 4.1 innings, with five hits and only one earned run. Lasko provided the shutdown relief BC needed to pull out the 9-5 win.

Game 2 of the series was a much wilder one.

The Eagles scored four quick runs in the top of the second, all with two outs.

The Eagles only had three hits in the inning, but two wild pitches and four errors by the Wolfpack allowed for plenty of noise.

NC State scored three times in the next two innings off BC starter Mike Dennhardt, capped by a homer by Chris Schaeffer in the bottom of the third.

Dennhardt labored through 5.1 innings, giving up three runs on 10 hits.

BC head coach Mik Aoki liked the way his starter battled through the game. “Dennhardt did a good job of competing,” he said. “He gave up a fair number of hits. He threw a taxing 90 pitches.”

Anston continued his outstanding series with a homer in the sixth. With a 6-3 lead, Aoki turned to reliever Kevin Moran in the bottom of the sixth.

Moran got through the sixth, but the seventh was less than stellar.

After another BC run made it 7-3 Eagles, Moran gave up back-to-back homers to first baseman Harold Riggins and third baseman Ciencin. After a double by Schaeffer, Moran threw a wild pitch and walked Terran Senay. Moran finally got a pop up from center fielder John Gianis, and Aoki brought in the BC closer, Matt Brazis.

Brazis got pinch-hitter Danny Canela to fly out to right, but Schaeffer scored on the play, bringing the score to 7-6. Dallas Poulk then hit a double just out of the reach of the diving Spatola, and Senay scored to tie the game at seven.

In the bottom of the eighth, Schaeffer continued his hot streak with an RBI single up the middle to plate Drew Poulk, who was on second base. While Brazis struggled in the seventh and eighth, Aoki had confidence in his closer to hold firm in the ninth.

“Matt did a great job of competing,” Aoki said.

“NC State can swing the bats. When you have guys hitting .340-.350, it is difficult to pitch when you don’t have your best stuff. He made pitches when he needed to. Big pitches and timely hitting are really all you need.”

BC got the timely hitting Aoki wanted in the bottom of the ninth. NC State reliever Rob Chamra walked Matt Watson to lead off the last inning. Third baseman Anthony Melchionda followed with a single

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Leadoff man Robbie Anston registered an impressive seven RBIs in the first two games of the series to fuel the offense. up the middle, and Sudol hit a huge double to left field to tie the game at eight.

With men on second and third and one out, Anston once again came through in the clutch. Anston hit a two-run single to center off new reliever Anthony Tzamtzis, and the Eagles took a 10-8 lead in dramatic fashion.

Brazis then shut the door in the ninth for the Eagles to win their 22nd game of the season. Aoki is enjoying the clutch hitting and timely pitching of his squad, and thinks his team is peaking at the

exact right time.

“We’ve been playing well for a couple of weeks,” Aoki said. “It starts with the starting pitching.

Hopefully the good health for guys like Leonard and Dean can continue. Our hitting also has seemed to come back.

“We are playing some of our best baseball right now. Hopefully we can continue playing at a high level tomorrow and get into the ACC tournament.

We are looking to take a page out of Coach York’s playbook – let’s peak at the right time.” 

The Heights

Monday, April 26, 2010

B5

Tennant leads Eagles-turned-pro

By Daniel Popko Heights Staff

Four Boston College Eagles will have a new home in the NFL next season, but despite all of the success on the Heights, only center Matt Tennant heard his name called during the three-day NFL Draft extravaganza.

BC football has made a living of producing players who fly under the radar.

Sure, Matt Ryan and Gosder Cherilus got the glory and signing bonus of a top-20 pick, but they had early hype that none of the current crop of graduating players had. The outgoing seniors were part of one of BC’s greatest success stories, but like the Eagles as a whole, they had knocks against them.

Tennant doesn’t have the upper body strength for the next level. Marcellus Bowman prefers to go for the big hit too often. Rich Gunnell doesn’t have the speed. Ditto for Mike McLaughlin.

Shortcomings may have damaged Tennant’s draft stock and knocked the other three out of the draft entirely, but they didn’t have to wait long to find out where they’ll be playing football next season.

Tennant was projected by most to fall somewhere in the third round, but when Friday night’s proceedings came to a close, the Eagles’ offensive-line pivot man was still without a team. He had to wait through another 59 picks on Saturday before landing with the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the fifth round at No. 158 overall.

“I’m going to go in and learn from the best,” he told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “[I want to] push the guys ahead of me every day.”

The best happens to be Pro Bowl center Jonathan Goodwin, with Tennant looking to be groomed as a successor to the 31-year-old. And the man Tennant will be responsible for getting the ball to?

Just four-time Pro Bowler Drew Brees.

Sean Payton and crew coveted the second team all-ACC center enough to trade into the fifth round to nab him.

The Saints most likely had a higher round grade on Tennant, and seeing him still sitting there in the fifth, couldn’t wait any longer to grab him.

With very minimal immediate expectations, a championship team, and a seemingly guaranteed roster spot, Tennant landed in the best position of any of the Eagles.

For Bowman, Gunnell, and McLaughlin, the road of an undrafted free agent is

Accident taints a great year Sad Mistake, from B1

heights file photos

(Clockwise from top left): Matt Tennant, Rich Gunnell, Marcellus Bowman, and Mike McLaughlin have all signed contracts with NFL teams. a tough one, but as each year passes, the list of successful players who never heard their name called grows exponentially.

The 2010 draft class as a whole was regarded as deep and talented, meaning players like McLaughlin – the only one of the trio who held a projected shot of hearing his name called – would be forced to wait to put pen to paper on a deal.

The good news is that, unlike their counterparts drafted in the seventh round, the undrafted free agents can choose where they want to try and fight their way onto a roster.

McLaughlin was a two-year captain in Chestnut Hill, but will have to take a backseat as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, as he gets to work behind and learn from one of the NFL’s best defensive

leaders, Ray Lewis. While an Achilles injury sapped McLaughlin of some of his athleticism, the Ravens saw enough to bring him in with the hope of helping perhaps the best defensive unit of the decade.

While Tennant’s NFL prospects were helped by the popular perception of BC as “O-Line U,” Gunnell was probably hurt by the Eagles’ inability to put much receiving talent into the league. Gunnell finished his career as the all-time leading receiver in program history, but, despite blowing past the athletic USC secondary in the Emerald Bowl, had to answer questions about his speed. Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli didn’t have any qualms bringing Gunnell into the fold, though, and with very little proven NFL talent

Expanding the tournament to the perfect number of teams Robby Douglas There are few times in life when people feel compelled to drop to their knees and thank their lucky stars that the right thing happened.

For many college basketball fans and myself, one of those times was last week.

In the last few years, there has been a lot of talk about expanding the NCAA men’s basketball tournament from 65 to 96 teams. Coaches and analysts alike have been clamoring for some sort of expansion because there are always “bubble” teams that just miss out on getting an at-large bid into the field.

Pretty much all of them, however, are nonfactors when it comes to crowning a national champion.

Those who supported the proposal – which, according to ESPN, included Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim and Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski – defended it because of the widespread parity that has become a part of college basketball today. While that is true, expanding the field by 50 percent would reward mediocrity for schools that underachieve.

The ripple effects would have changed more than just the national tournament itself. The NIT would cease to exist, and the March Madness that ensues from the most exciting postseason in sports would lose a lot of its luster.

How could the addition of 31 marginal teams improve the tournament?

Take this year’s tournament as an example.

Schools such as Northern Iowa and Cornell were able to go on exciting runs, while Butler almost won the national championship as a five-seed.

Adding a struggling North Carolina or Connecticut team would not have added to that drama.

Sure, many of those teams who would be added to the pool would be more than capable of winning a game or two in the tournament. The point is that getting selected to play in the college basketball postseason is supposed to be a privilege earned, not one given to teams that were unable to meet expectations.

The flaws that people wanted to highlight with a 65-team bracket really were not quite as glaring as some people wanted them to seem. For in-

stance, other postseason structures in sports have bigger problems than the men’s tournament.

There are often complaints about how the NBA has a more deserving Western Conference team miss the playoffs, while an Eastern Conference team with barely a .500 record earns a six-seed.

The BCS in college football has the most critics because there is only a national championship game, but no playoff.

But saying that there are problems in other sports does not mean that college basketball is perfect. The point is that most fans are satisfied with the tournament as is, or at least a tournament that is very similar to the current one.

The jockeying for a new deal in college basketball now appears to have come to an end. Last Thursday, the NCAA proposed to expand the tournament from 65 to 68 teams. Included in this agreement is a $10.8 billion deal, which will allow every game to be broadcast live on television via either CBS or one of the Turner Broadcasting networks.

So, not only will basketball fans get to keep a very similar version of March Madness, but they will also get the extra reward of having every game available on their TV set.

The decision to move to 68 teams was not necessarily the most expected outcome. Over the last few months, the 96-team proposal gained a lot of steam throughout the college world and appeared to be on the verge of getting implemented.

For now, though, the NCAA decided to take a less drastic approach and put most of those last four teams out now into the tournament. Hopefully they realize that there always will be a last four out. If they continue to expand, then that group will progressively get worse and worse.

Quality teams fall short every year in every sport, but that is a part of the game, and that is why making the tournament is such a great achievement for schools all around the country.

The NCAA made a smart move by not doing anything too drastic, but still bringing change that fans, coaches, and analysts can support.

That’s something to be thankful for.

Robby Douglas is a guest columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at sports@bcheights.com.

behind Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers, Gunnell stands a decent chance at sticking with Kansas City.

Bowman was the force at the back of BC’s defense, and his hard hitting could provide him with a role in the Denver Broncos’ aging secondary. Both of Denver’s safeties have been in the league for a decade or longer, and an infusion of youth could prevent another 2-8 finish like the one that kept them out of the playoffs in 2009.

Tennant should be firmly entrenched in the Big Easy, but his former teammates will have to fight and claw for their spots. It’s never an easy task, but if BC fans have learned anything the past few seasons, it’s that an Eagle can never be counted out. n

Six of the seven passengers either were able to walk away or were discharged from the hospital after a few hours, including Wey and Samuelsson.

No one on the T suffered injury, either.

Clearly, luck was seriously on their side.

While lucky, all seven freshmen, and especially the three hockey players, are unbelievably irresponsible, pending court sentencing. Head coach Jerry York prides himself on recruiting not just talented hockey players, but high-character individuals. Ones who will understand their inflated presence on campus and still maintain the personal control to make tame decisions, especially on weekends.

York has been able to boast all year long of a team composed of both winners and smart young men.

Until now.

We read about college athletes taking bribes from slimy agents. There are athletes charged with armed robbery, drug possession, and, in the case of Baylor basketball player Carlton Dotson, murder. As BC fans, we do not have the shame of having to read about our players engaging in these absolutely infantile acts.

Until now.

Milner, Samuelsson, and Wey now must face the consequences of their alleged actions, which, in addition to potentially being charged with underage possession of alcohol, could involve being kicked off the team.

The three of them are held to a higher standard, and, fair or unfair, they will undergo sharper sanctions.

It hurts to realize that BC is not immune to the careless acts that litter other universities. We have had the rare pleasure of being able to simply enjoy the Eagles’ run to national champions. We haven’t had a stain to ruin the men’s hockey team’s historic season.

Until now.

Zach Wielgus is the sports editor of The Heights. He can be reached at sports@ bcheights.com.

B6 THE HEIGHTS

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It’s easy to spot new wrinkles. Not so easy to see the onset of eye disease. An eye doctor can spot the early warning signs of vision problems like glaucoma and serious health conditions like diabetes. For men and women over 40, it might be wise to look into your eyes. Visit checkyearly.com. A message from Vision Council of America and AARP.

Monday, April 26, 2010

BY SAM PRENDERGAST For The Heights

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to welcome my family to London and show them where I get to work, play, eat, study, and live. This being the longest I’ve ever gone without being home, it was interesting to notice how much my 13-year-old twin brother and sister have changed and how little my more “mature” parents have. While Maggie and Jack needed to check Facebook after each successful day of sightseeing, my mother had to finish multiple business deals by 5 p.m.

And while the twins have grown taller than half the girls I know, my father still wears the same glasses that he did in 1995. However, all were equally excited to venture around two of the greatest cities Europe has to offer: London and Paris.

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THE HEIGHTS

Just in case the f light from Washington Dulles to London’s Heathrow airport crashed on a desert island in the middle of the Atlantic, my family would have been relieved to discover that my father brought a bulging wad of $50 bills along for the ride. Even after arrival, the American money never made it into storage, and the mere number of currencies and expired Costco cards resulted in a few notes falling out of his overflowing wallet every couple of transactions over the course of the vacation. Some might find these characteristics unlikely among adults. However, these tendencies must be expected of parents who just learned how to use an ATM last year.

My family was not too keen on

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAM PRENDERGAST

the fact that they had a very high chance of getting hit by a black cab or double-decker bus if they crossed the street at the wrong time. In London, it’s a real-life survival of the fittest trying to understand traffic that travels on the left side of the road, while avoiding bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Luckily, they lived to tell the tale. As for my culinary advice, I made sure they stayed away from authentic British food, especially English breakfasts. In doing so, I successfully convinced them to bring us on a world tour of food which included Lebanese, Italian, Indian, and American cuisine. Hopefully this will hold me off until Chipotle comes to London in the next week or two.

The award for trip troublemaker goes to my brother Jack, who had a tendency to run away from the family during group activities. His favorites were the Tube and the top of the Arc de Triomphe. After his first three boys were all grown up 10 years ago, my father gave up disciplining, so I tried my best to keep him in line.

Unfortunately, I discovered Jack has no respect for 20-year-olds. Anyways,

it would have made a great story to tell his friends about the time he was lost in the London Underground for five hours.

As with any family vacation, even when traveling to the most ideal locations with the choicest of family members, drama was to be had. One particular disagreement led to my sister running away from my mother at Big Ben, hoping to find refuge with my brother and I, who were at the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum in Piccadilly Circus, an extremely busy mile away. Fortunately, we found Maggie waiting outside, and many years of experience have taught me not to ask any questions in these types of situations.

After seeing all London had to offer, we made the quick flight over to Charles De Gaulle Airport. Paris was a nice culture shock for the twins who had never been to Europe and for the parents who last ventured here decades ago. Language barriers were apparent in France, where my mother believed that yelling at people in a loud English accent directly correlated to being understood properly.

Also, her tendencies to hold conference calls on her Blackberry while sitting at typically quiet Parisian cafes resulted in more than a few stares.

Ironically, the two youngest family members were those who knew the most French. I was a little offended when most of my family agreed that they liked Paris more than they did London, especially since the declaration was made just hours after landing on French soil. At the time, I blamed it on the cold snap and four-day downpour that followed us in England.

In the end, the visit was a perfect vacation for all of us. The twins took a restful break from school and sports.

I benefited from the well-balanced meals and maid service. My father took pleasure in sitting back, knowing that he could rest easy as long as the family was enjoying their time.

My mother ran up the international calling charges, selling a few houses in the process. Oh yeah, and dad, about those bills that kept slipping out of your wallet – thanks, and see you in a month.

CLARION

-LEDGER

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SETH WNIG / AP

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D DAVE LON

PH RES / AP

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I’m On The Learning To Serve Council

BY RUSSELL BARI For The Heights

Learning to Serve (LTS) is an Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) service and mentoring program for freshmen led by a council of upperclassmen. The first semester of the program focuses on adjustment to life at BC, as well as an introduction to the issues of social justice faced by the greater Boston community. Students are given a chance to become acquainted with the upperclassmen through weekly meetings, retreats that encourage socialization, and through mentorship that pairs each council member with two freshmen. The second semester focuses on volunteer work at various placements. Small groups of about five, led by one or two council members, spend four hours every week at a placement in the greater city of Boston.

Placements can include tutoring at local schools, soccer and arts and crafts at a Boys and Girls club, and working at homeless shelters and soup kitchens.

There is also a weekly reflection meeting to discuss the students’ placement.

In high school, I was extremely active in community service. I was a member of the National Honor Society, and as a member, I had to serve as an usher during parent-teacher conferences and help advertise my high school at high school fairs. I’ve also worked at school revitalization projects around my community, served food at soup kitchens, and presented toys to children at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City during the Christmas holidays. Furthermore, I

was a member of the GE Scholars Mentoring Program in which I had to mentor middle students by way of tutoring and facilitating social activities.

The Learning to Serve program attracts me because I believe I best fit their mission statement, which is to be contemplative in action. I find great pleasure in helping others and derive even more satisfaction from the eyes of each and every person I have helped throughout my life. It is my mentor from the GE Scholars Program who encouraged me to be considerate toward others, advised me when I needed someone, and guided me with his sense of wisdom and knowledge. Ran, my mentor, is a successful businessman working at NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center. It is my mentor who I look to as my role model – a person who I strive to emulate, and my new best friend. With that in mind, I wish to be like him because I have learned immensely from him. And I believe Learning to Serve allowed me to be a mentor, like Ran, to the current freshmen and offer my insights, my wisdom of knowledge, and guidance so as to be a resource for them as they adjust to life at BC. The program also allows me to bond and work alongside them in community service projects.

As a current council member of LTS, I mentored two freshmen, Courtney Colgan and Theresa Lee, and guided them through the first semester. Whether it may have been through offering advice on choosing a major or which professor I would recommend for a certain class, I was a resource for them.

Currently, I am leading a group of fresh-

men, Kevin Morris, Meghan Wostbrock, Alyssa Gaudette, and Jordan Dorney, to the Boston Rescue Mission every Wednesday. The Boston Rescue Mission is a soup kitchen that serves meals to in-house residents and the Boston community. It is located in Boston, near Downtown Crossing. It is quite a commitment to travel from BC to the Rescue Mission; however, as a group, we believed that it was the right thing to do and that we were obligated. Together, we arrived at the soup kitchen around 2 p.m. and cleaned mats or cut vegetables before helping serve meals. At the end of the day, we were thanked by not only the people who worked there, but the people we served for giving up our time to assist them.

Growing up with the mentality that I should always give something of myself back to the community for every advantage I gain has proved to be a satisfying, balanced approach to life. M-y parents taught me that this was the moral thing to do, both to enrich the lives of others and myself. Through involvement, I have learned to understand and cherish every moment, every opportunity to be contemplative in action.

Upon applying to LTS as a council member, I had a strong feeling that this program would be an excellent opportunity to apply the knowledge that I have learned from my past and integrate it with the knowledge that I have learned from the program. In retrospect, I am satisfied. My mentor Ran would say, “Along with commitment comes reward.” I feel blessed to have been a member of this extraordinary program.

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Monday, April 26, 2010

The Heights

HUMOR

Outside the Bubble

Making the best out of a living situation is the best decision

Lisa de Gray It is hard to believe that it has been almost a year since I graduated from Boston College. I remember thinking that once I graduated I would officially be an adult, and that was not necessarily something I was ready to do. I even distinctly remember a conversation with one of my friends about how we thought that graduation meant the end of our lives as we knew it.

Graduation turned out not to be quite such a cataclysmic event – although it certainly felt like it when we were stuck sitting out in the freezing rain during commencement. My life may be different today from what it was a year ago, but it has been more of a gradual shift than what I naively thought it would be.

After taking the requisite pictures with my family, we began to pack up the car just like we had every other May. I spent last summer doing the same things I had every other summer and, come the end of August, I packed up the car and headed to school. Granted,

I was headed to a different school in a different city, but I was still headed to another year of trying to make it to my 9 a.m. classes on time and studying for finals.

A year after graduation, I still do not feel like a true grown-up. At first, I thought that this was because I am still in school. But I am surrounded by people who are married, have kids, or at the least have been outside of their college bubbles for several years and are also still in school. It was only a few weeks ago that I realized the real reason for my disbelief: I am still living in a dormitory.

I was not thrilled with the prospect of living in a dorm after college, but since I was moving to a new city where I hardly knew anyone, living in graduate housing seemed like a good idea. I have never had to look for an apartment before, and if it was not for the class I took on property law last semester and the help of my parents, I would feel completely overwhelmed right now.

Apartment hunting has made me realize a few things about being a recent college graduate. The first is that living in residence halls for five years – no matter how nice they may be – gives you some pretty low expectations.

When you are living on a budget, this

is actually a great thing. While moving from a Gabelli townhouse to my current living situation was a bit of an adjustment, overall I have been pretty lucky with my housing. Nonetheless, living in student housing means that you do not get much say in how you live. My apartment in Amsterdam did not have an oven and my current bedroom overlooks 395. In both situations I just had to learn to make do. Now I suddenly get to decide whether I want hardwood floors or carpeting. I even get to decide what kind of furniture I want in my room. Fortunately for my budget, this means that I know I can live without a gym in the building or a dishwasher in the kitchen.

When I moved into my room in Hardey freshman year, it was the first time in 10 years I had to share a room with another person. I loved having roommates, however, and never thought I would live on my own.

Unfortunately, the majority of my DC friends already live off-campus with roommates or boyfriends, and so I have opted to live alone rather than brave Craigslist. I soon got over my initial misgivings when I realized the advantages to having my own place. I have total control over how I decorate it, I do not have to wait for the shower, and I do not have to clear it with anyone

before I have people come visit for a long weekend. Barring my becoming a crazy cat lady, this will probably be the only chance I have to experience living on my own.

Not only have my prior living experiences taught me what I am willing to compromise on, they have also taught me the things that are not negotiable.

Living downtown has made me miss the neighborhood feel of the BC campus and the surrounding area, and it is not exactly a coincidence that the area I’m looking to move to next month bears a striking resemblance to Coolidge Corner.

Of course, I am well aware that my age is reflected in my priorities. Ten years from now, my list of criteria for selecting an apartment and a neighborhood will probably be completely different. Hopefully, however, I will look back on the days I spent living in a tiny studio apartment in DC the same way I look back on my days at BC. Because despite the fact that I emphatically stated I would never go to the same school as my mother, go there I did, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

Lisa de Gray is a staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com

“I have a major crush on my best guy friend’s roommate, and I think he likes me, too. However, I am afraid that if we try and pursue something, it might make things weird, especially if things don’t work out between us, because I will have to see him often. What should I do?

Take a chance, or play it safe?”

—Suite Lover

Dave Says:

Meghan Responds:

Pull the trigger. There is nothing worse than lingering sexual tension, especially Well, to be honest, this could be awkward whether it works out or it doesn’t. My when it lingers within the musk-coated walls of Walsh Hall. I can only hope that you advice is to lock the door. There are few things more damaging to a friendship than have shared your feelings with your “best guy friend.” I don’t think this is something walking in on your roommate with your best friend. Things may get uncomfortable that one can spring on a true pal. Seeking his consent and advice will make this process very quickly. Unless he asks to join in – which may make things even more uncomrun more smoothly and with less chance of injury. fortable.

Assuming guy pal gives the green light, here is how you should proceed with this Before you dive into a potential relationship with this guy, you need to first relationship, like any other romantic concern but with a few strictures in place to focus on your relationship with your friend. While you don’t need his permission keep the roommate discomfort minimal. First, the initial dates and hangouts should to move forward per se, he might appreciate a heads up, at least. Hearing from you take place outside his suite / room, because you don’t want your guy pal to have to that you are interested in his roommate before you act on it shows that you respect see you all flirty and gross. No one acts like his feelings and your friendship with him. It themselves on those first few dates, so make “Things may get uncomfortable very quickly. Unless he asks to join in also may help you avoid an awkward situation sure that you and boy are well isolated from in which he professes his love for you right after - which may make things even more uncomfortable.” your friend. Once the relationship has been your first date with his roommate. Being honest – Meghan, on the prospect of an interfering roommate established, be sure to keep the romantic you will help preserve your friendship with him, reand the friend you defined and separate. Your gardless of what happens with the roommate. friend won’t like it one bit if you are supposed Your friend also may be a good source of to be hanging with him and you end up playing tonsil hockey in the common room with information that could change how you approach this situation. If the roommate his roommate. Your success in this matter hinges on your ability to respect the friendtends to move from girl to girl quickly, for example, you may want to avoid a potenship that you have built. tially complicated situation. Since he is close with both of you, he also may be able If you cannot maintain the separation of friend / roommate’s flame, then you need to gauge how compatible you two might be. to consider what is more important: your friendship or your love life. If you haven’t If your friend knows and is okay with you pursuing something with his roomhad a love interest in three years and this is the first guy that’s given you the time of mate, you are less at risk for things becoming weird in the future. Things may or day since then, by all means takes the chance. If you are one to entertain flavor-of may not work out between you two, but as long as you are open from the beginning, -the-week relationships, then maybe you should consider this venture as a liability not things should go much more smoothly. worth its rate of return. The choice is yours, but if you opt to not pursue the roommate, So, I’d always advise you to take a risk. You can always hang out with your remember there are always Mod parties perfect for romantic exploits. friend at your place if things don’t work out well.

Dave Givler is an editor for The Heights. He welcomes comments at features@bcheights. com.

Meghan Michael is a senior staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com.

“He Said/She Said” welcomes questions for future columns as well as comments about this week’s responses.

All printed questions remain anonymous. Send any comments to the editor at features@bcheights.com.

College Connections

Confessions of a non-drinker looking for other options

Sam Hocking

To whom it may concern:

Dear powers that be at Boston College, I understand that you sincerely want to alter BC’s reputation as a drinking school and combat what you see as a culture permissive and even, at times, supportive of underage consumption of alcohol. Yet, I don’t understand how you proceed from this attitude. I find that the disciplinary system, although fair in principle, often turns out to be arbitrary in practice.

Penalties, ranging from disciplinary sanctions to necessary reparations tend to be doled out in a highly inconsistent manner. I have heard of, and been witness to, numerous incidents in which individuals involved in similar (or in some cases the same) incidents received different treatment from the authorities of ResLife. This occurs not only as a consequence of the wide range of standards and attitudes held by the people responsible for enforcing punishment, but also because certain violations receive more scrutiny than others – RAs follow up some cases, drop others, and there are times of “high alert” (Mara-

thon Monday) when drinking becomes a more serious offense than at other times of the year.

I understand that no system will be perfectly regimented in its application of punishment, but I mean come on? The Matrix, which could have been an admirable attempt to enforce uniformity, has instead become a tool for discretionary implementation of draconian responses. RAs claim that it doesn’t really exist, as some higherups on campus will reinforce this claim – that the Matrix is a facade, a front for uniformity. Yet, at the same time, some officials stand stubbornly beside it as the final standard for disciplinary proceedings! Beyond this, the premises upon which the Matrix bases its judicial progression amaze me. The suggestion that were one of my peers to be caught consuming alcohol just three times, he would be on the thinnest ice with the University galls even me!

Finally, I’d like to address the lack of an outlet for nondrinkers on campus. While BC puts on a good number of programs, much of the better events require me to open my wallet. I’m not always opposed to this – with so many wonderful student groups on campus, I would be stupid not to immerse myself in the wonderful artistic culture at BC. Yet other events end up severely lacking, and more problematically, become an opportunity for pre-gaming. If I want to attend a dance or a show with

some of my friends, in all likelihood they will consume alcohol beforehand and potentially even carry drinks into the event. Consequently, the programming hosted on campus provides little refuge for me from the activity that BC expressly forbids. I’m not suggesting that I don’t enjoy the programs, because I do – but even though my friends understand and respect my decision, that acknowledgement does nothing to console me for my sense of exclusion and cultural ignorance.

Moreover, when much of the music and routines at these shows revolve around alcohol or use of other substances, it only reinforces my insecurity about my responsible choice.

This allows me to broach another area of personal discomfort. Although the mission of the staff of residential life, beyond providing a support structure for the residents, is to enforce school policy, look at the culture projected by the institution. As hall themes I encounter The Hangover and The Jersey Shore, two fixtures in popular culture that directly espouse the type of behavior BC claims to abhor!

When even the authorities embrace the very facets of the culture they combat, I am left without recourse.

Moreover, geographically I find myself isolated on the weekends. With the libraries closing early and the lack of a student union on campus, there’s no “safe zone” for me to flee to. Whether

I decide to drink or not on weekends, I will likely be in an environment (the dormitories) where I’m surrounded by alcohol and its paraphernalia. Consequently, I am subject to the same risks as my drinking friends despite the fact that I am not engaging in the same activity. So without anywhere to go to escape the pervasive presence of alcohol, and facing a system whose treatment I may be unjustly subjected to, I am at a loss for how to proceed.

Sincerely,

Sam As someone who often decides to forgo any type of more traditional weekend activity, this is the dilemma I’ve encountered. I hope this portrayal accurately characterizes the plight of the small population at BC who chooses to abstain from alcohol. It represents my experience and helps explain the rationale of how I spend my weekends. My advocacy is this – give students who choose not to partake in alcohol-related activities more options!

Cultivate a culture of weekend recreation which will not encourage drinking, or face the obvious reality that you will not affect any change, no matter how harsh the punitive ramifications of alcohol consumption become.

Sam Hocking is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com.

A humorous, advice-filled farewell

Trish Daly Well, it’s getting to that time of year.

A few days ago I attended the closing meeting in the Ignacio lounge, the function of which was to send seniors a resounding message that we are hereby ticking time bombs. That is, we are given exactly one month to take finals, wrap up our loose ends, and most importantly, get the hell out of here. It is my impression that anyone remaining in a dorm past the hour of 8 p.m. on the day of commencement will be bodily removed from this campus. And I’ve concluded that the only way to leave with any dignity is to be dragged away kicking and screaming.

After all, Boston College was just rated one of the happiest campuses in the nation. This feels like a handful of salt in the wounds of graduating seniors; Having bit the apple of Knowledge, we’re being cast out of the collegiate Garden of Eden. Talk about paradise lost. Well, paradise it’s not, but it does feel like graduating has become just one more way of telling us we’re too old for Disney World. And things can only get happier – it seems that the first steps of the Master Plan were to arrange for a new taqueria and pizza place across the street. What’s next, Chuck E. Cheese replacing the UPS Store?

Just when we’ve finally learned all the tricks, secrets, and survival techniques of student life, our time is up. I only just tried the phenomenal Philly cheesesteak sandwiches at Lower Dining Hall and finally discovered the BC movie channel. I need more time to wait in line for cheesesteaks, and to watch bad movies for free. Another revelation was the answer to bare cupboards. My roommates and I learned too late that it is completely feasible to eat for free on campus every day of the week, if you take advantage of every opportunity.

Never pass up Thai food at a Table Talk, pizza at a panel discussion, or a barbecue, like the one on Saturday for the Hillside dorms, to console us one final time for not having Mod backyards and grills. Now that we’ve seen the light, we’ll be attending quite a few club meetings and info sessions, and we sure won’t be grocery shopping for the rest of the year.

It feels like there’s so much more to explore. Just last night I experienced the claustrophobic glory of a Mod basement, the “Third World” as some call it, something I thought only existed in old wives’ tales told around the cooking fire. Sitting below the floorboards and among the fluffy insulation with old friends, I thought a little bit about how quickly time passes, but mostly about the likelihood of asbestos exposure.

Having seen a Mod basement, there are other myths to be investigated; I now need to ascertain the true purpose of “Beans, Creams, and Dreams” on the Corcoran plaza. Purportedly, “The Shack is home to burgers, hot dogs, smoothies, chips, ice cream & fun.” In four years, I have never seen it purvey any of those things, or even open its window. Is it possible that it conceals the entrance to a tunnel leading to the crypt of St. Ignatius? I need more time to investigate.

And I feel like I have so much more to accomplish here. The Boston Globe recently published a column that, as far as I can tell, is a petulant columnist’s attempt to beat BC up in the schoolyard and steal our lunch money. But between the various insults to our intelligence, he made it clear that he expects all BC grads to leave here with a diploma, a spouse, and a job. I’m feeling fairly confident about the diploma, but I’m way behind for the other two requirements.

Maybe the Globe could run a personal ad for me: BC husband wanted; I enjoy dollar draft beer and long walks to Mary Ann’s. CSOM students preferred.

Inevitably, since this is my last column, I’ll need to wax sentimental and dispense some advice. (For the record, my first column for The Heights was a fashion column that I wrote as a favor.

As I was rather underqualified for that topic, I wrote a tribute to flannel.) But since as a columnist I am entitled to spread my wisdom, this goes out to my 10 readers, from my heart to yours: live, laugh, love. Dance like no one’s watching. Look before you leap. Do, or do not – there is no try. Most importantly, wear sunscreen. And fellow seniors, good luck surviving this month. It’s exhausting to live like you’re dying.

Trish Daly is a senior staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com.

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The Heights

Monday, April 26, 2010

Professor Profile

Rhodes is teacher, advocate, and sailor

By Francesca Bacardi Heights Staff

When a student walks into his first 600-level Spanish course, he might be worried about what to expect from the upcoming semester. As the dreaded syllabus makes its rounds, one can only think of the daunting research papers, reading, more papers, and even more reading that lies ahead. Elizabeth Rhodes, Associate Professor of Spanish Language & Literature, however, goes about the first day of class in a completely different way. Rather than having students sit in their chairs and await the awful news about the midterm, final, and of course 10 to 12-page research paper written entirely in Spanish, she makes everyone stand up and introduce themselves. Keep in mind these introductions are not a one time affair – they happen every class for the next three weeks until everyone knows everybody else. After that, class becomes an enjoyable experience without any dread of the research paper (until the day before it is due).

Rhodes received her undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond and proceeded to receive her Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College. After receiving both of her degrees, Rhodes commenced her teaching career, taking her all over the United States and Europe. Before teaching at Boston College, Rhodes taught at Iowa State University, Bryn Mawr College, the University of Pugent Sound, and the University of Barcelona in Spain.

After gaining a vast amount of experience, Rhodes came to BC 22 years ago, and has taught here ever since.

Although Rhodes teaches many classes in the Romance language and literatures department, her favorites include Don Quijote, Contextos, Violence in Hispanic Culture, Introduction to Hispanic Films, and Films of Immigration. “I like to teach classes that help students learn more about themselves,” Rhodes explains. “In my Films of Immigration class, students not only learn about the conditions of immigrants, but they also come to understand their own situations better.”

Staying true to her passions, Rhodes’ teaching philosophy reflects her personal goals for her classes and for her students. “My teaching philosophy is very simple,” Rhodes states. “I use what I teach to help students learn who they are. I teach texts that are Other because if students get outside their own experiences they can see themselves better.”

When Rhodes is not teaching one of her classes, she is a survivor advocate with the Sexual Assault Network (SAN) at BC. Working with

the SAN for six years, Rhodes is in charge of the organization and the hotline, which she reminds students is “open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Outside of her career and volunteer services at BC, Rhodes is also an avid sailor. Beginning eight years ago, Rhodes found her passion on the sea and has sailed ever since.

Because helping women and sailing are two very important aspects of her life, Rhodes hopes to combine the two and spread her love of sailing by forming a sailing program for Latina victims of sexual assault in the Boston and Chelsea area.

Many professors that wander around BC and through its classrooms have sepnt years teaching here. If one were to ask any professor what his favorite aspect of BC is, each one would probably give the same reason – the students – and it is no different for Rhodes. “The nature and quality of the students is great,” Rhodes says.

“BC has such smart students from all over the world and from the United States. We really do have a diverse student body.” Although Rhodes doles out free advice to her students about safety awareness and looking out for each other, she also has advice for the entire student body. “Besides drinking less on the weekends, have no fear. Period.” With her emphatic advice, Rhodes encourages students to experience as many things as they possibly can, without fear, of course.

As scary as upper level courses may in any given major or minor seem, Rhodes has the ability to make class time extremely interesting and enjoyable. At first, the idea of reading the entirety of Don Quijote de la Mancha in one semester (in Spanish no less) could leave knots in one’s stomach until the very last page, but somehow Rhodes leads fantastic class discussions and promotes a very open, conversation-based environment that all students can enjoy. Over time, she may even make those knots disappear with a little encouragement. So, whether a student takes one of her popular classes (there are already waiting lists for overrides into her upcoming fall semester courses) or just wants to talk about life on the open seas, Rhodes is definitely the go-to professor on the BC campus. Always willing to offer advice and help out wherever possible, Rhodes far surpasses her main role as a Romance language and literatures professor and sets herself apart as a leader at BC. n

Summer allows students an opportunity to take a break

www.cofc.edu

Many students use summer as an opportunity to study abroad by enrolling in programs around the world.

Summer, from B10 researcher. “My job is to go around, interact with the community, talk with people, and see what they want [from an electronics company],” she says. Simultaneously, Braswell will be conducting research on women in the workplace in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which is a very traditional area of the Middle East.

“I’ll be doing research on women in the workplace – if it’s acceptable, if women feel encouraged to work, what they do, how they feel … and also how I am doing, if I feel like I’m getting looked down upon or encouraged,” she says. Braswell secured the internship by herself, and then received an Islamic Civilization and Societies (ICS) Travel and Research Grant from BC. Braswell, who intends on pursuing a career centered on the Middle East, is looking forward to her summer as a great learning experience. “I’m in my second year of Arabic, so every chance I can get to become more and more fluent, I go for that,” she says. “And also, I feel like with my majors, ICS and political science, I can get my best knowledge by actually being immersed in the culture because [ICS] is a culturally-based major.” Braswell will spend most of her time apart from familiar faces, traveling to places like Dubai, Turkey, and Bahrain, moving from hotel to hotel. Despite working largely on her own in an umfamilliar part of the world, Braswell says she is more excited than nervous because she feels comfortable enough with the language and the Middle-Eastern culture.

Other students will also be gaining valuable life experiences, but in their own backyards. Mary Breen, A&S ’12, will be interning as a summer research student at the Mayo Clinic, an internationally renowned hospital, for the second consecutive year. Fortunately, the Mayo Clinic is located in Breen’s hometown of Rochester, Minn., so she will still

be able to spend the summer with friends and family though she will be working 40 hours each week “[getting] paid to be a student.” This summer, Breen will be working in the gastroenterology lab under a doctor on his or her own project. Breen, who wants to be a doctor, is using her summers at the Mayo Clinic to discern the specific career path that she wants to take. “Last year, I was getting experience in radiology, and this year I wanted to try a different department,” she says. “I’m just trying to get exposed to everything.”

In addition to helping her decide future career plans, Breen also hopes her summer internship will aid her in securing a job upon graduation.

“When med schools look at my application and see that I have experience from Mayo, that’s major points,” she says. She is also hoping to work on a research project this year, as she did last summer when the project on which she was working was published.

Though it is important that students try to secure internships during their four years at BC, there is also just as much value in experiences that are not specifically labeled as “internships.” Jessica Hartley, assistant director of career counseling at the Career Center, says that students think that the word “internship” has to appear in the job title in order for it to be a worthy, educational experience. “Everything is really an internship if it fits in with your goals,” she says. “It’s dependent on the person and their career goals.”

In addition to all the learning that BC students will engage in outside of the classroom, many are choosing to take academic classes in environments that differ greatly from BC’s campus. Kirk Avery, A&S ’11, is enrolled in two programs, which he discovered through Academic Programs International (API), in Europe. First, Avery will be taking two courses, one business course conducted in Spanish and one in-

ternational economics course conducted in English, at the University Autonoma of Barcelona from the end of May to mid-July. Upon completing his courses in Spain, Avery will relocate to the London School of Economics to take another course for four weeks. “I intended on going abroad this spring, but last year I missed the fall semester because I was sick, and I still wanted to go abroad so I am kind of taking these courses to provide enrichment,” Avery says. Though Avery will not be getting any credit for his classes abroad, he is looking forward to the opportunity to experience life outside of the United States.

Steven Kreager, A&S ’12, will also be experiencing life far from the familiar when he leaves campus early to intern at the Cannes Film Festival in France for the month of May. “Aside from doing the internship and getting knowledge about the film industry, being in France offers a rich cultural experience,” he says.

“But also, the Cannes Film Festival is so international, I’ll be bumping into people from all over.” Kreager, who is majoring in theatre and communication, discovered this opportunity offered by Creative Minds in an email sent out by the communication department. Kreager is especially excited for the access he has to everything the festival has to offer.

“We have a certain level of access to all tents and screenings,” he says. “I have complete free range to get into all the parties, all the screenings, everything.” Kreager will be working for a film distribution company called Moving Pictures, Film, and Television, doing publicity prior to film screenings, working at the tent to explain what the company does, and then getting viewers’ feedback following the films, he says. “I think the Cannes internship is kind of like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he says. “I’ll be around Boston for the next few years and I can go back home whenever. I don’t always have the opportunity to just hop over to France real quick.”

BC students seem to understand that it’s not what you do during the summer, whether it is defined as an internship, volunteering, or traveling – what is most important is that students take advantage of their time away from BC and just do something.

“[Summer] is probably the last time in your life you’re going to have such large, unstructured blocks of time,” says Suzanne Barrett, director of the Connors Family Learning Center and student adviser. “Take advantage of it. Get the most you can out of it. Have an adventure.”n

Mary Ann’s is beloved part of Boston College experience

By Kelly Gerson and Caitlin Maguire

For The Heights

If you’re a senior, it’s your room away from your actual room. If you’re a junior, you’ve gone obsessively this semester.

If you’re a sophomore, you want a fake ID passable enough to get you in. (Good luck getting past the tough bouncers.) If you’re a freshman, you have only heard the legend and lore of Boston College students’ favorite bar – Mary Ann’s, also fondly called “Scary Ann’s” by regulars.

But behind MA’s door, strictly patrolled to keep out the unfortunately underaged, lies a bar rich with history and legend, both fact and fiction. The foundation for the brick edifice on 1937 Beacon Street was first laid in 1901. Although knowledge of its original purpose has been lost or forgotten, in 1916 half of the building was “Reservoir Cafe,” an establishment that served food and liquor.The far side of MA’s (which now houses the vending machines and ever popular “Big Buck Hunter”) was once a laundromat.

Chris Eld, the current manager of MA’s and Brookline native, recalled stories from his father’s childhood growing up near Cleveland Circle. “When my father was a boy in the 1960s, he would take his laundry here with change from my great-

grandmother.”

Today, for any student waiting in MA’s notoriously long line, proof of the division is visible. When scrutinizing the brick facade, the outline of a door is still detectable to the right side.

In 1972, the building changed hands to a new owner who opened a bar and named it after his wife, Mary Ann. With such a romantic beginning, it is no surprise that so many BC students have found love here.

Barbara Koruda, BC ’77, recalled her first Saturday night at MA’s, where she met the man who would be her boyfriend for the next four years and the man she would marry At the time, the federal drinking age was 18, meaning MA’s was, to seniors’ dismay, crowded not only with juniors, but also with sophomores, and … the dreaded freshmen.

“I remember taking yellow school buses to MA’s.” Koruda said. “I remember waiting in a long line and dancing on the sticky floors.” As Cher blared over the speakers and whiskey sours flowed like Busch Light does today, Koruda said, “I can never remember not having a good time at MA’s.”

Though popular with all students, Debbie Farver, BC ‘74, recalls the bar as a hotspot for football players and their girlfriends. “We called them ‘jock-

ettes’ at the time. You know, the girls who like athletes.”

“Today, they’re called ‘jersey-chasers,’ Mom,” retorts Jill Farver, CSOM ‘10.

Although much has changed, from Stevie Wonder to Lil’ Wayne being crowd favorites, mother and daughter alike will cherish the times they’ve spent within MA’s hallowed brick walls. Through the ’70s and ’80s, any senior cougar perusing the bar for freshman had a larger territory to cover than today’s second-semester seniors looking for juniors to befriend (every senior needs an excuse to go the Mods next year). Mary Ann’s once had a dance floor in the basement where students discoed the night away. Today, the area is mainly used for storage and inventory.

In the ’90s, MA’s was popular on Wednesday nights. The bar had happy hour with $1 Busch Light drafts and free buffalo wings. Today’s vending machine area once housed a kitchen that served bar fare like hot dogs and hamburgers.

However, today’s BC student is greeted only with a meager selection of chips and pretzels in an antique vending machine usually blocked by Big Buck Hunter sharpshooters. Though most bars in Boston are required to serve food, MA’s historical presence allowed it to tip toe around this law, with the vend-

ing machines sufficiently fulfilling this requirement.

Despite the changes, MA’s has remained true to its identity as BC’s student bar. Eld recalled MA’s being nominated by Sports Illustrated as No. 4 on a list of 100 Things to Do Before You Graduate and also being nominated by Stuff Boston as one of Boston’s best college bars along with Roggies.

Charlie Collins, an employee and A&S ‘10, believes that MA’s true charm lies in its inviting atmosphere. “It’s definitely a BC bar, but I think that any college kid visiting the area or BC would feel welcome and have a really good time,” he says.

Otso Vuksich, an employee and CSOM ’10, dispelled many commonplace rumors. “A lot of people think we don’t clean the draft lines. They’re actually cleaned twice a month. We also use heavy disinfectant on the cups.” He says with a smile, ”Everything is nice and clean.”

With a line reaching waits up to two and a half hours long (This is no myth, your reporters have waited this long. Desperate or determined? You decide.)

Mary Ann’s is popular due to its great value. Busch Light drafts ring in at $1.75 while the most expensive drink is rumored to be a Three Wisemen which consists of Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, and Johnny Walker and costs a mere $10. And, for those who haven’t

had enough Franzia at Heightsmen Wine Nights, MA’s does in fact carry red and white wine.

“No one knows what it really is,” Collins says. “There’s no label, winery, or year given. It just will say ‘chardonnay.’”

Though many students and regulars align themselves with the MA’s community, the 18 current full and part-time employees consider themselves not only colleagues, but family.

“On any Saturday morning at 5 a.m., the entire MA’s staff can be found at IHOP,” Vuksich says.

“The best part of working here is getting to know the other guys,” Collins says. “We’re all really close.”

It’s no surprise that this is a tight-knit bunch, as each received his job by referral from a past employee.

“The referrals are really important,” Vuksich says. “That’s why we all get along so well.”

Anyone who looks at an allmale staff notices one striking commonality shared by the group. They all have worked their way up.

“You start here as a barback,” Eld says. “There is heavy lifting, but everyone has to put in their time. It’s only fair.”

That being said, Eld is not only open to but hoping to eventually diversify and hire a female.

“I think it’d be cool to have a

girl working here,” Eld says. “It would shake things up.” (Ladies, feel free to apply.)

Having worked at MA’s since 2001, Eld has witnessed changes. “Technology really impacts people’s experience,” Eld says.

“Ten years ago, people would come and have no idea what to expect or who would be there.

Today people are coming because they know that their friends are already here.”

There is one thing Eld wants to remain constant, “I just want MA’s and BC to shake hands,” he says. “We just want kids to have fun.”

No matter how far back into history we probe, many of the stories, tall tales, and feats that took place within these walls only exist in the memories of past alumni, and only add to the allure of this BC tradition.

At the end of the day, mysteries remain. No doors in the men’s bathroom? Fact. You can go on the roof? Fiction. Condom dispensers only in the women’s bathroom? Fact.

And what happens to the Touchtunes song that you requested but was never played?

“We pause the machine over night, and the songs play all Sunday afternoon,” Vuksich says.

Only another reason to come back for more.n

B4

FEATURES

Monday, April 26, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

B10

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010

Wine and dine through life

JACQUELYN HERDER

Jacquelyn Herder is the Features Editor for The Heights. She welcomes comments at herderj@bcheights.com.

Once upon a summer...

BY BROOKE SCHNEIDER Heights Editor

Students at Boston College never stop: They run from class, to meetings, to games, to the library, and the cycle repeats itself each day. Weekends do not always equate to sleeping in, and spring breaks do not always equate to watching television on the living room couch.

Same thing goes for summer vacation – when students are finally free from Bapst library’s late-night beckoning and their extracurricular commitments, many resist the urge to sleep all day and lounge poolside with high school friends in favor of seeking adventure, testing out potential career options, and stepping outside the familiar confines of their hometowns.

And so from May 19 to September 6, students are on their own. They can choose their daily activities, whether it means actually reading a book for pleasure or having friends over for a barbecue. Or they can bike across America from Providence, R.I., to Seattle, Wash., like Sam Kent, A&S ’13, who will be participating in the Bike

and Build program this summer. Kent will be joining 34 other college-aged students on a 4,000-mile journey.

“The point [of the program] is to raise awareness for low-income and affordable housing,” he says. Prior to the trip, each biker raises $4,000 for the cause, and Kent worked toward his goal by creating a Facebook group to encourage donations and is currently producing a commercial with fellow members of Parkour. “What was most successful was a letter-writing campaign – all handwritten letters, all very personal,” he says. During the trip, participants will bike between 70 and 120 miles each day, sleeping wherever they are allowed, whether on the grounds of a YMCA, at fire stations, or in churches, Kent says. The bikers are also forced to adopt a similar strategy for obtaining food.

“We bum it,” he says. “They call it ‘donation magic.’ You just go around to different restaurants and ask them for food donations and just eat whatever they throw at us.”

Kent was encouraged to spend his summer biking by his older sister, who participated in the program last

year. Though Kent realizes that a summer spent traveling means he will not be able to spend time with his friends, he also knows that he has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the country and help a respectable cause. “I’ve been around the world, but I’ve never really seen America at large, and affordable housing is a really worthy cause,” he explains.

While acquiring skills for a future career was not Kent’s primary motivation, he recognizes that participating in such a program this summer could prepare him for a career in government. Kent says he would be able to better understand the nation’s people by “actually going out there on my bike, talking to different people, interacting with different subcultures, just seeing the different ways Americans live.”

Brooke Braswell, A&S ’12, is also using this summer to discover how others live, but she will be traveling to the Middle East. From May 19 to early July, Braswell will be interning with Jabil, an electronics company that recently opened up net-

See Summer, B9

Eagle Dates: Will and Sara

This week’s Eagle Daters were Will McDermott, CSOM ’11, and Sara Reardon, CSON ’10. On their date, they went to Zocolo.

BY CHANTAL CABRERA Heights Staff

Sara: I was really excited all day! I wasn’t really nervous at all, but then, suddenly, on the way, I got nervous weirdly, but more excited. I was afraid I was going to be late because my roommate drove me and she went the wrong way.

Will: I was hoping she’d show up … it was pouring out. I was hoping the rain wouldn’t keep her away. I was nervous and excited – a combination of both.

Sara: When I got there, he was already there and he was standing near the hostess stand.

I thought it might be him but I wasn’t sure, so I went up to the hostess and asked if someone had already put in the reservation, and then we kind of looked at each other and he was like, ‘Sara?’

Will: I got there about 15 minutes early, so I put my name on the list. I was just hanging out waiting for her to show up. Every person that would come in I would wonder if it was her. Then I saw Sara walk to the hostess, and then the hostess pointed to me. She came up and gave me a hug and that was it.

Sara: It was funny ’cause my roommates were like, “Are you going to go for the handshake or a hug?” I went for the hug. We had

I NSIDE FEATUR E S THIS ISSUE

to wait a couple minutes for the table so we just stood by the bar and talked.

Will: She had a great smile – that’s the first thing I noticed about her.

Sara: So, I didn’t feel like there was any awkwardness. There was never any trouble coming up with things to talk about. We first did the whole “where are you from, where do you live” thing. He’s a junior, so he lives off campus and he was telling me how he’s living in Ignacio next year. His sister was in the nursing school and graduated last year, so that was cool. He had a lot of good stories — I got the sense that he and his friends are really fun.

Will: We talked about family and school.

She’s a nursing student. My sister graduated last year, and she was also a nursing student. We talked about trips we’ve taken.

We talked about Sandra Bullock and Miss Congeniality. In my survey, I quoted a line from the movie, which was funny. We both love her.

Sara: We talked about road trips – he took a road trip to California this summer. We compared answers from the survey … he told me he got an eagle tattoo on Miami Ink. All his family went to BC and he got the tattoo

The World Record

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA REARDON

in high school before he even got into the school. We bonded over weird things — he really likes Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality, which is one of my favorite movies.

He told a lot of good stories, which is great because I love listening to good stories. I was afraid I was boring cause I didn’t have any good stories like him.

Will: We actually shared a cab back and I got out near my house and we actually forgot to take the picture, so we stopped someone on the street and asked them to take a picture. We exchanged numbers and she told me she’d invite me to her birthday party the next day.

Sara: We were trying to figure out the bill because we went over the $35 limit. I put the bill on my card and then he paid me back in cash, and he gave me back too much money so I basically made money off of this date. We took a cab until Greycliff because he lives on Radnor and I live on campus. I invited him to our party the next night and I told him I would text him the next day, but I completely forgot to text him so I kind of

Learn from fellow students studying abroad. This week, read about experiences in London, England..................................................................................................................... B7

feel like a jerk — he never showed up.

Will: I would rate the match a 6. We had a lot in common.

Sara: I would rate the match a 5. We talked about the rating we were going to give each other and we both decided that we’d give it a 5. We were both outgoing and talkative. It was a really good match.

Will: The date was also a 6. It was really good food. I had never been there but it was really good.

Sara: The date was a 5 … it was great. I made money off it! The date was a good alternative to the Ryan Cabrera concert.

Will: There were no awkward pauses — I felt like we really connected, we had fun.

Sara:I would definitely think it’d be cool to hang out with him in a group — him and his roommates seem fun. But I guess I’ll never know, ’cause he didn’t come to my party!

Humor Column.................................B8 True Life....................................B7

HEIGHTS GRAPHIC / RACHEL GREGORIO

I think it’s safe to say that my true love is, and probably always will be, food.

Thai, Mexican, Japanese, UrbanAmerican, French. You name it, I like it. I love trying new things, and haven’t met a dessert that I don’t like. And speaking of desserts – the more chocolate, the better!

Eating isn’t just a matter of sustenance or indulgence. Rather, a meal can be an experience, and sharing that experience with friends is often one of the most fun and special things you can do. Taking a risk and going out for something really unusual is that much more fun when you and your friends do it together, and make a game out of daring one another to try the strangest thing on the menu. Eating can open your eyes to different cultures and experiences.

I know someone who has taken it upon herself, as a New Year’s resolution, to try as many new foods as possible throughout 2010 and has found it to be one of the most fun and simple things she has ever challenged herself to do. If you are traveling, try the local cuisine. Short of moving to another country, trying a new food is the best way to literally give yourself a taste of the culture. Eating is social, and dining can lead to long conversations, great memories, and maybe even a new favorite food.

Virginia Woolf said in her book, A Room Of One’s Own, that, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

Woolf has a point. Dining – as in food – is essential. I am not the only one who gets cranky when I’m hungry. And think clearly? Forget it. But dining – taking hours to savor the nuances of a meal, the subtleties of flavors, and complementing wine – now that is something that does more than satisfy a rumbling stomach. It creates a memory, and it offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a treat for the senses. And when have you not had a good conversation prompted by a meal? Talking, laughing, and enjoying good friends and good company is what makes dining a pleasure. Loving well, thinking well, and sleeping well are all connected with eating well. Why else would a dinner out be one of the most popular options for a first date?

French author Monselet said, “Ponder well on this point: The pleasant hours of our life are all connected by a more or less tangible link, with some memory of the table.” Think about it. Take a look at Thanksgiving – a holiday dedicated to sharing a meal with family and friends.

Homemade pies, turkey, mashed potatoes, and undoubtedly several pleasant hours. Sitting outside at a picnic or an alternative table, perhaps, who cannot recount fond memories of basking in the sun, snacking on chips, and enjoying a sandwich? Some of the deepest and most revealing conversations I have had took place over a dinner, just as some of the most hilarious, special, ridiculous, and fun conversations with my friends have been the product of a great meal out, or one that we pooled our resources to create, even if that meal was simply a giant bowl of spaghetti. Pleasant hours? Absolutely. And I have dinner to thank for it.

J.R.R. Tolkien, beloved Lord of the Rings author, believed that, “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” And isn’t that the truth? Food, cheer, and song – what a lovely outlook on life. Just a different take on eat, drink, and be merry. And wouldn’t we all be happier if we could let our troubles go, erase the things that bothered us that day, and simply enjoy a good dinner? Or lunch. Or breakfast. Or whatever. But Tolkien had it right. Food equals happiness. Try it out.

Eating, dining, noshing, munching, nibbling, snacking, lunching, breaking fast, supping, feasting. Whatever you want to call it, it is more than just consuming your daily requirement of calories. It can be an adventure, an experience, a break from reality, and the beginning of something wonderful.

The next time you find yourself sitting across the table from someone, be it over a homemade meal, an extravagant dinner, or ordered pizzas, make it about something more than just the food. Make it something more.