Heights 04-12-10

The Independent Student Newspaper of Boston College Established 1919

THE HEIGHTS MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010

Vol. XCI, No. 18

www.bcheights.com

Japan club hosts art showcase

Campus sexual assaults reported under Clery Act

News Editor

There are no “guilty” or “not guilty” verdicts that result from Boston College campus disciplinary cases on sexual assault charges. A student tried before the Administrative Hearing Board is either found “responsible” or “not responsible.”

But even then, justice for survivors of rape and other sexual offenses can be elusive.

From 2006 to 2008, there were a total of 30 sexual assault cases that were reported by the University as required under the Clery Act, originally known as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act. However, a recent report by the U.S. Department of Justice says that roughly one in five women attending college will be the victim of a sexual assault by the time that she graduates.

Nationally, the overwhelming majority of sexual assault victims don’t even realize their circumstance, according to Sheila McMahon, director of the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) at BC. Those who do recognize the situation are often afraid of coming forward,

30 sexual assaults reported from 2006-2008

BY PATRICK GALLAGHER Assoc. News Editor

BY MICHAEL CAPRIO

Friday night, the Japan Club of Boston College (JCBC) held its annual “Harumatsuri” culture show in Gasson Hall’s Irish Room.

With eight performances throughout the night, including a live student band, the event was a “success” said Yamato Kui, president of the JCBC and A&S ’11.

Out of the eight acts of the night, three were performed by BC students while the other five were outside acts hired by the JCBC. Makoto Tanekana, a worldrenowned jazz pianist from New Haven, Conn., and former student at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, performed a piece for the crowd following a fisherman’s dance performed by students.

Other guest performers included Brown’s University’s Gendo Taiko troupe.

Literally translated as “big drum,” Gendo Taiko was an art once used for military or religious purposes, but has recently found a place as a performing art. The wooden sword-wielding Boston Kendo Club also gave a performance. Student

KEVIN HOU / HEIGHTS EDITOR

The Japan Club of Boston College (JCBC) show included traditional and modern Japanese dance. organizations such as the Karate Club and the executive board of the JCBC also performed dances.

The student band, Good Bye Cats, played a set-list of five Japanese songs.

Members included Jie Wen Lei, A&S ’13, Tokufuni Noda, BC Law ’12, Vincent Siu, CSOM ’10, Jennifer Leung, LSOE ’10, and Kui. The night also featured a number of festival games held in the Gasson Hall

rotunda including a Shodo calligraphy station, Shateki or shooting gallery, and Kingyo Suki, a goldfish scooping game where participants scoop goldfish with a paper net.

“It’s very popular,” Kui said. “I have a lot of friends on the board, and I’m going abroad next year to Japan, so I want to prepare as much as I can,” said Ernie Huang, CSOM ’12. “I think it’s a really good time.” 

Campus hosts security conference

COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

R. Nicholas Burns, professor at Harvard University, delivered the keynote address.

BY REBECCA KAILUS Heights Staff

Last Friday, the Clough Center presented “President Obama, National Security, and Executive Power” in the Heights Room. The event, which ran from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., was formatted as a panel discussion, designed to educate Boston College students on the current views of the Obama administration taken by political commentators from BC, the BC Law School, and various other institutions.

The focus of the event was on the Obama administration’s approach to issues from combating terrorism to constitutional issues as the interconnection between safeguarding national security

+

INSIDE

SPORTS

and protecting civil liberties. Panelists analyzed the extent to which the present administration differed or continued upon policies and ideologies of the former Bush administration.

The program included panelists from the field of political science with expertise in foreign relations. Ken Kersch, Marc Landy, and Timothy Crawford, all professors in the political science department, participated in various panels.

Richard Albert, Daniel Kanstroom, and Mary-Rose Papandrea represented BC Law School.

Speakers from other institutions also participated in the panel discussions including law professors from Harvard, Yale, George Mason, and George Washington University along with Mara Liasson, national political correspondent for National Public Radio.

The conference was under the direction of George D. Brown, professor at BC Law, and Landy.

The event was sponsored by the Clough Center for the Study of Constitutional Democracy, a center created in the summer of 2008 that is dedicated to interdisciplinary reflection on the promise and problems of constitutional government in the United States and throughout

the world. The Clough Center serves as a hub at BC for reflection upon some of the most significant questions concerning self-government under the rule of law.

This event followed the principles of the Clough Center as the discussions were applied to the Obama administrations’ adherence to constitutional powers and rule of law in regards to national security and executive power.

Through a discussion on the current health care bill and the issue of the treatment of terrorist suspects, the panel analyzed the constitutionality of Obama’s use of executive power, and the extent to which Obama fulfilled his campaign promises and differed from the Bush administration.

“What I observe about the past two years of the Obama administration is that something is being said that does not conform to what is being done,” said Richard Albert, a professor at BC Law. “On the one hand, you have high rhetoric that undermines the rule of law. I want to stress that Guantanamo Bay is still open, and people are still being tried in military tribunals. They are still pursuing the same policies.”

See Security, A4

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

The men’s hockey team beat out Wisconsin to win the national championship Saturday.

With unpaid internships on the Gasseling rise, students apply for stipends to serve

second term for GLC

Heights Editor

ARTS & REVIEW

2000 years later, memories resurface in Bonn’s Eurydice , A10

FEATURES

Examining student perspectives on class registration, B10 Classifieds, A5 He Said / She Said, B8 Editorials, A6 Inside the Locker Room, B2 Box Office, A8 World Record, B7 Police Blotter, A2 Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down, A7 Notes on a Scandal, A10 Weather, A2

See Assaults, A4

CHAMPIONS AGAIN

BY ZAC HALPERN Men’s hockey wins the National Championship, B1

she said.

“I absolutely sympathize with students who are afraid to come forward,” McMahon said. “I know it’s very hard when you feel that your social life on campus is going to be interrupted or ruined by coming forward to report a sexual assault.” Nationally, just 11.8 percent of women who are sexually assaulted recognize their situation and label it as a sexual assault, she said.

At BC, the majority of those who do come forward and report sexual assaults choose to pursue justice by way of the University disciplinary system rather than the courts. However, Paul Chebator, senior associate dean in the Office of the Dean for Student Development (ODSD) attributed that to the difficulties posed by the criminal justice system.

“I would say that more choose to go internally than externally because, externally, it’s an extraordinarily difficult process, and it’s a lengthy process,” Chebator said, adding that disciplinary hearings on sexual assaults that are conducted through the ODSD are often

With few paid employment opportunities available for students, the number of unpaid internships has increased, according to a recent report by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Federal and state investigators fear that many corporations are taking advantage of interns and using them as a source of free labor.

The Labor Department claims that it is working hard to educate college students and employers on the laws pertaining to unpaid internships. They are also punishing firms that do not pay their interns properly.

“If you’re a for-profit employer or you want to pursue an internship with a forprofit employer, there aren’t going to be many circumstances where you can have an internship and not be paid and still be in compliance with the law,” said Nancy J. Leppink, the director of the wage and hour division of the department.

There are six federal legal criteria that must be met in order for an internship to be unpaid. Included in this criteria is the stipulation that the employer “derives no immediate advantage” from the interns’ activities.

In a 2008 study, the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 50 percent of graduating students had held internships. In 1992, that number was only 17 percent. Some analysts suggest that as many as half of these internships

See Internships, A3

BY MICHAEL CAPRIO News Editor

The GLBTQ Leadership Council (GLC) recently elected its leadership for the 2010-2011 school year with Kelsey Gasseling, A&S ’11, serving for a second term as president and Natalie Isaksson, A&S ’11, serving as vice-president.

This election comes shortly after the GLC announced its “alternative 10-year plan” in February, which strives to develop the GLC alongside the University’s 10year Institutional Master Plan (IMP).

Gasseling said that next year the GLC will focus on mentoring and outreach programs in achieving the goals of its organization. “Next year, we’re going to be focusing a lot on Queer Peers and developing the program, and doing outreach to more groups on campus,” she said.

The GLC Queer Peers program, which began earlier this year, provides GLBTQ mentors to speak to students about a variety of issues, including coming-out, questioning sexuality, and being GLBTQ on campus.

Gasseling said she also hopes to reach out to other campus groups. “Hopefully that will include invitations to ResLife and different organizations,” she said.

KEVIN HOU / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Students can apply for stipends through the Career Center or through AHANA Career Services.

See Gasseling, A4

TopFive

Monday, April 12, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

things to do on campus this week

Championship Celebration

1

Today Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Conte Forum

Join Coach York and the Eagles as they celebrate their win over Wisconsin. The champions will parade through campus before a ceremony in O’Neill Plaza.

Sustainability Forum

Men’s Baseball vs. UMass

2

Tuesday Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Shea Field

3

Come cheer on the Eagles as they face off against The University of Massachusetts Tuesday afternoon at Boston College’s Shea Field.

A Night with Conan’s Writers

Tuesday Time: 4:30 p.m.

Location: Devlin 008

Executive Vice President Pat Keating and representatives from groups including RealFood and Ecopledge will discuss ongoing green efforts on campus.

FEATURED ON CAMPUS

Dance Marathon struggles

4

Tuesday Time: 8 p.m.

Location: The Rat

Two of Conan O’Brien’s long-time writers, BC graduates Brian Kiley and Brian McCann, will be on campus for a night of stand-up comedy.

Liberal Arts Education Wednesday Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Cabaret Room Speakers will give a global perspective on the development of liberal arts education and new programs emerging outside of the United States.

5

IntheNews Small Catholic college to end semester early due to lack of funds

Local News For Mass. House Speaker, gambling advocacy hits close to home Speaker of the Massachusetts House, Robert A. DeLeo, is currently fighting the biggest battle of his career, according the Globe. DeLeo is trying to push through a bill to license two casinos in Massachusetts and 750 slot machines at the state’s four racetracks, including the racetrack where his late father, Al DeLeo, spent 50 years working. The memory of his father and the pride of workers like him are inspiring DeLeo’s advocacy of expanded gambling, which he sees as an economic lifeline, said the Globe report.

COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF NEWS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

BY MICHAEL CAPRIO News Editor

Saturday night, the Plex hosted the annual Dance Marathon – an all night dance-athon at which students donate time, money, and energy to a local charity. This year, however, Dance Marathon fell short of its $12,000 fundraising goal due to lack of attendance.

This year’s funds were intended to go toward the Allston West End House. The House, which is open to students ages 5 to 18, allows parents and guardians, living at or below $25,000 a year, day care services. For $15 a year per student, paid by their parents, West End House introduces students to music, art, sports, and homework help.

The juxtaposition of this year’s Marathon with Boston College’s appearance in the NCAA championship men’s hockey game presented an issue for the organizers, however.

Out of the 80 participants that pledged their night and funds to the event, about 30 arrived, with 15-20 leaving before the end of the night, said Kathleen Best, A&S ’10.

“I truly believe that BC students want to be men and women for others,” Best said. Unfor-

tunately, the Dance Marathon event did not reflect this value.

I was left to wrestle with the following questions. Will service events, such as Dance Marathon, only attract students if it can be written down on a resume? Is an alcohol-free service event and a Saturday night at BC incongruous? Will spending money at Mary Ann’s one night continue to trump a year’s membership for at-risk children a part of the West End House?”

“As a graduating senior did I see the last Dance Marathon event on Saturday, April 10th?” she said. “ The next classes at BC will decide.”

Best and the other Dance Marathon organizers had conducted fundraisers in preparation for Saturday’s event throughout the academic year, hosting an open bar night at Cityside in December and another one at The Kells in March.

The group also hosted a fundraiser at the J. Crew store in the Atrium this February, which allowed BC students to buy clothes for 20 percent off, with 10 percent of the proceeds donated to the West End House.

Although promotion could have been better, Dance Organization was forced to “work with what they had,” Best said. “We

probably should have advertised the fact that the hockey game would be the same night.”

“We did our best to advocate for Dance Marathon by utilizing effective advertising techniquesa facebook group, tv ads, and hourly line dance performances in O’Neil Plaza,” Best said.

Best said that there were some contributors to be thanked for the event’s organization.

“Thank you to all of our friends, family, Dean Cawthorne, [of the Lynch School of Education], and to the Dynamics, Acoustics, DOBC, Phaymus, and FISTS dance groups for supporting our worthy cause.”

In anticipation of the conflict with the hockey game, Best brought a projector and screen to the Plex to play the game during the night. She also began a Facebook event to invite students. Although about 270 people committed to the event through Facebook, few of which arrived and paid the $5 entrance fee, Best said.

The total amount the event raised is not yet available, as there are checks still to be sent, Best said. However, she said Dance Organization likely fell behind the $12,000 mark.  Jeremy Chow contributed to this report.

TODAY

60° Mostly Sunny 40°

TUESDAY

55° Mostly Sunny 39°

WEDNESDAY

61° Partly Cloudy

University

Southern Catholic College, in Dawsonville, Ga., will close for the semester on April 15 – a month early – because of a lack of money, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The college’s president, Rev. Shawn Aaron, S.J., announced the closing in an e-mail message to the campus on Wednesday. He did not say whether the closing was temporary or permanent. Southern Catholic was founded in 2000 and has about 200 students, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

In 2006, Dance Marathon raised over $40,000; this year’s event failed to raise a quarter of that amount.

FOUR DAY WEATHER FORECAST

On Campus Professor’s research leads to advances in nano-electronics Research by physics professor David Broido, supporting the atom-thin material graphene as a superior thermal conductor, was published in the April 9 issue of the journal Science. Broido, with a team of engineers and theoretical physicists from the University of Texas at Austin, BC, and France’s Commission for Atomic Energy reported that graphene can transfer heat more than twice as efficiently as copper thin films. The team’s research has taken a critical step in advancing the material from a laboratory phenomenon to a number of nano-electronic uses.

International President of Poland, other Polish leaders die in tragic plane crash On Saturday, April 10, tragedy struck the Polish nation when a plane carrying nearly 100 government officials, including the Polish President, Lech Kaczynski, and his wife, crashed in Smolensk, Russia.

The delegation of Polish dignitaries was on its way to a ceremony commemorating the Katyn massacre, an event that has divided the two countries for seven decades. The Katyn forest massacre took place in 1940 when Soviet forces executed thousands of Polish officers. The plane crash at Smolensk has been the most tragic post-war event to date in Poland.

44°

THURSDAY

58° Partly Cloudy 42°

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 4/5/10 – 4/9/10 Monday, April 5 3:00 p.m. – A report was filed regarding a minor motor vehicle accident with property damage only. An officer assisted both parties in exchanging paperwork and instructed them on how to fill out a Massachusetts RMV accident form.

Tuesday, April 6 1:31 a.m. – A report was filed regarding a dispute between a taxi driver and a party. It was determined the party paid their fare in full and the taxi driver was sent on his way.

3:45 p.m. – A report was filed regarding a party who reported their motor vehicle had been struck by an unknown car. A check of the area yielded negative results.

Wednesday, April 7

was observed in Lower Dining Hall, an area forbidden by the order. A search of the area yielded negative results.

9:08 p.m. – A report was filed regarding the arrest of a Boston College student for trespassing after previously receiving a written trespass warning. The party was booked at the BCPD headquarters.

Thursday, April 8 1:12 a.m. – A report was filed regarding several parties observed in a water fountain.

The parties were identified and one underage intoxicated party was transported to a medical facility in a police cruiser. A false form of identification was confiscated from an underage party.

Friday, April 9

6:19 a.m. – A report was filed regarding an oil spill in the Lower parking lot. Facilities was contacted to clean up the spill.

12:17 a.m. – A report was filed regarding an injured party. The party was treated on the scene and was transported by ambulance to a medical facility.

11:13 a.m. – A report was filed regarding three Boston College students who were arrested by the Boston Police department. A report will be forwarded to the ODSD for review.

3:26 a.m. – A report was filed regarding an injured intoxicated party in Voute Hall. The party was treated on scene and was transported by ambulance to a medical facility.

6:16 p.m. – A report was filed regarding a party with an active stay away order who

—Source: The Boston College Police Department

Voices from the Dustbowl “Who would you like to see as a Commencement speaker?”

“Amy Poehler.”

—Matt Shalvoy, A&S ’11

“John Stewart.”

—Savi Tuber, A&S ’13 “Conan O’Brien.”

—Jennie Hardin, A&S ’13

“Hillary Clinton.”

—Cedric Kim,

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 In an article in the April 7 issue titled “Ryan Cabrera to perform friday,” a headline falsely stated that the event would take place in the Chocolate Bar. The concert was held in Robsham Theater.

The Heights

Monday, April 12, 2010

A3

A matter Mediterranean Ball brings organization together of dollars and sense

By Rosemary Chandler For The Heights

Joseph Pasquinelli Recently, the international arms treaty discussions that were planned to be held here at Boston College were cancelled due to a lack of funding. It was projected that the event would cost about $100,000 to host. Leon Ratz, A&S ’11, solicited $90,000 from the governments of three countries. However, the University did not receive the money in time to go on with the event. Donald Hafner, vice provost for undergraduate affairs, and University Spokesman Jack Dunn both said that the University would not use students’ tuition money to subsidize talks that would benefit the international community and the BC community.

Why was Ratz not able to raise the necessary amount of money? Why would the University not subsidize this event?

Should the University have subsidized the event? The answers to these questions do not necessarily make sense and are somewhat complicated. Because of the amount of money involved, it may have been made it difficult for University officials to “do the right thing.” No matter what decision they made, someone would have been upset.

It seems like an overbearing task to ask one student to raise such a large amount of money. If the University was serious about hosting this event, it should have been more helpful, and provided Ratz with more resources with which to conduct his fundraising.

It seems impossible that an event of this magnitude, with University supported fundraising, would not be able to occur. Perhaps if Ratz had had an adviser or a committee to assist him assigned by the University, or by the Undergraduate Government of BC (UGBC), who also claimed to support the event, he would have had more success in his fundraising efforts.

It also seems unrealistic to expect the University to spend student money when only a few members of the student body would be able to attend the event. There is a great deal of positive programming and community building that could be funded with $100,000. This money could be used to turn the O’Connell House into a true student union. The money could also be used to attract more and better performers to campus.

The money could be used to build stronger black and women’s studies departments.

The question that has many people upset and, at times, scratching their heads is, “Should the University have helped fund this event?” The answer, for those with that idealistic notion of the possibility for world peace, would be, “Yes.” There needs to be talks between the two official conferences in 2010 and 2012 if these conferences are to be successful and bring about a safer, more peaceful world. The $100,000 price tag seems a pittance to pay for an event that could give a return as great as this event could have.

The University does not receive many opportunities to buy the kind of news coverage these talks would have brought with them.

Not only would this event have been significant for the international community, it would also have been significant for our BC community. It would give us recognition as an institution that is paving the path for positive change and peace. With an increase in our recognition and the involved departments, BC would attract even better students than it already does, and increase our prestige in the international and academic community. It may have cost money, but money is not the issue for an institution whose goal is producing students and programming that sets the world aflame.

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

On Saturday night, students gathered in the Heights Room to celebrate the first-ever Mediterranean Ball.

“One of the main objectives of the ball was to bring together all the different Mediterranean culture clubs – whether it was a big and established group like Il Circolo Italiano, smaller groups like the Hellenic Society and the Armenian Club, or fairly new groups like the Arab Student Association and the International Club,” said George Somi, president of the Arab Student Association and A&S ’10. “The other goal was to bring a new, exciting, and accessible event to the BC community that would display cultures unfamiliar to some people, and frankly, sometimes taken for granted by others.”

The event, a collaborative effort of

the various Mediterranean culture clubs on campus, was the first of its kind.

Representatives from each club have been meeting since February to plan and organize the event. Several different event options were considered, including an Iron Chef-style cook-off between the various groups. However, the ball was decided upon because it allowed an opportunity to highlight many aspects of Mediterranean culture, visible through the decorations, music, and cuisine, according to the members of the Italian club, Il Circolo Italiano.

As food was an important element of the ball, hor d’ouevres and desserts were served, said Catherine D’Ascoli, treasurer of Il Circolo Italiano and A&S ’10.

“We strive to show our culture through our different foods,” she said. Each club selected two foods to be served that were representative of its specific region.

The clubs provided their own recipes for

several of the dishes that were served, including a recipe for tiramisu from an Il Circolo Italiano member’s host mother in Italy.

The ball featured student DJs Emmanuel Cabrera, Gerald Matthews, and Jazzman Parker, all CSOM ’11. They played a mix of popular and cultural music. The evening began with well-known rap and hip-hop music, and then gradually transitioned into songs selected by each of the clubs in order to represent the music of their regions.

Although over 125 tickets were sold and the event was well-attended, many students were late to arrive as they watched the conclusion of the NCAA National Championship hockey game.

D’Ascoli said, “[Il Circolo Italino and the other clubs] normally have to limit the number of people who can attend, but the ball was a great opportunity for others to come to a cultural event and enjoy it.”

The ball also brought together the members of each of the clubs involved.

Piergiorgi Maselli, vice president of Il Circolo Italiano and A&S ’10, said, “It’s rare that the different culture clubs on campus come together.” While each culture club regularly hosts its own events, it is much less common for them to host functions together.

Patricia Lopez, president of the International Club and CSOM ’11, said the new focus on collaboration is important. ”As a new club, it’s important to get our name out there, and to work with the other, more established cultural groups on campus,” Lopez said. The ball provided them with this opportunity.

“The collaboration was a major success,” Somi said. “All the different club leaders and members are already enthusiastic about working together to organize an even bigger and better Mediterranean Ball next year.” n

Michael Caprio / Heights Editor

The Mediterranean Ball, held in The Heights Room Saturday night, sought to bring together culture clubs representing the Mediterranean region.

Students balance experience, money in finding internships Internships, from A1

are unpaid.

“The percentage of internships that are unpaid has definitely gone up since the start of the current recession, though we won’t have the hard statistics until June,” Peter Hunt, assistant director of student programs and career counseling for the Boston College Career Center, said in an e-mail.

Sean Logue, A&S ’10, held an unpaid internship in Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez’s office the summer before his senior year.

“It was a lot of clerical stuff and answering phones,” he said.

“But, in Menendez’s office, I had more legitimate responsibilities.

I worked on immigration issues and wrote official congressional inquiries to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and U.S. embassies. I was in daily contact with various constituents.”

He said that the internships did offer educational guidance.

“They did try to make it beneficial for all [of] us. They invited a lot of guest speakers. We had a representative from FEMA, an administrator from NJ transit, and Senator Lautenberg’s former campaign manager come talk to us,” he said. “It wasn’t just me photocopying and faxing. The office was aware of the sacrifice people had to make to do an internship unpaid.”

“I think my internship was worthwhile because I got some pretty good contacts out of it,’ Logue said. “I’m close with a lot of people there, and I stop in Senator Lautenberg’s office every time I’m home. I got a couple good recommendations out of it.”

Hunt said that unpaid internships can be very valuable. “It’s

important to make a distinction here between pay and the quality of the internship,” he said.

“Plenty of employers offer unpaid internships that provide a positive learning experience for the intern.

For example, a high percentage of internships with nonprofit organizations are unpaid, but quite often, those interns are doing challenging and meaningful work while learning a variety of new skills. On the flip side, being paid for an internship does not guarantee that the intern won’t spend their summer making photocopies and going on coffee runs.”

Some students said that they cannot afford to do an unpaid internship because they need to save up money for the school year. These same students also said that it is more difficult to find prestigious internships because they do not have networking opportunities.

Logue said, “Most of the other interns at the senator’s office did have connections. I had no connection whatsoever. Supposedly ,that was pretty uncommon. Most of the other interns were campaign supporters or were some how connected to the senator.”

Hunt said that BC students’ internship placements speak to their abilities. “There’s no doubt that having a good connection at an organization can get one’s application noticed, which can possibly lead to an interview, and getting noticed is half the battle,” he said. “But rarely will good connections alone automatically lead to an internship offer.”

Though connections are helpful, skill is essential, skill that many students at BC already possess. “BC students are chosen for internships for the same reasons they got into BC – they

are strong academically, they are involved in extracurricular and volunteer activities and have sought leadership roles in those activities, and they have tried to build their work-related skills,” Hunt said. “But they also have to present themselves in the best light possible, and we help them do that through resume and cover letter critiques and workshops, as well as interview workshops and practice interviews. We also offer individual assistance in finding internship opportunities.”

“Networking opportunities are available to every BC student through the Alumni Career Network and through the various BC alumni groups on LinkedIn.com, though I would strongly recommend that students speak with a counselor at the Career Center before they start trying to connect with alumni through these channels,” Hunt said.

To help students with unpaid internships to afford living costs, the Career Center offers stipends.

“The Career Center offers 10 stipends of $3,200 each for students working unpaid summer internships, five through the Internship Program and five through AHANA Career Services,” Hunt said. “But these 10 grants barely put a dent in the need that’s there. Some of our partner schools in the UCAN internship network, like Brown, Williams, and Duke, provide between 40 and 100 stipends. We are hoping to work with the University to increase the funding available to students in need.”

Many students are not aware of the availability of funding.

“I was not aware of that at all,” Logue said. “I definitely would have done that if I had known. I lost money last summer because I had to pay for a train ticket every

Alex trautwig / Heights Editor

Sean Logue, A&S ’10, made sacrifices to support an unpaid internship last summer. day. The intern coordinator flat out denied my request to pay for travel expenses. But, with only 10 stipends available those are probably more competitive than the internships I was trying to get.”

Logue said that choosing not to work for a summer was an enormous sacrifice. “I went abroad and, if I had a paid job, then I would have been able to pay my own expenses in Paris – literally the most expensive city in the world. My parents had to cover that expense. My older sister helped out, too.

Fortunately, my family was able to cover my expenses.”

Logue said he had to sacrifice

going on spring break because he did not work the previous summer. “A big group of my friends went to Cancun on spring break and they all paid for it with the money they made over the summer. I didn’t do spring break at all,” he said. “I just went home.”

Hunt encouraged students to do research before choosing an internship. “We try to equip BC students with the ability to distinguish between good internships and bad ones, regardless of whether those internships pay or not,” he said. “The best way to gather this information is to ask plenty of questions during the interview process.” n

Dining services works with service groups News Report

By Michael Caprio News Editor

About 14 times a year, students walking into any of the campus dining halls note the familiar site of folding tables soliciting dining funds for service trips abroad.

Starting when the student donors run their Eagle IDs through the card scanners and ending when the trip is completed, the funds are filtered through the financial system of the Volunteer and Service Learning Center (VSLC) and Dining Services.

Every fiscal year, Dining Services allocates between $180,000 and $200,000 of their budget to the VSLC to fund approved service trips. These funds are allocated by giving each group a designated week in which to raise funds in dining halls.

Dan Ponsetto, director of the VSLC, said that his organization receives several applications a year for the 14 available weeks.

Criteria for receiving funding, he said, have changed over the years. Up until several years ago, the VSLC would approve multiple groups that performed service work in the region, like 4Boston. It was a process, Ponsetto said, that was soon changed. “The competition began getting intense some years ago,” he said. “The consensus was that this was for traveling programs only.”

Now, organizations that require travel funds submit applications to the VSLC for the opportunity to get a point drive. “The chances are that if they meet the criteria, they’ll get a point drive,” Ponsetto said.

Since the change in criteria, groups such as Appalachia and Arrupe have received the opportunity to fund their travel expenses by soliciting student dining dollars.

While students have largely supported the funding for these trips, there is a limit on the amount each student can give, said Helen Wechsler, director of Dining Services.

“We put a max of $100 per service trip,”

Wechsler said. “And students do take advantage of that. With $100 per point drive with 14 point drives, you could give $1400 dollars away.”

Because student meal plan money is a part of the Dining Services operating budget, there must be a limit to how much students are able to donate, Wechsler said. This, she said, is a misunderstanding among students.

At the end of each fiscal year, Dining Services does not have excess, Wechsler said. Each part of the student’s meal plan money is spent on various operating costs.

“The bottom line is that Dining Services does not make a surplus,” she said. “Anything that they do make in surplus is sent to a University accounting fund at the end of the year.”

Wechsler said that students would see the situation differently if they view dining as a University service comparable to the Plex, or housing. “If you don’t use the Plex, do you get a refund on that fee? If you

don’t spend time in your dorm room and sleep somewhere else, do you get a refund for that?” she said.

At the end of each academic year, Dining Services also allows students to participate in a fundraiser to donate extra meal plan money to local food banks.

Last year, the annual fundraiser produced 2,772 pounds of food, equating to 2,132 meals.

“We know that what helps the most is getting the help the food banks need,” Wechsler said. “Whatever they need, we call our distributors and have them deliver it to them.”

Wechsler said that the balance between offering affordable dining plans and providing for employees is a delicate one. “We want to be sustainable and keep our wages at a living wage while at the same time servicing our customers,” she said. “But we are fortunate. We’re getting pretty good at this business now.” n

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Monday, April 12, 2010

The Heights “Obama said to the other sides, ‘Propose your plan and then we can split the difference.’ But there was no coherent general plan by the Republicans.”

— Richard Albert, Professor, BC Law School

Heights Room welcomes national security officials Security, from A1

Albert also said he believes that, through the passing of recent health care legislation, Obama has demonstrated that he has not upheld the campaign promises he made at the Iowa Caucus. “He did deliver on health care. But where was the bipartisanship?

In respect to the process, there’s something lacking especially if you contrast it to the night of the Iowa Caucus,” Albert said.

YAkhil Reed Amar, a professor at Yale Law School, said that political forces have impeded Obama from realizing all his campaign promises. “It’s hard to close it [Guantanamo Bay] when the House and Senate are against it, when people from your own party are saying, ‘Not in my backyard.’ The president cannot get this done with states legislatures and governors against it. The president is constrained by political forces,” he said.

Amar said he disagrees with Albert’s point on the lack of bipartisanship in the health care reform bill.

“Obama said to the other sides, ‘Propose your plan and then we can split the difference.’ But there was no coherent general plan by the Republicans. He’s not a dictator, he faces opposition from both liberal and political constraints,” he said.

The panel also addressed the constitutional implications of the various controversies facing the Obama administration surrounding the connection between national security and civil liberties. Panels engaged in a legal discussion surrounding the

Obama administration’s actions in its treatment and policies related to detainees at Guantanamo Bay. They evaluated the extent to which the Obama administration’s policies improved upon those of the Bush administration and the promises Obama made during his campaign.

“The subject [of national security] is complicated and wide reaching,” said Daniel Kanstroom, a professor in the Law School. “The record of this administration in the respect of human rights to detainees is remarkably better than the previous administration.”

Kanstroom said he believes that, like the Bush administration, the current administration still has many steps to improve upon, since habeas corpus is still withheld from many who are illegally detained for years in 23 hours of solitary confinement each day.

“What part of habeas don’t you understand? Bring me the corpus!” Kanestroom said. “However, this administration is much more clever in avoiding direct confrontation.”

Crawford said, “I suspect the changes will be modest.” Crawford also said he believes that his research into UN resolutions supports the fact there will be much continuity between the Bush and the Obama administration on the global stage. “Even if you get change, you get continuity. You may have the Obama administration trying to diverge from the Bush administration’s polices, but they are still adopting polices that are jealously guarded by the Security Council.

That could be a source of continuity in addition to ideological and partisan continuity,” he said. n

Sexual assaults may go under-reported on campus Assault, from A1

concluded within weeks. “It’s [the Administrative Hearing Board] not a court of law – it does not use criminal standards. It’s really to determine what happened and did what happen violate the University’s policies.”

For the Administrative Hearing Board, judges are drawn from a pool of 25 trained members of the University’s faculty and administrators. When a student reports a sexual assault to the BC Police Department (BCPD) or to ODSD, the victim has complete discretion over whether the case is tried through the criminal justice system, the University, neither, or both. When the board hears a case, it rules the accused to be either responsible or not responsible, and recommends sanctions in the case of a responsible verdict.

However, Chebator said that it is not a perfect process.

“One of the difficulties is, most of the types of cases that we deal with becomes one person’s word against the other,” Chebator said. “There has to be enough evidence for the board to make the determination that a student is responsible.”

Typically, when the accused is found responsible for rape, they are either suspended or expelled from the University, Chebator said. Suspensions often last until the victim has graduated or is no longer at BC. Margaret Connolly, BCPD captain, said that a lack of conversation is to blame for the prevalence of sexual assaults on college campuses – particularly those that go unreported.

“As much as we would love to be able to have floor meetings with people so that we could have dialogue and people could ask those

questions, I think that the nature of intimacy and sexual activity is something that people don’t talk about,” Connolly said. “I’m not saying it’s a contract, but it should be at least a conversation.”

Connolly also said the hookup culture at BC has a role in creating an environment of causal, and oftentimes, drug or alcohol-influenced situations between two students.

“If your intent is to go out and have a good time with someone, it’s, ‘I’m going to go out and get hammered, and I’m going to see where I can score tonight.’ That’s malicious,” she said. “There’s nothing healthy about that.”

In order to help facilitate more healthy conversation and, ultimately, to help prevent sexual assaults altogether, the BCPD, ODSD, and WRC all strive to create a safer environment for students.

Once a sexual assault is reported to the BCPD, the appropriate District Attorney’s office is immediately notified of the investigation, after which the victim is advised of his or her options.

“That’s just so we can say to [the victim] that there is someone who you can go and talk to,” Connolly said. “It doesn’t mean you’re going to prosecute it, but it means that you can hear about your options. We give them the option of going to the Dean of Students’ Office and speaking with an advocate up there, and then they can make the decision which avenue they want to take.”

All incoming freshmen are required to participate in the BC Safe Program, a component of which is devoted to conversations about sexual assault. Ad-

ditionally, the University piloted a bystander education program this year, that is aimed at teaching students how to recognize and interrupt situations where a friend could be in a potentially tough spot.

“Ninety percent of people who are sexual assault survivors know their perpetrators before their assault, even if it’s that they’re a friend of a friend, or an acquaintance from a party,” McMahon said. “Bystanders are people who can make choices independent of the dynamic between these two people, to intervene in ways that keep themselves safe but that prevent the situation from escalating to a sexual assault.”

In addition, events such as Concerned About Rape Education (C.A.R.E.) Week, which is being held through the end of this week, work at increasing awareness for the resources available to victims of sexual assaults.

“It’s a two-week-long campaign to raise awareness around issues of sexual and domestic violence,” said Kasey Lafreniere, A&S ’10. “Since it’s such a broad topic, we have a lot of goals like helping students to understand the legal definitions of sexual assault, and making students aware of campus resources.”

Sheila Shaw Horton, dean of ODSD, said that all of her office’s efforts are ultimately directed at building a stronger and safer place for students to coexist.

“It’s also helping students to be more ref lective of their relationships,” Horton said. “All of that leads to an environment where sexual assault can be minimized.” n Molly LaPoint and Rebecca Kailus, Heights Staff writers, contributed to this report.

Construction updates for Gasson Hall announced

By Taylour Kumpf Asst. News Editor

Over the next 17 months, Gasson Hall will be undergoing the second phase of renovations to its exterior, as well as some interior upgrades, according the Office of News and Public Affairs. Although the actual construction will not start until June 7, preliminary work began March 29 and continued through April 5.

Prior to construction, from March 29 to March 31, the contractor, Shawmut Design & Construction (SDC) documented existing conditions throughout Gasson Hall, the report said. The contractor videotaped areas of the building including classrooms, hallways, and offices on all floors.

Exterior work included strategically removing stones, mostly around windows, and then back-fill-

ing those spaces. Workers have also been recording field measurements at all elevations and around all windows. While workers are removing stones, the access road around Gasson Hall has been shut down from time to time, and Boston College police have been present to provide assistance to vehicles requiring access to the road.

When construction commences in June, site fencing, lifts, and staging will be installed around Gasson Hall. During the preliminary stages of the project, only five to 10 workers were on the site at any given time, varying by day. Beginning in June, however, 20 to 60 workers will be on-hand. The entirety of the construction work will occur within the project site fencing. The onsite work, particularly the exterior restoration work, will be the most disruptive due to the various equipment and tools needed to perform the work. n

Gasseling to lobby for GLCUniversity collaboration

kevin hou / heights editor

Gasseling, from A1

The GLC is now accepting applications for GLC positions during the 2010-2011 academic year. Involvement and work with other campus organizations will be taken into account in the application process, Gasseling said. “We definitely want to work on collaborating with other culture clubs on campus,” she said. “So we want to reach out and see how GLC issues relate with other issues students face.”

Going into her second year as GLC president, Gasseling said that she has gained experience working with other GLC and Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) members – experience she hopes to carry through to next year. “I know most people on the council pretty well now, so I’ve learned different styles of student leading and organizing,” she said. “That I’m networking and have gotten to meet other people with the UGBC has allowed

me to connect GLC with the broader community.”

Gasseling said that she will be working with various administrators this summer, which she plans to spend on campus organizing the GLC for next year. “We already gave the administration our presentation on a resource campaign,” she said. “Natalie and I will be on campus working with deans from the ODSD [Office of the Dean for Student Development] and talking about where we will be taking it from here – more specifically, about getting Queer Peers more University recognition.”

She said the issue of attaining a physical space for GLBTQ students will be a large one in the coming years.

Gasseling said that such a center may take time to establish. “I don’t know if that’s possible within the next couple of years,” she said. “But what’s possible now is being more inclusive of queer issues and the mission it’s sending to the student body.” n

Kevin hou / Heights editor

Harvey Simmons, president of the UGBC Senate and A&S ’10 (left) and Scott Jelinek, vice president of the UGBC Senate and A&S ’10 (right) addressed the discontinuation of the U.N. conference at a Senate meeting last night.

Administrators cite funding for event discontinuation UN Conference, from A1

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The Heights

Monday, April 12, 2010

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Monday, April 12, 2010

The Heights

Editorials

Ambition is nothing without cooperation Prestige events, though difficult to plan for, should sometimes disrupt the University’s priority list.

There are priorities, and then there are priorities. Perhaps one lesson that might be drawn from the recent discontinuation of plans to host at Boston College informal i n te rgove r n m e n ta l d i s c u ss i o n s on a future United Nations Arms Trade Treaty is that students and administrators often have a different sense of what constitutes a University priority. We do not doubt that everyone on campus would have liked to have seen the event go off without a hitch. The situation now is that the event will not go forward, but it is interesting to reflect on the peculiar impetus behind this particular event, and the support that students showed upon hearing of it.

First of all, it is not often that a single student, in this case Leon Ratz, A&S ’11, plays such a central role in attempting to bring such a prestigious event to campus.

It is hard for us, as students, not to be a bit bowled over by the enthusiasm he showed. He was able to get the event so far along because of the many years he has dedicated to work on arms trade issues through Amnesty International, and through advanced study grants and internships.

While many students find themselves stretched thin over a variety of activities, Ratz is an example of how, through dedication to a single interest, one may be able to achieve more.

Second, the University should ref lect on the tide of enthusiasm that carries the campus when it comes to certain prestige events, and how these, though sometimes

completely unexpected, can bring to BC the kind of attention the University deserves. We can only hope that as the University continues to grow in physical size and academic stature, there will be more frequent opportunities to net events of this prominence. There will always be other concerns that could come first, and, especially as we have no guarantee of enduring financial stability, the University must exercise prudence in every way, to ensure that the costs that must be met are met first.

It seems that this year was not the year for BC to bring the United Nations to campus. Perhaps there will be another opportunity. But we hope that we can, as a campus, derive some useful lessons from the months of hard work undertaken

by Ratz and Donald Hafner, vice provost for undergraduate affairs.

The first should be that, with cooperation between students and administrators, some very audacious ideas can be brought right to the brink of realization. Also, students would do right to take in the full measure of Ratz’s commitment, and think about how they might look on it as a model. We are lucky enough to be a part of a student body that is choch full of leadership potential. However, we must realize that such potential is wasted if it is merely spent on talking and scheming, and never on taking tangible steps toward making those schemes a reality. Initiative is nothing to fear, and there is much to be said for putting our all into a cause that we are passionate about, regardless of its end result.

Hockey team a source of pride for BC The hockey program won its third national title in 10 years, bringing recognition to our campus and inspiring students.

The Heights would like to congratulate the 2009-2010 men’s hockey team and coach Jerry York on an incredible season. From the Beanpot to the National Championship, the hockey team has consistently brought home the gold and been a point of pride for this University and the students within it. Whether or not you are a hockey fan, the team’s meteoric rise to ultimately becoming national champions for the third time since 2001 under York’s leadership, is an exciting moment for this school, both in the realm of national sports and on our own campus.

This school is increasingly becoming known as a hockey powerhouse, and with this athletic prestige will come an improved national image. As with basketball and football, when the team wins, the school wins in terms of an increased application pool and student attendance at the games.

Next season’s games will have the added allure of being played by the defending national champions.

The stands of Conte Forum should fill up with fans new to the sport, especially freshmen who became acquainted with the school during the peak of the team’s prowess.

The men’s hockey team, however, should be an inspiration to students outside of Kelley Rink as well. The men who skate against the best of other universities every weekend also attend classes with us and live in our dorms. Unlike some athletes

on campus, the hockey players aren’t removed from normal student interaction. When we have a connection with a team member, we are more likely to feel personally attached to the success of the team. There is no celebrity status among these men, just hard work and dedication that clearly paid off. Other coaches and athletes could take a note out of the hockey team’s playbook and gain student support through direct contact with other students.

Apart from this, the sheer talent of the players on the team has become obvious over the past few years, and this excellence should no longer be overlooked by so many students. Hockey is the only team that BC can boast is consistently ranked in the top 10 teams in the country. Next season, students must find a way to keep the football Superfan mentality going strong into hockey and basketball season. Welcome the new basketball coach with a full student section and show your support for the country’s number one hockey team with a loud and proud chorus of “For Boston” during next year’s opening game. It’s the least we can do in appreciation for all of the team’s hard work.

This Monday, there will be a national championship celebration beginning with a parade at 5 p.m. and culminating with a ceremony in O’Neill Plaza at 5:30. Every Superfan should be in attendance to welcome our team back and to commemorate a stellar season.

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, Mollie Kolosky

Samantha Cohen / Heights Illustration

Letters to the Editor Appreciation and regret for cancelled event Leon Ratz To the BC Community: In late October 2009, planning began on one of the most exciting projects to take place on the Boston College campus in recent years. As the project organizer of the Boston Intersessional Exercise on the UN Arms Trade Treaty, I have to admit that I am disappointed with the administration’s decision to cancel the initiative. I want to emphasize that external funding to the amount of $90,000 USD was assured to Boston College by foreign governments and that we were in the process of drawing up the appropriate paperwork to facilitate the wire transfers. Considering the time pressure and complexities involved, however, I understand the administration’s rationale for its cancellation of the conference.

Setting aside the decision and the resulting disappointment, I want to take this opportunity to thank a number of individuals and institutions without whose support we would have never gotten this far in the project: First and foremost, thanks to the incredible team of students who have been with me from day one to

help organize this intergovernmental conference, and who should be quite proud of the work they have accomplished: Will Watkins, Michael Weston-Murphy, Cecilia MacDonald, Jennifer Chen, and Marlena Papavaritis.

Secondly, thank you to the Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg to the United Nations, and the Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs, which had collectively pledged $90,000 USD for the initiative, sparing BC any of the costs for this conference. Also, thank you to the Office for Conventional Arms Threat Reduction at the US State Department, which had provided strong support and political backing for the initiative from the beginning.

Thirdly, my deepest appreciation to the incredible faculty who have provided counsel and support for me throughout this whole project, including Professors Thomas Epstein and Mark O’Connor, Rev.David Hollenbach, S.J., Dean David Quigley, Rev. J Donald Monan, S.J., Peter Skerry, and John Michalczyk. Thank you especially to Professor Susan Michalczyk, assistant director of the A&S honors

An open letter to new coach Steve Donahue Alex Rikleen Mr. Donahue, let me begin by saying that, as a recent alum and huge BC basketball fan, I am thrilled to welcome you to our great community. As you prepare to begin what I hope will be a long and successful tenure at the Heights, please accept these thoughts and insights from a longtime fan.

A lot has been made of Al Skinner’s dull style of play, but I think that the greatest area for improvement for this program is nowhere near the basketball court.

Before a student moves in, before a student registers for classes, before they even know that they are going to have to learn which building is Devlin and which is Gasson, an enrolled student’s first impression of Boston College is at orientation. And every year, there to introduce these recent high school graduates to our community, is the whole team of Orientation Leaders.

And every year one of the biggest, and therefore easiest to find, Orientation Leaders is a member of the football team. These OLs are our role models and our guides for our transition to college, and having members of the football team (and other teams, as football is rarely the only sport to boast an OL) included in this group dramatically increases our interest and emotional support for the team. These athletes become contributing members of the community, instead of celebrities who happen to sleep in our dorms. When

football season comes along, you can be certain that for a number of students, there is added enthusiasm and interest, as they have personal relationships with someone on the team.

OLs are not the only way that athletes can get involved as role models in the lives of the student body – and I’m sure that the people running the First Year Experience office would be happy to work with you to find a way that the basketball team could help out. There are retreats, such as 48Hours, that also often have leaders who are involved in BC athletics, and hundreds of clubs on campus that are always looking for new recruits. Obviously practices and games are a huge time commitment for the players, but no one is asking them to run for Undergraduate Government of BC (UGBC) president. A little bit of increased involvement in the BC community would go a long way towards getting students to return to Conte. The more involved the players are in the community, the more the community will want to return the favor by spending their time and money supporting the players.

That the players need to go to class goes without saying. I have never been a huge hockey fan, but when I had a class with two of the players, I immediately felt more personally invested in the team. When class discussions came, and those same players were active contributors, showing my professor, the class, and myself that they were paying attention and keeping up with the material, my interest practically doubled.

The basketball team should also

work on picking up the “low-hanging fruit.” Every day in the Plex, beginning early in the afternoon and ending only when they begin locking up the doors, literally hundreds of BC students are on the basketball courts, playing pick-up basketball. Sadly, however, when I would go to the BC games, I would see hardly any of these faces who I had come to recognize as regulars on the pick-up courts. If you are looking for a couple hundred people just waiting for an excuse to care about BC basketball here they are. Go there. Bring some players.

If you are afraid of risking injury in a real game, then let the players use the courts split by the volleyball net to challenge people to HORSE. Who knows, you may even find our next standout walk-on.

Of course, there is a lot that can be done to make BC’s style of play more exciting. But if the student body does not develop a sense of personal relationships the players, they will never start to care about the team. If the school does not feel that the BC basketball players are active members of the Boston College community, people to be proud of and people worth spending our own energy supporting, then no matter how good the team gets, you might have to get used to seeing lots of empty seats.

Sincerely, Alex Rikleen BC ’09 Alex Rikleen is Boston College graduate of the class of 2009.

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

program, without whose extraordinary support I would have never procured any external funding for the initiative.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Bapst Library, especially Adeane Bregman and Arlene Feinberg, whose smiles and support always kept me going. Thank you also to the entire staff and faculty at the Presidential Scholars Program, especially Jennie Thomas and Dennis Sardella.

Thank you to the members of the BC Administration, especially Donald Hafner, without whose time, energy, and support, the program would never have even left the ground.

Thank you to the senators of the UGBC Senate, particularly Senators Scott Jelinek, Michael Joyce, and Nicholas Domino, who worked tirelessly to preserve the conference at Boston College in recent days.

Thank you to all the students who dreamed big, and who, I hope, will never let those dreams fade away.

Best regards, Leon Ratz Project Organizer Boston Intersessional Exericse on the UN Arms Trade Treaty A&S ’11 Leon Ratz is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, class of 2011.

Michael Saldarriaga, Graphics Editor Christina Quinn, Online Manager Laura Campedelli, Multimedia Coodinator Brooke Schneider, Assoc. Copy Editor DJ Adams, Asst. Copy Editor Patrick Gallagher, Assoc. News Editor Taylour Kumpf, Asst. News Editor Maegan O’Rourke, Assoc. Sports Editor Paul Sulzer, Asst. Sports Editor Kristopher Robinson, Asst. Features Editor

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

Joelle Formato, Business Manager David Givler, Advertising Manager Brynne Lee, Outreach Coordinator Brendan Quinn, Systems Manager Madeline Demoulas, Local Sales Manager Daniel Ottaunick, Collections Manager James Gu, Asst. Ads Manager Dara Fang, Business Assistant

The Heights

Monday, April 12, 2010

A7

Opinions

Thumbs Up National Champs – We are the champions, my friends!

Af ter a thrilling season, BC has clinched its third national title in 10 years.

Congratulations to all the players, Coach York, and all the fans devoted enough to trek to Detoit(!) to see the Eagles crush the Badgers, 5-0. You’ve made my year, boys.

Fleabag – Happy 30th birthday comedians (and -ennes) of BC’s premier improv group! The three shows this weekend packed O’Connell House to the rafters and brought probably the rowdiest group of alumni at BC back to campus. Here’s to the next 30 years of 185 blanks walking into a bar.

Chorduroy – This studentproduced compilation of BC performers and their original work debuted Thursday at the BC Art Club show. The CD, which features 17 student muscians and bands, is available to download on bcartclub.com. Support the arts!

Clearance – In case you managed to avoid buying a school sweatshirt the first moment you stepped on campus, the BC Bookstore has moved all of its merchandise into the lobby of McElroy, simultaneously advertising drastically reduced prices for BC sweats and creating a forest of pant legs.

Good literal understanding of product placement, though.

Admitted Eagles – Speaking of first moments on campus, representatives of the class of 2014 have been swarming campus during the past weeks. Campus tours 100 strong have been milling around the Dustbowl like herds of antelope: warily sipping water, heads darting all about, and skittish when approached. Welcome to the jungle.

Taiwanese Idol – Bowl haircut? Check. Full suit? Check.

Amazing vocal prowess that rivals Whitney Houston?

Check! If you haven’t yet checked out this YouTube video, do so immediately to hear this unassuming young man belt out “I Will Love You” in the tradition of other great divas. When you sing a song that well and you don’t even speak the language, that’s impressive.

Thumbs Down Crowds – With all of the oncampus events of late, TU/ TD has noticed an unfortunate trend toward overly or underly rowdy audiences.

Either the audience is brain dead or won’t zip the lip long enough to hear the actual performance. Happy mediums, BC, happy mediums.

Group projects – ’nuff said.

(This message brought to you by your friendly CSOM ghost writers.)

Nike – Another YouTube favorite of late is the slightly creepy, slightly pathetic, totally weird new Nike ad featuring Tiger Woods and his late father (right?). If this is Tiger’s way of saying mea culpa, then he needs to hire another PR guy. Then his old agent and the adsmen at Nike can go down to unemployment together. It’s a win-win!

Lessons learned from CARE

Collateral murder

Tim O’Connor On Monday, April 5, Wikileaks.org – infamous to governments and businesses alike for providing whistleblowers a platform to release incriminating documents – posted a video of a 2007 U.S. combat operation in Iraq. After ground troops reported hearing gunfire in Baghdad, two Apache gunships were deployed to the area in order to search for the source.

Three engagements followed, resulting in a number of casualties, including the deaths of two Reuters employees.

Odds are you haven’t seen the video, much less heard about it. Why should you have? Mainstream media outlets have all but ignored the story in favor of Tiger’s return to golf. Sure, the video is available on YouTube, or at collateralmurder.org – a site set up to showcase the incident – but who would actually want to watch a video of almost 20 people being slaughtered from a kilometer and a half in the air? The video shows distance warfare for exactly what it is: arbitrary, impersonal, and inaccurate.

Over the past nine years, we’ve been sold an image of warfare that is clean and precise. We hit the bad guys from far away, civilians don’t get hurt, and our soldiers stay safe. Behind the facade of sci-fi technology and precision targeting lays the ugly truth. At the end of the day, a person has to assess the threat and make the decision to fire. In this case, the person making the decision made a terrible mistake.

Upon hearing of the deaths of two employees, Reuters put in a request under the Freedom of Information Act to receive a copy of the video that got released on April 5. Though such requests are supposed to be processed within 30 days, Reuters’ request was repeatedly stalled and postponed. Since then, Reuters has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the operation, which took place on July 12, 2007. The military, three days after the video was released, reaffirmed its assessment that the gunners had acted within the Rules

Pooja Shah

Michael Sladarriaga / Heights Illustration

of Engagement, and announced no further investigation would take place.

In the first of the three attacks that are seen on the video, I can perhaps understand the military’s position. The Reuters employees were escorted by armed guards carrying AK-47 assault rifles (the Iraqi Constitution explicitly permits each household to own one AK-47). The photographer, Namir Noor-Eldeen, was using a telephotographic lens that was mistakenly identified as an RPG. Though the men were standing idly in a courtyard and were not in combat positions, the gunners identified them as a threat and opened fire. The men likely heard the shots a split second before they were torn apart.

Saeed Chmagh, who drove Namir and his translator, was the only one to survive the initial assault. What followed was five minutes of the gunships tracking Chmagh’s desperate attempts to crawl away from the danger zone.

Over the audio, one of the gunners says “come on, pull out your weapon,” literally begging for an excuse to open fire. Before Chmagh could pull out his non-existent weapon, a black van pulls up and a number of men attempt to rescue him. The gunners radio in that the van is attempting to rescue a downed insurgent. Again, they receive permission to fire and destroy the van. The

two children who were inside survive the incident with severe shrapnel wounds.

Some of the men manage to live through the second attack, and flee into a nearby building. Once again, permission to fire is granted, much to the chagrin of the passerby who was blown apart by the Hellfire missile launched at the building.

Whether or not you choose to watch the video, remember that this wholesale slaughter is perpetrated in Iraq and Afghanistan every day under our flag. Hiding from the reality that this is our war does not make your ignorance or complacency more palpable. To the grieving families of those who are unjustly killed every day, do you suppose the fact that you did not pull the trigger yourself makes the slightest bit of difference? Their loved ones didn’t either, and we killed them. Could you look into the eyes of a victim’s loved one and truthfully say, “It’s not our fault,” even when it was an American chopper, piloted by an American aviator, that dropped an American bomb? Osama Bin Laden doesn’t even need to make propaganda. We do a good enough job at making people hate us.

Tim O’Connor is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.

Good intentions, bad idea Tyler Hughes Recently, there has been a lot of discussion concerning the possibility of a new, mandatory class on diversity, proposed by a committee of students, many of whom represent the AHANA Leadership Council (ALC) and other culture clubs. The proposed class would be a six-week seminar for freshmen to promote “awareness” with regard to race, gender, sexual preference, and class.

While this class is still far from a reality, its implementation would be unnecessary, doomed to fail, and an added stress on incoming students.

Tension over race, gender, and sexual preference is nothing new at Boston College, and student groups and the administration consistently seek to address it. However, this new step is redundant and pushy. A small group of students has no right to force a class on the rest of the student body just because they deem it necessary. I would bet I could find three students who are fervently against a race class for every one that supports it. Still, I get the feeling that the committee that proposed this class thinks it has the wisdom to decide what is best for everyone else. We should stop and consider the potential problems with the proposal rather than charging ahead with it in the name of equality.

Highlighting the one-sidedness of

the debate about this proposed seminar, Eatonia Davis, a committee member, was recently quoted in The Heights as saying, “It’s about money … I would like to see my $50,000 at work.” I, too, would like to see my $50,000 at work, rather than having my education, and that of other students here, tailored to the wishes of a few student groups. The core curriculum exists because the University has decided that it knows what is best for its students. Any proposed change in the list of mandatory courses here by the students, however, should require the support of the majority of the student body.

Regardless of the methods used in promoting and implementing this course, it should be considered that using a classroom setting to educate on diversity issues has been tried before. Most of the students here, especially those who came out of public schools, were taught in academic settings about racism throughout all of middle and high school. I probably read a book about and discussed racism in a classroom at least once every year between sixth grade and my senior year of high school. I think most people would say it doesn’t work (After all, if it did, we probably wouldn’t see a need to addressdiversity issues).

After seven years of the same approach, I think we have passed the point of diminishing returns. If significant numbers of freshmen are entering BC with prejudices, a mandatory course is far too late to make a difference. What would make a difference is allowing these students to expose themselves to this new environment, to meet new people from different places, and, ultimately, to consider the state of race and gender relations on their own. Some people insist that conversa-

FROM HERE TO RESERVOIR

BY SAL CIPRIANO

tions about these topics do not come up organically among the students who need to have them. If this is true, the solution isn’t forcing stale conversation in the form of a mandatory class, but later finding new ways to promote sincere discussion.

Whether prejudice is a significant issue on campus or not is irrelevant.

What is important here is considering the potential effectiveness of the proposed diversity class and to weigh it against the disadvantages. Incessantly repeating that BC is “not diverse enough” does not justify forcing a bad idea on incoming freshmen. That is a simplistic view that ignores the feelings of a large group of students. If race, gender, and sexual preference are issues here, then it is good to think of new ways to address them. However, not every way that addresses them should be implemented. A mandatory race class would only add to the heavy burden that many students already shoulder from the core curriculum (Which already includes a cultural diversity requirement).

This program may turn out to be denied by the administration or perhaps never even seriously considered, but the recent discussion is an opportunity to stop and consider an important point: Not all diversity initiatives are inherently good.

There are almost always significant cons to a proposed initiative, and we risk falling into the trap of wasting resources and impairing academics if we don’t carefully consider the consequences.

Tyler Hughes is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at thughes@bcheights.com.

Last February, when the Rihanna and Chris Brown incident occurred, the entire country was in a state of alarm to see abuse elevated to another level. Personally, I was equally disappointed, as I was shocked to see heartthrob Chris Brown involved in such despicable behavior.

What was more disappointing was the fact that people were not conscious of and did not recognize the degree of severity that dating violence has on the sufferer. Fortunately, the chatter of domestic violence (including, but not limited to, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse), was an awakening for men and women worldwide, especially on college campuses. According to statistics, an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by their partner each year, meaning on a daily basis one in every six women are affected. Does that statistic send a shiver down your spine?

In fact, the American Association of University Women revealed that 20 to 25 percent of college women are raped during their college years, and though a large percentage of the victims are female, one in eight men also suffer.

Boston College offers many useful resources such as Health Services and the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) for those affected by any degree of domestic violence. The WRC presents Concerned About Rape Education (C.A.R.E.) Week from April 6 to April 16, a week dedicated to promoting awareness, education and support on rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence so that our BC community can unite to bring forth change.

C.A.R.E. Week opened off with a presentation of the exclusive 20 / 20 interview on ABC News, when Rihanna “broke her silence” by freely discussing the tragedy that occurred between her and her ex-boyfriend. By remaining tough and determined to make a difference with her words, her inspirational speech offered valuable advice to anyone in a similar, dangerous position. So many victims who fall prey to vicious abuse feel responsible, and incorrectly believe that the relationship is falling apart because of something they did or a flaw in their character. However, Rihanna strong-heartedly stated, “I am strong – this happened to me, I didn’t cause it, I didn’t do it … it happened to me, and it could happen to anybody…” Reflecting , back and to reach out to others, she advised, “Don’t react off of love … f— love.

To come out of a situation and look at it, third person and for what it really is, and then make your decision, because love is so blind.” To see the interviews yourself, visit YouTube.

Rihanna’s firm standpoint on her experience motivated me to become less ignorant on sucb an important issue in our society. At a discussion held in the WRC office, two students involved with BC’s PULSE program further shed light on this issue. Both students work at the Renewal House, a confidential shelter of hope for individuals in crisis in Roxbury, Mass, which offers services to those in need of healing and recovery. The presentation cleared up many misconceptions I had, such as my notion that drugs, alcohol, and stress were potential “explanations” for why the abuse occurred in the first place.

No factor, under any circumstance, is an allowable excuse. In reality, many abusive relationships do not have only one incidence of violence, because they follow a pattern known as the cycle of abuse. Tension-building marks the start of anxiety in the relationship that eventually reaches an outburst of any form of abuse (explosion), ultimately ending in the abuser asking for forgiveness (honeymoon) as a means of lightening the previous outburst.

Though my knowledge on sexual assault and rape is still growing, I realized that this is an issue that everyone knows about on some basis, yet people do not understand the extent of its threatening nature because they think they will never be affected by it. If celebrities with immense fame and fortune cannot escape the wrathsof domestic violence, any individual is vulnerable. It is an intolerable issue that can only be prevented by spreading education of its signs, risks, and support techniques for men and women. Look out for more C.A.R.E. events in the upcoming week to engage in the solidarity for change.

Pooja Shah is a staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.

A8

THE HEIGHTS

Monday, April 12, 2010

Alone they shine, together they falter in ‘Date’

BY BRENNAN CARLEY For The Heights

Breaking free from routine: that’s all the loving but bored Phil and Claire Foster want to do on their Date Night. Tired of “enjoying potato skins and salmon” every weekend at the neighborhood pub, Phil (Steve Carell) wants to treat his wife Claire (Tina Fey) to something special. The movie itself tries to break the rut that movies in its DATE NIGHT genre so typically end Shawn Levy up in, but winds up 20th Cent. Fox providing some rehashed jokes and situations. The movie’s saving grace is the pairing of Fey and Carell, who are such brilliant improvisers and work so well as a team that the film becomes enjoyable and at times absolutely hilarious. The outtakes during the end credits showcase the wonderful film that could’ve been had director Shawn Levy let the two improvise more. As it stands, though, Date Night is a fine but formulaic film that leaves the audience wondering what happened to what have been a hilarious movie.

Phil and Claire Foster live in a tiny New Jersey town in a cozy house with two kids.

They seem to be happy enough, but that’s not, well, enough for them when they find out their best friends (a brief but wonderful Kristin Wiig and Mark Ruffalo) are headed for divorce. Both Phil and Claire take a good hard look at their life and realize how drab it all is: Phil always leaves the drawers open, Claire never lets Phil help her with anything, and they always go to the same restaurant for “date night” and order the same meal. They decide on a whim to head into Manhattan for a “sexy change” as Phil puts it, leaving the kids with the babysitter (a conniving Leighton Meester). As everyone who has seen the trailer knows, once at the restaurant, the Fosters steal someone else’s reservation, crying out “We are the Triplehorns!” The rest of the movie follows them as they are consistently mistaken for the mysterious Triplehorns (the real ones played by James Franco and Mila Kunis, irresistibly hilarious together). Along the way, they outwit thugs, pose as prostitutes, and steal cars. It leads them into contact with a perplexed detective (Taraji P. Henson, barely there), a shirtless security expert (Mark Wahlberg, having the most fun he’s had in a while spoofing himself here), and two bumbling thugs (Common and Jimmi Simpson).

The best moments of Date Night are the precious few in which Levy lets his lead actors improvise, allowing them to escape the trite, goofy dialogue that bogs them down throughout the rest of the film. While masquerading as a stripper, Claire is forced to pole dance alongside Carell, who pretends to be her “pimp daddy, man, so zip your face!” The following scene, in which the two awkwardly and charmingly gyrate their middle-aged bodies, is laugh out loud funny, accompanied by a gross-out moment from Carell that elicited shrieks of laughter from the audience. Fey and Carell are at their best in both dinner scenes, where they play “what’s their story?” about other couples sitting nearby. Fey riffs on her hilarious 30 Rock lines when she pretends to be a girl clearly bored on her date at the next table, saying nasally, “That’s really interesting, but I have to go home and fart into a box.” Their zingers come out of left field and are clearly made up on the spot, making them that much funnier.

As far as the film’s shortcomings are concerned, Date Night is just another tired movie about a tired couple that wants to reignite some sparks in their tired relationship.

The only problem is, writer Josh Klausner doesn’t bring anything new to the table. At its

Tween queens turn rock vixens

BY KRYSIA WAZNY Heights Staff

By now, most people who have heard of The Runaways, starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, have probably been informed that these two starlets have some intimate encounters in the film. If that doesn’t sound awkward enough, just imagine them snorting copious amounts of cocaine before going at it. The strangeness of watching an actress THE RUNAWAYS who can arguably Floria Sigismondi still be categorized River Road Ent. as a child star was not the only flaw in this film, however. The cinematography and visual effects may still allow it to qualify as a work of art, but the screenplay and acting were far from impressive.

The Runaways were the first all-girl rock band of the 1970s. The group was initiated largely through the efforts of Joan Jett, and provided her with the start to her hugely successful career. The film is based upon Neon Angel, the autobiography of lead singer Cherie Currie, Dakota Fanning’s character. Thus, the action focuses mainly upon the struggles of 15-year-old Cherie as she rises to international fame. After Joan approaches manager Kim Fowley with her plan for a new type of rock group, Cherie is recruited as the lead singer and for her sex appeal (never mind that all of the girls are 16 or younger). Fowley emphasizes the pressure to fit into a male-dominated industry and encourages them to sell their sexuality, and particularly Cherie’s, for better press.

Simultaneously, this 15-year-old girl must deal with a dysfunctional family, an alcoholic father, and her own drug addictions.

Dakota Fanning has grown into a truly lovely young woman, but slap a pink bow on her head and I could easily believe she is still 10 years old. She certainly isn’t wearing any bows in this film, but her child-like look still creates an issue. The real Cherie Currie looked older than her age, which probably helped alleviate the “I–feel-likea-pedophile” sensation while watching her strut her stuff on stage. However, the fault in the film has more to do with the casting than the acting. Dakota delivers the performance that was asked of her with apparent ease, but it never ceases to feel forced. She simply doesn’t fit the part.

Joan Jett, as portrayed by Kristen Stewart, rings false for entirely different reasons. This performance confirmed what Twilight audiences already suspected – Stewart is fantastic at looking moody and chronically depressed – and that’s about it.

This talent comes in handy when playing an angst-filled teenage musician, but limits the depth of her character. That being said, the plot itself only skims the surface of several serious issues in an attempt to include all of them. Painful glances and screaming substitute meaningful dialogue in most instances, causing the contributions of the actors to be even less striking.

The atmosphere evoked by the music and cinematography tells the story better than the actors in many cases. In a film so heavily focused upon an alternative art form, this proves to be a sizeable

asset. The audience is kept involved in the action through blurred pictures and unique angles, which are almost enough to keep the audience from dozing off. It is a pleasing spectacle throughout, though the flawed plot outweighs the sensory benefits.

Inconsistencies in the presentation of the plot complicate the conclusion and make it somewhat confusing. A story that progresses at a fairly steady pace over the span of The Runaways’ two-year career suddenly skips ahead several months.

This epilogue might have been excused if it wasn’t immediately followed by a second jump forward, this time over an indeterminate period of time. It seems the director wanted to give the audience a glimpse of the very different lives that Jett and Currie live in the future. A contrast that, no doubt, would have been made sufficiently evident by noting that Joan still produces music, while Cherie is a chainsaw artist. This tendency to focus fixedly upon a single scene and then link several such scenes together in the hope that a plot will emerge pervades the movie and contributes to its overall weakness.

The Runaways was a fitting name for a group of girls, really no more than children, who found themselves living adult lives, taken far from reality through their budding careers. Joan Jett survived because the music was her life and the band was her family, even as Cherie Currie floundered. The film did not do these characters justice, but it managed to express the lifestyles of the artists and the excitingly treacherous times in which they lived. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

Phil (Carell) screams at the unfortunate events that unfold during an ill-fated night out. worst, the script is a hackneyed knock-off of Scorcese’s After Hours. He lazily falls back on a commonly used line that these days is meant to be funny – the head swivel and the sarcastic “Really? Really?” Instead of giving these two comic geniuses something good to work with, he takes the easy way out and has them make weird faces at each other. It doesn’t work.

Inevitably the two will be paired up again in the future, as their work in this film together

Title

proves that they are some of the wittiest, most comically genius actors of their age.

Next time, let Fey and Carell write their own scripts. As they have proven time and time again (Fey with Mean Girls and 30 Rock, Carell with The 40-Year-Old Virgin) they are funny.

If only Date Night had been filled with more lines like “They stabbed a chicken nugget with a Sharpie! These are not good people.”

That’s the kind of movie worth watching. 

Box Office Report Weekend Gross

Weeks in release

1. Date Night

27.1

1

2. Clash of the Titans 3. How to Train Your Dragon 4. Why Did I Get Married Too?

26.9

2

25.4

3

11.0

2

5. The Last Song

10.0

2

6. Alice in Wonderland

5.6

6

7. Hot Tub Time Machine

5.4

3

8. The Bounty Hunter

4.3

4

9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 4.1

4

10. Letters to God

1

1.1

*WEEKEND GROSS FIGURES IN MILLIONS

Bestsellers of Hardcover Fiction 1. Caught, Harlan Coben 2. The Help, Kathryn Stockett 3. House Rules, Jodi Picoult 4. The Silent Sea, C. Cussler & J. Du Brul 5. Bite Me, Christopher Moore 6. Lincoln, Vampire Hunter, S. Grahame-Smith

7. Matterhorn, Karl Marlantes 8. Think Twice, Lisa Scottoline PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

9. Shattered, Karen Robards ACCORDING TO PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY

16-year-old Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart star as Cherie Currie and Joan Jett in The Runaways, based on the true story of rock and lust.

Boston Ballet ventures into the valley of the dolls

BY KRISTEN HOUSE

Arts & Review Editor Boston Ballet, with its newest production of George Balanchine’s Coppelia, is occupying the territory of story ballet.

The company is taking a break from the electrifying, more modernistic ballets with Coppelia, which is rife with traditional “ballet talk” (read: emphatic hand motions that functions like dialogue) and backed by a clearly defined plot.

The three act ballet, originally choreographed by Arthus St. Leon in 1870, was revised by many others before, almost 100 years later, artistic mastermind George Balanchine re-worked the ballet for New York City Ballet’s Repertory. The story follows the love of Frantz and Swanilda, which is complicated by the presence of a doll created by the town’s token odd-ball with a host of magical capabilities, Dr. Coppelius.

Coppelius has created a doll so lovely, so utterly real, that Frantz falls in love with her. Jealous, Swanilda hatches a plot to sneak into Coppelius’ eerie abode and investigate the inanimate usurper of her love.

Like any villain, Coppelius has a lame

leg and an uncanny ability to perceive the presence of others in his lair. He rids the place of Swanilda’s compadres, while Swanilda manages to hide herself by dressing in the clothes of the doll and playing the part to match, incidentally fulfilling the dreams of Coppelius, whose deepest wish is for Coppelia to come to life. Needless to say, when Coppelius discovers Swanilda’s ruse when she wheels out a naked, hairless doll at the end of Act II, he can now add yet another notch to the belt of societal wrongs wreaked against him.

Straying from the choreography of Balanchine is highly discouraged, if not completely illegal, under the Balanchine Trust’s watch, and thus, it’s difficult to pin the problem on choreography. I happen to miss the modernism that has been characteristic of Boston Ballet’s productions as of late. Although the sets were appropriately beautiful, with Act I’s representation of an airy town center, Act II’s dark interior with shadowy beams and stained glass windows, and Act III’s luminescent blue background with pastel ribbons and bells draped above, Coppelia had the distinct feel of Boston Ballet retreating from the

experimental progress it has made. In 10 years, I’ll remember the Japanese fairy tale adaptation debuted at World Passions, and I’ll probably forget the circle of merry townspeople performing a mazurka in Act I of Coppelia, no matter how beautiful their deep crimson folk skirts shone in the spotlight.

The shining moments of Coppelia’s opening night were the times when Swanilda (Misa Kuranaga), Frantz (Nelson Madrigal), and Swanilda’s friends abandoned the campy ballet speak and performed up tempo petit allegro combinations. Endless combinations of coupe posses, sissonnes, tour jetes, beated assembles, developpes, and emboites were performed at what seemed like the speed of sound. The corps maintained an exceedingly admirable synchronicity throughout.

The ballet had fits and starts of captivating choreography – like Swanilda and her companion’s dance with what appeared to be cattails. Swanilda’s ponchees brought her leg into a vertical line, her foot pointing well into the spotlights. In Act III’s wedding and festival scene, the festival was celebrated with the dances of Dawn (Rie Ichikawa),

Prayer (the unstoppable Lia Cirio), and Spinner (Whitney Jensen). There was even a homage to war, with the entrance of a Grecian-appareled group of men and women led by Melissa Hough and Jaime Diaz. All of these dancers wielded spears and danced compatibly fierce performances.

As a rule of thumb, ballets that don’t sustain themselves on kitschy ballet speak, with exaggerated, albeit graceful arm movements, tend to be more rewarding. Ballet, like a poem, should have little direct material, but deep meaning.

Audience members should be able to watch a series of extensions, leaps, and arm movements and gather a world of heartbreak, elation, or love.

There is a moment in Act II where Dr. Coppelius (Boyko Dossev), long accustomed to his solitude, watches Coppelia “come to life,” and Coppelius had a soft expression of deep surprise and affection that radiated to the upper balcony at this pleasant surprise. Anytime the dancers began to truly dance, I felt the same deep sense of appreciation and love that Coppelius felt for his doll. My only wish is that I could have had more of these moments to hold on to.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOSTONBALLET.ORG

Swanilda (Misa Kuranaga) stars in Coppelia.

For show times and ticket information, including student rush tickets available when accompanied by a student ID, visit www.bostonballet.org. 

Monday, April 12, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

A9

Two millenia later, memories resurface Students brighten Bapst Eurydice, From A10

right or wrong.”

Eurydice morphed from playful to morbid, yet was magical once the lead actress trekked to the underworld. Three of the devil’s goons, clad in black-andwhite-striped t-shirts with red suspenders and skeleton makeup (the work of costume designer Grace Illingsworth, A&S ’10), greet Eurydice. Known as the stones, Meghan Crosby, A&S ’12, Colleen Quigly, A&S ’12, and Clair Mathiot, LSOE ’12, fumbled and grumbled like the hyenas of The Lion King and dressed like Tweedle-Dee and Dum, barking in unison commands like, “Being sad isn’t allowed. Act like a stone.” At times, their speeches dwindled from haunting to aggravating, but like the hyenas, that was probably the point.

Emotion saturated the stage with the presence of Eurydice’s father, played by a convictive, crisp, and warm Drew Broussard, A&S ’10, who somehow convinced the audience he was a wise posthumous dad, thanks in part to his owl-framed glasses and professorial tweed jacket. Broussard’s graceful pacing and sincere inflection raised bulbous lumps in the throats of the crowd as he expressed the undying and pulsating love a father has for his daughter. In the underworld, Eurydice must relearn language and human behavior. “I tried to cry,” she lamented, “but I just drooled a little.” Her father, however, made it his mission to rekindle Eurydice’s connection with the world. To explain the concept of love, he recited, “It’s like sitting in the shade without any clothes on.” When Eurydice hesitates to

Spring Art, From A10

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Katerina Baruffi, A&S ’11, and Drew Broussard, A&S ’10, starred as Eurydice and her father in The Dramatics Society’s poignant production. return to earth, he places his hands on her shoulders and almost weeps, “You should love your family until the grapes grow dust on their purple faces.”

Beyond the acting, Eurydice elevated from intriguing to piercing with the lift of whimsical lighting, set design, heartbreaking music, and eerie sound effects.

For one, set designer Seth Byrum, A&S ’11, crafted a wondrous and amorphous set of tremendous economy. With deep purple and black curtains, a gargantuan set of silver chimes, and swirling streams of glowing midnight-blue light splattered on the floor, the set, without

shifting at all, adapted well to the play’s many scenes. The chimes served as both a postmodern sculpture in a city apartment and a portal into the underworld.

The lights on the ground marked both rivulets on the beach and the River Styx of the underworld. Sound designer John Delfino, A&S ’12, spiked the tension and anguish with moaning piano and violin battles and subtle effects – water droplets, ominous waves of noise.

In his Friday column, New York Times columnist David Brooks commended stagehands, writing, “The important things are the communal work, the

contribution to the whole production and the esprit de corps.” In Eurydice, the stagehands’ communal work orchestrated a tragic yet uplifting symphony.

Despite the national championship game, Eurydice lured a packed and energetic crowd. In a note in the playbill, Lepri wrote, “As frustratingly intangible and incomplete as our memories sometimes are, they are also our greatest treasure and promise that nothing is ever really lost forever.” Thanks to an impassioned cast and a crafty production team, the memories of Eurydice won’t soon evaporate. 

And by the virtue of power, rock!

BY WILL WATKINS Heights Staff

Two rock groups performed for a worthy cause Friday night in the Rat at the Emancipation Rocklamation. Cosponsored by R.E.A.C.T., Americans for Informed Democracy, Amnesty International, and many other groups, the event was a fundraiser and awareness event for human trafficking. Some of the statistics revealed at the event included that there are currently 27 million slaves, the human trafficking industry makes an annual profit of $32 billion dollars, and that the total size of the slavery industry has never been greater at any point in history.

Before the first group took the stage, the audience heard from a few speakers who talked about the problem and what various groups and individuals were doing to help. The event was a financial success, raising $3,000 for a safe house for victims of the sex trade. The Rat proved to be a perfect venue for a concert of this type, as it was large enough that plenty of people could fit without feeling cramped, while the stage set-up still gave everybody in the audience a very intimate performance.

The Novel Ideas were the first of the two groups to perform, consisting of four Boston area students, including singerguitarist Daniel Radin, A&S ’12. They displayed plenty of on-stage confidence without taking themselves too seriously, immediately asking the audience to stand up and then for the lights to be turned off so the crowd would feel more comfortable dancing. While their Okkervil River and Wilco-influenced music was not always the most danceable, it highlighted their

KEVIN HOU / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Daniel Radin, A&S ’12, crooned with his band The Novel Ideas in the Rat on Friday night at R.E.A.C.T.’s Emancipation Rocklamation. superb musicianship and songwriting talents. The group’s other co-lead singer and guitarist, Tufts student Alex Caplow, was always able to add melodic guitar flourishes or vocal harmonies at just the write time, and his strong stage presence served to augment the group’s performance.

Some elements that are present on their studio albums, such as strings and mallet percussion, were absent in their live performance, but the core strength of the songs easily compensated. Also making their show special was their interaction with the audience, even getting the

crowd to join them with a complex clapping part on “Shoot Straight.” Centered on the group’s two principal songwriters, Radin and Caplow, the music of The Novel Ideas avoids being too derivative of its influences while still having a defined sound. This is in large part due to the duality in its songwriting team. Radin is the mellower, more contemplative of the two, whereas Caplow contributes the more passionate, upbeat songs in the band’s repertoire. Still, they defy easy categorization and never allow any two songs to sound too similar.

Sound Revolution was the second

band to perform. Consisting of five 30somethings, the group played a set of jam band-influenced classic rock. Their musicianship was not as sharp as it could be, the vocal harmonies were sometimes off, and their songs sometimes dragged on, but the group still put on an energetic performance and had fun on stage. Lead singer and guitarist Matt Fante carried the band, and his guitar solos revealed him to be the strongest musician of the bunch. Their performance wasn’t anything special, but it kept the crowd entertained and finished up a successful fundraising event. 

auditory form on the Thursday night opening. In addition to two levels of student created artwork, ranging from photography to ceramics, students observing the artwork also witnessed the debut of the artists from the Chorduroy project, performing original work from the BC student compilation album. This celebration of student achievement in the arts is not the first such collaboration undertaken by the Art Club this semester, and the overwhelming success of these events will hopefully keep the tradition alive for semesters to come.

The lower gallery of the event featured original photographs by Mike Bell, A&S ’10, and these photos were all centered on the theme of “Social Relations.” Before the display of photos, his personal artistic statement was displayed, which stated that, “Man is a social being as well as an individual.” This theme was most poignantly expressed in the focal point piece, “The Crowd,” which is a group of large print photos featuring close-ups of Bell’s friends on campus. These beauty shot type photos captured a cast of characters as multidimensional and varied as the color filters he used. The other feature in this gallery was dozens of 4x6 snapshots from Bell’s event photo shoots and personal albums. Although at first glance these photos seem to be ordinary outtakes, when the theme “Social Relations” is considered, the scenes are revealed to be instances of social gatherings and personal interactions. Bell’s ability to find art in the every day is representative of his subtlety as an artist.

The Chorduroy project was founded

by Preston Landers, CSOM ’12, who gathered submissions of original music from student groups or individual performers, and combined them into a downloadable CD. The CD is available online at bcartclub.com and the individual tracks are also listed. Many of the performers featured in the online compilation were at the Art Club opening, and conducted their tracks on the CD and more. Many, including Rich Hoyt, A&S ’12, and Alex Layton, A&S, ’13, performed acoustic guitar-vocal covers and original work. Others, including the band CODE: motion, performed more upbeat and jazz-influenced original songs, featuring saxophones and percussion in addition to guitar-vocals. All of the artists added to the atmosphere of mingling students by providing an additional level of artistic expression.

The upper gallery featured pieces by various students in several different mediums, from photographs, to oil paintings, to sculpture. The many submissions represented the many interests of artists on campus. Outstanding pieces included “Mama Earth” a ceramic vase sculpture by Andrea Chudzik, A&S ’12, and the series of three oil-on-canvas pieces by Nina Stingo, CSOM ’12. The opening itself was packed with students admiring the artwork and jamming to tunes provided by their classmates. If you happened to miss it, head over to Bapst now to see the lower gallery feature of Mike Bell’s work and head online to download the Chorduroy album. With so much student talent on campus, there should be plenty of material for future galleries and CDs. 

Carpets & Cousteau spoofed Fleabag, from A10

baggers shifting in and out of scenes at the snap of a finger. Michael Wolf, A&S ’12, played character whose sole wish was to remove his kneecaps. Esposito became a grandfather obsessed with the position of his antenna on the top of his television. Games of intricate charades

carpets walk into a bar and the bar tender says sorry we don’t serve Mod carpets here … you’re dirty and smelly show turned out to be every bit as elecand you have beer and chips in you” tric as they had hoped, with students Wolf deadpanned. screaming from the seats, the balcoAt the end, all the Fleabaggers donned nies, and beyond exuberant ideas and their craziest tie-died neon tights and cheers. boxers and performed Toward the begina medley of re-worked ning of the show, an favorites. Rickey Maraudience member matin’s “Livin La Vida nipulated by Dave GivLoca,” for example, ler, CSOM ’11, played was warped into a a wry tennis scene. song about hooking up Later, Riley Madinwith “Your roommates cea, A&S ’11, was able younger brother” and to piece together the later “your resident death of Lady GaGa assistant.” Grease’s in an igloo by way of “Summer Lovin’” begrapes with the help came a comedic tale of of effusive “amens,” “Senior Lovin’” which “hallelujahs,” and “sawas doomed to burst tans!” and then, play into a fiery supernova the anger-manageof oblivion as quickly ment inept boss who as it started at Mary was prone to perform Ann’s. “Lucy in the bizarre acts when he KEVIN HOU /HEIGHTS EDITOR became upset, includ- For their 30th anniversary, Fleabag purchased outlandish props, like a nerf gun. Sky With Diamonds” turned into “Lucy’s ing sadistic games of naked cowboys and Indians and licking and guessing the nature of long clues With Some Guy in Edmonds,” describpieced together by the audience carried ing an ill-fated freshman from Newton’s the bottom of his castmates’ shoes. party experience.

Givler and a fellow castmate were on throughout the show.

Traditional Fleabag staples were a Rowdy? Check. Hilarious? Always. asked to reenact a scene about watching golf on television in a variety of styles, hit, as usual. Their “185 blanks walk Congratulations on an extraordinarily including that of Tim Burton and opera, into a bar…” joke, for example, was successful 30 years, My Mother’s Fleathe aforementioned quick-fire game of filled in with everything from Jacques bag! Here’s hoping for at least 185 more pan left/ pan right featured four Flea- Cousteau to Mod carpets (“185 mod to come. 

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Cabrera croons Cabrera, from A10

BC crowd, he said, “I love it here. A lot of people tend to be very reserved, but they let loose, which was good.” He appreciated the energy and excitement of the fans. Despite the cold, he stayed to talk to the fans and pose for countless pictures, showing his devotion and gratitude. His kind and down-to-earth demeanor surprised many who stayed to talk with him.

Cabrera’s backup singer Adam Blain described the BC fans warmly: “Probably the best college crowd we’ve had in all time. Usually college crowds are more subdued … You could feel on stage that everyone was enjoying it.” Adam has been working with Cabrera since early 2004, months before the release of Ryan’s first album, Take It All Away.

A shirtless group of guys in the back

spelled out “R-Y-A-N-!” on their chests.

The exclamation point, Owen Grover, A&S ’12, said, “Howard and Ryan Cabrera were great. ‘On the Way Down’ did not let me down at all.” Another fan, Mackenna Woodring, A&S ’13, said, “We love Ryan.

Howard was really good and really cute.

Ryan’s hair was in fine form.”

Currently, Cabreara is performing at various colleges. He is in the process of writing his next album, expected to come out sometime in 2011. Many people attended the concert to revel in nostalgia with the songs of Cabrera’s they grew up on, others went to see what the buzz was about, and some were merely tagalongs. Everyone, though, had a fantastic time. Dennis Carr, A&S ’11, the famed Eagles Nest piano player, put it well and said, “A home run for Nights on the Heights!” 

ARTS&REVIEW

A10

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010

NOTES ON A SCANDAL

Living with guilty bliss

Memories will lift you from hell

ALLISON THERRIEN I learned recently that my 17year-old sister has been for some time recording every single episode of the following shows: Jonas, iCarly, and Wizards of Waverly Place. I know because when I came home for Easter and, per usual, wanted nothing more than to fall onto my living room couch and vegetate, I had to scroll through about 25 of them before I could find that Tuesday’s episode of LOST. When I confronted her about this rather disconcerting matter, she was quite candid. “Explain,” I said, pointing to the evidence. She laughed. “Whatever.

It makes me happy.”

Later, she walked me through the basics of Disney’s romantic entanglements. What I managed to mentalnote is essentially that everyone dates the Jonas brothers, or at least the two available ones. It’s a colossal web of “Taylor dates Kevin” and then “Demi dates Kevin.” Miley dates Nick and then Selena dates Nick. Oh, and the girls who have dated the same JoBro hate each other. It’s basically the plot of One Tree Hill.

I actually succumbed at one point to the maddening hype that is iCarly. All I could think of at first was Miranda Cosgrove in her goodytwo-shoes, plaid-skirt-clad School of Rock role, but I tried to bypass this initial distraction and simply watch. I mean, aside from her cardboard Taylor Lautner cut-out and British boy-band fixation, my sister Lizzie is really quite tasteful. She was two rows down from me at Coldplay’s Viva la Vida tour, and she knows which One Republic songs are better than the hype. When I recommended the newest from The New Pornographers, she’d already heard it. She’s got this new ankle-boots-and-skinnyjeans look that I’m absolutely loving. iCarly wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, though the show’s boy-ofinterest is a bit questionable, and it stands to reason that Carly’s blonde friend should be sedated. Still, I’m definitely starting to recognize the fact that guilty pleasures really do inhabit a category all their own. They aren’t judged on the same criteria that anything else is. Ask me if I love Arcade Fire, and I will say yes. Ask me if I love old-school Blink-182 or anything with Ludacris, and I will also say yes, but by my inflection, you’ll know it’s a very different yes.

Lately, a few of my friends and I have been watching Mary-Kate and Ashley destination films. We’re determined to do them in order, so we’ve already breezed through a few classics: Passport to Paris, Winning London, Holiday in the Sun. This past Thursday, we watched Getting There, which I can unequivocally name as one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. Still, we laughed almost our entire way through the twins’ sappy road trip slash coming-of-age quest, feigned surprise at the disintegrated film careers of the so-called male heartbreakers of the film, and affectionately quoted some of film’s more memorable lines.

Lizzie says I’m too critical, and she’s probably right. More importantly, though, I think that I sometimes make the mistake of judging her guilty pleasures in the same way that I would judge anything, and that’s silly. If I am a compilation of my guilty pleasures, then allow me to introduce myself.

Hi, I’m Allison. This is my Lord of the Rings playing cards collection. I’m a little busy at the moment watching this wilderness documentary on grizzly bears, but if you’d like to come back later I could tell you about how I wrote part of an eighth Harry Potter book, how I spent days writing the words “I AM ORLANDO BLOOM’S BIGGEST FAN” on fan sites, and how, if you happened to drive by me on the highway, you would probably see me singing “Part of Your World” at the top of my lungs.

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

SANG LEE / HEIGHTS STAFF

An earnest and musical Tony Masero, A&S ’10, played Eurydice’s lovelorn widow in an inventive and stirring production in Bonn Studio Theater.

BY ZAK JASON

Assoc. Arts & Review Editor In a strange sequence of events, the past resurfaced on campus this weekend.

On Friday, Frankenstein-haired heartthrob Ryan Cabrera serenaded Robsham Theater, reminding us of the blissful ignorance of pre-recession radio. On Saturday,

the Eagles snatched back the national title in Detroit, reminding us that our school’s athletics do spark cause for celebration.

And throughout the weekend, Eurydice revamped a Greek myth millennia old in the Bonn Studio Theater. With style, poignancy, and economy, director Christina Lepri, A&S ’10, and an ebullient, innovative cast and production team reminded

us of the preciousness of memory and the awe-inspiring majesty of music.

The original tale, popularized around 50 B.C., seems like a dry tragedy. Eurydice and Orpheus fall in love, but Eurydice dies on their wedding night. With his sublime music, Orpheus somehow descends into the underworld to reclaim his love, on the condition that he cannot look at her

until they return to the living world. But eager and flush with love, Orpheus can’t help but sneak a peek at his wife’s face.

Hades doesn’t take kindly to this gesture, and decides to separate the two for all eternity. Super bum deal, on par with watching Spider-Man 3. But the whimsical and ambitious work of the Boston College Dramatics Society, along with the guide of playwright Sarah Ruhl’s script, revitalized Eurydice’s tale into a multi-dimensional saga of love and loss, of sobbing and giggling, where stones wear suspenders and the dead wear dinner jackets.

The pensive yet vivacious Katerina Baruffi, A&S ’11, starred as modern day Eurydice. At once she seemed both giddy with love, twirling and humming with her husband, and mired in the monotony of marriage. Seamlessly and in bare feet, she would saunter from the scene and soliloquize, making intense eye contact with the audience, with musings like, “I always thought there would be more interesting people at my wedding.”

Orpheus, played by the shaggy-haired and relentlessly earnest Tony Masero, A&S ’10, complemented and countered Eurydice with a heart grounded in music and a head moored to reason. In one of the play’s many philosophical one-liners, Orpheus cupped Eurydice’s hands and said, “I didn’t know arguments should be interesting. I thought they should be

See Eurydice, A9

Student art springs up in Bapst exhibit

KEVIN HOU / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Dan Esposito and Kellen O’Gara, both A&S ’10, zestily bring their Big Show to a close.

Fleabag turns big 3-0

BY KRISTEN HOUSE

Arts & Review Editor The traditional 30th anniversary gift is a pearl. This is a fact not lost on the Fleabagger crew which, in celebrating its 30th anniversary, bestowed many a pearl of humor on the crowd this Friday and Saturday night.

Showing no signs of aging, Boston College’s oldest improv group delivered a powerhouse Big Show in the O’Connell House, which was bedecked with sharp pictures of the group’s nine members, in full matrimonial garb, for

BY HILARY CHASSE Heights Editor

The Art Club’s annual spring gallery offered students more than the typical in the Bapst basement opening. Perhaps taking cues from the professional museum on campus, McMullen, and their tradition of opening shows to the swinging beats of BC bOp!, the student gallery in the Bapst basement was filled with student talent in both visual

the occasion.

The work of Fleabag lives and dies on audience suggestions and subsequent reactions to said suggestions.

Fleabag functions in such a way that the games are always set (freeze frame, pan left / pan right, etc.) but the material upon which they build their show is completely unscripted.

This is the last weekend of Big Shows for veteran senior Fleabaggers Dan Esposito, Keerror Colquitt, and Kellen O’Gara, all A&S ’10, and the

See Spring Art, A9

See Fleabag, A9

JORDAN MENDOZA / FOR THE HEIGHTS

Cabrera stops in on the way down

BY KATIE MOORE For The Heights

Eager fans lined up an hour early, waiting anxiously to enter Robsham Theater Friday night for Ryan Cabrera’s performance. When the doors finally opened, many excited fans quickly filled the front rows and posed for pictures with each other. Just before 9 p.m., most of the theater was jam-packed and buzzing with anticipation. Various conversations could be heard regarding Cabrera’s iconic hairstyle, everyone’s favorite songs, and the like.

The night started off with a high-energy act by Howard Jennings. His acoustic songs got the crowd singing along by the second and third choruses. He played a six-song set that included crowd favorites “Fell Into You” and “I Belong to You.” The other songs were “Where Could We Go,” “You and Me,” “Appreciate,” and “Love & Luck.” The crowd truly loved him, impressed by his talent and charm.

His infectious smile caused the audience to chant “HOW—ARD!” many times. He also received a standing ovation and was a wonderful introduction for Cabrera.

The crowd began chanting “RY—AN!”

I NSIDE ARTS THIS ISSUE

SANG LEE / HEIGHTS STAFF

Mid-2000s hearttrob Ryan Cabrera wooed a packed crowd at Robsham Theater Friday night. to hurry his entrance. Cabrera strutted out onto the stage with his backup singer, Adam Blain, and started with “40 Kinds of Sadness.” By the end of this first number, the fans had circled the stage, linking arms. Everyone enjoyed the excitement together, and those who could not get close enough to the stage danced in their

When love gets complicated by a doll.

Boston Ballet makes a leap into the realm of the story ballet with its newest staging of Coppelia.................A8

seats. Before he started the second song, Cabrera addressed the crowd, saying, “You guys are crazy!” The audience screamed in reply.

Cabrera sang a purely acoustic set including “Shame On Me” and his version of Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al.” Halfway through the song, he prompted

Rock-lamation Rocks the Rat

R.E.A.C.T. hosted the Novel Ideas and Sound Revolution, hoping to end sex slavery.............................A9

Blain to sing Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” The high-pitched satiric version of the song made the crowd go wild and join in. The number was finished with some beatboxing by the pair.

When Cabrera started playing the opening chords of “True,” the crowd literally roared. Some swayed, some clapped, but the entire theater sang along. Everyone knew the words to this early hit.

During the song “Shine On,” someone shouted to Cabrera, “YOU’RE beautiful!” in response to the lyric “You know you’re, you’re beautiful.”

Other songs in the set included “Say,” “Exit to Exit,” and “Tell It Like It Is.” The final, much awaited number was “On the Way Down.” People screamed and cheered, probably straining a few vocal chords. At times the fans sang so loudly that it was hard to hear Cabrera. Humbly leaving the stage, he received an enthusiastic standing ovation. The extremely energetic crowd unsuccessfully requested an encore.

After the concert, Ryan casually talked with fans, took pictures, and signed ticket stubs. When asked what he thought of the

See Cabrera, A9

The Runaways...............................A8 Date Night...................................A8

THE HEIGHTS

Monday, April 12, 2010

SPORTS

B1

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010

MOTOR CITY MAYHEM

Complete team effort brings NCAA trophy back to BC

BY ZACH WIELGUS Sports Editor

DETROIT — Despite holding a No. 1 seed and running up a 10-0-1 record before the Frozen Four, Boston College was not expected to bring a National Championship back to Chestnut Hill.

Top-seed Miami (Ohio) had not one, but two incredible goaltenders, finished top in the country Boston College 5 in goals-against average, and skated four 50-point scorers.

0 Likewise, fellow No. 1 seed Wisconsin Wisconsin boasted four 50-point scorers, including one on the back line in Brendan Smith, and congratulated Blake Geoffrion as the Hobey Baker Award winner the night before the title game.

BC, meanwhile, had one measly player with 50 points. The Eagles’ average age was 20 years, six months. They advertised no superstars, getting by on scoring bunches of goals to pull away from relatively mediocre Hockey East competition this year, analysts said.

It was precisely the team mentality that developed from a season spent without only a handful of players generating success that earned the Eagles a 5-0 victory over the Badgers in Saturday night’s NCAA championship game.

“I’m unbelievably excited. Just an amazing feeling,” said BC head coach Jerry York. “Our players, to win two national championships for the juniors and seniors, has never been done in Boston College history. We have a long and very storied history in all of sports, but you look at football, basketball, baseball, hockey, these guys bring two trophies back to Boston College, what a career they’ve had. It’s been a remark-

I NSIDE SPORTS THIS ISSUE

able career for the juniors and seniors.”

It was a remarkable Frozen Four for the juniors and seniors, as well. Most Outstanding Player senior Ben Smith logged three goals – including the first in both games – and an assist, junior Joe Whitney scored one goal and assisted on five others, and senior captain Matt Price sealed BC’s 5-0 win with an empty-net goal with four and a half minutes to go.

“That goal tonight, it was big for us,” Smith said of his opening score to make it 1-0 with seven minutes remaining in the first period. “Definitely. Get on the board first. You always want to score that first goal.

It was a great play by Steve. He gave me the puck and I was able to turn it and shoot it as fast I could, and it beat the goalie.”

When scoring first this season, the Eagles improved to a dominating 24-4-2 on the year, earning two of those wins against the best teams in the NCAA. Junior Brian Gibbons quietly set a physical tone against the bigger Badgers, also registering three assists in two games. Lone senior defenseman Carl Sneep organized his extremely young corps of defensemen wonderfully, as the back line constantly sacrificed its bodies to block shots and prevent pucks from reaching junior goaltender John Muse, who al-

See National Champions, B3

In the NCAAs, Muse can’t be beat

Allowing just one goal in the Frozen Four, Muse backstopped another national title...............B3

This is what it’s all about

After spending a semester steadfastly following the hockey team, nothing tops winning it all......................B3

Outside the Locker Room.............B2 Numbers to Know.......................B2

B2

Monday, April 12, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

Costello leads BC to first national ranking

BY GREG JOYCE For The Heights

Lauren Costello may have scored 157 points more quietly than any athlete in the history of Boston College.

Through her junior year, Costello racked up 157 points, and through 12 games this season, she has tallied an astounding 66 points to add to that total.

She has also led the women’s lacrosse team to the No. 19 ranking in the country, an 8-4 start, and an outside shot at making the NCAA tournament for the first time in the history of the program.

“It’s definitely the best season we’ve had so far, which is really exciting,” Costello said. “We’re coming together more as a team this year, more so than ever I’d say. A lot of the younger kids are stepping up. We have a lot more chemistry this time around. Different people are contributing, instead of one or two players.”

Costello is not the only one making a difference in the BC program, but she has also made an appearance in the national spotlight. Costello is ranked 11th in assists per game, 27th in goals per game, and sixth in points per game.

The senior from Levittown, N.Y., was unselfish, however, when talking about getting off to her hot start, attributing her success to the overall chemistry and teamwork of her teammates.

“It’s easy to work with these girls,” Costello said. “We’re best friends off the field. We’ve just enjoyed setting people up, and we all work towards each other.”

The No. 19 ranking for the Eagles is the first national ranking in team history, and a complete turnaround for the program, much thanks to Costello. Yet she doesn’t believe they are not done making history.

“We’re not settled with that because we still haven’t beaten a top team,” Costello said. “We only got there because we had a close game to Maryland, but it’s really exciting to have all our hard

ANDREW POWELL / HEIGHTS STAFF

Lauren Costello is on pace to break numerous BC records this season, as the senior also helps the Eagles to their first national ranking. work finally be noticed. We’re in such a tough conference in the country, so it’s good to be able to play these top teams all the time.”

The ACC is the top conference in the country, with four teams in the top five nationally, with BC as the fifth team nationally ranked. Facing these top teams will help the Eagles make a case for competing in the NCAA tournament in two weeks.

“It just keeps us motivated,” Costello said. “Our coach always tells us there’s so many little girls that would want to be out

in your position, playing these top teams in the country, just how lucky we are. It really is because we have the opportunity to knock off [top teams] and to get that ranking where other teams wouldn’t have that opportunity.”

The Eagles came within one goal of beating No. 2 Maryland last week, but it resulted in a 7-6 defeat. On Saturday, the team traveled to No. 4 Duke and again, lost by only one goal. But Costello and the Eagles aren’t getting down because of these tight losses to top teams.

“I think it just proved to ourselves

that we are just as good as these top teams in the country,” Costello said. “My first years, we would get blown out by these teams, and it’s nice to know that we’re finally there – we’re right there with these teams, and we have a chance to beat them. We play in the ACC tournament in two weeks, so it’ll give us another opportunity at them, which is good.”

The team will be able to count on the senior attack to give them a chance to knock off some of the best teams in the country in the ACC tournament. Costello has been dependable all season, for

goals, assists, and veteran leadership.

In last week’s game against Iona, Costello set a new BC record for assists in a game, racking up nine while leading the Eagles to a comfortable 19-5 win.

“I didn’t even know that was a record,” Costello said. “I really like setting people up more than I like scoring. Just the feeling of having everyone contribute, and getting other people who maybe don’t always score, get them the opportunity to score.”

Costello also has five game-winning goals for the Eagles through their 12 games this season.

Ever since third grade growing up on Long Island, Costello has been playing lacrosse, and even after this season is over, she will still be involved in the game. The captain will be coaching in England next year with other BC teammates.

Off the field, Costello says the thing she will remember most about her time at BC are the friendships she has developed over the last four years.

“I still talk to all the girls who graduated, even some when I was a sophomore and junior on the team,” Costello said.

“We get together over the summer, people live together in the summer, they’re all my roommates. I feel so fortunate that I was able to create such great friendships through lacrosse.”

Looking back on the past four years, Costello is just trying to enjoy her last month on the Heights, while trying to make history for her team.

“I want to look back and know that I had an enjoyable time,” she said.

“There’s been a lot of ups and downs [during] my four years. Just to know that I gave my hardest, and I’m trying now to just enjoy myself.”

With the season dwindling down and the Eagles setting their sights on the upcoming ACC tournament, as well as a possible appearance in the NCAA tournament, it will be the unselfish yet dominating play of Lauren Costello that leads BC. 

Eagles swept by UNC after hard-fought series

BY DJ ADAMS Heights Editor

SPORTS in SHORT

North Carolina fireballer Danielle Spaulding’s two complete-game performances and a three-and-a-half hour, devastating extra-inning loss composed what turned out to be the wrong series for the Boston College softball team to solve its ACC woes. The series sweep put the Eagles at 10-21 overall, and the team has yet to win a single conference match, with a dismal record of 0-9 thus far.

On Sunday afternoon, Spaulding once again perplexed the Eagle offense.

Striking out 10 and allowing just three hits and one run, she further improved her weekend numbers to that of a true ace.

BC scored in the first for the third consecutive game, as Renee Ramos nailed a home run. After that, the Eagle bats went quiet. UNC didn’t fare much better against Nicole D’Argento, though, who also pitched with fury. Despite allowing four runs over seven innings, just one was earned.

UNC took the lead in the fourth after a throwing error by D’Argento led to a two-RBI single by Christine Knauer. In the seventh, the Tar Heels scored two on timely hits and an error to reach the final score of 4-1.

If one expected Saturday’s second game to follow softball status quo, the contest would certainly have come as a shock, as it featured 30 combined hits, 10 innings of play, and several wild comebacks, culminating in a 16-9 win for the Tar Heels.

The Eagles started off the scoring in the bottom of the first when UNC’s second baseman booted an Amy Tunstall grounder and D’Argento treaded all the way from second to cross home plate.

UNC was quick to answer in the second, though, with back-to-back home runs off D’Argento by Kelli Wheeler

and Ally Blake to start the inning. In the third, the Tar Heels added to their total when Stephanie Murad showed patience at the plate and stroked an outside pitch the other way down the right-field line for an RBI triple.

BC retaliated in the third, stringing together three singles by Gemma Ypparila, Tunstall, and Blair Destito to take back the lead, 4-3. Yet once again, the Eagles only protected their advantage temporarily. The very next frame, Spaulding was called upon to pinch hit for once and answered the request, smashing a two-run blast over the center field wall to kill BC’s momentum and taking control, 5-4.

D’Argento finished the inning and exited the game with an unfortunate line of seven hits, five runs, and two walks allowed over just four innings.

Allison Gage was the replacement, and turned in a much different affair than her predecessor. Gage did not concede one UNC hit over her first two innings of work. But in the top of the seventh, clinging to just a one-run deficit, Ypparila botched a grounder to short that eventually caused four unearned runs. Murad brought in two with a oneout single to center, and three batters later, Cara Vitale cleared the base paths with a double down the line.

Although facing a five-run deficit, BC didn’t succumb to defeat. UNC pitcher Amber Johnson had fared well so far, but the inning started with five straight Eagles reaching base, including a tworun home run by third baseman Dani Weir, her second round-tripper of the doubleheader. Johnson was then yanked for Constance Orr, who didn’t fare much better.

With the bases loaded and one out, Ali Lynette-Krech grounded into what looked like an easy out, but it was botched by Tar Heel Christine Knauer and allowed for Ramos to score, decreas-

Outside the Locker Room Kyle McCartan Sophomore, Golf

What’s your favorite movie?

The Guardian. It just portrayed the Coast Guard as an actual, fighting-the-elements type of national security, which some people took for granted.

What’s the thing you miss the most about Texas?

How about consistent sunshine? I definitely miss that for sure.

If you could golf at one course in the world, where would it be?

The Heights caught up with sophomore Kyle McCartan about the golf team’s season, the Masters, and his home state of Texas.

Augusta National. It’s one of the most selective courses, and there’s so much history there. It would be my dream win.

Who did you want to win the Masters?

How do you think the golf team will do at ACCs?

I wanted Tiger to win because I love the comeback story. Rooting for the guy to battle through the adversity.

We’re hoping we’re peaking at the right time. If all goes well, we’ll snap off Maryland and get a 10th place finish.

KEVIN HOU / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Senior Dani Weir hit two home runs in the Eagles’ Saturday doubleheader against UNC, but it was not enough, as BC dropped both games. ing BC’s run debt to two. Maria Pandolfo followed with a single to left that scored Tunstall, and Ypparila batted into a fielder’s choice to bring home Destito, knotting the score at nine and sending the game into extra frames.

The additional innings ran all the way until the 10th, when BC’s defense collapsed yet again. Consecutive errors

by Rene Delagrammaticas at short and Destito at first opened the door for UNC to take over the game. Successive tworun singles by Murad and Wheeler put the Tar Heels lead at 13-9, then Blake and Brittany Robinson hit a pair of homers to reach UNC’s final tally of 16.

The last 11 runs BC allowed were unearned due to costly errors, and the usually steady defense conceded six over the three-game series.

“We will have to focus on [defense] and clean it up,” said head coach Jennifer Finley.

The first game of the series looked much like the last, as Spaulding shut down the Eagle attack again by rendering just two hits and fanning 16 Eagle batters in her complete game. Over 14 total innings this weekend, she allowed two runs on five hits, earning two wins for her efforts.

Weir, despite a towering home run

Numbers to Know

11

in the first, was the lone bright spot on offense, though the Eagles remained in the game due to some good pitching on their end as well by Gage. Gage scattered five hits and three runs over five-plus innings, but the Tar Heels added a run in the seventh inning to put the game out of reach, and give UNC a 4-1 victory.

Despite another ACC series sweep, Finley liked what she saw in her club against a very talented UNC squad.

“I think playing as hard as we did, the pitching today I thought overall was pretty good, and if we play our defense, which is usually tough, we should do all right,” she said. 

Game to Watch Baseball

Combined scoring margin of the BC men’s hockey team in the Frozen Four. The Eagles scored 12 goals in two games, while only allowing one.

37

Saves recorded by BC goalie John Muse over BC’s two Frozen Four wins. Muse is now 8-0 in the NCAA tournament.

101

Games won by BC’s senior class of Matt Price, Matt Lombardi, Ben Smith, and Carl Sneep.

Harvard vs.

Boston College

The BC baseball team plays in its version of the Beanpot, which begins Wednesday in Brockton, Mass. The Eagles will take on Harvard in the first round, while second-round games will be played April 21. The Crimson are currently 10-17, and most recently were swept by Columbia. The Eagles, who just took a series against Maryland, will look to claim victories against their rival Boston schools.

Wednesday, 3 p.m.

The Heights

Monday, April 12, 2010

B3

Every piece fits in NCAA title run National Champions, from B1

lowed just one goal in two contests.

“They did a tremendous job of getting in our shooting lanes,” said Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves. “We couldn’t get pucks to the net. They blocked a ton of shots. That was one thing they did really well.”

What the Eagles also did really well – just as they have all season long – was rely upon the entire team to leg out a victory. The NCAA championship game was a 1-0 affair heading into the third period.

No one person was going to win or lose the game for BC, and it showed when the Eagles broke the game open.

Underclassmen Cam Atkinson and Chris Kreider showcased their blazing speed to pot three goals in six minutes to transform a tight contest into a blowout.

“Well, it’s definitely one of their strengths,” said Badger defenseman Ryan McDonagh. “We knew that coming in. I thought we did a pretty good job handling it in the beginning of the game. They got around us a couple times and made us pay. No question about it.”

It wasn’t just one Eagle who made the Badgers pay, it was the entire team. And the National Champions wouldn’t change a thing about that.

“Everyone’s kind of on the same page,” Price said. “We’re all team guys, and everyone wants to be the best and strives to help each other. So I think that’s been huge for our career. And it’s been nice to be

successful. I think all our hard work goes into it. And playing alongside these guys in my class has been something special.

“On the ice and just the friendships off the ice, it’s a special group of guys.”

The cohesiveness, whether seen for ingame strategy or off-the-ice pranks, started with the man who gleefully welcomed questions about his fourth national title and 850th career win. York has kept the Eagles’ eyes on their preseason goal from the very beginning, and it kept BC from straying from the gameplan the players like to call “Eagle Hockey.”

“Coach all year has been so good at keeping things positive, just keeping it all in perspective,” Smith said. “And I think in that second period we were up 1‑0, and we made a couple of fixes to say, ‘Hey, pay attention to this, small details.’ It really paid off for us because we were able to stay cool under pressure and take it to Wisconsin there in the third.”

The game’s camaraderie remained all the way to the energized plane ride back to Chestnut Hill. A connection exists among this team – a team full of the nationally unrecognized – that propelled them from a projected third-place finish back to national champions.

“The guys that we have in the locker room are one of a kind. A lot of weirdos,” Muse said. “That’s coming from me, the goalie. It’s a fun group to be with. It’s a group that I’d love to play with for the rest of my life. And it’s just been – it’s been an awesome year.” n

This is what it’s all about Zach Wielgus

alex trautwig / heights editor

From Cam Atkinson (top) to the seniors (bottom), BC utilized every part of its team to win it all.

Big games bring out the best in Muse

alex trautwig / heights editor

John Muse screams in celebration as the horn sounds on BC’s shutout win over the Badgers.

By Zach Wielgus Sports Editor

DETROIT — He’s never been selected as an all-Hockey East team selection. At the end of the Frozen Four, he was barely in the top 15 nationally in goals-against average. In fact, he wasn’t even the No. 1 goaltender on his own team for the entire season.

But after shutting out Wisconsin, 5-0, to win his second national championship in three years, John Muse reminded

everyone that when the season is on the line, he’s not going to miss much.

“He doesn’t get any All‑American awards or First or Second Team in our league, but if you’re picking a goaltender to win a money game, you have to go with John Muse,” said head coach Jerry York.

The junior goaltender who helped carry Boston College to a national championship in his freshman season displayed the same calm demeanor in net and uncanny ability to make jaw-

dropping saves returned to form against Miami (Ohio) and Wisconsin in this year’s Frozen Four, stopping 37 shots and allowing only one goal in two games.

Despite a lopsided final score, the Badgers came a few inches away from establishing a lead of their own until the Eagles sharply pulled away early in the third period.

Eight minutes into the first period, Wisconsin’s Michael Davies nearly put his team up first. Two Badgers broke out on a counterattack and blitzed BC defensemen Brian Dumoulin and Patch Alber. As Ben Street raced up the right side of the ice, he sent a perfectly timed cross in front of the crease to the stick of Davies.

Muse, however, read it the whole way.

He slid to his right and stuffed the redirect with his right pad, preserving the scoreless tie.

“That was an unbelievable save,” said captain Matt Price. “I remember that vividly. Johnny’s been a rock all year for us, especially this playoff run. He’s played unbelievable.

“I think a ton of your momentum is generated from the back end there with Johnny, and that I think that was huge.

Coming back from the bench, seeing the energy of the boys on the bench, I think we just feed off that.”

Five minutes later, the Eagles turned that energy into a 1-0 lead. Steven Whitney gathered the puck at the blue line and zipped a pass into the middle of the Wisconsin zone, where Ben Smith was waiting. Before two Badger defensemen could react, Smith sent a quick wrister at the net, going five-hole on goaltender Scott Gudmandson for a power-play goal.

Instead of tying a game that could have easily been favoring the Badgers, Smith’s third goal of the Frozen Four put the Eagles up by a goal. That was all thanks to game-saving saves by Muse.

“Wisconsin was really taking it to us there in the first few minutes,” Smith said. “And John really just stayed in there and obviously made some huge

saves. That gave us momentum, and we got on the power play and the puck went in. That was definitely a huge moment in the game.”

Muse remained solid in net for the remainder of the game, turning away Wisconsin’s patented slap shots from the blue line and thwarting odd-man rush opportunities to preserve a 1-0 lead into the final period. The second-best offense in the nation at 4.07 goals per game, the Badgers found no answer for Muse in a physical second period, during which Wisconsin outshot BC, 9-6.

Now 8-0 in the NCAA tournament with a sub-2.00 goals-against average and 17-1 in the postseason overall, Muse looms largest when the lights are brightest. Despite these sterling statistics, he will never be the one to sing his praises.

“It’s really not only me,” Muse said. “It’s everyone in the locker room. You can see how everybody’s blocking shots.

When I let up a rebound, my defense is right there to clear it out of the way. We get tremendous back pressure all game long from our forwards. And you know when they get the puck in the zone, our defense and forwards break the puck out the best in the country.

“I can’t take any of the credit, really, when I get 20 shots a game.”

Price and Smith were quick to correct Muse’s modesty.

“You think what John’s been through in the last year,” Smith said. “Even after his recovery, in February he was the backup to Parker [Milner], and he just kept pushing and pushing, and he got his chance and he just ran with it. And 8‑0 is pretty impressive.”

“Johnny is way too modest,” Price said. “I’ve said it over and over again, the guy’s a performer in big games. He’s such a competitor. When the lights are brightest, he shows up. You’ve seen how many goals against him in the Frozen Four? One. That’s not bad.”

Not bad at all. In fact, it was more than good enough to win BC a national championship. n

alex trautwig / heights editor and rachel gregorio / heights photo illustration

I stood, as I always do, gazing at the ice below me.

Perched high in the press box, removed from the visible emotion and audible exclamations, I possessed the bird’s-eye view perfect for poignant reflection after every game.

I have had the joy of watching the men’s hockey team circle up to the sultry instrumentals of “Alma Mater,” proudly crashing their sticks to the ice as the band’s final note draws to a close.

I have felt the smile break across my face seeing the Eagles erupt in celebration after wins in the Beanpot, Hockey East championship, and Northeast Regionals.

But nothing compared to what I had the privilege of witnessing in Detroit.

Helmets were ripped off, sticks flung into the air, and shouts of pure euphoria carried from the AstroTurf-turned-ice of Ford Field all the way up to the deserted press box. Once again, I couldn’t help but stand at my seat, my heart aflutter with pride that Boston College, my team, had done it.

It was a fairy tale ending to a dream season that, as an eternal sports pessimist, I never imagined would come true.

Miami and Wisconsin were bigger and more experienced. They just seemed to have something we didn’t.

Clearly, and thankfully, I was very wrong. I finally tore myself away from the endless stream of hugs and handshakes, knowing I needed to make my way to the press conference.

As I walked through the concourse, dodging dejected Badger fans and the elated Eagle faithful, my mind raced.

Covering – a fancy term for cheering on with the added stipulation that I get to write an article on the game – the hockey team has been my life for the second semester. And now it was all flooding back.

Listening to the crackly feed over BC radio of their game at Denver, a painful late collapse and 4-3 loss. Cutting my winter break short so I could witness the 6-1 thrashing of Maine in person. Battling Boston drivers on the way to the TD Garden three different times (never leaving disappointed), and getting my roommate’s car towed in the process of catching the team’s away game at Northeastern. Spending a day in Worcester and three days in the Motor City to cap off three months of weekend nights spent with BC’s best team.

We did it. I can’t believe it, but we actually did it. I had seen their last loss in person, and had been along for the unbelievable ride of 12-0-1 to finish the season.

It began with an interview with Brian Gibbons and Cam Atkinson in October, with Cam telling me, “I am going to have a breakout year. There’s no doubt about it.” Thirty goals later, I’d say so.

It continued with personal interviews with Ben Smith, Brian Dumoulin, Philip Samuelsson, Matt Price, and Jerry York, which raced through my head as intermittent images and unforgettable quotes. Dozens of press conferences tied me to this team. It was like I knew these guys.

And in a sense, I did. Certainly, these 23 men are more than the hockey sweaters they have donned twice a week since Oct. 18, but, outside of grabbing breakfast with them at Hillside, I had seen them in their element. At their best and their worst, in triumph and defeat, I was a part of the phenomenal season that brought an NCAA championship back to Chestnut Hill.

I caught the landing out of the corner of my eye. As I was about to descend down the ramp toward the media workroom, a gated nook overlooking the ice waited empty, beckoning for a brief stop.

So, I obliged. The team still gathered as a mass of maroon and gold on the ice, whooping and roaring, passing the trophy from one Eagle to the next, undulating with the swagger of a newlycrowned champion.

And there I stood, my eyes welling up with tears. There is no better reward for the accumulated weeks of research, coverage, writing, and emotional investment than seeing your team win it all.

As strangers came up beside me and snapped photos, I merely stood, refusing to wipe my eyes of the most honest showing of happiness there is.

After all, this is what it’s all about.

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

B4

Monday, April 12, 2010

THE HEIGHTS

Harmon, Maryland smother Eagles in finale

BY JAKE BURG Heights Staff

Boston College (15-16, 6-9 ACC) finished its day at the plate the way it started it: striking out.

Despite a solid five-inning, onerun effort from starting pitcher John Leonard and a 4 Maryland serviceable perBoston College 2 formance by the Eagles’ bullpen, BC was unable to produce enough hits to keep up with the Maryland Terrapins (13-21, 4-11 ACC) in the final game of its weekend series, losing 4-2.

“It was not one of our better offensive days,” said head coach Mik Aoki. “I don’t think we really did a good job at much of anything.”

The Eagles only managed to scatter six hits against Maryland starting pitcher Brett Harmon (4-4), who tossed a complete game and scorched BC for a career-high 12 strikeouts. Harmon, the Terps’ workhorse, relied heavily on his breaking pitches to fool Eagles’ hitters for the entire game. He threw 114 total pitches, whipping 75 of them across the plate for strikes.

“I don’t think we were very competitive in the box today,” Aoki said. “But you also have to give Harmon a lot of credit. He’s a kid that’s beaten some really good teams. He certainly bested us today.”

The only offensive bright spots of the day for BC were two solo home runs by catcher Matt Watson in the bottom of the fourth and right fielder John Spatola in the bottom of the sixth.

Maryland’s bats were decisively more alive than Eagles’, and the Terps managed to break out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. After Leonard hit Maryland’s leadoff man, Alfredo Rodriguez, he managed to settle down and get the next two outs.

With a runner on first due to a fielder’s choice groundball to short, the Terps’ center fielder Matt Marquis stepped up to the plate. Marquis promptly roped a hit down the first base line. Spatola played the carom off the corner of the right field wall, but could not get the ball in on time before the run crossed the plate, and Marquis was on second with an RBI double.

Leonard managed to work out of the early jam thanks in large part to a nice diving catch by center fielder Robbie Anston for the final out of the inning.

In the bottom of the second, the Eagles had their best offensive chance.

BC had runners on first and second with

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

The baseball team couldn’t get out from under the dominant pitching of Brett Harmon in Sunday’s 4-2 loss. The two runs came off a pair of solo shots from Matt Watson and John Spatola. no outs, and designated hitter Mike Sudol came up to bat. Sudol attempted to lay down the bunt twice to move the runners over, but fouled the pitches off both times. With two strikes, Sudol was swinging away. As Harmon began to throw, both runners took off.

Harmon threw a nasty breaking pitch to get Sudol out swinging. With both runners going, Maryland’s catcher Jack Cleary made a heads up play and threw it down to third base to get the tag out, completing the strike ’em out, throw ’em out double play.

Harmon then struck out third baseman Anthony Melchionda looking to finish off the inning, putting an end to the Eagles’ threat before they could get

anything started.

After five innings of work, in which he allowed only one run and one hit, Leonard was pulled in order to keep his arm healthy.

“I thought Johnny [Leonard] pitched really well,” Aoki said. “Hopefully we can continue to build him back a little bit.

Next week he will be limited again, but I thought he did great.”

Chris Kowalski came in to relieve Leonard, but wound up struggling, allowing four hits and two runs in only two-thirds of an inning.

Aoki pulled Kowalski and put in relief pitcher Kevin Moran to help the Eagles get out of the sixth-inning jam. With two outs and two runners on, Moran

only had to throw four pitches to induce a shallow fly ball to the outfield to end the inning.

Spatola responded to Maryland’s two-run sixth inning with a solo shot down the left field line to cut the Terps’ lead to 3-2. But that was all the offense that BC’s struggling bats were able to manage for the rest of the day.

“Our hitting has been really, really up and down this season, which is not something I expected,” Aoki said. “Some guys are pressing and maybe trying to do a little too much. I think our guys just need to relax and let their ability take over.”

While the pitching staff, minus Kowalski’s struggles, was able to perform, the

Eagles were unable to put forth a complete effort, resulting in the 4-2 loss.

“I was a little disappointed with our effort today,” Aoki said. “We had a chance to go above .500, and a chance to be one game under .500 in the conference, and really give ourselves an opportunity to create some momentum, and I thought we really just took a step back today.”

The loss was a microcosm of the Eagles’ entire season so far: one aspect of their game clicking, the other failing.

“We’re improving a little bit,” Aoki said. “But I feel like we’re taking a couple of steps forward and then always kind of stubbing our toe and taking a step back.” 

BC steals doubleheader with walk-off RBI single

BY MATTHEW ROSSMAN For The Heights

A doubleheader between the Boston College and Maryland baseball teams finished with a dramatic flair. BC outfielder Rob Moir Boston College 5 slapped a walk-off pinch-hit 4 Maryland single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Eagles over the Terrapins, 5-4.

Down 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Mickey Wiswall stepped to the plate and launched his ninth home run of the year to tie the game at four and give BC the chance to steal a win.

In the bottom of the tenth, still tied at four and a runner on first, Eagle Garret Smith bunted the ball back to the pitcher for an intentional sacrifice. Maryland sidewinder Dan Gentzler attempted to throw the runner out at second base, but threw the ball into centerfield. That put runners on the corners with no outs instead of just second with one out, setting the stage for Moir’s eventual game-winner.

“I didn’t really like the way we played offensively through the first seven innings or so, as we let a lot of opportunities pass us by, but I do think it is a sign of good things when you can win a game even though you struggled offensively,” said head coach Mik Aoki.

In the bottom of the fifth, the first two batters for the Eagles reached base on a single and a walk, but the Eagles failed to push a run across the plate. Even with the offensive difficulties, the Eagles managed to pull off their second victory of the day behind a solid performance from pitcher Tyler Lasko, who gave up just three runs in 6.2 innings of work, and a handful

of spectacular plays in the field.

With Maryland threatening in the top of the fifth, BC right fielder John Spatola made a diving catch to preserve the 1-0 BC lead. In the top of the sixth with the Terrapins threatening for more after going ahead 3-2, center fielder Robbie Anston made a spectacular diving catch to end the inning. Running a long way, Anston, with his back to home plate, robbed Maryland’s catcher Jack Cleary of an extra base hit that would have put the Terrapins up three runs.

The first game of the afternoon was less nervewracking, as the Eagles won 4-0 behind the outstanding performance of pitcher Mike Dennhardt, who pitched a complete game, allowing only six hits and two walks. Dennhardt improved his record to 2-5, and dropped his ERA from 9.51 to 7.28.

Dennhardt said he felt good and was keeping the ball low, which helped stymie the Maryland offense. “I worked all week with our pitching coach on some mechanical issues, which obviously paid off,” he said.

“I think Mike did a great job of keeping the ball down, and this was really the first time he was pitching as opposed to just throwing,” Aoki said.

Errors clearly hurt the Terrapins in the first game of the afternoon. In the bottom of the third inning, Melchionda hit a fly ball to right that should have been the first out of the inning, but Melchionda reached second when Maryland right fielder Jon Wilson dropped the ball. Melchionda would later score on BC’s first hit of the game, a single to left by shortstop Brad Zapenas.

That was the only run the Eagles would need, as the Terrapins could do nothing to counter Dennhardt’s best pitching performance of the season. 

ALEX TRAUTWIG / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Shortstop Brad Zapenas and the baseball team used sound defense to twice take care of Maryland on Saturday.

The Heights

Monday, April 12, 2010

B5

Ex-wideout adjusts to life as defensive end

By Nick Loury For The Heights

Ifeanyi Momah used to be the quarterback’s best friend. Now, he is trying to become the quarterback’s worst nightmare.

As a 6-6 wide receiver, Momah was an easy target to find when the pocket broke down and was always a threat to score in the red zone.

After moving to the defensive line, he intends to be a towering presence that disrupts offenses.

It is never easy to change positions, particularly when changing from offense to defense. This is not a simple shift, as it requires a completely different perspective. Instead of avoiding tackles, Momah will now be making them.

Instead of trying to make first downs, he will now be trying to prevent them. Momah, however, is taking it all in stride.

“It’s been a smooth transition so far, but it’s a big difference from receiver,” he said. “I’m taking it pretty well, and the coaches are taking me in with open arms.”

Normally, when an offensive player changes to defense, they take on the role of their counterpart. For example, fullbacks become linebackers and receivers become cornerbacks. Momah is too tall to play cornerback, so the

coaches decided he would be best utilized on the defensive line.

One of the biggest differences between wide receiver and defensive end comes from the contrast in physicality between the two positions. Receivers operate on the periphery of the action, while linemen are firmly entrenched in the most violent part of the field. The battles in the trenches between offensive and defensive linemen epitomize the stereotypical brutality of football.

Defensive players also must have a different state of mind than those on offense because they do not know the play ahead of time. The offense tries to execute plays with the utmost precision, while the defense is left to instinctually react. There is an especially stark contrast between the mentality of wide receivers and defensive linemen. Where a wideout focuses on meticulously running a predetermined route, a defensive lineman has to quickly react to the offense and pursue the ball with controlled rage and intensity.

Despite the differences, Momah has been able to take some elements of a wide receiver and apply them to the defensive end.

“Basically, the speed from [receiver],” Momah said. “A couple

of moves, like the swim move and rip move, [but] it’s a whole different mentality where you have to be physical every play instead of finesse.”

The demanding nature of his new position has also changed the approach Momah has taken to workouts. He already has topnotch athleticism and length for a defensive end, so he is working on getting stronger to help him fight for space in the trenches.

“I try to lift a lot more now,” Momah said. “I try to keep up with the other defensive linemen and defensive players who lift about six times a week.”

There is a reason that runstopping behemoths like the 300-pound Vince Wilfork play on the line, with the tall, lithe players at receiver. Wide receivers do not want to add too much weight because they must retain their speed and flexibility. On the other hand, defensive linemen want to add as much weight and strength as possible so they can compete with the offensive linemen.

As he continues to get stronger and learn the intricacies of the defensive line, Momah will add depth to a talented Boston College defense. In addition to Momah, the defense will add early enrollee freshman Kevin Pierre-Louis and

heights file photo

The Eagles are hoping Momah is as difficult to wrap up in pass rush as he was running routes as a wide receiver. get former ACC Defensive Player of the Year Mark Herzlich back after his battle with cancer. The Eagles are looking to dominate games on the defensive side of the ball like they did in 2008, which led to an ACC championship berth. As shown by his willingness to change positions, Momah wants to do whatever he can to help the

Eagles win their first championship after losing in the title game twice in the last three years.

“I want to help the team out any way I can so that we can get back to the ACC Championship and win,” he said. “[I am going] to follow the leaders on our defense and learn as much as I can from the other defensive linemen so

heights file photo

Momah was an effective target at wide receiver for Boston College in 2008, but with a deep unit returning, the 6-6 junior was converted to a defensive end and sat out 2009 as a redshirt.

The drama of the Masters Daniel Popko The Masters is the first sign that golf is actually here. It’s the start of spring, and watching it sure makes you think, “This is the year I get my handicap down to single digits.”

It’s not.

Still, the drama of Amen Corner and the green jacket is too good to pass up. Do a running diary? Why not?

Over-Under on number of Tiger jokes: 4.5 4:48 p.m.: KJ Choi clearly does not care about playing with Tiger for all four days, as the man is playing out of his mind.

Plus, Choi used to be a competitive power lifter, so he’s got that going for him, which is nice.

4:53 p.m.: I’m loving the fact that Freddy Couples has no back, is wearing slippers, and still blasts the ball over 300 yards. He is one of my favorite golfers. He seems like the kind you could just hang out with during a tailgate and slug a couple of Natty’s. You know, if it weren’t weird drinking 50-cent beers with a 50-year-old pro golfer who’s made millions. Your call.

4:55 p.m.: Phil Mickelson is now forced to punch out from deep in the shrubbery, somewhere I find myself way too often. That’s what makes golf so much fun …

Never mind, Phil nearly greened it. Let’s just say I wouldn’t have.

5:03 p.m.: Couples in the water – that could spell the end.

Right Said Fred with the wrong shot choice there. Tough to go for that pin with a Sunday placement on the water-filled 12th.

5:09 p.m.: So Eldrick Woods just hit a shot from in the trees that kept him in the trees. Second shot? Tiger then hit it through the branches to within eight feet. The man is not human.

5:14 p.m.: The short stick has been killing everybody today – except KJ. He could wind up with a three-stroke victory before anyone notices. Anthony Kim has also been rolling them in, making a late run sending my friend Hirsh into an absolute roar. He loves him some AK. 5:19 p.m.: The Phil collapse hasn’t happened. Maybe it’s the fact he’s looking trim. The need

for a manziere is minimal ... at least this week.

5:24 p.m.: Hirsh was just awoken to a frightening volume

by Anthony Kim’s eagle and proceeded to break out a caddie-level awkward fist pump in celebration. Kim now sits at 11under after two birdies and that eagle. He’s one behind Choi and Phil but will post his number early and apply the pressure.

5:27 p.m.: Whoever made the decision to put a mic on Tiger is a genius. We just got a solid, “God! Ti-Ger!!” Almost as good as yesterday’s, “Tiger Woods, you suck.” Talking in the third person just sounds ridiculous. Popko’s ready for some more Tiger sound bites.

5:35 p.m.: Anthony Kim is absolutely unconscious with his putter. Drained it from about 20.

Hirsh’s phone is now blowing up with congratulations for his boy’s success. The level of one-sided bromance is at an all-time high.

I’m starting to feel this run, too.

5:36 p.m.: And AK just hit his tee shot onto the wrong hole.

I should stop talking now.

5:43 p.m.: Phil and AK both in the woods, and Phil just hit the shot of his life. From behind a tree in the pine straw through a gap about four-feet wide to within five feet … for eagle. Let’s see if AK, or anyone else for that matter, has it in them to top that.

5:52 p.m.: I spoke too soon on Phil. Just missed a putt I would have taken as a gimmie. In other news, I am not 14-under at the Masters. Tiger just three-putted from eight feet, and golf’s big boys are leaving strokes on the green.

6:08 p.m.: Anthony Kim drains a 15-footer for par on 18 – the man put on a putting clinic today, shooting a 65 – and posts the clubhouse lead of 12-under. Only problem is Phil is two strokes ahead, and he and Westwood are on the par 5, 15th that Tiger just put home an eagle on. It’s looking like AK is going to need some luck. Hirsh is slightly more subdued now.

6:16 p.m.: At this point, it’s Phil’s tournament to lose, but he has choked before. He probably still has nightmares about Winged Foot. Hirsh thinks he’ll pull it out, and I think he has

one more epic choke job in him, but it’s tough to see it coming today. I’d love to see him come back to AK, but honestly, Westwood is the only one who can catch him, and he had the look of defeat on his face six holes ago. There are just not enough streaking golfers out on the course at this point.

6:19 p.m.: Lee Westwood also cannot putt, Phil’s lead is three, and I’m going to have to call it.

The water on 16 and a Westwood ace is about all that could change that right now. No matter what, Lee is guaranteed another great finish. He has gone second, third, third in the past three majors. That is insane.

6:33 p.m.: The final pairing goes par-par on 16, and a threeshot lead with two to play looks too tough to overcome. Phil would need to channel his inner Jean Van de Velde to lose this now.

6:35 p.m.: Tiger’s on 18, so I need to say this now: If the Masters were at Bethpage Black, is there even a chance he returns?

It would be absolutely brutal.

He got destroyed by masses of drunk New Yorkers for taking out an umbrella when it was raining.

Become a sex addict, and he’d never stand a chance.

6:39 p.m.: Tiger finished with a 69 as America chuckles.

He’s out of it. Westwood needed a miss from Phil, but no luck, as Phil is draino. Up two with just one hole left. He is about to play the most conservative hole of his life. Three wood it is.

6:53 p.m.: Westwood just misses, and needs a Phil fourputt for the win, and … nothing but the bottom of the cup. Birdie.

Three-stroke win, and now it’s just signing the scorecard and time for the peoples’ champ, Angel Cabrera, to present the blazer.

7:09 p.m.: Phil is rocking an epic farmer’s tan and mullet combo, and now he has his third green jacket. What a solid four days. Very few people could be mad at Phil winning. Plus, Freddy Couples competed, and Anthony Kim had a four-hole coming-out party.

Daniel Popko is a staff columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at sports@bcheights.com.

that I can play to the best of my ability. I want to take as much as I can [from the team leaders] so that next year I can be a leader as well.”

The first glimpse of the 2010 version of the defensive unit came in the team’s first spring scrimmage on Saturday. It also marked the first time Momah had an opportunity to play defensive end against live competition, and the first time he had played defense since playing linebacker at John Glenn High School on Long Island.

“I had a pretty good scrimmage,” Momah said. “At first I felt a little nervous because it was the first time I had played defense since high school. Once I got in the rhythm of things, it went pretty well.”

Momah’s transition is both a mental and physical one. As he learns more about playing defensive end, he will become more comfortable and become a valuable part of a promising Eagles defense.

Yet, even before his first game, he will be the only lineman in the conference known not just for his tackles and sacks, but also the soft hands of a receiver. n

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THE HEIGHTS

Monday, April 12, 2010

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 12, 2010

Heights Senior Staff

Back when Facebook applications were new and everyone seemed to have a 100 boxes on their profiles, I added one called “where I have been” and selected just about every country in Europe for the “where I want to go” category. I wanted to see it all, and had since a young age.

I always read historical fiction and loved history in school. After being introduced to Greek mythology in elementary school, I wanted to see the ruins of the ancient temples.

Upon delving into the world of the Holocaust, I decided a trip to a concentration camp was in order.

Then I found Tudor England, and I needed to see the Tower where Elizabeth sat, unsure of her fate.

Finally, there was Rome: the republic that inspired our own government, the ancient empire that took over the entire Mediterranean plus some. I

knew I had to go.

I made a list before I left home of all the places I wanted to visit during the 16 weeks I had in Europe and added to it once I got here. But I didn’t want to miss out on Rome, my clear favorite. My friends shook their heads – surely there was no way to tackle the list.

Well, I have checked off (or have plans to) most of it. A few cities did not make the final cut, but the best places may be the ones that I’ve added. A trip to Istanbul, for example, never crossed my mind until a professor mentioned a trip he was planning for students over spring break. Wait a moment …

Istanbul? The city that was the center of the Western Roman Empire, the Byzantines, the Ottomans, and modern Turkey? I have to go.

Suddenly, instead of touring Spain for spring break, I was visiting Greece and Istanbul with a few friends – one a site I had long wanted to see, and

the other an added bonus that had never occurred to me. I loved Greece.

After all, I am an ancient civilizations minor who has been reading Greek mythology for what feels like forever.

But Istanbul may have been even better, because I never expected it.

Never having been to an Arabic country, I did not know what I would find. Would everything stop for the call to prayer? Would I have a hard time as a woman? Should I wear a scarf over my hair? Granted, Istanbul is a modern westernized city, but what is the balance between western and Arabic? It turns out, I would be just fine as long as I kept my wits about me.

The Blue Mosque demonstrates everything I had learned about Islamic architecture, and its sharp contrast to the Christian churches to which I am accustomed intrigued me. The Hagia Sofia fascinated me with its combination of the two – not many places have a mithrab to show the direction of Mecca and mosaics of Christ. The people were friendly, and the nightlife was fun. The baths were one of the most unique experiences and, though a bit awkward at first, so relaxing. I may have missed this city entirely, but happened upon a mentioning of it and loved visiting it.

That is one of the amazing things about this experience. I would never hear about a trip from Boston to Istanbul and think, “oh, that might be cool, I should try it.” The cost, time, and effort would not be worth the uncertainty. But, being so close, it was an easy adjustment to my plans.

We were already going to be in Greece, why not take an hour flight to check out another place?

Traveling becomes easier here with the budget airlines and the commonality of hostels. Ryanair may not be the most comfortable of rides with the small seats and constant ads for in-flight shopping on the PA system. They may only let me take one small bag, but when I can find flights for as low as a few euro (one as low as 8, but most around 25-35), it is worth it. Even the bigger airlines, for example, Iberia, offer flights within Europe for around 30 euro between

photos courtesy of Diana C. Nearhos

By Diana C. Nearhos

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The Heights

some cities.

The hostels add another level of ease to the travel experience. You may have to sift through a large number of them to find those with good prices and high ratings (cleanliness and safety are rather important after all), but they are there. Twelve euro a night in Dublin, eleven in Athens. The cheaper prices are not the only benefit of hostels, as you also get to meet some interesting people. I shared a room with a Spaniard who helped me refresh my Spanish vocabulary and

offered to show my friends around Sevilla when we got there.

The ease of travel within Europe (and its nearby countries, like Turkey) has made my semester even more amazing. Everyone does their semester differently, but the travel bug bit me hard. I have crossed off many of the places on my list. Greece over spring break, Auschwitz next weekend, and London as my last stop before returning to the States. The only problem now is coming up with a new list.

Theatre Is My Life

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The theatre department at Boston College has been one of the most significant contributors to the campus’ display of artistic prowess. First beginning in 1865, two years after BC was opened, the theatre program started solely as a student-run activity under the Dramatics Society. As time went on, and theatre at BC grew more and more popular, the administration chose to recognize it in a greater capacity by establishing a theatre major as a part of the department of speech, communications, and theatre in the early 1970s. Two decades later, in 1993, the University established the theatre department as its own independent department.

Since 1981, the year it was opened, Robsham Theater has served as a home to theatre students, actors, costume designers, and stage managers alike. Originally designed “for the use of the University community that is specifically intended for the presentation of the performing arts,” Robsham has held true to its mission statement. Today, the theatre department puts on six productions a year, four that are faculty or guest directed, and two that are student directed.

The list of shows this year alone include Burn This, Translations, Isn’t It Romantic?, and Eurydice. Robsham Theater isn’t restricted to only theatrical performances, however. Dance groups and guest performers are frequently seen taking the stage with the goal of putting on a show for the members of the BC community.

A large amount of hard work that goes into these shows may go unrecognized by the general public – the performers simply aren’t the only ones devoting blood, sweat, and tears for the sake of entertainment. The lighting crews, stage managers, make-up artists, producers, and the rest of the backstage crew put praiseworthy effort into these productions and the specific details of their work are unknown to most. Nzinga Williams, A&S’12, who has stage managed several productions since her time at BC, spends hours upon hours in Robsham Theater, giving up her time and missing out on sleep whenever she’s set to work. Here is her explanation of why she does it.

“Why do I love theatre?

Why wouldn’t I, is the best way to phrase that. There is a feeling that is overwhelming when I think of why I do what I do. The feeling I get when a cue is called correctly, or you see the big bright lights, or hear people cry for a fictional character. That feeling is indescribable. It is bigger than me and it drives me. That feeling is why I do theatre.

“Theatre has been part of my life since I was six. And it was always there through all the hard times. It has been

one of the only things that is stable in my life. I came to the realization that stage management was what I should be doing with my life senior year of high school.

“Stage management is a necessary thing in all productions, but not a lot of people know what a stage manager is. A stage manager is similar to the conductor, and the actors and elements (lights and sound) are your orchestra. Everything that happens on stage, every random sound, or entrance, or subtle light cue is controlled

from the booth. As a stage manager, I call every one of those cues during the shows.

During the rehearsal process, a stage manager is the organizational force. They go to meetings, communicate between directors, designers, and actors.

“Stage managing is definitely not easy and when things go wrong they are most always your fault, but the rush I get from calling a cue that makes the lights change ever so perfectly – that rush cannot be duplicated for me.”

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Monday, April 12, 2010

The Heights

How-to

Outside the Bubble

Carrying the spirit of BC along on life’s bumpy ride Sarah Alsamarai I feel compelled to write a bit on how it feels to have graduated after reading some of the great “Outside the Bubble” pieces written in the past year by fellow BC ’09 alumni.

Some have asked me how starting the “next stage of my life” is going.

It is strange to refer to my current status as a Fulbright student in Jordan as the “next stage of my life,” because I have realized here, in these past seven months in Jordan, that life and experiences are not as neatly segmented as I had previously thought – that parts of life cannot truly be adequately described as “stages.”

As a senior at BC, walking up and down Linden Lane every day on my way back to Voute, I would always think about how much I would miss BC after graduation.

As I would stroll back from class, I would longingly look at Bapst, reflect on the fact that it was one of the most beautiful libraries I had ever seen, and wonder what it would be like to study at another library in the future. This feel-

ing walking down Linden Lane started in September of senior year and continued to graduation day. These thoughts were almost unbearable, and I found myself glued to BC in almost every way possible.

After graduating, I realize that experiences never do really end.

For the past several months, I have spent time with the other Fulbright students and scholars, all of whom were educated at institutions other than BC. However, every single day, I find myself referencing a book I read for class at BC, a professor who influenced me, or a friend whose background shed light on the topic at hand.

I have even found myself asking everyone their daily highs and lows – definitely a feature of my Jesuit education. In all of my encounters, the experiences and friendships I made at BC are readily apparent, as are the lasting impressions of high school and my upbringing in rural New Jersey.

Though things have changed, and now I walk up a massive staircase to get to downtown Amman instead of the million dollar

staircase en route to Devlin, and though I now grab Arabic coffee before class instead of American coffee from Hillside, I am the same person, with the same experiences, but now I am broadening my perspective and adding to the tremendous educational foundation that BC provided. Interestingly, though I learned so much at BC, there is still a great deal to learn and understand – many people to talk to, conferences to attend, and many other unconventional educational opportunities to pursue. I have discovered that the best way to learn about the Middle East is not to read a scholarly book or watch a documentary, but to walk around here, talk to shopkeepers, experience the people, the culture, and the history firsthand with a mind wholly free of judgment.

Years ago, when Senator Fulbright started the program, he realized that interpersonal interactions between people of different cultures can make a lasting impression of another culture and is the only hope for lasting peace in our world. In Jordan, I can clearly see the effects of policy

on everyday people. Minimally reported foreign policy decisions that we in the U.S. yawn over have very real consequences for every single person here – changing the nature of their livelihoods, the makeup of their country, and even their personal outlooks. Education is about more than sitting in lecture every Tuesday and Thursday, but about living, breathing, and equating one’s self with people in a place that might seem worlds away from Chestnut Hill.

As Senator Fulbright has said, “Our future lies not in our stars, but in our minds and hearts,” and now, as a BC alum, the best advice I can give to BC students, particularly seniors, is to follow this wise senator’s advice, and recognize the continuity inherent to life and education – that BC will never leave you – and consciously embrace the critical importance of valuing the humanity of all people of all traditions, faiths, and backgrounds.

Sarah Alsamarai is a BC alumnus.

She welcomes comments at features@ bcheights.com

“My friend and I were out the other night, and we made the mistake of hooking up. Now, things are weird, and the other person is mad at me and we aren’t speaking. I don’t want our friendship to be ruined because of one night, but what do I do to fix it?”

—Bro Woes

Dave Says:

Ana Responds:

Ah, here we witness the pitfalls of the hook-up culture at their finest.

When asked about my philosophy regarding casual intimacy with friends, There is no quick fix to solving your problem and restoring your friendship with I refer back to the universal and omni-valid AFHNEW. AFHNEW is the this “friend.” But, let’s be real, it’s not fixing the friendship that’s first and foreacronym for “Awkward Friend Hookups Never End Well.” You obviously do most on your list, it’s eradicating that lingering sense of awkwardness that hangs not hold AFHNEW sacred, for you have broken its bonds, bonds that defend between the two of you. Well, champ, I think this is a reality with which you’re just against awkwardness. But fear not young warrior, recovery from this quandary going to have to deal. For, if this had truly been a prized friend, you probably would is difficult but not impossible. Follow closely padawan. have thought twice before sticking your tongue down his or her throat.

In this situation, valuing the offended person’s friendship is critical. If In all honesty, you’re probably just going to have to wait this one out. Take the you could live without constant interaction with this person, then my plan to hit, swallow the shame, and maybe learn from it. Forward thinking is not just for win them back might not be worth the trouble. If you deem their camaraderie the bright, productive aspects of our lives — like battle-worthy, then we move forward.

“A little bit of chunk is a heck of a lot better than repeatedly taking our future careers and where we want to go on First, you need to have that awkward spring break — it should also be employed in our chunks out of your dignity. ” talk with the person. Lead with a “Look, darkest moments — like regrettable hookups.

– Ana, on food as an alternative to hooking up I messed up,” and the person will imYes, so maybe you were 10 Bud Lights in, with mediately play the “No, we both did” and your logic left at 3 p.m. of the day before, when then blame can no longer exist in the situation. Let’s be honest. In terms of you saw said lady/chap walking through the halls of your shared dorm, and your hookups, it takes two to tongue tango. Once you both realize that you goofed immature self rose within you and decided it would be a great idea to lay game and up, the point needs to be knocked home. A double date with other people fulfill your “needs.” I dare say if you were coherent enough to flirt, you were most might be in order. I think that would clear the air of any remnants of odd tenlikely coherent enough to grasp the simple realities that: a. you’re not dating this sions, sexual or otherwise. If that does not work, you could always just date person and seriously don’t intend to, b. you have to face this person in the light of them. day, c. this person has your phone number … meaning you’re setting yourself up That’s right. You hooked up. Maybe it was wrong, but maybe it was right. for some nasty texts, and d. you’d much rather wake up by yourself and not have to Maybe alcohol or other circumstances acted as a catalyst, but you cannot submit yourself to a walk of shame. deny that there was no attraction present. I say give it a whirl. If it ends up If you had merely grabbed hold of one of those simple truths before you ignonot working out, at least you guys have something to talk about. If you leave rantly put on “Sexual Healing” and worked your groove thing on your acquainthis situation as is, you’ll both probably ignore each other. You don’t want tance turned bedmate, you wouldn’t be in the situation you’re in now. Which is a that uncomfortable don’t say “hi” situations when passing each other in the lost cause. Note: If you really have an oral fixation that you have to satiate each Quad. Those are the worst. So, avoid the worst and resolve the situation by weekend, try late night. A little bit of chunk is a heck of a lot better than repeatedly talking it out or dating it out. Either should do the trick. taking chunks out of your dignity.

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

Ana Lopez is an editor 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

A little advice on how to give the perfect Brazilian tip behind the rationalization that every Brazilian around me preached. Little did Oxanna know.

Deep down, I feared the repercussions of such a move. Would the move constitute a new re-orientation of value and selfhood? Could there be a post-Brazilian self that would seamMichelle Kazcmarek lessly fit into such a pro-Brazilian With bathing suit season on the generation? I saw all of this coming, mind, I booked my first Brazilian apand as fate would have it, nothing pointment with Oxanna. Although the changed. I may have lived in pain for booking may have also had somea few days, I skipped the gym because thing to do with a recent Sex & the Oxanna said it was for the best, but City rerun I had watched on TBS, my life went on. Yes, it was awkward, intentions were purely of the curious especially when I was forced to sit in kind. My date with Oxanna was going the waiting parlor with a middle-aged to be an experiment in which several woman who was there on the recomconclusions could be set in stone. I mendation of her teenage daughter. was going to find out 1) If the proceShe had also heard Oxanna was the dure was really liberating underneath best on Newbury (eavesdropping it all 2) If the costs outweighed the is not recommended at “skin care” benefits 3) What I was missing. Over salons). In retrospect, it was quite the course of the procedure, following convenient and my feminist alter ego a strict yet rather ordinary method, I accepted this. However, this didn’t would deduce for myself the fact and solve the problem of the tip. fiction propagated by the myth of the Something I absent-mindedly Brazilian. For so long, I had torn down failed to think about beforehand, what, to me, constituted the ultimate the question of value alluded me as manifestation of latent sexism in our I sat up in the skin care room to say post-feminist, capitalist nation, and thank you. When she left the room, I now it was time to step across that searched desperately for my phone to line and see if there was any sense text the friend who had recommended

Oxanna in the first place as she would know. What would Oxanna expect on top of my ingratiating, slightly embarrassed handshake and forced small talk? Five, 10, 15, 20? To me, it seemed obvious that she would have to get more than the lady who did my nails at Rumour’s Salon. I usually gave her $3 on top of the $15 charge for the paint job. So, 15 percent?

When you go to a restaurant, you tip your waiter based on performance. There is a range of acceptability based on the fact that even the worst waiter deserves something. It’s not just about food and atmosphere, it’s about fair wages and just compensation. When you are at a hotel, bellhops receive around $1 per bag, same as hotel-to-airport van drivers – it makes sense especially if it’s a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. On the other hand, bartenders outshine all their service industry counterparts because, as a customer, you are strictly set within the constraints of Adam Smith’s laws of competition and so it becomes about power and access. Furthermore, in this situation you face an opportunity that could set up a fortuitous relationship for the rest of the night, a relationship of mutual recognition and care, in which

the drinks could potentially come fast and strong – in theory at least.

Already setting me back $60, Oxanna came out a rich broad indeed with a $15 tip.

After the fact, I found out from experienced Brazilians that a five usually will suffice. So, I over-tipped.

But really, I don’t think the word over-tipped can be applicable in this type of situation. It’s more than a chipped nail or a cold burger, and five dollars just isn’t enough insurance.

I didn’t care about free drinks and I most definitely was not competing with the 45-year-old lady who was waiting behind me because her daughter had said Oxanna was the best on Newbury. It was more than just an obligatory formality and it was more than a statement of fair compensation. After all, I had entrusted Oxanna with L’Origine du Monde. In this case, my 150-percent inflated $15 tip could never be enough to express the amount of gratitude, and appreciation, and fear that was held within my heart as I waddled out of that day spa.

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

Live in a room with eight people Chantal Cabrera It is 5 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon. It has been pouring all day and all you want to do is plan an escape into your humble abode. You walk into your suite only to be greeted by piles of stuff lying everywhere. And by “stuff” I mean everything you can find: water bottles, bags of chips, balloons, markers, towels, bed sheets, male running shoes, rain boots (I list these items as I gaze around my common room observing the “stuff” on the floor). You take a deep breath and try to muster up some cordiality to greet your roommates. It’s been a bad day but you don’t feel like you should take it out on the others.

“Hey Sue, how was your day?” you ask in the politest tone.

“It sucked,” she replies and slams the door behind her.

Mission one: fail. Now you don’t even feel like trying anymore. Forget greeting the other six. You go into your room and can’t open the door.

Locked. Jill comes out from the other room to explain that Chelsea, your direct, is in the room with a “friend.”

Exiled. Take another breath. The common room is just as nice an abode as your room. You climb over the sheets and shoes and find your way to the couch. At last, some peace. The peace is soon disturbed, however, as the other five trickle out and begin watching loud obnoxious trash TV. Hmmm...

Once you’ve made it through your freshman year housing selection, you feel like you can conquer the world.

You’ve already lost about four good friends and you’ve handled more drama in a week than you have in your entire life. The drama, however, does not end once you’ve been told you are living in Walsh. Brace yourself. Although I cannot speak for the men out there, I can tell you that living with seven other girls is far from easy. The estrogen level is always on max and there’s always something worth complaining about (Myself, included, as I always have something to say). I toiled over ways to handle the roommates and finally came up with a solid conclusion: Just shut your mouth and let everything slide.

This solution sounds contradictory. After all, most people would advise you to confront your roommates and let them know what bothers you. This approach is wrong.

No one wants to hear about the bad things they do and when you live with seven strong personalities, confrontation never ends well. Here’s a little anecdote.

One time, we told Sue she was dirty and messy. Sue cried. Another time, we told Jill we didn’t like her personality. Jill transferred. Confrontation is not the solution. Here’s how a non-confrontational approach would work better: Smile at Jill and swallow her rudeness and just jump over the messes Sue leaves behind.

Not only are you burning some calories while hurdling over piles of stuff but you’re also perfecting your smile and constructing a better personality.

Learning how to deal with others without aggressively confronting them is a great way to learn lifeskills. The most valuable personalities are those who are quiet, simple, and just smile. The girls that are sweet are the girls that everyone likes the most. It’s a proven fact. No one likes mean, confrontational, aggressive girls. So learn how to be passive.

Side note: Just a tid-bit of advice for the students out there … girls, do not like the same guy, and guys, do not mess with the same girls. This simple task will just avoid incalculable amounts of drama. If you follow this advice, then you won’t have to worry about confrontation or nonconfrontation or any of the above steps. So please listen and follow as I say (as authoritative as that sounds).

So basically, the “how-to” is more of a “how-not-to.” Just take some advice, put a smile on your face, and learn how to embrace eclectic personalities. This is the time of your life when you can actually live with eight roommates and not be admitted into a sanitarium.

Embrace this time and live it up!

Chantal Cabrera is a staff writer for The Heights. She welcomes comments at features@bcheights.com.

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The Heights

Monday, April 12, 2010

Staff Story

Junior feels right at home working in the Rat

By Brooke Schneider

Heights Editor

Who’s that whizzing through the Dustbowl on the red mountain bike, weaving in and out of the masses who stare intently at their cell phones? It’s a bird, it’s a plane … no, it’s June “Junior” Smith, faithful Rat employee of 13 years. Possessing strength uncharacteristic of other 81year-old men, Junior is known for riding his bicycle to and from work every day – a 30-minute ride from his home in the South End. Junior never thinks about how many miles he travels each day, but he loves every minute he spends on his bike. “A lot of people in my building, you know, [say] ‘You’re riding way out there?’” he says. He doesn’t find it unbelievable, though, how he pedals such a great distance in all types of weather. If the snow is too high, he walks. And if it’s impossible to travel by foot, he will take the T, though such an occasion is rare. Junior’s motivations for riding his bike are simple. “I do it ‘cause I love riding the bike,” he explains matter-of-factly.

Before Junior rides his bike, he nearly puts on a new outfit.

“When Junior’s ready to go, he’s all suited up,” says Tom Cerulli, production manager in the Rat. “If he fell on the ground, it wouldn’t hurt,” he says with a laugh. On a typical day, Junior puts on a hooded sweatshirt, a red jacket to match his bike, and gloves, and then tosses his black backpack atop it all.

Besides being known for riding his bike to work each day, Junior is also known by many of Boston College’s students, and he appreciates their friendship.

“All kids, they all seem like they give you respect,” he says. When Junior is stocking the shelves and on the floor of the Rat in the morning and afternoon, he enjoys talking to students. “Kids know me by name ‘cause of my cap,” he says. “Some of ‘em come by and say ‘Hey, Junior!’”

The name that everyone knows Junior by is not his actual Photo Courtesy of brooke schneider name, which is June, but rather Junior is a beloved fixture ath the Rat in Lyons as well as a proud member of the BC family. a name that his grandmother has called him since birth. “She

Junior likes BC’s friendly really like everything [about my would call me Junior so much, I atmosphere, and while he enjoys job],” he says. “The people [are] thought that was my real name,” talking with the students, he also good to get along with [and] we he says. “Then, when I got older, enjoys interacting with his fellow got good bosses – they know how we didn’t even change it.” employees and his bosses. “I to talk to you.”

His feelings of friendship are certainly reciprocated. “Everybody here is friends with Junior,” Cerulli, who has worked with Junior for four years and looks at him “like a brother.” “He likes being part of a community.

He likes being part of this [the Rat].”

Junior, who was raised by his grandmother in North Carolina, apart from his four brothers and two sisters who were raised by his mother, was always interested in working in the food industry.

Having left school in the fourth grade, Junior began working in food stores at an early age. His longest running job was at a Mary Jane’s candy factory, where he worked for over 20 years.

When he was in his teens, Junior enjoyed swimming in the local creek after work. Now, he prefers to watch “crazy cowboy tapes,” claiming, “I’m a TV man.”

Junior moved to Massachusetts when he was in his 30’s and continued to work in food stores.

Some of Junior’s favorite foods are chicken and the waffles with strawberries from the Rat. When Junior was older, he came upon a job opening at the Rat as part of a program, implemented by

the mayor of Boston, for people ages 65 and older.

Junior has noticed a marked difference in the Rat since his first day, when he recalled cooking and packaging chicken. As a result of his long tenure at BC, Junior witnessed BC’s growth as a university, firsthand. “There’s more people coming in, and there’s more work, you know,” he says. Fortunately, Junior prefers the busier work environment. “I like to keep busy, you know what I mean.”

Since he began working, Junior has been a dedicated employee and his commitment to his job has been noticed by many. “He’s fiercely dedicated,” Cerulli says.

“He has an excellent attendance record. Even his doctor appointments he schedules around work.

“He knows what he has to do and he does it.”

The love that Junior has for riding his bike, he also has for his job at BC. Unable to find a single negative aspect of his work, he hopes to continue working here “as long as I’m able.

“This is the best job I ever had.” n

Students explore life as pet owners ... while at school

By Francesca Bacardi Heights Staff

At some point in every child’s life, parents are asked the inevitable: “Mom … Dad … can we get a dog?” Some parents ultimately give in to their child’s desire, but others refuse, or even trick their children into thinking that Santa will bring them the puppy that they have been dreaming about. However, when that fateful day arrives on the 25th of December, nothing under the tree remotely resembles a dog, or even makes a peep.

For those children that have felt betrayed by their parents, Santa, and any other figure that promised them the puppy of their dreams, they eventually grow up and assert independence the day they go to college. When that day comes, when students eventually move into their own places and can do whatever they want, whenever they want, that is when they seek revenge upon all those that deceived them and

say to themselves, “I’m getting a pet.”

Living on campus, students are limited in their pet options.

For some students, the idea of having a fish seems so phenomenal after having been deprived of whatever pet they asked for as a young child. More specifically, ResLife’s Conditions of Residency states, “Students may keep tropical fish in tanks no larger than 20 gallons. All other animals or pets are not allowed within the residence halls.

Immediate removal of the pet and a minimum $50.00 cleaning charge will be imposed. Only seeing-eye dogs are permitted within the residence halls.”

Taking full advantage of the allowance of tropical fish are roommates Maggie Goodman, , and Emmaline Imbriglia, both LSOE ’12. “We wanted to have something that we could bond over and raise together,” explains Goodman about their spontaneous fish purchase. Goodman continues, “We bought two

because we both wanted to have one, neither of us wanted to feel left out.” After purchasing the fish they later named Patsy and Beowulf, both Imbriglia and Goodman alternated feeding the fish, cleaning the bowl, and taking part in other responsibilities that come with having fish as pets.

Sometimes, however, college dorms just are not suited for marine life. Over spring break, Goodman and Imbriglia decided to leave their fish with their Resident’s Assistants for the week because she was staying on campus. Like many goldfish, Patsy decided to call it quits one day over break, leaving “Beo” alone in his bowl. “It was definitely a learning experience” Goodman reflects, “but now I think Emma and I over-feed Beo as a precaution. Better a fat fish then a dead fish.” Today, Beo is thriving in his bowl on CoRo.

Living off campus provides more opportunities to own pets, but still with some restrictions.

Mary Brittany Bruder, A&S ’12, has been one of the lucky children to grow up among dogs, cats, and other types of pets.

Her love for dogs carried on through college, but, living on campus, she could not have one.

After moving off campus with a friend this semester, Bruder thought her dream of having a puppy in Beantown would come true. Unknown to her at the time, her landlord would prevent that from happening because there is a strict no-dogs-allowed rule in her apartment building, “After I moved in I found out we couldn’t have a dog, but I wasn’t about to give up on having a pet,” Bruder explains. After going with her friends to the pet store so they could buy fish this past February, Bruder realized that fish as pets are “stupid and pointless,” and then she saw a bunny. “I immediately fell in love with it. It was so cute and small, I had to have it.” As pets, bunnies are on the easier side of responsibility. All they require (besides food and

water) is occasionally having their cages cleaned. At first, this might seem like a daunting task because no one wants to clean up after an animal, but according to Bruder, Shady (her bunny) is “litter-boxed trained so I only have to empty the box once a week!” Overall, having a bunny has been a great experience for Bruder. Not only is Shady a relatively social bunny, but he is also easy to take care of, so it is not a problem when she has to go away.

Although there are definitely positive pet experiences like Bruder’s, there are also negative ones. One day while driving through Philadelphia in July, Jordan Ferguson, A&S ’11, spotted a man on the side of the road.

Interested in what he was doing, Ferguson pulled over only to discover that the strange man was in fact a turtle-salesman, selling turtles for the cheap price of $5.

Completely intrigued by the idea of a pet turtle, Ferguson splurged and brought Sal the Turtle home.

Students might face challenges when choosing courses for coming semester From Classes, B10 But, when choosing electives for my major, I look to see which professors have made a lasting impact on their students,” Coggins explains. “PEPs have always helped me in the past to decide which professors to take. This year, especially, I was able to choose all professors that had excellent PEP reviews, rather than settling with whatever courses were left.”

Justine Lee, a rising senior majoring in communication with minors in history and women’s studies, also found it easier to register this year than in the past “Because I’ll be finished with my major this semester, I just registered for courses that would take care of the requirements for my minor or just classes that I’m interested in,” she said. Lee explains that she mostly considers time while meshing together a class schedule. “Considering that I’ve had the oddest schedules while at BC, as long as it doesn’t involve me waking up before 11 a.m. I’m good.” Unlike most students, Lee has stopped using PEPs (gasp). “I have actually stopped using PEPS. I didn’t use it for my classes this semester. This was because there are classes I was interested in taking

in the past and did not because the professor got bad reviews, but when I talked to some friends who were in that class, they said they loved the professor. I think PEPs are a good guideline, but all the evaluations are entirely subjective, so other students may not be looking for what I’m looking for in a professor. As for what exactly that constitutes, I guess I favor a well-articulated, respectable, lenient professor who presents material in interesting ways.” Lee was abroad last semester, and she elaborates on her situation with registering from afar. “I actually did not register while abroad. I registered about two weeks after I had gotten back to the U.S. because I figured the availability of classes would be in flux during drop / add. And I got all the classes I wanted.”

“While I’m abroad I’m looking for classes to fulfill my French minor,” says Molly Rosenman, a communication major and A&S`12. “I’m going to Strasbourg, France. I’m also looking to take classes to fulfill my Cultural Diversity and Fine Arts core classes.”

However, Rosenman has not yet been able to register for the classes she will be taking while abroad. “I actually can’t apply for my classes until I am in

Strasbourg next fall, so I won’t know how the class selection process will go until then. But even though I’m going abroad, I’m still registering for classes here at BC just in case something falls through with my study abroad plans. Although I always use PEPs, I’ve never had a bad professor at BC – I only take professors who have really good PEPs,” she says. PEPs are continuously shown to be a great way to identify professors you’ll like or dislike. The updated PEPs system is also helpful and easier to read.

Class scheduling always proves to be incredibly hectic, and even crazier for people going abroad. Worries about what kinds of professors you’ll have or how many 8 a.m. classes you’ll be stuck with do exist. However, seniority helps, and it only gets better with the rising class years.

Even if the class schedule you’re stuck with is lousy, there is an add / drop period and even the (unbeknownst to most students) extended add / drop period. It allows you to drop a few weeks later, but not on BC UIS. This aids in avoiding the professors who seem to fool you with their trickery at the very beginning of the semester, because everyone has had them. n

Photo Courtesy of www.parmino.com

BC is full of secrets waiting to be discovered by students and passed along.

What you don’t know about BC might not help Dara Fang Like high school, college is a world that is only slightly demystified by numerous pop culture devices, experiences of older siblings and friends, and a safety net courtesy of Mom and Dad. Unlike high school, college forms a culture built upon secrets, little known facts, and unwritten laws that add to the pressure of the new setting that BC is for most. From variousmentors, friends, and personal experience, I have managed to gather a couple of hints and tips that may or may not help fellow freshman get “in the know” and upperclassmen take advantage of the “little knowns.”

Little known: how to be in two places at once.

Boston College primarily sits on Chestnut Hill territory, but spans across Newton and Brighton as well. Sure, if you can pull

a Shane West circa A Walk to Remember, bring your Jamie Sullivan to the “Welcome to Brighton” sign by the BC T stop and point out, “Hey! You’re in two places at once!” That move will grant you two points for thoughtfulness, and zero for creativity. Instead, walk to the bridge between O’Neill Library and the Commonwealth Avenue garage and point out that now you are hovering roughly thirty feet above a stone block demarcating the line between Boston and Chestnut Hill.

BAM ... brownie points.

Little known facilities: Lower bathrooms and Campanella showers

Showers on the Campanella fifth floor, anyone? Another insider secret is the second floor bathrooms in Corcoran Commons (Lower), which are “always empty and always clean, unlike the bottom floor bathrooms, which reek of feces and urine,” Peter Brown,

“I look back and that was definitely a mistake,” Ferguson explains. “My mom refused to let me keep him at home, so I brought him to my apartment off campus and now his tank smells all the time.” Unlike the easiness of Shady, Sal the Turtle requires far more effort and responsibility on Ferguson’s part. However, there are pros to having a turtle.

“Sal-the-Turtle’s an attention getter, so I like to show him off.

He’s pretty impressive,” Ferguson says. Aside from grabbing girls’ attentions, there is not much else to Sal the Turtle but a loud filter that keeps Ferguson up at night. “Even though I had a lot of pets growing up, I always had my parents around, so I wasn’t totally responsible. Now it’s just me, and I’m not that responsible.”

Moral of the story: parents are 100 percent correct when they say that kids will give up on their pets. No wonder so many refuse their children’s desires.n

A&S ’12, quips, stating that if his off-campus housing search turns up negative, he will seek shelter in office cubicles and bathe in the facilities of Campanella.

Touche.

Little known tips: Early bird doesn’t get the worm ... unless you happen to be an avid fan or have your mindset on front-row seats at GirlTalk, the best time to arrive at any BC social event is roughly six minutes after the scheduled time. This will give you enough time to find seats, socialize, and settle before the event actually starts … 10 minutes after the scheduled time.

Little known tunnel: Tunnels are like alleyways. Useful to know, dangerous to visit.

For the freshmen who do not live on Upper, and the upperclassmen who lived on Newton, the legendary Kostka-Gonzaga tunnel does, in fact, exist. Unfortunately, a personal visit to this tunnel produced disappointing results. No hidden Portkey for instant transportation to class, and no magical blocks to reveal Diagon Alley. All that the 10 feet long Kostkaga tunnel seems to be useful for is on those rare occasions when extreme weather circumstances make a two-second outdoor walk from Gonzaga to Kostka completely unreasonable.

And of course, you have the unwritten laws of BC: Without an obvious reason, carrying a tray at lunch will grant you a flashing sign on our head that screams “FRESHMAN!” Take an elevator to the second floor out of sheer laziness, and you are silently judged. Four o’clock on the Monday afternoon aprèsChristmas break may not be the best time to head to the Plex.

Trivial details, perhaps. But an upgrade from enjoying lunch in a first floor Lower bathroom with a tray in lap ... a la Mean Girls.

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FEATURES THE HEIGHTS

Monday, April 12, 2010

B10

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010

Feel the music

I love music. Frankly, you’d be hard pressed to find somebody who doesn’t. Now, when someone says “I love music,” they’re essentially making a statement that’s so unintentionally broad that it needs to be accompanied by a follow-up question: “What kind of music do you like?” Here’s where it can get either really nice or really ugly, really, really fast.

Taste in music can prove to be a very controversial topic. I have both seen and been a part of heated discussions over who’s good, who’s not, what song’s great and what song just sucks. Rarely have these discussions ended in a happy consensus.Why do some feel the need to get so emotionally riled up over a difference in opinion that, to a certain extent, people have no control over? I don’t want to get into an examination of whether or not musical taste has a biological component to it, but to deny that people have an inherent predisposition toward certain genres of music more so than others would be foolish.

Different people like different music and as evidenced by these discussions, choice in music is a profoundly personal thing to some, a choice that they will defend, justify, and use to criticize if the situation calls for it.

I’ve always had an eclectic taste in music, so naturally, I’m offended by so-called “music elitists.” For those unfamiliar with the term, music elitists are those who carry a general disdain toward any music that they themselves don’t listen to. In my experience, music elitists tend to particularly dislike mainstream, top 40 songs, some of which I happen to be a fan. I’m not going to deny that the overall quality of mainstream music has certainly taken a turn for the worse in recent years. I’ll be the first to admit that a number of artists in the spotlight today just don’t produce music of the same quality as artists did 10 years ago. Call it nostalgia, but both music critics and fans alike have agreed upon this. These music elitists, however, don’t dislike mainstream music because it may or may not be on the same level of a wonderfully composed Beethoven symphony, but rather because it’s known and listened to by the general population. In my opinion, music elitists make two grave mistakes when it comes to music choice.

First, they unfairly generalize popular music. Immediately discrediting an artist because he or she has been given a certain level of exposure, despite whether you think they deserve it or not, without listening to their music is an act of close-mindedness.

As I stated before, of course, not every mainstream artist produces “quality music,” which, in itself, is a opinionated distinction, but there are a number who do, and deserve credit for doing so.

Secondly, they put down music others listen to with the assumption that the music they listen to is qualitatively superior when in actuality, it might not be. Just because the artists are underground doesn’t mean they’re better. In fact, they could very well be underground for a reason.

Music elitists are an extreme example, however – there are others with questionable criticizing tendencies who deserve a mention that fall more towards the middle of the spectrum between elitists and open-minded music appreciators. These consist of those who judge taste in music prematurely based on superficial perceptions, such as location of origin, race, or sex, and are shocked when they hear a person likes music of a genre that they didn’t expect. Once the shock wears off, the insults come flying, some jokingly and some not jokingly. One of my roommates told me he was afraid to tell people that he was going to this past Friday’s Ryan Cabrera concert because of the unpleasant reactions he had been receiving in response to doing so before. Hearing that was upsetting, but not surprising. Ever since junior high school, I’ve dealt with criticism and resulting discomfort from a number of my peers because my preferred genres of music weren’t only limited to rap and R&B, but also included rock and pop, among others.

Why should anyone feel uncomfortable disclosing the type of music they listen to?

It has always been disturbing to me how a person’s taste in music is used as a tool to deal out potentially racist and homophobic remarks. That may sound a little extreme, but believe me, it’s not. Long gone are the days where artists and record companies put out music targeting specific audiences (except Justin Bieber – we all know who he was manufactured for). In all seriousness, I think it’s important to have an open mind when it comes to hearing what music other people like. You may not particularly like someone’s favorite artist or think their music is any good, but that’s absolutely no reason to judge or trash someone for their personal choice. Try to be a little more welcoming and you just might be surprised at the newest addition to your iPod. Kris Robinson is the Assistant Features Editor for The Heights. He welcomes comments at features@ bcheights.com.

BY EMILY MALEY For The Heights

BC UIS. These are five letters that become much too familiar to all Boston College students around this time of year, the beloved fall registration time. The early-’90s style computer software that BC uses can at first be challenging to maneuver, but by senior year most have all the department codes memorized. For example, CH for Chemistry, PH for Philosophy, RL for Romance Languages, and HS for History, just to name a few.

The dreaded degree-audit pick-ups begin in late March, with only a few weeks to scramble together class-

wants and don’t-wants, alreadyhaves and don’t-haves. Luckily for BC students, core class lectures here can have up to 250 students, which makes them much easier to get into than smaller elective courses.

Emily Coggins, A&S ‘11 found this semester’s course registration to be pretty simple. “I registered on Friday, April 9, at 4 p.m.,” she says. “I got all the classes I needed, although there were a few classes that needed departmental permission that I am still working on getting into.”

As a rising senior, she felt picking electives was much easier than in the past. “This year I found that more of the biology electives that I

had wanted to take were available, even though my registration time was late into the first day. In the past, the ‘good’ electives have been taken, even with an early pick time.”

At other universities, students use the popular Web site, RateMyProfessor.com. BC’s personalized professorrating system, “PEPs,” created by the Undergraduate Government of BC, is found to be extremely helpful. “In picking the required “core” classes, I typically use the PEPs to see which classes I would do well in, grade-wise.

See Classes, B9

Eagle Dates: Top places to go on a date

BY CHANTAL CABRERA Heights Staff

1. Summer Shack and Kings Bowling 50 Dalton Street, Boston, Mass.

Grab some great New England dishes at Summer Shack and then head next door to Kings Bowling. This bowling alley is not your typical bowling joint. At night, it turns into a club-type atmosphere where you can bowl to great music and grab a few snacks, which makes it perfect for a relaxed, tense-free date. (This date also serves as a great group hangout spot, for all you non-daters out there.)

2. Border Cafe 32 Church Street, Cambridge, Mass.

If you want to satisfy your Mexican taco tooth, head on over to Border Cafe in Cambridge and enjoy some inexpensive but delicious Mexican food. Not only is the restaurant quaint and tastefully decorated, but you can also walk around Harvard Square and explore a different area of Boston. You and your date will have plenty to talk about as you walk around appreciating the eclectic crowd in Cambridge.

3. Fire and Ice 205 Berkeley Street, Boston, Mass.

Although Fire and Ice might sound typical and overdone, it’s a great place to try different food and get exactly what you want on your plate. There are great options for vegetarians and vegans, so if your girlfriend is not a meat-lover you might want to take her here.

4. White Mountain and Reservoir Don’t want to make the trek into Boston? There’s no need. Take your

I NSIDE FEATUR E S THIS ISSUE

date right across the street to White Mountain, grab a delicious cone, and take a stroll around the Reservoir. Take advantage of the great date ideas we have right around our campus. While walking around the Reservoir you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your date and burn off the ice cream calories.

5. Boston Common “The Common’s a really nice date idea,” says Alyssa McCarthy, A&S ’12.

“If you want to be cheesy, you can go on the Swan Boats or feed the ducks. Lots of fun goes on there. Make sure to head out there when the weather gets nice.” If you want to take a risk, jump on a Duck Tour and explore the greater Boston area on an amphibious automobile.

6. Star Market Huh? A date to the grocery store? It may sound weird, but be creative with the food you purchase. “Me and my ex-boyfriend would go grocery shopping and then have a picnic with the food we bought,” says Riley Baldwin, A&S ’12. “It was a great way to keep the relationship different and interesting.”

7. Sonsie on Newbury If you’re craving pizza and don’t want to order from Pino’s, then head over to Newbury and make a stop in Sonsie. Its pizzas are unique and tasty – not the ordinary cheese and pepperoni flavors.

Once you’ve expanded your taste pallets, take a stroll along Newbury and appreciate the scenery.

8. Johnny’s Luncheonette 30 Langley Rd, Newton, Mass.

Challah bread is its specialty!

The World Record

Johnny’s Luncheonette is one of the more popular restaurants in Newton Center and is great at anytime (brunch, lunch, dinner). And it’s only a stone’s-throw away.

9. Tasca 1612 Commonwealth Avenue, Brighton, Mass.

Need I say more? If you haven’t found time to make it out to Tasca, then you are seriously missing out. Hop on the T and prepare to be enthralled by its delicious cuisine. The best part about the restaurant is that its portions are appetizersized, so you can order several delicious entrees and try them all.

10. Boston Public Library 700 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass.

“If a boy were to take me out to eat and then on a stroll through the Boston Public Library, I would instantaneously go weak in the knees,” says Hannah Kitzmiller, A&S ’12. Boys, that says it all.

11. Union Street Grill 107 Union Street, Newton Center, Mass.

If you’re looking for a sports bar atmosphere where you can eat some good food while watching the game, then head on over to the Grill. Make sure your date enjoys watching the Sox as much as you do because, if not, she might be in for a bore as you stare nervously at the TV screens overhead.

12. Zocolo 1414 Commonwealth Avenue, Brighton, Mass.

Its sangria may compete with Tasca’s, but its food is totally different. Although

Learn from fellow students studying abroad. This week, read about experiences in Rome.

Italy........................................................................................................................... B9

still serving Latin food like Tasca, Zocolo has its own specialty: Mexican. Order anything from enchilidas to fajitas and you won’t go wrong. The restaurant is seriously delicious.

13. Fenway Theatre Although this may sound like the typical movie-date (which there’s nothing wrong with), Fenway Theatre is a bit different – it’s an interesting infrastructure in and of itself. Grab a movie ticket, buy some popcorn, and sit back and relax!

“The movies are a great place to make your first move,” says Maja Krsmanovic, A&S ’12. “The discreet-yawn-arm-overshoulder move is a movie classic.”

14. North End Got a craving for Italian?? There’s no better place to go than Boston’s North End. Nationally renowned for its Italian delicacies, the North End is a must-do.

“It’s a typical Valentine dinner but it’s more fun any other time of the year,” says Catherine Kellogg, A&S ’12. “Just make sure you get to Mike’s Pastries earlier because there’ll be a line out the door.”

15. Bamboo 1616 Commonwealth Avenue, Brighton, Mass.

Although right next to Tasca, Bamboo doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as it should. If Asian cuisine is your thing, you should head right down Comm Ave. to Bamboo. “It’s really cheap and really good Asian cuisine,” says Christina Bruno, A&S ’12. “My boyfriend and I went there, and this was one of the best Asian restaurants. It’s also really close by and convenient for BC students.”

How-To Column.................................B8 College Connections.........................B8

HEIGHTS GRAPHIC / MICHAEL SALDARRIAGA

Class Act

KRIS ROBINSON