The Heights 11/07/11 by The Heights

CAMPUS ACTIVISM

VANESSA CARLTON

features

ARTS & rEVIEW

sports

Boston College students express political spirit in subtle ways, B10

The piano diva highlights new tracks in Robsham, A10

The football team loses by 31 points on national television, B1

embarrassment

Monday, November 7 , 2011

Vol. XCII, No. 41

Admissions benefits from volunteerism SAP is a volunteer program because it can be, leaders say By Molly LaPoint Asst. News Editor

daniel lee / heights staff

A Student Admission Program (SAP) volunteer tour guide (above) leads a group on a tour.

The Student Admission Program (SAP), which is entirely volunteer-based at Boston College, has over 800 volunteers and 10 different programs that allow students to get involved in reaching out to prospective students. “It’s a volunteer program because it can be,” said Jeffrey Portu, head coordinator of SAP and A&S ’12. “We have a great

group of volunteers that are really ready to show what BC is about.” This provides a benefit to the University, because it shows the dedication of the student body that wants to share their experiences with high school students interested in BC. “It’s a nice thing to be able to talk about,” Portu said. The 10 different programs of SAP allow students to be involved in a variety of ways, and only two of the programs – campus tours and panel – are application-based. The other programs are greeting, where volunteers speak with visitors before their tours, outreach, AHANA outreach, and international outreach, where volunteers connect with applicants and accepted students, media,

office management, volunteers who help check students in and answer calls, day visits, and high school visits. “It’s a great way to get involved,” Portu said. “With more numbers, it just means we can do more things.” Though the tour guide program is similar to other schools, Portu said, the other divisions of SAP are what makes the difference. “We’re able to think outside the box,” he said. “Our other programs make us stand out.” During the summer, SAP hires 18 students as paid employees, and they work full time leading tours and participating in info sessions as panelists. During the year,

See SAP, A4

BCSSH, Bell exchange words on CoRo

15-to-40 Connection comes to BC

By Taylour Kumpf

Students promote cancer awareness campaign on campus

News Editor

On the Friday of Halloween Weekend, members of Boston College Students for Sexual Health (BCSSH) were distributing condoms near McElroy Commons when Karl Bell, assistant director of the Student Programs Office (SPO), challenged them regarding their rights to distribute at that location. According to Nick Domino, BCSSH member and A&S ’12, Bell challenged them in an effort to make sure members of BCSSH remain informed on their distribution rights and to ensure that the conversation continues to happen with young members. “BCSSH is a very young group right now,” said Domino. “[Some of the students] who were distributing condoms did not know about our constitutional right and the paperwork we have regarding what [property belongs to Newton versus what belongs to BC].” BCSSH distributes condoms periodically on the sidewalks of College Road – on Newton property. Jessika Parry, chair of BCSSH and A&S ’14, said, “BCSSH met directly with Karl Bell [that Friday] and the incident was resolved.” When approached about the discussion, Bell clarified questions about BC’s distribution policy. “Policy governs BC,” he said. “There is a code of conduct that all students should follow. We have no policy that governs activity that doesn’t happen at BC, and condoms are not distributed on campus. If they are though,

See BCSSH, A4

By Katherine McClurg Heights Editor

daniel lee / heights staff

President Leahy (above) helped celebrate National Vocation Promotion Day, recognizing the need for men to join the religious life.

Ceremony promotes vocations By Marc Francis For The Heights

“My soul is thirsty for you, oh Lord, my God,” chanted the audience in St. Mary’s Chapel on Sunday evening. Exploring one’s thirst for God is exactly what Boston College alumni Mario Powell, Jeremy Zipple, and Sam Sawyer—three Jesuit seminarians studying for the priesthood —spoke about during the celebration of National Vocation Promotion Day. On this day, Jesuits all over the world recognize the constant need to engage men who are contemplating joining the religious life. “The Society of Jesus is a community of brothers and priests who work for the betterment of society, and on this day we

encourage people to embrace a calling,” said Rev. Terrence Devino, S.J., director of Manresa House and special assistant to the president. Sawyer was adamant about this event taking place, since it is the first time BC has honored all those who have undertaken a vocation in such a conversational manner. When asked what the gathering at St. Mary’s aims to accomplish, Sawyer said, “We want to give people the chance and opportunity to ask if the religious life is possible for them—‘Can I start to think about this?’” The Jesuits recruit 30 to 40 people every year, one of which is usually a BC graduate. The Society encourages self-exploration and believes in a need for such reflection-

centric activities. “Whatever stage of life we are at, we can always examine how we live our lives, and how we respond to God’s grace,” said University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., during his homily. Devino accentuated the importance of reflection through his flier advertising the event, which said, “Ignatius didn’t hear God calling until hit by a cannonball. What will it take to get your attention?” The signs present in people’s lives can be difficult to interpret. All of us have a vocation. The vocations discussed at St. Mary’s are of a religious nature, and the process of recognizing such signs was thoroughly

See Vocations, A4

This year, approximately 72,000 15 to 40-year-old people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is the No. 1 disease-related cause of death of people in this age group, yet cancer survival rates of this age group have remained near stagnant for the past 35 years. Despite the significant cancer-research advancement made since 1975, there has been very little improvement in young adult cancer survival rates. One of the primary reasons for this is a lack of awareness of cancer risk among this age group. Because the risk of being diagnosed with cancer increases with age, many young people ignore some of the most common warning signs of it. The 15-40 Connection is an initiative to bring awareness to the incidence of cancer in young adults and promote early detection. Their mission is to create awareness of the fact that cancer survival rates for this age group have remained devastatingly high in addition to promoting health awareness, self-advocacy, and action, so the life-saving advantages of early detection may be possible. In response to the shocking survival rates, the 15-40 Connection was born. In 2005 Jim Coghlin worked to begin an endowed fellowship to support the work of

See 15 to 40, A4

Boston College celebrates its first Native American Heritage Month The Society of Native American People, a relatively new campus group, excitedly marks its first year By Sara Doyle For The Heights

Friday marked the first celebration of Native American Heritage Month at Boston College. The opening celebration, which took place in the Heights Function Room, featured performances from the group The Wolf Cry Singers and vendors selling traditional Native American jewelry and other crafts. Native American Heritage Month is a nationally recognized event, but is new at Boston College. The Society of Native American People (SNAP) has been working to have Native American Heritage month marked at BC for a few years. “I guess it was just a matter of time. Hopefully we’ll get awareness out and keep it going in the future,” said Andy Petigny, the associate director of

AHANA student programs. According to Petigny, celebrations of Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and other cultures have been at the University for several years. “We’re really excited,” said Amelia Scott, president of SNAP and A&S ’13. “We’re relatively new, and that makes having this month even more exciting.” There are more events planned for the rest of Native American Heritage Month. Today, the Annual Dream Catcher Workshop will be held in the Walsh Function Room at 9 p.m. This event, which has been occurring for the last three years, is an opportunity for students to make their own dream catchers. On Nov. 16, there will be a screening of the film We Still Live Here, a documentary about the return of the Wampanoag language. The writer and director will also be present at the event

to have a question and answer session with students. Finally, there will be a collaboration between SNAP and the Chinese and South Asian Student Associations on Nov. 28, called “So You Think You Can Cook?” This event is a cooking competition between the three cultural groups, and will be judged by a non-partial party, with sampling available to students. SNAP is a fairly new cultural group on the BC campus. It was founded in the 2003-2004 academic year. They have been working to spread awareness, and have finally managed to have Native American Heritage Month celebrated at BC. “It’s a really great opportunity, because most students don’t know about SNAP,” Scott said. “Native American culture is just as relevant as other culture groups, and we want to get to be more well known.” n

graham beck / heights staff

The Wolf Cry Singers (above) were featured at the Native American Heritage Month opening ceremony.

TopTHREE

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

things to do on campus this week

Clearance Book Sale Today Time: 9 a.m. Location: McElroy Bookstore

Stop by the McElroy Commons Bookstore for a clearance book sale. Buy two books and get a third book, of equal or lesser value, for free. The sale will be ongoing until Friday and faculty and staff discounts are still applicable.

Economic Policymaking Lecture

Today Time: 4 p.m. Location: Higgins 310

George Akerlof, a professor at Berkeley and recipient of a Nobel Prize in economics, will be speaking about economic policymaking in today’s world.

Career Conversation on Marketing

Wednesday Time: 6 p.m. Location: Career Center Stop by the Career Center to speak with Leah Goldentham, senior associate of marketing for Digitas, a top global integrated brand agency, on the topic of marketing as a career.

the

University

In ws e N

Univ. of Charleston chops tuition by 22 percent for all students According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, the University of Charleston in West Virginia announced that it will be cutting its tuition by 22 percent for all incoming freshmen and transfer students, knocking its tuition from $25,000 to $19,500 annually. The school also pledged $6,000 in aid to all returning students in order to ensure that no student pays over $19,500. This, the school said, is in an effort to increase middle-class families’ ability to send their children to private universities. The announcement follows a report that stated the average student loan debt now exceeds $25,000.

On Campus BC boasts second highest athlete graduation rate in the country According to data released by the NCAA, Boston College tied with Duke University as second in the nation for student-athlete graduation rate (GSR) in all sports among Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools. The GSR was 97 percent for both Duke and BC. Notre Dame, the number one school in the nation for its GSR, boasted a 99 percent GSR. Of BC sports teams, 21 received a perfect score of 100, making BC the school with the most teams with a perfect score of all FBS schools, the third consecutive year that this has been accomplished.The football team’s score of 93 percent joins only six FBS schools that ranked above 90 percent in the entire country, which include Notre Dame, Northwestern, Duke, Rice, and Navy. “We are very proud that our program is among the top three in the nation in terms of graduating our student-athletes,” said Gene DeFilippo, director of athletics, in a statement. “Congratulations to our student-athletes for a job well done.”

Local News Emerson College wins three hours with grilled cheese truck over BU According to a report by the Boston Globe, Emerson College, in a social media competition for a free three-hour visit from the Roxy’s Grilled Cheese food truck, beat Boston University by a margin of 12 percent of votes. Warner Bros., in honor of its upcoming release of A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas, sponsored the competition in which schools could compete on Twitter with school-specific hashtags or simply vote on Facebook. Emerson received a visit from the truck on Thursday, Nov. 3, among other prizes, including a visit from the film’s director.

Community emergency response team trains on campus By Daniel Tonkovich Heights Editor

Photo Courtesy of Office of emergency managment

During the month of October, BC community members participated in 20-hour training course for C-CERT. major emergency incidents on campus and in the surrounding community. The C-CERT program is rooted in the logic that following a major disaster, first responders will be unable to meet the demand for services, leaving individuals to rely on each other to meet their immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs. CCERT volunteers are trained and equipped to respond in the event of such demand on campus or in the surrounding community. “The BC C-CERT program is

a great way for people to learn about disaster preparedness, learn live-saving skills and be prepared to assist the BC community,” said John Tommaney, director of emergency management. “The skills our students learn during the C-CERT program are transferable with any CERT program across the United States because it is the same core curriculum. This means students who are involved with CERT at BC could become involved with a CERT program in the community they live in at home. It also gives

the University a ready-trained resource of people who could help out in an emergency when the rest of our and the surrounding public safety resources are fully engaged.” “Most don’t realize that if there were a significant disaster in the community, resources may be stretched,” said Chris Faherty, president of Eagle EMS. “While we have BCPD and Eagle EMS EMTs to render assistance, C-CERT volunteers are an asset to BC in an emergency as well. They are able to provide initial

assistance to the campus and local area when professional emergency response services are overwhelmed.” The C-CERT training culminated in a joint disaster exercise held in Alumni Stadium last Sunday with members of Eagle EMS’s Disaster Response Teams. “The disaster simulation is probably the highlight of the program because students get to experience first hand how all of their training comes together under a somewhat realistic emergency, including screaming, injured people, hazards such as darkened hallways strewn with debris, and the excitement of being a part of team of people helping people,” Tommaney said. The Office of Emergency Management is planning to host another C-CERT course during the spring semester due to high demand for the fall course. The office aims to train approximately 50 people per academic year to be C-CERT volunteers. It also offers continuing education programs for current C-CERT volunteers. BC is currently one of three universities in New England with a C-CERT program. To date, BC’s team has not been activated. n

Police Blotter

Voices from the Dustbowl

11/02/11-11/04/11

“What is your favorite off-campus place to eat?”

Wednesday, Nov. 2 9:16 a.m. - A report was filed regarding a party who was trapped in an elevator. The elevator was repaired and the party was released without incident.

Thursday, Nov. 3 8:35 a.m. - A report was filed regarding a male exhibiting suspicious behavior upon observing a marked police unit. The subject was stopped and was found to be in possession of multiple forms of identification and credit cards in different names. Some of the cards were determined to be stolen and the subject was taken into custody. The subject provided multiple names throughout the identification process and was later identified by a fingerprint record check. Two felony warrants were discovered under the subject’s name. 10:59 a.m. - A report was filed regarding unauthorized charges to a lost BC ID in Merkert Chemistry Center. The matter will be investigated further. 4:14 p.m. - Officers stopped and attempted to identify a possible underage person who was in possession of alcoholic beverages. While speaking to the officers the subject fled on foot. The suspect dropped a backpack which contained 60 cans of beer. The subject was not located after he fled.

7:17 p.m. - An officer/EMT treated an

individual who had suffered a laceration to his head after he had accidentally walked into a tree. The party was treated and then released.

“Eagles Deli.” —Jake DiBattista, A&S ’14

7:43 p.m. - An officer stopped and identified an underage BC student who was attempting to bring an alcoholic beverage inside Alumni Stadium. The party was advised that he would not be allowed to enter and a fraudulent Pennsylvania driver’s license was confiscated. 9:10 p.m. - An officer placed a subject under arrest for assault and battery. The subject was observed forcefully pushing a patron inside Alumni Stadium following a disagreement. The subject was escorted to the command post for booking where he was processed and later bailed.

“Sapora.” —Mollie Solon, CSOM ’15

10:56 p.m. - An officer provided assistance to two underage, intoxicated males. A BC student was released in the custody of his adult sister and a non-BC student was released to his father.

—Source: The Boston College Police Department

“Les, formerly known as Pho.” —Dennis Ma,

A&S ’14

61° Mostly Sunny 43°

tuesday

69° Sunny 44°

wednesday

65° Sunny 50° 64° Showers 46°

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 Taylour Kumpf, 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 Paul Sulzer, 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 Darren Ranck, Arts and Review Editor, at (617) 552-0515, or e-mail arts@ bcheights.com. For future events, e-mail, fax, or mail a detailed description of the event and contact information to the Arts Desk. Clarifications / Corrections The Heights strives to provide its readers with complete, accurate, and balanced information. If you believe we have made a reporting error, have information that requires a clarification or correction, or questions about The Heights standards and practices, you may contact Michael Caprio, Editor-in-Chief, at (617) 552-2223, or e-mail editor@ bcheights.com. CUSTOMER SERVICE Delivery To have The Heights delivered to your home each week or to report distribution problems on campus, contact Dan Ottaunick, General Manager at (617) 552-0547. Advertising The Heights is one of the most effective ways to reach the BC community. To submit a classified, display, or online advertisement, call our advertising office at (617) 552-2220 Monday through Friday.

Friday, Nov. 4 6:27 a.m. - Officers responded to a report that a motor vehicle had been broken into. The Boston Police also responded. The motor vehicle and suspects were not located.

Today

thursday

featured story

An ounce of preparedness is worth a pound of cure. That’s the philosophy municipalities have adopted in recent years by training Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), groups of individuals prepared to supplement emergency responders after a disaster. Now, Boston College has followed suit. Last Sunday, 16 members of the BC community, students as well as faculty, completed a 20-hour course that took place during the month of October to become members of the Campus-Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT). Participants learned skills such as triage, first aid, light search and rescue, fire extinguisher use, psychological first aid, hazard recognition, and damage assessment for use in an emergency situation. The C-CERT course was delivered by a team of first responders who have the requisite knowledge and skills to instruct the sessions. Graduates of BC’s third C-CERT class since the program’s start in summer 2009 join the other BC C-CERT program graduates, now almost 60 strong in total, to respond to

Four Day Weather Forecast

CORRECTIONS The photo on page A4 of the Nov. 3 issue of The Heights that went along with the article “Acappellafest overcomes latestart rule, sells out,” was incorrectly captioned. The group shown was Dynamics, not Acoustics.

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

Who or BC Admissions responds to what is Common Application word limit BC really? By Andrew Millette For The Heights

Joseph Pasquinelli Karl Bell, assistant director of the Student Programs Office (SPO), approached a group of Boston College Students For Sexual Health (BCSSH) distributing condoms on College Road and challenged them about their right to distribute condoms at that location. He seemingly approached them to determine how knowledgeable the students were about their rights. The students whom he approached were relatively new members of the club and did not know how to respond to a challenge from an administrator when they were indeed in a place where they are allowed to distribute condoms. It seems that in some way Bell’s challenge could be helpful to BCSSH because they now hopefully realize the need to educate new members on the issues. I have a great deal of respect for Bell and what he has done for BC; this challenging of new members of a controversial organization counts among one of his positive contributions to our community. I do, however, take issue with his saying that the BC aspect of the name Boston College Students for Sexual Health is a misnomer because they are not technically a part of BC, and are not sanctioned by the University’s administration. This issue of attaching BC

The student body has recognized the need for an increased awareness of the availability (or lack there) of sexual health services on campus. to the front of an unregistered student organization begs the questions: What makes an organization “BC” and who is “BC?” Is an organization BC because SPO says it is eligible for funding and can reserve space on campus? Is an organization BC because it ideologically lines up with the mission of the University on all counts? Or is an organization BC when the student body approves of it and recognizes a need for it? While all of these are certainly ways to become “BC,” the most important and most legitimate way to be considered a part of BC is to gain the approval of our student body. What better argument for the student body being “BC” than our chants at athletic events? In call and response style we shout, “We are … BC.” The administration has never objected to the student body referring to themselves as “BC” because we were granted that title when we enrolled in the University. If a BC student is involved in an organization, even if it does not have the approval of the University, that organization has a flavor of BC. The student body has recognized the need for an increased awareness of the availability (or lack there) of sexual health services on campus. Three years ago the BC student body passed a sexual health referendum with an overwhelming majority. It lacked teeth and a clear purpose, but it made the wishes of our BC community clear. BCSSH is a response to this referendum and the wants and needs of the student body. To deny that they are a part of BC is in some way a denial that we are BC. For us to be fully BC we need the administration to recognize that when a BC student participates in an organization, even if it is unregistered, that organization is BC.

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

The Common Application is a term that puts fear into the hearts of high school seniors nationwide each year. If writing college essays was not already stressful enough for qualified students, a recent change in the Common Application limited the essay section of the application to only 500 words, causing panic among the nation’s seniors and high school guidance counselors. Luckily, Boston College applicants will not have to worry about this change. “The recommended range for the essay is 250 to 500 words,” said John Mahoney, director of undergraduate admission. “[The Common Application] isn’t going to enforce that. There is a 500 kilobyte limit to what you can upload, which may be causing some confusion.” As it turns out, the 500-word limit is just a suggested guideline, and any essay of a length that translates to fewer than 500 kilobytes, a very large amount of space, will be accepted. This freedom introduces the question of whether or not students will be punished for exceeding the limit. Mahoney cleared up this issue as well. “I want to dispel any anxiety that any BC applicant may feel for exceeding the 500word limit by a few words or a couple hundred words,” Mahoney said. “With 33,000 applications to read, we are talking about the difference of a couple seconds or a couple of minutes for the student that writes 700 words as opposed to five hundred.” Despite Mahoney’s guarantee that students will not be punished for 501 words, he still offers the advice that concise writing is best. “I encourage students to be as crisp and concise as they possibly can,” Mahoney said. “This will work to their advantage to put together a good statement on whatever topic they choose.” Mahoney added, “The model should be a great op-ed piece you may read in The New York

Times or The Boston Globe. David Brooks is a good example. Those articles are often not much more than 500 words.” The number of words in an essay cannot be viewed as the sole defining characteristic of concise writing, however. “An 800-word essay can be clear and concise as well if the student has taken on a challenging topic,” Mahoney said. Beyond clarity and conciseness, Mahoney explained what else he looks for in an essay: “The essay is the student’s one opportunity in this process to speak to an admissions office. When we see an image of a student emerge through the words, those will be the most effective essays.” To see an image of a student emerge is part of the reason why many universities choose to require a supplemental essay on top of the Common Application essay. Boston College does not require a supplemental essay. Mahoney believes that supplemental essays “contradict the spirit of the

Photo Courtesy of Commonapp.com

The Common App recently lowered its suggested essay length to 500 words.

Haley House selected as Root Cause finalist By Elise Taylor Heights Editor

Haley House, a nonprofit organization that centers on issues such as homelessness, job stagnation for ex-convicts, and dietary conditions for low-income Bostonians, has been selected by Root Cause’s Innovation Forum as one of the 28 most innovative nonprofits in the Great Boston area. As a finalist, Haley House has the chance to receive more than $10,000 in cash and building services from Root Cause and its partners. Haley House was chosen from over 100 applications for this honor by social experts from the business, government, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. They will also receive services such as consulting and executive coaching if they are chosen as a winner. Root Cause is a research and consulting firm that works with nonprofits, philanthropy, government, and business to tackle social troubles in the Boston area. Each year, the forum partners with foundations, corporations, and donors to support these organizations with financial contributions, volunteer time, and other resources. Founded in 1966 by Kathe and John McKenna, Haley House began as a temporary home for the needy,

Common Application,” because the Common Application was supposed to “make the process simpler. “The ease of applying to college has flooded the applicant pool,” Mahoney said. “This has created a situation where students have to apply to more colleges because admission is so unpredictable. Some students thank us because they have applied to 10 colleges and have to write separate essays for all of them.” Other applicants feel differently, however. “A fair number of students have asked us why we do not have a supplemental essay,” Mahoney said. “Students have said ‘BC is my first choice, I want to do whatever I can to show my interest in the school.’ We are pondering adding an optional supplemental essay.” Mahoney also offered a hint for future applicants, saying, “The supplemental essay question may be related to the mission of Boston College, and how an applicant’s values and abilities relate to it.” n

located in a small apartment rented by the McKenna’s. They would walk down Tremont Street in Boston looking for the homeless, and invite them in for a good night’s sleep and a hot meal in the morning. Forty-five years later, Haley House has become one of the top social programs in Boston. The House includes a resident house, a free meal for senior citizens, an organic farm that provides produce for poor families, and a bakery that hires ex-convicts and workers looking to recover from homelessness. As most students know, Boston College offers cookies from this bakery at the dining halls. At a talk last year at BC, Daniel Cordon, director of wholesale transitional employment, spoke of the importance of supporting the bakery at Haley House. “We wanted to devise a program that would create opportunities on a real life scale where we could take men, bring them in, hold them up, and give them the opportunity to transfer back into the world,” Cordon said. “To be able to have the opportunity to go back in your life after jail is overwhelming. You can say that’s not our problem, but your taxes are paying for it,” he said. “You make a difference. By buying a pack of cookies, you make a difference.” n

Photo Courtesy of haleyhouse.org

Root Cause chooses Haley House as an innovative nonprofit organization.

Consider

This...

CATHOLIC COLLEGES’ SEXUAL HEALTH The Boston College Students for Sexual Health is an organization “whose mission is to fight for the health education and resources we need and deserve,” according to their website. The organization, which receives no funding from the University, distributes contraceptives and sets up “safe sites” in the residence halls where students can go for condoms and information. Here is how other universities with religious affiliations deal with the issue of the sexual health of their students: - At Georgetown University, Plan A: Hoyas for Reproductive Justice wrote an open letter to university President John J. DeGioia dated Feb. 5, 2010, that said sexual health was a social justice issue, advocating access to contraceptives, comprehensive sex education, and free speech and open dialogue on the issue. In a second open letter dated March 4, 2010, the organization detailed their response from Todd Olson, vice president of student affairs, in which he said that though the university supported open dialogue, it did not support the dispensing of contraceptives or educational materials. “As a Catholic and Jesuit institution, however, Georgetown cannot support organizations whose stated purpose conflicts with Catholic moral teaching,” the response read. - At Notre Dame, the Gender Relations Center “designs and implements programs about healthy relationships, gender and sexuality consistent with the Catholic character of the University,” according to its website. Their programs encourage dialogue on topics including sexuality, sex education, and sexual health. The university, as a Catholic

institution, does not support sex outside of marriage. “Students who engage in sexual union outside of marriage may be subject to University sanction,” according to the university’s website. - At the College of the Holy Cross, the Student Health Awareness Peer Educators, or SHAPE, are a group run through Health Services that promotes responsible decision making regarding health within the community, including sexual health and sexually transmitted infections. 15-40 CONNECTION: The 15-40 Connection looks to encourage young people to be aware of their health in hopes of reducing cancer in young people. “The 15-40 Connection is dedicated to creating a world where ‘invincible’ adolescents and young adults take their medical care and cancer screenings seriously,” according to the website. Recent efforts have attempted to bring the organization to BC. Here’s some background information about how it all began: - In 2005, Jim Coughlin, founder of 15-40 Connection, looked for a way to honor his friend Markw Ungerer, who had died in 1995 from multiple myeloma. Coughlin approached the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, where Ungerer and his son had both been treated, and decided to establish an endowed fellowship with the Adolescent & Young Adult Research Program created by Dana-Farber in 2004. - While speaking with medical professionals at Dana Farber, Coughlin learned that there was a gap in survival rate among younger cancer patients, in part because of a lack of awareness of cancer risk among the younger age group. -Molly LaPoint n

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

15-to-40 Connection reveals gap in cancer survival improvement 15 to 40, from A1 Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Research Program. In memory of his friend Mark Ungerer and his son David who both died from cancer, he began raising funds for cancer research and treatment. Through his efforts he learned of the alarming gap in survival rates for the 15 to 40 age group. Jaclyn D’Esposito, A&S ’13, a family friend of Coghlin, is helping bring this campaign to Boston College. “Since BC students fall into this age group I wanted to get involved and promote awareness on campus because it is such a crucial aspect of this effort,” she said. Melanoma, breast, thyroid, lymphoma, and testicular cancers are the most common cancers in young adults with symptoms like fatigue, lumps, and neurological

deficits. Frequently signs of cancer are often just a subtle change in a person’s normal health. Yet many young adults experience an ache or pain and wait for it to resolve itself instead of seeking medical care. The time spent waiting before seeking help often allows cancer the time to progress to more advanced stages and generally makes it more difficult to treat. And some types of cancer can often be prevented by avoiding activities such as smoking or using tanning beds. Increasing knowledge of common symptoms for common cancers as well as taking preventative measures can substantially reduce risk and impact the survival chances. “It’s scary that today almost everyone has had their lives touched by cancer in one way or another. And yet so many people aren’t aware of how to prevent or

detect it,” D’Esposito said. D’Esposito and members of the 15-40 Connection are still deliberating on how to best get the message out across campus at BC. They are still working out details and gathering support for the cause, but plan to host a meeting the week after Thanksgiving for those interested in becoming involved. Furthermore they intend on hosting their first event near the end of the semester. Although they have a separate mission from the Relay for Life organization, D’Esposito said she hopes that they may be able to collaborate in events on campus. “Once things get going, I think working together would help make both [Relay for Life and 15-40 Connection] more powerful and effective in their goal to help fight cancer,” she said. n

mollie kolosky / heights editor

Though unpaid, SAP volunteers benefit SAP, from A1 however, the volunteers commit to one-hour shifts per week. Because students perform

“There are a wide variety of things people get for being tour guides, and those 800 people do so many different things. With the volume of students we have [as volunteers] we’re able to tell people what we’re about.” —Jeffrey Portu, Head Coordinator of SAP and A&S ’12

Daniel Lee / hEights Staff

Prospective students and families (above) benefit from the active student volunteer base from which the Student Admissions Program draws tour guides.

such a variety of tasks, it is hard to quantify what it would cost to pay them if they were employees. Though Portu said that being a

tour guide is usually a paid position at other schools, the payment comes in a variety of ways, like Bookstore gift certificates or monetary compensation. “There are a wide variety of things people get for being tour guides, and those 800 people do so many different things,” Portu said. Among these different things are two new programs. The media program focuses on maintaining the website, taking pictures, and managing a blog for prospective students. SAP is also working on an international ambassadors program. Currently, five BC students who are abroad have received informational packets about giving presentations about the University and are going to be speaking to three different high schools each in the cities they are studying in. “With the volume of students we have [as volunteers] we’re able to tell people what we’re about,” Portu said. n

Men called to join the Society of Jesuits Vocations, from A1 examined. After giving a talk on his personal faith journey, Sawyer said, “We must think about our role in the future. If it involves some combina-

“We must think about our role in the future.” —Sam Sawyer, Jesuit Seminarian tion of service and faith, then maybe we are meant for the religious life.” If someone believes God is calling him, Devino said, “He should come to Manresa House and have a conversation with one of us. But most importantly, he should come with an open heart, a generous spirit, and a sense of humor.” Such qualities are important to

Devino, but some students wondered what characteristics a Jesuit must have once he gives himself up to a whole new life. “Key qualities of any Jesuit include generosity, deep faith, big desires, and a persistent dissatisfaction with the status quo,” Sawyer said. “We see ourselves as companions of Jesus, and always want to bring about some positive change.” “The first thing that occurs to me on this day is the call to be attentive, but to be attentive is more than being alert—it is to listen closely to the inner self,” Leahy said at the beginning of Sunday mass. This call to take note of all the subtleties in our lives was leveraged during the talk of Rev. Mario Powell, S.J. and STM ’14. He left his audience wondering what it meant to “live a life of depth,” and how our experiences at BC will impact our discernment far passed our expectations. n

Daniel Lee / hEights Staff

Condom distribution reconsidered BCSSH, from A1 students will be subject to the [University’s] blanket distribution policy. “In regard to the distribution policy, what folks do on public property can’t be sanctioned by BC,” Bell said. “But students’ activity outside of BC affects everyone. We need to better understand where we are and our responsibility as a result of where and who we are. It’s not an accident that we’re at Boston College. The distribution of condoms wherever will pale in comparison.” Bell continued by saying that the distribution of condoms does not align with BC’s Jesuit Catholic identity. “Distributing condoms is not against the law, but it is just not in keeping with our values as a Jesuit Catholic university,” he said. “There is a misunderstand-

ing of the Church’s position on this issue – the Church promotes safe sex, but sex within the context of marriage. “BC has an absolute responsibility to set the world aflame through its commitment to Jesuit Catholic ideals,” Bell said. “Sex outside the context of marriage is not in line with those ideals. It’s an affront to our ideals.” Changes are currently being made to the SPO/RSO handbook to explicitly outline a distribution policy. “We’re changing everything,” Bell said. “There was no explicit distribution policy prior to this year. Though this handbook governs RSOs only, all students are accountable to the student code of conduct.” With the SPO/RSO procedural handbook, when any Registered Student Organization (RSO) signs on, they agree to these policies. The Office of the Dean for Student Development

(ODSD) is working on a tantamount segment in the student conduct book. “A policy around distribution will not be enforced in [the city of ] Boston,” he said. “What you do outside of Boston College is what you do outside of Boston College, but anyone that wants to distribute materials on campus must have approval from the University.” In this regard, Bell said that the name “BCSSH” is a misnomer. “The BC implies sanction and approval,” he said. “BCSSH is not an RSO, so they are not subject to RSO policies.” However, Bell said that the current distribution practices of BCSSH cannot be regulated as they distribute on public property. “BCSSH is meeting the mandate by not doing what they’re doing on BC property,” he said. “But, they could never hand out condoms in the Quad.” n

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

CLASSIFIEDS A5

Community Help wanted JOB OPENING Reliable and efficient customer service rep needed to work for our company. Must have good computer skills, speak English, or French fluently, and must be accurate. No job experience is needed as any job experience may apply. You will earn $1,950 monthly. E-mail davej8@ livellc.com if interested.

HELP WANTED Have you thought about adoption? Loving and devoted married couple hoping to adopt. We hope you will consider us in your options. To learn more, please call us toll-free at 1877-841-3748, or visit our website www.roseanneandtim.com. Please be assured all conversations are held in strict confidence. With gratitude, Roseanne and Tim.

Help Wanted Sperm Donors Wanted. Earn up to $1,200/month and help build families. Convenient Cambridge location. Apply online: www. SPERMBANK.com. Italian Tutor Needed Experienced Italian tutor needed one to two times a week to tutor beginning Italian on campus for Boston College student. E-mail hjmags33@yahoo.com.

“Lindsay, you might have just put the gross in Grossman.” Directions: The Sudoku is played over a 9x9 grid. In each row there are 9 slots, some of which are empty and need to be filled. Each row, column and 3x3 box should contain the numbers 1 to 9. You must follow these rules: · Number can appear only once in each row · Number can appear only once in each column · Number can appear only once in each 3x3 box · The number should appear only once on row, column or area.

The Heights

Editorials

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Accountability on both sides of the handbook Publicizing changes to student handbooks can help alleviate misunderstandings on the part of students Each semester, amendments and additions are made in various Boston College student handbooks in an effort to create a community within the confines of campus that is more equitable and enjoyable for all. These

The Heights feels that, when it comes to something as integral to the functioning of our community as the norms in which we ground our actions, an effort toward purposeful transparency should be made. changes are enacted by administrators in the Office of the Dean of Student Development and the Office of Student Programs with good intention. However, the fact that these policies

Monday, November 7, 2011

“Everyone has the obligation to ponder well his own specific traits of character. He must also regulate them adequately and not wonder whether someone else’s traits might suit him better. The more definitely his own a man’s character is, the better it fits him.” Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC), Roman philosopher, statesman, and lawyer

are not always announced to students is an issue. The Heights feels that, when it comes to something as integral to the functioning of our community as the norms in which we ground our actions, an effort toward purposeful transparency should be made on the part of the administration. This might be as simple as sending an e-mail to the entire student body once a semester that summarizes the changes that have been made to student handbooks, if any. If a serious change that may have immediate, obvious repercussions occurs, it may warrant an individual notice. That the administration takes the effort to carefully review and edit student handbooks frequently is a reassuring reality, as it means that the rules governing our community are adequately considered and in keeping with the contemporary needs and fabric of the student body. To make such policies known in a timely manner, then, can only help to strengthen relations between students and administrations by alleviating accidental violations.

Setting precedents far and closer to home In the sports field, Warren Zola is nationally known and could serve as a role model for others on campus, as well Samantha Cohen / Heights Illustration

For graduating seniors, career choices (or the lack thereof ) are consistently on the brain, but for athletes, some resources are more handily available. Warren Zola serves as the assistant dean for graduate programs in the Carroll School of Management, but he also spends time advising student athletes pursuing career opportunities in professional athletics. As the inaugural Chair of the University’s Professional Sports Counseling Panel, he must be congratulated for attempting to bridge the gap between school and the professional world. However, his presence raises concerns about a lack of similar counselors for

other students. While the Career Center is an invaluable resource for those seeking internships, externships, and post-grad guidance, it caters to a more specific field of students. As an athletics advisor, he serves as an example of the type of counselor that should be offered for a variety of career paths. For instance, communication majors can turn to Christine Caswell as a resource for career advice and guidance. The Heights commends Zola for taking his concerns to Congress, and urges Boston College to consider installing counselors like this for students with a wider assortment of interests.

To promote causes, respect regulations When forming sucession plans and executing branding and marketing campaigns, RSOs should consider regulations Student groups at Boston College inevitably change from year to year as leadership members graduate and the goals of the organization shift to

It is imperative that each group fully understand their relationship with the administration from year to year, in order to establish and maintain a trusting relationship. fit each year’s new dynamic. Each year, different students with different ideas come together to form the group’s purpose and direction. In light

of these frequent changes, The Heights would like to stress how imperative it is that each organization hands down the important guidelines and regulations by which each group abides to the next group of leaders. By taking this responsibility, student groups can encourage continuity between years and ensure compliance with University guidelines and procedures. In some cases, the changes which occur from year to year have altered the relationship between student groups and the administration. Because of these changes, it is imperative that each group fully understand its relationship with the administration from year to year, in order to establish and maintain a trusting and familiar relationship. By establishing protocols and guidelines within each student group, the leaders of each year can prevent clashes with the administration and ensure each organization’s continued success.

The Heights The Independent Student Newspaper of Boston College Established 1919 Michael Caprio, Editor-in-Chief Daniel Ottaunick, General Manager DJ Adams, Managing Editor

Letters to the Editor The Campus Green will forever be the ‘Dustbowl’ If the administration is able to find a donor willing to pay $10 million for the naming rights to the so-called “Campus Green,” I say, good for them. But I think I speak for more than just myself in saying that regard-

less of what anyone tells me, that hallowed ground will always be the Dustbowl. Patrick Gallagher BC ’11

Compare Apples to Apples I feel the need to respond to the column issued by The Heights in its most recent addition. “Irony on Display” by Janine Hanrahan utilizes the recent death of Apple CEO Steve Jobs as a pretext to lambast the Occupy Wall Street Movement as a collection of “classwarfare” perpetuating “radicals.” Hanrahan reminds us that Mr. Jobs changed the face of world technology, and that “the wealthy are trying to make a living, they just happen to be better at it than most.” Additionally, Wall Street “employs tens of thousands of people and produces goods we use on a daily basis.” Yet, Hanrahan seems to miss the overarching point of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. A sizeable number of Americans, including those involved with the “Occupy” movement, are fed up with the income disparities between the upper and middle classes. This does not mean those protesting are anticapitalist; rather, these Americans recognize the truth of this nation’s recent economic collapse. We, the people, bailed out the corporations that were “too big to fail” and have been rewarded with the mass exportation of jobs from this nation, cutbacks in government services, a sizeable increase in bank fees and foreclosures, a col-

lapsing job market, and a deteriorating infrastructure. Corporations, deigned people by the Supreme Court, are given tax cuts and excused from the social contract while poor Americans are demonized for accepting welfare. Unemployed Americans seeking to change the world through protest, just as their forefathers did 238 years ago, are demonized as un-American radicals. Steve Jobs was a great innovator who changed the world, but his triumphs do not excuse his greed or the inequities of his Wall Street brethren. After all, Apple assembles the vast majority of its products in China, not the United States. Occupy Wall Street represents a commitment by young Americans to the proposition of equality that our Republic was founded upon. The idea that 1 percent of this nation should control 40 percent of its wealthy may be well and good for Ms. Hanrahan, but I, for one, believe that the people are entitled to the same prosperity that Jobs brought Apple.

Patrick Keating A&S ’12

Have something to say? Write a letter to the editor. EMAIL US AT Opinions@bcheights.com

The Heights welcomes Letters to the Editor not exceeding 200 words and column submissions that do not exceed 700 words for its op/ed pages. The Heights reserves the right to edit for clarity, brevity, accuracy, and to prevent libel. The Heights also reserves the right to write headlines and choose illustrations to accompany pieces submitted

to the newspaper. Submissions must be signed and should include the author’s connection to Boston College, address, and phone number. Letters and columns can be submitted online at www.bcheights.com, by e-mail to editor@bcheights.com, in person, or by mail to Editor, The Heights, 113 McElroy Commons, Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02467.

Business and Operations

Editorial Clara Kim, Copy Editor Taylour Kumpf, News Editor Paul Sulzer, Sports Editor Kristopher Robinson, Features Editor Darren Ranck, Arts & Review Editor David Cote, Marketplace Editor Ana Lopez, Opinions Editor Dan Tonkovich, Special Projects Editor Alex Trautwig, Photo Editor Lindsay Grossman, Layout Editor

Mollie Kolosky, Graphics Editor David Riemer, Online Manager Therese Tully, Assoc. Copy Editor Katherine Doyle, Asst. Copy Editor Adriana Mariella, Assoc. News Editor Molly LaPoint, Asst. News Editor Greg Joyce, Assoc. Sports Editor Chris Marino, Asst. Sports Editor Brooke Schneider, Asst. Features Editor Brennan Carley, Assoc. Arts & Review Editor

Charlotte Parish, Asst. Arts & Review Editor Matt Palazzolo, Asst. Marketplace Editor Kevin Hou, Asst. Photo Editor Woogeon Kim, Asst. Layout Editor Alex Manta, Asst. Graphics Editor Dara Fang, Asst. Online Manager Elise Taylor, Editorial Assistant Katherine McClurg, Executive Assistant

Jamie Ciocon, Business Manager Christina Quinn, Advertising Manager Zachary Halpern, Outreach Coordinator Cecilia Provvedini, Systems Manager James Gu, Local Sales Manager Amy Hachigan, Asst. Ads Manager Seth Fitchelberg, Business Assistant

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

Opinions

11/4: America’s evil empire

Thumbs Up Saving Time — Though the days are rapidly getting shorter, the chance to spend an hour longer in bed without compromising your productivity schedule was simply delightful. For the rest of the week, prepare for the simple pleasure of realizing a clock is still set an hour ahead and that you’ve got time to spare. Making Our Way Downtown — Memories of our past teenage angst resurfaced Saturday night in Robsham as Vanessa Carlton took the stage and reminded BC students that she’d still walk 1,000 miles to hang out in white houses. Though anyone who has seen the movie White Chicks can’t take her music seriously anymore, the chance to lip sync “Pretty Baby” and live tweet about emotions—for free—was just what the doctor ordered for a fantastic few. Glor y Days — Eighty-five degree days and blizzarding nights are not normal—even by Northeast standards. It seems as if Mother Nature has finally calmed down and afforded the populace of Chestnut Hill the most classic of fall days.

Thumbs Down No News is Bad News — People keep purporting that BC football is an absolute embarrassment this semester. TU/TD would like to respectfully disagree. Because of our performance on Thursday night, BC football was seriously trending on Twitter—one of the top 10 topics in the nation. Yes, so maybe people were saying things like “The low point of an already embarrassing season took place last night,” and “Awful,” but everyone who’s anyone knows that the only thing worse than people speaking negatively about you is people not talking about you at all. Getting Squirrelly — The squirrel population on this campus has gotten simply out of control. They have absolutely no shame when it comes to begging for or stealing food, and their trend of shooting out of the trash cans in the Quad like it’s a T-shirt gun is downright dangerous for the oblivious passerby. Though TU/TD is an avid animal fan on every level—ferrets to golden retrievers—BC’s vicious rodent population is making itself hard to love. Baby Bieber — As all fans of the teen heartthrob Justin “Biebs” Bieber know, the earth remaining on its axis hinges on the judgment of whether or not Mr. Bieber will soon go by “Daddy,” or not. Obviously no one wishes ill for such a talented young man, however, imagining the father-child activities Bieber would go for is right up there with imaging the next athlete Kim Kardashian will go down the aisle with. Hopefully the baby will exit the womb with a full head of hair so they can hit the salon and get matching coifs. Like Going Crazy — If you’re in the mood to witness the soul-crushing reality of welleducated, naturally beautiful, Louboutin-wearing, furnituremaking-as-a-career pseudohipsters, Like Crazy is definitely the movie for you. And if you classify that demographic as able to create the “love story of our generation,” then you’ll see eye to eye with the misguided critics. It’s a movie featuring characters so narcissistic and annoying that you wouldn’t put it past them that they’re the type that stares at themselves as they cry … because it’s just so darn pretty. Save the $12. Rent Tommy Boy on iTunes. @BCTUTD

Dylan Hewkin Since the beginning of the Global War on Terror, namely the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, American foreign policy has been under constant criticism both at home and abroad. President Bush became a symbol of America’s supposed enmity for international law, institutions like the UN, and the general will of Europe and the rest of the world. While most people of my generation seem to think these sentiments began with or were the result of Bush, they have in reality been present since the fall of the Soviet Union and to some extent even before then. When Soviet Russia collapsed, the foundation of the international system was gone. The strategic, economic, and political interests of Europe were tied to and protected by American leadership in the face of the communist threat. Since then, however, European leaders have expressed significant distaste at their “overbearing” allies across the Atlantic and their desire to see an integrated European Union retake its place as a global power and offset American dominance in both its global influence and ability to resolve key international crises. By 1995 and the end of the Yugoslav wars though, these desires had clearly gone unsatisfied. The Clinton administration embarrassed the weak and disorganized efforts of the EU and saved the day simply by ignoring the UN’s weapons embargo and executing a series of air strikes. Later in the 1998 Kosovo conflict, a more coopera-

tive effort by the NATO countries was still overshadowed by the coalition’s obvious reliance on American military might, a fact well known to the United States government. As is usually the case though, critics always seem to find their voice the second things turn for the worse. Immediately after Sept. 11, President Bush seemed to desire Europe’s help, invoking for the first time ever, the mutual self-defense clause of the North Atlantic Treaty. However, as time went on the Bush administration grew tired of waiting on the UN and hesitant allies like France and decided to act. The better part of a decade later, most Americans and Europeans alike look back on that sequence of events with disgust. Now we constantly hear complaints about our huge defense budget, general involvement in the Middle East, and the age-old criticism of America trying to be the world’s police. When Obama first took office, he went on a world giving speeches in which he essentially apologized for the sins of America and his predecessors. In France of all places, he said that America has shown “arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive” of Europe. In addition, Britain and France’s so called “leadership” of the successful NATO coalition in Libya has now led many political scientists to believe that American primacy in global affairs is on the decline and that the European Union is well on its way to restoring multipolarity. Granted, it was surprising to see France and the UK advocate military intervention, where as the United States usually had to convince them. This is surely a notable change in European behavior. The problem, however, is that as reluctant as Obama was to get involved, the United States once again did most of the hard work. Of the 295 NATO planes used in Libya,

153 were from our Air Force and Navy. With 32 countries in the coalition, we still provided over 50% of NATO’s military capacity. Though it may not seem like it, I would love for the United States to be able to take on a smaller role in the resolution of global conflicts. We could reduce defense spending and focus on the economy. But to pretend that this is yet possible is just unrealistic. Until the nations of Europe stop fantasying about a world without borders, where military might is unnecessary and diplomacy solves everything, I have no patience for their whining about American unilateralism. They claim they want an equal say, but until they stop cutting their defense budgets and make an attempt to play an equal role, they simply don’t deserve one. Say what you want about Iraq or Afghanistan, but in my opinion, the United States’ body of work in international affairs has been pretty good. Radical critics claim that the US is just a modern day imperialist empire, pursuing some sinister set of goals throughout the world. In response, I would ask how they think a nation like Britain, France, or Germany would have behaved had it been put in America’s position after World War II. With a monopoly on nuclear weapons, Truman could have pursued any number of global ambitions. We could have taken over the world without firing a single bullet. Instead, he invested billions of dollars into the rebuilding of Europe. Anyways, until we live in a world where either guns are no longer necessary or Europe puts its money where its mouth is, America’s presence should and will remain throughout the world. Dylan Hewkin is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.

A political speech John Blakeslee Ladies and Gentlemen. I know that many of you are frustrated with politics these days. You see a country in decline while our leaders flounder. You might turn on the television from time to time to hear politicians pointing fingers at one another instead of working together. The only things emptier than their ideas are the words they use to explain them. You are tired of the same cliches and slogans. You want someone to be honest with you and not pander for political purposes. You are sick of politicians claiming that they are different without providing an ounce of substance. Well, ladies and gentlemen, today I propose to you a plan that will fix this country. It is so sweeping, so comprehensive, so far-reaching, that many told me that it would never work. Indeed many of them came up to me and said, “John, this will never work.” I assure you those naysayers have all been fired and replaced with “yes men” who assure me it will work. If we are to succeed, this country needs more “yes men” than “no men.” I know you are sick of hearing about plans that say little or nothing at all. That is why my plan is different. Some might say it is radical. Others might call me crazy for even proposing it. It speaks directly to the American people and does not tiptoe around the problem. No, the time for tiptoeing has come to an end. The age of political tap dancing is over. This is America, not a ballet class. This plan is not ballet. It is an old-fashioned romp. It is a delightful plan, filled with all sorts of things that are good. It will

provide for the poor and the middle class. It will empower our children to excel. It is very pro-old people. But above all, it is specific. It does not make vague promises or outline general principles. It gets to the heart of the matter. It does not engage in double speak or speaking doubly. No, this is a plan for the ordinary man and his ordinary family. You’re tired of the finger-pointing politicians in Washington. They are constantly blaming others for their own shortcomings and failures. Why do they spend their time figuring out how to blame each other instead of working with each other? They are the true impediment to progress in this country. Ask me where the finger-pointing troublemakers are in this nation and I will point my finger to Capitol Hill. They are the ones to blame. My plan does away with their finger pointing. My plan does away with scapegoats and any other kind of goat that wants to see America fail. I am a uniter not a divider. But before we can unite, we must get rid of all of the dividers. I know that it drives you crazy when politicians talk down to you. When they treat you like foolish children or when they tell you how you feel or what you want. You are tired of this. You want a new way, a new plan, my plan. A plan that makes things simple for you. You don’t have the time to figure out complex issues like taxes or debt. Leave that to me, my friends. You may carry on with your lives not having to worry or think about anything at all. The plan will take care of it. Another wonderful thing about the plan is that it rejects the old, tired phrases that we hear politicians repeat day in and day out. Their words have poisoned our political discourse. With new ideas come new ways of articulating them and that is precisely what my plan does. We do not have time to dwell in the past. Washington is

Bazoomie Wagon | BY BEN VADNAL

broken. Our backs are up against a wall and if we want to succeed then we have to go into a full court press. Between the do-nothing Congress and a taxand-spend liberal residing in the White House we have little chance to get a first down, never mind a touch down. My plan rejects the Socialists’ and the Corporatists’ labeling of society. That is not what Joe-six pack would want, nor Joe the plumber, nor Steve the electrician. They want a plan that is independent and not beholden to the special interest groups. I assure you that my plan and I are both mavericks. We are beholden to no one. Nothing can influence us. My mother called me up the other day wanting to express her opinion and I promptly hung up the phone and blocked her number. No one can influence this plan. They say that the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. To them I say, perhaps that is because mice and men should not be making plans together. My plan is written by the people, for the people. To ensure it was written for people, I deleted all sections that dealt with dogs, ponies, and other non-human animals. To make sure it was written by people, I locked several members of my plan team in the plan office and gave them nothing but parchment and a quill. No computers or robots interfered with my plan. As I conclude my remarks, I hope I have inspired you all. I hope we can put an end to the age of empty words and begin an age of empty paragraphs. After all, with few words we can say much, but with many words we can say more. I believe in America and I believe in you. But most of all, I believe in my plan. May God bless you and may God bless America. Thank you. John Blakeslee is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.

Internal pressure

Marye Moran I’m writing this at 9 a.m. on a Saturday. When I realized I had a column due on a Friday night, I considered skipping the Boston College hockey game to write it, but then opted to ask for an extension and wake up early the following morning to write. Did I mention it’s a Saturday? This isn’t a paper for one of my classes or an assignment for my job. Yet I feel just as much pressure to meet my deadline, get my work in on time, and make it at least somewhat decent. Really, though, why do I do it? I’m disappointed in myself that I’m getting it in late, but thinking logically, I should be proud that I’m writing it at all. Aside from the pressure I put on myself, there’s no incentive for me to be producing this column. If I failed to write this article, honestly, nothing would happen. My editor might get mad, but she’s a fellow student, so there’s not much leverage there. The worst that could happen would be that I would not be assigned columns anymore. And in that case, I’d never have to consider waking up early on a Saturday ever again, so really everyone would win. Yet here I am, sitting in the white button-down I still have on from the Risky Business party last night, staring enviously (and a little creepily) at my sleeping roommate, forcing myself to write. At BC, it’s how we all are. If we work hard in one area of life, it’s so hard to split our mentalities and act completely differently in another realm. If we studied in high school, which we had to in order to end up here, chances are, that habit will stay, and we’ll study at BC. And if we write our papers for class, we’ll write our articles for the newspaper, despite the minimal outside incentive to do so. Of course this is a good thing for society as a whole, so that The Heights’ editors aren’t forced to put a huge cartoon in the empty void where my column should be, and for that matter, so that we have a newspaper at all. But on the personal level, this self-imposed stress can get excessive. On college campuses, compulsive exercise and eating disorders are unnoticed but serious problems. In all areas of life, students push themselves so far that it becomes detrimental, even dangerous. It causes internal conflict to excel in one area and then not in another, but really, it’s necessary. We can’t do it all, and the fact that we try only leads us to trouble. At BC, students can take any elective class on a pass/fail basis, greatly decreasing the pressure to master a course, and instead making it perfectly acceptable to just do well enough. However, very few students actually utilize this opportunity, because even if our transcript says it’s fine that we just did well enough, for us, well enough isn’t good enough. If there’s no distinction between mediocrity and excellence, many students will be at a loss, because they won’t be mediocre. We can’t strive for the A in four classes, and then be satisfied with a C- in the fifth, even if “pass” is all we need. Even in graded classes, we often work harder than we need to. When football season ends, and we have our Saturdays free again, we don’t take that as extra free time. We do some homework. Chances are, our grades don’t improve during those weeks; we did just as well when we were at Alumni Stadium instead of O’Neill Library. Yet we continue to wake up, pack our bags, and head off to the library. Sometimes, it’s important to push ourselves. When we look for jobs or internships, it’s important to have extra curriculars on our resume to show that we’re doing more than just going to class and parties. But on that resume, there’s no distinction between students who have attended one meeting and those who spend hours dedicated to the cause. Yet there are many of us who still go that extra mile, and then 25 after that, up Heartbreak Hill. At BC, achieving is part of the culture, and there is nothing intrinsically wrong with that. We just need to take a step back and think about our motivations and the roots of our stress. If we realize that all of this is self-imposed, then when we fail to meet our own expectations, maybe we will be a bit more forgiving. And we should take that forgiveness where we can get it, because if this was for a class, a professor might not be so willing to give it up. Marye Moran is a staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at thughes@bcheights.com.

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

Holiday laughs come early with ‘Harold and Kumar 3D’ By Joe Allen Heights Staff

Halloween just ended, so the American Christmas season has begun! As radio stations begin to play “Here Comes Santa Claus” three weeks before Thanksgiving, we could all use a healthy dose of self-aware sarcasm. And raunchy show tunes sung by Neil Patrick Harris. A Very Harold & Kumar 3-d christmas L u c k i l y, A Very Harold Todd Straussand KumarSchulson Kingsgate Films 3D Christmas has both of these, topped off with a surprising amount of nostalgia. This hilarious holiday-themed sequel surpasses the series’ middling second installment in virtually every way and comes shockingly close to equaling the greatness of the original classic, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. The movie takes place years after the second film ended, with former best friends Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn, who left his job with President Barack Obama’s administration for this role) separated. Harold has become predictably do-

A-

mesticated, while Kumar has again devolved into a pot-smoking wreck whose primary activity is laughing at ridiculously offensive commercials. When Harold agrees to set up the Christmas tree, Kumar inevitably arrives and indirectly ruins the tree. What follows is one laugh-filled gag after another. When a movie has a bit of everything that film-goers were hoping for, who needs an involved plot? Perhaps the third Harold and Kumar adventure’s greatest source of comedy, one that distinguishes it from the other films of the series, is its ability to constantly poke fun at itself. The movie’s characters frequently reference their cheap exploitation of 3-D, their seemingly endless line of sequels, and the real life paths of their actors in a constant attempt to remind audiences what they are watching. Writers Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg have sarcastically imbued this film with a “give ’em what they want” mood while giving the audience even more than what was expected. In the short course of 90 minutes, Harold and Kumar 3 throws innumerable absurd characters at the screen who barely give the audience a chance to stop laughing. Danny Trejo, who perpetually looks

like he murdered someone five minutes earlier, puts his intimidation skills to good use as Harold’s father-in-law. Reno 911!’s Tom Lennon proves a great addition to the cast as Harold’s new pushover friend whose toddler is inadvertently high on weed, cocaine, and ecstasy throughout the entire movie. A horrifying concept, yes, but one that director Todd StraussSchulson turns into the funniest running gag in a comedy of the past few years. And anyone who’s seen a Harold and Kumar movie knows the films’ best scenes come when Neil Patrick Harris appears as an aggressively heterosexual version of himself. The new movie is no exception, containing the best NPH cameo yet. The bit is so inspired that I’ll refrain from discussing it. Of course, the warm and consistently funny center of the movie is the misadventures of Harold and Kumar. The film’s intense nostalgia, which comes out of nowhere, is enhanced by Penn and Cho’s chemistry and makes the comedy’s Christmas theme surprisingly fitting. While the movie’s most inventive moment might by a drug-fueled Claymation sequence (complete with scarring 3-D nudity), its most heartfelt scene comes when its titular

‘Like Crazy’ brings authenticity to romance

Courtesy of allmoviephoto.com

Neil Patrick Harris makes his funniest cameo yet in the third installment of the series. pals stumble upon their old Jewish friends, Rosenberg and Goldstein, and a White Castle. This scene, where the characters sit around satisfying their craving for munchies while hurling racial stereotypes at each other, is vintage Harold and Kumar, showing how its characters can simultaneously uphold and subvert the traditional stoner movie tropes.

Occasionally, Harold and Kumar 3 does venture into jokes so stupid that only the most drugged-up audience members would laugh. For the most part, however, the writers and director don’t assume that everyone in the audience is high out of their mind and have created a great amount of high-caliber low comedy. n

Box Office Report title

weekend gross

weeks in release

1 photos courtesy of allmoviephoto.com

1. Puss in Boots

33.0

2. tower heist

25.1

3. A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas 13.1

Courtesy of Allmoviephoto.com

Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones play young lovers separated by the Atlantic Ocean and emotional disconnectivity, in this Sundance winner. By Darren Ranck

Arts & Review Editor First love plays a role in many a motion picture. One of film’s most enduring tropes, every love story feels the same – young people fall in love, doubt or minor conflict follows, but, inevitably, they reach the age-old like crazy: happily ever Drake Doremus a f t e r e n d Paramount ing. Rarely Vantage are films brave enough to portray an honest love story, but Drake Doremus’ Like Crazy explores the greater difficulty of finding and keeping love alive with poignancy. The film itself has slowly developed buzz since this past January. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews, winning the Grand Jury Prize for best picture as well as a prize for actress Felicity Jones. Since then, its marketing campaign has only served to brighten the glow, and the movie basks in that glow before taking a turn for the bleak and necessary. With little exposition, the film jumps right into the love story between American Jacob (Anton Yelchin) and British Anna (Jones), two seniors at a college in Los Angeles. Anna reveals her crush to Jacob through a letter she places in his windshield wiper and, seconds later, they meet for their first date. The first date gives

B+ A-

way to a whirlwind romance, the kind everyone imagines for themselves. Anna, however, overstays her student visa to be with Jacob, and her return from a brief trip back to England ends in devastation. Anna is deported, and a ban is placed on her visa. With the obstacle of distance, Jacob and Anna realize the struggle of maintaining and growing love. This story is not a long-distance relationship comedy in the vein of last year’s Going the Distance, though. This story overflows with authenticity and brutal honesty. Doremus’ direction cultivates an incredibly intimate vision. It almost feels as though the audience participates in an act of voyeurism. Cinematographer John Guleserian uses wonderfully particular camera angles. It is always held at a slightly skewed angle, a touch shaky as though we’re capturing a true moment in time. He places his characters in bright, open spaces, leaving them emotionally vulnerable until he plunges them into the closely framed shots of their separation. The shots reflect the emotions of the two leads beautifully. While Doremus co-wrote a skeleton with Ben York Jones, much of the dialogue was improvised by Jones and Yelchin, and it is refreshingly realistic. In romance movies, it is unbearably easy to make the dialogue sound heavy handed and highly stylized, but Yelchin and Jones bring spectacular lightness and simplicity to the words. Not

a word feels forced. This improvisation is perhaps best during the first date between Jacob and Anna. Something about it feels so uncomfortable and so tense, yet so perfect all at once. It is a visualization of the universal first date as done with modesty and preciousness. The script structure is strong, albeit predictable, but the improvisation adds something special to it. Yelchin’s previous work does nothing to preview the strength he brings to this role. His Jacob is obviously green to relationships but eager and loving. As he progresses through the film, it becomes clear how Anna rubs off on him as well as the wear and tear of the relationship. His performance is full of subtle complexities, and Yelchin brings a sure vulnerability to his performance. Jones has the showier role, and she takes it and runs with it. In a year of strong breakout performances among young women, she distinguishes herself with an effervescent air. She is at once heartbreaking, uplifting, rational, and impulsive. A classic beauty, she is a talent that people will remember after this film. Jennifer Lawrence of Winter’s Bone also makes a brief appearance in the film in a minor but pivotal role, and she succeeds in bringing a thin character to vivid life. In the vein of (500) Days of Summer, this film is not a love story, but its refreshing realism gives it heft. For anyone who has ever loved and lost, this one’s for you. n

4. Paranormal Activity 3

8.5

5. In Time

7.7

6. footlose

4.6

7. Real Steel

3.4

8. the rum diary

3.0

9. ides of march

2.0

10. moneyball

1.9

bestsellers of hardcover fiction 1. the best of me Nicholas Sparks 2. Christmas wedding James Patterson 3. Bonnie Iris Johansen 4. The Affair: A Reacher Novel Lee Child 5. the marriage plot Jeffrey Eugenides

6. Damned Chuck Palahniuk 7. shock wave John Sandford 8. the sense of an ending Julian Barnes 9. tehran initiative Joel C. Rosenberg 10. the night circus Erin Morgenstern SOURCE: Publisher’s Weekly

Hunter S. Thompson would be embarassed by Depp’s ‘Diary’ By Sean Keeley For the Heights

Coming only a few months after his latest big-screen caper as Captain Jack Sparrow, The Rum Diary finds Johnny Depp once again drinking copious amounts of rum and prancing around tropical locations, but in a decidedly different vein than the Pirates franchise. Here, Depp THE RUM DIARY: channels Bruce Robinson h i s i n n e r Hu n t e r S . GK Films Thompson for an adaptation of the famed journalist’s autobiographical novel about living, writing, and drinking in the sundrenched milieu of 1960s Puerto Rico. The movie’s plot is of no great consequence, serving as a framework on which to hang a series of loosely connected vignettes. The movie begins with journalist Paul Kemp (Depp) awaking hungover in his hotel room to leave for a job interview at the San Juan Star, an English-language newspaper staffed by a motley crew of drunks and loafers and run by the perpetually angry editor Edward Lotterman (Richard Jenkins). Kemp gets the job from a begrudging

C+

Lotterman, who seems to have no other choice, but soon grows frustrated with his trivial assignments: horoscopes and fluffy, feel-good pieces about tourism. Although Kemp, a failed novelist, spends some time complaining about such journalism and pining to find “his own voice,” the movie is more concerned with his drunken escapades with fellow journalist Sala (Michael Rispoli), the shady business deal that local millionaire Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart) tries to lure Kemp into, and Kemp’s budding romance with Sanderson’s beautiful girlfriend Chenault (Amber Heard). Regardless of how you feel about Hunter S. Thompson’s The Rum Diary, this controversial piece would seem to have all the necessary ingredients for an inspired adaptation of his novel. Depp is no stranger to Thompson’s work – a longtime friend of the writer, Depp starred in an adaptation of his novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, narrated a documentary about his life, and even sprinkled in references to Thompson in the animated comedy Rango. Writer-director Bruce Robinson – who was responsible for the classic cult comedy Withnail & I about a pair of alcoholic friends in working-class

England – also seems comfortable with this kind of material. But The Rum Diary never quite lives up to its promise. The problem is not so much that it meanders without much sense of a plot; in fact, the relaxed atmosphere is appropriate for this story of directionless characters whiling away their time. The problem is rather that it never sets a consistent tone. The humor ranges from the very dry to the very broad, and then suddenly the film will try to take itself too seriously. The character of Kemp – clearly a stand-in for Thompson in his younger days – will occasionally develop a social conscience and begin ranting about mindless consumerism or the unseen poverty in Puerto Rico, but by the next scene he’ll once again be cruising around drinking rum. The movie posits Kemp (and by extension Thompson) as a brave crusader and journalistic pioneer, but he comes off as indecisive and uninteresting. It doesn’t help that Depp is in a rather subdued mode here, only rarely displaying his capacity for uninhibited comic flair. The movie is not without its pleasures, though. Robinson’s depiction of Puerto Rico is vivid and evocative; his

camera captures not only the sunny beauty of its beaches but also the dark, dingy details of its poverty. In small doses, his script is quite funny, with sharp and funny dialogue that captures the peculiar mannerisms of each character. And the supporting cast, filled with talented character actors, is uniformly excellent. Giovanni Ribisi is the funniest character in the movie as Moberg, a drunken slob who has been fired from the paper but who still loiters around the

office causing trouble. The ever-reliable Richard Jenkins proves his worth again playing the embittered, angry, long-suffering editor of the paper. There is much talent at work in The Rum Diary, and some memorable moments of wit and imagination. But they remain just that – moments, adrift in a movie that is ambivalent about what it wants to be. Ultimately, as the credits rolled my lasting reaction was just that: ambivalence. n

Courtesy of Allmoviephoto.com

With an inconsequential plot and forgettable characters, the movie doesn’t achieve anything.

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

The mind games never cease in this play of Internet ineraction ‘Dark Play,’ from A10

Nick Rellas / Hei ghts staff

‘Dark Play’ comments on the chillingly real problem of online predators.and impersonators.

albeit highly energetic roles. To continue manipulating his victim, Nick must invent other people who connect with his original creation, Rachel (played absorbingly by Colleen Quigley, A&S ’12). The actors playing these minor characters bring most of the humor to a play that often careens towards tragedy. Elise Hudson, A&S ’12, and Nate Richardson, A&S ’13, give two of the funniest “fake” performances as an overly serious FBI agent and an ultra-ditzy teenage schoolgirl. The most noteworthy supporting performance comes from Anthony Russo, CSOM ’13, who plays the recipient of Nick’s disguised affections, Adam. Don’t let his business school leanings fool you; this guy can act. Russo easily sells Adam’s starry-eyed naivete, which makes his tearful breakdown later in the play all the more crushing. His ability to cry on the spot lends a lot of weight to one of the saddest scenes in the play. Even though Anthony brings talent to

the production, his character also reveals Dark Play’s greatest weakness, one that undermines both its ending and its framing device. The play works best in its first half, as it reveals its focus (the consequences of forging an internet identity) in a playful and small-scale way. Nick begins his recounting of events by saying that Adam reaches an “eleven” on the gullible scale, which plays out entertainingly at first. I can believe that the dream-chasing Adam would devour Nick’s chat room-based lies. To Catch a Predator has made this idea all-too-plausible. Less realistic are all the scenes that take place once Nick draws Adam off the web and into the real world, where he persuades the young man of his warped affection to make reckless decisions that could have life-threatening consequences. Suspension of disbelief ceases once Adam begins trusting every faceless online messenger he comes across. Can a stranger seriously convince 16-year-old Adam to commit murder in five minutes? Can’t he at least talk through the situation with someone from his offline world?

These gaps in narrative logic don’t disappear at play’s end, but the fully realized production opportunities, along with the superb acting, counterbalance them to a large extent. Director Korey McIsaac, A&S ’12, saw the visual possibilities present in Dark Play’s premise, and he, along with his large production staff, was able to create a highly stylized mood that helped rescue a faltering story. Glow-in-the-dark hoodies, acrobatic dress changes, discordant techno music, and unpredictable use of TV monitors combined to produce constant unease that foreshadowed tragedy. If the tragedy had been grounded in reality, then these great technical touches, and the all-in performances, wouldn’t have felt somewhat wasted. Its muddled second half aside, Dark Play highlighted the consistent excellence of BC’s theater students. The cast and crew’s total commitment to the material showed in every aspect of the production. Whatever this group pours their energy into next will be well worth checking out. n

Throwback tunes rouse audience Carlton, from A10 from her newly released album, Rabbits on the Run, which came out this past July. She was interrupted in the middle of the song, though, when her microphone made a horrible high frequency noise that not only frightened her, but also surprised the audience; nevertheless, she finished the song, picking up where she left off, like a genuine artist. Carlton played 13 songs – eight of which were new – during her 75-minute set. Highlights off her new record, and of the concert, included the song “Fairweather Friend,” in which Carlton was able to exhibit her flawless falsetto. The new song, “Get Good,” was a performance worth noting, as Carlton refrained from playing the piano and simply sang to the strum of a guitar. With a suspenseful and almost ominous introduction on the violin, the song “Hear the Bells” was also memorable. Though she played many new tracks from her record, Carlton was sure to perform the crowd pleasers too. Switching from the piano to the keyboard, she began to play an unrecognizable interlude that quickly transformed into the unmistakable

introduction of “White Houses.” Instantly, the crowd cheered and began to sing along as their nostalgia took them back to 2004, when the hit single was released. As soon as Carlton began the illustrious rift of “A Thousand Miles,” the crowd aired the same reaction, taking the decibel up a few notches. She played on, nevertheless, as if she understood and even expected the audience’s response. Carlton and the rest of the theater, especially a row of boys who just could not contain their enthusiasm and admiration, finished the song together, prompting her to compliment everyone on their beautiful voices. Between many of the songs, Carlton interacted with the audience, sharing digressions and anecdotes about each song that truly added to the intimate feel of the concert. Carlton’s new material, inspired by her time in London, her friend’s divorce, Sylvia Plath, and the California coast, among other things, was made even more engaging and charming by her personal narratives. She also explained that though she has “been gone for a really long time, it’s a pleasure to be back.” Carlton told how she spent the last year and a half, hidden away in England, writing and recording Rabbits

on the Run. The album is extremely authentic, she said, because she worked tirelessly on the lyrics and because she produced it without a label, funding it by the revenue she made from “A Thousand Miles.” The entire set was extremely stripped down; it featured Carlton, on the baby grand piano and keyboard, and her two fellow musicians, one on the guitar and one on the violin. The trio truly complemented each other, both instrumentally and vocally. The clear and rich sound of the violin balanced the soft sound of Carlton’s piano fittingly, and her delicate, airy voice worked well with tempered male harmonies. The acoustic set enabled Carlton to convey tangible emotion to the audience in every song. After the concert, Carlton greeted fans and autographed tickets in the lobby of the theater. With a smile on her face, she even took a moment to explain to The Heights what it was like to play for the students of Boston College: “It was a privilege to be here, and I felt like I instantly connected with a bunch of strangers that kind of instantly became phantom friends, in a way, in the darkness. I thought it was wonderful, and again, I am just lucky to play for people like this.” n

Art inspires poetry with time crunch Art Club, from A10 was dedicated in loving memory to Lieutenant Scott F. Milley. It was especially memorable for the words across his chest, “U Made a Difference.” It was only fitting to have words incorporated onto canvasses since the art show did not stop at the walls of the gallery. The audience enjoyed listening to the spoken word portion of the evening. After looking around the art show, the performance began. Viewers sat, munching on some of the many hors d’oeurvres that were laid out in a buffet. This buffet included many delicious representations of multiple cultures. What differentiated this spoken word performance was that it was completely inspired by the works on display in the art gallery. These poets were provided only 24 hours to view the art show and create a response in words to something they saw. Despite limited time, the responses were well constructed and entertaining. Speakers not only

read poems, but passionately felt their words. They gesticulated what they meant. When James Parkington, A&S ’12, described praying he put his hands together. He talked about God slipping through the cracks in his fingers, holding up his hand. The readings provided an open space for honest art. One response was not a poem but a song. Richard Hoyt, A&S ’12, prefaced his song with a personal insight and honestly nervous description of how he sees the world. There was hope and love featured in his song matched with pleasing chords. There were funny moments like when he describing “her” body sang, “going south,” stopped strumming and said, “that’s private” and continued. He also jumped up on the balcony to play, explaining “I’m not too cool for floors, I just can’t play standing up.” One of the crowd’s favorite speakers, although each one was equally amazing with their own deep poetic insight, was Morgan Fry Pasic, A&S ’13. She especially knew how to project her voice and capture

attention. Her poem captured the emotions of many situations. Although her performance was very widely focused, the melody of the words and musicality of the poetry was enough in itself to satisfy and delight listeners. Color was definitely a highlight employed throughout the show. Leslie Snapper’s “Sleeping Beauty” was a beautiful depiction of a woman using almost every color in her face and body. The lines of her eyelashes stood out proportionally and for their darker color but added to the feeling of drowsiness in the piece. This art show is still on exhibit in Bapst Library. The gallery is through the left door, before entering Bapst and also continued through the right door, in the corridor on the way to the bathrooms. It will be up for about a month. Next time you are studying in Bapst and can no longer think straight, or are rereading the same sentence repeatedly, go and revel in the beautiful images produced by some the best student artists on campus. n

Daniel lee / Heights staff

Although audience participation did not always follow through, Fleabag never slowed.

New shine among veterans Fleabag, from A10 demonstrated excellent potential in general. Alex Dzialo, A&S ’15, excelled, both in the character roles of the freezepositioning game and the straight-man of an excellently delivered crazy-roommate sketch. Sean Bloomstine, A&S ’15, has a tremendous method and a fabulously expressive face, which came heavily into play over the course of the night. But the true joy to behold, particularly at the first Saturday show, was undeniably the dynamic duo of Don Orr, A&S ’14, and Lou Wilson, A&S ’14. As “third cousins twice removed,” they brought down the house in a pitch-perfect switcheroo scenario, which they performed successively in Western, Shakespearean, and Julie Andrews fashion. Orr’s Irish brogue, perfect sarcasm, and general snarkiness blended flawlessly in every scene, all delivered with palpable confidence and incredible ease. Wilson brought huge laughs wherever he went, whether he was play-acting, delivering one-liners, or reenacting the daily routine of a little girl. His eager-to-help personality is as well practiced as it is hysterical, and played brilliantly in both sketches and improv alike. Both sophomores were able to poke fun at themselves and their spontaneous characters with natural flow and expressiveness, and complemented each others’ performances outstandingly. That certainly isn’t to say that there was anything lacking in the rest of the cast, their chemistry being one of many highlights. Ceara O’Sullivan, A&S ’14, and Katie Cummings, A&S ’14, parody without reservation, both of them bringing invaluable energy and life to the stage. With her colorful, insane, and wholeheartedly commit-

ted play-acting, O’Sullivan embodied the perfect situation for any set-up man, and Cummings had perfected faux-ditziness to the point of an art form. Meanwhile, Molly Marotta, A&S ’13, and Lindsey James, A&S ’13, had the poise and presence of veterans. Together they ran the show smoothly and had the priceless capability to save the day at the drop of a hat. Overall, the show was a completed puzzle. There were no missing pieces in this act. The only occasional weakness of this act was less than stellar audience participation, which, as in every improv act, is heavily relied upon. The later shows were consistently superior in that aspect, but when the need arose, the group did an excellent job in a pinch. In one particular instance, James needed a volunteer to come onstage and give an interesting description of his or her day. This is a fairly tall order from any audience, but the night’s submissions had reached a lull. After a few moments of hesitation, the volunteer turned out to be Olivia, James’ younger sister. James wound up dragging a story out of the nervous girl that seemed, at face value, fairly uneventful. When your act demands a volunteering and creative audience, the best you can do is simply run with it, which Fleabag excelled at. So, once again, this proudly featured BC comedy group prevails resoundingly, with zaniness, committal, and laughs for all. This is a cast of remarkably talented people that succeeds at reaching notable high points while maintaining an impressively well-rounded and consistent feel. The group lacks nothing. All the ingredients for comedy are present, resulting in a night worthy of the group’s comedic legacy. n

Two remakes on the horizon, Snow Whites battle for eminence Dan Siering Over the last decade, Hollywood’s major studios have been involved in a grueling competition to gain the attention of a shrinking movie watching mass (annual theater ticket sales in the United States have consistently dropped since 2002). Thus, studios have looked to pictures that they can easily market after the film’s initial release, and, time and time again, it seems that the fantasy and adventures types have been what appeals most to the general audience. So in this era of Netflix and On Demand services, the nudging and elbowing of studios looking to court the modern moviegoer has grown increasingly hostile. This upcoming summer, however, will mark a new era in industry competition, as two production companies will release competing films that are not only within the same genre, but also derive from the exact same story. Having not been adapted by Hollywood in some time, Snow White, one of the most well known characters in all the fairytale world, will get a modern makeover not once but twice next year. Both films, perhaps in attempt to squeeze some novelty out of the tale, look to intertwine a seemingly gloomy ambiance into the classic story.

The first spin on the Brothers’ Grimm tale will be Mirror Mirror, which got its official title this past Thursday and is slated to be released March 16 of next year. The official synopsis on IMDB states that Mirror is “a dark twist on the classic fairy tale in which Snow White and the seven dwarfs look to reclaim their destroyed kingdom.” In this adaptation, Lily Collins (The Blind Side, Abduction) will take the lead role as the fated princess, but the real draw of this feature is the supporting players, led by Oscar winner and mega A-lister Julia Roberts. Roberts will put on her evil eyebrows and play the Wicked Queen who looks to thwart Snow’s plans. Despite her history of playing mostly good-hearted characters, Roberts is a talented enough actress to make this role work. This, along with her ability to attract an older audience, makes her a great pick to create a balance alongside the relatively inexperienced Collins. Armie Hammer (The Social Network, J. Edgar) will bring his chiseled good looks to the stage as he plays the supporting role of the charming Prince Alcott. Seasoned veterans Sean Bean and Nathan Lane round out this deep lineup of characters. Aside from a handful of pictures released to the public, little is known about the details of Mirror, which is directed by Tarsem Singh and is currently

in postproduction. Singh is a somewhat unknown director, and Mirror will only be his fourth film made. It will be important for Singh’s upcoming film Immortals to score some praise for the production studio, Relatively Media, and build some hype around Mirror. Competing for fans of the famous fairytale princess will be Snow White and the Huntsman, set to come out June 1. This version of Snow White’s story seems to be a bit more morbid than its competition. Here we have a main character named the Huntsman, who befriends Snow White after denying the Evil Queen’s wishes to kill the young princess. Twilight’s Kristen Stewart will play the lead, Thor hulk Chris Hemsworth will star as the Hunstman, and Oscar-winner Charlize Theron will take the helm as the wicked Queen. The Huntsman seems to be taking a page out the Mirror Mirror’s book by employing their own veteran star as the chief villain. Similar to Roberts, Theron has the skill set to craft a modern adaptation of the story’s Evil Queen despite her history of playing wholesome characters. The real interesting cog here, however, is Stewart. Most moviegoers seem to have a love/hate relationship with the Twilight actress (I, in particular, am very fond of her nonvampire roles. For those interested, watch Adventureland, a film in which Stewart actually cracks a smile).

Set photos show Stewart dressed in armor and looking pretty intimidating, a step awway from her normal star persona. Yet with production on the final installment of the Twilight series all but finished, Stewart has wasted no time getting involved in another big budget

series, as it is rumored that the film will be the first of trilogy.

Dan Siering is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at arts@ bcheights.com.

Courtesy of allmoviephoto.com

Kristen Stewart and Lily Collins will compete for the most successful Snow White.

A10

arts&review Monday, November 7, 2011

Wicked Cultured

Holiday hype brings cheer

Vanessa Carlton strikes a chord The popular singer drew huge crowds for her acoustic concert By Ariana Igneri

G For the Heights

Charlotte Parish There is no here or there when it comes to Christmas music. Either you adore the stream of classic winter tunes or are a cold, heartless Grinch who slaps the radio every time one comes on (its very ambiguous which side I’m on). And more importantly, there is a highly specific date after which this music is acceptable. It’s been a point of fierce contention recently among my friends. Some say all year round, others the 100-day count down, only after Halloween, and – shudders abound – waiting until Thanksgiving has passed. Regardless of how long you manage to wait until hearing those familiar strains, the onset of Christmas music means that my favorite holiday season is coming! Its not that I love Christmas itself, actually it is usually a blur of food comas and extremely loud relatives that ends up being exhausting or anticlimactic. But the whole winter wonderland season is fantastic. Set to the melodic sounds of She and Him, or Bubbles (known to the rest of the world as Michael Buble, but affectionately renamed by my little cousin), or Frank Sinatra, there are so many essential traditions for Christmas that actually have nothing to do with the day itself, and even the train wreck of Justin Bieber’s holiday compilation cannot detract from my excitement. And although I think the season extends past Christmas all the way to Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of components of the season that will happen during this semester. The first snow of the year – since the freak Halloween storm decidedly does not count – is the first indication that holiday bliss has begun. There is actually scientific evidence for why those little crystalline flakes cause so much giddiness and distraction, but I’m too busy stealing trays from the dinning hall to really think about it. Of course, once the ground is frosted over and I am slipping all the way to class, the only sensibly thing to do is go gallivanting throughout the Common. I’ve yet to actually hit a squirrel with a snowball (they’re fast little buggers), it’s a yearly endeavor while strolling. The disappointment of failing these attacks on woodland creatures aside, there is absolutely nothing better than fighting off the chill with a cup of cocoa and just wasting time in the space that is both urban and wild. The Common is even more beautiful after Dec. 1, though, illuminated by the annual tree lighting. This used to be my beginning day for allowing holiday tunes to be shamelessly blasted all day long, but I’ve given in early this year and joined the postHalloween crowd. Regardless, on the 1st I will be inundating myself with carols and classics in order to get in the spirit for this fantastic event. Throw in a few batches of decorated sugar cookies, an annual visit to Frog Pon (crowded as it is with menacing little children) some snow days with cancelled classes, pitchers of eggnog, and garlands galore and you have the perfect pre-holiday that is arguably better than the day itself. At the end of the day though, if there was just one thing I could wish for this Christmas, it would be the return of Santa Snake. Nothing says the Beantown holidays like a renegade reptile in the subway system. Of course, if my visions of sugarplums and Santa Snakes do not come to fruition, there could be a call for the Valentine’s Day Viper when I am forced to shut off my holiday mix. (If such a thing were to occur though, this is a disclaimer that I have no plans for such an event and have not been researching breeds of innocuous, but intimidating vipers or pink clothing for them). Welcome to the winter season everyone; get your happy holiday on.

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

irls, eager to relive a pre-teen music obsession, and even a few guys, excited to rekindle an old celebrity crush, attended Vanessa Carlton’s sold out Nights on the Heights (NOTH) concert at Robsham Theater on Saturday Nov. 5. The concert began with three songs by singer-songwriter Nikki Jean, and she was the ideal artist to open for Carlton. On the piano, she played the title song off of her debut album, Pennies in a Jar. Interestingly, it features Lupe Fiasco on the recorded version of the track. With the song “Million Star Motel,” Jean ended her set. However, her voice – both tender and soulful – and her sweet, mellifluous melodies left the audience content and even eager to listen to her longer. Instead, anxious listeners waited another half-hour for Carlton to take her seat behind the piano. When Carlton did take the stage, the audience erupted in applause. The first song she played, called “Carousel,” was

See Carlton, A9 daniel lee / heights staff

Fleabag’s ‘Big Show’ highlights comedic creativity By Matt Mazzari For the Heights

Nick RellAs / heights staff

Although its second act is confusing and altogether unenergetic, ‘Dark Play’ manages to entertain thanks to its cast.

Cast rescues ‘Boys’ from muddled plot By Joe Allen Heights Staff

Since distant friends on Facebook (that is to say, almost all of them) will believe virtually anything about “friends” they rarely see, a person has the ability to completely reinvent himself online. Sure, changing one’s political views to “anarchy” probably equates to “I just saw V for Vendetta,” but the former statement is what will get the gossip-hungry cyber community talking. Playwright Carlos Murillo’s Dark Play takes our generation’s increasingly illogical belief in the impossible and expands upon it exponentially. As a story, Dark Play, or Stories for Boys is a mixed bag, ultimately sacrificing plausibility for the sake of its message. Regardless of whether Dark Play earns its ending, its ever-increasing emotional stakes and unique vision allowed for a great showcase of the Boston College Contemporary Theater’s talents, both on and off the stage. The star of the show was undoubtedly Shaun Slusarski,

A&S ’12. For much of the play’s two-and-a-half hour runtime, Slusarski’s character, Nick, narrates a defining experience from his past after being asked about the scars on his abdomen. His story illustrates how he lured a fellow love-craving high school boy into his life by creating the boy’s ideal girl in an online chat room. The telling of this tale requires Slusarski to effectively convey sarcasm, lust, rage, heartbreak, and suicidal depression, often within the same monologue. With so much of the plot resting upon his shoulders, Slusarski’s performance could have made or broke the play. Fortunately, his performance was near flawless. His ability to take the audience through several emotions within one scene earned him a standing ovation. As the majority of the story is filtered through Nick’s memory, most of the other actors have limited,

See ‘Dark Play’, A9

Art Club’s eerie tryptichs, mixed media pieces thrill By Jen O’Brien For the Heights

Walking down the stairs to the Bapst student art show, notes from a violin greeted the art show goers even before they entered. An art gallery event usually invokes imagining paintings lined on a wall. This art show was not restricted to conventional art but included many mediums of visual art, music, and spoken poetry. The Art Club sponsored this event, which shows that art crosses boundaries and this show invited viewers into an atmosphere where art is performed beyond the canvas. In the midst of midterm season this art show makes for a great study break and way to rejuvenate a tired brain. One painting incorporating an actual windowpane has a figure’s hair spewing beyond the conventional square limits of the painting. There is a ceramic sculpture that contains pieces of broken bowls that fit together to make an interesting composition. This sculpture by Joon Park, A&S ’12, won the grand prize at the Ricci Binding Friendships art show, which was featured previously at the Bapst

i nside Arts this issue

art gallery. There are multiple series that employ good use of continuity within the series. One triptych by Katie Hartley, CSON ’13, took three realistic but simple drawings of the human skeleton and organs but made them interesting in how they were put together. Three tall abstract paintings by Nina Stingo, CSOM ’12, combined soft and light colors with an eerie depiction of a skull in the last one. The connection between the three draws the viewer in and looking from left to right the last thing one is left with is the image of a skull. Another memorable triptych had painted black words across three white canvases, but it was the acrylic melted crayons that dripped onto the words that attracted the viewers’ attention. Many works juxtaposed words and images into their art. A large mixed media piece used words in the background of a cutout figure of a woman in a dress. One painting by Paulina Rodis, A&S ’14, was simplified (as if through a cutout filter in Photoshop) and showed a cartoon image of a soldier in front of a flag. This painting

See Art Club, A8

Love takes a dizzying turn in Like Crazy

Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones turn in stellar performances in this love story turned melodrama. A8

The hard work and talent of the My Mother’s Fleabag comedy group came to fruition this weekend with a fantastic show. Michael Wolf, A&S ’12, Bryan Cocchiara, A&S ’13, and the whole gang were in top form, and the parodies of the political, the collegiate, and the absurd gracefully abounded. The group performed their sketch and improv three times, once on Friday and twice on Saturday, in front of a packed O’Connell House each show. A wide array of topics were covered and effectively skewed in the process, from the Occupy Wall Street Movement to the promiscuous lifestyle of a Boston College Freshman. The Fall Big Show showcased a cast of distinctly comedic styles ranging from dry to positively zany. Seasoned captains Wolf and Cocchiara held the stage together and stole the spot light with energy and technique, Wolf in a recurring sketch about the adventures of an over-ambitious detective and Cocchiara in a satire of war-movie inaccuracy. But through it all, particularly the guerrilla satire, this year’s freshman recruits shone on. While Cocchiara played the crazy veteran snack-bar manager, Pat Genovese, A&S ’15, was unbelievable and spot-on with his impersonation of a flamboyant director and

See Fleabag, A9

Instant Noodles crew

Kevin Hou / Heights Editor

The group, along with Boston College’s most popular dance crews like Synergy and Bulletproof Theory among others, packed Gasson 100 with dance hungry crowds.

Dueling Snow Whites to be released

In 2012, two different films chronicling the princess’ life will vie for audience’s attention. A9

Bestsellers...............................A8 Box Office Report........................A8

SPORTS The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

Why losing is OK in hoops, but not football

Football

A team in need of a pick-me-up Against Florida State, on national TV, Eagles suffer their third 20-plus point loss of the year By Austin Tedesco For The Heights

Although the final score indicated otherwise, the Boston College defense put up an impressive performance against an Florida State 38 explosive Florida State Boston College 7 team Thursday night. An overmatched offense was the main reason for the 38-7 smackdown on national television that made BC bowl ineligible for the first time in 12 years. “We got licked,” head coach Frank Spaziani said. The Eagles definitely got licked, but there were bright spots all around on the defensive end. The Seminoles were forced to a three-and-out on their first possession, giving Superfans hope that maybe star FSU quarterback E.J. Manuel could be contained. After falling behind 7-0, sophomore linebacker Steele Divitto and freshman corner Manny Asprilla each sacked Manuel, forcing another punt. BC has had trouble all season putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but both guys played with inspiring passion against FSU. Freshman linebacker Sean Duggan also came up big with two tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery, and a clutch deflection on a third down. Duggan came close to picking off Manuel after perfectly jumping a route, but the ball just barely slipped through his hands. One of the main reasons for FSU’s high scoring total was field position. The Seminoles, on average, started drives from their own 40, while

the Eagles, on average, started from their own 24. The BC offense could just not find any rhythm. At one point in the second quarter, the Eagles had negative total yards. They didn’t get a first down until 10 minutes into the second quarter. “Obviously we were having trouble blocking them and having trouble protecting,” Spaziani said. “We couldn’t make a first down and couldn’t get out of our own way for a little bit out there.” The Eagles had more trouble getting away from Seminole defenders than they did getting out of their own way. After a monster game against Maryland, running back Deuce Finch had just 27 yards on 17 attempts, for 1.1 yards per carry, through three quarters. Finch and the offensive line picked their game up some in the fourth, but it was too late. Every time he approached the line of scrimmage, he was swarmed by FSU defenders, who had powered through the O-line. Finch also had a fumble on the goal line while trying to punch in an early score. “That’s probably going to be the best defense we see all year,” he said. The Eagles tried to let quarterback Chase Rettig drop back and throw in order to make up for the struggling run game, but he had no time to make a play.

Paul Sulzer Finally, after eight months of anticipation, Boston College has unveiled its men’s basketball team. The Eagles, featuring 12 new faces on their 16-man roster, squeaked by Division II American International, 70-66, in a mistake-filled game Saturday in Conte Forum. They committed 21 turnovers, nearly allowing a decent team from a lower division to pull off the upset on their home court. This is clearly a rebuilding year. And that’s OK. Steve Donahue is taking the program in an entirely different direction from Al Skinner. The only player on the team who was there when Donahue took over a year-and-a-half ago is Peter Rehnquist. With so much roster turnover, growing pains are inevitable. It’s clear, though, that Donahue is building toward something. Nine of the 11 players in his rotation are freshmen or sophomores. His first full class is loaded with potential. For the first time in years, BC will have a legit 7-footer in the post in Dennis Clifford. The combination of his skill for his size and his high basketball IQ will make him a major threat in the post. Classmate Patrick Heckmann is an aggressive wing who can get to the hoop whenever he wants thanks to his great handle. The team’s talented freshman class is going to be fantastic in a year or two. What’s not fantastic is what’s happening to the football program. The Eagles embarrassed themselves on national television against Florida State, losing 38-7 Thursday at Alumni Stadium. BC’s five most lopsided losses since joining the ACC have all happened under Frank Spaziani’s watch, including this 31-point home beatdown. Over the past three years, the Eagles have lost by 17-plus points 10 times. They were blown out by such a large margin just three times in their first four years in the ACC. They are now 2-7 and won’t go bowling for the first time since 1998. This is also clearly a rebuilding year. It’s uncertain what direction Spaziani is taking the program, however. The coaching staff has shown minimal ability to tailor its game plan to the opponent. Case in point: The Eagles ran the ball 39 times and passed 20 times against Florida State’s No. 4 rush defense. Chase Rettig was pretty accurate, completing 11 of his 18 passes. He just didn’t drop back enough to make an impact. The question remains whether the staff

See Football, B3

Boston College Drive chart Started BC 20 BC 5 BC 28 BC 30 BC 25 BC 22 BC 24 FSU 26 BC 37 BC 20 BC 5 BC 20 BC 7

Ended BC 29 BC 2 BC 34 BC 19 BC 22 BC 30 FSU 2 FSU 0 BC 42 BC 24 BC 34 FSU 43 BC 8

Time 2:03 0:42 2:15 2:05 1:31 1:59 4:08 3:07 1:19 1:57 2:41 7:01 0:42

Result

Punt Fumble Punt Punt Punt Punt Fumble Touchdown Punt Interception Interception Punt End of game

Alex trautwig / heights editor; and mollie kolosky / heights photo illustration

Minutemen snap BC’s unbeaten streak at six

See Losing, B4

Eagles unveiled

By Chris Grimaldi For The Heights

Boasting a six-game winning streak and uncontested Hockey East supremacy, the Boston College men’s hockey 4 UMass team marched into an Boston College 2 upset-hungry Mullins Center looking to claim Massachusetts as its next conference victim. Only a night removed from a dominant four-goal victory over Maine at Kelley Rink, the Eagles fell silent in a 4-2 loss against the UMass Minutemen on Saturday night. The defeat brought a disconcerting end to BC’s 14-game Hockey East win streak that dates back to last season. “I thought we gave a very good effort,” head coach Jerry York said. “It’s not a heck of a lot different from winning and losing sometimes, especially on the road.” Facing a determined UMass squad desperate for a conference win, York’s Eagles came out of the gate with a quick power-play goal from forward Steven Whitney to open the first frame. The BC junior’s sixth goal of the season appeared to be the start of yet another drubbing of a Hockey East opponent, but UMass forward Michael Pereira rudely answered less than two minutes later with a score of his own. Following Pereira’s game-tying score, the next period-and-a-half would see what seemed like an early offensive duel give way to a gutty grudge match on the ice. BC resiliently fought

alex trautwig / heights editor

Chris Kreider brought BC within a goal late in the third, but UMass iced the game with an empty-netter. through a penalty-ridden second period that sent five different Eagles retreating to the penalty box. Solid play by both BC goalie Parker Milner and Minuteman goaltender Kevin Boyle effectively preserved an unchanged 1-1 tie. However, BC’s early-season momentum was stunted amid an uncontrollable UMass offensive explosion in the third frame, sending the Eagles to an unexpected crash landing. The attack was catalyzed by a go-ahead goal off the

i nside S ports this issue

stick of forward Steven Guzzo that gave UMass a lead it never relinquished. Freshman defenseman Oleg Yevenko followed suit with his first goal of the season, forcing Milner and the rest of the BC squad into a corner of desperation. “We had survived a lot of our penalties in the second period, so we felt pretty good about that,” York said. “We just couldn’t quite get the

See Men’s Hockey, B4

Diego Medina-Mendez feature

BC’s quick-footed freshman soccer star develops into a reliable threat.............B5

graham beck / heights staff

BC defeated American International, 70-66, in Saturday’s exhibition game. For more, see our blog at http://heightssports.tumblr.com.

What’s the best way to get to Notre Dame?

O u r w r i t e rs d e b a t e t h e b e n e f i t s o f f l y i n g vs . RVi n g. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B 3

Numbers to Know.....................B2 Quote of the Week.....................B2

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

BC unable to overcome two-set deficit despite comeback attempt By Greg Joyce

Assoc. Sports Editor A recurring theme for the Boston College volleyball team this season has been getting behind early only to put up a strong 3 Clemson comeback before running Boston College 1 out of gas. This trend continued on Sunday in Power Gym, as the Eagles fell to Clemson, 3-1 (20-25, 15-25, 25-18, 23-25). “A theme for us this season has been to learn how to fight throughout an entire match, so it’s good that after being down 0-2, we came back and make a match of it,” head coach Chris Campbell said. “That’s definitely to our plus. But we’ve really got to work and start to address putting ourselves in that position to begin with. That’s where we’ve got to get better.” After a close first set, BC fell behind early in the second set, with not many bounces going its way. At one point, the Eagles trailed Clemson 21-7, until finally coming alive with an 8-3 run before the Tigers shut the door on the set, 25-15. Following the 10-minute intermission, BC came out of the locker room with a renewed sense of urgency in the third set. Sparked by the performance of senior Mollie Kolosky, the Eagles did not let Clemson put them away in straight sets. Kolosky came off the bench at the end of the second set, and played the entire third set, in which she had five of her nine kills. The biggest of those kills came when the Tigers threatened to either take the lead, or pull away when they did hold the lead. “She certainly did [provide a spark],” Campbell said of Kolosky. “She hit well. She touched a lot of balls on the block. We’ve been going back and forth with some various lineups. It seems like whoever comes off the bench plays better. But she did a great job.” In the fourth set, the Eagles got ahead early, 6-2, before the Tigers came back to pull ahead, 10-8. From that point on, it was neck and neck, until a kill by Krystle Higgins put BC on top, 20-19, forcing Clemson to call a timeout. Out of the timeout, the Eagles pushed the lead to 23-21, but the Tigers then scored four consecutive points to secure the set and the match. Freshman Courtney Castle was a major factor for BC throughout all four sets, attacking from both the front row and the back row. Castle finished with 13 kills and 13 digs, good for her seventh double-double of the year. Tsvetelina Dureva came up one dig short of recording a double-double of her own, finishing with 10 kills and nine digs. The second set was the outlier in Sunday’s game, and the one that really killed the Eagles. Every other set came down to the wire, and this lull in play during the second set is something that Campbell hopes his team can improve upon going forward. “Yeah, boy,” Campbell responded when asked

alex trautwig / heights editor

Despite an impressive start to the season, the field hockey team lost seven of its final 10 games, likely ending its season.

Field hockey season likely over By Steven Principi Heights Staff

Graham Beck / heights staff

Mollie Kolosky provided a spark off the bench on Sunday, finishing with nine kills in the three sets she played. about the second set. “That’s where we got to, as individuals, look to yourself to, ‘What more can you bring out on the floor? What more can you contribute?’ “When things are going poorly as a group, everybody has ownership of raising their individual game to try and help rather than looking for somebody else to bail them out, and right now, we end up doing a lot of looking around in those situations. It was nice to be able to recover and play strong in the third game, but boy, we got to get better at that.” On Friday night, the Eagles hosted Georgia Tech and won the first set before dropping the next three to lose, 3-1 (25-19, 18-25, 14-25, 21-25). Dureva led BC with a team-high 17 kills, complementing her 12 digs and five blocks. Meanwhile, Castle also recorded another double-double with 11 kills and 12 digs. Clark anchored the defense with 19 digs of her own, and Kellie Barnum provided 38 assists for the Eagles. n

A season that began with such promise came to an abrupt end on Thursday for the field hockey team, as the Eagles were defeated by 4 Wake Forest Wake Forest, 4-3, in the ACC Boston College 3 quarterfinals on Saturday in College Park, Md. The Eagles got goals from Emma Plasteras, Jacqui Moorfield, and Maike de Jager but conceded a goal in the dying moments of the game and came up just short to the Demon Deacons for the second time in under a week. Boston College came out strong against Wake Forest this time, playing a more offensive game than in the previous match with the Demon Deacons. The Eagles won an early corner, and de Jager managed to fire home the first goal of the game just 11 minutes in. Head coach Ainslee Lamb was very impressed by the play of her team. “I thought it was one of the best games we played this year,” she said. “You hope that you work and prepare hard enough during the season and you get better as a team, and I thought that this may have been the best game we’ve played all year and that was exciting for us.” The Eagles were indeed dominant at times during the game. They held a 23-6 shot advantage and an 11-3 edge in corners, but were unable to convert enough of their chances. After jumping out to an early lead, the Eagles let up a goal in under two minutes, and then watched as Wake Forest scored twice more to take a 3-1 lead into halftime. BC refused to quit, however, when Moorfield converted on another corner with 24 minutes to go to bring the score to 3-2. Thirteen minutes after that,

Plasteras banged home another goal to tie the score at three with just over 10 minutes left. Then came heartbreak. Just when it seemed the game was headed for overtime, Wake Forest picked up the ball off a BC corner and started a counter attack. The Eagles kept the Demon Deacons on the outside, but Wake converted anyways, taking a 4-3 lead with 2:34 left. Though the Eagles applied some pressure, they could not get the goal back, and they lost. “It’s tough when you have the attack corner,” Lamb said. “You can either choose to be conservative or aggressive, and we’re generally much more aggressive with our style of play, so we put high numbers up there. And the one thing you really expose yourself to when you do that is the counterattack. We knew they were good with the counter attack, but defensively we did a pretty good job keeping them to the outside. It was really a no-angle goal that kind of snuck through. It wasn’t anything that we did wrong.” Despite the difficult and abrupt end to the season, Lamb has much to be proud of. The Eagles this year climbed as high as No. 6 in the nation and were in serious contention for a NCAA tournament birth for much of the season. Even though the final game may be a disappointing way for the season to end, Lamb did not forget all the success that this year’s team enjoyed. “I honestly think this was one of the best teams we’ve ever fielded at BC,” Lamb said. “I mean that in a talent perspective, but more importantly as just an incredible group of young women. They were all very cohesive, very supportive of each other, and a very dynamic group. There was a lot of personality out there. I know we won’t have an opportunity to go the NCAA tournament, but I truly believe that they would be very successful in that environment.” n

Eagles get rematch against Terps in first round of ACC tournament By Andrew Klokiw Heights Staff

SPORTS in SHORT

In early September, the then-No. 8 men’s soccer team made the trip down to College Park, Md., to face a Terrapins team that was No. 2 in the nation. Maryland sent the Eagles back to Chestnut Hill with their first loss of the season, by an ugly 4-0 score. Hoping for an improved result, No. 10 BC (12-5-0, 4-4-0 ACC) will make the same trip tomorrow, when they will take on the No. 4 Terrapins (13-2-3, 4-2-2) at Ludwig Field at 7 p.m. BC head coach Ed Kelly felt that the 4-0 loss had much more to do with the fact that the match was contested so early in the season and that his team took a lot of positives from the game, despite the unforgiving score. “It was early in the season and we were testing out a new formation,” Kelly said. “Conor [Fitzpatrick] was still out, just the usual early-season stuff each year, like adding freshmen and fitting people in. We got our butts handed to us down there, so we switched things around and that helped us a lot.” That game kicked off the ACC portion of the schedule for the Eagles, who fought their way through the toughest conference in the NCAA to finish 4-4. That record earned them the seventh seed in the upcoming ACC tournament,

while Maryland comes in with the second seed. North Carolina, which defeated BC in Chestnut Hill last Wednesday, will be the top seed. Should the Eagles win over Maryland, they would face a semifinal date with either No. 3 Duke or No. 6 Clemson. “It’s fine, it’s a good draw to be quite honest,” Kelly said when asked about the ACC bracket. “The worst it can be

Containing Stertzer could be the difference between a momentum-gaining win going into the NCAA tournament and a deflating loss. “We have to look after Stertzer,” Kelly said of the playmaker. “This kid is playing attacking mid and he’s got 14 goals, that’s incredible. We have to pay close attention to him and [Maryland’s] top two forwards, especially in cutting off service to those two guys. They’re a dangerous attack, but

alex trautwig / heights editor

Luthy (center) will be depended upon heavily Tuedsay night if the Eagles are to pull off an upset of No. 4 Maryland in the ACC tournament.

Men’s Hockey East Standings Conference

Boston College Merrimack Providence Maine New Hampshire Boston University Massachusetts Northeastern UMass Lowell Vermont

is a loss. Even with a loss to a team like Maryland, you’re at least playing a high seed with a high RPI. It’s a win-win. They beat us up before, so I’m interested to see how much we’ve improved. Yes, we’d like to be home, but it is what it is.” The imposing Terrapins attack is orchestrated by junior attacking midfielder, John Stertzer. Stertzer poured in an impressive 14 goals and three assists in 17 games to lead the team in points.

6-1-0 5-0-1 4-2-0 3-3-0 3-3-0 2-2-1 1-4-2 1-5-2 1-2-0 0-4-0

Overall 8-2-0 7-0-1 4-3-1 3-4-1 4-4-1 3-3-1 2-4-2 1-5-2 3-3-0 1-5

Numbers to Know

Net yards of offense gained by Boston College in the first quarter of Thursday’s 38-7 loss to Florida State.

Straight wins in Hockey East play for the men’s hockey team before Saturday’s loss at UMass.

Turnovers by the men’s basketball team in Saturday’s scrimmage against American International.

the one kid we have to take care of first is Stertzer.” Those two forwards Kelly referenced were senior Casey Townsend (12 goals) and sophomore Patrick Mullins (six goals), who combine with Stertzer to give Maryland three elite attacking options, as BC’s defense can attest. The Eagles’ defensive leader, captain Chris Ager, has been battling MCL issues for the past few weeks, but looks likely to play on Tuesday. Kelly called the injury “minor at this stage,” and said that Ager “is going to tough it out.” Offensively, BC presents just as many problems as its opponents. Juniors Kyle Bekker and Charlie Rugg, with seven goals apiece, will be called upon for yet more big goals in another big game this Tuesday. Bekker’s six assists and Rugg’s five demonstrate their ability to play off each other up top, not only scoring but creating goals as well. Overall, the Eagles’ squad appears much more mature than the team that left College Park with a four-goal loss back in September. Obviously, Maryland is not the ideal opponent in the first round of any tournament, but this BC team will be ready for the Terrapins. “It’s a big task,” Kelly said of the firstround match-up. “Getting over this first match will be tough and that’s a credit to our league. But we’re in good spirits and looking forward to the challenge.” n

Quote of the Week

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” — Head coach Frank

Spaziani, on the decision to insert Josh Bordner at quarterback on Thursday

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

’Noles smack Eagles on national TV Football, from B1 “Those guys are talented up front,” Rettig said. “Even on the first pass attempt, I could feel someone on my back right away.” BC did make a few successful offensive adjustments. Backup quarterback Josh Bordner got minutes late in the second quarter primarily as a running threat due to the Eagles’ lack of backfield depth. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” Spaziani said when asked about playing the redshirt freshman. After driving the Eagles down the field with effective running and a 37-yard strike to Bobby Swigert, Bordner fumbled the ball at the goal line while attempting a handoff to Finch. “That one on the goal line, that’s a new play,” Spaziani said. “We can’t just put stuff in and expect to execute it.” Rettig was most successful in the second half when he completed quick passes to Swigert off timing routes. These types of plays proved inconsistent, though, because Rettig and his receivers were not always in sync. It’s unfortunate that a solid defensive effort was overshadowed by a 31-point loss due to offensive inefficiencies, but BC played hard on both sides of the ball. This young, injury-plagued crew refused to give up, doing the best with what it had. “I’m trying to win every game,” linebacker Luke Kuechly said. “I don’t think anyone has any other idea. We just want to win.” n

alex trautwig / heights staff

Although the Eagles contained E.J. Manuel, they were unable to keep him out of the end zone.

alex trautwig / heights editor

FSU capitalized on two Deuce Finch fumbles to break open the game in Thursday’s 38-7 win over BC. The loss means BC will be watching the postseason from home for the first time in over a decade.

At 2-7, BC is bowl ineligible for the first time since 1998 By William Mooney Sloneker Heights Staff

Thursday night’s 38-7 drubbing by Florida State guarantees the Eagles a losing record and sets an early end for the season, as Boston College is officially bowl ineligible for the first time since 1998. The loss marks a new low point in the ongoing decline of BC football. Since going 11-3 and peaking at No. 2 in the polls in 2007, the Eagles have failed to repeat the success they enjoyed with Matt Ryan in the huddle and Jeff Jagodzinski on the sidelines. Since then, BC has won fewer and fewer games in each successive season. The Eagles snapped their 8-game win streak in bowls, when they lost to Vanderbilt in the Music City Bowl. They have yet to capture another postseason victory. They have not been ranked since 2008. In spite of the now-shortened season, players and coaches have not lost motivation. “There’s a lot of football to play,” head

Point / Counterpoint:

coach Frank Spaziani said. “The season’s not over. Senior day’s coming up.” The Eagles have one home game left, this Saturday against NC State. They finish the season on a two-game road trip, first to Notre Dame and then to Miami. The focus is still very much on winning. “I don’t think with this team—with the BC team—anyone’s going to quit,” said linebacker Luke Kuechly. “We want to win.” The Eagles are one step removed from a spot in the ACC cellar on the strength of their head-to-head tiebreaker with Maryland, their only conference win this season. Quarterback shuffle The Eagles’ were incapable of responding to the quick-striking Seminoles’ offense. By the time FSU had scored its fourth touchdown, BC had no points, no first downs, no downs in FSU territory and six yards total offense. That’s when Josh Bordner was put in the game to try to spark something positive.

On his first play from scrimmage, the redshirt freshman quarterback rushed for 25 yards and then alternated snaps with Rettig as the offense marched downfield in the waning minutes of the half. Bordner also connected with Bobby Swigert for a 37-yard pass to the 2-yard line. Bordner threw just two passes in the game. The other was intercepted by FSU’s Telvin Smith. The two quarterbacks continued to share snaps in the second half, but that does indicate a forthcoming revolving door at the quarterback position. “I don’t foresee two offenses, but we certainly have a weapon,” Spaziani said of Bordner. Finch’s fumbles A number of mistakes and shortcomings spelled Thursday’s loss, but perhaps none were as critical as the pair of lost turnovers on the part of Deuce Finch. Finch was spectacular the week before against Maryland, running for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He slowed down

against a stalwart Seminoles defense, averaging just 2.1 yards per carry on 28 rushes. The two fumbles certainly did not help, especially since they happened in all the wrong places at all the wrong times. The first came on the BC 2-yard line during the Eagles’ second possession. Florida State scored on the ensuing drive. The other came on the FSU 2-yard line in the final seconds of the first half. The Seminoles proceeded to run out the clock and return to the locker room with a 28point lead. Extra points The last time BC played a Thursday night game was on Oct. 25, 2007 at Virginia Tech. The Eagles on won that game 14-10. The following week, they lost to Florida State, at home, at night, on Nov. 3. Thursday’s loss constitutes the largest margin of defeat this season. The last time the Eagles lost by more than 30 points was in 2009 at Virginia Tech. BC lost that game 48-14. n

What’s the best way to get to Notre Dame?

Adventure of RVing outweights drawbacks

Flying offers convenience and amenities

By Zac Halpern

By Steven Principi

Heights Editor

Flying is for the weak. It’s for those who value time and convenience over the thrill of adventure. RVing is for the dedicated, the true college sports fan and it deserves all of the romantic treatment it receives. RVing is an integral part of the Holy War tradition at BC and every student should take part in the tradition at least once before graduating. Every other year a caravan of RVs leaves BC to make the pilgrimage to South Bend. My advice: Be a part of it. After all, when is the next time your going to squeeze into a crowded RV and drive more than 15 hours just to see a two-win team take on Notre Dame? Those who chose to fly usually do so because it saves time. After all, spending 30 hours of your weekend in a crowded RV doesn’t seem very attractive. But the very point of taking an RV is that it drags out the Holy War weekend experience as long as possible. It’s not just tailgating and going to a game — its road tripping with some great friends. Everybody loves game day. The road trip to South Bend extends the excitement of game day out for another 30 hours. Even after the postgame tailgate ends, for the loyal fans that RVed to the game, the experience is far from over. Spending that much time in a small space with friends is guaranteed to produce some great laughs and unforgettable stories. The opportunity for adventure on a road trip is endless. Just think of all the drive-ins and dive bars that you’ll inevitably pass on the trek out to South Bend. On a plane, your food options are severely limited and most of the time the food doesn’t taste much better than the cardboard tray it comes on. But for those students RVing, there will be the regular fast food joints to choose from and tons of local diners and restaurants along the way to stuff your face. You’re bound to run into some characters as you chow down at local restaurants that will make for some funny stories down the road. Some argue that taking an RV is also more expensive than flying. In my experience that is not the case. While taking an RV can get expensive, especially because they aren’t the most fuel-efficient vehicles, you obviously eliminate the need to get a hotel room, which can help your group of friends save some serious cash. From personal experience, flying and

RVing are usually pretty similar in price and since the experience of RVing is not something you do everyday, I recommend trying something new and renting an RV. The other columnist has pointed out that safety should be a concern. Sure, driving to Notre Dame is probably more dangerous than flying. But there are no guarantees either way. Just remember, if you do RV, to be smart. An RV packed with people is bound to get rowdy at some point or another, especially if it’s a bunch of college guys pumped for some tailgating. Just remember to stay focused on the road. RVs are huge, and it’ll definitely be more expensive than flying if you total it and are forced to pay for an entire new one. Finally, the sense of satisfaction that you’ll feel when you see the first sign for Notre Dame is worth the journey. You’ll have traveled through more than a half dozen states. You’ll no doubt be exhausted, but it’ll be worth it. That exit sign will be like the finish line of a marathon. But it will just be the beginning. There will still be one of the best tailgates in football and a game of football to go. Remember, flying is for the weak. Take an RV. You won’t regret it. n

while in South Bend. Flying relieves the stress and the hassles of taking a long road trip and Let me preface my argument by stating allows for a much more flexible schedule. that I am well aware that I am fighting a losing Another big advantage that can be found battle. in flying is the overall value of what you get. Everyone from Boston College RVs to South The cost of getting to Notre Dame by flying Bend to watch our Eagles square off against our and then taking a train may end up being a bit biggest rivals. That’s how it has always been and more expensive than RVing, but you get more that’s more than likely how it always will be. for your dollar. But allow me to play devil’s advocate for a A round-trip plane ticket to Chicago will minute and tell you why flying is a better idea. cost around $300 and a round-trip train ticket The No. 1 reason that flying is always the bet- to Notre Dame will cost $45. Add in a cheap ter idea is time. Flying from Boston to Chicago hotel for around $100 and you’re looking at a takes about two hours. A two-hour trip means total cost of about $445 per person. leaving on Friday, having all day Saturday to On the other hand, a $2,000 RV split beenjoy the pregame festivities, and not having to tween five people will cost $400 per person. worry about getting back to BC by Monday. But the cost alone is not what should divide Driving, on the other hand? If you drive the this debate. 900 miles between BC and Notre Dame at 60 By flying, you get to travel in relative style miles per hour, you’re looking at a 15-hour trip. compared to an RV. You also have the benefit To put that in perspective, you can almost fly to of sleeping in nicer beds and more options of Chicago and back to Boston four times in the what to do during the day by staying at a hotel. time it takes to drive to Notre Dame. So while an RV may be cheaper, you end up getFifteen hours also means almost certainly ting what you pay for in the end. missing classes on Friday and potentially MonReason No. 3 for flying instead of RVing is a day and probably not having much time to relax matter of safety. We’ve all heard about the studies showing that it’s statistically safer to fly somewhere than to drive somewhere. Those studies also assume that the vehicle in question is a car. An RV is a lot more difficult to maneuver than a car, and there’s a good chance that a very low percentage of BC students actually know how to drive an RV. The other difference between the drivers of these studies and the students who will be RVing is all the distractions the RV can present. For starters, most RVs are likely going to be packed with a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. And even if the driver has not been drinking, it can still be a dangerous situation if others have. Add in the distractions of loud music blasting and the possibility of a driver getting tired after a long day and there are serious risks to RVing. Flying is clearly not without risks, but there are so many less than taking an RV. The time, the bang for your buck, and the safety that flying offers make it a very appealing option when compared to driving all the way to South Bend. History and tradition may be against it, but the benefits of flying may outweigh those of driving. It may not have the same allure, but that does not mean that it isn’t the better choice. Now, everyone, have fun RVing. n Heights file photo Heights Staff

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

Why certain teams are allowed to lose Losing, from B1 has even identified the best quarterback on the team. In limited action, Josh Bordner rushed for 45 yards in the zone-read system Chris Crane ran so efficiently under Jeff Jagodzinski and Steve Logan. Perhaps BC would be more effective implementing such a simplified rushing attack. That might help the Eagles make up some of the points they’re spotting opponents. They’ve been outscored 222-121 by FBS competition this year – a margin of 12 points a game. The problem with the football team is not that the Eagles are losing. If that were the case, Donahue’s seat would be getting

just as hot as Spaziani’s in preparation for what will likely be the worst basketball season at the Heights in over a decade. The issue, instead, is the charisma of the coach. Teams adopt the personality of their leader. Donahue is energetic, dynamic, and innovative. Those attributes are evident on the basketball team. The Eagles play an exciting game at a frantic pace, launching 3-pointers and diving for loose balls. They’ll undoubtedly make mistakes, but it will be fun watching them grow collectively. The football team, by comparison, reflects Spaziani’s defeatist mentality. The Eagles play not to lose, or at least to minimize the final deficit. Consider their final

drive of the game, with 10:16 left in the fourth quarter. Down 31 points, they ran 13 plays for 37 yards, wasting 7:01 before punting from the FSU 43. Those 13 plays broke down as 11 runs and two passes. Needing to maximize time to mount any sort of a comeback, the Eagles threw in the towel. They had nothing to lose by going for it on fourth down in FSU territory, yet they punted to the Seminoles and basically begged for mercy. With that kind of coaching, get used to losing in the foreseeable future.

Paul Sulzer is the Sports Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at sports@ bcheights.com.

alex trautwig / heights editor

Steven Whitney opened the scoring for the Eagles, but they could not keep up with UMass.

Minutemen halt Eagles’ win streak at six games Men’s Hockey, from B1

graham beck / heights staff

The basketball team responds to head coach Steve Donahue’s positive energy, which helps explain why he will be forgiven if BC loses.

equalizer.” Though forward Chris Kreider scored to spark a potential BC comeback, an empty-net goal from UMass’s T.J. Syner in the final minute ultimately sealed the Minutemen’s first conference victory of the season and the team’s first against a No. 1 opponent in almost four years. As for the Eagles, their first conference loss of the year did yield some positives. York’s club continued its characteristic power-play execution, netting two goals against the shorthanded lines of Massachusetts. On the other side of the puck, the Eagles demonstrated sound play throughout their perseverant stand during the second frame, even when constrained on the ice for half of the period.

York understands that building on these strengths and bringing BC’s cohesive, championship-caliber style of play into every match-up will be vital in the midst of fierce conference competition. “We’re not going to let our previous outcome affect [us],” he said. “We try to maintain a pretty firm hold over how we prepare and get ready for next week.” With five of their next 10 games coming against Hockey East rivals, the Eagles’ ability to recapture the conference-winning consistency they’re accustomed to will greatly influence the standings as the team enters the heart of its season. Though an unwanted upset means one less notch in BC’s win column, the Eagles are willing to roll with the punches and catapult themselves back into the direction of another title. n

Solid team performance fuels Maine rout By Alex Manta Heights Editor

alex trautwig / heights editor

The line of Chris Kreider, Bill Arnold (above), and Kevin Hayes continues to pace BC.

The Boston College men’s hockey team came into Friday night’s game against Maine with a fiveBoston College 5 game win streak 1 Maine and an undefeated Hockey East record on the line. The Eagles extended both with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Black Bears in what head coach Jerry York called the team’s “most solid game [they’ve] had for a long time.” Maine was third in the Hockey East standings, but the Eagles were able to put together a strong team effort across the board that kept them in control from the opening drop of the puck. “I thought we were more on top of our game,” York said. “We got some really big efforts out of different people.” The Eagles grabbed both the lead and the momentum 11:33 into the first period on a shorthanded goal by Chris Kreider that was the result of a turnover created on the other end. “We’ve definitely emphasized that good [defensive] zone play and good neutral zone play leads to chances,” Kreider said. “A lot of our guys have taken that to heart.” About two minutes later, Kreider was a part of another scoring play as the Eagles capitalized on a power play of their own. The rapid passing style of York’s offense was evident as Kreider passed it across to Bill Arnold who dished to Kevin Hayes for the goal and the 2-0 lead.

The second period was more of the same, with BC piling on three more goals scored by three different Eagles. The Black Bears managed to score a goal as well in the second period, but that turned out to be their only score of the game. York was pleased with the tough defensive effort he saw and the improved rebound control of goaltender Parker Milner. “Last week pucks were hitting [Milner] and bouncing back into our red-zone area right around the blue paint,” York said. “[Tonight], we didn’t give up the rebounds we have been giving up, so [Milner] deserves a lot of credit for that improvement in his game.” The defensive effort allowed the Eagles to get high percentage shots on the offensive side of the ice. Despite having only six more shots in the game than the Black Bears, the Eagles were able to score four more goals than their opponent. This high shooting percentage has been evident throughout the season, as the Eagles have totaled 41 goals thus far to their opponents 20 while having just eight more shots total. Kreider led the offense with three points in the game, but the team got contributions from a variety of players, with eight Eagles recording a point in the contest. Bill Arnold continued his hot streak with both a goal and an assist on the night. The line of Kreider, Arnold, and Hayes has been a big piece of the Eagle offense so far this season, and York felt that this game in particular was Hayes’ best performance

of the season. “We get [Hayes] going like that and Arnold has been on fire all year and Kreider has been such a strong player for us,” York said. “That has established itself as really a top line and they played that way this evening.” With Arnold and Kreider tied for the team points lead with 14 each, York will continue to lean on this well-oiled machine to produce through the season. Kreider credits some of the line’s cohesiveness to the previous experience that Arnold and Hayes have playing together. “[Arnold] and [Hayes] have such great chemistry,” Kreider said. “They came from the same school and have played together for a long time so it makes my job really easy to just slide in there, try to win pucks, and get them pucks.” The Eagles did suffer a setback in the form of an injury in the game. Freshman forward Danny Linell hurt his shoulder on his first shift in the game and was not able to return. Brooks Dyroff, who was originally going to play on the third defensive line, moved to Linell’s spot on the fourth offensive line. The trainers estimate after initial evaluation that Linell will miss two to three weeks. Despite the impressive victory, York still sees aspects of his team’s game that can be improved. “We have good skill players and they move pucks very well, but now I’m saying let’s move them a little bit quicker,” he said. It is that speed and puck movement that the Eagles hope will keep them at the top of Hockey East. n

Women’s hockey gets even at BU By Matt Belnap For The Heights

Three days after being outplayed in every facet of the game and bowing to the Boston University Terriers at Kelley Rink, the Boston Boston College 3 College women’s ice hockey 1 Boston Univ. team traveled down Commonwealth Avenue looking for redemption. The Eagles most certainly got it on Saturday at Walter Brown Arena, soundly defeating the No. 5 Terriers, 3-1. The No. 6 Eagles used a trio of second period goals, and a great performance from goalie Corinne Boyles to beat the Terriers and improve to 6-3-1 on the year and 3-2-1 in the Hockey East. BC head coach Katie King Crowley said that the win was particularly satisfying, considering the way the Eagles had been beaten on Wednesday night. “Even though it’s early in the year, it’s always nice to beat them [BU],” Crowley said. “This was a big game for us, as a young team, to show that we can rebound from a tough loss, and we did a good job of showing where we’re at.” The game started off slowly, with a combination of missed opportunities and great goalkeeping, keeping the score knotted at zero after the first 20 minutes. BU goalie Kerrin Sperry was equal to everything the Eagles threw at her, saving all 13 shots in the first period. Sperry was a bright spot for the Terriers on Saturday, saving 35 of the 38 shots fired off by BC. Boyles was equally strong, saving all eight shots she saw in the first period. Crowley was full of praise for her junior goaltender, who saved 22 of 23 shots she saw. “Corinne did a great job making big saves when we

needed them,” Crowley said. “Sometimes, when you don’t see a lot of shots, it’s harder than when you get peppered, but Corinne stayed focused and made a few great saves to keep us in the game and give us time to get our offense going.” The BC offense did get going in the second period, with the Eagles exploding for three goals in eight minutes to open up a huge lead on the Terriers. Alex Carpenter struck first for BC, finally solving Sperry and sliding the puck past her 2:31 seconds into the period. Less than four minutes later, Danielle Welch doubled the Eagles’ advantage, converting on a pass from Caitlin Walsh. Minutes later, Welch helped out on the defensive end, blocking a shot and helping BC kill off a penalty. About halfway through the period, Emily Pfalzer capped the scoring for BC, notching her second goal of the season on a pass from Mary Restuccia to put BC up 3-0. This lead would prove to be more than enough, with a third-period goal from BU’s Jill Cardilla proving to be too little, too late. One area of concern for the Eagles was the power play, with the Eagles failing to convert on all eight of their extra-player advantages. Crowley said that this was something the Eagles would work on in upcoming practices. “Our power play has been good up till these last two games,” Crowley said. “We’ll work on it in practice, and hopefully we’ll get it back to where it needs to be.” Most importantly though, this win allows the Eagles to go into a two week break on a positive note. “This can definitely be a momentum building win for us,” Crowley said. “It’s good to stop our losing streak and get a win over our rival. Now, we can take some time to recover and keep getting better.” n

Nick rellas / heights staff

Alex Carpenter scored the first goal for Boston College in the Eagles’ 3-1 win at Boston University on Saturday.

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

Medina-Mendez uses speed to achieve success in inaugural campaign Freshman player becomes a playmaker and scorer for the nationally-contending men’s soccer team through athletic skill set By Chris Marino Asst. Sports Editor

Speed — it is an element of sports that can change the outcome of a game. A stolen base, a fast-break score, or an ankle-breaking sidestep. These are all aspects of speed, and a team with speed can be a worthy adversary. Fortunately for the Boston College men’s soccer team, Diego Medina-Mendez has speed. The freshman winger has become a mainstay in the Eagles’ lineup, despite his lack of exposure to the quick pace of ACC play. Thus far, this inexperience hasn’t stopped him. “At first, the pace was really fast,” he said. “I went in for like 30 minutes and I was pretty tired, but I’m really used to it now.” This is an interesting statement from arguably the fastest player on the Eagles’ squad. When asked if he is the quickest player, Medina-Mendez does not instantly deny it. Instead, he says that junior Charlie Rugg is definitely his biggest rival in that category. The two have yet to race, MedinaMendez said with a laugh, but it is clear that the first-year starter has confidence in his skill set. Regardless of the rank, his quickness has been a great asset for the Eagles.

The freshman has helped head coach Ed Kelly’s squad more than he could have ever expected in his first season. He has six goals and one assist for the regular season, putting him in fourth place on the team for points with 13. Medina-Mendez, though a true catalyst for the squad, still shows the humility of a freshman. He realizes the pressure he has created for himself as an essential member of a nationally-ranked program and is aware of the strides he has been forced to make throughout the season. “It’s all been coming quickly,” he said. “I knew I was going to come in here and try my best to start and play a lot of minutes, but I didn’t expect to be starting 13 of the 16 games we’ve been playing and just playing as much as I’ve been playing.” He first became involved with the sport as a child. He credits one figure as the driving influence behind his love for the sport. “My dad,” he said. “He always talked about how he used to play back in the day and how good he was. So, he signed me up and from then on I just kept playing.” For the Lindsay, Calif. native, playing with and against older competition, as well as in a faster style of game, is nothing new. He has faced more experienced competi-

Alex Trautwig / Heights editor

Medina-Mendez has overcome any first-season jitters to become a mainstay for the Eagles.

Alex trautwig / Heights editor

Medina-Mendez (15) uses his speed and quickness to outplay ACC opponents. So far, he has had great success, leading the Eagles in league goals. tion for years. “Since I was younger, I’ve been playing against people older than me,” he said. “When I was 12, I was playing with U-18 teams. So, I’m kind of used to being the smaller guy and just coming in and getting used to the level of play pretty quickly.” Medina-Mendez continued this transition to faster and more mature competition when he transferred to Northfield Mount Hermon in Massachusetts. As a senior, he led the Hoggers to the New England Class A championship. During this campaign, he set the single-season scoring record with 27 goals and 10 assists. Medina-Mendez also showcased his speed on the track. As a senior, he finished third for New England prep school runner in the 400 meters. When asked if he’s used his training from track to increase his quickness on the pitch, Medina-Mendez doesn’t see too much of a correlation. “No, there’s no specific training I do,” he said. “I just run.” While he’s tried to use simplicity such as this in his approach to advance throughout the season, he’s still a freshman and has needed time to develop his game on the fly. He’s narrowed down several areas where he’s needed to adapt to the advanced competition and worked tirelessly to perfect his art. “Playing the ball a lot quicker has been an adjustment,” he said. “Getting rid of it and not dribbling as much. Passing it around and only taking one or two touches.” The speedster also understands his personal skill set, and he tries to utilize these qualities on the pitch. “Probably my speed and my ability to take people on in one-on-ones, and

maybe scoring a few goals,” he said of his strengths. Despite having confidence in these areas, the freshman continues to develop in all facets of his game. Fortunately, MedinaMendez has great mentorship on a squad dominated by upperclassmen. Players like Rugg, Amit Aburmad, and Kyle Bekker are just some of the players who have helped the freshman get up to speed on the challenges of the rigorous ACC. “Every time I mess up or do something

wrong, they correct me, they tell me what to do and they’ll even kind of yell at me, sort of,” Medina-Mendez said. “I don’t yell back, but I know I messed up. They’re just trying to help me out, so it’s been great to have them around.” For Medina-Mendez, this mentorship has led to a strong freshman performance and prepared him well for a bright future in the ACC. It seems that he has the tools to lead this team on its run through the postseason. n

Alex Trautwig / Heights editor

While Medina-Mendez has certainly earned his playing time, he still believes he can improve.

Wagner’s experience gives her confidence to lead women’s soccer By Kim Schroer For The Heights

As sophomore midfielder Gibby Wagner ran circles around a surprised UNC defense during a Thursday-night game in Newton, a reporter from The Boston Globe looked frantically through her notes before finally turning around and asking, “Who is number 10? She’s definitely my new favorite player.” The UNC coach must have been wondering the same thing before quickly readjusting his defense to put more pressure on Wagner in the second half. As surprised as the media and opposing defenses might be to see a sophomore having such an impact in the toughest conference in women’s soccer, Wagner’s breakthrough is the combination of a full year of experience in college soccer and incredible focus and effort in the offseason. Now that Wagner has complete confidence in her play against any opponent, people aren’t going to have to wonder who No. 10 is anymore. After playing club soccer at the highest level with the Players Development Academy (PDA) of New Jersey, Wagner was a valuable recruit out of high school.

Boston College head coach Alison Foley knew that Wagner had a lot of potential, but Foley also understood that adjusting to the college level would be difficult for all freshmen. “Regardless of how highly touted you are, it’s still a really big jump to a college level program, especially a program as competitive as ours,” Foley said. “From the adjustment to college life in general to the change in the level of play, it truly takes a year for a freshmen to get past the adjustment.” For Wagner, getting used to a new team and a new style of play was a challenge during her freshman year. “It’s hard to be a freshman on a new team,” Wagner said. “I struggled adjusting because it’s hard when you don’t know anyone, and you don’t want to mess up. Plus you have to adjust being away from your family and the normal college stuff that everyone goes through.” Being a freshman on a new team was hard enough, but Wagner had the added challenge of being part of one of the best teams in the country looking to compete for a national title. Wagner earned a decent amount of playing time on last season’s

College Cup-bound team, appearing in 17 games and finishing with a goal and an assist. However, the experience of being so close to a national championship motivated her to work for a starting spot in the offseason. “Training in the offseason really helped me in the spring,” Wagner said. “I knew that I had a chance for a starting spot, and that’s probably why I worked so hard in the spring and summer. I really wanted to start for our team.” Wagner’s hard work did not go unnoticed. Foley quickly recognized the improvement Wagner had made and rewarded her for her effort. “We always say to trust your training,” Foley said. “Gibby really had a tremendous freshman spring. She really is a great example of how hard work in the off season translates to a good sophomore year.” However, the biggest difference in Wagner’s game from last season to this season has nothing to do with her physical soccer skills and everything to do with a renewed sense of confidence. It was only after she came to the realization that she belonged on the field with the best players in the country that she was able to develop

Graham beck / heights staff

Wagner has continued to improve upon a strong freshman campaign and become a leader for the Eagles.

into a major weapon for the Eagles. “That mentality is what I’ve developed most since I’ve played at BC,” Wagner said. “Whether it’s confidence or just how hard you’re playing, that’s what affects your performance the most. Personally, I didn’t have that mentality last year, and that definitely affected my ability to play. I developed my mentality more than my fitness or skill in the off season.” Foley describes Wagner as a player who isn’t afraid to be aggressive on offense and take defenders on one-on-one. She’s an electric forward who creates opportunities for her teammates with her relentless energy and deceptive speed. For the type of player Wagner is, confidence is critical to her success on the field. Foley believes that Wagner’s mentality has made her one of the top offensive players in the conference. “Gibby is one of the best one-on-one players in the country,” Foley said. “She clearly feels a lot more comfortable, and we’re all witnessing the results of that. She’s a handful, and defenses have a hard time keeping up with her.” The rest of the soccer world is starting to recognize Wagner’s accomplishments this season. She was named ACC player

of the week for the week and was also recognized as the NSCAA national player of the week for the week of Nov. 2. Wagner is the first BC player to earn this honor since Kristie Mewis won it in 2009. Despite the individual accomplishments, Wagner has only one thing on her mind heading into the NCAA tournament: a national championship. “I want to win a national championship more than anything,” she said. “Our team is so talented that we have a great chance this year. Now that we’ve been to the College Cup, if we don’t get back there, it’s going to be devastating.” Wagner has been instrumental in the Eagles’ success this season. Playing her best soccer at the most important point in the season, she is sure to have a major impact in the NCAA tournament. As the Eagles prepare to take on some of the best teams in the country in pursuit of a national title, Foley hopes that Wagner’s confident play will spread to the rest of the team. One thing is certain: the abilities of No. 10 for the Eagles will no longer come as a surprise to opponents or media members anywhere. n

graham beck / heights staff

Head coach Alison Foley and the team have noticed Wagner’s improved play and confidence on the pitch.

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

How college students put the ‘extra’ in extracurricular activities By Megan Cain For The Heights

Getting accepted to Boston College is more rigorous process than ever. One of the primary characteristics that admission counselors seek is involvement. Most BC students were admitted to the University because they exhibited passion while contributing to one or many activities during their high school years. As proven by the nearly 230 student organizations at BC, many students continue their high school involvement throughout their college years. There is another portion of students, however, that choose to refrain from participating in organized activities at BC. Although often forgotten in the admissions brochures, these students exist and they experience university life in a different manner than those who are highly involved. Participation in activities impacts the college experience in multiple ways. “Research has shown that involvement in organized student activities is one of the primary determinants of student success in college,” says Darrell Peterson, director of the Student Programs Office (SPO). “Involvement in activities can contribute to a student’s academic, social, spiritual, emotional, and civic development.” The student organizations at BC represent many of these areas which foster personal development, including academic honor societies, intramural sports leagues, faith-sharing groups, both religious and non-religious retreats, political organizations, arts groups, and publications. All new registered student organizations are asked the question of how the new group will support the University mission and enhance student life. The expectation

is that all activities will provide for a worthwhile experience. “Participation in extracurricular activities, [research has shown], is associated with improved academic success and lower risk behaviors, such as alcohol and drug use,” says Rebekah Coley, a professor of applied developmental and educational psychology in the Lynch School of Education. Furthermore, there may be career benefits for those who are involved on campus. “Employers like to see well-rounded students who are passionate about what they are involved in,” says Jessica Hartley, assistant director of the Career Center. “That can then translate into passion for the line of work the organization does.” A full resume, complete with extracurricular activities, is appealing to many employers and can make the job search much easier. Though it is clear that participation in extracurricular activities contributes positively to many areas of a student’s life, a lot of students are not involved. These individuals must have their own valid reasons that prevent them from participating in campus life. Numerous students enter college and lament of being “burnt out” from their high school experience, which is often full of rigorous courses and long hours spent outside the classroom doing various activities. Additionally, freshman year of college can be overwhelming due to the nature of college level courses, the pressure to meet new friends, and the adjustment to an unfamiliar campus. This leads many freshmen to focus on getting settled instead of signing up for the listerv of every club at Student Involvement Day. Additionally, many students are not able to

participate in clubs because they have prior obligations, like jobs. BC has a high price tag, and the payment of student loans becomes a large burden for many undergraduate students. Thus, many students have no choice but to work in their free time, which limits the time they have available for club meetings and other commitments. The way in which students spend their free time determines whether non-participation is beneficial or harmful in the long run. For students who spend that extra time studying in the library, they can reap the benefits of a higher GPA. Conversely, in the case of highly involved students, their commitment to extracurricular activities may lead to a drop in their GPA. “Being over-extended [in activities] can be stressful and leave a student little time to study and thus the GPA could suffer as a result,” Hartley says. Students participating in certain activities, such as sports like football and wrestling, could also be affected negatively by their involvement. “[These activities] have been associated with higher levels of alcohol use and sometimes violent or delinquent activities,” Cooley says. While non-involved students escape the possibility of such negative results, involved students risk these dangerous associations and a lower GPA. Overall, however, participation in activities comes with many positive benefits and encourages skill development. “Getting involved is a great way to meet other students, foster current interests, develop new interests, and contribute to campus life,” Peterson says. These activities become channels for students to connect with the BC community outside of the classroom.

The student can also grow and acquire skills, such as those concerning leadership, on an individual level. “[Students] are learning management and decision-making skills as they hold the role in charge,” Hartley says. “Plus, these leadership roles become great experiences for the resume and interview.” The skills acquired in college activities can easily be transferrable to the real world. At BC, there are currently no statistics on the number of students participating in activities outside of the classroom on campus. However, the new myBC website will make data collection easier in years to come. Regardless of the exact numbers separating the involved from the non-involved, each student finds his or her own path. For some, their time at BC can made enjoyable and fruitful from participating in activities, while others find success in refraining from participating in organized, on-campus experiences. Those who would like to get involved have a variety of options to choose from. “If any student has an interest in a type of club that does not currently exist, they can contact the Student Programs Office to explore the process of starting a new club at BC,” Peterson says. The options are endless, and it is up to each student to decide for him or herself whether participation in activities is the best choice for them. The University and SPO strive to lead their students on a positive path. “Hopefully students will maintain a healthy balance between their academic, co-curricular, and social lives,” Peterson says. “Involvement in campus activities is a great way to do that.” n

Bonnie Jefferson prepares to say goodbye to university she has grown to love By Jennifer Lavoie For The Heights

Friday morning classes, where your identity is reduced to the eight digits of your Eagle ID number for an agonizing 90 minutes, is not what many students would consider an ideal class. As students attempt to get through their core during their freshman and sophomore years, there’s a chance that they will find themselves in the back row of Devlin 008 attempting to stay awake. However, there is sometimes an exception to this pattern. Coming up on her 15th and final year as a instructor at Boston College, Bonnie Jefferson has provided students with classes and a philosophy that reminds them why having a great professor is so important. Known for her widely popular structure and lecturing style in Rhetorical Tradition, Jefferson also teaches Political Communication and Public Address, as her primary research interest is the rhetoric of the Cold War and the McCarthy era. For years, Jefferson has remained a staff favorite among students, who have been able to appreciate her enthusiasm and dedication for each of her classes. Prior to working at BC, Jefferson received degrees from Marshall University, Ohio University, and the University of Pittsburgh. It was at the University of Pittsburgh where Jefferson was first able to work closely with major rhetoric professors as she worked on her Ph.D. One professor in particular, Ted Windt, whose area of concentration was presidency, was whom Jefferson describes as “her model.” Windt was known for teaching large lecture-based classes in which he would break from the norm of using powerpoints and film, and instead, relied solely on the power of his own voice and personality. “He was very theatrical and dramatic, and in a way, arrogant,” Jefferson says. Windt easily became her inspiration for what she aspired her future classes to be like. “Many people have the impression that classes must be horrible if they are large and ideally, we all want classes with 20 people in them.” However, Jefferson has been able to prove this theory wrong by using Windt as her inspiration to entertain and teach her students in a unique way. Upon joining the BC faculty in 1997, Jefferson first taught different sections of communications with a main focus on speech. It was in that year that her good friend, Gail McGrath, since passed away from a long-term illness, told Jefferson that she wanted her to take over her class, rhetorical tradition. Knowing she had large shoes to fill, Jefferson has since then taught the class each semester with the same enthusiasm and dedication that McGrath once did. In many ways, Jefferson feels that being a professor at BC has been a “dream job.” In each of her classes she gets to teach material that “is interesting to her and tre-

mendously fun.” Jefferson notes that the McCarthy era in particular is one of her favorite subject matters to focus on. “It has always amazed me that something like that was able to happen in the United States,” Jefferson says. “Even historical figures like Richard Nixon who have so many fatal flaws, and to see it come out in the Watergate scandal fascinates me. It’s the intersection of history and communication that interests me the most.” Finding what you love to do is not necessarily an easy thing. Jefferson continuously advises students to find a major that they love and to always do what they like. “Always find who the good teachers are and always be asking questions. People will always have something to offer,” Jefferson says. She even praises the younger members of the communication staff who have given her a new perspective on communication and teaching as a whole. Moving forward, Jefferson hopes to use her free time to enjoy her family more. “The grandma in me is starting

to kick in. I haven’t been able to spend as much time with my children and grandchildren as I have wanted, so I want to use this time do that.” Jefferson also hopes to spend more time doing the things she loves, particularly traveling (some of her favorite places include Bar Harbor Maine and areas of Virginia), going to craft fairs, attending musicals and plays, and hopefully visiting more presidential museums in the United States. (She is only missing Ford, Reagan, and Nixon.) Overall, Jefferson’s experience has been rewarding to say the least. When asked what she will miss about BC the most, without hesitation she replies, “The students of course.” Jefferson still keeps in touch with many of her former students who have been known to send her the latest amusing infomercials and advertisements that she heavily discusses in rhetorical tradition. “It has been amazing to see how far many of my students have come.

Seeing them freshman year in rhetorical tradition and then years later seeing them at communication conferences … it is rewarding to see their transitions.” Lastly, when asked to reflect on BC as a whole, Jefferson remembers a conference she was at over the past summer where she was asked how her University’s curriculum related to the school’s mission as a whole. “I believe it really comes down to the idea of the Jesuit order. Even though I wasn’t raised Catholic, I can still appreciate BC’s mission.” For Jefferson, it is in a way very similar to the idea of the citizen orator, a concept that is taught in rhetorical tradition and many other communication classes. “BC focuses a lot on the belief that you should make a contribution to the world one way or another, training in rhetoric is just one of the many ways to do that.” She further commends BC students for being earnest and continuously willing to make their lives and others’ better. n

Photo courtesy of bc.edu

Bonnie Jefferson, posing with an alumna, prepares for her last semester after dedicating 15 years to the communication department of Boston College and its students.

the real world

IEW: Learning cultural tolerance one meaningful event at a time Karl Lockhart Noted Catholic writer and philosopher G.K. Chesterton once said, “Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.” For a long time I tended to agree with him. Tolerance carried to the extreme would permit anything and create an unstable and dangerous society. Each person, each community, and each nation must have laws to regulate personal ethical decisions that could affect the lives of others. For example, our country is extremely intolerant of drunk drivers. I have no problem with that. In fact, I’m pretty happy with our nation’s intolerance in this regard. But in other contexts, tolerance is one of the most necessary virtues for our world today. As people from all over the world are able to connect more easily both virtually and physically, cultures and societies appear in sharp contrast to each other. It’s safe to say we are faced with the unfamiliar more often today than at any other time in human history. Open-mindedness to the way others live, act, and believe is now of the utmost importance. To be able to accept the customs of others without judgment is a key ideal to strive for on our rapidly globalizing planet. But this is not to say that we ought to abandon our own way of life in favor of creating

some insipid amalgam of “world civilization.” It is impossible and inane to try to accept the traditions of other societies if you don’t have your own dish to bring to the cultural potluck that is our modern times. Not knowing where your roots lie is a travesty. At the same time, we needn’t be defined by only one identity. Maybe your background has been fashioned from a wide range of traditions. Bring all those plates with you and make the feast richer for everyone. The place(s) you come from and the way(s) you do things can only be illuminated by experiencing other cultures. It helps you to better understand your own heritage and see the conscious and unexpressed values of your own society. Unfortunately, this free mingling of cultures isn’t always the case at Boston College. While we do have a fairly diverse student population, these diverse groups don’t seem to interact very much with each other. Only in a few clubs and organizations can you sense the true multifaceted nature of the BC community. Enter International Education Week (IEW). A joint initiative from the Department of Education and the Department of State, IEW is a great way to smash the walls that separate students from different backgrounds. Its main goal is to raise awareness of all the international education efforts that are going on here at BC. “International education is usually isolated by department or school,” says Adrienne Nuss-

baum, director of the Office of International Students and Scholars, which is the coordinating office for the week. “There is so much going on. Now, in one week of collaboration students will get a chance to see everything that’s happening. We’re really hoping to pull in students who aren’t already involved in international groups to get them caring about global issues. Hopefully from attending some of the programs during the week they will be inspired to get involved, study abroad, or travel more to other countries.” International Education Week is being put on by the broadest group of cosponsors ever; not only student clubs, but also academic departments and offices have been planning since August to host events, including the Office of International Students and Scholars, the Office of International Programs, the International Studies Program, the Center for International Higher Education, the Center for Human Rights and International Justice, the Irish Institute, Residential Life, the International Club of BC, the Graduate International Students’ Association, GSSW International Programs, BC Libraries, BC Dining Services, BC Bookstores, and multiple other intercultural clubs. All the events are free and some even offer free food. Anyone can attend any event. Even for those who aren’t planning on living or having a career abroad, it’s supremely important in our inter-

connected world to understand the peoples and cultures that make up our world, whether you’re planning on being a doctor or a day laborer. Although there are over 35 events taking place, a few that caught my eye were a lecture on the “Arab Spring,” a talk by international Jesuits about Jesuits around the world, students from Singapore talking about education in their home country, speakers from Amnesty Int. and the United Nations Council, and Karl Hobart from Axis of Hope. Throughout the week student photos taken all over the world will be displayed in O’Neill and the Chocolate Bar. One event at which I will have no trouble learning tolerance of other cultures will be international dining night at all of the BC dining facilities. It won’t take much prodding for me to tolerate some baklava. When is this incredible week-long shindig going to take place? Mark your calendars for Nov. 14-18 and get ready to take a trip around the globe without leaving Chestnut Hill. For more information, including a complete schedule of events, check out bc.edu/iew and get ready to open yourself to a world of possibilities.

Karl Lockhart is a staff columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at features@bcheights.edu

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

campus chronicles

‘Tis the season to learn the proper way to be politically correct Brendan Kneeland I heard a commercial for Christmas music yesterday on the radio, which a) was horrifyingly early and b) reminded me of the inevitable “culture wars” to be waged by Fox News and the like as the holiday season rears its ugly Yuletide head. “Christmas is under attack!” “Liberals hate Jesus!” “Don’t believe in Santa? You must be some pinko Commie!” Et cetera. As I was walking through campus today, wearing my pea coat, scarf, and TOMS, listening to “Get Up, Stand Up,” and writing a revolutionary poem in my Moleskin notebook, I really started to think about the oppression my liberal brothers and sisters face every day. I mean, I just sit here, while they are out on the frontlines –blogging, Occupying Wall Street, and cooking with organic ingredients. What have I contributed? I can only hope to be as brave as them someday. For now, I’ll just have to do my best with this little column of mine. And so, my culturally sensitive, nondenominational friends, I think it’s time we finally fight back. Too long have we suffered under the iron fist of Fox News. Too long have we stood by idly, only to have our freedoms trampled by the Conservative Monster. Voting rights? Cultural sensitivity? Liberty and justice for all? That’s just a smokescreen, man. Don’t let the conservative mainstream media fool you. They have us right where they want us. Since the gamut of racism and cultural insensitivity runs so far and deep, I’ll just

stick with the holidays for right now. First of all, don’t let fascist conservative America trick you into thinking that Dec. 25 is “Christmas” – that’s ignorant. Be sensitive, we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Whenever someone greets you during that time of year, just say, “Happy nondenominational winter celebration (or lack thereof)!” Everyone wins. And while you’re at it, don’t let anyone suggest that Jesus was male. That’s sexist. Can you hear that? It’s the glass ceiling shattering before your very eyes. Well, since I solved the holiday culture war so quickly, I guess I can move on to something equally pressing: language. As I said before, we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Identifying or talking about people in terms of their race, ethnicity, or gender is automatically racist and insensitive. Because clearly people of different backgrounds are too sensitive to handle any language that might be a little rough or edgy. It’s up to us to take care of them. You should know that by now. As far as I’m concerned – my enlightened, liberal comrades – the only race I see is the human race. The only hues I see are hue-man. Conservatives say they get unfair treatment by the mainstream media. In my professional opinion, we can’t be harsh enough with these animals. They criticize my enlightened, Ivy League brethren for using language that is too extreme for a civil debate about culture and politics – but that’s just what the Nazi News Network (aka Fox) wants you to believe. The real truth is that these deceitful, murderous hounds are merely propagating hate and must be

stopped. That’s why I admire those of us who are educated enough to be politically correct. Only the well-read can have a say in any debate; everyone else is simply blinded by corporate scams and conservative propaganda. Only those of us who have watched Spike Lee’s documentaries can truly understand the pain of oppression felt in this unjust land and unfair culture of ours. I think we are especially in touch with the plight of the oppressed here at Boston College. Few people can understand the sheer courage it takes to walk into Lower and give $5 off their meal plan so our fellow Eagles can go cure poverty in Haiti. Few understand the struggle involved in purchasing thirties of Natty Light for a UGBC after-party for cultural education and awareness. I realize I ran through a wide range of topics here, but there is no time to waste; we have to act fast before the terrorists of conservatism win. There are thousands of college students at the Occupy movements who are starving on only three servings of free sandwiches and pizza a day. And sometimes it gets really cold outside. We must help them. We must act fast. So give me your scarved, your uppermiddle classed, your unwashed huddled masses of Occupy Wall Street yearning for PBR. We shall overcome.

Brendan Kneeland is a staff columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at features@bcheights.edu.

Photo courtesy of memsbitsandpieces.net

The Boston College balancing act and our reputation as football fans Alexandra Schaeffer As I try to finish up some work before the Florida State game festivities begin on this balmy Thursday afternoon, my mind is on overdrive. First, I’m incredibly happy that the weather is holding out because I have never been a fan of standing in the cold at night. The air has a nice spring-like quality that is making everyone anxious and excited for the game. People are outside yelling, playing music, and dancing around the Mods, generally letting loose and having a good time. There is one thing that’s been bothering me a little though, and it’s the “letter” that was sent out to the student body by the football coach essentially asking us to be dedicated, but courteous fans. As someone who has faithfully attended every home game this year and watched all the away games on television, I am somewhat offended by this letter. It implies that we don’t do our part as fans. This isn’t the first time that something like this has been sent around either, and frankly I just don’t think it’s worth it. The majority of Boston College students do, in fact, attend the football games, and if they don’t stay the whole game it’s because the outcome looks incredibly bleak. I can’t imagine that an impersonal letter from the coach, or the players, will have an impact on the actions of these students. Additionally, the students who show minimal interest in the games to begin with are most likely going to delete the e-mail before

they even read it. These letters make me feel ineffective as a fan, as if the students at BC are inadequate in comparison to those at other schools. The current games are not pleasing or encouraging to fans, and the team’s record and performance at home is what’s really driving students away before the end of the fourth quarter. Football games are meant to be an enjoyable experience, but if students feel that they are just subjecting themselves to agony by attending them, most will get up and leave. It is understandable from the perspective of the team that they find this frustrating, but frankly we find their performance at the present moment rather frustrating. Additionally, the student body’s inability to remain at Alumni Stadium until the final buzzer should not be seen as a deficiency on our part. In fact, I think it’s almost more telling of the student body that we are able to genuinely get excited and enjoy football games, and that our happiness isn’t contingent on the team’s record. BC students continuously impress me with their

multifaceted interests and abilities. It’s amazing that the majority of students here are so wellrounded. The same people that can completely let loose and tailgate before football games also spend hours working late into the night at the library. It is these same students that go into Boston to attend the Boston Symphony Orchestra and then show up in full costume to hockey games at Conte Forum screaming like maniacs. I’ve heard girls discussing the recent Kim Kardashian-Kris Humphries split and in the same conversation transition to an analysis on Obamacare. Unlike other schools, BC’s students are truly versatile. A lot of colleges of BC’s caliber are full of students whose lives are devoted to schoolwork, and who never let loose. BC manages to compete academically with these schools without sacrificing its weekend activities. In fact, it was just released this week that BC is the eighth largest supplier of undergraduate and graduate Fulbright Scholars. This is truly amazing since BC’s graduate program is miniscule in comparison to the

Photo courtesy of delmabaluyot.com

other schools on the list, meaning that our undergrads are performing exceptionally well scholastically. On the other hand, a lot of schools with sports programs equivalent to BC’s (excluding the current football team), have a student body whose sole existence relies on the fact that they are fans of the celebrities they call student-athletes. In all honesty, almost every student at BC was the “perfect” kid in high school. Almost all of us were athletes as well as honors students, who maybe acted in a play or two, while serving on student council. Bringing 9,000 of us together to form a college is truly remarkable, as the students learn just as much from each other as they do in class. Every day I meet someone new who impresses me with the depth of his or her interests and personality. Students here have accomplished so much, and many are nationally renowned for their individual talents. It is because of this great collection of people that I am really bothered by everyone’s complaining about the lack of school spirit. Of all the colleges in New England, I can’t think of any other schools that have enthusiasm equivalent to that of BC. No, we’re not a huge southern state school where everyone’s livelihood is dependent on attending weekly football games, but I think that’s because BC, and its students, have so many diverse fields to pursue and excel in.

Alexandra Schaeffer is a staff columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at features@ bcheights.edu

he said, she said I like to think of myself as a pretty selfless person. Right now, one of my best friends is going through a pretty rough time with his girlfriend. They break up constantly and whenever they do, which is like every day, he consistently comes to me for advice. Now, I have no trouble offering advice and consoling him, but it’s getting ridiculous. I want to help him, but I’m sick of his relationship. What do I do? - no more mr. nice guy

As my wonderfully talented “She Said” counterpart points out, being a good friend is extremely important and valuable to help building your relationships. The following really doesn’t go against that, but there is a point where their problems can become your problems, and that will create added stress in your friendship. That being said, sometimes it is really difficult to continue advising your friends on the same issues over and over and basically repeating yourself while trying to help them. In fact, it’s even counterproductive in some cases Alex to just blindly give advice in an attempt to move Trautwig on from an issue just so that you don’t have to continue to address the problem. It can be frustrating, as an outsider, to keep hearing about these problems over and over. There’s nothing wrong with explaining to your friend that you can’t talk at a certain time because you won’t be able to give it the attention it deserves. This will help consolidate the conversations about his girlfriend and hopefully result in more productive discussions and in the end, help work towards a way for them to work out the problems that they are having. It might be helpful to separate yourself a little bit from it so that you can continue to keep giving solid advice. It can certainly be frustrating and stressful, but ultimately it sounds as though they are just going through a really tough time and they can hopefully move forward soon.

Part of being a good friend is being consistent with your support and advice. This could not be more applicable to your situation. Although it may seem repetitive to be constantly addressing the same set of issues with your friend in terms of his girlfriend, most of the time when you’re giving advice, it really just provides your friend with an outlet to discuss his problems. I’m sure at this point it seems that your friendship is a little one-sided because you have to deal with their problems, but in the end, it will mean a lot to your friend and ultimately make your friendMadeline ship stronger. Imagine being in your friend’s shoes Demoulas and knowing that you had a good friend to keep talking things over with. It’s an invaluable security. College is a great opportunity to make friends and build your relationships. It might seem petty and inconsequential to deal with these issues, but at the end of the day, friends can be equally as important as a boyfriend or girlfriend. Always make sure that your advice is truthful and positive and make sure that you always have your friend’s best interest at heart because that’s what they’ve come to expect from you. It’s a compliment when people choose to talk to you about their problems and seek your advice, and this is no exception. When you feel yourself getting frustrated, think of this memorable quote: “A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.”

Alex Trautwig is an editor for The Heights. He can be reached at features@ bcheights.com

Madeline Demoulas is a senior staff writer for The Heights. She can be reached at features@bcheights.edu.

The Heights

Monday, November 7, 2011

The effects of being blocked out by the NBA Lockout Please Ryan McGuill Tuesday, Nov. 1 was supposed to be the day that I watched Dirk Nowitzki slide on an NBA Finals ring and scream, “Nummer Ein!” in all his Neanderthalic glory. I was supposed to watch as Mark Cuban maniacally heckled Derrick Rose from his evil billionaire’s pedestal. I was supposed to spend the night thinking up endless nicknames for Joakim “The Only NBA Player Who Resembles A Foot” Noah. Tuesday night was supposed to be the NBA season tip-off. On Tuesday, Nov. 1, I watched half an episode of Pawn Stars, in which some batty old woman thought she could earn a couple thousand Benjamins by trading in a stuffed pheasant. Once the wonders of taxidermy grew too mind-numbing for me to endure, I proceeded to spend a good 45 minutes proofreading my roommate’s paper comparing and contrasting Muammar el-Qaddafi and Mike Tyson, which was interesting if you’re into that whole crazy-yet-misunderstood-genius scene. I even bothered to give him alternative ways to end his sentences without using a preposition. When I could have been admiring Dirk as he nailed unbalanced mid-range jumpers off one leg, I was instead admiring the negotiation tactics of the “Pawn Star,” Rick Harrison, in maneuvering a mid-18th century teakettle. When I could have freaked out over Luol Deng

tomahawking the ball into the basket, I instead tomahawked myself into bed at 9:45 p.m. I seriously don’t think I’ve gone to bed that early since the Kid Cudi concert last year (jokes!). I’m in a funk, and I think it’s safe to say that it’s due to the absence of those impending 82 NBA regular season games on the hardwood. I probably won’t get to watch as my geriatric Celtics slowly blow out their ankles and have to depend on Rajon Rondo to have a quadruple-double every night. I won’t get to see how college ball studs like Kemba Walker and Jimmer Fredette fare against defensive behemoths like Dwight Howard and Amar’e Stoudemire. I shudder when I wonder what sort of employment opportunities pregame analysts like Charles Barkley and Bill Walton will seek out when they have nothing at which they can direct their banal, incomprehensible comments. (Barkley could start Occupy NBA Street.) And the amount of belittling vitriol against LeBron will be abnormally low assuming that he doesn’t go through with that rumored “Three Men and a Baby” styled reality show in which the Big Three raises Nate Robinson in their South Beach penthouse. Yup, the Lockout is affecting me psychologically and I’m not even one of the guys who’s losing money – though I’m convinced that if I hadn’t blown out my ankle junior year of high school I’d currently be in the midst of a slow climb to the NBA D-League

Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Curse you, untied shoelaces! In order to remedy my own suffering, I asked different people around campus about their reaction to the NBA lockout and got some fairly interesting remarks. For example, Joseph McConaughy, A&S ’14, stays away from the happenings of the entire league because of a personal vendetta. “Ever since the Supersonics left Seattle, I’ve pretty much boycotted everything that the NBA promotes,” he says. “I wasn’t even aware of a lockout.” While McConaughy may seem like the minority with his claims of ignorance, he joins a surprisingly large crew of Boston College students who simply choose not to worry about whether or not the Milwaukee Bucks will be the surprise team out of the Eastern Conference. Madeleine Miller, CSON ’14, also states, “I have no say in the matter, nor do I have a clue of what’s going on. Go Bengals!” Once upon a time, the Bengals’ season was on the chopping block with the rest of the NFL, so you’d think that a fan of the NFL would have a little sympathy for down-in-the-dumps NBA fans like myself. However, I was determined to find someone whose feelings about the NBA lockout reflected my own, and that someone came in the form of RJ Calo, CSOM ’14. “I think that the players are being way too greedy,” he says. “They’re hurting the fans and the growing NBA industry more than they’re hurting

themselves.” Ah! Finally, I find a reasonable soul among the uninterested masses. Calo’s words definitely struck a chord with me in terms of the reality of the situation – specifically, the word “greed.” The average rookie salary in the NBA is around $430,000 right now; no offense to Kyrie Irving, but I don’t think a lot of that green will be going toward paying off his student loans. In other words, maybe the NBA lockout is a blessing in disguise. Some of the bigger egos will be allowed to simmer in the absence of the alleyoop, and a few of the most respected fellows could concentrate their efforts on changing the world. Tim Duncan would make a sweet international diplomat. To the NBA players, your acrobatics and histrionics will be dearly missed, but take advantage of this time. Take some time to try to find out where the hell Stephon Marbury disappeared to. Write a book, write a poem, but don’t write any incriminating tweets. (I’m looking at you Delonte West.) So, I guess it’s time to start looking forward to other things, like the Superbowl. Or The Dark Knight Rises. Or the debut album of Bieber’s kid, which really makes his song “Baby” seem awesomely ironic, right?

Ryan McGuill is a staff columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at features@bcheights.edu.

Photos courtesy of flickr

Students’ aspirations Golf team optimistic about future From Political Spirit, B10 even “love your body”, these often have less impact than one might expect. Martin believes that the solution is in this conversation, as true dialogue is among friends, and involvement must engage the whole person. Martin, who is involved in the pro-life movement and has participated in events such as March for Life, says he does not believe he is going against the status quo, yet the environment at BC is not conducive to active discussion of the issues that students are genuinely passionate about and involved in. Joyce held a similar conviction that discussion could enhance the political environment at BC. “BC is more ideologically centric than

some other Boston schools, and has a greater diversity in interests, which could be conducive to political dialogue,” he says. As a Jesuit liberal arts university, radical protests just don’t seem to be the norm nowadays. Students do, however, support positive changes and take action, calling for our politicians of choice, marching for various causes, and attending conferences. “The Heights is highly represented in Massachusetts politics, both elected officials and behind the scenes,” Joyce says. Though all of this activity sometimes goes unnoticed on campus, BC students and graduates make a real difference, pursuing the issues that matter to them, whether this is through a protest or a discussion. n

From Club Golf, B10 experienced. But the fact of the matter is, we got the job done,” Fitzgerald says. One of the most surprising stor ies of the we ekend w a s the stellar play of Havill, who undoubtedly gave the Eagles the much needed support in order to pull off the victory. “I had a tough first day, but found my comfort zone in the second round and managed to post a pretty good score.” As a result, Havill earned the nickname, “Toad,” for his remarkable ability to leap up the leaderboard. Much like Havill, the rookies on the team performed admirably during the tournament. “We

felt really comfortable out there and seemed to play well as a result,” Hall says. “At the end of the day, I think we just wanted to prove that we belonged with the big boys.” Hall, Richtman, and Havill certainly proved that they belonged. As Coburn noted, “This is definitely the deepest team I’ve been a part of since arriving at BC. Pretty soon, we’re going to start turning some heads and surprising a lot of teams.” The Eagles will have that chance to surprise the nation when they travel to The National Club Golf Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina. “Despite our recent victory at Regionals, we have to refocus,”

Coburn says. “We had a goal to compete at Nationals, and now we have a great opportunity to put our hard work to the test against the best in the country.” Marcus says the team has all the ingredients to be a contender or even a champion at Nationals. “Our skill, depth, passion, and camaraderie are through the roof,” Marcus says. “Hopefully, we can capitalize.” At the end of the day, this Eagles club golf team look s ready to break out. Coming off a big win in Philadelphia, the team has a great opportunity to continue their fabulous run by becoming the first ever BC Club Golf National Champions. n

Energy drinks aren’t bad, but too much of them can be Lauren Ruvo Tired students straggling into their first class on a Monday morning are not uncommon sights on this campus. Some carry coffee, while others carry a variety of the well-marketed energy drinks. Many students are well aware of the health risks involved with drinking beverages, such as Rockstar or Red Bull, but they choose to overlook the potential risks of their early morning “pick-me-up.” Although energy drinks provide students with a jolt of energy to get them through the day, they will eventually crash. According to the book, Eat This Not That by David Zinczenko, it is better to opt for a cup of coffee, preferably black, which should guarantee five hours of alertness and not have as bad of a crash. However, at 11 p.m. on a Friday night, it is highly unlikely that anyone is going to want to make a cup of coffee, so they opt for the next best thing: an energy drink. Granted, an energy drink is not the worst thing that a person could put into their body. That being said, it certainly is not the best. An increased level of caffeine can lead to stomach problems, panic attacks, anxiety, and cardiac arrhythmias, meaning that the heartbeat may be too fast or too slow, and may become irregular.

Caffeine, one of the main ingredients in energy drinks, is known to mask the symptoms of fatigue. This means that caffeine (especially in such a high dosage) is able to make a tired person feel energized, thus they continue to work, which puts further strain on the heart. Now, not all energy drinks are created equal. For example, drinks such as POM Wonderful and Purple allow consumers to continue getting their much needed energy; however, they are much healthier than others. Purple is all-natural, and through the power of an ingredient list powered by antioxidants such as acai, black cherry, pomegranate, black currant, purple plum, cranberry, and blueberry a jolt of energy is achieved. On the completely opposite side of the spectrum, the worst energy drink to indulge in, with regards to the amount of caffeine, is a 20 oz. bottle of FIXX, which has 500 milligrams of caffeine, making it the most unhealthy energy drink on the market to date. So in reality, the issue is really not about whether or not a person should consume energy drinks. Treat it like you do everything else in life. Drink them, but do so in moderation.

Lauren Ruvo is a staff columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at features@bcheights.edu.

don’t stop the music

Brooke Schneider The only appealing aspect of being on a reality show would be the opportunity to live my life in tune to a soundtrack. I mean, I would never actually go on one, but I am envious of the fact that Ashley Hebert got to relive her proposal while “I Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore” was playing in the background. (Sorry that all of my references are to The Bachelorette – the amount of television that I watch is quite limited, but it’s something that I’m trying to work on.) Just imagine what life would be like if we always walked around with iPods in our heads. One of the only scenarios that we could compare it to now would be a Friday or Saturday night when music is constantly coming from someone’s speakers. You’re either walking off campus to the beat of some party playlist that’s seeping from the basement of a random house, or you’re at your final destination where “Danza Kuduro” is being played on repeat. Or you could compare it to a day at an amusement park where each ride has its own playlist. What would the Gravitron be without that European techno mash-up booming from the speakers as the ride spins round and round? The music makes up half the experience of the ride, and it certainly makes it more exhilarating. Basically, everything just looks better when it is accompanied by a song. Standing in the elevator next to the guy that you secretly have a crush on becomes much more bearable when a romantic song is playing instead of the awkward silence that usually permeats the air. Running late to class becomes much more of a thrill than a frantic scramble when “Born to Run” is magically coming out of the Higgins Staircase, with the volume increasing the higher you climb. However, having a soundtrack to your life would have meaning beyond that one moment that was made less awkward, more romantic, or more exhilarating. Songs stick with you. Nothing brings back a memory like the sound of someone’s voice, or the lyrics from a song. (Although, I must say that our sense of smell is absurdly strong, as well. Last week, when my roommate was carving a pumpkin, I felt like I was a child again, sitting cross-legged in my garage at home, scooping out the guts of a carved pumpkin. For the purposes of this column though, this tidbit is quite irrelevant.) Like I was saying , nothing brings back a memory like the sound of someone’s voice, or the lyrics from a song. That’s why they pick theme songs for memorable events like proms and weddings. However, I am a big believer in the significance of little things, and I don’t think that theme songs should solely be reserved for larger-thanlife events. I will bet you that when you’re a working adult, you’re going to be sitting at your desk, listening to the radio, when all of a sudden you hear a song – that John Mayer song that you listened to on repeat when you pulled an all-nighter junior year to write that darn paper for some class; that Avicii song that never failed to inspire you to run that last lap around the Res; or that Luke Bryan song that you and your best friend analyzed lyric by lyric. These are all little things, and yet they all mean something, whether they remind us of the tough times that didn’t end up being the end of the world or the great times that we shared with friends that we’ll never forget. Even though there may not be music emanating from the Million Dollar Stairs, I guess you can say that we can still create our own soundtrack to our life. Although I don’t know why I chose to listen to it in the first place, Brad Paisley’s “Letter to Me” will remind me of writing this column. So, friends, I wish you well as you continue to build on your playlist for this year and all those that follow.

Brooke Schneider is the Asst. Features Editor for The Heights. She can be reached at features@ bcheights.edu.

features The Heights

B10

Monday, November 7, 2011

mollie kolosky / Heights Photo Illustration

The display of political activism on the Boston College campus has taken a variety of forms over the years By Marye Moran

B Heights Staff

oston College students took over several University buildings, including that which housed the offices of the president and treasurer, and a full-blown strike occurred. Angered by tuition increases and the U.S. military’s campaign in Cambodia, several demonstrations of dissent occurred. Not surprisingly, though, these were not recent events – they happened in 1970. At times in BC’s history, political and social movements occurred on campus. Now, though, protests are only seen on the small dorm room TV screens as students view Occupy Wall Street footage. However, this lack of dramatic action does not signify a lack of involved students, as many individuals at BC are politically and socially active in their own ways. In general, the age group that college students fall into is not one of high political activity. Since 18-year-olds first gained the right to

vote, turnout rates have declined significantly. Even though there was a large increase in the last presidential election, still only half of all eligible 18 to 29-year-olds voted. Nick Doffek, president of BC Democrats and A&S ’13, says that it seems that college students in general aren’t the most politically active demographic out there. “This is true at BC and other schools in the area,” Doffek says. When students do choose to take action, this tends to be outside of the BC community. Dan Sologuren, president of BC Republicans and A&S ’12, says that club members campaigned together for Mitt Romney in New Hampshire, and individually, many participate in a variety of campaigns. While there is no lack of activity in the group, it flies below the radar of much of the BC population. “Just because the student body doesn’t see us in the Quad blasting music and annoying students as they walk to class doesn’t mean we are not active,” Sologuren says. At the other end of the political spectrum, Doffek made a similar point about the College Democrats, saying that BC’s chapter is “one of the larger chapters in Massachusetts,” but this is seen as they “bring the most members of any chapter to state or national conferences.”

Again, the activity is often away from central campus. Though BC students can seem only a little involved, according to the popular college review website Unigo, our school’s “political activity” is ranked at a five out of 10, the same ranking as similar schools like Boston University, Northeastern, and Notre Dame. However, popular opinion among students tends toward our inactivity. “I think the general consensus is that BC is less politically engaged than some of its counterparts,” says Jason Joyce, head of Americans for Informed Democracy and A&S ’12. Joyce attributed this to a range of factors, including BC’s distance from the heart of the city and the University’s service-centered, as opposed to political, mentality. The reason for the unperceived activity of students could be what Ben Martin, A&S ’13, refers to as our lack of dialogue. “I don’t believe dialogue takes place through events or awareness campaigns; we have plenty of those,” Martin says. While it is true that political clubs and guest speakers are fairly well attended, and the quad often features campaigns for environmental causes, GLBTQ rights, and

See Political Spirit, B9

Photos Courtesy of The BC Club Golf TEAM

Though members of the men’s club golf team have varying levels of experience, they are working together toward a common goal and feeding off each others’ strengths to capture a national championship title for Boston College.

Desire for success drives club golf team as it advances toward nationals By Brendan Doyle For The Heights

The team knew they had a daunting task ahead of them. Five formidable schools stood between the eight members of the Boston College club golf team and their goal: winning the 2011 Club Golf Northeast Regional Tournament. The implications were clear: win and earn a bid to the national championship – any other result would bring the team’s season to an abrupt halt. Officers Tom Coburn, A&S ’13, Michael Marcus, CSOM ’13, and Garrett Fitzgerald, A&S ’13, knew it wouldn’t be easy pulling off an outright victory. After all, this would be the team’s first competition in their new, more competitive conference, the Northeast Region. In addition, the team would have to win without its star co-captain, Mike Richardson, CSOM ’13, and Sam Driver, A&S’13, and Stephen Sullivan, A&S ’13, due to minor lower body injuries.

Of the eight selected to travel to Philadelphia to compete, five had never played on such a stage. The rookies included: Jay Farmer, A&S ’12; Matt Elliott, A&S ’13; Todd Havill, A&S ’15; Sam Richtman, CSOM ’15; and Reagan Hall, CSOM ‘15. Despite their relative inexperience, BC’s golfers knew that they had a job to do. “Sure, we had rubber legs as we approached the first tee,” Farmer says. “But, I have to give our veterans a lot of credit in pumping us up and keeping the morale high.” “You could tell that some of the guys were feeling the pressure,” Marcus says. “We just wanted to make sure that our rookies knew to keep it simple and to have some fun out there.” At the end of the first 18 holes of the competi-

i nside FE ATURES this issue

tion, BC sent a very clear message to their competitors by opening up an enormous 16-stroke lead. But with 18 holes left to play, the BC veterans knew that the job was far from over. Fitzgerald, junior star and figurehead, made sure to motivate the guys to keep up the good work. “We had to stay realistic and be careful not to sit back and assume that the tournament was over,” Fitzgerald says. “We continually stressed how important it would be to go out there on Sunday and step up our game to an even higher level if we wanted to win.” The team took the message loud and clear. “It was pretty simple. Garrett told me I couldn’t get a ride home if I didn’t improve my play,” Richtman says. “So, did I have a choice? No!” As the team expected, holding on to the 16-

Extracurricular Examination

stroke lead would not be an easy task. Early on, the team heard rumors that Farmer unexpectedly withdrew from the competition for undisclosed reasons. After hearing this news, Elliott says, losing one teammate was definitely a wakeup call for the team. “Obviously, we all started to feel a lot more pressure, but the guys showed some serious guts out there and finished strong,” Elliott says. Despite an early scare and a late surge by Delaware, BC pulled off a clutch 13-stroke victory, capturing BC’s first ever Northeast Regional Championship. Additionally, Coburn, Marcus, Fitzgerald, and Havill earned All-Conference Honors, with Coburn and Marcus finishing tied for third overall. “We went down there with a rag tag group of guys. Some would say we were young. Others called us in-

Though there are some students who are heavily involved in extracurricular activities, there are some who are not............................................................................................... . B6

See Club Golf, B9

Campus Chronicles...........................B8 The Real World........................B6