High hopes
twitter flies in how rock fought back
sports
metro
the scene
Chase Rettig will try to lead the Eagles to an upset victory on Saturday, A12
Co-founder of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, visits MIT to discuss his latest aspirations, B8
The storied genre seems poised for a roaring comeback this fall, B1
Friday, September 28, 2012
Vol. XCIII, No. 32
Player charged last spring returns to the field for BC By David Cote News Editor
And Greg Joyce Heights Editor
Jaryd Rudolph, the football player charged with unlawful secret recording last March after he allegedly recorded a consensual sexual encounter between his roommate and a female graduate student, has played in all three of Boston College’s football games this fall.
eun hee kwon / heights staff
Students gathered in O’Neill Plaza on Monday night for BC Ignites, a new public forum on diversity and racism at Boston College.
BC Ignites urges further discussion Three student speakers address issues of racism on campus By Mary Rose Fissinger Heights Editor
Students found seats on the newly installed grass of O’Neill Plaza, the stone steps that border the renovated area, and the benches along the perimeter as the organizer of BC Ignites, Conor Sullivan, LSOE ’13, took the podium to begin the public forum on diversity and racism Monday night. Sullivan thanked everyone for attending, and invited Synergy Hip Hop Dance Company to the front for an introductory performance. Following that, the keynote speaker and Director of the Office of AHANA Student Programs, Ines Maturana Sendoya urged audience members to think about how one should consider race and racism in the context of a Jesuit
Catholic University. She stressed that the term “social justice” can apply to more than just traditional community service, and that justice must be advanced at home, as well. “During the four years you’re at the Heights, Boston College is your home,” she said. She also spoke about existing programs at BC that encourage and foster the kind of discussions BC Ignites was hoping to bring about, such as Dialogues on Race and FACES. She strongly echoed the sentiments of Sullivan and his reason for creating the event when she urged the audience to be proactive and start conversations about race with people from different backgrounds.
See BC Ignites, A4
According to a BCPD report, Rudolph admitted to using his phone to make the recording and to forwarding it to his roommate’s phone. The graduate student, who did not consent to the alleged recordings, claimed that she only learned of them after comments were made to her by members of the football team. Rudolph, a native of Plympton, Mass., was issued a summary suspension by
See Rudolph, A4
Moloney and Price disagree on contents of Belfast Project tape By David Cote News Editor
Editor’s Note: This story is part of an ongoing series about the subpoenas of the Belfast Project. Recent statements by Ed Moloney—an Irish journalist and former director of the Belfast Project, an oral history endeavor sponsored by Boston College that chronicled the experiences of various paramilitary members during “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland—and Dolours Price, an interviewee of the project, conflict greatly on the specific content of the tapes currently being sought by the Police Services of Northern Ireland (PSNI). In a press release dated Sept. 14 and in an affidavit filed in the Belfast courts, Moloney announced his claim that in her
interviews with Belfast Project researchers, Price made no mention of Jean McConville, the Irish mother of 10 who was abducted and killed by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1972. He also claimed that Price did not mention Gerry Adams, the Sinn Fein politician who helped orchestrate the Good Friday Agreement and who has often been accused of being an IRA leader during the Troubles. “When this research project at Boston College began we gave interviewees a pledge that nothing of what they said would be revealed until their deaths,” Moloney said. “I intend to keep that promise. But the pledge did not cover what the interviewees did not say. I now wish to make the following facts public: in her interviews with BC researcher, Anthony McIntyre, Dolours
See Belfast Project, A4
Faculty Dining Room will be opened for student dinners BCDS will sponsor TV Chef Series By Eleanor Hildebrandt Heights Editor
emily fahey / heights staff
Gus Burkett (above) will serve as the new director of the Student Programs Office.
Gus Burkett ready to learn BC’s culture By Brigid Wright Heights Staff
This fall, Boston College welcomed Gus Burkett, new director of the Student Programs Office (SPO), to continue the campus traditions and foster more student involvement. Burkett, with a passion for encouraging student involvement and a busy career in student affairs, intends to use the upcoming months as a learning period for absorbing BC’s unique culture and student body. Burkett, who was born and raised in Santa Fe, Argentina, received his first introduction to BC as a 16-year-old exchange student studying in Maine. “I was hosted by a host family, and my host father is an alumnus of BC,” Burkett said. “He used to take us to the hockey games and football games, and the first coat I ever bought in the United States was a BC coat. So this is fate.” Burkett returned to the U.S. after his first year of college in Argentina because there were no opportunities for him to get involved in extracurricular activities.
See Burkett, A3
Starting in early October, the Faculty Dining Room in McElroy Hall will open its doors to undergraduates once a week. Boston College Dining Services’ (BCDS) new TV Chef Series will kick off with a night featuring the cuisine of Food Network chef Jamie Oliver, and is slated to continue on Thursdays throughout the academic year. Director of BCDS Helen Wechsler said that the new program is actually a reincarnation of an old, popular dinner series called “Channel Surfing,” which used to be held in the Walsh Function Room. “They’d actually pick a TV station and theme the dinner around that,” she said. “It was really great food, and students would make reservations, and they loved it. It was one price, and you could use your mandatory [meal plan money], and it was very successful for a long while.”
Interest in the Channel Surfing program eventually waned and the program died out, but Wechsler said that BCDS has recently been looking for ways to give BC students more culinary options. “We were thinking about things that we could do that would be exciting for students, particularly those who had mandatory plans,” she said. “Students have asked us every once in awhile, ‘Why can’t you open a restaurant on campus?’ and that sort of thing. The Faculty Dining Room is perfect—it’s a great setting.” Wechsler credited the management team at McElroy with helping to put the TV Chef Series together. She also praised all the chefs from the on-campus kitchens for testing and working out the recipes. “They love doing this—this is really fun for them,” she said. “This is what they do at home, and they get to do it for a group of students, hopefully that appreciate it.” The series plans to feature the cuisine of a wide variety of chefs in the future, including Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, America’s Test Kitchen (located in Brookline, Mass.), Guy Fieri, and Paula Deen.
See Dining Room, A4
daniel lee / heights editor
The walkway between the north and south wings of Stokes Hall (above) is nearing completion.
Stokes Hall nears completion as opening date approaches By David Cote News Editor
jono keedy / heights staff
The Faculty Dining Room in McElroy Hall (above), will be open to students starting in October.
The top floors of Stokes Hall are currently being outfitted with carpet and wood molding, and the project remains on schedule for completion around Halloween and an official opening in January, construction managers have said. Stokes Hall will be a 183,000-square foot academic and administrative building when it is finished in October, with 36 classrooms ranging in size from 20-person rooms to an 80-person mini-amphitheater classroom. In addition, the building will house offices for the theology, history, English, classics, and philosophy departments, as well as the College of Arts and Sciences
Honors Program. The offices for First Year Experience will be moved from their current location in Brock House to Stokes Hall, and the building will also house the Academic Advising Center. “The current focus is on everything,” said senior project manager Mark Lootz. “It all comes together around this time.” Currently, the project is proceeding at 175 man-hours per day, with a variety of projects being finished. As masonry around the outside of the building is finished, scaffolding will come down and the completed exterior of the building will be visible. Progress has been made faster on the north building, mainly because it is smaller, managers have said.
See Stokes Hall, A4
TopTHREE
The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
things to do on campus this week
..
1
Pops on the Heights Today Time: 8 p.m. Location: Conte Forum
Come see the world famous Boston Pops play right on campus. Keith Lockhart will direct the 20th anniversary show. Proceeds benefit the Pops Scholars, a student aid initiative that allows students who would otherwise not be able to afford a Boston College education the chance to attend BC.
Boston College Football vs. Clemson
2
Tomorrow Time: 3:30 p.m. Location: Alumni Stadium
The Eagles are looking for a win against the 17th-ranked Clemson Tigers in a nationally-televised ACC football matchup.
President’s Address
3
Today Time: 4 p.m. Location: Robsham Theater University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., will address the Boston College community as part of the Parents’ Weekend festivities.
the
University
In s w e N
Report finds increase in size of instructional staff at U.S. colleges The National Center for Education Statistics recently published a report that found that instructional-staff levels at colleges, eligible to receive federal student aid, grew slightly in the last academic year. At medical schools, four-year, two-year, and less-than-two-year-institutions of higher learning that are eligible to receive federal student aid, the number of total instructional staff members whose primary responsibility is instruction, research, and/or public service was about 1,566,000 in fall 2011. This figure represents a 24,000-staff member increase from the fall 2010 figure.
On Campus Boston College Bookstore teams up with OHT to support soldiers The BC Bookstore and BC Athletics recently began selling a new type of hat that will benefit wounded soldiers and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Many colleges and universities around the country have joined Operation Hat Trick, a program started at the University of New Hampshire in 2007, which sells special merchandise to raise money for the recovery of wounded soldiers and veterans through the Veterans Administration General Post Fund. The BC Bookstore is currently selling two OHT hats. They are both in BC colors and feature the BC and OHT logos. A third, camouflage style hat will be sold at their stores starting in January. So far, the OHT hats have sold well. A portion of the revenue from OHT sales goes to the VA Medical Center’s General Post Fund, which assists both recovering soldiers and veterans and their caregivers. OHT went national last January, and in less than two years over 80 colleges and universities have begun to sell OHT merchandise.
Local News Two armed robberies occur in Brookline in a three-day span Three suspects reportedly robbed three people at gunpoint at around 5. p.m. on Egmont Street on Tuesday. One of the victims gave up a black backpack. A similar robbery took place on Sunday morning at around 3 a.m. on Hamilton Road, where two suspects, one of them armed with a semiautomatic weapon, stole cash and an iPhone from two Boston University students. BU police and Brookline police are still searching for the suspects.
Technology and religion can go hand-in-hand By Qian Deng For The Heights
Eun hee Kwon / Heights Staff
Matt Weber and Tom Groome discussed how technology can help spread the Catholic faith at a C21 event. recalled seeing a pregnant woman overcome with emotion after he vowed to add her to his prayer list. The trick is to evangelize, or at least to avoid being an “incognito Catholic,” without imposing. No matter how the mechanics may evolve according to the times and the uniqueness of each individual, the principle behind nurturing faith remains the same: religious heritage is passed down most effectively through the community and the family. “There were the monastic schools, the cathedral schools,
which covered about 4-5 percent of the population,” Groome said, “but the Western world became Christian practically by osmosis. The school, while important, cannot replace the home.” To take advantage of social media is only to continue the ancient trend of evangelizing through communication. Perhaps the only core aspect to have changed revolves around one key word: intention. Today, people have to take their own initiative to practice religion because it is only fashionable to be “spiritual” rather than “religious,” and also because
things are no longer true only because the Church said so. “I would like to raise my children as my parents raised me, but I was part of the last generation to grow up without the Internet,” Weber said. “So, why practice the rituals and honor the traditions if the process may be becoming more difficult?” “There’s no excuse for a bad liturgy, but while attending Mass, one feels the presence of something so much bigger and more powerful, a greater good,” Groome said. Besides going to Mass, other
possibilities for religion can be “terribly simple,” according to Groome. “I asked a mother to tell her child, ‘I love you, God loves you, sleep well,’ each night before bed. The dogmas can come later, but now there is solid groundwork to build on.” Questions raised by the audience after Weber and Groome’s presentation added new dynamics to the conversation. One man was indignant that Catholic educational institutions were “moving away from serving the poor and toward catering to the middle- and upper-classes.” A woman had travelled from New Hampshire to ask about techniques in raising awareness in her parish through media such as television and Twitter. Then came the most provocative question: “How would you respond to claims by atheists who may see the passing down of religion in families in the same light as the passing down of racism?” In response, Groome said, “There is nothing more dangerous than bad religion,” citing specific statistics of extremism as warnings on how not to practice religion. “Each family can find the rituals that most suit themselves,” Groome said, but it is crucial that they do find a way to practice and to live their faith. n
Police Blotter
Voices from the Dustbowl
9/21/12-9/22/12
“Which reality TV show do you want to be on?”
Friday, September 21
Saturday, September 22
3:04 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding a fire alarm activation at Greycliff Hall.
12:05 a.m. - An officer filed a report regarding a fare evasion at the Commonwealth Avenue Lot.
4:38 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding medical assistance provided to a student at the Plex who was transported to a medical facility.
1:05 a.m. - An officer filed a report regarding medical assistance provided to an intoxicated student on Campanella Way who was transported to a medical facility by a cruiser.
4:50 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding a suspicious circumstance at Devlin Hall. 6:00 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding a suspicious person at Conte Forum. 6:20 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding medical assistance provided to an intoxicated student at Conte Forum who was transported to a medical facility by an ambulance. 6:21 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding medical assistance provided to an intoxicated student at Conte Forum who was transported to a medical facility by an ambulance. 6:45 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding a subject in possession of Class B Drugs. 8:39 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding the disorderly conduct and arrest of a student at the Cushing Hall Clinic.
1:21 a.m. - An office filed a report regarding a suspicious circumstance, assault and battery, and breaking and entering at the Mods. 1:43 a.m. - An officer filed a report regarding medical assistance provided to an intoxicated student at Xavier Hall who was transported to a medical facility by an ambulance.
“Flavor of Love.” —Nick Cortez, A&S ’15
“America’s Next Top Model” —Gabby Jones, A&S ’15
3:54 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding a larceny from a residence at Rubenstein Hall.
11:57 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding vandalism to a residence at Loyola Hall. “American Ninja” —Mike Warren,
CSOM ’16
75° Showers 45°
saturday
62° Mostly Sunny 42°
sunday
65° Partly Cloudy 45° 68° Partly Cloudy 48°
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 Metro Desk (617) 552-3548 Features Desk (617) 552-3548 Arts Desk (617) 552-0515 Photo (617) 552-1022 Fax (617) 552-4823 Business and Operations General Manager (617) 552-0169 Advertising (617) 552-2220 Business and Circulation (617) 552-0547 Classifieds and Collections (617) 552-0364 Fax (617) 552-1753 EDITORIAL RESOURCES News Tips Have a news tip or a good idea for a story? Call David Cote, News Editor, at (617) 552-0172, or e-mail news@ bcheights.com. For future events, e-mail, fax, or mail a detailed description of the event and contact information to the News Desk. Sports Scores Want to report the results of a game? Call Greg Joyce, Sports Editor, at (617) 552-0189, or e-mail sports@bcheights.com. Arts Events The Heights covers a multitude of events both on and off campus – including concerts, movies, theatrical performances, and more. Call Brennan Carley, Arts and Review Editor, at (617) 552-0515, or e-mail arts@ bcheights.com. For future events, e-mail, fax, or mail a detailed description of the event and contact information to the Arts Desk. Clarifications / Corrections The Heights strives to provide its readers with complete, accurate, and balanced information. If you believe we have made a reporting error, have information that requires a clarification or correction, or questions about The Heights standards and practices, you may contact Taylour Kumpf, Editor-in-Chief, at (617) 552-2223, or e-mail editor@ bcheights.com. CUSTOMER SERVICE Delivery To have The Heights delivered to your home each week or to report distribution problems on campus, contact Dan Ottaunick, General Manager at (617) 552-0547. Advertising The Heights is one of the most effective ways to reach the BC community. To submit a classified, display, or online advertisement, call our advertising office at (617) 552-2220 Monday through Friday.
The Heights is produced by BC undergraduates and is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year by The Heights, Inc. (c) 2012. All rights reserved. “America’s Next Top Model.” —Christian Splaine, A&S ’15
11:16 p.m. - An officer filed a report regarding an off-campus noise complaint.
—Source: The Boston College Police Department
Today
monday
featured story
“How can we draw people to faith when they are constantly preoccupied with modern technology, with cell phones, computers, and Angry Birds?” asked Matt Weber of CatholicTV, epitomizing key issues targeted on Tuesday at “Contagious Faith,” an event sponsored by the Church in the 21st Century Center (C21) at Boston College. Weber’s question characterized a night designed by C21 to be “a conversation about nurturing a contagious faith and the challenges and joys of living out that faith on a daily basis.” Weber’s partner in the conversation, Tom Groome, is a professor at BC’s School of Theology and Ministry. Groome asserted that practicing religion and living in the modern world are not actually contradictory, as faith is meant to permeate all of life. Weber’s organization is very much in sync with today’s world. Its 24/7 programming can be viewed for free on many mobile devices. Not everything is about adapting to new technology. “In restaurants, I’ve been told many times how refreshing it was to see a family openly say grace before a meal,” Weber said. Groome
Four Day Weather Forecast
CORRECTIONS Please send corrections to editor@bcheights.com with ‘correction’ in the subject line.
The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
A3
Burkett keeping tradition in SPO BC 2 Boston to keep This new events rolling magic moment Burkett, from A1
Matt Palazzolo As parents flock to Chestnut Hill from all corners of the United States, I reflect on my previous Parents’ Weekend experiences. I remember watching parents and siblings eagerly explore Hardey First Floor as my floormates and I impatiently waited for them to say goodbye so we could fulfill our Friday quota of binge drinking and bad decisions. I remember the Saturday football games, where my mother would forlornly ask why I wouldn’t let her bring a mystery book to read. Lastly, I remember Sunday morning Mass, a yearly ritual where I drag my disheveled self over to Conte Forum and parry questions about the previous night’s activities from my disapproving parents. Boston College works tirelessly to create info sessions, guest speakers, and formal functions during Parent’s Weekend that I have absolutely no interest in attending. Therefore, what is the purpose of Parents’ Weekend? The webpage for the event states that it is “a chance for Boston College families to gather together and celebrate all that makes the BC student experience unlike any other.” Well, the uniqueness of the BC student experience is pretty obvious. I’m fairly certain that no other college experienced a moral crisis over the first down chant at a football game. So the true purpose must be connected to the gather together concept. In my search for the true purpose of Parents’ Weekend, I summon the wise words of Ferris Bueller. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” This quote has always been in the back of my mind, mainly because roughly 99 percent of my senior class used it as their yearbook quote. I apply it to my own life by tuning out the insignificant parts of college, like classes, homework, and automated BC emails, and instead focus on the little things. For example, two nights ago, when I should have been writing this column, I instead retreated to my backyard to smoke cigars with my roommates. As the delicious aroma of tobacco filled the air, we discussed sports, girls, and our post-college plans. On the surface, this appears to be a typical bro hangout session. For me though, it went deeper. A year from now, I will be drowning in a sea of legal textbooks. Opportunities to hang out with friends will be rare or even nonexistent. In my quest to cherish the small things, I seek out these types of moments. Next year, I won’t look back fondly on hastily written final papers. I will remember the midnight cigars, which could be described as “gathering together,” but actually mean so much more. As previously stated, the official purpose of Parents’ Weekend is to gather together BC families. The true purpose, though, is to create a midnight cigar-type moment for our parents. This weekend is about them, not us. So my advice to you, the reader of my somewhat self-indulgent column, is this. If your parents are visiting this weekend, spend some time with them. If they offer to take you out to dinner, accept. Parties don’t start until after 11, and all the super cool kids show up fashionably late anyway. A simple dinner may not mean much to you, but it could mean the world to them. On Sunday morning, I will wake up at 9:55, throw on some wrinkled clothes, and dash over to Conte Forum to meet my parents. If morning Mass means as much to them as a midnight cigar meant to me, then I can rest assured that I have fulfilled the true purpose of Parents’ Weekend.
Matt Palazzolo is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at news@ bcheights.com.
“All the ideas of extracurricular activities and co-curricular activities and clubs don’t exist, and I was missing that after tasting it here in high school,” Burkett said. After transferring to the University of Maine, Burkett immersed himself in student organizations that are very similar to those at BC, including student government, a Latino organization on campus, and a fraternity. “I was the student that you pretty much saw around campus who was involved with everything.” Despite being a business major with a concentration in human resources, Burkett became interested in the idea of working for student affairs at the university level after his experiences in college. Taking a year off and working as a consultant for his fraternity, Burkett visited 30 different campuses and became familiar with how universities work and what he liked and did not like about them. Burkett went on to receive a masters
degree from the University of Maine, focusing on alcohol and drug education as well as hazing prevention. Burkett’s professional career continued after his masters at the University of Maine as the systems director of Greek Life, and he eventually directed their student activities and events office until 2010. He accepted an offer at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2010, where he worked as the associate director of student activities. Coordinating and overseeing more than 480 student organizations, Burkett also managed major events like Homecoming and concerts, as well as nightly entertainment for students and tailgates for sporting events. “Coming to BC, in a way, is bringing me full circle,” Burkett said. Burkett’s main focus as director of SPO is to learn more about and preserve the traditions of BC. “The culture of college campuses is different from campus to campus, so it would be wrong of me to come with a cookie-cutter type of program
and say we are going to make it fit to BC,” Burkett said. “Right now, I’m in learning mode. I’m trying to learn as much as possible to make sure I know what the BC culture is like. There are a lot of very unique things to the BC culture that I’m loving. I have some ideas, but right now I want to learn.” Burke tt hop e s , mo st importantly, to bring to BC the experiences he had as a college student , where he felt wel comed and encouraged to get involved. “I think my passion is to work on traditions,” Burkett said. “I want that feeling where you walk into a campus, and you can feel the spirit hitting you.” Burkett intends to keep the uniqueness of BC’s culture alive, as well as leave a lasting impression on student s of the importance and value of being active in organi z ations and movements on campus. Citing how the Ignatian tradition adds “its own special flavor,” Burkett hopes to keep alive the goal of creating well-rounded men and women. n
Computer Science Society reboots The society has revamped its direction in the hopes of increasing student interest By Shannon Quinn For The Heights
The Computer Science Society of Boston College, formerly known as the BC Association for Computing Machinery, has undergone massive reconstruction over the past several years, reviving their club and changing its direction. Their efforts include creating a website known as BC Skills, which serves as a portal to connect students and encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation on projects such as start-up companies. The club’s mo st not able achievement over the past year has been the creation of BC Skills. The website was launched last spring, and is constantly evolving. “It’s a community effort,” said Matt Ricketson, president of the Computer Science Society and A&S ’13. BC Skills is the result of diligent work and the combination of ideas from many club members. “[BC Skills] is a website aimed to make it easier for BC students interested in working on independent projects or starting companies to connect with each
other and form teams,” Ricketson said. The club is proud of the progress and success that has occurred over the past several years. “We’ve even had one student who has gotten a job through the site,” he said. “He listed himself on the website, and a BC alumni checking out the site saw him, liked his credentials, and he worked at their start-up all summer.” To get involved in BC Skills, students can go to bcskills.com, create an account, and write a profile highlighting their “skills, interests, and background.” This is a new kind of social networking, and with close to 50 people already signed up, the club is “exponentially growing,” Ricketson said. Contact information of other members is clear and accessible, making the process of connecting with other students more enjoyable. “When you are able to get students in the same room, have them meet each other, the sparks start flying, and people are able to start some cool projects,” Ricketson said. The club is eager for new members to join. “We want to stress that our club and BC Skills is not just for computer science
majors,” Ricketson said. “It is for anybody with valuable skills and a passion to work on projects with other people.” Their club is continually expanding its horizons with members ranging from business students to art students. This gives students with various experiences the opportunity to contribute their knowledge in business, technology, and design in order to compose any type of project they have an interest in. The club plans to host 12 events this semester, doubling the amount they held last school year. These events are arranged and run by the eight members of the executive board. “Anybody who is interested can attend these events,” Ricketson said. In order to be informed of these events, students can sign up for the club’s mailing list. Some events include guest speakers, workshops, and trips for recruitment. In addition to these events, the club is partnering with BC Venture Competition, a program run by CSOM, where teams of students form a company and compete in a business plan competition. “We are trying to use BC Skills as a way for these teams to organize themselves and recruit new people,” he said. n
Caroline Kirkwood For The Heights
BC 2 Boston, the UGBC program that aims to provide Boston College students with “Boston’s Best at a Bargain!,” ushered in the new school year with two sold-out events this week: the Museum of Science’s College Night this past Monday and the Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays game on Tuesday. One of this student-run program’s chief goals is to make Boston a more accessible city to BC students, whether it be through providing easy transportation into the city for free events, with buses departing directly from BC, or making available discounted tickets to sporting events, musicals, and concerts. The first two programs of the year, the Museum of Science’s College Night, where BC 2 Boston provided direct bus transportation from BC to the otherwise free event, and the Red Sox vs. Rays game, where students were able to purchase discounted tickets at the price of $25, were deemed a success by Tim Koch, deputy director of BC 2 Boston and A&S ’14. Koch was enthusiastic about the year’s two inaugural events. “It was a great feeling knowing these first two even hit maximum capacity,” he said. This meant that 50 students attended the Museum of Science College night and 75 students attended the Red Sox game, which BC 2 Boston has been working on facilitating since June. BC 2 Boston is currently in its first year as an independent department of UGBC, whereas in previous years it had been a part of the student affairs department. With this reorganization comes a bigger budget as well as a staff solely devoted to BC 2 Boston programming. Sarah Slater, director of BC 2 Boston and A&S ’13, stated the positive effects for the program associated with this change.
“We will do more extensive programs, as well as now having the ability to plan events on our own,” she said. “BC 2 Boston is looking to increase and diversify the types of programs we do, appealing to more students’ interest and becoming a more representative UGBC.” One of the ways that BC 2 Boston will be looking to appeal to the diverse interests of BC’s student body is through reaching out to different student organizations for collaborative events that will give students a better voice in terms of how they want to enjoy the city of Boston during their time at BC. In looking ahead at the rest of the semester, BC 2 Boston has scheduled six additional events. The event that the BC 2 Boston directors are most excited about bringing to BC students is their first ever 21-plus event. “We received permission from the administration for our first 21plus event on Oct. 12, which will be a beer tasting at Harpoon Brewery,” Koch said. “This is something that is unprecedented in BC 2 Boston history. We hope that seniors who don’t know our name can leave BC with those memories of Boston as part of their experience.” Other events that BC 2 Boston is sponsoring in October include 75 tickets to the Tony-award winning musical War Horse at the Boston Opera House on Oct. 12 and applepicking at a local orchard on Oct. 13. During that same weekend, BC 2 Boston is also providing transportation to the SoWa open market that takes place every Sunday on South Washington Street, May through October, where local food trucks and artisans sell their food and goods. Looking forward, BC 2 Boston also is hoping to make it easier for students to see the many musical artists that come to the city. They have secured tickets to see K’NAAN, who comes to Cambridge on Nov. 4, as well as Matt and Kim’s concert at the House of Blues on Nov. 16. n
The Heights
A4
Friday, September 28, 2012
Belfast interviewee divulges interview contents Belfast Project, from A1
daniel lee / heights editor
Construction of Stokes remains on schedule Stokes Hall, from A1 The top floors of the building have also received more focus, as construction has proceeded in a top-down fashion. Offices on the third and fourth floors are being carpeted this week, and the walls have been painted and trimmed. On the lower floors, blackboards and white boards have been installed in every classroom, and the installation of the new Chocolate Bar has begun. “We usually work from the top down,” Lootz said. “It’s less of a mess that way, and less people track stuff onto the completed floors.” On the exterior of the building, construction has begun on a terraced grassy amphitheater between Stokes Hall and McElroy Hall. Retaining walls are currently being installed, and the area will also have a stone patio. On the east side of the building, between Stokes Hall and Fulton Hall, will be a grassy area with pedestrian walkways roughly the same size as O’Neill Plaza.
Main student entrances will be along College Road, for students approaching from Upper Campus, and facing Fulton Hall, for students approaching from Lower and Middle Campuses, Kootz said. The construction of Stokes Hall represents one of the largest commitments to the liberal arts made by an American university in the last decade. “Stokes Hall embodies this University’s enduring commitment to the liberal arts,” said David Quigley, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, when ground was broken on the Stokes Hall project in October 2010. “The Jesuit, Catholic tradition of higher education has emphasized for centuries the civilizing and liberating power of an education rooted in the humanities disciplines that will call Stokes home.” Stokes Hall is named in honor of the generosity shown by Patrick T. Stokes, trustee, former CEO of Anheuser-Busch, and BC ’64. The building will be officially dedicated and opened at a ceremony in January. n
Price did not once mention the name Jean McConville.” Just over a week later, on Sept. 23, The Sunday Telegraph released new interviews with Price in which she contradicted Moloney’s claims, reasserting her involvement in McConville’s disappearance and the disappearance of other enemies of the IRA, and claimed that the same material appeared on her Belfast Project tapes. She also claimed that her interviews with BC researchers reference Adams directly. In another press release dated Sept. 26, three days after Price’s new interviews, Moloney again expressed his belief that the material did not appear on the Belfast Project tapes whatsoever. “So let me once again put the matter on record, with all the strength and force I can muster: Dolours Price did not mention Jean McConville nor talk about what had happened to her in her interviews for the Belfast Project at Boston College,” Moloney said. It is the investigation of McConville’s disappearance and murder that prompted two sets of subpoenas by the PSNI, issued by way of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) signed between the United States and the United Kingdom. Moloney stated his belief that Price did not mention her involvement in any IRA disappearances on the Belfast Project tapes. “The subject of that unfortunate woman’s [McConville’s] disappearance is not even mentioned. Not once,” Moloney said. “Neither are the allegations that Dolours Price
was involved in any other disappearance carried out by the IRA in Belfast, nor that she received orders to disappear people from Gerry Adams or any other IRA figure. None of this is in her interviews with Anthony McIntyre.” In her interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Price provided a differing opinion. According to the newspaper, she acknowledged that her participation in the Belfast Project was at least partially motivated by revenge, and asserted that her interviews referenced Adams directly. “I gave [the interviews] for a kind of score settling reason,” Price told The Sunday Telegraph. “I wanted very much to put Gerry Adams where he belonged and where he had been. We were offended that he chose to deny us as much as he chose to deny his belonging to the IRA. He is a liar.” Adams has consistently denied allegations that he was a member of the IRA, and continues to do so. Price also spoke about her participation in the disappearance of McConville and other enemies of the IRA. “I drove away Jean McConville,” Price told The Sunday Telegraph. “I don’t know who gave the instructions to execute her.” Moloney questioned Price’s ability to recall the tapes in his Sept. 26 press release. “Quite a few years have passed since Dolours Price was interviewed as part of the Belfast Project at Boston College and it has been during these recent years that her health has deteriorated in a quite alarming way,” Moloney said. “It has been evident to us that her grasp of past events has deteriorated in propor-
tion to her increased susceptibility to outside suggestions.” The first subpoena of the Belfast Project, which called for the release of Price’s tapes and was served in May 2011, followed an interview with The Irish Times in February of 2010, in which Price mentioned her involvement in McConville’s murder, and her participation in an oral history project sponsored by BC.
“I gave [the interviews] for a kind of score settling reason. I wanted very much to put Gerry Adams where he belonged and where he had been. We were offended that he chose to deny us as much as he chose to deny his belonging to the IRA. He is a liar.” -Dolours Price Belfast Project Interviewee The first subpoena was followed by a second subpoena in August 2011, seeking any and all tapes from the project related to the disappearance of McConville. Although BC initially filed a motion to quash the subpoena of Price’s tapes, they were denied and did not appeal the decision. In a Letter to the Editor published in The Heights on Jan. 18, 2012, Tom Hachey, professor of history and executive director of Irish
programs, and Burns Librarian Robert O’Neill claimed that Price’s interview with The Irish Times led directly to the subpoenas on behalf of the PSNI and nullified the promise of confidentiality in her contract. “Interviewees in that oral history undertaking understood that divulging their participation could potentially compromise the underlying premise that such testimony remain undisclosed until the time of their demise,” the two wrote. “That important need for discretion was honored by all surviving participants, with the notable exception of one, Dolours Price, who chose to publicly volunteer her involvement while making some provocative statements.” Moloney has argued that the subpoenas were not valid because they were based purely on the claim that Price mentioned Adams and McConville in her Belfast Project interviews. In his affidavit in the Belfast Courts, he maintains that she did not. “The subpoena served in May 2011 by the U.S. government on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) seeking her interviews, which was followed in August by other subpoenas seeking more interviews from the BC archive, was based upon a false newspaper report in Northern Ireland published in February 2010 alleging that she had talked about the disappearance of Jean McConville to Anthony McIntyre for the BC project,” Moloney said. Currently, the Price tapes await a decision on an appeal by Moloney and McIntyre for the Belfast Project case to be heard in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. n
After completing sanctions, Rudolph returns to play Rudolph, from A1 the University immediately after the charges were made public. A summary suspension removes a student from campus until their case can be adjudicated by the Dean of Student’s Office (DSO). “The case was adjudicated by experienced administrators in student affairs who issued appropriate sanctions,” said University Spokesman Jack Dunn. “Having met the conditions of his sanctions, Rudolph was reinstated to the football team in August. The University considers the matter closed.” The female student’s lawyer, Mitchell Garabedian, is unhappy with Rudolph’s reinstatement, but more importantly with the fact that BC never notified him or his
client of the reinstatement. “It is disappointing that an investigation was done by Boston College, when Boston College is responsible for the actions of Jaryd Rudolph,” Garabedian said. “It’s basically a kangaroo court that made the decision when investigating the actions of Jaryd Rudolph. “The inappropriate actions of Boston College were compounded by Boston College not even notifying either myself or my client that Jaryd Rudolph would be reinstated and playing football for Boston College. Why didn’t Boston College inform me or my client about Jaryd Rudolph being reinstated to play football?” Garabedian believes that Rudolph’s reinstatement has “revictimized” his client, and said that the entire matter has been a
“nightmare” for his client. “One would think that Boston College, in order to conduct a proper investigation, would speak to the victim. But that did not take place,” Garabedian said. “As an institution, Boston College is setting a poor example as to how to conduct an appropriate investigation with regard to such a moral subject.” On the other hand, Rudolph’s attorney, Timothy Burke, applauded BC’s handling of the matter. “I think Boston College has acted in a completely appropriate fashion,’’ Burke told The Boston Globe. “They have evaluated the case objectively on the facts, without emotion, and imposed the disciplinary sanction that was appropriate.’’ Although University officials cannot disclose specific sanctions
given to students, The Boston Globe reports that Rudolph’s sanctions imposed by the University include counseling from a University doctor, sessions with a campus minister, a research paper on Tyler Clementi, the 18-year-old Rutgers University student who committed suicide after his roommate used a webcam to record him kissing another man, and a Road’s Retreat in Sandwich, Mass. According to the DSO website, the Road’s Retreat is designed for students “on the edge.” “This retreat has been designed to empower students to make respectful and responsible decisions in regards to their personal lives, and how that might affect their role as BC community members.” Rudolph is due to return to Brighton court on Sept. 28. n
BCDS will sponsor TV Chef Series every Thursday Dining Room, from A1
daniel lee / heights editor
Stokes Hall is slated for completion by Halloween, with move-in before January.
BCDS is also open to students’ suggestions for other chefs whose food they would like to sample. Wechsler said that the advent of the TV Chef Series is not a response to complaints about Hillside’s move this year from the Residential Dining Plan—which is mandatory for all freshmen, as well
as some students living on Lower Campus—to Residential Dining Bucks, Optional Dining Bucks, and Eagle Bucks. “This was in the works before we even solidified the Hillside changes,” she said. “We try to do things throughout the course of the year that are a little bit different, just to shake things up and give students some alternatives.” The Faculty Dining Room can
only hold around 80 people and Wechsler anticipates that it will fill up quickly for the buffet-style TV Chef nights, so the series will be reservation-only, open to anyone from the BC community. For a set price of $24.99, which can be paid using any of BC’s dining plans, guests will be able to serve themselves from a variety of foods, including a soup, three salads, a series of entrees, and two des-
serts, all out of the evening’s featured cookbook. An action station demonstrating one of the recipes will also be present, along with a mocktail station. Besides food, the events will include trivia about that night’s chef, and giveaways such as free cookbooks. Reservations can be made by calling the number on the Faculty Dining Room’s website, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. n
BC Ignites begins discussion on issues of race and racism at Boston College BC Ignites, from A1 She concluded by encouraging people to think of changes that they could make in their lives regarding their relationship with race, and she asked people to email bcignites@ gmail.com when they have made those changes. Next, BC’s R&B and soul a cappella group B.E.A.T.S., or Black Experience in America Through Song, performed two songs. Then came the three student speakers: Adriana Mariella, A&S ’14; Sandra Dickson, CSON ’13; and Matt Alonsozana, A&S ’14. Each student spoke about his or her experience with racism on campus and the solutions he or she thought would be effective to current problems. Sullivan and his selection committee had chosen the three speeches partially based on their extreme variance from one another. Drastically different experiences and solutions were put forth in an attempt to spark discussions within the audience. The goal, according to Sullivan, was to thrust out into the open the topic of racism at BC.
The venue itself served this purpose, as many students who seemingly had not previously known the event was taking place walked by and stopped to listen to the speakers. “It’s exactly because we’re so comfortable with the status quo that people do not talk,” Alonsozana said. And getting people to talk was the objective. “You shouldn’t be agreeing with what everyone says,” Sullivan said. “What I’d like people to do now that they’ve been to this event is read these speeches, talk to people about it and figure out what are some solutions to the problem.” Sullivan and the speakers were pleased with how the event played itself out, and have begun to see the realization of the conversations they had wanted to instigate. “In my years at BC, I don’t think I have ever seen a group so large and so diverse voluntarily gather for a forum event,” Alonsozana said. “Many people have approached me [since the event] saying that they are considering the issues much more deeply and openly than be-
fore, and I have received several emails and suggestions as to what more can be done.” Dickson similarly considered the event a success. “To my knowledge, this is the first event of its kind where everyone in the BC community is challenged to think about and talk about these issues in such a public forum,” she said. “I believe the event was a great conversation starter, and I can only hope that it awakens a desire in all of us to make a change in addressing these race issues.” FACES hosted an event Wednesday night in Fulton 511 for students to reflect on the event and continue thinking about what changes need to be made at BC. Moderated by co-director of the FACES council TJ Manning, the event provided a forum for students to voice their reactions to speeches and talk more generally about their experiences with race on campus and how they feel the issue should be addressed. As an introduction, Manning outlined the four levels of racism: internal, interpersonal, cultural, and institutional. Much of the discussion revolved around
the predominant tendency to view racism as simply interpersonal and not look deeper into its cultural and systemic facets. Those who attended the discussion came to the conclusion that one of the major barriers to real progress in this area is the lack of sustained interest on the part of non-AHANA students. While many students of all backgrounds attended BC Ignites on Monday
in O’Neill Plaza, the students that came to the discussion were almost exclusively AHANA. “The problem is that I think everyone at the event is coming from a similar perspective, and so it may have been a bit one-sided of a conversation. Not to say that it was not a productive discussion, but I wish that more white students had been there to immerse themselves in the sometimes uncomfortable
subject of race,” Manning said. Sullivan, in light of the success of the Monday event, intends to go forward with his plans in making this a regular event, perhaps once a semester. “My goal is to put together a team to help me out with that for next semester,” he said. Sullivan emphasized the most important thing to know about BC Ignites: “This is not the end of the discussion.” n
eun hee kwon / heights staff
The three student speakers were Adriana Mariella, A&S ’14; Sandra Dickson, CSON ’13; and Matt Alonsozana, A&S ’14.
CLASSIFIEDS
The Heights
A5
Friday, September 28, 2012
Community Help wanted Earn up to $1,200/month and give the gift of family through California Cryobank’s donor program. Convenient Cambridge location. Apply online: SPERMBANK.com.
Apartment Study buddy needed. BC freshman looking for study companion for Literary Themes. Will take any available assistance, not particular. Open to help from freshmen to seniors. Inquiries may be sent to: jennlamonca@ yahoo.com.
help wanted Used bicycle wanted. Mild to moderate use preferred. A bright paint color is desired. Willing to pay variable price but will also take it off your hands for free. Please contact carljones@yahoo.com if interested.
Check out the B-Line at theb-line.tumblr.com
Directions: The Sudoku is played over a 9x9 grid. In each row there are 9 slots, some of which are empty and need to be filled. Each row, column and 3x3 box should contain the numbers 1 to 9. You must follow these rules: · Number can appear only once in each row · Number can appear only once in each column · Number can appear only once in each 3x3 box · The number should appear only once on row, column or area.
A6
The Heights
Editorials
QUOTE OF THE DAY
At DeFilippo’s last game, show respect
Friday, September 28, 2012
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. -Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), co-founder of the Cubist art movement
This Saturday, acknowledge the AD’s accomplishments rather than creating a negative atmosphere This we ekend’s fo otball game against Clemson will be Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo’s last, since he officially retires on Sept. 30. Al-
“We may not have been here for a majority of his successes, but they should still be lauded, not ignored or forgotten.” though there is no official ceremony, The Heights would like to take the time to ask students to be respectful about his departure. In light of recent disappointing performances, some may take Saturday as the final day to voice their frustrations. They may heckle, boo, and insult, naming the crumbling football program as justification. Yet we at The Heights ask if he
deserves such harsh criticism. During his 15-year tenure at Boston College, DeFilippo had a great list of accomplishments. He took over in 1997, in the wake of the largest gambling scandal in NCAA history. From there, he helped pioneer BC’s switch from the Big East to the ACC, had 12 consecutive winning seasons in football, and oversaw four national hockey championships. We may not have been here for a majority of his successes, but they should still be lauded, not ignored or forgotten. Even if you believe our AD deserves all the condemnation he can get, The Heights asks you to focus on the game this Saturday as our team takes on the Clemson Tigers. Thousands of parents and alumni will be attending, and students should focus on the positive energy this brings, rather than the bitter legacy DeFilippo potentially leaves behind. It’s possible that DeFilippo may have requested not to have a ceremony, so as not to take any attention away from the football team. Follow his example.
TV Chef Series benefits dining and social options The Heights encourages students to take part in the revolutionary BCDS program and provide feedback The Heights applauds Boston College Dining Services (BCDS) for their innovative new TV Chef Series. This creative program will not only open up the Faculty Dining Room in McElroy Hall to greater access by undergraduates, but will also give students more variety in dining options. In light of the recent modifications to the dining halls—most notably, the change in payment for Hillside and the arrival of the mini marts—the fact that BCDS is offering students a unique dining experience that can be paid for using the mandatory meal plan is commendable. The Heights encourages BC students to take full advantage of this new pro-
gram by making reservations ahead of time and inviting friends to accompany them. Furthermore, the location of the series makes participation by faculty and staff members convenient—The Heights is optimistic that these weekly events will impart a familial atmosphere and thus bring together disparate members of the BC community. Finally, attendees should also make an effort to give BCDS feedback on the TV Chef Series, and suggest chefs whose food they would like to see featured. This program is an important step forward for BCDS, and The Heights sincerely hopes that students and employees alike participate.
Courage shown at BC Ignites commendable The Heights congratulates BC Ignites participants and urges students to reflect on their own experiences Monday’s BC Ignites event on O’Neill Plaza pushed racism at Boston College to the forefront of the minds of a student body that has long seemed to
“They each had the bravery to voice their opinions, which many others likely share , and in doing so opened the doors for productive discussions revolving around racism at BC.” ignore or shy away from the topic. The Heights commends Conor Sullivan for having the courage and initiative to address what he rightly deemed to be a detrimental lack in the BC commu-
nity by creating this forum. We would also like to congratulate and thank the speakers for their boldness. They each had the bravery to voice their opinions, which many others likely share, and in doing so opened the doors for productive discussions revolving around racism at BC. We encourage students to continue having these discussions. The Heights would also like to applaud FACES for their involvement in BC Ignites and their hosting of the follow-up discussion on Wednesday night. However, we wish that more students had attended this supplementary discussion, in order to put the speeches in further context. The Heights hopes that students will not so readily push the issue of race to the back of their minds now, but learn from Sullivan and the speakers at BC Ignites. We encourage everyone to reflect on their own experiences, identify problems, and brainstorm solutions, using the speeches as starting points. Think about which ones you agree with, and why. Then talk to someone about it.
The Heights The Independent Student Newspaper of Boston College Established 1919 Taylour Kumpf, Editor-in-Chief Daniel Ottaunick, General Manager Lindsay Grossman, Managing Editor
Maximillian Adagio/ Heights Illustration
Letter to the Editor Time for students to demand that our leaders shed the labels Something didn’t happen in Washington this week, and if you would like a job after college or the income to pay off your loans, then what Washington didn’t do is something to worry about. For the 17th straight year, Congress has missed the deadline for passing a final budget and the spending bills needed to fund government operations for the next 12 months. This may not have made the headlines, but it’s a big deal. The most basic job Congress has is deciding how much money the government takes in and how much it spends. And when Congress does not do its job, you suffer. One reason the economy is growing too slowly to cut unemployment or create jobs for new college graduates is uncertainty about federal tax and spending plans. With Congress gridlocked, businesses can’t plan reliably or make investments in new equipment or new workers. That’s part of the reason why many recent college graduates are moving back home with mom and dad, and working at jobs they did right out of high school, if they are lucky enough to find any jobs at all. The missed budget deadlines are only the latest example of congressional dysfunction. By wide agreement, the current Congress is the least productive since the end of World War II, passing far fewer bills than any of its predecessors in the last 60 years. Most college students are unfortunately too young to remember that America’s government hasn’t always been this dysfunctional. Thirty years ago, President Reagan and Democratic House Speaker Tip O’Neill agreed on a plan to strengthen the finances of the Social Security system. In the early 1990s, the first President Bush worked with Democrats on a plan to reduce the deficit. President Clinton and Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich put aside their personal battles to help reform the welfare system. More recently, President George W. Bush and Ted Kennedy, a conservative Republican and a liberal Democrat, cooperated on a law designed to improve America’s schools. It is possible for our leaders to work together. Its citizens demand it. College students across America need to insist on it, too—and the best way to do so in 2012 and beyond is by joining No Labels. We are a group of almost 600,000 Democrats,
Republicans, and independents dedicated to moving America away from the old politics of point-scoring, and towards a new politics of problem solving. We have citizen leaders in every congressional district in America and most importantly, we have growing influence on Capitol Hill. No Labels’ work will be critically important matter no matter who wins or loses in the November elections, because many of our nation’s problems have become election-proof. Democratic and Republican leaders come and go but the dysfunction remains. It’s the only certainty you will find in our nation’s capital. That’s why No Labels supports specific reforms, leaders, and legislation that will make it easier to create effective, principled, and pragmatic solutions to America’s problems. No Labels is, above all, an action and results-oriented organization—offering common sense reforms to our nation’s problems and exerting grassroots pressure on our leaders to work together. A great example is our solution to deal with Congress’ chronic inability to meet simple budget and spending deadlines: Stop paying them. No Budget, No Pay is just one of the proposals featured in our Make Congress Work! action plan, which features 12 commonsense reforms to fix the gridlock and hyper partisanship in Congress. No Budget, No Pay has already been turned into legislation in the House and Senate, and we are working Capitol Hill aggressively to turn it into law. But the success of our effort to get our government to stop fighting and start fixing depends almost entirely on the size and dedication of our grassroots army, which is growing every single day. You don’t need to shed your identity to join the No Labels movement. You can be a proud liberal, a proud conservative, or anything in between. You just need to be open to the idea that people with different beliefs really can set aside the labels and come together to solve problems. And we would love a few Eagles to climb aboard this movement! Nancy Jacobson & Mark McKinnon No Labels Co-Founders
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 Eleanor Hildebrandt, Copy Editor David Cote, News Editor Greg Joyce, Sports Editor Therese Tully, Features Editor Brennan Carley, Arts & Review Editor Charlotte Parish, Metro Editor Elise Taylor, Opinions Editor Molly Lapoint, Special Projects Editor Jae Hyung (Daniel) Lee, Photo Editor Maggie Burdge, Layout Editor
Alex Manta, Graphics Editor Katie McClurg, Online Manager Michelle Tomassi, Assoc. Copy Editor Chris Grimaldi, Asst. Copy Editor Andrew Millette, Assoc. News Editor Sam Costanzo, Asst. News Editor Chris Marino, Assoc. Sports Editor Austin Tedesco, Asst. Sports Editor Alexandra Schaeffer, Asst. Features Editor Taylor Cavallo, Assoc. Arts & Review Editor
Dan Siering, Asst. Arts & Review Editor Marc Francis, Asst. Metro Editor Graham Beck, Asst. Photo Editor Mary Rose Fissinger, Asst. Layout Editor Joseph Castlen, Asst. Graphics Editor David Riemer, Asst. Online Manager Devon Sanford, Editorial Assistant Cathryn Woodruff, Executive Assistant
Jamie Ciocon, Business Manager James Gu, Advertising Manager Adriana Mariella, Outreach Coordinator Donny Wang, Systems Manager Amy Hachigian, National Sales Manager Daniel Arnold, Local Sales Manager Natasha Ettensberger, Collections Manager DJ Terceiro, Asst. Local Sales Manager Christina Quinn, Project Coordinator
The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
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Opinions
Psychological Warfare Thumbs Up Parents’ Weekend- Rejoice, as Momma and Papa Eagle have finally descended on the Heights to provide us with a weekend full of non-dining hall food, family love, and hotel showers. Here’s to hoping one of your friends doesn’t blurt out some embarrassing shenanigan you’ve done since returning to college that you have to explain later. Mumford and Sons- There is hope for America, everyone! English folk rock band Mumford & Sons’ new album is projected to be the biggest album of the year, beating out Justin Bieber’s Believe. It makes us proud to see a band with actual talent (Ke$ha, you’re uber catchy but c’mon, we know you lip sync) becoming this popular. Autumn Drinks- Now that fall is finally upon us (says the autumn equinox and the fact that we are wearing jeans) it is finally acceptable to start ordering drinks with pumpkin spice in them. It’s just so delicious and fall-y. Yes, this is a really girly thumbs up, but we think pumpkin spice crosses the gender barrier. More Honey Boo Boo- We know you all were worried, but Honey Boo Boo has been renewed for a second season. This means we get 22 more episodes of sass pants Alana and her actually obese mother (we still love you, June). Up next: the birth of Chickadee’s double thumbed baby Caitlyn and a Halloween special. We’d better start redneckonizing.
Thumbs Down Celebrity Baby Names- Reese, we love you but not your baby ’s name. The famous actress named her newborn Tennessee James, as in the random state/playwright. Yes, we appreciate the southern flair, but if your kid is not immediately the coolest thing since sliced bread when he hits kindergarten he’s going to get made fun of. Also, are you really going to call a little baby Tennessee? Because there are really limited options for nicknames. It’s either Ten or Nessee, and one of those is a number and the other is the nickname for the Loch Ness Monster. Pick your poison. Work with parents- Every Parents’ Weekend our parents come up with smiling faces, waiting to spend time with their darling child, and every Parents’ Weekend, we greet them with a nasty snarl and complaints about how much work we have. Professors—stop assigning work on Parent’s Weekend and have some compassion. Foster Fireworker- Somewhere on Foster St., a sick individual has an arsenal of pyrotechnics. We say arsenal because it has been three weeks and he has set off at least 10 fireworks every night since school has started. At first it was funny, but now that they are happening three times a night and often at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday, we just want this guy caught. We must, however, give him props. The fact that he has managed to elude capture for this long is a sign of genius. Like Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down? Follow us @BCTUTD
CJ Gustafson On my way to work each day this summer, I hopped off the T at Government Center and walked by the New England Center for Homeless Veterans on Court Street. At all hours of the day, there was a large group of veterans congregated outside. Some looked for conversation, others looked for change, but almost all looked confused and downtrodden. Most of the men I saw had fought in the Vietnam War, and others were more recent participants in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. What was most striking about their disheveled appearances was the distraught look on their faces. It was obvious that a plethora of these individuals were suffering through the same consequence of war together: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) This Sunday, Robert Morgenthau of The Wall Street Journal wrote a column titled “The Death of Peter Wielunski.” In it he details the caustic implications of soldiers returning to American society with PTSD. The statistics Morgenthau offers are staggering. He explains that current or former military members commit 20 percent of all suicides in the U.S. Another way of looking at this horrifying phenomenon is that for every one soldier who is killed in combat, 25 veterans are dying from suicide. Peter Wielunski, a Vietnam veteran, represents an individual who served his country but was unable to receive the treatment he needed when he returned from war. It’s extremely paradoxical that we
live in a society where mental disorders and chemical imbalances can be simultaneously exaggerated and ignored. Every child in elementary school suddenly has ADD or ADHD, and as a result, Ritalin might as well be served from a Pez dispenser. Coming to the conclusion that our child has ADD or OCD might appear to be a quick fix to a behavioral problem. But we just as easily downplay the presence of more frightening mental issues because they are hard to face. Examples include bi-polar disorder, which can be genetic, or illnesses that develop from horrifying experiences, such as PTSD. It’s unsettling that our society overanalyzes and self-diagnoses mental conditions when it is convenient, yet turns a blind eye to such a corrosive element in the post-war community. One excuse could be that our society has become so desensitized to war and violence. Battle as depicted on television has become less and less propagandistic and nationalistic, as evidenced in World War II and the Cold War era, and now almost exclusively takes on the form of pure entertainment. Hollywood presents viewers with an unbalanced view of heroism and horror as they probably appear in war. The illusion of war is also skewed in video games. Call of Duty commercials now feature celebrities such as Kobe Bryant, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jonah Hill donning fatigues and shooting at insurgents. Or maybe we are less capable of accepting the consequences of battle because war has become increasingly business-oriented. Never before have political groups tallied the dollars and cents of weapons and deployments to the microscopic level of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Numbers are constantly juggled on the floor of Congress and on news broadcasts. The website costofwar.com has three live calculators running at all
time, which record the costs of the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, and the total cost of war since 2001. Staring at the flashing numbers for more than 10 seconds will make your head spin. It’s understandable that massive amounts of funding are needed, and from a fiscal sense it is best to minimize these costs, yet over emphasizing the price tag we put on war overshadows the physical costs. Perhaps our society is not less willing, but rather less able to understand how war has evolved. This inability to comprehend the physical costs of war removes us from understanding war’s impact on the psyche. Over the years, the weapons and subsequent damage our soldiers control has changed dramatically. Major shifts in the way war is waged include the Maxim Machine Gun’s adoption in World War I, Truman’s decision to drop atomic bombs in WWII, and now the use of unmanned drones in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the nature of war changes, so too must the way we understand and treat patients based on what they’ve experienced. I’m not a doctor, I’m not a soldier, and I’ve never served in any sort of war. I’m far from an expert on the military or mental disorders. But as a concerned citizen, I wish there was a way to do more to assist those who protect us as they reenter society. The first step in trying to solve this problem is realizing it exists. It is obvious that a soldier has suffered from war if they are missing a limb or have been physically scarred. Yet it’s just as, if not more important, to recognize the damage war has done that is more than skin-deep. CJ Gustafson is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.
The vitures of a sin city Marye Moran I dream of one day living in a world where I can open the phonebook and look up a prostitute under “P,” not hidden under escort services and strip clubs. I dream of a world where I can go to my neighborhood drug store and buy some drugs of the non-medicinal variety. No, I don’t actually plan on taking advantage of either of those options, but if other people do, the benefits for the U.S. would be as high as for its citizens. Or, more likely, as high as its citizens always are. People argue against legalizing drugs because, by making them permissible, we are condoning them on some level. However, public opinion does not change overnight, so people who don’t do drugs because of the stigma are unlikely to begin using the second the law changes. The law does not necessarily dictate public opinion. We’ve seen this with alcohol, where drinking under the age of 21 is illegal but accepted by many. This rejection of the law was seen even more so during Prohibition, when alcohol consumption actually rose, as measured by a Cato Institute study on public drunkenness and other alcohol-related offenses. Since alcohol had been legal for so long, few people changed their opinion on it as a vice when the law was enacted. Similarly, drugs have been illegal for so long that I highly doubt many individuals will alter their outlooks. This would especially be true if the anti-marketing campaigns associated with cigarette smoking are used for other substances. Packaging could be covered in warning labels, and dis-
Lecture Hall
BY PAT HUGHES
tributors and manufacturers could be required to educate the public on the dangers of their products. They would still have the same market that the black market now benefits from, and would keep the public from thinking that drugs are suddenly safe. Legalization could even change behavior for the better. A recent LiveScience article shows that cigarette tax hikes have drastically cut youth smoking rates, and eventually, with legalized drugs and the disintegration of their black market, future price increases could similarly deter users. That’s not why I’m arguing for legalization, though. I’m talking about revenue. Data is obviously hard to come by for an illegal trade, but estimates show that drug spending in the U.S. is somewhere between $45 billion and $110 billion, and could raise between $40 and $100 billion in federal tax revenue, according to a BusinessWeek article. To put that in perspective, the entire 2013 Homeland Security budget is $59 billion, so we’re not talking about small change here. Almost the same case can be made for prostitution. In Nevada, where there are legal brothels, the state earns at least $10 million per year. And surprisingly, given that figure, legal prostitution is not present in Las Vegas or other highly populated areas; in 2008, there were only 28 legal brothels in action. Although the epithet as “the world’s oldest occupation” is not exactly true, the idea that prostitution is long-lasting and widespread is certainly true, and will continue to be. Legalization would just allow the U.S. to benefit from the trade that is already occurring, and would even make it significantly safer for everyone involved. The legal sex workers have mandatory weekly tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as monthly tests for HIV and syphilis. Nevada also has the
harshest penalties for child prostitution of any state, and from a preventative standpoint, the legalization also makes it easier to regulate who is performing this type of work. Legalizing both drugs and prostitution would also protect those engaging in these acts because there would be no fear of punishment for reporting an injury or crime. An article published in the American Journal of Epidemiology shows that the homicide rate for prostitutes is estimated at 204 per 100,000 workers, which is around 0.2 percent, but is significantly higher than the rate for any legal occupation. In a regulated environment, these crimes would be reduced, just as overdoses or other drug-related injuries would if those substances were made legal. Someone in a dangerous, drug-related situation may be hesitant to reach out for help for fear of legal repercussions, but without that possibility, those who are going to engage would be facing a lower risk. I certainly don’t condone engaging in either of these trades, but that does not mean they should not be permitted. Not all of our laws line up with our morals, so it seems unnecessary to do so with those two industries. Everyone knows smoking cigarettes is unhealthy, but we allow it. And even though prostitution may not seem like a good life decision, most people also don’t think that dropping out of school, or becoming a stripper, or going into debt are. Yes those things are all possible in our society. Certainly, measures should be taken so that citizens don’t have to turn to prostitution as a career, or drug use as a pastime—but if those things are going to continue regardless of what we do, we might as well let the rest of society benefit, rather than the pimps and drug dealers. Marye Moran is a staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.
Life and education
Pooja Shah It’s not even October yet, but I’m already overwhelmed. Whether it’s the pile of reading I need to get done, the number of papers I need to magically write, or the upcoming midterm exams I need to stress over, I dream of the arrival of Columbus Day weekend. As most students on campus, I’m already ready for a break from school and all the anxiety it carries. As much as schoolwork is sometimes overburdening, it’s a no-brainer that education in this contemporary age and time is a necessity. Without a substantial undergraduate degree, and often times, a master’s degree, most professional positions will not hire you. There is no disputing that more often than not, it takes many years of higher education (and a sturdy bank account) to make competitive monetary figures. In the workforce, statistics even provide evidence in support of the idea that there is a value to education. In fact, it has even been shown that those individuals who have at least a master’s degree make about three times more those who only have a high school diploma. Especially at a school like Boston College, which holds a prestigious name in academia, it is difficult not to stress the importance of education. I’m sure that each student has at some point pondered the idea of why we need an education. But just as a reflex, we wave that fleeting thought away, knowing that many of us pay close to a striking $200,000 during our college careers to receive a quality education. But what drives us toward being the smartest we can be? Is it the prospect of finding a job and making high salaries? Holding intelligent conversations? Having something to do in life? What if one day you learned that how educated you are correlates to how long you will be alive? I recently came across an article in the news that examined correlations between mortality rates of racial groups and duration of education. Interestingly enough, the study concluded that life expectancies of Caucasian Americans in the United States have dropped with low education. Specifically, the study found that “white men and women with a college degree lived on average until their 80s,” compared to white women without a high school diploma who live up to 73.5 years, and white men without a high school diploma up to 67.5 years. In comparison, the study also found that African Americans and Hispanics who receive the same amount of education as whites still don’t live as long as them. At first glance, this discrepancy shocked me, and almost made me uncomfortable. How can the level and duration of education influence one’s lifespan to such a great extent? Although it makes sense that education helps formulate the way we think so that we are able to differentiate between making responsible decisions or doing what’s best for us, what about those individuals who can’t afford education? There are obviously many cities and regions that suffer from high poverty levels and are unable to afford educating themselves further because they are more concerned with making a living. It’s disappointing that the link between affordability of education and the socioeconomic status of an individual can affect someone’s life expectancy. And what’s more disappointing is that there’s no immediate solution to combat this problem. Pooja Shah is a staff columnist for The Heights. She welcomes comments at opinions@bcheights.com.
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The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 P.M. in devlin 221 with advice for breaking into the business and creating a clip portfolio:
zak jason
Former Heights Arts Editor, BC ’11 Editorial Assistant for BC Magazine
The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
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BREAKING DOWN THE BEAT The Tiger’s Take For more on Saturday’s game against Clemson, The Heights got the Sports Editor of Clemson’s student newspaper, Robbie Tinsley, to answer a few questions on the team. Here’s The Tiger editor’s take: The Heights: Clemson is coming off an emotional dog fight against Florida State. Do you see any chance of a let-up game against Boston College, or are the Tigers hungry to get back to their winning ways? Robbie Tinsley: With Clemson, there is always a worry of a let-down game, especially when they go on the road to a sleepy environment. Everything we have heard out of the team this week is that they are ready to get back to their winning ways, but talk is cheap—it’s actions that pay the bills. You can have all the closeddoor meetings you want, but when the lights come on and you walk on that field, you have to be ready to play from start to finish, especially against a team as physically imposing as BC. This week will go a long way to showing how the culture around Clemson has changed. The Heights: How can defenses stop the threeheaded beast of an offense that is Tajh Boyd, Andre Ellington, and DeAndre Hopkins? RT: Florida State was supposed to lay the blueprint for this last Saturday night, and, to some extent, they did—if you bring pressure on Boyd, you make things a lot more difficult for Chad Morris and this offense. The problem is if Morris knows you are bringing pressure, he can always think of a play to use your pressure against you. This offensive line did enough in the Auburn game and through the first part of the Florida State until the third quarter riptide, but the worry is still there. If you let Clemson get going early, it is very difficult to stop them, but if you force Boyd into passing
The Heights’ Take
downs when he knows he has to make a play, he is very susceptible to mistakes. The Heights: What will the Clemson defense be doing to try to shut down Chase Rettig through the air? RT: Whoosh. You tell me. Within the fan base, there is not a lot of faith in the Clemson secondary right now—maybe more so than any unit on the team. There is talk of a shuffle amongst personnel, but the biggest thing the Tigers can do to shut down Rettig is the same thing the Eagles will do to shut down Boyd—don’t let him sit back in the pocket and read the defense. The defensive line has been challenged all week to step up, so I think they could rise to the occasion this weekend, and if they cannot, look for Venables will dial up the pressure from the linebackers and secondary. Player to watch – Andre Ellington, RB: After a very good game against Auburn, Ellington h a s been very quiet in the past couple of games. He has scored two touchdowns in each of the last three games, but has not eclipsed 60 yards in any of those games. I think Morris will try to move back into a more balanced attack this week. Prediction: There is a definite sense of unease around this game. For the Clemson team that I have grown up around, this game has “trap” written all over it. However, I think coming off the loss in Tallahassee and knowing that their season hinges on keeping the pressure on the Seminoles, the Tigers find a way to get it done this weekend, on the back of Ellington and a revamped defense. Clemson 28 – Boston College 17 n
Robbie Tinsley: Boston College has had a onedimension attack through the first part of this season, with most of their yards coming through the air. What will Doug Martin do to mix in the run, or do you think he’ll continue to rely on Chase Rettig to make the offense go? Greg Joyce: The one-dimensional attack has not been ideal, but Martin has been kind of forced into using it. Chase Rettig has made incredible strides and is starting to look like the big-time quarterback he was projected to be out of high school, but the reality is that he can’t do it all on his own—or at least he hasn’t been able to so far. Martin and Spaziani would love to go 50/50 with the passing and running game, but the problem has been that the backs have been ineffective. Plagued by untimely fumbles and the inability to hit the open hole when it’s there, Deuce Finch, Andre Williams, and Tahj Kimble have been unable to help out the offense as a running back trio. None of the three has stood out to be the dominant running back, and they have combined for just under 100 yards per game. Defenses have picked up on BC’s inability to depend on the run, and so they’re better prepared to take away parts of the passing game. Rettig is doing all he can, but a better running game will help him even more. RT: Luke Kuechly has moved on to the NFL, but BC always seems to have another dominating defensive player on a conveyer belt for when one leaves. Is
there another player on the Eagles’ defense who will be a household name soon enough? GJ: Two weeks ago at Northwestern, Kuechly’s replacement, fifth-year senior Nick Clancy, was the first to put up what we’d call “Kuechly numbers.” Clancy recorded 24 tackles, and it seemed like it was his coming-out party, despite the loss. He’s been a solid replacement, and the hope is that he’ll only continue to get better with more time and experience this season. If you’re looking for the next household name, though, that’s probably junior Kevin Pierre-Louis. He is a strong force at weak side linebacker, but also has great speed. He has been at his best when he’s called to blitz the quarterback, as he uses that quickness to get around the edge in good time. RT: What is the general feeling around Eagles fan base regarding head coach Frank Spaziani? GJ: Most fans are ready for Spaziani to leave. He is not a favorite of many, mainly because he just has not produced the wins, especially the big wins—BC has never beaten a ranked opponent with Spaziani as the head coach. With a new athletic director on the way in very soon, Spaziani’s days may be numbered. The only thing he can do to have the slightest chance at saving his job is to start winning, now. Player to Watch: WR Alex Amidon. The wideout has been Rettig’s favorite target so far this season with Bobby Swigert out with an injury. Swigert returns Saturday, which could be beneficial for Amidon since the defense will now have to focus on two major targets. Prediction:. The Eagles are close to turning it around, but I don’t see it happening unless the defense can get off the field quickly and get the offense—especially the running backs—to do its job. Clemson 31 – Boston College 23 n
Quick start sends Eagles past URI despite sloppy second half Soccer, from A12 defense. Overwhelmed by Rugg’s strength and size, Rhode Island was forced to devote less coverage to the lightning-fast and technically-gifted Boateng. This imbalance left gaping holes in the back four, ready to be exploited. That exploitation precisely occurred in the 36th minute, when senior midfielder Kyle Bekker split the Rams with a through ball, leaving Rugg to coolly send it home for a convincing 3-0 lead at halftime. Unexpected at halftime was the emergence of veteran goalkeeper Justin Luthy. Luthy, who sat out on Saturday for the first time in 54 games, replaced the starter, Alex Kapp. A freshman, Kapp played well against San Francisco this past weekend, and looked sharp against
Rhode Island, but faced only three shots. Adjusting to the rhythm of game at halftime is never easy for a goalkeeper, and the petulant Rams were soon able to cause a substantial amount of trouble for Luthy and his defense. In the 51st minute, the Rams took advantage of a disorganized defense to ruin BC’s shutout prospects. Seven minutes later, Boateng was able to bring the goal differential between the Eagles and the Rams to three again. Making a skillful run to connect on Christian Johnson’s chipped through-ball, Boateng added another goal to his tally. Despite the goal that should have crushed the haughtiest of spirits, the Rams refused to surrender. Instead, they got chippy, fouling Boateng at every turn and breaking up the flow of BC’s attack. Then,
daniel lee / heights editor
Running game is up to Williams Williams’ Time, from A12 Clemson’s defensive linemen that significantly outweigh him and the linebackers around his size? His track star speed. He was such a stud in high school that he brought his speed suit and his spikes to BC just for fun. He used to run 110meter hurdles and the 100-meter dash back to back. He claims, and Kimble confirmed, that the only person on the team that can match his speed is wide receiver Alex Amidon, and even then Williams thinks he has the extra step. Don’t expect Williams to run flashy circles around the Tigers tomorrow, though. It’s not his style. It’s not fun that way. “I like going for the hit,” Williams said. The running game has been simplified. Offensive coordinator Doug Martin has honed in on a handful of a few core runs, and the offensive line as well as Williams have spent the past two weeks mastering those runs. It should be all Williams will need. Clemson has one of the best pass rushes in the country. They know that Rettig has put the
Eagle passing attack on top of the ACC and will be gunning for the quarterback all game. The only problem? The Tigers rank 103rd in rush defense. As the defensive ends try to break off of the outside and get to Rettig, Williams will have his chance. He can take the handoff, find the right gap, end up five yards past the line of scrimmage like it’s nothing, and then he’ll be one on one with a cocky Clemson cornerback. Maybe the DB thinks he can make a few highlight reels by ducking his head and laying a big hit on Williams. Good luck. If Williams doesn’t run the guy over, then he’ll fake a truck and side-step his way to a big gain. Williams has heard all of the talk about the fumbles, but he isn’t going to let it get in his way. “If scoring a touchdown in the best feeling in the world, then putting the ball on the ground is definitely the worst,” Williams said. The scout team defensive players have spent the past two weeks not trying to tackle Williams, but instead doing everything they can to strip the ball out of his hands. Not only is he improving his ball control, but he also has Martin’s
words of wisdom in his head that “a turnover is negated by four explosive plays.” Williams owes the Eagles those explosive plays on Saturday, and he has all of the potential needed to execute them. If Rettig gets things rolling in the first quarter and the Clemson defensive line starts getting antsy and the box empties, then watch out for Williams. The mellow and relaxed running back is a different animal on the field once he starts heading downhill. The last time BC beat Clemson was in 2010, when Harris piled up 142 yards on 36 carries right here in Chestnut Hill. Although the passing game has led the way so far this season, it might be Williams stepping into the spotlight tomorrow, following in the footsteps of his mentor. Yet if Williams really has his way, he won’t so much be following in Harris’ footsteps as much as he’ll be plowing his way right through them.
Austin Tedesco is the Asst. Sports Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at sports@ bcheights.com.
to make matters worse, Rhode Island striker Thomas Lindroos broke through the BC defense and chipped the ball over Luthy, who was caught in no man’s land between his six and the 18-yard box. Clearly frustrated by the events of the second half, Kelly addressed the status of his goalkeepers, saying: “This is an easy game, then we turn it into a 4-2 game, it should have been 6-0.” “We’re trying to make [Kapp and Luthy] compete for it,” Kelly said of the starting goaltender decision for Friday’s matchup with North Carolina State. Notably, this stands in contrast to Saturday, when Kelly said, “I think Justin probably has to come back in for Friday against North Carolina State.” Despite the unfolding keeper drama, Luthy displayed bright moments against the Rams, domi-
nating in the air and flying full extension for one spectacular save. Kapp also looked solid, distributing the ball extremely well. Additionally, Luthy is not completely to blame for an unorganized defense, and the Rams’ first goal was largely unstoppable for the keeper. Regardless of who starts between the pipes on Friday night, the Eagles are looking to unleash their lethal offense on NC State. With Bekker, Boateng, and Rugg forming a deadly attacking triangle, BC will look to add some goals to the stat sheet, improve to 6-3-1, and keep its eyes on NCAA qualifying. Taking it game by game, Kelly knows that his Eagles will look to gain momentum heading into the heart of their season. “We’ll take it and move on,” Kelly said. n
The Heights
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Friday, September 28, 2012
clemson at boston college keys to the game
Boston College 1. Hold on to the ball 2. Keep Boyd contained 3. Touchdowns, not FGs
clemson 1. Slow the BC passing game 2. Exploit the secondary 3. Maintain hurry-up offense
players to watch
boston college offense Andre Williams Weight: 220 Height: 6’ 2” Position: RB Year: Jr.
daniel lee / heights Editor
The defense will need to wrap up Clemson’s offensive weapons in Tajh Boyd, Andre Ellington, and DeAndre Hopkins, who are known to use their quick speed and hurry-up offense.
football notebook
defense
Eagles D hoping to contain quick Clemson
Manny Asprilla Weight: 170 Height: 5’ 10” Position: CB Year: So.
Notebook, from A12 to mature. We’re going to play smart as well.” The key to the Eagles’ dominating this game defensively must involve keeping up with the speed of play and outsmarting the Tigers’ offense. With the combination of Boyd, Hopkins, and Ellington, the BC defense has quite the battle to overcome this weekend against Clemson.
Clemson offense DeAndre Hopkins Weight: 205 Height: 6’ 1” Position: WR Year: Jr.
Bye week used well After he took a beating in his last game against Northwestern, Clancy feels more than ready for the matchup this weekend against the Tigers. “We definitely used the bye week as a leg up to focus on Clemson—any edge we can get against this team is going to be helpful for us because they have so many weapons,” Clancy said. Throughout the bye week, BC’s defense has practiced many different tactics to prepare for Clemson’s
Stephone Anthony Weight: 235 Height: 6’ 2” Position: LB Year: So.
fense and see what I can add.” Swigert will have a different role than he was used to with the offense the past two seasons. “I’m playing more outside this week instead of the slot, which is different for me,” said Swigert. “Mentally, I went over the playbook—I’d sit in my room and write the plays over and over again in my head so it’d be second nature. It’s a lot different than
when you break the huddle.” Regardless of the outcome on Saturday, BC’s performance against Clemson will mark a turning point in its season. Win, and the Eagles return to .500, claim a victory over a top-ranked opponent, and energize both themselves and their fans—both of whom would love to see the Eagles return to the postseason after having missed a bowl last season for the first time in 12 years.
outcomes
Boston College will win if... The defense can contain Tajh Boyd and the running game balances out the offense.
clemson will win if... It can pull off a few big plays early on and the secondary finds a way to shut down Chase Rettig.
for live game coverage follow us on twitter @bcheightslive
lows you to get to the ball faster,” Clancy said. Trophy on the line The Eagles and Tigers are not only playing for just a win in the ACC this weekend, but also for the O’RourkeMcFadden Trophy, an award given out by the BC Gridiron Club in honor of Charlie O’Rourke, a former quarterback for BC, and Banks McFadden, a former quarterback for Clemson. The Gridiron Club dates back to the 1940s, when both teams competed in the 1940 Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas, Texas—however, the award is a new tradition, only dating back to 2008. Not only does the winning school receive the trophy, but the MVP of the winning school also receives a replica leather helmet in honor of O’Rourke and McFadden. This award does not represent a rivalry—instead, it recognizes the hospitality of the Tiger fans welcoming BC into the ACC, according to the Gridiron Club. Going into this weekend, the Eagles will need to win in order to tie the all-time series at 10 wins apiece. n
Swigert’s return will only help the BC offense Football, from A12
defense
dynamic offense. A drill that defensive coordinator Bill McGovern calls “racecar” has drastically improved the quickness and readiness of the Eagles’ defense. “We’ve been doing what Coach McGovern likes to call racecar, and basically what happens is the scout team doesn’t huddle against us and goes rapid fire, play after play to get us in the habit of running to the ball all the time,” Clancy explained. This drill simulates what BC expects Clemson’s offense to run like—quick and efficient. Not only has this drill prepared the defense physically, but it has also prepared them mentally for the Tigers’ fast decision-making offense. In order to shut them down this weekend, the Eagles had to work on their mental pace of play. “If you can get ahead of the game mentally, know what to expect when they line up in [a certain] formation, [know which] plays they are going to run, [this] will allow you to play faster and put you in a better position pre-snap. It al-
Daniel lee / heights editor
Chase Rettig will be handing off to Andre Williams more on Saturday, as he will be featured as the primary back.
Lose, and the Eagles will be looking at a 1-3 start, with only a few games left on the schedule that seem winnable. The players know that getting back to the .500 mark on Saturday is important. “We don’t want to start any [losing] streaks,” said middle linebacker Nick Clancy. “If we were to lose this game, it’d be two losses in a row. There’s always a sense of urgency coming off a loss. If we can go into Army 2-2, we’ll have good momentum and positive things will happen.” The outcome will be decided by the Eagles’ offensive performance. BC has to expect that Clemson will score. Any team that puts up 37 points like the Tigers did against the vaunted Florida State defense—a squad that had allowed three points total in their first three games—will find the end zone frequently. It’s up to BC’s offense to keep pace for the game to be close. The passing game is there, as Rettig is maturing with each and every snap. He may not be Matt Ryan just yet, but Rettig leads the ACC with 317 passing yards per game, and his production has jumped substantially with new offensive coordinator Doug Martin at the helm. Yet Rettig still has the right mindset with regard to his personal stats. “No one cares if you’re the leading ACC passing team,” Rettig said. “If you’re not winning, it doesn’t matter.” It’s the running game that needs work. The Eagles rushed for a paltry 25 yards against Northwestern. It’s the reason the offense scored just 13 points despite 291 passing yards from Rettig. Left tackle Emmett Cleary knows running the ball will be key. “We need to be able to run the ball in this game,” Cleary said. “[This past week] we got our fundamentals back, and worked on the little things, as opposed to doing strictly scheme. Everyone’s reset in their good habits going into this game.” BC needs a magnificent game from Rettig and his receivers to get the W on Saturday. The Eagles can’t survive with a mediocre rushing attack. While they’ll certainly lose if they rush for under 25 yards again, it’s highly unlikely they’ll average 1.1 yards a carry for any game in the foreseeable future. It’s a subpar performance from their star QB that they can’t afford. Rettig threw for 440 yards against Miami but it wasn’t enough. After that game, Rettig rehashed a number of his mistakes and said that BC should have scored 50. For the Eagles to win on Saturday, that assertion may have to come through. If there was ever a time to put up the half-century mark in points, a home game against a top ranked opponent would be it. n
The Heights
Editors’ Picks
Friday, September 28, 2012 The Week Ahead
Standings
Football hosts No. 17 Clemson on Saturday afternoon. Men’s soccer hosts NC State tonight and the women’s team has a top-25 matchup with Pepperdine tomorrow. The field hockey squad faces Duke tonight. The U.S. and Europe compete for the Ryder Cup this weekend.
A11
Recap from Last Week
Greg Joyce
11-4
Austin Tedesco
11-4
Chris Marino
9-6
Heights Staff
9-6
Game of the Week
Women’s soccer got edged by Wake Forest during their road trip while the men’s team snuck past SFU in double overtime. UVA was too much for field hockey to handle and Georgia Tech topped volleyball. Clemson faces BC this weekend after falling to FSU last Saturday night on national TV.
Football
Guest Editor: David Cote
Clemson
News Editor
Greg Joyce Sports Editor
Chris Marino Assoc. Sports Editor
Austin Tedesco Asst. Sports Editor
David Cote
News Editor
Football: BC at Clemson
BC
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
M. Soccer: BC vs. NC State
BC
BC
NCSU
BC
W. Soccer: No. 5 BC vs. No. 20 Pepperdine
BC
BC
BC
BC
Field Hockey: BC at No. 21 Duke
Duke
Duke
Duke
Duke
Golf: Who will win the Ryder Cup?
U.S.A.
Europe
Europe
Europe
Boston College
Boston College and No. 17 Clemson battle for the O’Rourke-McFadden trophy on Saturday afternoon in Chestnut Hill. BC has had a bye week to prepare for the high-powered Clemson offense that boasts quarterback Tajh Boyd and running back Andre Ellington as well as standout wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The Tigers are coming off a loss to No. 4 Florida State last Saturday night. Whether or not the Eagles can get their running game going will play a huge factor in the matchup.
“Just call me Clark Kent.”
This Week’s Games
vs.
Sat. 3:30 p.m. Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Volleyball looks for consistent strides By Felicia Figueiredo For The Heights
graham beck / heights editor
Castle has been one of the more consistent hitters for BC, and she’ll need to be on Sunday.
Consistency. If there’s one key to success for the Boston College women’s volleyball team this season, consistency is indisputably it. This Sunday, the Eagles hope to bounce back from a rough weekend on the road as they return to the Heights for a challenging matchup within the ACC. Last weekend’s losses to Georgia Tech and Clemson have put the Eagles in a tough position this week, but head coach Chris Campbell believes the team is ready for the next challenge. “The hallmark of great teams is consistency, being able to do good things repetitively, and right now we do good things, just not quite often enough,” Campbell said. The major deciding factor in the Virginia Tech game will be to see if all of the Eagles can perform at the level on which they have previously. Katty Workman had a remarkable performance on the road against Clemson and Georgia Tech, where she had 30 kills and a .257 hitting percentage, which were both important factors in her being named as one of the ACC players of the week for the second time this year. Workman and sophomore Courtney Castle have orchestrated the bulk of the offense this season, and could prove to be a solid threat to the Hokies. “Certainly Castle has also done very well this year, she’s been pretty consistent,”
Campbell said. “She only had an average weekend, but over the span of the season so far she’s done well, so we need offense from her.” Improvement from the right-siders and middles will also take some of the pressure off of the outside hitters like Workman and Castle. The Eagles struggled with their serves in both games last weekend by either serving too soft or missing altogether, and it proved to be extremely detrimental to their game. The youthfulness of the squad is also an important factor in the team’s progression throughout this season. With a total of six freshmen and three sophomores, Campbell ascertains that the number of outright wins is not as important as making sure the team develops good habits in games that they can improve on and build upon in the future. “The exciting thing for us as a staff and a program is that there have been matches where a number of the freshmen have been able to step up and preform, like Franny Hock, Kameron McClain, Workman,” Campbell said. “As freshmen, they go through highs and lows as they relearn the game at a different level of play.” For the freshmen, as well as the rest of the team, now is the time to tap into that consistency. This will be their first time playing a regular season game in the Power Gym. This weekend will also be a special one for the Eagles, as they will be able to perform in front of family and friends visiting for Parents’ Weekend, which
Campbell hopes will put the young squad into a more confident emotional state. Campbell is also eager for more fans from the student body to attend the home games on the team’s schedule. “Collegiate volleyball is one of the most exciting spectator sports there is,” he said. “We’ve got some really exciting athletic players who make some exciting athletic plays, and I think any students who show up and see it will realize it’s great entertainment value on campus. I encourage any of the students to show up, and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.” As for BC’s competition, the Hokies are coming off an impressive weekend during which they played an excruciating five-set loss against Florida State as well as an outright win over Miami. The game against the Seminoles shows just how much power the Hokies have behind them. The Seminoles are No. 15 in the country and are the only ACC team ranked in the Top 25, yet Virginia Tech almost pulled off the upset. The Hokies have shown determination and an aggression that the Eagles will have to shut down early in order to stay competitive in the game. Yet Campbell still holds a positive outlook on the match. “They returned more players, they’re real big, real physical and it will definitely be a challenge. But playing at home, the second game of the weekend, I think that if we show up it will be as competitive as any match.” n
After making position change, Plasteras leading Plasteras, from A12 of their first five games, against Michigan State, University of Maine, and Quinnipiac. After losses to Massachusetts and Boston University, the Eagles were able to rebound by defeating Harvard. Plasteras was a key player in each of these games. She scored her first goal of 2012 against Maine, contributing to the Eagles’ 4-1 victory over the Black Bears. Two weeks later, against Harvard, Plasteras scored her second goal of the season. This goal again contributed to the
“This weekend’s win was a turning point. Our main focus was to win, and we were able to do that ... I’m excited going forward, especially coming off such a good weekend.” - Emma Plasteras Sophomore midfielder victory, as the Eagles went on to defeat the Crimson 3-0. Plasteras racked up her three assists against Maryland, where she had two, and against James Madison University, where she had one. Unfortunately, the Eagles were unable to secure a win in either of these games. Nevertheless, Plasteras’ assists and
the goals of her teammates kept them in the fight until the end. Although the Eagles seemed to be on a hot streak at the beginning of the season, they had since cooled off, losing four consecutive games. After their win against Harvard, they fell to No. 1 Maryland, James Madison University, and No. 5 Virginia. Ever optimistic, though, Plasteras looked to these losses as learning experiences, and said they provided a base on which the team could build. Specifically, she looked to the Sept. 21 loss against Virginia. “We knew going into the game that it was going to be tough,” Plasteras said. “They have a couple of Olympians on their team … but we played till the end, and it was a proud loss.” The Eagles were able to put away a goal in the last 10 minutes of the game, evidence that even though they may have hit a rough patch, they were giving it their all until the last minute of every game. Any indication of a rough patch vanished two days later in their Sept. 24 game against Providence. The Eagles defeated the Friars 3-2 on their home field. “It was a great regional win for the team,” said head coach Ainslee Lamb, “The whole team contributed to the performance, and ultimately the win.” Plasteras had similar feedback about Sunday’s game, when asked how it represented the team moving forward this season. “This weekend’s win was a turning point,” Plasteras said. “We came out of Friday’s game against Virginia and had our minds set on Sunday. Our main focus was to win, and we were able to do that.” The Eagles have a tough game com-
scoreboard
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ing up tonight. They play No. 5 Duke in Durham, N.C. Plasteras believes that last weekend’s win has set the tone for the rest of the season, though. “I’m excited going forward, especially coming off such a good weekend,” she said. While only a sophomore, Plasteras has emerged as a leader on the field hockey
Newton, MA 9/21
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graham beck / heights editor
Plasteras is currently leading the Eagles in assists with three, and has also hit the back of the net herself with two goals on the year.
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team. The Eagles have 12 returning players, and 10 newcomers this season. “We have a really young team, so I’ve taken more of a leadership role this year and the future looks really bright,” Plasteras said. With plenty of playing time ahead of her, Plasteras has time to develop her role as a leader, and also look ahead to long-
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term goals that she has set for herself, and for the team. These goals include winning the ACC tournament, as well as making the NCAA tournament. The future certainly looks bright for Plasteras and the rest of the Eagles. It is evident that she has the playing talent and leadership ability to take the Eagles to the next level. n
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SPORTS The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
A12
Friday, September 28, 2012
RESTED EAGLES READY FOR CAT FIGHT A healthy Swigert may spark offense
Defense set to slow down speedy Tigers
By Stephen Sikora
By Jono keedy
Heights Staff
For The Heights
Fresh off its bye week, Boston College is hoping not to repeat history Saturday at home against No. 17 Clemson. In each of the last two seasons the Eagles have dropped their games following a bye. So what will change this time around? BC’s leading receiver from last year, Bobby Swigert, will be taking the field for the first time this season on Saturday. The junior wideout was quarterback Chase Rettig’s favorite target last year, and he’s glad to have him back. “I’ve missed him,” Rettig said. “It feels like we just picked up where we left off [last season]. With the whole offensive scheme that’s changed, he’s one of those veteran guys than already understands everything.” Swigert put up 44 receptions and 470 yards in 2011, and seemingly made a clutch reception on every important Eagles’ drive. He was BC’s own Wes Welker. But he had to wait to make an impact this season after going down with a knee injury. He’s finally healthy again, and combining Swigert with an already formidable attack could be just what the offense needs to edge Clemson in a potential high-scoring affair on Saturday. “I’ve been really antsy to get back on the field,” Swigert said. “We haven’t thrown the ball this well since I’ve been here—we’ve had a lot of big plays this year, which is a lot different. It’s exciting to get back on the field with this new of-
The Boston College defense has its hands full for this weekend’s matchup against the No. 17 Clemson Tigers (3-1, 01 ACC). The Eagles must prepare for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, but they won’t have to worry about star wideout Sammy Watkins, who was ruled out of the game last night. Nevertheless, Tajh Boyd, an allaround excellent quarterback, and Andre Ellington, a lightening-fast running back, will pose a threat to the Eagles’ defense. “They have the kids Sam Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins, both outstanding receivers—nationally, everyone knows what they can do,” said fifth-year linebacker Nick Clancy. “Tajh Boyd is a triple-threat quarterback—he can beat you with his feet, and he can beat you with his arm. Then Andre Ellington, the running back, who is an outstanding runner. He’s hard to tackle, so we pretty much keyed them this week, knowing what they could do and respecting what they can do.” Going into this weekend, BC expects that Clemson will come out running fast and hitting hard—nevertheless, Clancy is confident that his defense is capable of stopping any kind of offense, whether they are running down the middle or spreading the ball around the field. Yet the defense agrees that it must be mentally prepared for what the Tigers have to offer. “You have to play discipline, and you have to play smart,” said linebacker Steele Divitto. “[Tajh] is a smart kid, and still has another year
alex trautwig / heights senior staff
See Football, A10
The return of Bobby Swigert to the Eagles’ offense should help Chase Rettig move the ball against a strong Clemson defense.
Clemson won’t see BC’s cement truck coming
Rugg and Boateng spark BC Explosive forwards net two goals each to push Eagles past URI By Connor Mellas For The Heights
Austin Tedesco The “three-headed monster” is out, and Andre Williams is in. As quarterback Chase Rettig has begun to take his step into the ACC elite during Boston College’s first three games, the backfield has faded into obscurity. The Eagles are 118th in the country in rushing yards per game, and no matter how good Rettig looks, it’s going to be nearly impossible to beat Clemson with that kind of output. But Williams can change all of that on Saturday. With Tahj Kimble nursing an injury and Deuce Finch dealing with a combination of performance and personal issues, the ground game falls on Williams’ strong shoulders. He’s done it before. He bounced and bruised his way to 185 yards on 42 attempts against another sea of orange up in Syracuse two years ago during his coming-out party, stepping in for the injured Montel Harris. Jim Morgans, Williams’ high school coach, describes him as a “runaway cement truck.” At his best, that’s exactly the kind of nightmare he can be for the Tiger defense tomorrow. He’s about the same size as every Clemson linebacker starting tomorrow and has at least 30 pounds on the corners. If the offensive line can help him get past the line of scrimmage, then say goodnight, because that cement truck is going to bulldoze his way to the house for six. “My mouth always waters a bit when I see cornerbacks or just DBs in general that are 200 pounds or under because I know they’re going to be feeling me a little bit in the game,” Williams said before the season began. Williams’ advantage over the Clemson’s defensive linemen that
See Williams’ Time, A9
See Notebook, A10
graham beck / heights editor
Senior Charlie Rugg gave the Eagles some early offensive production with a two-goal performance.
The Boston College men’s soccer squad looked lethal offensively in a 4-2 victory over the Rhode Island Rams on Tuesday in Newton, but Boston College 4 the explosive disRhode Island 2 play of attacking prowess was dimmed by lackluster second half defending and an emerging goalie drama. Despite the problems of the last 45 minutes, the growing partnership between veteran striker Charlie Rugg and maverick freshman Derrick Boateng stole the show in the victory, as each grabbed two goals and an assist. Playing with the cohesion of Michael
Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Rugg and Boateng began terrorizing the Rams within minutes of kickoff. “We’ve been trying to work that in. They’re very good,” said head coach Ed Kelly. Just how good they were became very clear in the 10th minute when Boateng—running onto a pass from center midfielder Jason Abbott—whipped a cross into the air space of Rugg, who took it off the chest and cranked it past Rhode Island’s shell-shocked goalie. Rugg didn’t have to wait long to return the favor, picking up an assist in the 27th minute when Boateng came crashing down on goal to tap in the rebound of his shot. The dynamic duo provided a grade-A example of the old adage “opposites attract.” Rugg, a classic number nine, used his physicality and strength to hold up the ball time and time again and create a nightmare for the diminutive Rams’
See Soccer, A9
In her second season at BC, Plasteras coming into her own By Meaghan Callahan For The Heights
Anyone looking at the field hockey resume of Emma Plasteras can see that she is a player with exceptional talent. Originally from North Vancouver, British Columbia, she had an impressive career in Canada before joining the Eagles. She has played for the Canadian National “A” team and the Canadian Junior National Team, she was a member of the British Columbia provincial team, and was the leading scorer at the Pan-American games in 2010. Also in 2010, she led her high school team to the Provincial Championship. Now in her sophomore year at Boston College, she currently leads the team with assists (three), along with teammates Jacqui Moorfield and Nicole Schuster. Plasteras has also become one of the team’s leading scorers, with two goals already this season. The strong start to the season should come as no surprise, since Plasteras demonstrated her ability as a power player throughout her freshman season with the
i nside S ports this issue
Eagles in 2011. As a freshman, Plasteras saw playing time in all 19 games of the season, and started in 13 of those games. Plasteras registered five goals and two assists in her freshman season with the Eagles. Plasteras played as a forward during her freshman year, but this season she entered a new position on the midfield line. In her new position as a midfielder, she is excited at the prospect of helping her teammates on the forward line score. “It’s always exciting to get the goal, but helping get the goal with the assist is just as exciting,” Plasteras said. Her willingness to help teammates score demonstrates her desire not only for personal successes, but also for the success of the team. Coming into the 2012 season, Plasteras and her teammates had every reason to be optimistic. BC ended its 2011 season with a 10-9 record. This was the program’s 12th consecutive winning season. The motivation from last year seemed to carry over into the first couple weeks of the 2012 season. The Eagles won four out
See Plasteras, A11
BC in search of consistency
The volleyball squad is looking to put it all together on Sunday at home........A11
graham beck / heights editor
Emma Plasteras has emerged as an early scoring threat, and will be relied on through ACC play.
Breaking down the beat
We talk with the Sports Editor of Clemson’s student newspaper for an inside look....................A9
Editors’ Picks..........................A11 Game of the Week.......................A11
single reviews
One Direction
Who knew the ‘x-factor’ boys’ new song would work?, page B3 Star Value
Cedric charlier
a young designer makes a splash at fashion week, page B4
album review
‘Babel’
Mumford and sons deliver the goods on a rollicking, exhilerating new album, just in time for fall, b3
friday, september 28, 2012
Alex Manta / Heights graphic
The Heights
B2
Don’t take the food you eat for granted
Friday, September 28, 2012
Scene and Heard
BY: Joe Allen
Brennan Carley Whenever I used to go out to dinner with my family, until I was about 13 or 14, the odds were that I was going to order chicken fingers in some form. I loved them, something about the way the juicy chicken breast lay nestled beneath a layer of crunchy, fried breadcrumbs that had been joined as one with a simple dose of egg and flour. I attribute the now nonsensical adoration of the dish to Nonna, my Italian grandmother, who is no stranger to a saucepan doused in oil, a pasta maker, and “just a little cheese” on top of just about everything. Even at school, I dream of her concoctions: the little braised onions stuffed with mystery ingredients that go down like a smooth shot of vodka, my eyes watering just as they would with the taste of the hard liquor itself. Then there’s her polpette, perfectly shaped discs of potato puree gone through the rigors of battering and deep frying, brimming with flavor I never would have imagined the simple root possessed. Nonna is my true culinary icon, and the reason I stand here today dishing out foodie facts and recipes like it’s more than the obsession that consumes more time out of the day than I’d like to admit. I comb through blogs like Grub Street, Serious Eats, and Eater in the hopes of scouting out a restaurant or a dish not yet littered with critics. For instance, I took special pride in my managing to finagle a meal at New York’s now nearly impossible to reserve Mission Chinese, and to do so before any of the major NYC critics—Gael Greene, Ryan Sutton, and Pete Wells stand tall as pillars of the food writing industry in the big city—felt like a real “moment” for me. My friends turn to me for restaurant recommendations now, a complete reversal from the situation of years ago. Sure, I probably could have told you where my favorite chicken fingers called home (still can, to be honest), but that was the embarrassing extent of my culinary skills. I’ve tried to pinpoint my foodie360, and I think it all stems from the food allergies that cluttered my edible options until the age of 12. Although many still remain—what’s up, berries, how do you taste? I wouldn’t know—it was my dairy allergy that hindered my every move. My mom, the saint that she is, graciously offered to bake cupcakes for every child in my class on their birthdays so I wouldn’t feel like the odd one out were the treats to include dairy. Things like pizza, yogurt, and milk were completely unbeknownst to the honestly otherwise blissful me, content to snack on what I could eat. There was, and still is, lots of pasta in my life, lots of bread and other carbs which my family knew for sure wouldn’t bother my easily irritable stomach. At restaurants, my only option was often chicken fingers from the children’s menu—unless I was inclined to eat a hamburger patty, hold the bun please, because it might have milk in it. My parents scoured specialty stores and Pathmark during the Jewish holidays to find dairy-free chocolate for me, a rarity in the ’90s. My mom even wrote away to companies in the hopes of obtaining a list of dairy-free products they produced—how little we realize the importance of the Internet in everyday life now. For me, as you might be able to detect, eating was a consistent effort for both me and my family on an everyday basis. A copious amount of attention was paid to dining in and out, which I think rubbed off on me in a wonderfully irreparable way. I now notice an attentive and adventurous palate whenever I eat out, unafraid to try the most exotic of foods—balut (fertilized duck embryo), pork jowls and trotter, even geoduck, the most heinous of clams that I still haven’t developed a taste for even though I keep trying. That, my friends who always ask, is why I love eating out so much. I wasn’t able to as a child, and knowing that I’m developing new, interesting allergies every year has spurred me to act while I can. Boston is home to some of the most groundbreaking new restaurants on the scene. Next time you find yourself content with late night chicken fingers, keep that in mind. Expand your palate, expand your horizons.
Brennan Carley is the Arts & Review Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at arts@bcheights.com.
1. A RATHER BLAH EMMYS
2. LMFAO G2G?
Anyone who missed the awards ceremony missed an event that was awesomely, spectacularly … meh. To the surprise of nobody, Modern Family crushed its competition, winning awards for acting, directing, and comedy series. More surprising was Homeland’s domination of the drama categories, snatching Best Actor and Drama Series awards away from the heavily favored Breaking Bad and Mad Men. Overall though, the 2012 Emmy’s were another exercise in droning acceptance speeches and attempts at comedy, with enough promising moments (Louis C.K., Amy Poehler … Louis C.K.) to keep viewers watching.
LMFAO is breaking up. If you responded to the previous statement by dancing to “Shots” in memoriam until you passed out (from exhaustion or “shots”), rest assured! Electropop duo Redfoo and Sky Blu are still sexy and they know it. Sky Blu’s uncle, Redfoo, had planned on starting a fashion line and a solo career, and so the two broke up. Needless to say, the online dance community wasn’t happy about this, which may have prompted the group’s quick reversal.
4. ‘COMMUNITY’ <3s CHEVY Community star Chevy Chase was recently interviewed by HuffPost UK to talk about the critic/fan-favorite NBC comedy. He had some kind words to say, such as remarking that Donald Glover is a great improviser and that he considers “these kids” his friends. Then he remembered that he was Chevy Chase and acted accordingly. On joining Community: “It was a big mistake! … The hours are hideous, it’s still a sitcom … which is probably the lowest form of television.” He also regrets turning down “Forrest Gump … Ghostbusters … Animal House” and other famous films so old that we just have to take Chase at his word. In these uncertain times, it’s great to know that some people don’t change.
3. BILLY JOE BREAKS DOWN
It’s a bird … it’s a plane … it’s Billy Joe Armstrong having a meltdown at the iHeart Radio Music Festival. When Green Day’s set was cut short, Armstrong became irate. Stopping a song and pointing at the teleprompter, which read “one minute,” he expressed his rage by saying “I’m not f—g Justin Bieber.” He then smashed his guitar, and with a final flip of the bird, left. The band has since apologized, and Armstrong is currently in rehab, presumably for guyliner addiction. Was the incident really a cry for help, or an improvised marketing ploy? Either way, I’m still not buying Uno!
5. J.K. IS JK ABOUT UNICORNS
For anyone wondering what her first adult novel, The Casual Vacancy, will contain, the author sat down for a New Yorker profile and released some information. With phrases in the book like “that miraculously unguarded vagina” and “… with an ache in his heart and in his balls,” Rowling has presumably adopted an “anything goes” strategy. While Rowling’s Harry Potter series did have its fair share of sexual implications, the author also said, “In fantasy … you don’t have sex near unicorns. It’s an ironclad rule.” All this to say that Rowling’s new novel should be an interesting and informative read.
a note on music
@Glenweldon (glen weldon, writer, npr.com)
“Top Halloween Costumes That Will Be Chosen By Terrible White People, 2012: 1. Honey Boo Boo, 2. PSY, 3. *Sexy* Honey Boo Boo.” photo courtesy of google images
“My dad, on the other hand, takes more of a laid-back approach to music. He enjoys a little Johnny Cash or Tom Petty from time to time.”
Parents’ Weekend serves as a reminder of musical influence Katie Lee I’m a huge sucker for all Parents’ Weekend-related things. I love that campus looks 10 times better on this weekend than any other time of the year. I love that the weekend provides an excuse to go out to dinner in the North End with an abnormally large party. I love that the game day tailgates all have some sort of baked goods that aren’t usually present on other weekends. Most of all, I’m fascinated by how much all my roommates seem to possess an uncanny combination of their parents’ traits. There are a lot of “So that’s where that came from” moments. That being said, in honor of this lovely Boston College weekend tradition, I’m attributing this week’s music column to all things “parents’ music”-related. While the thought of your parents’ music tastes may make you cringe, just hear me out. Your parents actually may be cooler than you think. When I was younger, I was constantly surrounded by music. While they haven’t necessarily had the same taste, both my mom and my dad have always been big music people. Every childhood memory of mine has some sort of musical attachment. Whether it was my mom blasting her “absolute favorite song from high school” in the kitchen while cooking dinner or my dad explaining the significance of my
“musical education” by making me take nine years of piano lessons, music was everywhere. I remember how my sister and I used to spend entire afternoons rummaging through my parents’ vinyl collection and cassette tapes like they were valuable and ancient artifacts. I was fascinated by my parents’ love for music and thought that they were the coolest people in the world for it. My mom is the classic rock-n-roll lover. She worships Bruce Springsteen (she refused to wash her hand for an entire day after he kissed it at a concert), loves Led Zeppelin, and knows the words to every Stones song. I have always imagined her as the one who leaves friends, pushes through the crowd, and makes her way to the very front of the concert while doing some elaborate head-banging, lip-biting dance. Even today, I’m proud to say that I’ve helped her discover some new alternative or indie music that she loves. Just last week, I got a text from her asking what I thought of the new Grizzly Bear album. Last Parents’ Weekend, she insisted that we skip the Pops concert to see The Head and the Heart downtown. My dad, on the other hand, takes more of a laid-back approach to music. He enjoys a little Johnny Cash or Tom Petty from time to time and has played jazz piano his entire life. If you give him the tune to any song, he can immediately play it back sans any sheet music. It’s the epitome of musical
genius, really. Yet despite all of this, there was a time during my incredibly cool high school years where all I wanted to listen to in the car was the popular radio station (Seattle’s Kiss 106.1). Anything my parents played I resented. Their choices were always received with an over-dramatic eye roll and long-winded sighs. Admit it, we’ve all been there. We’ve all thought that we are too cool for our parents’ music. We’ve all thought that they are “stuck in the past” or that they could never understand the greatness behind Nicki Minaj. A lot of us have probably taught our parents how to make iTunes playlists or sync music. But the fact of the matter is that our parents grew up in an age of pretty awesome music. Some of our parents probably went to Woodstock. I’m also willing to bet a great number of our parents wore platform disco shoes or tie-dye on an all too frequent basis. So while we may not always agree with their choices or taste, we can learn to appreciate it and cut them some welldeserved slack every once in a while. Maybe you can even include a few parents’ favorites on your newest tailgate playlist! Happy Parents’ Weekend to all!
Katie Lee is a staff columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at arts@ bcheights.com.
@LILBTHEBASEDGOD (Lil B, Rapper)
“I love you and happy your alive today - Lil B” @jasonlipshutz (Jason Lipshutz, writer, ‘Billboard magazine’)
“To the 4,000 of you who bought Kreayshawn’s “Somethin Bout Kreay” last week for a No. 112 debut: I salute you. I love you. Never change.” @bjnovak (BJ Novak, writer, ‘The office’)
“If I watch this new @AZEALIABANKS video am I going to lose another seven months of my life to it?” Submit your favorite tweets of the week for consideration at artseditors11@gmail.com.
The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
B3
Mumford & Sons return in stellar form with ‘Babel’
Chart Toppers
By John Wiley
1 One More Night Maroon 5 2 Gangnam Style Psy 3 Some Nights fun. 4 We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together Taylor Swift 5 Blow Me (One Last Kiss) Pink 6 Whistle Flo Rida 7 As Long As You Love Me Justin Bieber feat. Big Sean
For The Heights
Mumford & Sons have long remained an anomaly in pop music. The roughly shaven, flannel-donned English folk quartet, composed primarily of 20-somethings, amassed critical glory and contempt alike with their first studio album Sigh No More. Nearly three years and 3 million copies later, Mumford & Sons released their second album, Babel, this Tuesday. In the title track of the album, the band equates mortality to fame. They begin the album with the concession, “I know the time has numbered my days, and I’ll go along with everything you say.” The song proposes that, just as God confounded humanity’s speech at Babel, fame confounds art. The band accepts this as a challenge, and spends much of the album reconciling authenticity and commercial success. When the band wistfully chants, “I lost my head / Let’s live while we are young” in “Whispers in the Dark,” it serves as a reminder they are a pop group, although foremost influenced by folk. At surface level, it seems Mumford & Sons is throwing New York pop group Fun. a bone, for the hit single “We Are Young.” On a separate level, it’s a reminder that Mumford & Sons isn’t fully matured as a band yet, and no
one is more aware than they are. “I Will Wait,” the album’s lead single, rightfully received a fair deal of attention leading up to Babel’s release. Babel is far more politically invested than its predecessor, Sigh No More. As Marcus Mumford confidently intones, “These days of dust / Which we’ve known / Will blow away with this new sun,” he’s referencing a world in waiting for economic liberation. Following 201l’s riots in London and the Occupy movement, the band’s incantation, “Know what I’ve seen / And him with less / Now in some way / Shake the excess,” absolutely cannot be viewed as accidental. Paired with driving instrumentals, the track’s lyrical finesse and relevance make it one of the album’s best. Mumford & Sons has long been criticized for its posh lyricism. Babel tries to defeat this claim, frequently working with language best equated with Simon and Garfunkel. In “Lover of the Light,” Mumford urges the listener to “Stretch out my life / And pick the seams out.” Far more introspective and self-aware than Sigh No More, the album readily invites you to rip it open. “Lovers’ Eyes” takes on the metaphor of music as a reflection of the artist. As Mumford notes, “This mirror holds my eyes too bright.” Babel, as a whole, is unapologetic in its excessive nature, and the band reconciles what one
Babel Mumford and sons produced by glass note released Sept. 25, 2012 Our rating A-
Singles
Source: Billboard.com
Top Albums courtesy of glass note
Projected to have the largest opening week in terms of album sales in 2012, ‘Babel’ is a nearly perfect creation. might note as the album’s greatest flaw as rather an attribute of art. “Reminder,” the soft-spoken champion of the album, marks the height of the band’s lyricism. The track beautifully constructs an argument for artists in society: “So watch the world tear us apart / A stoic mind and a bleeding heart / You never see my bleeding heart.” He characterizes the life of an artist as one of sacrifice, uncertainty, and most importantly, searching. Mumford & Sons has a tendency
to voice quiet desperation through a raucous barrage of string instruments. “Hopeless Wanderer” is a blissful exercise in this practice, and fans will love it. “Broken Crown” is an oddly reconstructed version of “To Darkness/Kripa,” which was released a year ago on The Dharohor Project, the band’s collaboration EP. The original track’s sitar is stripped away, and a desperate, driven second half is added on. This change reflects the evolution of a still-youthful sound, and per-
haps best invokes the wild cries of angst that drove Mumford & Sons to stardom with “Little Lion Man” several years ago. As for the authenticity of the band, Babel’s final track, “Not With Haste,” perhaps makes the most direct and truthful claim: “This ain’t no sham / I am what I am.” The same can be said for Babel. Not without flaws, Mumford & Sons continue to make genuinely joyous music, committed just as much to its future as to its roots. n
1 The Truth About Love Pink 2 Cruel Summer G.O.O.D. Music 3 Battle Born The Killers 4 Away From the World Dave Matthews Band
Hiatus over, Gwen Stefani and No Doubt ‘Push and Shove’ again By Nathan Rossi For The Heights
For No Doubt fans, it’s been a seriously long wait for their new record. After nearly 12 years, the band’s new album Push and Shove, released this week, will absolutely please all fans.
Moreover, the album is a breath of fresh of air in today’s manufactured pop landscape, which is often devoid of artists who use actual instruments. In other words, No Doubt still sounds like a band, unlike, say, Maroon 5 on their latest album. Lead single “Settle Down”
immediately sets the tone for the record. One of the things that instantly sets No Doubt apart is lead singer Gwen Stefani’s distinctive and infectious vocal performances. With “Settle Down,” one listen is all that’s needed before getting the track permanently stuck in your head.
Push and shove No Doubt produced by Interscope released Sept. 25, 2012 Our rating A-
courtesy of interscope
With songs like ‘Settle Down’ and ‘One More Summer’ on deck, No Doubt seems poised to conquer the music world.
“But you can see it in my eyes, you can read it on my lips / I’m trying to get a hold on this,” sings Stefani on the monstrous chorus. Meanwhile, Tony Kanal’s infectious bass line helps to pull the song together. What is blissfully clear on the album is that the band refused to give in to today ’s techno dance craze. Even when the group borders on using a dubstep breakdown on the chorus of “Push and Shove,” the song refuses to let one style define it. Among the mix of sounds are a strong horn section, a funky bass line, and a fun guest vocal from Jamaican artist Busy Signal, who trades phrases with Stefani in a unique collaboration. In reality, the song is all over the place, but that is what’s so great about it. It’s a club-banger, but even if it doesn’t perform well on the radio, the song may very well go down as one of No Doubt’s greatest singles of all time. One of the most buzzed-about songs on the record is “Undone,” which has been characterized by the band as the “Don’t Speak” of this record. The track is certainly
more acoustic-driven than any of the other songs on Push and Shove. The result is polarizing. Stefani’s tender vocal performance makes lyrics like “Don’t leave me behind / This time I need you, nothing’s feeling right / Cause I’m in trouble, help me / No one needs you more than me” feel very authentic and heartfelt. The album is not without its flaws. It’s confusing as to why the official second single is “Looking Hot,” which in reality is lukewarm at best. Inviting people to take a picture of Stefani and her “ragamuffins,” the song is a complete throwback to the ’90s punk sound and is reminiscent of some of the band’s earliest work. Some may like the nostalgic aspect of the song, but there are other tracks on the album that work to a similar effect and are more single-worthy. “Sparkle” and “Easy” also get lost in the mix because they sound more like filler compared to the rest of the album. At the beginning of “Heaven,” Stefani sings, “I’m like a trend, I’m back and forth torturing myself … I want it all in an old
familiar way.” Although speaking of a relationship, the lyrics also apply to the place where No Doubt is in their career. A lot of the sunny southern California summer pop songs on the album, such as “One More Summer” and “Gravity” do sound like the good old familiar No Doubt tracks of the past. That being said, they still work in 2012 because they have an enduring quality to them. If anything, the album as a whole has a fairly strong nostalgic element to it. Although No Doubt has not released an album in over 10 years, it’s like they were never gone. After just one listen of Push and Shove, it’s blatantly clear that the band worked hard on this album. The energy and vibe of the music is distinctively No Doubt, and that’s what makes the record such an enjoyable listen. It speaks to the impressive artistry the band has built over the years, and is really the reason why fans have been eagerly anticipating new music. Ultimately, it was well worth the wait, as Push and Shove exceeds expectations. n
Deadmau5 does little to advance his thriving genre on ‘album title’ By Allan Guzman Heights Staff
Deadmau5’s (Joel Zimmerman) fourth studio album, >album title goes here< (the man seemingly cannot come up with a good title for any of his records) brings another eclectic serving of techno fist-pumping beats. The album is clearly tailor-made for clubs and other electronic music-induced settings, but anyone interested in squeezing out any profound meaning from this record will be sorely disappointed. Then again, there is not much to dig through in this genre of music. The beats are there and the beats are good, but when it comes to depth, this album won’t submerge you more than ankle-deep. Zimmerman is generous in his offering of material, as over half the album’s tracks pass the sixminute mark. Depending on the type of listener, this may amount to either 73 minutes of electro nirvana or an equal stay in a nightmare of perpetual computerized beats. Like his previous albums, Deadmau5 brings in occasional outside support from other artists. There are some unconven-
tional names here, though, like My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way, Imogen Heap, and Cypress Hill. While not the first three names one would normally pair with this genre of music (Imogen Heap, maybe) it adds some variety to a sound that can really only be kept fresh, for so long on its own. The individual tracks do manage to set themselves apart from each other, and there’s a nice balance between the smoother, melody-driven tunes and the punchier, bass-driven wall-shakers. At any rate, all the tracks are meant to be played loudly, therefore exercise caution so as not to anger any roommates (though there’s an equal chance they may just join you in bursting those eardrums). There are also some cross-genre elements. “Superliminal,” the opening track, is crafted with some clear components of dubstep. As meaningless as most of the album’s tracks may be, some are deliciously contagious, and it’s almost impossible to resist dancing—or even tapping a foot—along to the beat. “Fn Pig” is a prime example of such songs, though the madness doesn’t begin kick-
ing in until about three minutes into the track. “Maths,” one of the highlights of the album, features a sequential melody that perpetually crescendos, making you feel like you’re sitting on a rocket aimed straight at outer space with every intention of exploding once it gets there. There are also a few instances in the album where Deadmau5 shows that he’s a cultured citizen. “The Veldt,” for instance, with vocals by Chris James, is actually based on a short story by the late Ray Bradbury. “Closer,” another album staple, borrows and creates its own spin on the iconic five-tone melody from Close Encounters of the Third Kind—which makes the track’s title subtly appropriate. There are a couple of tracks that feel out of place, however—one much more so than the other. With the help of Gerard Way, “Professional Griefers” sounds like a rioting teenager’s anthem rather than a Deadmau5 track. And “Failbait” might as well have been copied and pasted from a pure Cypress Hill album. The only shred of Deadmau5’s presence here is in the beat, but even then it sounds distinctly hip-hop. It’s not at all what
you’d expect to find in the album, and its presence just feels strange and uncomfortable. Thus, some of the variety that’s meant to give the album more color actually ends up making it slightly opaque. In >album title goes here<, Deadmau5 ultimately achieves
what he aims for: to provide listeners with another batch of unique, dance-inducing beats and melodies that beg to be turned up louder and played for longer. Zimmerman hasn’t deviated much in terms of his sound since his first album, so loyal Deadmau5 fans
should feel right at home with his latest offering. Nevertheless, there isn’t very much to digest here. Like any other piece of music from this genre, this album is worth enjoying in the moment, but it’s nothing that will take listeners to the deep recesses of thought. n
>album title goes here< Deadmau5 produced by ultra records released sept. 25, 2012 Our rating C+
courtesy of ultra records
Though guests like Gerard Way and Imogen Heap do their best on the album, Deadmau5 ultimately has nothing to say.
Radio singles by Allie Broas One Direction “Live While We’re Young” Although some were quick to dismiss One Direction as a one-hit wonder, this is a great pop song that is both fun and catchy. The song is quite mature, as the band has progressed from admiring onlookers to young men ready to “pretend it’s love and make memories tonight.” Perhaps that is a tad raunchy for a young following, but, let’s be serious, it’s much more appropriate than the kiddie favorite “Whistle.”
Taylor Swift “Begin Again”
Lana Del Rey “Ride” The breathy ballad is unsurprisingly slow and melancholy, showcasing the deep tones of Del Rey’s voice. The song is long and can seem to drag out because the beat is quite sluggish at points. The length aside, the instrumentals of the song are beautiful and the richness of Del Rey’s voice will make you happy to mellow out to this song again and again.
What Taylor Swift needs now is a song about something positive. Thankfully, instead of another angry song about never, ever getting back together, her latest single is a sweet ballad about a first date. The tune is pleasant and the lyrics are hopeful. It is safe to say that Swift has found someone who will find her music much cooler than some indie record.
The Heights
B4
Friday, September 28, 2012
Star value by Katelyn Rose Johnson
Cedric Charlier debuts his first collection in Paris We have all heard of, and possibly worn, the workings of designers like Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta. Brussels native Cedric Charlier, 34, is now on his way to being their equal in the near future. Charlier, though no fresh face in the fashion industry, launched his first independent line for Fall 2012 at Paris Fashion Week this past spring. He started his career at Lanvin and later moved on to be Cacharel’s creative director. Working under Cacharel, Charlier’s creations focused mostly on feminine shapes, florals, and pastel colors with much resemblance to a fantasy garden. His new collection has a much different feel. Using gold, black, and white, he focused on a very sleek look with high necklines, solid colors, and defined structure, striking a futuristic vibe. Soon after its debut, Barney’s New York and Ikram, Chicago, added Charlier’s collection to their stores. In a short while, we should see his ready-to-wear designs walking down the street.
Keeping with the current
My seceret beef with Mumford
Dan Siering
Photos courtesy of google.com
Fashion Forward
Dreaming of working for ‘Vogue’ With a start at ‘Parenting Magazine,’ high hopes for the future
Therese Tully Sometimes life here in Chestnut Hill is just too much to dress for. One day it’s freezing, the next it’s super hot. I have meetings and class, and I have to go to the sweaty Plex and don’t want to look like a wreck all day. I want to wear sweatpants all weekend, but I want to look put-together for class. Frankly, it’s annoying some days. And the only thing that can get me through a difficult week is daydreaming. But for me, I dream about the outfits. The looks that have the ability to take me from my dorm room to somewhere far off from here. I flip through the pages of Vogue and imagine where I’d wear each of the outfits. I’m a serious magazine junkie— they are the drugs that get me through the weeks. I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember, getting a new magazine and ritualistically cracking its spine so it will better surrender its best pages to me for further inspection or simply inspiration. The outfits are so much more than just pictures. They are visions of what I would like to one day own, images of what I could only dream of ever seeing, and personal challenges to replicate an outfit or vibe without the designer price tag. Sometimes it’s about making fashion attainable and translatable when you are reading a magazine, and sometimes it’s just about being absorbed by the splendor before your eyes. I could easily piece together my travel wardrobe for my upcoming semester in Sweden from the pages of Vogue if someone was willing to fund said endeavor. A Burberry Prosum trench for the plane ride, something sophisticated and versatile, and definitely chic. Michelle Williams’ Kenzo black and white chevron shift dress for dinner out, the Chloe “Paraty” bag to hold all of my essentials—the list goes on and on. But sadly, that’s all it will ever be, a list. And as I dream about my future, beyond my stay in Sweden, my current life path doesn’t exactly seem to be pointing to a life full of fashion shows and wearing haute couture, to my dismay. Being a struggling writer with a closet full of designer duds seems to be a fantasy that only exists on TV (damn you, Carrie Bradshaw). But the pages of Vogue do inspire me to keep dreaming. The magazine itself is so whimsical, and behind each piece is a woman
(okay, there are some male writers, too) who probably has a fabulous wardrobe, or access to one, at least. I mean, it’s a shame I will have to be a starving writer forever because I really like clothes—like, a lot. I know it’s frivolous sometimes, but we all have our things. I don’t like expensive sporting events tickets or pricy meals. I like clothes, shoes, accessories, and maybe a nice pair of sunglasses, too. I mean if I could get my hands on one of the jackets from Prada’s most recent collection, I would be happy for a year. I hardly ask much. As an aspiring writer (read: intern) for Parenting Magazine this summer, I got just about as close to fashion as I may ever get. One morning, my fellow intern and I were told to report to Bloomingdales before the beginning of the workday at 8 a.m. We were told to go meet with our fashion liaison there to pick up garments upon garments upon garments. Although carrying four bags full of shoes and about 18 million garment bags through the subway system in 100-degree heat may sound like hell to some, I realized as I struggled under the weight that this was probably the most amount of merchandise I would ever carry out of a store at one time, and sadly it all had to go back! But as I unpacked, hung each item, arranged the shoes in a row, and untangled messes of jewelry, I knew how beautifully each arrangement would translate into the glossy pages of this publication, and I couldn’t help but dream up fanciful combinations for each model. Maybe someday I will get to work for Vogue, even if that job only entails opening the mail, fetching coffee, and dragging garment bags twice my body weight across the city. It will be worth it. Maybe someday this love of fashion can turn me from a struggling writer to a real writer, one who talks to the designers who dream up the fantastic clothing that graces the pages of glossy magazines, inspiring struggling writers and fashion enthusiasts alike. Although I may be far from owning those awe-inspiring suede pumps that Mila Kunis dons in the Dior ad of this month’s issue, five dollars can buy you access to this world, the magazine itself. So for now, I will stack my nightstand with fashion magazines and devotedly pour over them until my own time comes. I will rip the glossy pages out and decorate my walls with them, and I will hold onto my daydream of jet-setting off like that redheaded model in the Michael Kors’ ad is. Because sometimes you just need fashion to uplift you out of your current state of mind, your current location, and transport you to
Therese Tully is an editor for The Heights. She can be reached at arts@bcheights.com.
Photos courtesy of google images
Even more than serving as a statement of your personality, the clothes you wear and the fashion you follow serve as both daydreams for the future and inspiration, a push to uplift you from the college mindset.
Like This? Try That! by Carolina del busto
RYAN MURPHY’S ‘GLEE’ AND ‘THE NEW NORMAL’ It seems as if the uber-talented Ryan Murphy is on a roll lately. Already the showrunner for Glee and American Horror Story, Murphy adds The New Normal to his current list of hits. Even though Glee is like a mini-musical every week, and there are no choreographed singing numbers in The New Normal, both share a similar set of values. Glee is all about acceptance, being who you are—and loving it!—and, of course, high school. The New Normal focuses on a gay couple who want to start a family and enlist the help of a surrogate mother. The show centers on the issue of gay marriage and, subsequently, gay rights, which in turn is also about equality and acceptance. For some Glee fans out there, it might even be said that David and Bryan are a grown-up version of our beloved Kurt and Blaine. The New Normal is funny and heartwarming—it’s a perfect addition to your fall TV lineup. This show is also perfect for fans of Modern Family.
Photos courtesy of google images
A couple days ago, in the we hours of the night, my roommates and I were lounging around a table listening to the latest Mumford & Sons effort, Babel. As my friends began to discuss the merits of the latest effort by the English folk band, I was sitting quietly, trying to muster up enough courage to confess to my roommates a grave secret I had hid for several years. Finally, I could not withhold the secret anymore, and I blurted it out— “You know, I don’t really like Mumford & Sons that much.” My roommates were clearly taken aback by the news. After a few moments of silence, one of them finally spoke: “Well, I guess we can still be friends.” My viewpoint on Mumford & Sons is sort of a personal anomaly. I am, and always have been, an avid lover of folk music. It’s an appreciation that started somewhere during my younger years, when my dad would pump Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Young through the car stereo. As a preteen I started to incessantly study the folk greats, indulging in the likes of Dylan and CSNY. As I got older and realized the power of live music, I started to tap into the contemporary folk market. It was then when I came across my three favorite bands—the holy trio in my mind—The Avett Brothers, Wilco, and Dawes. What I believe draws me to folk music is the importance of strong lyricism. I saw, and now still see, Seth and Scott Avett, Jeff Tweedy, and Taylor Goldsmith as the most talented songwriters in the game. Then, in the summer of 2010, a four-piece English folk band came on to the scene, and all my fellow folks fans told me that I had to listen to this new band called Mumford & Sons. Soon enough, the band reached the American radio waves. The Current, St. Paul’s NPR radio station that I consider the crown jewel of Minnesota airwaves, starting playing a slew of singles from the bands debut album, Sigh No More. That entire summer seemed backtracked by the “The Cave,” “Little Lion Man,” and “White Blank Page.” And as my friends hastily jumped on the M&S back wagon, I was a little hesitant, and found that I still enjoyed Avett’s I and Love and You and Dawes’ North Hills more than this new folk sensation. I can’t really put my finger on why Mumford & Sons doesn’t connect with my folk sensibilities. I thought at first maybe it was because of the simple fact that most of their songs sound very similar, but that really is the case for most folk bands, especially my favorites. I guess it’s just that I plain don’t like their sound—perhaps it’s the absence of a drummer or Marcus Mumford’s nasally voice that throws me for a loop. So has anything changed with the recent release of Babel? With so many critics and friends raving about the new release, declaring it better than their debut, I decided to give it a go. But it seems my views are strong. With Babel, the band stays true to the sound and song structure that originally put them on the map. It seems to be keeping Mumford fans satisfied, but it hasn’t convinced me to flip my stance. It’s not that I’m a total hater of the band—I’m never going to force someone to shut off “I Will Wait” if it comes over the speakers—I just have a hard time crowning them the king of folk with so many talented and more established acts out there. In many instances, Mumford gets compared to the Avett Brothers, which is mostly due to their similar sound and performance together at the Grammys two years ago. But this is, to drop a sports reference, like comparing a promising rookie to an established veteran. When Mumford has consistently held a fan base for seven albums, like Avett has done, then we can start to draw comparisons. Nonetheless, I still have a casual appreciation for their music. I mean, I really do like “Winter Winds.” But maybe that’s because it sounds the least like their other stuff.
Dan Siering is the Asst. Arts & Review Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at arts@bcheights.com.
Friday, September 28, 2012
The Heights
How
Rock Fought
For Its
Surival September and October bring with them the releases of many notable rock records. Here’s how rock is taking a stand amidst a crumbling industry. \Sure, By brennan carley, R o c k and roll is Arts & REview Editor a dying breed. There’s no sidestepping that unTaylor Cavallo, Assoc. comfortably disArts & REview Editor heartening reality. Record stores are all but missing from both dan siering, Asst. Arts small towns and ma& REview Editor jor cities. Albums aren’t selling like they used to, and touring acts are playing to half-full rooms—bygone conclusions, we know, but important to note nonetheless. However, it’s impossible to notice a rise of rock in recent weeks. Records by influential 21st century bands stand alongside releases by resurfaced classic rockers and a new breed of indie musicians. No Doubt and Green Day both had prominent spots at the otherwise pop-dominated iHeart Radio Music to Festival last weekend, and yesterday Billboard announced that b o r Mumford & Sons is on track to sell the most copies of an album oughs and in its first week in 2012—topping Justin Bieber’s previously neighborhoods unheld record. New York radio station 101.9RXP, the last rock beknownst to the musical scene. station in the city that shut down in 2011 due to budgetStaten Island and the Bronx in New York City have recently expeary concerns with its parent company, has resurfaced this rienced quite the cultural rejuvenation in terms of rock music, with month as 101.9 New Rock. With that, we look as cautious acts like The Killers making stops there rather than in Manhattan. optimists at what we think may be rock’s last stand. Similarly, the indie rockers are all but assured to hit the festival circuit when it’s in full swing. Fitz and the Tantrums, whose unPop Rock - Boasting some of the genre’s titled follow-up to the wonderfully received Pickin’ Up The Pieces most popular musicians, pop rock is appealing to is set for release on Oct. 9, pulled out the big guns this summer, the general populace due to its frequent airplay visiting Bonnaroo, The Great GoogaMooga, and Coachella on Top 40 radio stations and boasts some of the on their tour. The funky rock group clearly understands the most widely celebrated rock bands of our time. It importance of these sweeping events—while some core fans bridges the gap between mainstream audiences might make the trek, it’s all about winning over new people and niche rock lovers adeptly and promisingly. who may be trapped between sets, or who heard about While some may not categorize them as such, the band and wanted to check it out while they had the The Killers have undoubtedly become a pop rock chance. Jack White recently commented on his disdain sensation. The band first achieved mega-success for festivals, but for rock ‘n’ roll to financially survive as a with 2004’s Hot Fuss, which put the group on the genre, indie bands have to grind in the hot sun for a buck. map as one of our generation’s most notable, true It’s telling that these indie rock bands have their albums rock bands. Although the release of their new album clumped together in terms of release dates—clearly the Battle Born, released on Sept. 17—after the group’s exlabels know how to play the game. September and October tended hiatus—has received mixed reviews, it proves are prime music dropping dates, due to back-to-school purthat the now somewhat seasoned group still has their chases and a sense of musical starvation after the somewhat eye on the ball and intend to make their mark once more. vapid months of summer releases. This month alone saw the Muse, another widely celebrated pop rock band, is set release of indie rock albums by Mumford, Stars, The xx, The to release its sixth studio album The 2nd Law this October, Avett Brothers, and Grizzly Bear—all of which received stellar and buzz surrounding the album has been overwhelmingly reviews. Next month, A.C. Newman (of The New Pornographers) positive, a good sign for both sales and an inevitably healthy launches an eagerly awaited solo album. Whether or not their bandtour to follow. Several days ago, Muse released a free advance ing together is purely coincidental, indie rockers like these know the stream of the album, which has been embraced by fans of the industry is a dying game, and this fall seems to be a last stand of sorts. band as both innovative and mature, a forward-sounding piece that manages to advance the genre while grounding it in rock history. Classic Rock - Finally, it’s refreshing to see how adeptly Few bands, however, can match the popularity of Coldplay within some rock bands have stuck it out for the long haul. This is a big the pop rock genre, or rock as a whole. The band has released hit singles year for pop punk, especially concerning the decades-old band and albums year after year for close to 10 years now, and the release of Green Day, who is set to release three albums, Uno!, Dos!, and Tre! its fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto, exactly this time last year (October Billie Joe Armstrong’s recent trip to rehab doesn’t seem to be hindering of 2011) solidified its position as rock royalty, debuting at number one these album release dates. While many have accused Green Day of losing its its first week. Coldplay is known for over-the-top, confetti-and-balattitude and edge, they’ve had continuous album success and even a Broadway loon-clad, borderline rock-opera style concerts that fans, old and young, show entitled American Idiot, inspired by the band’s album of the same name. flock to by the thousands—Rolling Stone predicts the group will chart in Everyone’s favorite California ska band No Doubt and female lead the top five highest grossing tours of the year following its arena-wide jaunt singer Gwen Stefani recently released its new album Push and Shove. The around the United States this summer. Last week the group announced the first single off the album, “Settle Down,” was a peppier and poppier sound release of its impending live album and concert movie (filmed in Paris). It for the band (especially in comparison to its first album, Tragic Kingdom, is new means like this that show a strong push for rock’s staying power. itself a ska-rock disc through and through), which may be a shock to more loyal fans of the band. The album’s other singles, “Looking Hot” and “One Indie Rock - While pop rock has certainly been at the forefront of the More Summer,” are even less reminiscent of the band’s earlier sound, but genre’s resurgence, there’s something to be said about the relatively rapid No Doubt will probably see significant air play with this new pop rock rise of indie rock as a popular genre. Although indie sounds like it might endeavor. A tour this winter will undoubtedly stir nostalgia in the hearts denote a lack of general attention, acts like The xx and Mumford & of ’90s babies, driving crowds in droves to arenas around the country. Sons have launched the movement of indie as potential chart smashes. Real rock royalty only comes around once every few years—or every 50. The One important thing to consider in rock’s last stand is the big Rolling Stones have been around since the early days of rock and roll. While bucks that bands stand to make while touring the States, a musical rumors about a 50th anniversary tour were quickly denied by the bandmates mecca for travelling acts. Mumford brought its Gentlemen of the last year, it has been loosely confirmed that the group will do a few shows. Road Stopover festivals to the U.S. this summer, rallying the Richards can still play, and Jagger can still sing. That’s all we really need. troops—like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros—to So this is it: rock’s last stand. Mumford’s impressive and reasplay at unconventional, often far-flung locations in suring sales figures, No Doubt’s sold out tour dates, and the an effort to reintroduce rock to the everyday folk. Stones’ impending anniversary shows point to a well-reThe xx has expanded its touring plan to inceived response from audiences around the world. All clude traditional venues—like Boston’s Boston needs now is the reinstatement of WFNX to House of Blues, a must-stop for solidify the stand. Listen to rock music, and embands on the road—while brace the future while celebrating the past. also branching out photos courtesy of Google images
B5
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The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
The Heights
B7
metro The Heights
Thursday, December 8, 2011
B8
Friday, September 28, 2012
Wicked Cultured
A burger break with Wahlberg
Twitter founder illuminates plan for next online venture, Square
Charlotte Parish If nothing else, Mark Wahlberg can make a mean burger. My opinion is still out on whether or not I like him as an actor (and more importantly, how I feel about his accent), but on the food front, Wahlberg has done a fantastic job with Hingham’s Wahlburger’s restaurant. The joint is run by a trio of Wahlbergs—Mark and Donnie still hold down their acting careers while Paul manages the restaurant—and serves up the ideal munchies for Ted and John (of Mahky Mahk’s latest film, Ted). I had never heard a whisper about this place existing before driving this week with friends, when I was emphatically and insistently pointed toward it. Although it took several U-turns, a few moments of road rage, and plenty of confused yelling, we made it to the infamous Wahlburger’s half an hour before closing time. And it was worth the effort. The only way to describe Wahlburger’s is as the best and worst of a fast food restaurant: best in quality and taste bud delight, undoubtedly worst in waistline effects. For example, Donnie’s choice on the menu is the BBQ Bacon Burger, stacked with white cheddar cheese, bacon, avocado, jalapenos, and BBQ sauce. Yes, that is all on one burger. So as delicious
“Granted, the family’s fame plays a part in their success ... but it isn’t the reason people come back again and again.” as this burger shack is on a rare occasion, it is frightening to think that there may be one within reach of the T by the end of 2012. The boys are getting a bit of help in their expansion, having hired former Panera executive CEO Rick Vanzura to oversee the changes. They have made noises about opening a series of restaurants in the UK, which frankly sounds strange to me. I can’t imagine the Bostonbred clan heading across the pond, and they have said that they would prefer to open somewhere in Beantown near Fenway, Back Bay, or the Waterfront (any of which locations would be significantly run by Vanzura). Not to say that the Wahlbergs need saving by Vanzura and went into business on a lark. They only opened in October of 2011, and are already expanding, which is impressive for any first-time business owner. Granted, the family’s fame plays a part in their success (I was sold on the side trip as soon as I heard it was Mark Wahlberg—as in the Mark Wahlberg— who owned it), but it isn’t the reason people come back again and again. The burgers take care of that job, and do it to the tune of $17,000 a day (according to Wahlberg himself ). Part of the reason they can put up these phenomenal numbers is that these are not McDonald’s dollar menu burgers. Side orders like crisp sweet potato tots (which a member of our brigade almost forgot to order and went flying back in a frenzy to get) begin at $3, and the aforementioned behemoth BBQ Bacon burger is $7.95. The taste is worth its price, and Vanzura explains why: “This is not just another celebrity-driven restaurant. Paul is an exceptional chef, and his commitment to quality shows up in the restaurant every day.” So even though I think his accent is overblown and slightly fake, that Ted can only possibly be funny the first time you see it, and that the SNL parody of him is more entertaining than the real man, Wahlberg (and credit is due to his family as a whole) makes up for all of his shortcomings with such an amazing and unexpected side trip on a Wednesday night. Charlotte Parish is the Metro Editor The Heights. She can be reached at metro@ bcheights.com.
on its proximity to a geo-fence around the register. This unlocks the device’s paying potential. Once the individual has made a selection and stated his name, the cashier simply selects the individual’s name on the register. The transaction is then complete. Despite the simplicity of this, Dorsey said there is still work to be done. “We have to build up the merchant side of the equation,” Dorsey said, and this is a task that will be completed by a quickly growing company. A year ago, Square, Inc. had only 150 employees. Today, it has 400. With only eight million entities in the United States accepting credit cards, according to Dorsey, Square wants to reach the 26 million small businesses that he said cannot otherwise afford to accept credit cards. Square hopes to prove more cost effective for merchants and producers. With Square, merchants can choose to pay 2.75 percent per transaction, or they can choose to pay a flat monthly rate of $275. Furthermore, if the transaction is completed within business hours, it will be deposited for the merchant by the next day. These benefits apply to anyone from a hairdresser or doctor to even the world’s largest corporations. “We’ve always seen Square with the idea that it works for the individual and scales to the largest merchant in the world,” Dorsey said. Ultimately, Dorsey hopes to create a revolution in which it is increasingly easy to become an entrepreneur. Dorsey dismissed potential consumer fears about an increased risk of theft or fraud. “There will always be people trying
By Ryan Towey For The Heights Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Square, Inc., continued his college speaking tour in the Strata Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on Monday, Sept. 24. Despite Dorsey’s more famous reputation as the creator of Twitter, his primary goal at MIT was to discuss his newer creation and the skills needed to create such a product. “We’re here to talk to students about Square, about the company, about entrepreneurship,” Dorsey said. Square is an electronic payment service introduced by Square, Inc., a company founded by Dorsey and Jim McKelvey, in 2009. Square is a small credit card reader application that can be attached to most Apple iOS Devices. “More and more buyers are using plastic,” Dorsey said, “and we want to make that mobile.” The ultimate goal that Dorsey presented to his team at Square, Inc. is that he does not want consumers and buyers to be “concerned with the payment mechanics at all.” Instead, to cite his example, Dorsey wants to be able to buy a cup of coffee and walk out, no longer knowing that any transaction has occurred. The mechanics of this are as follows. An individual needs only to swipe a credit card once using the Square attachment on his iPhone or other iOS device, an action that connects his credit card to his iPhone. When the individual with the Square application approaches the counter at a coffeehouse or other business, a tab can either be manually or automatically opened on his phone based
See Twitter, B8
Farmstead Table delights Newton foodies
Producers seize the limelight at Boston film fest
By Danielle Dalton
By Tricia Tiedt
For The Heights
Heights Staff
“Refined, but rustic” are the words co-founder Chad Burns used to describe Farmstead Table, a Newton restaurant that is dedicated to providing American classics for lunch and dinner with locally grown ingredients. After opening on Aug. 2, Farmstead Table is one of the most recent additions to the plethora of restaurants that surround the Boston College campus. Founded by Burns and his wife Sharon, both of whom have always been involved in the cooking industry, the restaurant was the logical next step in their culinary endeavors. Burns described the reasons for opening the business, saying, “[My wife and I] wanted to do a suburban restaurant. We’re close to home, so we can be with our kids. And Newton didn’t really have anything like our restaurant.” Featuring items such as roast free-range chicken, grilled salmon fillet, and summer herb ribeye steak, the menu changes with the seasons to reflect the different produce available locally. “My interpretation of a farm-to-table restaurant is one that utilizes locally grown products as much as possible,” Burns said. Farmstead Table’s produce is gathered from the New England area, which is at the peak of its summer growing season. The Burns family, which has always been involved in the restaurant business, have developed a number of relationships with local farmers and producers, ranging from tomato growers to mushroom foragers. Local producers are eager to work with the restaurant as the food-to-table movement grips the nation. “Our meat comes from a certified organic source fed Montana grower, though,” explained Burns. “Some of the local meat produced in Vermont tends to be a tougher, leaner cut.” Although the meat is from animals fed with an organic diet, it is
See Farmstead, B11
i nside Metro this issue
Festival has a tradition of mixing big-name comedians with rising performers. While some people may have come to see self-proclaimed “World Champion” Judah Friedlander, the eight rising comedians had their chance to shine when they each performed their sevenminute stand-up routines, and they did not disappoint. MC Tony V greeted the audience members—of which some had been seated for over an hour—with a warning that the show was not going to start for another 15 minutes, but that in the meantime a performer out of the original 96 contestants who did not make the
The 28th Boston Film Festival (BFF) celebrated both great film and the great city in which the festival was held. The re-modernized Theatre 1 in the Stuart Street Playhouse at the Revere Hotel was home to this year’s festival, located in the heart of the city at the Boston Common gardens. The festival exhibited seven world premieres and one United States premiere, showing 17 feature films and 20 short films total. “The 28th program will entertain and enlighten audiences as we present a sneak peak of the year’s most compelling films and documentaries while bringing home some native Bostonian filmmakers,” said BFF Executive Director Robin Dawson. Noteworthy actors attending the festival included Captain America—otherwise known as Chris Evans (The Avengers, Fantastic Four)—James McCaffrey (Rescue Me), Chris Riggi (Gossip Girl), and Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride, Saw). Producer of Napoleon Dynamite Chris Wyatt arrived on Saturday to promote his newest production, The Citizen. One of the seven world premieres at the festi-
See Comedy, B10
See Film Festival, B10
Courtesy of Google images
This annual comedy clash has brought past superstars, such as Joan Rivers and Louis CK.
Comics battle for ultimate laugh By Joseph Castlen Heights Editor It’s not often that an aspiring comedian gets the chance to perform stand-up with the likes of a star such as 30 Rock’s Judah Friedlander, and even less often do they have a one-in-eight shot at receiving a $10,000 check at the end of it, but at the Somerville Theater last Saturday night, eight comedians got just that. Though the show got off to a late start—39 minutes late to be exact— this year’s Boston Comedy Festival did not keep anyone waiting for a good laugh. Having brought in comedians such as Joan Rivers and Louis CK since the turn of the century, the Boston Comedy
Boston’s ‘Big Five’ orchestra initiates new season By Lauren Totino For The Heights
Now in its 131st season, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) plans to present more than 250 concerts this year at its Massachusetts Ave. home in Symphony Hall. Considered one of the “Big Five” symphony orchestras in the United States, alongside the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra, the BSO has been entertaining audiences since its founding in 1881. The BSO states as its mission “to foster and maintain an organization
On the Flip Side
dedicated to the making of music consonant with the highest aspirations of musical art, creating performances and providing educational and training programs at the highest level of excellence,” and cites support from its audiences, businesses, and both local and federal government for its continuing success. The most recent director of the BSO, James Levine, stepped down in 2011 due to health issues. Businessman, philanthropist, amateur musician, and Civil War veteran Henry Lee Higginson dreamed of having a symphony orchestra take up permanent residence in his hometown of Boston, and in the spring
Should the Royal family be blamed for careless exposure, or should the paparazzi face legal restrictions?.......................................................... D3
of 1881, Higginson’s vision became reality. In the fall of that year, the BSO held its first concert at the Old Boston Music Hall under the direction of conductor George Henschel. Although Henschel’s tenure as musical director would end three years later in 1884, the BSO continued to perform at the Old Boston Music Hall until 1900, when the construction of Boston’s Symphony Hall was complete. Symphony Hall is one of the most highly regarded concert halls in the world. The building design is modeled after the Gewandhaus concert hall in Leipzig, Germany, which
See BSO, B11
Restaurant Review: Regal Beagle....................................................D4 Person to Watch: Lou Imbriano......................................................D2
The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
Fueling up and jetting off to an ancient arboretum First things first: breakfast. If you are interested in taking your knowledge of the “typical” Boston attractions to the next level, you can never go wrong by waking
yourself up with something other than that Saturday morning, or afternoon, dining hall routine. So no matter where you live on, or off, campus, take the short walk down Commonwealth Avenue to South Street, making your way to Fuel America, a cafe on Chestnut Hill Avenue. Most students will be familiar with the famous Moogy’s diner, but most have not become properly acquainted with its younger neighbor, a new addition to the Boston College off-campus neighborhood. Fuel boasts a deliciously eclectic menu
Courtesy of Google images
With a mouth-watering menu, Fuel America prepares local diners for any busy day in the city.
of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, freshly baked breads and pastries, and drinks ranging from comfort teas and coffees to “classic modern drinks” and smoothies. Try something new, or stick to a favorite—either way, you will find yourself extremely satisfied with the meal as not only a delectable alternative to McElroy or Lower, but also a pleasurable experience to your aesthetic tastes as well. With a modern antique Americana vibe, which may tempt more than a few Instagram shots, it’s also a cute and relatively quiet homework spot. Don’t get too comfortable, though, there is more to come. From Fuel, you can walk back the way you came to pick up the B-Line into the city, at South Street. Forest Hills on the Orange Line is your final destination, home to the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Never fear, the website provides a plethora of transportation directions, as well as maps of the area, which you can use to find your way. Founded in 1872, the arboretum is the oldest in North America, and many of the trees and plants on the grounds are 100 years of age and older. The park functions as both a public space and a private research facility that covers 265 acres. The gardens yield a magnificent collection of specimens that the Arboretum has acquired over the years.
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Courtesy of Google Images
Arnold Arboretum was founded in 1872 and is the oldest of its kind in North America. Take a few hours to explore the expanse of the park and gardens. If you’re interested, find the Visitor’s Center, which provides maps, as well as information on and locations of the various trees and plants. Here you can also find information on guided and self-guided tours, where you can learn a little bit more about the history of the arboretum and its most exquisite inhabitants. If you prefer to remain in blissful ignorance, because you have hundreds of pages of reading to do when you get back, just
wander and enjoy the fall foliage. Take the meandering paths at your leisure, or if you’re looking to get your fitness in for the week, go for a jog. The day can be what you make of it, because the scenery is beautiful and demands nothing from you but an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a little bit of time. When you start to feel tired, or think you can name all the trees from memory, make the trek back and impress all your friends with your new botanical knowledge. n
Restaurant review
Regal results from classic dishes
Courtesy of Google images
By Brennan Carley Heights Editor
HOUSE AD
With all the kerfuffle over New York’s famed Eleven Madison Park and its complete revamp—trading some of the world’s best food for an inventive, flashy new menu complete with card tricks and other wizardry—there’s something to be said for a little simplicity on the plate. That’s not to say that simplicity leads to a flavor deficit, however, as Coolidge Corner’s Regal Beagle achieves the rare balance of artistic minimalism and truly inspired taste. Normally mundane dishes, like diner staple macaroni and cheese, are made new again with precise, superb touches and tweaks that elevate the restaurant’s food to something quasi-comforting and a class above its presentation. That mac and cheese dish is served with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, sea salt, and the flavor of the month—truffle oil, which might sound intimidating on a dish like this but packs the perfect punch of contrast with the velvety pasta. The addition of pulled pork can be a bit too much for the abundantly rich dish when the Beagle is generous with its portioning, but the sweet, sparkly flavors of the meat add a needed burst of freshness to the dish. It might be easy to overlook the tiny “Bar Bites” portion of the menu, but the Beagle shines in small bursts of culinary energy, tossing together seemingly innocent ingredients like dates, gorgonzola cheese, and bacon and letting the earthy, tangy flavors dance together as only perfect complements could. Local radishes are given nothing more than butter and sea salt to taste, a note of summer that still lingers with minimalism and style. Although the dishes change regularly—one of the exciting things about the location that almost requires diners to come back regularly (and they do)—the taco appetizer always seems to be a solid, savory choice. Once delivered to the table stuffed to their tips with panko-breaded mahi-mahi, cilantro, and mango, the dish screamed its summery roots with each bite while also twisting the overdone “fish taco” concept on its head. Now appearing on the menu as “Cochinita Pibil Tacos,” the platter arrives with pulled pork— seemingly a special of the house, and worth every calorie—black beans, pickled onions, and radish. With the pickling craze sweeping
the foodie nation, it’s easy to forget just how delicious a perfectly pickled vegetable can be, but the Beagle’s eager heaping of onion in the taco is exceptional. Similarly, chef Michael Navarrete knows his seafood up and down, swapping out dishes as different fish come into season. A scallop dish (seared, here, to a glossy, TV-commercial level of magnificence) comes with creamed corn, sorrel, bacon, and potato and fava hash. Tuna tartare, a staple in the food world since Asian-fusion swept through the big cities in the early ’80s, is garnished with a truffle-soy vinaigrette, cucumber, orange, and crunchily delicious homemade potato chips. Location: 308 Harvard Street, Brookline Cuisine: Mexican-American Signature Dish: Cochinita Pibil Tacos Atmosphere: 9/10 Average Entree: $18 Overall Experience: A-
Then there’s brunch, and oh how there is brunch, a meal so deflated by critics and families and chain restaurants, a meal that has lost its meaning in the face of these tribulations. Not so at the Beagle, where brunch stands just as strongly as its other meals, offering sumptuous and often simplistically imaginative spins on tired breakfast dishes. Its brioche French toast arrives with whipped butter and maple syrup, too sweet to stand on its own, requiring its supplementary poached egg to balance the saccharine and the salty. Pulled pork hash arrives in a steaming skillet with potatoes, tomatillo chutney, two eggs over easy, a creamy cheddar toping and jalapeno cream. If Eleven Madison Park has become a garish Warhol, happy to throw its surface tricks at you in an attempt to draw you in at a moment’s glance, the Regal Beagle is a Hopper, content to carry on at its own pace with plentiful and attentive details under the surface. Easily missed with its tucked away location, it deserves its moment to shine as brightly as the rest. n
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Mind Yo’ Business
Investing in the next generation
Marc Francis The Heights’ Freshmen Leadership Initiative Program (FLIP) is currently in full swing. About 30 members of the editorial board are assigned freshmen to mentor and guide throughout the first semester. Usually, a percentage of these freshmen run for a position on the board in November, and thus begin their Heights careers. As a former member of FLIP, I recognize the impact of the program on the newspaper’s longevity and success. In fact, I am convinced that every major organization should have some form of a mentorship program for new employees. Admittedly, my passion for The Heights would only be a fraction of what it is today if it were not for my participation in FLIP. Fortune magazine recently published an article on the relevance of mentors within successful organizations. By dissecting the mentorship process, they provide advice to businesses everywhere on properly guiding employees. Firstly, the process has become too generalized and must be more individualized. Having a CEO give a stimulating speech to a new batch of workers may be inspiring, but it is nowhere near as effective as a current employee privately providing his personal input and advice to a newbie. Through my few experiences in the professional world, I have developed my ability to judge an organization’s corporate culture. Personally, I believe that employees’ interactions with one another are extremely affected by their first days on the job. Therefore, mentors should be implemented as early as possible to prevent the creation of social barriers in an office. For instance, at one of my past internships, the lack of any kind of mentorship program was blatant in the employees’ social mannerisms— people barely greeted each other in the morning, eye contact was hardly made among those outside of your respective department, and casual conversations were rare. Generating profit seemed to be the single aim of every worker. But perhaps what annoyed me the most was the stench of superiority that permeated the office space. The major heads of the company worked within 30 feet of my desk, and not one time did any of the interns or I receive a “hello,” smile, or head nod. It is the duty of the superiors to recognize that interns are the potential future of their companies, and if a sense of respect is not displayed from the start, it will never make its way into the corporate culture. Showing even the most minimal interest in your fellow employees will go a long way. If the CEO of a huge corporation greeted me on my way in to work at 9 a.m., I would instantly feel elevated and more significant to the workplace—whether or not these feelings of importance are part of a psychological illusion is irrelevant. As stated by Fortune, businesses must “recognize the value of peer relationships.” These relationships are not restricted by employees’ corporate achievements. If anything, CEOs are more pressured than anyone else to interact with workers on personal and professional levels. Publications like Fortune and The Heights generally do not have to put much effort into promoting peer-to-peer interaction since employees are naturally forced to socialize. This becomes more difficult, however, when jobs within companies are individualized. Crossdepartmental communication is not just a method of encouraging employees to make new friends, but rather a way for them to gain more awareness. This is a key issue in many product-centric firms—many employees are only knowledgeable of their respective departments. Knowledge and passion are inextricably woven together, so familiarity with the entire company’s functions are vital. When companies do not have a strictly outlined mentorship program, it is the duty of the current personnel to take on such a role. A new employee is generally only as passionate and hardworking as the people who came before him. So overall, my role as a mentor this semester stimulates feelings of excitement and pressure as the future of my favorite organization now lies in my hands.
Marc Francis is the Asst. Metro Editor for The Heights. He can be reached at metro@bcheights.com.
The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
Film world premieres and awards abound at festival Film Festival, from B8 val, the film stars Agnes Bruckner, Elwes, and Khaled Nabawy and follows the journey of an Arab immigrant arriving in New York City just one day before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The Citizen won the BFF award for Best Ensemble Cast and Mass Impact Award, accredited to Director Sam Kadi and the film’s writers. The first world premiere shown was Head Games, which played last Thursday in the Stuart Theatre. Based on the book of the same name by former Ivy League football player and WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski, it analyzes the effect of head injuries on athletes. The documentary follows the injuries of NFL player Isaiah Kacyvenski, who was Nowinski’s college roommate at Harvard. It is the first documentary to extensively cover the risks and harm involved in concussions—and Head Games dispels the myth that these severe injuries occur only in football. Soccer star and Olympic gold medalist Cindy Parlow is featured, as well as Boston University neurologist Robert Stern. The film covers precautionary steps to avoid concussions, follows stories of athletic tragedies caused by head injuries, and includes relevant science on brain trauma—eight different neurologists and sports medicine professionals headline the film. Scott Feinberg, writer for The Hollywood Reporter, has already predicted Head Games to be a major contender at the Academy Awards for Best Documentary. At the festival’s closing ceremonies, Head Games won that very award. Also in the documentary category was “truly the last untold stor y of WWII.” Lost Reunions, a world premiere film at the festival directed by Danny Diaz, covers four continents and over 70 PT boats and the men who sailed them. An Affair of the Heart, the feature documentary of BFF, tells the story of Grammy-award winning artist and New York Times bestselling-author Rick
Springfield and his relationship with a loyal fan base. Predictably, Springfield’s music won the Best Music award at the festival. Greedy Lying Bastards, the underdog of the documentary category, exposes the corruption of the fossil fuel industry. Director and political activist Craig Rosebraugh has uncovered the dirty little secrets of the big names in fossil fuel—and the deceit, false promises, and unworthy morale involved in their business dealings. True to its theme, the documentary received the award for Ecofilm at the festival. The Best Director award went to Damian Lee, director of A Dark Truth, the up-and-coming action/thriller of the new year. The film stars Andy Garcia, who plays an ex-CIA officer turned political talk show host. He is hired by a corporate whistle blower—played by actress Eva Longoria—to expose her company’s cover-up of a massacre in a South American village. Deep political relations run throughout the plot as a corrupted government giant takes advantage of the water rights of third world countries. The movie is slated to arrive in theatres in January. Best Film was awarded to The Sessions, starring John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, who won Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively, at the festival. The film is based on the writings of Mark O’Brien, a California poet and journalist. “A triumphant true story” (the movie’s slogan), the storyline follows a middle-aged man confined to an iron lung determined to lose his virginity—think The 40 Year Old Virgin with paralysis. The Sessions was considered a breakout film of the Sundance Film Festival last January and is expected to be released in theatres in the next year. The Boston Film Festival screened movies on a variety of topics, all of superb quality. This year’s festival was considered a raving success with a diverse group of films and casts worthy of envy. For more information on release dates and the films awarded, visit bostonfilmfestival.org. n
Dorsey advocates Square as the future of commerce Twitter, from B8 to steal from each other,” he said. To combat this, Square will continuously work to improve the identity verification involved with its product. Dorsey is confident that the benefits to consumers and merchants will prove great enough to ultimately incorporate his product worldwide. “The benefit to consumers is certainly the seamlessness,” said Dorsey of transactions devoid of cash or credit cards. Other benefits include the wealth of information that could be available to consumers. One example that Dorsey presented is that an iPhone can register that it is an especially hot day and can present locations near the consumer where lemonade is sold. Dorsey’s earlier product, Twitter, has seen much success because of the creativity of its users. Dorsey believes that similar creativity can be applied to Square. “I think we’ll see some creative usage of Square,” said Dorsey. “We’ve
seen that a little bit with Square already through taxi cabs.” Dorsey referred to taxi drivers, formerly unable to accept credit cards, who began to use Square throughout their company in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I think [Twitter and Square] are ver y much aligne d,” Dorse y said. “They’re pretty foundational and fundamental.” Twitter and Square, Dorsey explained, deal with the fundamentals of communication and commerce, respectively. With such an eye for entrepreneurial opportunities, the audience at MIT was surprised when he said that he “never wanted to be an entrepreneur.” Still, Dorsey asserted that building a business is about becoming a better “listener,” someone aware of the market around him. Awareness is the first stepping stone to knowledge. “Entrepreneurship is truly just an attitude,” Dorsey said. “A lot of it just happens at intersections. It’s really about finding the intersections of life.” n
Founder of Boston Comedy Festival returns to his home Comedy, from B8 final cut would be keeping the crowd entertained. While his self-deprecating jokes that also played off the life of the homeless were certainly humorous, it became clear by the end of the show why he was the one warming up the crowd at the beginning and not accepting a check at the end. Once the will-call line that rivaled the line to buy Beanpot tickets had subsided and the theater was mostly filled, the actual show began. The first contestant, of short stature and stout build, started off strong with jokes about his neck, or lack thereof. Indeed, it seemed the only punch line he knew to tell was, “Because I don’t have a neck.” The repetition of this line initially had the crowd roaring, but his routine became too predictable as he dragged the joke on and on. The show continued and only got better from there. Seven other comedians competed for the grand prize, the most notable of which were Kofi Thomas, Paul Oddo, and Rich Gustus. Thomas, a Duxbury native, mainly relied on tales from his childhood. His humor was very satirical in nature, and he touched on race in a way that was both inoffensive and hilarious. Oddo, hailing from New York City, went on to win the grand prize of $10,000 and a spot performing in comedy clubs across the country. His story-based humor centered on a bird that flew into a woman’s head and her nonchalant reaction to this unusual occurrence, as well as the general attitude of New Yorkers. Gustus, the oldest comedian of the bunch, told jokes that had the central theme of multiple sclerosis (MS), the autoimmune disease that caused him to walk with a cane and shake violently. Gustus used his humor to shed light on the difficulties faced on a day-to-day basis
Person to Watch Lou Imbriano is not only turning consumers into fans, but he also has the support of his alma mater Boston College superfans. Imbriano, a beloved member of the Marketing Department in the Carroll School of Management, is a rising star, and his success will know no bounds. In his new book Winning the Customer, Imbriano shares his best business techniques and secrets about building symbiotic relationships with the customer. He has discovered that there is a correlation between positive consumer relationships and increased revenue.
Who: Lou Imbriano What: Imbriano recently published ‘Winning the Customer,’ a guide to ultimate business success and social networking. Why it matters: Whether or not readers are in CSOM, Imbriano asserts that all professionals underestimate the power of personality and quality in-person interactions.
In an interview, Imbriano mentions the importance of his teaching career at BC as an inspiration for writing his book. Imbriano identifies the three main structures of turning consumers into fans: the marketing playbook, relationship architecture, and the revenue game. To successfully develop
a relationship with a consumer, it is crucial to set an organized company model, to ensure that employees have the ability to work well with others and make connections, and to integrate these two concepts in order to make maximum revenue. Imbriano stresses that building relationships with the customer increases the likelihood that a customer will return to the company for future endeavors rather than just make a one-time business transaction. Thus, this relationship generates a constant supply of revenue that will accumulate over a lifetime. Building a positive relationship takes time, dedication, and a true desire to accommodate the consumer. Every consumer is different and requires a different type of attention. Imbriano shares that part of his success comes from classifying his consumers into different groups based on their commitment level to the company. Once he distinguishes the different types of customers, Imbriano is able to put energy toward converting less committed consumers into fans. When building relationships with consumers, Imbriano is influenced by his Catholic upbringing and education at BC. He is able to apply different passages of The Bible to the business world, which also allows him to make deeper connections with consumers. Toward the end of the interview, Imbriano leaves his peers with a concept that is the essence of turning consumers into fans: making memorable moments. Sharing a memorable moment with a consumer sets the tone for the relationship. When a consumer is making a future purchase, the consumer will remember the moment and be
by people afflicted with MS. It was also a historic day for the Boston Comedy Festival. For the first time since its inception, two women were competing as finalists. Despite the comedic stylings of Kendra Cunningham and her take on the plight of the middle-aged, single woman, a female comedian has yet to win the entire competition. After the final contestant finished her seven-minute routine, a panel of celebrity judges seated in the audience tabulated the results. During this time, three better-known and established comedians took the stage. The first guest appearance was Jim McCue, founder of the Boston Comedy Festival. Having been featured on Comedy Central and NBC’s Last Comic Standing, it was clear that McCue was no stranger to crowds. He used improv humor to woo the crowd, relying on the professions and appearances of select audience members. Next was Friedlander, best known for his role as Frank Rossitano on 30 Rock. Sporting a red blazer and red vest, both embroidered with the words “World Champion,” Friedlander spanned a range of topics in his time onstage. He began by announcing his plan to run for president, and then took questions from the audience regarding hot-topic issues. Very quick on the spot, it seemed Friedlander had prepared a witty response ahead of time for everything the audience threw at him. The night ended with Lenny Clarke, who plays Uncle Teddy on the FX show Rescue Me, receiving a lifetime achievement award, and Paul Oddo being presented with an oversized check for $10,000. The most memorable words of the night, Friedlander’s parting comment, were characteristic of his style of humor: “Boston’s a great place. The burritos here are much better than in New York.” n
By: Emma Arjun By: Gajulapalli Swayze
inclined to work with that particular company in the future. Imbriano’s focus on relationships leads him to emphasize the importance of meeting with individuals rather than leaving a voicemail. Face-to-face meetings show a genuine interest and dedication to the customer that an impersonal voicemail lacks. Imbriano shows that the best business transactions come from personal interactions and making deeper connections with consumers. n
Courtesy of Google Images
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The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012
Food-to-Table initiative finds a home in Newton Test scores setting off the alarm MassEDchusetts
Farmstead, from B8
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Symphony Hall will soon ring with the melodious echo of Boston’s Symphony Orchestra.
BSO subsidizes students BSO, from B8 had been destroyed during World War II. The architecture of the hall serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Remarkable features include the inward-sloping stage walls and the shallow side balconies, which help focus sound throughout the concert hall. Over a dozen replicas of Roman and Greek statues depicting figures from literature, music, and art adorn Symphony Hall. A favorite BSO tradition was launched in July 1885 by a group of musicians who would become known as the Boston Pops. Fulfilling Higginson’s wish, the BSO performed concerts in the springtime during which they performed a “lighter kind of music” with refreshments available to the audience. Since these concerts were more casual than the usual symphony, they were named “Popular,” which was shortened to “Pops.” The Pops are a crowd favorite, drawing national attention each Fourth of July during their televised performance from the Boston Esplanade. The Holiday Pops show also attracts sell-out crowds each Christmas season. Tickets are currently on sale for the 2012 season, which runs from Dec. 5 to Dec. 24. Other current and upcoming performances by the BSO include George Gershwin’s blues and jazz masterpiece Porgy
and Bess under the direction of conductor Bramwell Tovey, and Tchaikovsky, Bernstein and Dvorak, which features American violin virtuoso Joshua Bell as a soloist in a serenade inspired by Plato’s Symposium. Later in October, the BSO welcomes Vladimir Jurowski, the principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and German violinist Arabella Steinbacher to charm audiences with Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto” in a segment of the Mendelssohn and Shostakovich series. Affordable ticketing for college students is available with the purchase of a BSO College Card. Students can buy a BSO College Card for $25 and attend available performances at no additional cost. Card registration includes the option of email or text notifications of upcoming shows and special offers. With a student ID, concertgoers can pick up tickets on a first-come, first-served basis at the BSO Box Office at 301 Mass. Ave., starting on the Monday of the week of the show date. Students who do not plan to attend concerts as frequently can benefit from the “20 under 40” ticket deal, for which $20 tickets in both orchestra and balcony seating are available for customers under the age of 40. These tickets can be purchased online at bso.org by entering the promotional code “20under40.” n
similar to what customers are accustomed to usually eating. Is there any difference between locally produced food and food imported from elsewhere? “Locally grown products cost more because they’re grown slowly and not raised with a lot of pesticides,” Burns explained. “[Locally grown produce] tends not to look as ‘pretty’ sometimes because it’s all natural.” Two of the farms Farmstead Table commends on its Facebook page for providing delicious regionally produced food, Second Nature Farm of Norton, Mass. and Brookford Farm of Canterbury, N.H., partake in the community supported agriculture (CSA) program. Second Nature Farm’s website explains the program as a farm in which members of the community “purchase a share of the season’s harvest at the beginning of the year, and in doing so provide the
“Although he’d someday like to have a second restaurant, Burns is proud of the initial success of Farmstead Table.” farmer with capital at a time when there are many expenses … in exchange for their commitment to the farm, members receive the season’s produce at a significantly discounted rate.” While seasons dictate meal offerings at the Farmstead Table, that is not the case in many restaurants and grocery stores, as food is increasingly imported from around the world. From tomatoes being picked green and then ripened artificially to chickens being fed supplements to grow bigger faster, the food industry barely resembles the agrarian images that plaster the walls of supermarkets and the labels of dairy prod-
ucts as a result of the changes in technology. Robert Kenner, the director of the Academy Award nominated film Food, Inc. that chronicles the changes in the food industry, commented in the film, “The way we eat has changed more dramatically in the past 50 years than in the previous 10,000 years.” As consumers become increasingly aware of the economic and environmental consequences of the changing industry, the food-to-table movement is infiltrating popular culture in the form of consumer advocacy groups, new and expanded farmer markets, and in the form of restaurants like the Farmstead Table. With locally grown ingredients comprising the majority of the restaurant’s menu, the eatery provides consumers with an environmental and socially friendly alternative to the industrial food sector. While some may find organic or niche restaurants to be unfamiliar and foreign, Farmstead Table is exactly the opposite. Describing the food as having a “homemade” feel, Burns explained that most plates of food comprise of only “two to three simple flavors, but presented and prepared well.” Country chic tables and chairs foster an inviting atmosphere in the crisp modern dining area. The Boston Globe recently reported on the new eatery and commented, “Farmstead Table in Newton has a homey feel.” Although he’d someday like to have a second restaurant, Burns is proud of the initial success of Farmstead Table. While he admits, “The biggest surprise has been how much work it is to run a restaurant; there’s all the cooking and bookkeeping,” he and his wife have greatly enjoyed the experience thus far. “Receiving feedback and seeing the smiles of customers has been the most rewarding part,” the happy owner reflected. While a website is in the works, all information, including hours and a menu, can be found on the Facebook page. Be sure to “like” the page because the menu focuses on fresh local food and specials, which change frequently, and are announced online. Located across from the Newton Centre stop on the D-line, the restaurant is accessible and perhaps the perfect place to try this weekend with parents. n
THE ISSUE:
Recently, Kate Middleton has been under constant scrutiny in the media due to a series of topless photos that have been released in several European publications and seen around the world. While many have since come to the defense of the young duchess, others quickly took the opportunity to critique and scrutinize her. In the wake of this madness, which came soon after Prince Harry’s own Vegas scandal, people are debating who is really to blame. Is it the paparazzi’s ruthless, no-holds barred attitude or simply the result of living as a part of the Royal family?
Jacqueline Parisi The Massachusetts Department of Early and Secondary Education recently released the test results for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam that showed overall student achievement gains. The test scores are trending upward, and the achievement gap between certain demographic groups is closing. Gains have been made especially by the state’s “turnaround schools,” which many educators have targeted as needing the most work to bring the scores up. Strides have been made among nearly all demographics, including African-American students, low-income students, students who are still learning English, and Latino students. One must be wary to make such positive blanket statements, however, without carefully reading the fine print. Now, in no way do I intend to undermine the achievements of the educators in Massachusetts. These gains should be celebrated, and educators have a right to do so. Nonetheless, it is important to realize that, despite the upward trend, students—especially those in Boston public schools— are still behind their peers when it comes to science skills. What was most alarming to me was the fact that, of all fifth graders tested on science and technology last spring, 42 percent of Boston students earned failing grades. Initially, this didn’t seem too worrisome because more than half passed, but then I read that, at a statewide level, only 14 percent of students failed this exam. That’s quite a large discrepancy, to say the least. Science wasn’t the only subject that caused concerns for educators. English raised a red flag as well. “We should all be alarmed that 39 percent of third graders are not proficient readers and that Massachusetts has made virtually no progress in third grade reading over the past decade,” said Amy O’Leary, director of Early Education for All. “We should all be concerned about the wide and persistent achievement gap. We know what
“What was most alarming to me was the fact that...on science and technology last spring, 42 percent of Boston students earned failing grades.”
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Royal victims, past and present Realizing the gravity of a job Shannon Inglesby The publication of Kate Middleton’s recent topless photos is not only a blatant disrespect for privacy, but are also the quintessential display of corruption in our media-dominated culture. The world thought that Kate Middleton was perfect, beautiful, refined, flawless—that she could do no wrong. Yet once the simple words “photo scandal” are placed in the same sentence with her name, popular culture is so quick to criticize her. Yet what exactly are we blaming her for? She is a human being—we seem to all be forgetting that. Regardless of her title and her husband’s title, Kate is simply a newly married woman, attempting to settle into her recent marriage with her husband and start a family of her own. Marriage in itself is sacred, and the fact that anyone would deliberately breach the sanctity of these two people’s relationship is disrespectful and wrong. Kate was sunbathing in private with her husband—not a forbidden act. She was at a private villa—not a public beach. Also, keep in mind that this woman is trying to have a baby! Can we give her no privacy? No relief from constant media harassment? We can blame it on the paparazzi, but we fuel this. We’re the ones who buy the magazine no matter how wrong we think it is. The photographer who took the
photos was reported to be far away from the couple’s location and using a high definition lens. Needless to say, she wasn’t flaunting it—he had to dedicate a lot of effort to getting this shot. This is in no way equivalent to the recent Prince Harry scandal. Kate was not acting carelessly or recklessly. She was alone with her husband, and whether they are indoors or outdoors, they are entitled to their privacy. Not too long ago, the Royal family underwent a lot of heartache at the expense of the paparazzi. Princess Diana was killed as the result of a desperate attempt to give the public a slight glimpse into her private life. And now Kate, the daughter-in-law whom she was never able to meet, faces the same harassment. It is absurd to think the Royal family does not have a right to ban these photos from tabloids and it is even more preposterous for any consumer of popular culture to think Kate is to blame. We seem to think that celebrities and royals are a different species, impenetrable and perfected. I think it is time for people to see that this is a normal married woman, and we have no right to criticize her private and personal life.
Shannon Inglesby is a writer for The Heights. She can be reached at metro@ bcheights.com.
Natalie Blardony The world sure is seeing a lot of the Royal family in recent days, and in ways we would have never imagined. First, there were Prince Harry’s wild escapades in Vegas, exposing all of him for the world to see, and now, it’s the young duchess’ turn. As everyone takes in the various sides of the story, anticipating the family’s next move, there seems to be an incessant need to place the blame somewhere, on someone. That is where the photographer, who snapped these photos, comes into play, and while it might seem cruel, considering the tragic experience with paparazzi that the royal family has already had to deal with, this person is not to blame. Now, then, who is to blame? We would be crazy to think that Kate is the answer to that question, because she is not. However, she did accept the proposal of Prince William with full knowledge of what she was getting into. She knew how ruthless the paparazzi were, and how personal it is for her husband and his family. Sure, this situation is a little different than Princess Diana’s. She was on a secluded beach in a private villa, not driving on a public highway, but nonetheless, as technology rapidly progresses, the privacy of those in high-profile positions shrinks.
Professional-grade cameras can capture images from miles upon miles away, and as is expected from the paparazzi, this photographer who snapped Kate’s exposed top-half is reported to have been using one of these cameras plus a powerful lens. When reports of a private villa being rented out to two members of the royal family fly about, it is only expected that people will stalk the surrounding area for a glimpse. This glimpse just so happened to be published in several newspapers and across the world. That’s the price of living in the public eye in a time when the world is obsessed with the lives of both people they know and don’t know. Sympathy is not lacking for the prince and the duchess, but they are part of the Royal family. She must have known, deep down, that her topless sunbathing would be seen by someone, somewhere. In a time of modern media obsession, where privacy is soon growing extinct, and everyday folks are frequently “Facebook stalked” by one another, if Kate Middleton thought anything else, she was sadly mistaken and clearly out of touch.
Natalie Blardony is a writer for The Heights. She can be reached at metro@ bcheights.com.
to do to improve children’s literacy. We must act now on this knowledge.” One in six children who struggle with reading in third grade do not finish high school by age 19. That statistic alone should provide an impetus for change, especially considering the fact that the average high school dropout in Massachusetts costs taxpayers an estimated $349,000 more over his/her lifetime in lower tax revenues and higher public assistance costs than the average high school graduate. It is a never-ending downward spiral that can be stopped only by education. Easier said than done though, right? The magnitude of this challenge does not deter Mitchell Chester, the elementary and secondary education commissioner. Chester said that Massachusetts is considering altering the 10th grade exams so that they better reflect the expectations of higher educational institutions. When speaking about a prototype of this test to be used in the spring of 2014, Chester said, “It’s not simply a question of should we raise the bar—it’s a question of, should we be more deliberate about giving students signal about their readiness for high school.” Chester also indicated that the new goal for schools is to cut in half the number of students who are not passing the MCAS by the 2016 to 2017 school year. This may seem a bit too ambitious, but it is with ambition and a realistic look at the MCAS test results that educators turn around failing schools. Jacqueline Parisi is a staff columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at metro@bcheights.com.
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The Heights
Friday, September 28, 2012