Media’s unseen significance

Connie Tomasino Opinion

mediaeye.jpgAn assortment of attitudes and beliefs are evident in public discourse about the effects of media exposure. Parents especially are concerned with how media exposure and content may influence the healthy development of their children.

Survey data from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicate that many parents are concerned about the amount of sex and violence that their children see on television. Earlier proposals for parental warnings appeared on the cover of CDs with explicit lyrics and on television programs with inappropriate material and language. The growth of the media and networking has adapted an unsuitable roll on behalf of the youth identity, social networks, and parent-child relationships.

The media is an essential leg to the table of current issues, awareness and news. However, the Committee of National Academies explained that “claims and counterclaims about possible benefits and detrimental effects of different kinds of media exposure appear regularly in the popular press, but often without strong grounding in peer-reviewed research.” Continue reading →

A fight for planet earth

Connie Tomasino Health & Science , , , , , ,

earth.gifBOSTON- Bill McKibben, an American environmentalist and author who frequently writes about global warming, alternative energy, and the risks associated with human genetic engineering, spoke at the Institute of Contemporary Art in downtown Boston on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, stating that our generation is the last hope for the planet regarding global warming.

Formerly president of the Harvard Crimson newspaper at Harvard University, McKibben joined the New Yorker magazine as a staff writer after graduating, and wrote much of the “Talk of the Town” column from 1982 to early 1987. Continue reading →

Perez Hilton: Did that really happen?

Carolyn Hessel Entertainment

Since 2004, Perez Hilton has been informing us about the famous, and the infamous on his Web site, PerezHilton.com. But, can we believe everything we read and see? Whether it’s Tom Cruise or Barack Obama, Hilton always keeps it entertaining. Most of us rely on the Internet for the latest updates, and since 2005, PerezHilton.com has been a one-stop shop for all the latest news and gossip updates.

Perez Hilton, born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., has vowed to bring the truth. The self-proclaimed Queen of Media does just that, while putting his two cents in. Continue reading →

Suffolk’s weak school community a concern

Kristen Wright Opinion

Beautiful Brownstones of Suffolk UniversityDOVER, N.H.–Everyone remembers the crossroads they approached their senior year of high school: the decision of what the next step will be in their trail of life. Each potential path presents windows of opportunity as to what their lives may be and the type of person they will become. Currently Amelia Wright, a senior at Cocheco Arts Technology Academy in Barrington, N.H., is facing said crossroads.

“It’s really terrifying,” admits Wright, smiling nervously. “This is the first major decision you have to make which completely determines the type of person you’ll be.” Currently Wright is targeting a variety of schools, including Lesley College and Suffolk University. “Suffolk University’s unique and diverse campus is very appealing,” she states. “However, the campus appears to not have a strong school community, which is difficult to really like as an incoming freshman.” Wright’s concerns about Suffolk University’s school community stem from the unidentified center of campus. Continue reading →

Is television corrupting American youth?

Brittany Jasilli Fashion, Art & Culture

Television was introduced to the public in the 1930s. Since it debuted, the TV has been a permanent fixture in homes throughout America. Although the need for TV has not changed, standards for the shows that air have. When television first came on the scene, there were strict regulations about what was appropriate. Those restrictions have changed over the years and today there is a major concern that the shows deemed appropriate are encouraging negative behavior among teens.

There was a time when shows were not allowed to show a married couple sleeping in the same bed. For example, “I Love Lucy,” which debuted in 1951, had two double beds in Lucy and Ricky’s bedroom; and when Lucille Ball became pregnant, CBS did not allow the show to use the word “pregnant.” Instead, they had to say she was “expecting” or “with child.” Continue reading →

All Hallow’s Eve

Christina Loridas Travel

BOSTON–This fall, appreciate more than just the carved pumpkins and cotton spider webs—by learning the origins of the holiday we have come to know as Halloween.

Halloween is traced back to the ancient religion of the Celtic in Ireland, to a festival known as Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season in the Gaelic culture. When Christianity spread to different parts of Europe, faithful worshippers tried to introduce ideas which reflected a more Christian mindset. As a result, Halloween has evolved into a combination of practices taken from both pagan and Christian traditions.jack-o-lanterns.jpgAs Christianity spread into Ireland and the surrounding Celtic lands in the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV established All Saints’ Day. It was intended to replace the pagan tradition of honoring the dead with honoring saints and martyrs and was originally celebrated on May 13. In 834 A.D., Gregory III moved All Saints Day from May 13 to November 1. For Christians, this became an opportunity for venerating all of the saints and holy ones who had passed on. October 31 became All Hallows’ Eve, ‘hallow’ meaning saint. Continue reading →

Body image: what have we become?

Christina Loridas Opinion

Fifteen percent of young women adopt unhealthy attitudes and behaviors concerning food, a risk three times higher in women than in men according to statistics provided by Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. Their research also suggests that four out of 100 college-aged women have bulimia, while more than 10 percent of adolescent girls binge eat or purge at least once a week.

How did we as a nation arrive at these startling facts? In a world where appearance is everything, many people struggle daily with body image and the obsession and conquest for the “perfect” body. Young women compare themselves to others and want to be better, skinnier, prettier, only to make themselves feel superior. Continue reading →

Lauren Conrad’s designs take Boston by storm

Christina Loridas Fashion, Art & Culture, Reviews
It’s not easy being only 22 years old, having a hit TV show, a fashion line, and millions of girls screaming your name–just ask Lauren Conrad.
 

BOSTON–The screams echo throughout the luxurious high-ceilinged foyer. Girls populate every visible corner, dancing and moving to the rhythm, together forming a blur of tiny black dresses and silk tops, lost in the music. It is Saturday night, Nov. 15, at The Estate, an elite and upper class club.laurenfashiontourminneapolis-3.jpgI can feel the excitement and anxiety in the air as hundreds of girls anxiously watch the stage waiting for the show to begin. Lauren Conrad’s newest line of clothing was to premiere at 9 p.m.

But perhaps the audience is not just hoping for the show to start, but also to catch a glimpse of Conrad, the biggest “it” girl in entertainment today. Continue reading →

Managing change on site

Kira LaFosse-Baker Features , , , , , , , ,

BOSTON — “It didn’t take long before he wanted to come home with me,” said Kelly Furtado, site manager for Jumpstart at Suffolk University, who met four-year-old Kevin in Rochester, N.Y. “He would cling to my legs and I would try to explain, ‘I live in a dorm, I don’t have any toys.’ He said he didn’t care. He told me he would sleep in my bathtub.” It was then that Furtado realized the rest of her life would be spent helping children, and trying to make a change.

Furtado, now 27, was majoring in English at the University of Rochester in N.Y. when she began working as a corps member for Jumpstart, a national early childhood education organization for at-risk preschool students. Here, she began working with Kevin, who had been taken away from his abusive mother. “He needed someone that he could trust,” said Furtado. “It took awhile but eventually I became that someone for Kevin.” Continue reading →

Coping with the stress and anxiety of finals week

Kayla Shepherd Community

BOSTON – It’s finally December and college students throughout the country are nearing the end of their fall semesters − finals week is just around the corner! This is crunch time; but how can students remember everything they’ve learned thus far, with holiday excitement in the air and winter weather weakening their immune systems?Stressful StudyingStaying physically, mentally and emotionally healthy during finals week is crucial. Some students resort to hair pulling, nail biting, comfort foods and hibernation to cope with their stress, but there are many more effective ways to prepare for final exams.

“When everything comes to a head and is due during finals week, I can get easily overwhelmed,” says Christopher Lopez, a junior at Boston University, “So I try to  spread out my workload the week before to avoid some of that stress.” Continue reading →

Bond is back—Shaken not stirred

Ron Campbell Entertainment, Reviews , , ,

Daniel Craig hit theaters Nov. 14, 2008, reprising his role in the reboot of the famous 007 series, topping box offices and becoming the highest grossing opening night film in November and the highest grossing Bond film ever.

Quantum of Solace movie poster.

“Casino Royale” was seen as a huge success in the Bond series, the 22nd film marked the reboot of the 007 franchise, with new cast members and new story lines, literally starting the story line from scratch.

“Quantum of Solace” is a direct sequel to “Casino Royale,” starting one hour after where the last movie left off. Bond has just captured Mr. White and is in a car chase to get him into the safety of MI6, the British secret service.

White confesses about a secret organization called Quantum that backed “Casino Royale’s” villain, Le Chiffre, and that eventually leads to the death of Bond’s love, Vesper Lynd.

Continue reading →

Swords, magic and monsters?—only in a video game

Ron Campbell Reviews , , , , ,

Blizzard Entertainment released its third installment to the “World of Warcraft” video game series with the expansion, “Wrath of the Lich King,” Nov. 13, 2008. The highly anticipated Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, or MMORPG, is based on traveling to the new land of Northrend to defeat the evil Lich King.

Cover Art of the box.

A Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game like “World of Warcraft” is more of a community than a game. Based on teamwork in an open area where all players can interact socially, it is its own little world.

The “World of Warcraft” series has been seen as the highlight of this genre for many years due to its constantly changing world and additions that keep players entertained.

Even though the last expansion to the game, “The Burning Crusade,” was seen as a let-down to veteran players because the new content made the game too easy, Blizzard managed to boost the player base from eight million to 12 million in its two-year span by attracting new players.

Continue reading →

Local scholar on human rights in China

Wesley Sarro Politics

BOSTON–Hurst Hannum is a professor of international law at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University. At Tufts, Hannum has studied human rights in China for the last decade and recently spent 2 ½ years in Hong Kong studying the oldest culture in the world. On Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, as part of the Barbara and Richard M. Rosenberg Institute for East Asian Studies, Hannum came to Suffolk University to speak about his findings on human rights in China.hannum.jpgWearing a gray suit and blue tie, Hannum spoke to a packed house inside Sargent Hall at the Suffolk Law School. He first gave listeners background information on human rights in China and how people are treated. “China has the largest population in the world with 1.3 billion people,” he said, “but they have very little say on what goes on in their country.” He explained that much of China is uninhabitable so most of the population is crowded in small areas. Therefore, the government can control the population from outside these areas in comfortable, less congested living quarters. Continue reading →

Sox have work to do this off-season

Wesley Sarro Sports

Red Sox players may be enjoying their off-season, but for the men and women who work in the front office, there is much to do. This time of year, when free agency is in full swing and trade rumors are rolling, is called the “hot stove.” In Boston, the hot stove season is always exciting as management tries to improve the team. Since the new owners took over in 2002, the Red Sox have had the resources to add almost any player they wanted.theo.jpgThe 2006 off-season saw the Sox acquire Japanese superstar Daisuke Matsuzaka. Principle owners Larry Lucchino, John Henry and Tom Warner put up a $51 million posting fee, just to get exclusive rights to talk to Matsuzaka.

After the negotiations were complete, Dice-k was signed to a six-year $52 million contract. This proved the Red Sox owners would stop at nothing to acquire a player that they thought could help the team. Continue reading →

Don’t put your life on layaway

Cecelia Champion Community

BOSTON–In an economy like this, it is important to understand how we came to this point and how it is still making an impact. On Nov. 5, 2008, a classroom at Simmons College was filled with a small group of 10 college students gathered for a night to discuss how our economy is being affected and how the United States is facing the possibility of a recession.

The event, “Red Zone,” was hosted by the Boston chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The speaker and member of the organization was senior Jazmin Flete, an economics and finance student at Babson College.

The night began with refreshments and snacks. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Flete elaborated on some of the crisis issues our economy is facing, such as the bailout President Bush approved, the sub-prime mortgage meltdown, and the Rescue Plan (Tarp). The slides displayed images and questions on the economy today. Continue reading →

The real housewives…

Cecelia Champion Entertainment

BOSTON–Filming coast to coast, the Bravo network is back again with the reality hit series “Real Housewives,” featuring popular women with money. The reality-soap franchise has traveled from Orange County to the Big Apple and is now introducing the Georgia Peaches, in its new show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

The original series concentrates on five women living behind their gated community in Orange County, Calif.; these women are cougars and provide viewers with insight into their wealthy lives as housewives. The women show the reality of their tasks of parenting, their highfalutin lifestyles, and maintaining their own girlhood.

The second installment features the elite, living-the-fast-life, hard-shell-networking women of New York City. This series can be critiqued as a copy cat episode of “Sex and the City.” “Sex and the City” portrays women living in New York City, and their mission to find love and buy high-end labels. Some of the housewives of New York have found love but all of these five women are into buying the labels. This series shows the lives as they manage their careers and busy schedules with fundraising galas, and live the social life of the rich and famous. These driven women show that money and status are a necessity of life.

Continue reading →

Good girl gone bad

Cecelia Champion Entertainment

BOSTON–Lights, Camera, Action. It’s not Beyonce Knowles; it’s her onstage alter-ego, Sasha Fierce. Knowles adopted the name Sasha Fierce when she is onstage in the spotlight.Knowles is known as an icon, an R&B queen, and the wife of Hip Hop mogul Jay-Z, who also holds the nickname HOV.

For the past year, since Knowles revealed her third solo album I am … Sasha Fierce, the media and fans have questioned who is Sasha Fierce? Why did Beyonce decide to create a double-life concept album?

Knowles’ offstage persona is more difficult to distinguish. Fierce isn’t personable and is never present to do interviews. Fierce is aggressive, outspoken, unafraid, and daring. She is described as an alley cat at night.

Continue reading →

Halloween in Massachusetts

Zach Haber Travel , , ,

BOSTON–Massachusetts is known for its historical political sites, but has a famous spooky side as well.  The famous witch trials occurred here, as well as the pirate legends.  Along with costume stores, haunted houses, and other events, Massachusetts is a fun destination for people of all ages.

Haunted Houses- Where do I go?

The Haunted House at Marshfield Fairgrounds is known to be one of the creepiest places to go during the week of Halloween.  This year’s theme, “Hospital of Horrors” is sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield.  Lots of free kids-and-family activities will be provided from 6-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 30.

For the third year in a row, the East Taunton Kenpo Karate Haunted House will be open.  Originally designed as a dojo, the people of East Taunton transform it into a creepy walk through a haunted house.  With the lights on, the house is open on Sundays from 4-7 p.m. for children, but at 7:00 p.m., the lights go off and the ghosts come out.  ETKK is open in October for two weekends only, Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26, so be sure to stop by because not many places are both a dojo and a haunted house. Continue reading →

Carroll awes audience with “Constantine’s Sword”

Zach Haber Community , , , ,

 BOSTON–James Carroll spoke to Suffolk University students Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2008, about his newly released movie, Constantine’s Sword.  Students and faculty filled the C. Walsh Theatre to see Carroll and his film.

The film touches upon The Roman Emperor Constantine’s conversion to the Christian faith. The film proceeds to illustrate why the Jewish people are held responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.

The movie projected graphic images at times, but the aspects of faith and politics were apparent.  As it opens in Colorado, Mikey Weinstein, an alumnus of the U.S. Air Force Academy, portrays the pestering that his son Casey, a Jewish cadet, experienced by several evangelical Christians.  Other scenes included the Catholic Priest Carroll tracking down the trail of blood that takes him from Crusades to America’s current foreign policy in the Middle East. Continue reading →

My journey as a diabetic

Katlyn Murray Health & Science , , , , ,

BOSTON — I was 13 years old in November 1999 when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes,  a hereditary disease that consists of only 5-10 percent of all cases of diabetes.  It is also something I will live with for the rest of my life.

Coming off the bus that day in the beginning of my seventh grade year, I was ready to go to a doctor’s appointment with my mother, but didn’t know exactly why I was going.  I had been complaining for the previous couple weeks about always being thirsty, constantly going to the bathroom, and not being able to see the board in school as well.  I also lost a little weight, but I wasn’t complaining about that! I didn’t think I was sick, but my mother insisted I see the doctor anyway.  Continue reading →

Fall in love with the new season of handbags

Brittany Jasilli Fashion, Art & Culture

purse.jpg BOSTON–With the arrival of fall, it’s now time to seize the handbag trend defining the season. From luxury, metallic colors, totes, magenta, and chain handles – fall in love with the luxurious designs. If you’re really into fashion you know an outfit isn’t complete without the perfect handbag. It is not all about the logo standbys, but really fun, fresh handbags that will complete your wardrobe. This season we are seeing a major change in handbag trends in higher end and mainstream stores.

The “haute couture” stores such as Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Vera Wang are displaying their purses in colors and shapes they have not shown in the past. For the Fall-Winter season, designers have been in the handbag lab creating the “must-have” bags. The 2008 Gucci collection portrays sophistication at its best with fresh styles that keep it in the forefront of handbag styles. Continue reading →

College induced stress with body image

Alison Mulholland Health & Science, Opinion , , ,

BOSTON — Many college students fear the dreaded “freshman 15” and will go to extreme measures to keep their comfortable, youthful image.  Eating disorders, obsessive gym habits and stresses over body image are all too common with college students.  I, myself, struggled with maintaining my desired physique.

Beer and pizza…Need I say more?  The late night call to Dominos is definitely a popular event in the world of college students; especially those living in dormitories.  The food at my university’s dining hall is repulsive.  Often those cravings for a good delivery pizza take over and afterward I wonder why I gave in to such temptation?

Continue reading →

Follow your dreams

Elise Palmieri Sports , , ,

There comes a time in every one’s life when their hopes and dreams finally come true. For Tom Poti, one of the Washington Capitals’ star defensemen, that day was June 22, 1996.

Destiny found Poti in the 1996 Entry Level Draft for the National Hockey League. He was picked in the third round by the Edmonton Oilers and would be sent to training camp at the end of August.

Born on March 22, 1977 in Worcester, Mass., Poti was a devoted hockey player from the age of seven. He attended St. Peter Marion High School in Worcester for two years, then went to Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Mass., for the remainder of his high school years. Continue reading →

A night of music for a good cause at SU

Jennifer Hoare Entertainment

BOSTON—Suffolk University students recently attended the Kenyan Orphan Benefit Concert, a show in which three local bands played original music to raise money for a good cause. The concert was held in the Donahue Café on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 7 – 10 p.m. and had a turnout of more than 40 guests.

The Kenyan Orphan Benefit Concert was put together by Suffolk alumna Kelly Bates, who has visited Kenya three times to help the children. She is involved with the Bright Futures Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports developing countries by helping citizens obtain healthcare and education.

Bates works with a chapter of the Bright Futures Foundation to provide orphaned children in Kenya with necessary items that benefit both their health and schooling. It also raises money to establish living corridors and schoolhouses for the children. Continue reading →

Boston Public Library sponsors “Food for Fines”

Jennifer Hoare Community , , ,

BOSTON–In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Boston Public Library spent Nov. 1-15 participating in “Food for Fines,” a program that eliminated outstanding library fees for those who made a non-perishable food donation.

Libraries across the U.S. participate in Food for Fines in order to “donate off” their fines while helping fill the shelves of local food banks. This year, all 27 branches of the BPL participated in the program to help raise goods to donate to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters. Continue reading →

A theatre’s take on Twilight

Katlyn Murray Entertainment, Reviews , ,

BOSTON — Stephanie Meyer’s novel, Twilight, came to theatres everywhere on Nov. 21, a long-awaited date according to several readers.  Books turned into movies are generally different from one another, and viewers had much to report on their findings.

Twilight is a story about a girl, Bella, moving to live with her father in one of the rainiest towns in all of the U.S.  An adopted family of vampires resides in this town, trying to mainstream into everyday life as “normal” people.  The two main characters Edward (a vampire), and Bella fall in love with each other and struggle to make their relationship work as two different beings.  It is in Edward’s main interest to protect Bella, which deems to be fairly difficult, as Bella constantly gets herself into trouble. Continue reading →

Sexuality in the media

Avery Hageman Opinion

BOSTON–Over the years, sex appeal has become more apparent in advertisements, movies, and television shows, but has the media taken it too far?

gucci1.jpgProvocative images of women cover television screens and magazine pages everywhere you turn. The National Eating Disorders Association reports that “one out of four TV commercials send some kind of attractiveness message, telling viewers what is and is not attractive.”

“Gossip Girl,” “90210,” and “The OC” are some popular prime-time television shows geared towards teenagers. These shows are entertaining but aren’t very realistic. They don’t teach teens practical views on sexual or moral behavior. The characters are high school students who live lavish lives from the upper east side of Manhattan to the beautiful beaches of Beverly Hills; a high school lifestyle that I doubt many get to enjoy.

These images give teens a false sense of reality, so they try to emulate these fictional characters, who are having promiscuous sex, drinking and dressing provocatively. Continue reading →

Hookah bar is popular hang-out for students

Alaina Spaziani Community, Entertainment, Reviews

ALLSTON, Mass. – Just steps away from Boston University’s campus, hookah bar Nile Lounge is the newest hot-spot for Boston’s 250,000 college students.

Located just over the Allston-Boston border at 70 Brighton Ave., Nile Lounge is a hip, fun, and low-key destination for people of all ages. As the weather gets colder, students are eager to find indoor destinations which cater to thier needs and budgets. Nile Lounge is definately that place, where anyone can be entertained for hours without spending money, and still bond with friends. Contrasted to typical nights out at bars, restaurants, and clubs, it is amazing that hookah lounges did not become popular earlier. Continue reading →

Kiffin firing may be Al Davis’ biggest mistake yet

Zach Haber Sports , , ,

Lane Kiffin was never given the chane to do what he wanted, and always had Al Davis looking over his shoulderWhen owner Al Davis hired USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, most questioned Kiffin’s history as well as his age. Kiffin might have been part of college football’s powerhouse, but he also looked as if he had just graduated from USC.

Now due to the fact that the Raiders are a work in progress and are still not contending after starting over from scratch two years ago, Kiffin will go down as the second Raiders coach to be fired after only a year.

At age 31, Kiffin was the NFL’s youngest coach, but surely did not act like it. Since 2002, the Oakland Raiders have gone through four different coaches, and saying that Kiffin was in for a challenge was an understatement. However, knowing this, Kiffin accepted the job with eagerness to get started and to put the team back on top where they were during the late 1960s, 70s and 80s. Continue reading →

Pruitt proves depth at the point

Zach Haber Sports , , ,

Gabe Pruitt has proved this preseason that he can play with the Big ThreeDrafted 32nd overall by the Celtics in 2007, guard Gabe Pruitt shows he can play with the Big Three as the preseason comes to an end.

Sunday, the Celtics played New Jersey in their seventh preseason game, and Pruitt was given the chance to prove what he can do. Filling in for Rajon Rondo because of an ankle injury, Doc Rivers wanted to see how much depth he had at the point.

Gabe Pruitt, enter stage left. Playing with the Big Three, all Pruitt wanted to do was show Celtic fans that the team has another option besides Rondo. Continue reading →

Trying to walk a mile in his shoes

Michael Wenning Community

On Oct. 17, 2007, disbelief struck the small town of Paducah, Ky.  Josh Heine, the 18-year-old recent graduate of Paducah High School, was seen speeding in his uncle’s stolen Porsche, going in excess of 100 mph.  Suddenly, Heine lost control of the car, sending him off the road and directly into a tree. The force of the collision expelled Heine, who was not wearing his seatbelt, out of the car.

Physical TherapyBy the time paramedics arrived, they believed Heine was not going to make it to the hospital.  He stayed with the paramedics and fought his way to the hospital.  Once there, the doctors immediately began the process of getting him air-lifted to Vanderbilt Hospital in Tennessee; this was halted when they were not able to get him stable enough to be lifted to another hospital.  At this point, doctors already knew of at least 12 broken bones.

Heine had no feeling below his neck, prompting the use of an X-ray.  The results were disturbing; Heine had fractured his C4, C5, and C6 vertebrates, and doctors said he would never walk again.  After undergoing a series of surgeries to help with shattered bones in his arm, Heine was then found to have a broken pelvis and began the use of a catheter. Continue reading →

Pacman is out of power-ups

Michael Wenning Sports

Adam “Pacman” Jones is expected to return to the field this Sunday, Dec. 7, as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Jones, who was suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the League’s Conduct Policy after getting into a fight with his appointed security guard, was also suspended an extra two games by Cowboys’ owner, Jerry Jones.As the player who led the Cowboys in passes defended this season, Jones (Adam) will be an important addition to the team as they look to make their drive to the playoffs.

Although it will be beneficial for the Cowboys to have him back, Jones is well aware of the precarious situation that he finds himself in as a result of his actions.  While this has been the most recent of Jones’ off-field mishaps, he has an ever growing list and police record that NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, took into account as he handed down the suspension.  Continue reading →

Thrills by day, chills by night

Kristen Wright Travel

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–Most holidays seem to lose luster with each passing year, but Fright Fest helps to keep the spirit of Halloween alive with haunted houses and attractions that are scary for any age group.  Even though terror and gore help make any haunted house terrifying, Six Flags uses all around good taste to scare the daylights out of you and your children while keeping everything wholesome.six-flags-fright-fest.jpg“I feel like I’m in a dream,” marveled one adult amusement park devotee donning a complete Superman costume. His eyes lit up as he walked the streets dazed by the various roller coasters, thrill rides, and spooky Halloween themed attractions. He is not alone as families, couples, and children marvel at the diverse attractions Six Flag’s Fright Fest has to offer.

Six Flag’s Fright Fest is held from Sept. 27 – Nov. 2 and hosts activities for all ages. The Haunted Manor, Halloween skits, graveyards set up throughout the park, and the walking dead create a creepy atmosphere. While many areas of the park present Halloween themed props and characters, “Wiggle World” and “Toon-Town” have no Halloween themes to not frighten very young park enthusiasts. Continue reading →

The launch of 3-2-1 Connect

Elise Palmieri Community

BOSTON–In a recent meeting, the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau launched a new program called 3-2-1 Connect designed to attract event planners to coordinate their event in Boston.

In collaboration with the Boston Convention Marketing Center, 3-2-1 Connect links three hotels, two shopping destinations, and one world-class convention center: the Sheraton Boston, Westin Copley, and Marriot Copley hotels, the Prudential Center and the Shops at Copley Place, and the Hynes Convention Center. Continue reading →

The holiday season: Too much too soon?

Carolyn Hessel Opinion

BOSTON–By the time Oct. 31 comes around, most malls and department stores have already completed their Christmas decorating, and Santa is just about ready to sit in his big red chair. But, aren’t the holidays stressful enough without us kicking off the mayhem two months in advance?

We all know there are many different types of shoppers when it comes down to this crucial time of year. There are those who have already completed their shopping by the time Dec. 1 hits, and those who don’t even start shopping until Dec. 23.

Those who start their holiday shopping early, more often than not, go with the understanding they are “beating the rush” and “avoiding lines.” But, there is a certain feeling of holiday cheer when shopping alongside others hearing “Jingle Bells” playing in the background. Continue reading →

Fall Fest: Hit among teens

Brittany Jasilli Community

There are many events that occur at Suffolk University throughout the year, but one of the most celebrated is Fall Fest, a variety show performed every year by Suffolk students showcasing their talents. Fall Fest has been part of Parents’ Weekend at Suffolk for years, providing students a chance to give parents and peers a glimpse into who they are. A number of individual and ensemble acts perform to a theme that changes every year.

This year’s Fall Fest was themed “Going Back to the 80s.” Each performer was dressed in 80s garb and several acts related to that poignant decade. One of these numbers was a Madonna Medley, featuring three performers singing three of Madonna’s greatest hits.

Samantha Hartlen, senior at Suffolk, sung “Like a Virgin” in that medley. “It was so amazing to be a part of the show, especially that act,” said Hartlen. “Madonna’s music was so influential; I mean, her music is still impacting us today.” Continue reading →

Holiday shopping concerns during economic hardship

Kayla Shepherd Features

BOSTON − Temperatures are dropping, wreaths are being hung, Santa’s elves are hard at work and holiday “sale” signs plaster store windows everywhere. Eager shoppers are normally out in full force by this time of year, pacing themselves and their wallets as they shop for the latest gadgets and search for the perfect gift. But how many people have actually begun their holiday shopping? Are sales drawing customers in the way they have in past years?Bargain Shopping Shopping trends seem to be different this year – sales have been running consistently for months, making the holiday discounts insignificant and ineffective. Shoppers aren’t buying the greatest, expensive “perfect” gifts; they’re settling for bargains. Wish lists are being cut in half since many gift-givers don’t even have the credit backing to charge their purchases like they have in the past.

Continue reading →

The Truth Strikes Again

Avery Hageman Features

 truthonhealth.jpg

Paul Pierce, captain for the Boston Celtics, held his 7th annual charity bowling event, “The Truth Strikes Again,” on Monday, Nov.17, 2008, at King’s, a bowling and billiards restaurant/bar located in Boston’s Back Bay. The proceeds of this event go to Pierce’s Truth Fund, which benefits disadvantaged youth in the greater Boston area and in his hometown of Inglewood, Calif., by promoting healthy living and empowerment for children through exercising and eating better, which helps prevent obesity and illnesses resulting from obesity, like diabetes and heart illnesses.

King’s was buzzing with excitement from the moment I walked into the room, two hours before the event was set to kick off. The tickets for this event were $500 and up so you can imagine the enthusiasm we had as volunteers for being part of it for free! I was grouped with the other volunteers who were just as excited and nervous as I was to be there. We were given T-shirts and separated into different jobs including security, welcome wagons, coat check, bowling shoe check, auctioneers, and raffle sales. A sea of green shirts began to fill the rooms from corner to corner as we set up our designated areas. Continue reading →

Celtics look to defend title for first time in 20 years

Matt West Sports

There was a time when the Boston Celtics were so dominant it seemed they won the National Basketball Association Championship every season. With Red Auerbach at the helm, and Bill Russell leading the charge along with countless other all-time-greats, this hallowed city knew nothing of losing. Between 1950 and 1970, the Celtics won 11 rings, and cemented themselves as the most successful organization in all of professional sports.celtics1.jpgHowever, after Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish started a dynasty of their own in the early 80s by winning three championships, the Celtics instantly disappeared into oblivion.

Most of the new generation of fans felt disconnected with this new wave of players, who, ultimately, paled in comparison to the their predecessors. After Bird’s retirement, things looked rather bleak for this once heralded franchise. Continue reading →