First round of NHL playoffs

BOSTON — As all NHL players knows, the playoffs are a long and grueling process, extending from the start of April to mid-June if you make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. All rounds of the playoffs are best of seven series. The players will hook, grab, and really try anything within the rules of the game to reach that final series. For some teams, their playoff pushes began back in February and have been playing at an extremely high level since.

The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs featured very strong teams, all with a chance to make that final push. The match-ups in the Western Conference were Detroit Red Wings/Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks/Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild/ Colorado Avalanche, and the Dallas Stars/ Anaheim Ducks. Continue reading

“Salamander” editor speaks

BOSTON — Jennifer Barber sits at her computer in the cramped Salamander office, located in Suffolk University’s Fenton building. Her computer monitor shows some open windows, most of which seem to be emails – proof that she’s always working hard. As the literary journal’s founder and editor-in-chief, she has to be.Jenny BarberSalamander publishes fiction, poetry, and memoirs for a national and international audience. It celebrated its 15th anniversary last year. Before coming to Suffolk University a few years ago, Barber ran it out of her home. She began thinking about founding a literary journal while she was in graduate school, but it took her about 10 years after completion of her graduate studies to make her dream a reality. Continue reading

Writing as resistance: A lecture by Dr. Bryan Trabold

BOSTON — Most Americans would probably agree that the First Amendment is an integral part of our society. The freedom to express ourselves, to say and do and write what we want within the limits of the law, is what makes America what it is. How would we feel if that right was taken away?Dr. Bryan Trabold

Dr. Bryan Trabold, professor of English at Suffolk University, lived in Cape Town, South Africa, from 1998 to 1999. His study of the Apartheid through the eyes of two South African newspapers of the 1980s, the Weekly Mail and the New Nation, helped to solidify his dedication to honesty through media and bringing the truth to the masses.

Trabold’s lecture, “Writing Space and Resistance in Apartheid South Africa,” which took place at Suffolk University’s Sawyer Library Poetry Center on March 25th, centered around the two newspapers and their rebellion against censorship. The newspapers used unique tactics to publish information that the South African government wanted to hide. They attempted to balance upholding the law with sharing information that they felt citizens had the right to know. Continue reading

HD studio brings new opportunities to Suffolk

BOSTON — As a freshman, Lindsay Pelzar came to Suffolk University as an enthusiastic media major. Although skeptical about the lack of media equipment, Pelzar gave Suffolk the benefit of the doubt in hopes for a better future.

“As a media major, the absence of a studio here was a weakness for the school in my eyes,” Pelzar said. “But I chose Suffolk in hopes that the future would bring new developments.”

Luckily, she was right.

On February 25, 2008, Suffolk University’s Department of Communications and Journalism proudly announced the grand opening of its brand new HD studio. Located at 73 Tremont St. next to the Suffolk Welcome Center, the state-of-the-art studio looks out onto one of the busiest streets of downtown Boston. Continue reading

An uphill battle

HUNTINGTON, NY — Like most boys from Long Island, NY, Stephen Doodian plays lacrosse. Over the last decade and a half, lacrosse has grown on Long Island tenfold and has given many of its youth the opportunity to play Division 1 in prestigious colleges across the United States.

Doodian is no exception to that. He has used lacrosse, and his schooling to be accepted into the Class of 2012 at Hobart and William Smith College in Upstate New York. steve1.jpg

“I just love playing lacrosse, it drives me in so many parts of my life and I am extremely lucky to have some talent in this beautiful game. Also, being a defenseman let’s me knock some guys around, which is always fun,” said Doodian, with a smile.

“Extremely lucky to have some talent” is being modest considering all the hard work that Doodian has put into his talent. From an early age of playing soccer, hockey, basketball and baseball, and excelling at all of them, Doodian decided to put all of his thoughts and effort into the game of lacrosse.

This decision hasn’t been an easy one for Doodian. “Because I am only 5’9,” which is on the shorter side for defensemen, I have had to work harder on my footwork, and speed since that is my advantage over guys who are 6’2” or 6’3.”

And harder he did work. Waking up early on weekends in the summer to work on game-like situations and his speed, staying after practice with coaches working on key fundamentals of the game, or just watching the game and learning how different players at higher levels performed, Doodian is a pure perfectionist. Nothing will make him happy unless it is done right.

For much of his early career, Doodian had been underrated because of his size, missing out on some elite travel teams in the Long Island area. But this never stopped his determination to play at that elite level, if anything it drove him more to work harder to reach his goal.

When it came to high school, it again seemed that Doodian would be short-changed because of his height. But that wasn’t the case. Luckily, he attended St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington, NY, a school that offered three lacrosse teams at the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity level. This allowed Doodian time to grow, get stronger and become faster for the varsity level.

Starting on varsity his junior and senior year, Doodian began getting looks from some major D1 lacrosse schools including Duke, Hobart, Gettysburg, Loyola, and UPenn. His senior year, he led the St. Anthony’s team as Defensive Captain and was named to the “First Team All Catholic Team” on Long Island.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough for the D1 teams to take him seriously, as they were more concerned about his height than his skill. Most teams stopped talking to Doodian once they got commitment from their “taller” recruits, except for Hobart.

Hobart, really lacking a good core defenseman, offered Doodian acceptance if he agreed to do a post-graduate year at a good prep school. This again would give him time to grow and get stronger.

Doodian, now a post-graduate student at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT, is currently playing on the varsity lacrosse team at Hotchkiss on scholarship. Respectively, Doodian has started every game and is a strong defensive leader of the very talented Hotchkiss Bearcats team.

As promised, he received his official acceptance letter from Hobart this past January. He will attend this September and looks to make a strong argument to start as a freshman in the upcoming ’09 season.

Suffolk’s BLC helps students

BOSTON — Having trouble in a class or two? Need accommodations for your learning disability? Where do you go? Stop by the second floor of Donahue. The Ballotti Learning Center is there, and where you can find help.

The Ballotti Learning Center (BLC) is an on-campus resource focused on helping all Suffolk students reach their highest academic potential. The BLC offers programs and services designed for students who want to improve their GPA, learn new study techniques, better understand particular subject material, and utilize their time more effectively. Continue reading

Goodwin amplified

BOSTON — It was dark out when Keith Goodwin’s career was on the line. Growing up in a business where record labels signed and abandoned him several times, life had spun full circle again.

With the new formation of his band Good Old War, Goodwin controlled the stage with an authoritative presence. His modest personality caused his voice to quiver over the amplifier. He picked up his guitar, rested it on his right leg and bellowed a loud note. The crowd was silent. Everyone was paying attention. Fan approval meant life or death for Goodwin and his new project. Continue reading

An unsung hero at Suffolk University

BOSTON — One of the most ambitious and active students at Suffolk University will be graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology this May.

carlye2.jpgIn three weeks, Caryle Crosby’s hectic schedule will no longer be the same. Her roles as president of program council, residential assistant, orientation leader and scholar will be passed onto another student. She will no longer be a Suffolk University student but a Suffolk University alumna.

Crosby, 21, is prepared for the real world after college thanks to her many leadership involvements at Suffolk University.

Crosby grew up in a small town in Scituate, RI where she attended North Scituate Elementary School from preschool to the 4th grade. She moved to Connecticut as a result of her parents’ divorce. She returned to Scituate her junior year of high school and graduated in 2004. Continue reading

College students are staying past their welcome

istock_000004671189small11.jpgBOSTON — It’s not often that you hear someone say “after college, I want to move back in with my parents,” yet that is what most college students are faced with upon graduating.

Known as Boomerang kids, adultolescents, and B2B (Back to Bedroom), the number of adults who return home after college has steadily increased since the 1970s. The high cost of housing and the unavailability of jobs with good benefits are causing young adults to find it more and more difficult to avoid the trap of moving back home with their parents. Continue reading

Young women pay attention to surroundings

BOSTON — Sara Smith, a 19-year-old sophomore at University of Massachusetts Amherst had just transferred to the University’s Boston location. Excited to come to the city, she quickly picked up some necessities for her first apartment and moved in with a friend from her home state of Connecticut, Sherry Johnson.

Smith immediately felt safe and at home, but that soon changed. Continue reading

The Big 2-1

BOSTON — She has been waiting 20 years, 364 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds for this very moment. Three, two, one, here it is. Now her life is exactly what she wanted it to be.

katie-drunk.jpgCaitlin Anne Julia Sullivan is now officially a 21-year-old junior at Suffolk University. Born February 13, 1987, she felt like she was never going to turn 21.

Counting down the days, she remembers starting when she was only 18. “I remember turning 18 and 19 and not caring at all about my birthday, just waiting and wanting to turn 21,” says Sullivan. Continue reading

International students part of Suffolk community

BOSTON — There are many international students at universities across the United States who have left behind families and friends in order to make a better life for themselves through resources offered in U.S. schools. Building a new life in the U.S. proves to be difficult for many of them, but most hope to earn degrees and be first generation graduates from college.

Paco De Aubeyzon, a sophomore at Suffolk University from Peru, says he is very thankful his parents were able to give him the opportunity to come and study in the U.S. Therefore, he hopes to do the best he can while studying here. “I hope that when I get my degree from the business school here that I’m able to find a well paying job that I can be proud of.” Continue reading

Growing popularity of fake IDs

BOSTON — Criminal impersonation and forgery have one thing in common…they are both crimes millions of college students are committing. More and more underage college students are purchasing fake identification cards or even another person’s license. What they do not realize is that they are committing an actual felony which could put them in jail.

Binge drinking and “bar hopping” is the typical scene for the average under-age college student. This is more common in urban areas where many bars and clubs are located. Suffolk University, Boston College, Emerson, and Northeastern University are some of the major colleges in which students own fake IDs. Continue reading

Tough start for club hockey team

BOSTON — The Suffolk Club Hockey Team is off to a rough start in their second season after dropping their second straight game out of the last three. The Rams played the Berklee Icecats, who played a fundamentally sound game.

Unfortunately, the Rams were missing many key players due a scheduling mistake made by the league. With only eight skaters and a goalie, far below normal for a team to keep a competitive edge, Suffolk looked tired and unfocused in the second period. Continue reading

New artist in Boston

BOSTON — The music industry isn’t an easy industry to break into. It takes time, money, and pure determination for any artists to make their mark. Trying to make this mark is Matt Lowell and his band. But with a new four-song EP due out this summer, the band hopes to make an impact.

The band consists of Matt Lowell on lead vocals and guitar, Sam Wagner on drums, Garret Lynch on bass and Mark Cocheo on guitar. These four artists go under the name of Matt Lowell. Continue reading

Hair-pullers: Suffering in silence

BOSTON — When I was in high school, I never left the house without a pair of tweezers nestled comfortably in my purse. The fear that I would need them but that they wouldn’t be there greatly outweighed any anxiety or embarrassment I felt regarding the reason for carrying them; all that mattered was that they were easily-accessible when I felt the urge to pull.

In tenth grade, I was diagnosed with an impulse-control disorder called trichotillomania, commonly referred to as “TTM” or “trich.” This psychological condition is described by the American Psychiatric Association as “the recurrent pulling of one’s own hair with the potential for considerable hair loss.” As a 15-year-old struggling with depression, social anxiety, and a group of friends who related to and supported her destructive behavior, a diagnosis like this was not particularly surprising – I actually sort of wanted there to be something wrong with me so that I would have a reason, an excuse, to feel what I felt and do what I did. Continue reading

Stress — You are not alone in America

BOSTON — Millions of Americans share the same psychological symptoms of experiencing irritability and anger, feelings of nervousness, lack of energy, and emotional outbursts every day. Americans live in a society that is constantly changing, incredibly fast paced, and competitive.

Every day, people are challenged with the responsibilities of work, family, school and personal relationships, as well as sudden changes in their lives, such as the loss of a job, a loved one’s death, a new relationship, or the birth of a child.

The high expectations and constant change in this society have caused great physical and mental stress on a person interfering with personal lives, professional lives, sleep patterns, eating habits, and health.

Continue reading

Questioning the customs of Valentine’s Day

BOSTON — Every year on February 14th, millions of Americans exchange sugary candy, colorful flowers, and squishy stuffed animals in order to show loved ones just how much they care. College students are skeptical about the importance of Valentine’s Day, yet many still participate in the traditional customs that come with this classic day of love. Sometimes referred to as the most romantic day of the year, and other times as “singles awareness day,” there is no question that this holiday is certainly controversial.

“Valentine’s Day is overrated,” said Dennis Gabriel, a single sophomore at Suffolk University. “I never actually did anything for Valentine’s Day, I don’t think it’s a big deal. I guess if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend you’ll go along with it, but, I don’t know, it’s just another reason to do things, just another excuse to celebrate.” Continue reading

Hair actor Bryan Daley is no stranger to performance

BOSTON — “I was always being annoying and singing Disney songs.” And so began 19-year-old Bryan Daley’s theatrical journey.

Daley, a sophomore at Suffolk University, is currently performing in the Suffolk Theater Department’s production of Hair: the American Tribal Rock-Love Musical. Hair depicts the era of the Vietnam War, and the youthful hippies who fought so hard for their bohemian lifestyle and against the war. Daley’s role, Berger, is a challenging role, one that is both dynamic and extremely demanding.

“Berger is a big cynic, but very sincere at the same time,” said Daley. Continue reading

A heartfelt ‘Thank You’

BRIGHTON, Mass. — After five years of making music, The Wandas recently took their musical career to the next level. Over a span of two days, the four band mates worked together to create their very own music video for their latest single, ‘Thank You Note.’

The upbeat lyrics describe how the band received family, friends and new people into their Brighton home. Keith McEachern, Brent Battery, Pete McElholm and Ross Lucivero welcomed anyone and everyone into their home to take part in their debut music video.

As soon as I walked in the door I was warmly welcomed by McElhom, the band’s lively drummer. Though I only came to cover the shoot, he convinced me to be an extra in the video along with 100 others. Continue reading

Interior design, more than just a career

juneericsonphoto.jpgBOSTON — Walking into 326 A Street in Boston, Mass., you realize right away that this is not your typical office. Twelve desks, cluttered with fabric samples, colored pencils, Diet Cokes, drawings, legends, and schedules are immersed in the mess. Suffolk interns with stressful looks on their faces are bustling about, crossing paths with each other as they try to make their deadlines.

Directing the scene, making sure that everyone knows what they are supposed to be doing, and when to get it done by, is an energetic and stylishly dressed redhead named June Ericson. Continue reading

Hippies in the south

BOSTON — The 7th annual Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival will take place June 12-15, 2008 in Coffee County, Tenn. The festival, held on a 700-acre farm, is presented by Superfly Productions and AC Entertainment. Along with its wide-range of musical performances, this year’s Bonnaroo contains many extra activities to keep the attention of any wandering hippie. Continue reading

Tuition increase does not go unnoticed

BOSTON — Suffolk University recently increased its tuition and dorm rates in order to compete with other Boston institutions. Students were notified on Feb. 14, 2008 via e-mail by the university’s president David J. Sargent. The increase will be instituted for the 2008-2009 school year.

Undergraduate students will pay $25,850 a year due to the 7% increase in tuition, according to an e-mail sent out by Sargent, Suffolk’s president. Law students’ tuition also inflated from the 7% increase in tuition. Students who attend the law school during the day will be charged $38,070, and night students will be charged $28,552. Continue reading

War: What is it good for?

070115-n-0780f-005.jpgBOSTON — Americans are asking, “Exactly what are we doing in Iraq and when will our troops come home?” Truth be told, no one knows, not even George W. Bush.

The conflict between the United States and the sovereign nation of Iraq has been underway for just over five years with no sign of resolution in sight. A vicious cycle of military escalation followed by withdrawal and re-escalation in face of renewed violence has left Americans in the impossible position of explaining to itself and the global community the value of our continuing involvement.

The events of September 11, 2001 served as the catalyst for the initial war on terrorism. Exploiting the fear of additional terrorist campaigns on American soil, Bush whipped Americans into a frenzy, manufacturing the fuel needed to sanction direct attacks on Iraqi soil. American and international troops were quickly mobilized. Baghdad fell several months later, followed by a complete removal of Saddam Hussein’s political power on April 10th, 2003. Continue reading

The Gibson Girl: Re-drawing identity

BOSTON — “You belong simply because you are,” said Valerie, the character of an African American teenager in the play, The Gibson Girl. Valerie struggles with her self-image and sense of belonging. Only after studying the works of famous writers, such as Nikki Giovanni and Langston Hughes, did she become empowered and self-assured about her place in the world.

The theme of belonging is central in The Gibson Girl, written by Kirsten Greenidge and directed by Victoria Marsh. The play premiered at the Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre, 539 Tremont St., Boston, on March 14-April 5, 2008. The audience was packed with people from all sexes, ages, races, and socio-economic levels, waiting to experience the captivating message of the play. Continue reading

Fashion designer Christina Defalco puts Boston in her designs

BOSTON — Local fashion designer Christina Defalco is known for taking her love of Boston and including it in her unique clothing designs. Many people associate the name Christina Defalco with the cute hand- studded Swarovski crystal T-shirts clad with pictures of Fenway stadium and other Boston trademarks, seen on many women after they have purchased an original Christina Defalco design.

Christina Defalco won The Improper Bostonian’s Boston’s Best Award for Fashion: Urban Chic Boutique for 2005, along with many other fashion awards and mentions. The Christina Defalco boutique, located on 343 Hanover Street in Boston’s North End, had been the longest standing boutique in the North End until the boutique’s recent closing. Defalco felt her designs would flourish more online and possibly on Newbury Street in Boston. Continue reading

Fenton building maintains historic look

BOSTON — The Fenton building, located at 32 Derne St. in Boston, Mass., is in need of renovations, according to Suffolk University students. This historic building, named after Suffolk University Law School alumnus Judge John E. Fenton, had its last complete renovation in 1975 upon the buildings’ purchase by Suffolk University, according to Suffolk University Archives.Suffolk University Fenton Bulding

The six-story commercial space directly across from the north end of the State House was originally built in 1913.

In the early 70s, the building was purchased by Suffolk University in order to make room for the growing Colleges of Liberal Arts and Business Administration.

Prior to the renovation and dedication of the Fenton building in 1975, many of the undergraduate classes were held in different small properties that were scattered across the North Slope of Beacon Hill. The new expansion allowed Suffolk University to create more classrooms and office spaces.

Judge John E. Fenton, a native of Lawrence, Mass., graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 1924 and then he served on the Massachusetts Land Court for many years while maintaining a watch over Suffolk University as a member of the Board of Trustees. In 1965, Fenton was appointed President of Suffolk University. Fenton remained the University’s president until 1970. Continue reading

HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical

BOSTON — The year was 1968. The Vietnam War was in full swing, along with an emerging American culture built on the principles of love, peace, and political protest. This culture was defined by a radical group known as hippies; their hair was long, their clothes were tie-dyed iridescent shades of the rainbow, and their symbol was the peace sign.

The movement spread world-wide, but was most active in large cities such as New York. Within this innovative society in New York City’s East Greenwich Village, the story of HAIR: the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical unfolded. Continue reading

The Wandas

The WandasBRIGHTON, Mass. — Just three years ago, The Wandas completed their band with the addition of a permanent bassist. Two albums and countless shows later, the guys have managed to become a local success in both the Boston and Worcester areas. With a new music video under their belt, they see it only as the beginning.

It all began five years ago when high school buddies Keith McEachern and Pete McElholm met Brent Battery at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, the three music buffs joined forces to create the beginning of The Wandas band. Continue reading

Alternative Spring Break ’08

BOSTON — While most college students travel to a tropical location like the Bahamas or Mexico for their Spring Break to party, a select 40 applicants chose to make a positive difference for others during their Spring Break.

At a reunion type event, The S.O.U.L.S. group hosted an information session on the trips they took. Traveling on what they call ‘Alternative Spring Break,’ the students went to two destinations, one in Waveland, Mississippi and the other to El Paso, Texas, where these 40 students split up to help communities in need. Continue reading

A performing art lover’s dream

BROCKTON, Mass. — Have you ever heard of a person becoming an institution in what they help create? Carol Thomas, 67, has become an institution of the theater arts variety. She has become a legend. In Brockton, Mass., the city many call the City of Champions, Thomas’ tenure lasted 35 years. With her help, Brockton’s Drama program flourished.

Carol Thomas is a life-long resident of Brockton. She attended elementary and junior high school there and later graduated from Brockton High School in 1959. As a child, she was always interested in the arts, and that interest followed her in her formative years.

After graduating college, Thomas came back to her beloved Brockton and began to teach at West Junior High School. In 1971, everything began to happen in succession for her. She, along with Thomas Richards, produced the musical Brigadoon, which then led to a decades-long foundation for theater arts in Brockton. That same year, she established the Brockton High School Drama Club. Continue reading

Best Buddies Togetherness Dinner hopes to open eyes

BOSTON — On April 1, 2008 from 6-9 p.m., Donahue’s 4th floor was alive with laughter and the smell of great food, as Best Buddies held the Togetherness Dinner in combination with Unity Week 2008 at Suffolk University on Tuesday. Including a free family-style dinner for all that attended, along with dancing, arts & crafts, games, and most importantly stories from the buddies, the event was eye opening for many who attended, and proved to be another great memory for best buddies members and buddies alike.

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization on the Suffolk University campus that enhances the lives of those with mental disabilities. Run by volunteers, the dedicated members of Best Buddies host many events, like the Togetherness Dinner, where students and buddies can build friendships and become important parts of each other’s lives. Continue reading

President Sargent fosters Suffolk’s major growth

BOSTON — Since David J. Sargent became president in 1989, Suffolk University has been through tremendous growth, changing from a small commuter-based institution into a flourishing and urban university serving students across the country and around the world.Under President Sargent’s administration, there have been a number of major additions to the Suffolk community. One of these additions is the campuses in Madrid, Spain and Dakar, Senegal, as well as three satellite campuses in Massachusetts. Students are able to take advantage of these locations, as many Suffolk students choose to study abroad.

Trish Ayer, a freshman at Suffolk University, intends to study at the Madrid campus next year. “I am thrilled about studying in Madrid next semester,” Ayer said. “The campus there offers Suffolk students such an easy way to study abroad, while keeping on track with their credits and university hours.” Continue reading

Rams go unmatched

BOSTON — Suffolk University’s premier a capella group, The Ramifications, finished up the year with a fantastic festival of song this past Friday evening, along with three other a capella groups from neighboring universities.

The Rams held their annual A Capella Festival in the C. Walsh Theater, along with Northeastern University’s Distilled Harmony, and Boston University’s In Achord and Allegrettos.

The popular groove, Ready to Go, by Republica, was the first song of the night, featuring the lovely and edgy voice of Kaitlyn Flynn as soloist. The Ramifications started off the evening with an enthusiastic tone, as well as with a touch of class; all were dressed to the nines in an array of dazzling black outfits. Continue reading

PAO brings condemned to life

BOSTON — Suffolk University’s Performing Arts Office recently presented its Pioneer Performance Series, The Exonerated, which brought to life the tragedy of innocent inmates on death row.

As the play began, lights came up upon the entire cast sitting in chairs upon a multitude of levels on stage. The play went on to follow the story of six people–Kerry Max Cook, Gary Gauger, Sonia “Sunny” Jacobs, David Keaton, Delbert Tibbs and Robert Earl Hayes—all who were wrongly convicted of capital murderer charges and sentenced to death row.

In 2000, the authors of the play, Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, attended an anti-death penalty conference at Columbia University. It was this experience that led them to write The Exonerated. They interviewed sixty people from different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, locations, and religions. But all had spent time on death row, and all were innocent. Continue reading

A star is born

BOSTON — As basketball players go, Mario Chalmers height is less than notable. Standing at just 6’1″, Chalmers is undersized for an off-guard, and most of his Kansas teammates tower above him.

But when it comes to shooting the ball, Chalmers plays bigger than his height. With a 66% true shooting percentage, combined with a tenacious defensive stance, he has risen above the pack in this year’s NCAA tournament. Continue reading

More detail cops leads to safer night life environment in Faneuil Hall

BOSTON — What starts out to be an enjoyable and entertaining night with friends comes to an abrupt ending full of drunk violence. The typical scene for after hours in Faneuil Hall on weekend nights is full of belligerent drunks starting unnecessary and dangerous fights for insignificant reasons.6iqp46ca6xkbhoca196jwocaen409zcak86najcarbnso7caaqtqk4camcq0x9caqtn7mcca76l08xcaj1oeqfcarmx2lycao10i25cayfe7e0ca8lm40wcak3te9kcadwll3pcatpabu7ca8wofa2cafpet76.jpgWith the increasingly violent behavior outside bars in Faneuil Hall, more detail cops have been assigned to work on Friday and Saturday nights. Last Friday, February 22, four detail cops were on duty. Two worked on foot while two drove around in a paddy wagon. Previously, only two detail cops worked the weekend nights; one in car and one on foot.

“It’s not the best job in the world to have to deal with drunks all night long, but there are more of us working now to help make Faneuil Hall a safer and controlled environment,” said Boston Police Officer, Joe Garady.

Continue reading

A race to the finish in the wild wild west

BOSTON — As we’re entering the end of the 2007-2008 NBA regular season, much attention is being placed on the Western Conference playoff race. Many are wondering who will come out on top and who will fall through the cracks. With only a few weeks away from seasons end, there hasn’t been one team to clinch a spot, while the Eastern Conference already has half of the teams in the playoffs.

What does this mean? The end of the regular season is going to be a race to the finish between the top teams in the Western Conference. This is the first time in NBA history that no team has clinched the playoffs this late in the season. Continue reading

Combating diversity with bearhugs

BOSTON — What would you do if you were asked to hug two complete strangers? That’s exactly what audience members attending Suffolk’s presentation, “Discussing Diversity with Ruthie Alcaide from MTV’s “The Real World: Hawaii” had to do.

After being asked to “find two people you have never met, and then give them both big bear hugs,” the audience giggled nervously and then shared awkward pats on the back.

This discussion took place on Tuesday, March 25, as a part of Suffolk University’s “Unity Week .” Ruthie Alcaide, from MTV’s infamous TV show “The Real World: Hawaii,” came to Suffolk to talk about acceptance and diversity. Continue reading