Kansas 85, Boston College 60 F
Boston College’s nationally televised ESPN match up against Kansas this Saturday gave the Eagles a much needed opportunity to sound off on the national stage. But instead of the roar they had hoped to make before entering the ACC portion of their schedule, they were lucky to have registered a whisper in the ears of the pollsters.
Coming in with a number 3 ranking nationally, Kansas’s reputation was cemented; however, its victory stemmed not from its likely source, all-american junior forward Brandon Rush (12 points), but from the strong interior play of forward Darrell Arthur (22 points and 7 rebounds) and center Darnell Jackson (25 points and 9 rebounds). The combination of Arthur and Jackson had BC’s post defenders, mainly senior centers Tyrelle Blair and John Oates, hanging on for dear life as the two Kansas forwards helped the Jayhawks pull away in the second half.
BC’s effort was led by the guard play of junior Tyrese Rice (20 points) and freshman Rakim Sanders (21 points). It was Rice early who with an 18 point first half helped the Eagles stay competitive right until halftime. But with growing foul trouble, which forced Rice to spend over 7 minutes of the second half on the bench, Kansas constant ability to score in the paint couldn’t be overcome even with Sander’s slick shooting. Kansas’s lead which BC had cut to 14 with 8 minutes left quickly ballooned to 25 before the final whistle.
Speed, defense, and Kansas’s deep bench were too much for the Eagles as the game went on. Led defensively by the ball-hawking play of guard Mario Chalmers, Chalmers made BC freshman guard Biko Paris look overmatched in Paris’s first step on to the national stage.
The game, which was sold out, did not have the feel one could expect that brought a national championship contender to the Heights. The void of excitement that students, who are on winter break, left was not filled by those who were in attendance.
For a game that BC was not expected to win, a loss does not set back their season drastically; however, the margin of defeat, 25 points, eliminated any opportunity for their national image to grow.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
A Double Date in New Hampshire
For anyone brave enough to sit through nearly four hours of debate coverage on ABC Saturday night, I commend you. For those who didn’t, here are some thoughts concerning both the Republican and Democratic debates.
Republicans:
The candidate clearly in the cross hairs of every Republican this night was former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Mitt’s trademark cool was tested time and time again and by the end of the night Romney was clearly damaged. Relying on a plea to his fellow Republicans to stay on the issues, Romney tried to deflect unsuccessfully other GOP hopeful’s assaults towards his tendency to change his mind on issues. Romney’s lead in New Hampshire has evaporated and now he is tied or losing to Arizona Senator John McCain in most polls. Saturday did nothing to stop the bleeding for Romney.
Governor Mike Huckabee and Senator John McCain were most successful in their swipes at Romney. The tag team of Huckabee and McCain tried to portray Romney as the candidate of change; however, unfortunately for Romney change referred more to flip-flopping than visionary ideas.
While the clearest results of the Republican debate was a weakening of Romney’s floundering campaign, both McCain and Huckabee came out with the most gained from Saturday. McCain’s gains are likely to help him more in the short term as he is locked in a neck-and-neck battle with Romney for the top spot in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary.
Former Senator Fred Thompson was able to score points throughout the debate but more so in terms of the contrasts he drew from Congressman Ron Paul, the radical in the Republican grouping, than from any actual accomplishments himself. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani maintained his focus on continuing to be tough on terror and pro offense against radical Islam; however, his decision to largely skip the early primaries and focus on later states, namely Florida’s January 29 primary, continue to make his presence more that of a spectator than a competitor.
Democrats:
Hillary Clinton, dictating the pace more than any other candidate, seems to have won Saturday’s debate; however, more in the form of a split decision than a knock out. Clinton was successful in answering Senator Obama and Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards claims that they were best to lead because of their focus on change by countering that a resume of change trumps mere calls for change.
Constantly recalling her 35-years of experience in public service, Clinton tried to draw the contrast between herself, Obama, and Edwards as that of those willing to talk and those willing to roll up their sleeves and work. While this tactic was successful and this night made Clinton the victor, her debate performance is unlikely to single-handedly bring her victory on Tuesday.
What has made Obama successful, a strong personal story and refusal to get mixed up in political bickering, is what likely lost Obama Saturday’s debate. And while a refusal to mix it up may loose points on a debate scorecard, it has not damaged in the least bit the wave of momentum that Obama road into and out of Iowa.
John Edwards, returning time and time again to his passionate cry for change, finds his populist message muffled by both Clinton and Obama. On this night, Edwards was clearly the most energetic of the four candidates, however, his message of change has been added late in his political career and never packs as much punch as Obama’s does. Edwards who trails Clinton and Obama by more than ten points in all New Hampshire polls is hoping for an Obama victory in New Hampshire and a position as chief competition for Obama going into the January 15 South Carolina primary.
Republicans:
The candidate clearly in the cross hairs of every Republican this night was former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Mitt’s trademark cool was tested time and time again and by the end of the night Romney was clearly damaged. Relying on a plea to his fellow Republicans to stay on the issues, Romney tried to deflect unsuccessfully other GOP hopeful’s assaults towards his tendency to change his mind on issues. Romney’s lead in New Hampshire has evaporated and now he is tied or losing to Arizona Senator John McCain in most polls. Saturday did nothing to stop the bleeding for Romney.
Governor Mike Huckabee and Senator John McCain were most successful in their swipes at Romney. The tag team of Huckabee and McCain tried to portray Romney as the candidate of change; however, unfortunately for Romney change referred more to flip-flopping than visionary ideas.
While the clearest results of the Republican debate was a weakening of Romney’s floundering campaign, both McCain and Huckabee came out with the most gained from Saturday. McCain’s gains are likely to help him more in the short term as he is locked in a neck-and-neck battle with Romney for the top spot in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary.
Former Senator Fred Thompson was able to score points throughout the debate but more so in terms of the contrasts he drew from Congressman Ron Paul, the radical in the Republican grouping, than from any actual accomplishments himself. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani maintained his focus on continuing to be tough on terror and pro offense against radical Islam; however, his decision to largely skip the early primaries and focus on later states, namely Florida’s January 29 primary, continue to make his presence more that of a spectator than a competitor.
Democrats:
Hillary Clinton, dictating the pace more than any other candidate, seems to have won Saturday’s debate; however, more in the form of a split decision than a knock out. Clinton was successful in answering Senator Obama and Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards claims that they were best to lead because of their focus on change by countering that a resume of change trumps mere calls for change.
Constantly recalling her 35-years of experience in public service, Clinton tried to draw the contrast between herself, Obama, and Edwards as that of those willing to talk and those willing to roll up their sleeves and work. While this tactic was successful and this night made Clinton the victor, her debate performance is unlikely to single-handedly bring her victory on Tuesday.
What has made Obama successful, a strong personal story and refusal to get mixed up in political bickering, is what likely lost Obama Saturday’s debate. And while a refusal to mix it up may loose points on a debate scorecard, it has not damaged in the least bit the wave of momentum that Obama road into and out of Iowa.
John Edwards, returning time and time again to his passionate cry for change, finds his populist message muffled by both Clinton and Obama. On this night, Edwards was clearly the most energetic of the four candidates, however, his message of change has been added late in his political career and never packs as much punch as Obama’s does. Edwards who trails Clinton and Obama by more than ten points in all New Hampshire polls is hoping for an Obama victory in New Hampshire and a position as chief competition for Obama going into the January 15 South Carolina primary.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Emmet's Earns Passing Grade
Emmet’s Pub and Restaurant, 9 Beacon St, Boston – 3/5
Often overshadowed by some of Beacon Hill’s other more famous watering holes, Emmet’s Pub and Restaurant serves as a sturdy option to hoist one’s dinner plans upon.
Emmet’s which lies just steps from the Boston Common and Massachusetts Statehouse offers its customers a limited menu full of tasty options.
Staying true to traditional pub fare, Emmet’s strengths lie in its sandwiches. Paramount amongst the sandwiches options is their herb grilled maple balsamic chicken wrap. The wrap, that is accompanied with tomatoes, pears, and blue cheese crumbles, provides diners a delicious medley of flavors that leaves you wanting more. The blackened chicken Caesar wrap also provides diners a hardy portion of chicken mixed with flavorful dressing. The fries are passable but could seemingly be found in one of countless pubs in Boston.
The wait staff at Emmet’s is polite albeit slow. Emmet’s decor is simple but provides its customers a lively atmosphere that echoes with traditional rock music.
If you are in the mood for yet another option on your Beacon Hill dining map Emmet’s is sure to satisfy, not thrill.
Often overshadowed by some of Beacon Hill’s other more famous watering holes, Emmet’s Pub and Restaurant serves as a sturdy option to hoist one’s dinner plans upon.
Emmet’s which lies just steps from the Boston Common and Massachusetts Statehouse offers its customers a limited menu full of tasty options.
Staying true to traditional pub fare, Emmet’s strengths lie in its sandwiches. Paramount amongst the sandwiches options is their herb grilled maple balsamic chicken wrap. The wrap, that is accompanied with tomatoes, pears, and blue cheese crumbles, provides diners a delicious medley of flavors that leaves you wanting more. The blackened chicken Caesar wrap also provides diners a hardy portion of chicken mixed with flavorful dressing. The fries are passable but could seemingly be found in one of countless pubs in Boston.
The wait staff at Emmet’s is polite albeit slow. Emmet’s decor is simple but provides its customers a lively atmosphere that echoes with traditional rock music.
If you are in the mood for yet another option on your Beacon Hill dining map Emmet’s is sure to satisfy, not thrill.
Juno Jolts Viewers to Both Laugh and Think
Juno (In theatres now) 4/5
Fox Searchlight Pictures is pitching its newest theater release, Juno, as being a “comedy about growing up...and the bumps along the way.” And while the “bumps” Juno addresses are becoming more and more familiar to modern America, its focus, teen pregnancy, will seem unfamiliar as a central plot to the average movie-goer.
It is this dilemma, the struggle between staying true to its comedic nature while honestly and credibly addressing the emerging issue of teen pregnancy that Juno is forced to skillfully weave itself between. And its success is unquestionable.
Juno MacGuff, an ironic, quick-tongued, high school junior, is played to perfection by Ellen Page. Juno is impregnated by her best friend and on-again-off-again boyfriend, Paulie Bleeker, played by Michael Cera. The question for Juno quickly becomes whether or not to keep her impending new born. Juno’s subsequent decision to offer the child for adoption is quickly answered by Vanessa and Mark Loring, played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman.
It is the contrast that these two couples as well as Mr. and Mrs. MacGuff played by J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney make amongst the three couples that this movie derives its greatest strength. The contrasts drawn from the spectrum of relationships stretching from the teenage couple, to the newly weds, all the way to the seasoned duo of Mr. and Mrs. MacGuff, carry with them many comedic moments and poignant scenes that are most populated by Janney’s portrayal of Mrs. MacGuff. Janney, most well known for her role as White House Press Secretary, C.J., on the hit NBC drama, The West Wing, brilliantly pulls off the role of step-mom turned pregnancy coach with alternating moments of sincerity and lightness.
Juno is an original, funny, and thoughtful comedy for the New Year. It is at the very least fully deserving of its three Golden Globe nominations—if not more.
Fox Searchlight Pictures is pitching its newest theater release, Juno, as being a “comedy about growing up...and the bumps along the way.” And while the “bumps” Juno addresses are becoming more and more familiar to modern America, its focus, teen pregnancy, will seem unfamiliar as a central plot to the average movie-goer.
It is this dilemma, the struggle between staying true to its comedic nature while honestly and credibly addressing the emerging issue of teen pregnancy that Juno is forced to skillfully weave itself between. And its success is unquestionable.
Juno MacGuff, an ironic, quick-tongued, high school junior, is played to perfection by Ellen Page. Juno is impregnated by her best friend and on-again-off-again boyfriend, Paulie Bleeker, played by Michael Cera. The question for Juno quickly becomes whether or not to keep her impending new born. Juno’s subsequent decision to offer the child for adoption is quickly answered by Vanessa and Mark Loring, played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman.
It is the contrast that these two couples as well as Mr. and Mrs. MacGuff played by J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney make amongst the three couples that this movie derives its greatest strength. The contrasts drawn from the spectrum of relationships stretching from the teenage couple, to the newly weds, all the way to the seasoned duo of Mr. and Mrs. MacGuff, carry with them many comedic moments and poignant scenes that are most populated by Janney’s portrayal of Mrs. MacGuff. Janney, most well known for her role as White House Press Secretary, C.J., on the hit NBC drama, The West Wing, brilliantly pulls off the role of step-mom turned pregnancy coach with alternating moments of sincerity and lightness.
Juno is an original, funny, and thoughtful comedy for the New Year. It is at the very least fully deserving of its three Golden Globe nominations—if not more.
Iowa and beyond
Well we are nearly twelve hours removed from what was a very close and exciting Iowa Caucus. After I was able to digest and begin to understand the format of a caucus, I found the night’s activities to be very interesting, however, the impact of Iowa moving forward is still unclear.
Here is my quick list of “winners” and “losers” from Iowa:
Winners:
Gov. Mike Huckabee – The governor had to win Iowa to remain viable and this is exactly what he did. The margin, roughly ten points, was even more impressive than the victory itself. Huckabee’s victory does not make him the national front-runner for his party’s nomination; however, without Iowa Huckaby was done.
Sen. Barack Obama – Barack did not have to win Iowa in order to stay in the race, however, his victory positions him with a slight edge as front-runner for his party’s nomination. Barack’s margin of victory, nearly seven points over Edwards and Clinton, should serve him well as he moves forward and tries to cut into and hopefully overcome Clinton’s approximately six point lead in the Granite State.
Sen. Fred Thompson – Thursday afternoon was full of rumors of Thompson’s impending withdrawal from the race that was supposedly to be followed by an endorsement of Sen. John McCain. With a third place finish, Thompson can put these plans on hold and he should remain viable at least through South Carolina.
Losers:
Sen. John Edwards – Iowa will serve as the effective death blow to Edwards’s chances in 2008. Edwards plan this whole cycle was to win in Iowa and use the momentum from this to win later contests. Edwards has enough money to stay in the contest but his chances of becoming the Democrat’s nominee are over.
Gov. Mitt Romney – Romney did not have to win Iowa but he did have to split in Iowa and New Hampshire. Last night’s defeat forces Romney to now win New Hampshire or run the risk of becoming irrelevant. With John McCain’s growing momentum in New Hampshire this will be no easy task.
Sen. Hillary Clinton – Hillary did not have to win Iowa, however, it was her hope to place second. A third place finish may take momentum away from Clinton and make the defense of her dwindling lead in New Hampshire even more difficult.
Here is my quick list of “winners” and “losers” from Iowa:
Winners:
Gov. Mike Huckabee – The governor had to win Iowa to remain viable and this is exactly what he did. The margin, roughly ten points, was even more impressive than the victory itself. Huckabee’s victory does not make him the national front-runner for his party’s nomination; however, without Iowa Huckaby was done.
Sen. Barack Obama – Barack did not have to win Iowa in order to stay in the race, however, his victory positions him with a slight edge as front-runner for his party’s nomination. Barack’s margin of victory, nearly seven points over Edwards and Clinton, should serve him well as he moves forward and tries to cut into and hopefully overcome Clinton’s approximately six point lead in the Granite State.
Sen. Fred Thompson – Thursday afternoon was full of rumors of Thompson’s impending withdrawal from the race that was supposedly to be followed by an endorsement of Sen. John McCain. With a third place finish, Thompson can put these plans on hold and he should remain viable at least through South Carolina.
Losers:
Sen. John Edwards – Iowa will serve as the effective death blow to Edwards’s chances in 2008. Edwards plan this whole cycle was to win in Iowa and use the momentum from this to win later contests. Edwards has enough money to stay in the contest but his chances of becoming the Democrat’s nominee are over.
Gov. Mitt Romney – Romney did not have to win Iowa but he did have to split in Iowa and New Hampshire. Last night’s defeat forces Romney to now win New Hampshire or run the risk of becoming irrelevant. With John McCain’s growing momentum in New Hampshire this will be no easy task.
Sen. Hillary Clinton – Hillary did not have to win Iowa, however, it was her hope to place second. A third place finish may take momentum away from Clinton and make the defense of her dwindling lead in New Hampshire even more difficult.
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