Crusader 12/12 Issue

Volume XCI, Number 8

December 12, 2014

Worcester, Massachusetts

The Hill Ushers in the Holidays Emma Cronin Staff Writer Last Thursday, December 4, Holy Cross hosted its annual Christmas Tree Lighting sponsored by the Purple Key Society. This event, held on the O’Kane porch, featured performances by several student musical groups along with the boys’ choir from the Nativity School of Worcester. The event began with an introduction by Purple Key Society executive board member Nicole Wiegman, ’15, and Senior Class President Joey Vara, ’15. The boys of the Nativity School of Worcester then led the crowd in a festive and fun rendition of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and the Holy Cross Chamber Singers followed with their version of the classic “Jingle Bells.”

Following the musical performances, Rev. James M. Hayes, S.J., took the stage to formally bless and light the Holy Cross Christmas tree. In his blessing, Father Hayes reminded students that during this difficult time in the semester, it is important to “be a light” to our fellow Crusaders who may be struggling. As senior Sloane Burns explained, “Last year was my

On Wednesday, December 3, Dick Hoyt of Team Hoyt spoke about the importance and awareness of the capabilities of those diagnosed with special needs. His talk centered around the Hoyt family motto, “Yes, you can!” and provided insight into how the rest of society views those with mental and physical handicaps.

Team Hoyt is comprised of father son duo Dick and Rick Hoyt from Holland, MA. Due to the umbilical cord that wrapped around Rick’s neck at birth, he suffered a loss of oxygen to his brain that caused him to be diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Doctors told Dick and his wife that they should institutionalize their son due to futuristic vegetable state. Despite doctors’ concerns and suggestions, Dick and his wife raised Rick as though he did not have a disability. As a team, they taught Rick the alphabet and numbers, knowing that he was a smart young man, despite his disability. Rick is unable to communicate or walk; as a result, he uses a special computer with communication software engineered by Tufts specialists. Dick Hoyt fondly

News.......................1 Opinions.................4 Features..................7 Eggplant.................9 Sports.....................10

Benching for Breast Cancer is tonight

Students gather outside of O’Kane Hall for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

first time at the lighting and it was an experience I did not want to miss out on this year, especially as a senior: an event I made time for in my busy schedule. I was blessed for my

last one to be surrounded by my favorite priests and best friends as we sang carols and lived in the moment.

During that short hour I was able to forget about all academics and enjoy

Photo by C. Paddock

the Christmas season surrounded by the ones I love.”

See LIGHTING, page 3

Team Hoyt Inspires Campus and Spreads Awareness Kelsey Littlefield News Editor

Inside The Crusader

opposed to Rick wheeling himself.

Eventually, however, the committee for the Boston Marathon allowed Rick and Dick to compete, although they were unofficial entrants. In order to qualify as official entrants, Team Hoyt ran the Washington D.C. People’s Marathon; their finish time was 2 hours and 45 minutes. Their first official race was a 10K located in Springfield, MA, and they placed 150th out of 300 participants.

Team Hoyt is also team of firsts and many accomplishments. Rick is the first disabled person to compete in the Ironman Triathlon.

Rick Hoyt was inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame as number 25 with Dick following behind at Photo by C. Paddock number 26. Men’s Health magazine Dick Hoyt shares his story with students in the Hogan Ballroom also included Dick as the 24th fittest person in one of their issues. Team recalled Rick’s first words as “Go told Dick, “When I’m running, I feel Hoyt has competed in over 1,000 Bruins!” during a Bruins game on like I don’t have disability.” He furathletic events, including completing television. ther described this euphoria as being the Boston Marathon 32 times; howIn middle school, Rick had heard a “free bird,” recalled Dick. This was ever, due to the 2013 Boston Maraof a young lacrosse player who had only the beginning of the duo’s varithon bombings, they were unable to become paralyzed. He wanted to par- ous accomplishments. complete the event.

The duo’s last ticipate in the charity race honoring Team Hoyt has endured several race together was the 2014 Boston the lacrosse player; this was the duo’s challenges involving their participafirst race. Dick was in his late thirties tion in races. For example, they were See HOYT, page 2 at this time and was not an avid run- unable to qualify for the wheelchair ner. Despite the odds, they finished division of the Boston Marathon the race next to last; however, Rick because Dick was pushing Rick as

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Teams of students compete in weightlifting competition to raise money and awareness about breast cancer.

Page 2

ASIA introduces students to a Lebanese wedding Page 3

Co-Editorin-Chief says farewell and reflects on four years at The Crusader Page 6

Women’s indoor track and field season starts strong Page 11

The Crusader

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NEWS

December 12, 2014

Student Government Association Corner Providing You With Your Weekly SGA Updates Thanks to all who came out to our first annual Winter Talent Show on Monday night!

The SGA Cabinet wishes you a safe and relaxing Winter Break!

Cheers to a great first semester.

SPRING SEMESTER PREVIEW: Agape Latte: Launching February 4th Take Your Professor to Lunch Initiative: Launching at the end of syllabus week!

SGA Breakfast Series: Next semester’s new spin on our Sunday Dinner Series

CONTACT US:

SUPPORT. GROW. ADVOCATE.

Facebook: Holy Cross Student Government Associaton Instagram: HolyCrossSGA Twitter: @HolyCrossSGA

We welcome you to stop by the SGA Office in Hogan 220 at any time to voice your concerns, provide feedback, or chat with SGA members!

Public Safety Benching for Breast Cancer: TONIGHT Blotter Joe Murphy U.S., and one of these survivors this Holy Cross community.”

Staff Writer Friday, December 5 Stein Hall: Officers request ambulance to assist faculty member Alumni Hall: RA requested officers after smelling suspicious odor Saturday, December 6 Kimball Hall: Manager calls to report an odor that could be the smell of wires burning Wheeler Hall: Female student reported a male party in her room when she woke up Fieldhouse: Fieldhouse monitor called to report a rower had passed out while working out Sunday, December 7 Mulledy Hall: Student transported to hospital for medical assistance Loyola Hall: Student requested help accessing residence hall Monday, December 8 Brooks Hall: Student reported a stolen cell phone

Tonight, December 12, the seventh annual Benching for Breast Cancer fundraising event will take place in the Hart Center’s varsity weight room. Teams of four students compete against one another to see who can lift the most (scoring calculations take into consideration the differing body weights of participants). Awards are given out to the male and female teams who can lift the most.

In addition, awards are given for most enthusiastic, best costumes, and most fundraised. All proceeds from the fundraiser go to Pink Revolution, an alliance of dedicated individuals banding together with a commitment to institute fundamental change in the lives of those touched by breast cancer.

About 1 in 8 women in the United States develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime, and for women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer. With the help of better screening processes and increased awareness of risk factors, death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women under 50. Presently, there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the

has helped to run the Holy Cross Athletic Department for decades.

Ann Zelesky is Associate Director of Athletics and is now in her 26th year working for the college.

“As a six-year breast cancer survivor, the event means so much to me and to so many of the women who will be in attendance who are breast cancer survivors and also to the students and coaches who have been impacted by the terrible, dreaded disease of breast cancer,” said Zelesky. “The support that the student body exhibits at Benching for Breast Cancer is something that we carry through the year and it is an emotionally uplifting event, one that I am so proud to be a part of.”

The event has grown in size over the years. Last year 550 students attended the event, which was nearly double the number of students who participated two years earlier. The increase in numbers has been a result of an increase in student-athlete participation.

“Our ball club is excited to once again be afforded the opportunity to contribute to such a wonderful cause,” said Holy Cross head baseball coach Greg DiCenzo. “This event has been a staple of virtually every team on campus and I believe it further exemplifies the remarkable, selfless, compassionate student-athletes that inundate

The program looks to continue growing. Michelle McGahan, cochair of the fundraiser said, “We hope to involve more survivors in the event and of course get more and more people to come. We have a large team of students and administrators this year to help with organizing the event, so I think it is going to be a big success.”

The event has managed to bring all different parts of the student body together, and this unity of purpose has not gone unnoticed.

Drew McAward, co-chair of the fundraiser, said, “For only a few hours, the Holy Cross community is united in a unique way through intense levels of energy and spirit.

From our student committees to the Athletic Department, it is aweinspiring to see the immense desire of all those willing to do their part in the fight against cancer.”

Jeff Oliver, the head strength and conditioning coach, is also amazed at the commitment of students for the fundraiser. “This event is a celebration of the efforts that go on worldwide to put this curse to rest,” said Oliver.

The event will be followed by the men’s basketball game against the New Jersey Institute of Technology at 7:05 p.m. Donations for Benching for Breast Cancer will be collected before and during the game.

The Crusader student newspaper College of the Holy Cross Published weekly since 1925

From LIGHTING, page 1 The Christmas Tree Lighting is considered such a special custom at Holy Cross that Santa also made his way to Mount St. James for the occasion! Santa spent the afternoon in Dinand Library and Hogan, reminding students to brave the cold weather to witness one of Holy Cross’ most cherished traditions. Santa then posed for photos with students, faculty, and Father Boroughs, while The Purple Key Society provided seasonal refreshments including cookies, cider, and hot chocolate before the event began.

Overall, the Christmas Tree Lighting was a huge success. Rachel Kent, ’15, remarked, “With so much going on in our country right now, it was nice to feel the whole community coming together in joy to celebrate the Christmas season.” Jazmyn Reid, ’15, echoed her sentiments, saying, “I was happy to return to enjoy and celebrate a Holy Cross tradition after a year away from campus and to be reminded what it means to be a part of the Holy Cross community.”

Although finals week may be looming, Holy Cross students had the opportunity to pause, reflect, and enjoy the holiday season together at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

The Crusader is a non-profit, non-partisan, student publication of the College of the Holy Cross.

The Crusader is distributed free of charge to all students, faculty, staff, and employees of the institution.

Charlotte Errity, Elizabeth O’Brien Co-Editors-in-Chief Kevin Deehan, Evan Grogan, Jess Bailot, Kelsey Littlefield News Editors Victoria Fritz, Jonathan Thompson, Julie Booth, Diarmaid King Opinions Editors Emma Pcolinski, Natalie Correa, Mackenzie Horl Features Editors John Morton, Patrick Walsh, Patrick Buscone, Emily Iannoconi Sports Editors Brendan Higgins Eggplant Editor Megan Izzo, Trey Altieri Copy Editors Kyle Hughes Web Editor Hannah Smith Photography Editor Emily Watson Publicity Manager Lucas Keefer, John Bentivegna Business Managers Lauren Biolsi Advertising Manager Professor Steve Vineberg Faculty Advisor Dean Jacqueline Peterson Faculty Advisor

Please address correspondence to: The Crusader P.O Box 32A College of the Holy Cross 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610-2395 Email: crusader@g.holycross.edu Web: www.thehccrusader.com

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The Crusader welcomes letters and op-eds from its readers. Please include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. No submissions will be printed anonymously. All submissions may be edited for content, and must be received by the Sunday prior to publication. The Crusader reserves the right not to publish any letter or content deemed objectionable or which does not meet the editorial standards of the newspaper.

Letters may be mailed, e-mailed, or brought to The Crusader office in Hogan 235.

The opinions expressed within the newspaper are not necessarily those of the College of the Holy Cross. This newspaper is printed by Community Newspaper Company. Reproduction of any part of this paper is by permission of The Crusader only.

The Crusader NEWS

December 12, 2014

Religion Seminar Hosts C.S. Lewis Society Charlotte Errity Co-Editor-in-Chief On Saturday, December 6, members of the C.S. Lewis Society of Central Massachusetts joined Father John Gavin S.J.’s “Narnia, Space, and Beyond” seminar class for a mock trial event, held in the Hogan Center. Students spent months preparing this event, which counted towards their final grade.

About twenty members of the Society gathered to watch students of the seminar act as characters from the world of C.S. Lewis.

Controversially, the mock trial charged Lewis with “corrupting the youth,” which fostered an assortment of “character” witnesses From HOYT, page 1 Marathon. Rick will now be pushed

by Brian Lions from Billerica for the Boston Marathon, general marathons, and the Ironman Challenge; although, Team Hoyt will still compete together in half marathons and Olympic-sized triathlons.

Rick emphasized the doctor’s theory on Rick’s “vegetable state” as a way to reiterate that anything is possible if one puts in the effort.

In honor of their strife and strides

coming to the stand, including classic characters from The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, The Space Trilogy, and more. The defense side of the trial presented evidence for Lewis’ innocence through such characters, and the prosecuting side maintained the firm belief that Lewis’ novels offer little to no free will.

Nick Barresi, ‘15, who portrayed the Chronicles of Narnia character Eustace Scrubb in the trial, said of the event, “Our C.S. Lewis trial was a lot of fun to put on, but it was also a great learning experience.”

Barresi continued, “The idea of ‘proper education’ became a key theme. Is good education simply one that offers ‘individuality’ and ‘open-mindedness’? Or is good

education one that fosters virtue and pursues objective Truth? C.S. Lewis, in his fiction and non-fiction works, always held the latter. Is this a form of corruption? Well, that was for the jury to decide.”

The members of the Society, after much deliberation and debate, decided ultimately upon Lewis’s innocence. Both students and Society members conversed about Lewis’ works throughout a lunch.

“Defending Lewis as his character gave me a new perspective on what Lewis was thinking as he created these characters,” Mary Killian, ’15, who portrayed Narnia character Reepicheep, said after the event. “I got more out of this class than I thought I would have.”

Sarah Moroz, ’15, thought both

the presentation and lunch were a great conclusion to a Lewis-filled semester: “Overall, I’d say it was a success, and I think the C.S. Lewis Society would too! It was a great way to integrate our interpretations of Lewis’ characters into a real-life setting and to better understand the claims that his critics have made against him.” Moroz played one of Narnia’s better-known villains, the White Witch, in the trial.

“Of course, we had to do a good amount of reading to get us to the point where we could put on such a performance, but it wasn’t too difficult. The discussions that ensued by each week’s assignment were often very thought-provoking.”

to promote disability awareness, a bronze statue, erected in 2013, honoring the duo is located near the start of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton. Three books have been written on the subject of Team Hoyt, including Rick’s Story, Devoted, and One Letter at a Time.

The event was sponsored by HC Goes Unified, an organization on campus that is part of the Special Olympics Division of Massachusetts.

On Friday, November 21, eight members of the Holy Cross Moot Court Team arrived at Fitchburg State University to compete in the university’s ninth annual Eastern Regional Tournament. The competition was one of ten tournaments nationwide which served as a qualifier for the American Collegiate Moot Court Association (ACMA)’s National Championship Tournament. The top 13 teams advancing out of a competition pool of 62 would receive coveted bids to compete at Nationals, held this year on January 16-17 at the University of Miami College of Law in Miami, Florida.

Moot Court is a simulation of appellate court. Participants compete in teams of two to argue the constitutionality of lower rulings in front of a panel of judges who act as the Supreme Court. The case remains the same throughout the year and addresses two distinct constitutional issues. Each partner is allocated one issue and prepares arguments for both the petitioner and respondent, acting as legal counsel. Teams must study past Supreme Court case law and use judicial precedent to combat questioning and convince the judges to rule in favor of their client.

The three preliminary rounds of the Eastern Regional Tournament took place on Friday, November 21, and were used to determine seeding for Day 2’s elimination rounds.

Individual orator awards were also announced on Friday night, and out of 124 competitors, Holy Cross saw four team members place in the top 10. Megan Izzo, ’17 was named the

9th-place orator, Andrea Thompson, ’15 received 7th place, Emily Sawicki, ‘15 placed 5th, and Bethany Fogerty, ’16, the team’s Assistant Captain, received 1st place and was honored as the top orator of the competition.

Of the 62 teams competing, 32 advanced to the second day of the tournament, including all four Holy Cross teams: Izzo and Fogerty, Thompson and Sawicki, Danielle Madkour, ’16 and Lauren Hayward, ’18, and Co-Captains Christine Fimognari, ’15 and Michael Bender, ’15.

Following their wins in the round of 32, Izzo and Fogerty, Thompson and Sawicki, and Fimognari and Bender each prevailed in the round of 16, officially securing three of the 13 available bids to Nationals.

Fimognari and Bender went on to compete against Izzo and Fogerty in the quarterfinal round, winning by a 4-1 margin. They then faced Thompson and Sawicki in the semifinal round, who prevailed, also by a 4-1 margin. In the championship round of the tournament, Thompson and Sawicki faced Patrick Henry College’s Ben Williamson and his partner Claire Rossell, who placed in the final four at last year’s National Championship Tournament.

Though Thompson and Sawicki lost on a split ballot, they brought home two Finalist plaques and a second-place title, while Fimognari and Bender claimed fourth place and Izzo and Fogerty placed sixth overall.

This year’s Moot Court case invokes the 1st and 14th Amendments, and involves a law within a fictional state, “Proposition 417,” which regulates the procurement of abortions.

THAT’S NEWS TO ME

News Stories from Around the World December 3, 2014 Worcester, Massachusetts—Last Wednesday, the city marked the 15th anniversary of the tragic warehouse fire that claimed the lives of six Worcester firefighters.

A ceremony was held that evening at the Franklin Street Fire station, which sits on the site of what was once the Worcester Cold Storage & Warehouse Company. Investigators said two homeless people started the fire on December 3, 1999.

December 6, 2014 Worcester, Massachusetts—A local area cat with two faces but only one life passed away last Thursday after a record-breaking 15 year life. “Frank and Louie” was the world’s oldest Janus cat, sporting three eyes, two noses and two mouths. The condition is named after the two-faced Roman God Janus. The cat’s owner, Martha Stevens of Worcester, adopted the miracle after he was brought to Tufts Veterinary School as a dayold kitten to be euthanized.

Moot Court Brings Home Regional Titles Megan Izzo Chief Copy Editor

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December 7, 2014

Photo by C. Paddock

Father Boroughs poses with Santa Clause at the Tree Lighting.

ASIA Introduces Students to a Lebanese Wedding Jess Bailot News Editor On Saturday, November 22, members of the Holy Cross community gathered in Loyola Ballroom to witness a special event: a Lebanese wedding ceremony.

ASIA, also known as Advocating Student Interest in Asia, hosts an event every fall that transports students to an Asian wedding and exposes them to a new culture. One of the Co-Chairs, Nelly Fernandez, ’15, reflected in her opening statement that the organization aims for a “different country and culture” every fall semester. In the recent years, they have set up traditional Thai, Russian, and Korean weddings.

“This year we decided to go away from the typical countries in Asia and look towards the Middle East, which is sometimes forgotten,” observed Fernandez.

Around 6 p.m., groom John Tanis, ’17, and bride Ashley Dhaim, ’15, made their grand entrances into the room. After the question and answer with their families, their rings were blessed and exchanged.

Candles were lit and prayers begun. The bride and groom joined their right hands, keeping them together for the rest of the service.

The crowning occurs, with the

crown consisting of either flowers or gold and jewels. The crowns symbolize glory and honor and exchanged three times to signify that the union of the bride and groom is complete. Then, readings from the Scripture are presented, including the Wedding at Cana. The bride and groom drink wine from the same cup three times, another symbol of harmonious union. The number three is used again during the Dance of Isaiah, where the bride and groom perform a ceremonial walk around the altar three times. The crowns are removed and the couple blessed, and the Bible is used to separate them, signifying that marriage is eternal and not until “death do us part”.

Lastly, the fun really begins at the reception. Mercy Lara, ’15, discussed the importance of the honey-dipped almonds. The white color shows purity; the circular shape, fertility, and the almond itself, a strong life, and the chocolate represents sweetness. Before dinner was served, the whole ensemble performed dabke, a traditional folk dance where everyone stands in a line, then they begin to dance crossing their feet while moving in a circle. After the audience enjoyed the traditional Lebanese cuisine, they were also given the chance to participate in the dabke!

New York, New York—Prince William and Kate arrived in New York City for their two-day Royal Visit to the Big Apple. Their busy schedule included visiting the 9/11 memorial, attending a Nets game, and meeting children at a childhood development center in Harlem.

December 9, 2014 Washington, D.C.—The CIA abused dozens of terror suspects in the years after 9/11, misled policymakers about what it was doing and then falsely claimed the harsh interrogations made America safer, a scathing Senate report charged Tuesday. Beginning in 2002, the interrogations played out at secret, shadowy detention facilities in Asia and Eastern Europe, including an Afghanistan site called the “dungeon.”

December 10, 2014 Berkeley, California—Protesters described as “hostile” and “aggressive” over the killing of unarmed black men by white police officers briefly blocked a highway in Berkeley, Calif., nearly preventing medics from reaching a pregnant woman stuck in traffic, set garbage cans on fire, threw rocks at police and brought mass transit to a halt during the city’s fourth night of protests.

Washington, D.C.—Four companies won approval Wednesday to fly commercial drones to conduct aerial surveys, monitor construction sites and inspect oil flare stacks, the Federal Aviation Administration announced.

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The Crusader

OPINIONS

Opinions

December 12, 2014

Finding Unity in our Differences

Farewell, The Crusader

Charlotte Errity Co-Editor-in-Chief

Throughout my four years at Holy Cross, a lot has changed: dorms, friends, classes, majors, politics, etc. One thing, however, has not changed: my infatuation with writing for (and indulging in) The Crusader.

When I came to the college for Accepted Student’s Day in the spring of 2011, I picked up a copy of the latest issue of The Crusader. A few articles caught my attention, especially a weekly column entitled “What College Students Love” which featured bacon as that week’s star, but what I was struck with was how this publication has allowed so many students to find their voices. My journey with the paper began with, perhaps weirdly, an article reviewing the newest Star Wars boxed set (when Star Wars was limited to the current six films). Awkwardly, I felt my opinion on this matter absolutely must be shared with the entire campus body (freshman mentality?). I told no one I submitted an article, including my family.

The article was printed on the coming Friday. When my family asked if I was involved in any extracurricular activities, I nodded, and said sheepishly that I had joined SPUD, as every freshman immediately does, and that I was still looking around for my niche.

It wasn’t until second semester that I let my family in on my little secret, that I had been writing for The Crusader, writing small little pieces about food, restaurants, and movies for the Features section. The Features section was

my first home, a section I still feel a kinship to, wholly because I believe in its cause to allow Crusaders to divulge in their interests and write about them critically.

Becoming an editor for Features, which happened my sophomore year, was my real great joy.

Sophomore year was hard for me both personally and academically, but editing the Features section, learning to format the paper, and critically analyzing the articles we received each week provided an unforgettable experience. I am a firm believer that hard work and passion, when fused together, can foster great things; the teamwork that occurred on the Features section during my sophomore year is testament to this.

Last issue, I wrote an opinions article titled “Why I didn’t miss out by not studying abroad.”

Among other things, but above all, I didn’t miss out because I had The Crusader. After my semester in Washington D.C., I returned to campus and worked with Elizabeth O’Brien as the Co-Editorin-Chief. It’s no hyperbole when I say that this role was my greatest joy of my college education.

Aside from the titles gained throughout my involvement with The Crusader, I sit here to try to put into words what working on a college newspaper has given me. I’ve always been a creative person, but The Crusader allowed me to find my creativity through a different medium: writing.

This is not without my English major, but The Crusader gave me the opportunity to write about things that were important to me (and hopefully others). It allowed me to find a voice outside

of the academic. It allowed me to participate in editorial-based internships, including one at Teen Vogue and another at The Daily Caller, both where I contributed creatively. Currently, I can’t see a future for me where I’m not writing, where I’m not participating in the editorial process.

There’s something therapeutic and beautiful about holing up with my computer, my music, and my headphones, typing potential articles about issues that I care about. It’s due to The Crusader that I’m a firm believer in the power of writing—the power of the written word—and the necessity of journalism. Everyone talks about how you have to find “your niche” at college: I found my niche with The Crusader, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Crusader has an incredible history and legacy. My grandfather was an editor when he attended the College; the most famous alumni from Holy Cross most likely contributed to the paper. I’m thankful for the guidance I’ve received throughout this journey, and I’m thankful for the friendship and comradery of Elizabeth O’Brien. But most of all, I’m proud of what The Crusader offers the students of the College of the Holy Cross: a sense of community, a high standard of journalism, and an environment that allows one’s voice to come to their own. My hope for the future of the paper is a longevity and permanence of their commitment to fostering one’s creative voice, since such a focus drew me here, on this journey, in the first place.

Jonathan Thompson Opinions Editor

We all come from different places.

We all have different backgrounds.

We all believe in different ideas.

Coming to college and being surrounded by such a wide variety of people with differing ideals and beliefs has made me come to these realizations. Every day I continue to meet different people who agree, disagree, or are completely indifferent to my social, political, and economic opinions.

What I have realized is that no matter how much one agrees or disagrees with someone, one must always listen and take in what the other person thinks.

Looking at myself in high school, I was different from how I am now in that I was far more set in my views and less willing to hear different sides to certain issues. Coming to college and suddenly being thrown into a mix of people has made me think more about what it means to be a person who is both accepting and willing to hear opposing sides.

In our society, it is common to decide that someone is not worth our time if he or she has differing views from us. When one dismisses a person based solely on their political views, they not only dismiss what they believe, but also a large part of who he or she is. We are all so much more than simply a Democrat or a Republican, a liberal or a conservative.

It has been inspiring for me here at Holy Cross to watch relationships form among my friends who have completely different opinions on certain topics. I’ve asked multiple people what makes these friendships work and almost always the answer

is, “We just don’t talk about it.” Being able to find similarities while overlooking differences is key in order to form ideal friendships comparable to those with people who we have lots of similar opinions to us.

To base whom you can be friends with solely on what someone thinks about a certain issue is highly exclusive. When you reduce someone to his or her political feelings, you reduce he or she to a belief rather than who he or she actually is.

Now while many people will find that those who do not agree with them are simply wrong, it is important to remember that thinking in different ways is what makes us human. I’ve found that conversations with those who I do not necessarily agree with are often the most rewarding as they force me to think critically about my beliefs.

Even if you could not disagree with someone more on a certain issue, I urge you to hear that person out. Try not to write off a conversation with someone explicitly because you disagree; use your time with the person to think in broader terms, as a chance to put yourself in someone else’s mind for a moment.

With all of the unrest we see in the media and around the world today, it is through conversation amongst people of differing views that we will in the end reach a resolution that is well rounded in its genesis. We should use our different places we come from, our different backgrounds we have, and our different ideas we believe in to further conversations about the issues that deserve our attention.

The “Torture Report” Must Remain Private

James Gallagher Staff Writer

This week, the Senate Intelligence Committee plans to release its long-awaited “torture report”: the result of a great deal of research into the CIA’s enhanced interrogation tactics in the years following 9/11. The report will shed light on the techniques used, the involvement of the Bush Administration, and the prevalence of these methods. Following 9/11, there was a great deal of anger among the American citizenry. While torture runs counter to everything that the United States stands for, it was an attractive outlet for this anger. The assumption has always seemed to be that torture is an effective form

of interrogation, despite countless reports to the contrary. The fact that it is romanticized in popular culture by hit shows like 24 and Homeland certainly doesn’t help.

Thus, it makes sense that according to a Huffington Post poll from April, 68% of Americans believe that torture is sometimes justifiable in the War on Terror. This is why the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report is so vitally important.

With all of that said, now is simply not the time for it to be made available to the public. Secretary of State John Kerry and many others have cautioned the great effects the release of this report could have.

The contents of the report promise to be very gruesome and are sure to ignite more anger amongst

Middle Eastern populations towards the United States. Recognizing this, President Obama’s administration has placed many U.S. embassies and bases on high alert and thousands of Marines have been moved throughout the Middle East in order to be in proper position to respond to an attack.

Former CIA director Gen. Michael Hayden also warns that this report would jeopardize the support of many members of the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, as a result of the fear of increased domestic backlash towards working with an America implicated in violent torture. He even went as far as to say that if the report was released to the public, “I can’t imagine anyone out there, going forward in the future,

who would be willing to do anything with us that even smacks of political danger.” It is possible that Hayden is merely trying to protect the agency he helmed for nearly three years, but his words still hold significant weight. According to a 2006 BBC World Service poll, only 29% of the world’s citizens believe that torture is acceptable in fighting terrorism, a stark difference from the stance of most Americans. This makes it very likely that the release of a report describing state-sponsored torture by U.S. forces would make it very politically inexpedient for foreign countries to work with our government.

It is absolutely clear that the citizens of the United States need a wake-up call as to the absolute

horror of “enhanced interrogation.” The release of the aptly named “torture report” would doubtless provide just that. However, what the citizens of the United States do not need is another Benghazi, a terrorist assault on American lives. Nor does the United States need a new War on Terror with a decreasing list of allies to fight it with. With war comes hard choices and the United States of America remains a country at war. Thus, the unfortunate reality is that the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report must remain classified until that fact changes.

The Crusader

OPINIONS

December 12, 2014

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The Crusader

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OPINIONS

December 12, 2014

SHAPE Health Update

Question: It’s finals week and I’m stressed. My friend offered me a “study stimulant.” Should I take it?

Answer: Finals week is approaching, and your academic, sports, and social obligations are all rising as the semester comes to a close. All of these things are eating up your time, making the temptation of a substance that “eats up” your work load and increases your concentration even stronger. You need to study, you need to stay awake, and your friend offers you a pill that he or she promises will make all of this happen. However, if these pills, such as Adderall, are not prescribed to you by a health care provider

who has evaluated you personally, they’re not the safest solution to your stress.

Adderall is a stimulant that is prescribed to treat sleep disorders, narcolepsy, as well as attention-deficitdisorder with hyperactivity (ADHD). On college campuses, this kind of drug seems to be abundant. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, there are currently 1.2 million Americans over the age of 12 using stimulants non-medically. Because

it is a habit-forming drug, taking such a pill without a prescription can lead to excessive physical and psychological dependence. While it has several serious side effects such as irregular heartbeat, allergic reactions, hallucinations, and

seizures, Adderall can also cause more minor reactions such as anxiety, dizziness, loss of appetite, and depression. While this study stimulant is tempting, it is in fact risky. Your friend’s medication is prescribed specifically for his or her medical needs, not for yours, which makes taking the pill a potentially dangerous decision for your health. The side effects may, in fact, make it harder for you to concentrate or control the anxiety

you feel over everything that needs to be done. Adderall affects different people in different ways, so it is best to check in with a health care provider before risking how this drug might affect you. Taking the time to study is safer than taking a pill that is not prescribed for you.

Find us on Facebook (SHAPE) and follow us on Twitter (@HCSHAPE) for more health updates!

Tips for Insomnia: I Can’t Fall Asleep, I Can’t Stay Asleep, I am Not Sleeping at All! Sleep is important for one’s overall wellbeing. College life can sometimes impact an individual’s sleep cycle due staying up late for school work or social choices or getting up early for classes or sports schedules. Insomnia is different: it impairs one from getting the sleep that one wants to have to feel well. Here are some suggestions if you have insomnia.

1. Establish a routine sleep pattern – go to bed and get up at the same time daily.

2. Use your bed for sleeping only and try to limit time awake spent in bed.

3. Restrict your sleep time to 6 hours and gradually increase your sleep time to 7-8 hours and avoid napping when trying to establish a normal sleep cycle.

The New Barbie Elizabeth Holmquist Staff Writer

Today, I saw an article on BuzzFeed announcing a forthcoming new Barbie doll that represents the “normal” or “real” woman. This article praised the new Barbie and its designer for reflecting what the everyday woman is like. After reading this, I felt compelled to voice my reaction to Mattel’s latest product.

I feel that perhaps I am in the minority when I say that I cannot relate to the joy many others might feel in reaction to the “normal” Barbie doll. In fact, I’m slightly offended by what the doll represents. I would like to state for the record that I believe that women of all body types are beautiful and deserve to feel that they are. However, I think that the movement to create a Barbie doll that’s shorter, stockier, cellulite ridden, and label that as “normal” is offensive. While it is true that women are faced with bodyimage issues because of the media, the idea that it is okay to marginalize and shame women who have a leaner figure is equally as wrong.

Moreover, these dolls come with acne and stretch mark stickers that you can place onto the doll. It is an understandable effort to allow young women and children to become comfortable within their own bodies. I would like to submit that no one has a perfect body. Even Barbie does not have a perfect body— if she were life-sized she would be completely disproportional. I would like to also submit that she is a doll.

Made of plastic. She is not real.

But, what is real is the lack of emphasis society and Mattel places on healthy eating or working out. You don’t see a Barbie coming with a farmer’s market set or a Barbie healthy eating cookbook on the shelves. What people do see is a new Barbie with cellulite stickers, implying to young girls that it’s okay to live a sedentary lifestyle, which I find equally as offensive. The fact of the matter is that body image is a real issue for people of any age.

And, I don’t think that Barbie, the symbol of idealized young women, should be sending the message that it’s okay for women to be complacent and inactive. I think that no matter what a woman’s body type is, she should be encouraged to keep it in the best shape she possibly can for both the benefit of her health and self-esteem. I can’t help but wonder why Mattel didn’t choose to make a marathon Barbie or a weightlifting Barbie.

The idea of a “normal” woman should be someone who is happy, healthy, and confident—no matter if she’ a size zero or a size ten. I think that this weird complacent mentality that Mattel has decided to represent creates a schism between those who are leaner and those who have bigger builds rather than uniting them. My issue here is Mattel’s and BuzzFeed’s decision to epitomize this new doll as “normal”. Frankly, Mattel would never come out with a racial or religious Barbie to label as “normal,” and I for one don’t really see how this is any different.

4. Sleep only as much as you feel rested then get out of your bed.

5. Provide time each day to exercise, avoiding physical activity 4-5 hours prior to bedtime.

6. Take care of the “worries” you have during the daytime.

7. Have a snack in the evening so you don’t go to bed hungry.

8. Create a conducive sleep environment prior to bedtime: dark-

ness, quiet, comfortable temperature, avoid TV or computers.

9. Don’t force yourself to sleep; if you cannot go to sleep, get up out of bed and try later.

10. Avoid alcohol; this affects the quality of sleep.

11. Avoid caffeine products as they can keep you alert. Do not drink caffeine after 12:00 noon.

12. Avoid large meals right before

you fall asleep.

13. Avoid stressful activities prior to sleep, as they can stimulate your body and keep you awake.

14. Avoid smoking prior to bedtime, as this can stimulate you and keep you awake.

15. Avoid exercise right before bedtime.

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The Crusader FEATURES

Features

Crusader of the Week:

Iván Daniel Pérez Gutiérrez, ’16 Natalie A. Correa Features Editor Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico Major: Sociology & Spanish Best Dorm: Wheeler Favorite Animal: Koala Favorite Book: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez Favorite Color: Orange Favorite Movie: Legends of the Fall Favorite Song: Anything by Jon Bellion Favorite TV Show: Friends Favorite Holy Cross Class: Intro to Electronic Music Favorite Meal On Campus: Tuna Wrap from Lower Favorite Professor: Ara Francis Favorite Off-Campus Restaurant: 7 Nana Campus Activities: A.C.T., and general member of C.A.S.A. and Spanish Bilingual Theatre Advice for fellow Crusaders: Take it one day at a time Guilty Pleasure: Mean Girls Embarrassing Story: I farted in class and I covered it up by coughing Hobbies: Playing guitar, playing basketball, and writing short stories Pet Peeve: People that have pet peeves Dunkin Donuts: Egg Cheese and Bacon Bagel Number One Thing On Your HC Bucket List: To graduate Cum Laude Your Mantra: “La vida es un carnival.

(Life is a carnival)”- Celia Cruz Twitter or Instagram: Instagram (@ ivansitopax) Crossroads or Kimball: Kimball Where Do You See Yourself In Ten Years?: At dinner with my whole family Goals for the Academic Year: To do really well in A.C.T.’s Spring Musical: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spell-

ing Bee.” And I want to participate in L.A.S.O.’s Noche Latina.

Plans for Christmas Break: Go to the beach--a luxury that most students don’t have during winter break.

December 12, 2014

7

In Anticipation of Star Wars John Hodge Resident Movie Expert

J.J. Abram’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is scheduled for release on December 18, 2015, is perhaps the most highly anticipated movie of the decade (2010s) thus far.

With the recent release of the first in what will likely be a series of trailers, comes an even more heightened sense of excitement.

Given the generally accepted opinion of the

last three installments (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith), however, many fans of the original three (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi) are concerned as to whether the next three will be good or bad. My contention, and desperate hope, is that this first of the three future installments will be exactly what we are hoping for.

First off, it should be noted that J.J. Abrams is directing. This is the guy who brought us the fantastic Star Trek reboots. I am far less of a Trek fan than a Wars fan, but nevertheless, those two films were really good. Are there working directors out there who have better epic film-making credentials? Sure: Peter Jackson, James Cameron, etcetera, etcetera. BUT, this guy, Abrams, is an absolute die-hard fan of the material. Abrams grew up worshipping the original three; he would simply rather not make a bad Star Wars movie than not make one at all. Furthermore, Abrams has proven his ability to capture enthralling actions sequences, display breathtaking visuals, and, with the exception of Arma-

geddon, avoid cliché dialogue. I think the man is an excellent choice.

Another thing. This film seems to be getting back to what we all loved so much about the original movies. One, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and Harrison Ford are all signed on to reprise their legendary roles. Two, in the trailer (minor spoiler) we get to see the Millennium Falcon! I mean, that I had not expected to see, and was sooo happily surprised when I did. Three, the title art resembles that

of the original films’. In that way, it almost seems to be a direct disregard of the most recent three. And while I did very much enjoy Revenge of the Sith, the initial two were atrocities, shames to the good Star Wars name. So, if Abrams is planning to get back to what made the original films so good, I will be very pleased.

All in all, I am wildly excited for this movie.

I cherished Star Wars as a boy; I was Luke Skywalker for Halloween like three or four times. I am more than content with the J.J. Abrams decision, I love that the old actors are back and I love the new trailer. More minor spoilers, I thought the light saber sword was extremely cool, I jumped up after seeing the Falcon, and I was straight-up giddy when I heard the classic theme song. Do I have my doubts? Of course. Have I been let down by highly anticipated films before? Oh yeah. But regardless, I am going to enjoy being super stoked for this film for now until the day it is released.

The Best Albums of 2014 According to WCHC Bart LaFaso Staff Music Curator As the year comes to a close and we frantically prepare for our finals, there is a good chance that our studies will be accompanied by our favorite songs, albums and artists.

2014 has been a great year for new releases from both well-known bands and new groups alike. I’ve asked a few members of WCHC’s E-Board to share their opinions on the best releases of the year. Here is what they think. This list will be sure to help you find the missing piece of your study playlist.

Kevin Morley- Atlas, “Real Estate” As third record from these Ridgewood, NJ born Brooklynites, this

album is everything you want out of good indie music. If I were to recommend one album to someone who has never heard music before, I would give them this one.

Musically it’s intricate, yet lyrically it’s unassuming, so overall it makes for an excellent listening experience no matter what kind of songs you like. Get ready for all the feels, though. Key tracks: Had to Hear, Crime, Talking Backwards.

Alissa Mitchell- The Ready Set, “The Bad & The Better” The Ready Set’s newest album, filled with melodic pop music, was an excellent summer soundtrack for a variety of occasions. In a year of rough releases for the more pop side of the pop punk scene, the album was definitely one of

“The Better” albums to come out in 2014 Anthony Yakely- Jenny Lewis, “The Voyager” This summer, former Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis displays her range of style with the release of her third and best solo album thus far. Over upbeat melodies, Lewis shows off her songwriting ability with songs that are both brutally honest and deeply introspective. More than one listen is recommended to fully appreciate the album. Recommended tracks: “She’s Not Me, “Just One of the Guys.”

Dan Reid- Sun Kil Moon, “Benji” Before actually listening to Sun Kil Moon’s Benji, I mocked it in-

cessantly. I cringed at song titles like “I Love My Dad,” and “Pray for Newtown”—totally put off by singer/songwriter Mark Kozelek’s utterly direct nature. As I listened to the album, however, it did not take long to realize that Kozelek’s straightforward songwriting is what makes this album so captivating. Benji is an album devoid of metaphors, but jam-packed with sincere emotion.

Erik Thode- Wild Party “Phantom Pop” Two words: Wild Party. This alternative rock band sounds like The Wombats, The Strokes and Imagine Dragons poured their musical magic into a cauldron and stewed up a fresh new sound. This band, from the first song, has a unique

guitar and vocal symphony that can either pump you up or mellow you out. Wild Party has one of the most malleable sounds I have heard in some time and I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates that small band sound.

Emily Sawicki- Cloud Nothings “Here and Nowhere Else” “Here and Nowhere Else” by Cloud Nothings is one of my favorite albums of 2014. It’s one of the greatest lo-fi albums released in the last 10 years and culminates with one of the best songs of 2014, “I’m Not Part of Me,” which has all the intrigue of alt-rock featuring the fun power chord hooks of pop.

Definitely worth a listen.

The Crusader

8

FEATURES

December 12, 2014

‘Tis the Season Mackenzie Horl Features Editor Just a few finals separate all of us here on Mount Saint James from going home and embracing the holiday season with our loved ones. The much anticipated tree lighting and the placement of the manger outside of O’Kane have all allowed for a festive feeling to spread throughout the Holy Cross campus. As the temperature drops, the holiday season is the perfect time take on new adventures or perhaps just stay inside drinking hot cocoa and watching movies. Traditions this time of year are abundant so why not continue some of your favorites or create some new ones with your fellow Crusaders on the Hill?!

Outdoor activities will surely be a blast just do not forget to bundle up and do not forget your scarves, mittens, and winter hats! Some of the Holy Cross student bodies favorite outdoor winter activities include: Skiing, snow-tubing and ice skating. This time of year is the perfect occasion to get a little adventur-

ous and visit New York City which is especially beautiful this time of year. From the store windows, to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or visiting the Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York City is a necessary adventure for anyone trying to get into the holiday spirit (and trying to get some Christmas shopping done while doing so). Whether you find yourself traveling or staying home, be sure to end your day with some much deserved hot coco.

What is the holiday season without Christmas movies?! Elf, Frozen, Home Alone, Christmas with the Kranks, and A Christmas Story are among the must see movies for Crusaders this holiday season. What better way to unwind after (or during) finals than to take a break and rejoice in one of your favorite movies to get you in the holiday spirit? These movies are sure to have you laughing not long after the opening scenes. Be sure not to forget the popcorn and sugar cookies!

Candy canes and Santa hats are not the only things necessary to get you in holiday spirit! Parties abundant with home cooked food and your favorite

Crusaders Abroad:

Favorite Veteran and Alumnus from Abroad Clare Foley Abroad Staff Writer “You’re going to Spain, just like your grandfather.”

“What? Jacko never went to Spain, did he?”

“Shoot, Jacko could barely get to the other side of Worcester, let alone Spain.”

So goes a conversation between my grandfather Jack-o’s good friend whom I lovingly call “Uncle Ed,” and me before I left to study abroad for the year in León, Spain.

Ed is a 94-year-old alumnus of Holy Cross, class of 1942, who was one of my grandfather Jacko’s best friends growing up. Ed, his older brother Joe, and Jacko hailed from Worcester, back in the days when Blackstone was not a mall, and Shrewsbury Street had more diners than Chop Houses.

In the early 1940s, when the time came for the gang to travel onto Higher Ed, both Ed and Joe decided on Holy Cross, while Jacko received a scholarship from Clark, not far down the road. Ed became a proud alumnus of Wheeler Hall, where all the Navy ROTC students were housed. At his graduation, held on the Fenwick Balcony back in the day, the keynote speaker frankly declared that the future of every man at commencement rested in the hands of World War II. Following that call, to serve in the US Navy, he left for China but never faced warfare, thankfully. Upon return, he served as a member of the FBI where he serendipitously met and worked with my grandfather on my mother’s side. Ed was a member of the FBI Special Agents for over 40 years, and has only missed one Holy Cross reunion in his life. Oh, and that was because of a war, so maybe the Alumni Office can let that one slide.

I’m not going to lie, being abroad is an amazing experience—I have been able to learn a language I love,

meet people from all over the world, and see sites whose beauty has quite literally taken my breath away. But there are most definitely days where I simply miss home. On Veteran’s Day, I thought, “What I wouldn’t give to Skype with Ed,” before realizing that of course that would never work, considering the only type of modern communication he boasts is a home telephone…sorry folks, no @UncleEd Twitter yet. Our communication has been demoted to post cards in lieu of visits, phone calls, and spontaneous visits to “Woohstah… the haaat of the Commonwealth.”

Uncle Ed will forever serve as the classiest old-fashioned gentleman I know, and the key to both grandfathers whom I never had the honor of meeting. I have never felt so proud as being able to introduce him, one of the oldest living HC alumni, to friends at the Alumni Reunion Weekend. He will in my eyes be the epitome of absolute selflessness and American bravery, of courage and gentleness, of what every Holy Cross man hopes and aspires to be. But even though we are not blood related, I know that our Holy Cross connection is what has always brought us close and that that will never die, even when I am 3,285 miles away.

Recently, at a fiesta I met a young teacher from León who aspires to be a FLA at Holy Cross in the future.

He explained to me, “It’s the kind of place where everyone is so proud to go…It’s the kind of place where people return to visit after 50 years.”

Ed has thankfully been able to visit Mt. St. James not only 50, but over 72 years later. All I could think of was my favorite Vet dapperly dressed in his Holy Cross baseball hat proudly saying, “There’s no place like the Cross.” Thank you to all of our brave Veterans, and God bless all the way from León!

holiday music and most importantly your friends and family will help you unwind and embrace what the holiday season is all about! Think about having a “secret santa” and you can leave the party with a goodie of your own! Before long you’ll have Christmas carolers knocking at your doors ready to sing their own versions of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” or “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

During this time of year, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. However, don’t forgive to give back to those less fortunate than yourself. Many cannot afford to buy their children gifts or put a Christmas meal on the table.

There are many clubs and organizations here at Holy Cross contributing to make this holiday season a memorable one to those who are less fortunate in the Worcester area. So take a walk through Hogan and check out the lobby tables to see who could use your donations. Tis the season to spread the love around after all!

RPE Fact of the Week Confidentiality in Sexual Assault:

Reporting

On our campus, those with administrative responsibilities for students are required to report crimes, including sexual assault, under the Clery Act (Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998). The individuals involved will attempt to respect your privacy, but may have to forward identifying information to others.

The mental health providers in the Counseling Center, chaplains providing pastoral counseling in the Chaplains’ Office, and priests providing pastoral counseling are exempt from reporting under the Clery Act. At Holy Cross, Heath Services is another office you can access for confidential services.

You may seek support from these individuals with an assurance that any information shared will be kept confidential. In these cases, information would only be shared with your permission.

(Excerpted from http://offices.holycross. edu/safer/you/confidentiality)

Questions During Finals Overheard on the Hill this finals season...

“If you never complained about the exam, did it ever happen?”

“Will my professor notice if I enlarge all of the periods on this paper?”

“Why Times New Roman anyway?”

“How many times can I cram information into my brain before I just stop functioning, like in that Spongebob episode where he learns only fancy dining?”

studying?”

“How many times can I check Facebook in an hour?”

“How is my Myspace page doing?”

“I forgot that long-hair Tim from the fifth grade existed.

How do you think he’s doing?”

“If you close your eyes for long enough, does the work go away?

Does it count as sleep at least?”

“Why didn’t I go to community college?”

“Has that already happened to me?”

“What if I were a science major?

So many exams!”

“Why does the weather seem to team up with my workload?

Does it really have to rain today?”

“What if I were an English major? So many words!”

“If you’re online shopping, but you’re in the library, is it still

“How many more hours until Christmas break?”

The Crusader

EGGPLANT

December 12, 2014

9

The Eggplant Satirical Section/Everyone’s Favorite Part of The Paper America to Adopt Canadian “Boxing Day” as Our Own National Holiday Edward Scissorhands Resident Box Expert In a sudden and monumental decision, Congress has passed a bill officially adopting Boxing Day as a national holiday. It is the first holiday to be nationally adopted by an act of congress since the establishment of Martin Luther King Day way back in 1983. The somewhat shocking decision, given the inability of Congress to do anything in a swift or decisive manner, came as a result of an incredible effort of the American citizens, and congressional consideration of American values.

“What struck me the mostest was the inbelievable push from the citizens of this great nation to make their vision come to light,” stated Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. The good senator was referring of course to the monster petition submitted by an anonymous citizen with over 2.5 million signatures on it, surpassing the 2.3 million garnered on a petition to

bring George Zimmerman to trial in 2012. “It’s really amazing to see the passion of the citizens here in America. It reminds me of the passion I have for all-male clubs and white people,” Graham concluded.

Other congressmen and women commented on their belief that adopting Boxing Day as a national holiday was in concordance with the core values of America. “Given the number of deals and discounts the holiday of Boxing Day promises to bring to this great nation, God Bless, I believe it was only appropriate we adopt this motion and grant Boxing Day full-on holiday status in the U.S. of A.,” said an emphatic senator Ted Cruz of Texas with an emphatic fist pump.

“The very foundation of this great country, God Bless, is the culture of consumerism that keeps our economy strong, gives people jobs, and keeps people from worrying about the really important things in our society. America is consumerism!” Cruz shouted, adding a resounding “boom!” and fist

pounding at the conclusion of his interview.

“There is literally no reason why Canada should get to enjoy the pleasures of price cuts and amazing sales when the good people of the U.S. have to pay full price for products on that very same day!” said a fired-up Michele Bachmann. “The Christmas season, that is, the CHRISTmas season, is all about shopping, buying, and, uh, you know, getting things for your friends and family, and yourself too if you were good. Boxing Day will be a great addition to America’s Christmas tradition,” she concluded.

“Given the historical tradition of boxing as a prominent sport in America, I think making Boxing Day a national holiday is a wonderful move,” said a clueless Sarah Palin, weighing in on the issue with as much tact and poise as she tackles all issues. “We have a long legacy of great boxer’s here in America, from Joe Louis, to Mike Tyson, to Bo Jackson, and that guy with the

New Vigilante RA Program Builds Community in Residence Halls… Uhhh Sorry I Mean Dorms Brian Toner Head VRA of Mulledy RAs serve many important roles in our school community. They ensure student safety, serve as a liaison between students and the rest of Res Life, and, of course, say “duty” on a daily basis to provide some good chuckles for the residents.

Obviously, there are good and bad RAs, but due to the nature of their job, there are some things that neither can do. That’s what spurred the creation of a new organization: the Vigilante RA Program. The Holy Cross Vigilante RA Program (HCVRAP) is a student run organization with no school affiliation whose mission is to build community in dorms by encouraging an active social scene on Friday and Saturday nights (and as of this year, Wednesday too!).

Ever wanted to have your friends over, have a couple drinks, and listen to Bruce Springsteen at the appropriate volume? Of course you have, but you’ve probably unfortunately noticed that the Boss just attracts too much attention (rightfully so) and leads to an unwanted knock on your door by the RAs. The on duty Vigilante RA’s duty is to do whatever it takes to distract the “real” RA and allow students to have fun.

Just like Res Life refuses to use the terms “freshman” and “dorm,” the VRA program actually has the opposite philosophy. It has been thought that these two terms have a negative connotation, and the terms “first year student” and

“residence hall” should be used instead. The VRAs are straight shooters. We believe that outlawing the term “freshman” perpetuates the negative connotation, and have you seen our living spaces? I think “dorm” is pretty spot on.

Everyone remembers what it was like to be a freshman. Meeting new people, looking for parties, doing stupid stuff, etc. Well the “doing stupid stuff ” is what the VRAs want to help out with the most. So if you ever want to make a slippin’ slide down your hallway play kanjam in the bathroom, or just play music for the whole building to hear, make sure you get a VRA on duty.

The program started in the school’s largest dorm, Mulledy. It just made the most sense to start there. We had some connections with the staff there and with the departure of the CDC in the building, we knew that it was a perfect opportunity to fill the gaps in our hearts with our own methods of community bonding. Also, it was the right mix of freshmen and sophomores that we knew would bring success.

The program has been met with varying student reactions. Sophomore Doug Tortorici said, “I really like the great group of guys we have in the program right now. I’ve been thinking for a while that Holy Cross needed a covert operations unit to work alongside the RAs to build community using untraditional methods. I think that this new program achieves that goal.”

Nick Rizzo, vigilante enthusiast, said, “The vigilante RAs are not

the heroes Holy Cross deserves, but they are the ones it needs right now.” Sophomore Conor Walsh, a roommate of an actual RA, has expert knowledge of the RA system, and says, “the VRAs go where the RA’s won’t.” I’ll leave you to interpret that as you will.

As the program is met with success, we are looking to expand to other dorms, first the other ones on Easy Street, then the senior apartments, and finally Alumni and Carlin. After many failed focus groups, we have decided to steer clear of Wheeler. Partly because it’s so far from everything and the cult of Wheeler is somewhat intimidating, but also because we don’t know anyone worth hanging out with from there, so it’d just be creepy to be walking around.

The program is now accepting applications and looking for new vigilantes. The application is rigorous and the competition is, well uh…, competitive, but we are looking for people that encourage other students to do stupid stuff, and are willing to go through great measures to facilitate that. Being on duty is a great responsibility, and we hold our employees to a high standard. On duty VRAs must be have at least a solid buzz going, must announce that they are vigilante RAs when knocking at the door, and for the safety of residents, must recognize when there is a dangerous amount of alcohol in a room and help get rid of it in the most natural way possible, through their own digestive systems and livers. If you think you would make a good VRA, we encourage all to apply.

Muslim name. We are doing them a great honor by honoring them with a national holiday,” concluded the adorably oblivious Palin.

Needless to say, Boxing Day seems right for America. The overwhelming success of Black Friday, despite the violence and occasional deaths, has proven that America is ready to take on the phenomenon of Boxing Day. The majority of its citizens seem to agree. “If Boxing Day promises as many amaaaazing deals as Black Friday, I will be in heaven,” said Eva, a self-centered consumerist citizen of the U.S. “I will totally wait in a line outside the mall on Christmas night if it means getting in early for the best deals. I mean, that’s what the holidays are all about right!?

“If I had known Boxing Day was basically Canada’s Black Friday before today I would have signed a petition to make it a holiday a long time ago,” said Connor of New York. “Who’d of thought Canada would have great things like this?

I figured they only had ice hockey

and moose, or beavers maybe,” he added with an idiotic chuckle.

Canadians, it seems, were not at all bothered by America’s motion to adopt Boxing Day as their own.

“You know, Boxing Day is still something Canadian’s are all looking forward to, but honestly, we think it’s only appropriate America adopt it,” stated resident Canadian expert Nat Domagala. “They usually do their best to expand their influence upon other people’s business, so it’s rather logical that they take Boxing Day as their own as well.”

Malls and retail stores have already begun cutting prices, and rumors are circulating that lines have already started to form outside a Circuit City in metro Dallas which is reopening just for the holiday.

For the sake of humanity, one can only hope the rumors are false… but knowing our lovely nation, we should brace for the worst and expect at least a couple deaths by trampling on the day after Christmas.

The Five Worst People You Will Encounter This Season Peter Carlino Momma’s Boy As many of us know, December is one of the twelve (12) months of the year. Coincidentally, Christmas also takes place in December. Everyone loves the 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family, Egg Nog fueled discussions with your uncle about how he hates his wife who’s your mom’s sister and it’s awkward, and Advent calendars filled with delicious cardboard chocolate. I may be a bit of a Scrooge, but every year I always come across the worst people during December. Luckily, I’ve made a list of people that are genuinely terrible and should be avoided at all costs to help you navigate the season.

1. People who put reindeer antlers on their car. Not much else to say with this one, if your parents do it, think about potential nursing homes for when you graduate. Senility and awfulness often go hand and hand.

If they put Rudolph’s nose on the front bumper, start looking for a new family.

2. People who say “Happy Holidays.” Grow up, it’s Merry Christmas or don’t say anything at all. I would prefer a cold shoulder to a generic “Happy Holidays.” If a person is Jewish (shout out to Bill Camarda, Mazel Tov buddy) say Happy Hanukkah. I think Hanukkah’s in December too, but who knows these days.

3. People who listen to Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving..

Oh man, how many times can you hear Silver Bells before you want to take a Silver Bullet to your head?

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? I’ll do research on both and get back to you. But seriously, Christmas Music should start the 19th and end the 25th, problem solved.

4. People who don’t like Elf. I hope these people don’t exist because if they do, they need to take a Quaalude or something because Elf is an awesome movie. Zooey Deschanel is just a delight, effervescent, quirky, and a great singer (I hope she reads this). A Christmas Story is OK but

by God, TBS, 24 hours in a row is torturous. It’s a Wonderful Life is also a classic but I don’t know a single person who’s been able to stay awake for the whole thing. Maybe my Grandma, love you Grandma (Hope she doesn’t read this).

5. People who celebrate Festivus.

Seinfeld is obviously a great show, but no one wants to see you strut your stuff around the Festivus pole unironically. The only acceptable part of Festivus is the Airing of the Grievances, which should really be a part of Christmas anyway. Imagine telling your 2nd cousin once removed who only shows up to Christmas that you hate her fruitcake that she should stop making it because it’s trash and you don’t eat trash. That would be sick.

Anyways, please steer clear of these people because they will no doubt ruin whatever festive mood you’re in. Unless you can deal with minor little things like that, then you’re probably a pushover and eat pasta with ketchup or call your mom “mother.” Happy Holidays everyone. Just kidding, Merry Christmas guys.

10

The Crusader

Sports John Morton Chief Sports Editor Although the NHL hockey season is off and running, I have not yet written an article about the Bruins this season. The short answer to why I have thus far been silent about the Bruins is that, frankly, they aren’t very good. When I say that, I do not mean they have a bad team. Rather, the Bruins this year are not the typically solid team most ardent Bruins fans have come to expect night in and night out.

The Bruins currently have an average record of 14-12-1 (29 points). They are seventh in the Eastern Conference behind Toronto, Detroit, Montreal, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, and the New York Islanders (I know, surprising, right?)

You can trace the Bruins flaws this season back to the 4th of July trade of Tyler Seguin two seasons ago. I have to admit, when that trade first happened, I was ecstatic.

They were trading a young, good player but one prone to recklessness off the ice and poor playoff performances on the ice for three solid players in Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith, and Joe Morrow.

Looking back at the trade now, I think a legitimate second guess is in order. Last season, Loui Eriksson put up 10 goals and 27 assists for 37 points in 61 games. His season was cut short by injuries, but in Boston he has been demoted to a third line player whereas in Dallas he recorded 3 straight seasons of 70 plus points. This season he has played better putting up 13 points in 27 games, but he still has underwhelmed so far as a Bruin. Reilly Smith put up 51 points in 82 games last year and seems to be the only gem of the trade involving Seguin.

This season, however, he has put up 12 points and has not been as impactful as he was last year. The last player, Joe Morrow, has 1 goal in 14 games played, but he has only played due to injuries more so than success in the minors.

If you look at what Seguin has

SPORTS

December 12, 2014

Recapping the Bruins’ Season as the Team Looks For Consistency

done since being traded to Dallas, I think it is definitely legitimate to question what the Bruins were thinking when they moved him. He recorded 84 points in 80 games last season and currently has 19 goals and 13 assists for 32 points in only 26 games.

While I typically don’t agree with Boston radio talk show hosts Mike Felger and Tony Massaroti, I

questionable trade of Johnny Boychuk to the Islanders, which was done first and foremost to open up cap room. My question to this trade was why couldn’t you have traded Adam McQuaid or Chris Kelly to do that?

To make matters worse, as if it couldn’t get much worse than this, but, oh it does, is the rampant injury bug that has struck the team

itself on defense. Goaltender Tuukka Rask has definitely not been as stellar as last season as he currently is 11-8-1 with a 2.59 GAA. That is not horrible, but compared to last season’s mark of 2.04, that is a big difference. His woes against the evil Montreal Canadians continue to make me doubtful of the Bruins’ chances for a Cup this year, especially if it involves going

The Tyler Seguin trade to Dallas has left some wondering where the Bruins offense will come from.

think the Bruins definitely traded a “horse for ponies.”

This problem with scoring has extended beyond the Seguin trade, however. The first bad news for the Bruins was the offseason departure of Jarome Iginla who bolted to Colorado. Next, there was the

to this point in the season. David Krejci, Adam McQuaid, David Warsofsky, and captain Zdeno Chara have all gone down to injuries. The Bruins’ depleted defense has had ripple effects throughout the team, especially when one considers the fact that this team prides

through Montreal.

The departure of Iginla and the trade of Seguin have also forced the Bruins to juggle their lines up a bit, which is something that Coach Claude Julien stubbornly refuses to do at times. Youngsters Seth Griffith and David Pastrnak have

played on lines with stars Milan Lucic, David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand. Now that is not a bad thing, but relying on players that some HC seniors are actually older than isn’t the best recipe for a team that wants to win now.

Compared to the rest of the league, the Bruins rank 22nd in goals per game, 13th in goals against, 20th on the powerplay, and 22nd on the penalty kill and all of those stats are alarming signs for a team that is used to winning.

It is hard to find any solace in this doom and gloom picture, especially after a recent 7-4 loss to the San Jose Sharks, but if I could point to something hopeful for Bruins fans, it would be the play of Pastrnak and Griffith. Those young guys are actually doing more than I thought and, although they are not first line guys, their contributions have made me hopeful about the future in Boston.

The first step for the Bruins to try and climb back into a more firm position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture is definitely getting their injured players back. Those defensemen back should immediately improve Rask’s confidence because, right now, everyone and their grandmother can score on him.

The Bruins have always prided themselves on a defense-first mentality. That mentality helped get them a Cup in 2011 and can help them improve this year. As the Bruins’ season inches closer to the halfway point, let’s hope that they can climb back to the top of a competitive Eastern Conference this season. And can someone please remind the Islanders that they are not supposed to be near the top? With that, my Bruins rant has ended.

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Check Out the Crusaders in Action!

Men’s Basketball: 12/12- vs. NJIT @ 7:05 12/31- vs. BU @ 2:05 1/10- vs. Bucknell @ 3:05 1/14- vs. Army @ 8:05 1/21- vs. Lafayette @ 7:05

Women’s Basketball:

Men’s Hockey:

12/22- vs. UMass Lowell @ 11:15 12/30- vs. Yale @ 7:05 1/3- vs. American @ 1 1/2- vs. Air Force @ 7:05 1/7- vs. Colgate @ 7 1/3- vs. Air Force @ 7:05 1/17- vs. Lehigh @ 1 Women’s Hockey: 1/3- vs. Amherst @ 2:05 1/17- vs. New England College @ 2:05

The Crusader

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Contact Paul at (617) 331-7188 or

SPORTS

December 12, 2014

11

Women’s Track and Field Begins Indoor Season Emily Iannaconi Sports Co-Editor The Holy Cross women’s track and field team participated in its first competition this past weekend on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6. They have been training and preparing since September and therefore went into the meet excited and ready to compete. Though the team lost valuable seniors last year, they have also acquired 20 new freshmen. For this reason, the team has potential to succeed as well as a lot to be excited for. The cross country runners who I have already written about in previous articles will do the longer events on the track, including the 1600, 3000, and then the 5000 and 10,000 in the outdoor season.

There are other new freshmen also who are just beginning their college careers as track athletes. This includes new sprinters, jumpers, and hurdlers. Short sprints include Emily Cafaro and participating in long sprints are Meghan Dietter, Stefanie McArdle, Kelly O’Halloran and Jordan Poindexter. New hurdlers consist of Katie Heenan, Alanna Hitscherich, and Tori Zamarra. The Crusaders also have a new jumper in Jessica Stietzel and a rookie pole vaulter in Jamison Briggs.

To provide leadership and guid-

versity was predicted to finish first with 162 points overall, followed

by Bucknell (137), Lehigh (126), Navy (123), Army (95), and then Holy Cross with 88 points overall.

The women’s track and field team, however, thinks differently.

They plan to use the cross country team’s to propel them forward into another memorable year. They are prepared and excited to surprise people, and set the tone for the season this past weekend. Senior and Co-Captain Dahlstrom and sophomore Jen Kimball went to Kingston, Rhode Island to participate in the Rhode Island Pentathlon on Dec. 5. The girls competed in the 60 hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, and 800 meter run.

In the 60 meter hurdles, Dahlstrom finished in 10.00 seconds and Kimball finished in 9.69 seconds. Dahlstrom jumped 1.54 meters in high jump and Kimball jumped1.57 meters. In the shot put, Dahlstrom threw 11.13 meters and Kimball threw 8.92 meters. Dahlstrom and Kimball continued to remain close in scoring as Dahlstrom jumped 4.79 meters in the long jump and Kimball jumped 4.72 meters. In the 800 meter run, the two ran practically the same exact time with Dahlstrom finishing in 2:34.98 and Kimball finishing in 2:34.28.

the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.94. Arndt also took third place in the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 9.47, followed by freshman Zamarra in fifth place with a time of 9.56 and junior Alex Eckert in seventh place with a time of 9.79. Freshman Dietter had a strong performance in the 500 meter dash with a time of 1:19.41, good for fourth overall.

The Crusaders’ 4 by 400 meter relay of Dietter, junior Oona Wood, Shubrick, and Johnson finished second overall with a time of 4:04.97. Junior Morgan Zurlo earned third place overall in high jump with a jump of 1.60 meters.

Pole vault, specifically, saw a lot of strong performance from the Crusaders, who took six top-10 finishes. Senior Alexandra Parise set an impressive career best in the vault, with a height of 3.50 meters, earning her first place overall. Behind Parise were co-captain McGahan and freshman Briggs, who tied for second with a height of 3.35 meters. Sophomore Samantha Speroni followed in third place with a height of 3.20 meters.

Finally, the Crusaders performed well in the long jump and triple jump. Senior Marissa Romano finished first overall in the long jump with a distance of 5.20 meters. Four other women finished in the top ten

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Check out Crusader Nation found online for all of your Holy Cross athletic news!

Courtesy of goholycross.com

Brianna Tabin performed well in the 60 and 200 meter dash.

Courtesy of goholycross.com The Men’s Hockey team is the focus of the issue, especially with the team on a four game winning streak entering the break.

ance to a large incoming class of freshmen, the Crusaders track team also has upperclassmen to set the tone. The women have six captains this year, all of whom are seniors. These include Abby Mitchell, Emilia Sainato, Brianna Tabin, Sarah Dahlstrom, Michelle McGahan, and Fiorella Johnson. The team is led by head coach Egetta Alfonso, who is entering her 17th season as coach.

Despite the young additions and experienced leaders on the team, the Crusaders were predicted to finish sixth out of ten teams in the Patriot League this year. Boston Uni-

After that strong performance by their two pentathletes, the rest of the Crusaders traveled the following day to the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury, Massachusetts to compete in the UMASS Boston Indoor Open Invitational. Senior and co-captain Tabin had two first place finishes, in the 60 and 200 meter dash.

Tabin finished the 60 meter dash in 7.72 and the 200 meter dash in 25.69. Classmate Mackenzie Arndt finished right behind Tabin in the 60 meter dash with a time of 8.01 seconds. Senior Payton Shubrick finished seventh behind Tabin in

behind Romano, including Arndt, sophomore Alexa Eldracher, McGahan, and senior MaryGrace Brogioli. Eldracher and Brogioli also took second and third in the triple jump with distances of 10.99 meters and 10.51 meters, respectively.

Romano, Eckert, and freshman Stietzel also finished in the top ten.

The women hope to continue their strong performances tomorrow, Dec. 13 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center again for the Jay Carisella Invitational.

12

The Crusader

SPORTS

December 12, 2014

Purple Pennings with Patrick Buscone

Even after it became clear that the New England Patriots had completely turned their season around, there were still doubts about how they would fare during the potentially back-breaking six game stretch which featured the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts. Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and San Diego Chargers. Many said that the Patriots should be happy if they could escape that stretch with a 3-3 record or better. Not many predicted that the six games would end with the crowd in San Diego cheering as the Patriots finished off the hometown Chargers. It was like the end of Rocky IV where Rocky turns the Soviets into rooting for him and single-handedly ends the Cold War, which is 100% historically accurate by the way.

At the end of Rocky IV, you couldn’t help but crack a smile, either for the triumph or for the general absurdity of it (really all it took to change the Soviets was a boxing match?). Likewise, as the Patriots took the final knee, even Bill Belichick cracked a smile. Whether anyone captured photographic evidence or not, I don’t know, but I swear it happened!

I often wonder what is going on in that wonderful football mind of Bill’s—but then realize I probably wouldn’t understand whatever it is anyway. In this case, however, it was pretty clear what must have been going through his cranium as he moved his mouth in a way he doesn’t normally do: his team has faced every challenge this season with great success and they may have just passed the final difficult test of the regular season (it’s like that feeling we all get when we walk out of a Calculus final and realize that we have aced every single test of the semester. Right?).

First, the Patriots had to deal with all of the critics led by Trent Dilfer who said that they were done.

What did they do? They simply shut up anyone who ever doubted them.

Then, defensive leader and signalcaller Jerod Mayo went down with a season-ending injury for the second straight season. How did the Pats respond? They shut down several other teams’ running attacks with inspired play from both Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins who have both had absolutely stellar seasons filling the void of Mayo.

Then, six weeks of contenders filled the schedule. To everyone’s surprise, the Patriots easily won the first four games by twenty or more

night, despite falling behind early.

It’s quite simple with Belichick and Brady—they know how to win. It doesn’t matter if they al-

with the pressure the defense was able to generate on Phillip Rivers.

Jamie Collins has become one of the best in the league at timing the

Rob Gronkowski has been one of Brady’s go-to targets all season long.

points, each.

The Packers game presented its own unique challenges and, in that game, the Patriots did come up short—mostly due to a lack of pass rush, in the continued absence of Chandler Jones.

First place in the AFC suddenly became more of a contest after that loss and beating the Chargers became imperative for the Patriots.

The Patriots, historically, hardly ever lose games in December or two games in a row. They proved why this is the case on Sunday

low a defensive touchdown early or if the refs call back a defensive touchdown of their own (I’m all for player safety, especially with concussions, but that hit was not helmet-to-helmet, the receiver was only “defenseless” because he was bobbling the ball, and this is football for Christ sake. That’s a highlight reel hit, not a penalty) or if they are missing both Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower, the Patriots know how to get the job done.

I was particularly impressed

snap count and blitzing right up the middle. On one play he timed the snap so perfectly that the center had barely even lifted his head by the time Collins had Rivers on the turf. It is that athleticism and instinct that sold the Patriots on Collins in the draft two years ago, a second round pick which has paid major dividends so far.

The pressure combined with the continued dominance of the secondary won the game for the Patriots. The defense limited the Chargers offense to just seven points

and held them scoreless from the beginning of the second quarter on. If I were a betting man, I’d put my life savings on the Patriots winning 100% of games in which the defense performs that well.

A Tom Brady-led offense will pretty much always be able to muster at least 20 points in a given game (with the exception of the now infamously famous Chiefs game). The offense wasn’t exactly dynamic on Sunday as it has been at times this season, but they did their job.

Gronk was his typical freakish self, bouncing off tackles, and spiking the ball in the end-zone. Edelman had his longest touchdown catch of his career at 69 yards. A touchdown catch that surely had teammate Rob Gronkowski jealous, for Gronk taped #69 to his jersey this week at practice and then repeatedly asked fans what number he was—nobody has ever accused Gronk of being “mature”.

Tom Brady, on the other hand, is mature, no longer the kid he once was when the Patriots won their first Super Bowl. This season, especially, you can see how much Brady cares about winning.

When he makes a dumb mistake such as throwing an interception in the red-zone at the close of the first half, you can see that he takes full accountability through him yelling certain expletives to himself (why can’t networks show players blatantly swearing by the way? Like everyone knows Brady isn’t yelling “fudge”).

That’s a quarterback I want to go to war with. One who will be visibly upset when he makes a mistake and then equally happy when the team succeeds, as we saw at the end of the game with Brady.

All Brady wants to do is win and that trickles down to the entire team.

Now, with first place in the AFC in their sole possession and the easiest stretch of their schedule (Dolphins, Jets, and Bills) to close out the regular season, Brady and the Patriots will take that ferocious desire to win into the playoffs soon enough—a challenge they will hopefully be able to handle with success as they have done time and time again this season.