Category: Inside the Newsroom
FreepOUT: A visual review of the year
By Editors
As Spring semester 2013 comes to a close, we bring you our most impactful photos and stories. Thank you for your continuos support with The Daily Free Press. Our print issue will return in Fall 2013, stories and updates will be posted on our website periodically throughout the summer.
‘Snowbrawl’ draws hundreds, BUPD take student into custody
Students participate in ‘Snowbrawl Fight part two’ February 9 on the Esplanade after Winter Storm Nemo dumped two feet of snow February 8. PHOTO BY TAYLOR HARTZ/DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
Brownstone fire leaves $5 million in damages
A three-alarm fire destroys the fourth and fifth floor of a Back Bay brownstone February 20. PHOTO BY MICHELLE JAY/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
Total cost of BU set at over $57K for 2013-14 academic year
Boston University officials released the tuition increases for the 2013-2014 school year March 18. The graph shows the change in the total tuition and housing costs since 1995. GRAPHIC BY CHRIS LISINSKI/DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
Terriers fall to Northeastern in Beanpot first round
Senior captain Wade Megan hangs his head on the bench after Northeastern University scores its third goal in the first game of the Beanpot at TD Garden February 4. PHOTO BY MICHELLE JAY/DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
FreepOut: Favorite hometown slang
We have a pretty diverse newsroom. We all come from different places in the country, and are equipped with different slang words that no one from outside our state, (maybe even no one from outside our hometown) will understand. We decided to collect some of them here for this week’s FreepOut.
Opinion Editor Brian Latimer, from the New York suburb of Montclair, New Jersey said commonly used terms include “skerp,” and “queeze.” “Skerp” is a verb meaning “to acquire,” and is used in the place of have a sip, come pick me up, borrow something or steal. “Queeze,” is a noun meaning “alcohol.”
Online Editor Melissa Adan, who comes from the exotic Miami, FL. says “living in Miami you learn a whole new language: Spanglish. That is the sexy language of speaking English and Spanish in the same sentences. For example, a normal English sentence: But that guy is really hot. Spanglish translation: Pero like that guy is super hot! Other examples include our famous Pitbull 305 “dale” and our need to say “ayyyy” for everything.” Check out this video to see a parody of how it is to speak in Miami.
Sports Editor Greg Davis, who hails from Long Island said the only colloquial slang he knows of is, “My dad just bought me a Mercedes,” to which he quickly added that he never had the chance to use the phrase. He then started crying.
Associate Sports Editor Sarah Kirkpatrick, of Mukilteo, Wash., says “The mountains are out,” is the way residents describe a clear day in the mountainous town.
Photo Editor Michelle Jay, from Chicago, Ill., said that the term “pop,” is used to describe what the rest of us know as soda.
Campus Associate Margaret Waterman, says that everyone in her hometown of Concord, Mass. uses the term DWAI to tell people to relax. It is an abbreviation of “don’t worry about it,” and was popularized by a local high school cross country runner before some students made shirts featuring the saying. The runner graduated in 2008, but the phrase lives on.
And finally, some colloquialisms brought to you from Los Angeles, Calif. by yours truly (Hilary Ribons). There’s the copious usage of the term “dude,” which refers to both men and women, and is occasionally used as an expression of disbelief, as in, “Dude! That sucks,” or simply “Duuuude.” Also, the term “kickback,” which refers to a chill, non-party that involves alcohol and sitting around with 10 or less friends in someone’s dingy living room.
FreepOUT: Best sports moments of all time
We have compiled a brief list of the best sports moments of all time. Well, at least according to the Freeple (Freep +People…get it?). We’re not biased or anything.
Chris Lisinski, Campus Editor:
Manchester City went into the final game of the season needing a win. A few weeks earlier, they had defeated archrivals Manchester United to ensure if City won all the remaining games in the season, they’d win their first league title in 44 years and first ever Barclays Premier League title. Despite that, they went into injury time down 2-1 to lowly QPR. After tying the game, Sergio Aguero capped off a truly brilliant season with a moment straight out of a classic sports movie. The way the commentator’s voice cracks as the ball hits the back of the net sums it all up— the comeback made against all belief to end such a long and painful title drought.
Greg Davis, Sports Editor
NFC Championship Game: New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers Jan. 20, 2008
It had been 17 years since the New York Giants lifted the Lombardi Trophy — a drought that included an embarrassing 34-7 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens in the big game in 2000. No 6-seed had ever won the Super Bowl, but after taking down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, the 6-seed Giants were one game away from America’s most prolific sporting event. Visiting the Green Bay Packers in “The Frozen Tundra,” Lambeau Field lived up to its nickname, as the teams fought tooth and nail in -20-degree weather. After two missed field goals from Lawrence Tynes in the fourth quarter, the teams headed to overtime, when Tynes made amends by nailing a 47-yard game-winning field goal to send the underdog Giants to Super Bowl XLII.
Skip to 5:30 to check out Lawrence Tynes game-winning field goal.
Michelle Jay, Photo Editor:
The top sports moment was when the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010. It was overtime in game 6 at Philadelphia. Patrick Kane took a pass at the sideboards at the top of the circles, skated in and took an impossibly angle shot. Despite no one seeing it going in, Kane knew he scored and went crazy. I’ll never forget that moment in my life. I was a senior in high school and watching the game at home with my dad and younger brother. We are life-long Blackhawk fans. My brother went insane and started running around our house screaming. I started jumping up and down. To top it all off my brother and I went to the championship celebration parade in the city, waiting hours on the street to be in the front row as the team came past on double decker buses.
Felix Hernandez throws his hands in the air at Safeco Field after throwing the first perfect game in franchise history. Image source: thestartingfive.net
Sarah Kirkpatrick, Associate Sports Editor:
Felix Hernandez’s perfect game on August 15, 2012 was definitely the best sports moment of all time. Seattle baseball has long been the laughing stock of sports media, and understandably so — the Mariners have not made the playoffs since 2001. For 11 seasons and counting we have conceded, “Well, maybe next year,” sometime around June. But in the midst of yet another sub-.500 season, Felix Hernandez threw the first perfect game in franchise history. For one day at least, we got a chance to celebrate. Moreover, it proved what Seattle fans knew all along — that Felix is truly King.
According to Siri the Miami Heat “are on a roll.” Screenshot by Melissa Adan
Melissa Adan, Online Editor:
The best sports moment is currently happening: Miami Heat’s win streak. They have currently won 27 games in a row. This just shows why either a) You can’t hate the Heat or b) You really hate the Heat. I’m sorry Celtics fans, the Miami Heat’s win is close to beating the NBA record for consecutive wins, which was a 33 game streak by the LA Lakers in 1971-72. It’ll be sweet when the Heat hold this new record.
Hilary Ribons, Blog Editor:
Of course the Lakers hold the record winning streak. That’s simply because Los Angeles is the best. Tough luck trying to steal our title, Miami!
As someone who does not at all follow sports, I’m going to take this opportunity to assert the awesomeness of my city of origin by saying that anytime the Lakers, the Dodgers or the Kings win a game, it’s the greatest sports moment of all time.
FreepOUT: Newsroom goes Anchorman
By T.G. Lay, Managing Editor
With filming for Anchorman: The Legend Continues reportedly beginning next month, it only seemed fitting that a news team as successful, attractive and fun-loving as Ron Burgundy’s band of misfits pay homage to the venerable News Team 4.
As I met with the members of our editorial staff one Sunday, I realized some striking resemblances to San Diego’s number one news team. Naturally, we decided to snag a few frames from the film and emulate the characters to the best of our ability.
So, there was only one thing we could do … BUY NEW SUITS!
Well not really. We already had suits for the most part, but who doesn’t love to dress up? Needless to say, we look damn good and damn similar to News Team 4.
Sure, certain nuances are missing, such as the impeccable facial hair and the color coordination, but we did pretty well for a budget of $0. Check out the results in the juxtapositions below.
Strikingly similar?
Left to Right: Gregory Davis as Brian Fantana, Jasper Craven as Champ Kind, Emily Overholt as Veronica Corningstone, Chris Lisinski as Brick Tamland, T.G. Lay as Ron Burgundy.
You stay classy, Boston University.
Boston “bar crawl”
By Hilary Ribons, Blog Editor @hilaryalexisr
and Seline Jung, Multimedia Editor @selinejung
Some of the DFP staff ventured out on a Friday night for a “bar crawl!” Check out the list on our Foursquare map to see where you’re headed. Here’s what we found:
A cozy atmosphere awaits at Tommy Doyle’s/ PHOTO BY Hilary Ribons. CLICK PHOTO FOR FULL PHOTO SLIDESHOW
Tommy Doyle’s:
Located on the side of a small street in Cambridge, Tommy Doyle’s looks like a house from its warm interiors to its wood siding. There was and upper and lower level, but on the night we were there, the upper level had a cover charge and the lower level was a private event. The atmosphere on the main floor is in between a nice sit-down place and a club. It’s a good place to hang out with friends and casually sip drinks before heading to a full-fledged club.
Hong Kong:
From the outside, this bar/club looks like your average neighborhood Chinese food restaurant. But don’t be fooled by the Hong Kong‘s looks. Once you pass the bouncer, make a sharp left, and go up some stairs and you’ll get to a second level. A well decorated bar is packed with people in their twenties and thirties socializing, standing in groups or sitting in offset corner booths with tables. The bartenders are friendly and interactive. But wait, there’s more.
There is a third floor as well. The night we attended, there was a long wait for the floor and most of our party did not get to go up. Part of the excitement surrounding the third floor was the hype that was created amongst the people waiting to go up.
The dance floor was pagoda-themed, and smaller than the lower two floors. Perhaps the biggest allure of the Hong Kong it feels like you have discovered a new scene each time you ascend the stairs.
A cosmo at Mass Ave Tavern/ PHOTO BY Hilary Ribons. CLICK PHOTO FOR FULL PHOTO STORY.
Storyville:
There are plenty of dance clubs/bars in Boston, but few have no cover charge. This is one of the few. Storyville usually has a small line. Once inside, you descend a flight of stairs and have the option of entering one of two rooms. The first is lit with red lights and has a bar, and, behind a half-wall with rentable booths, a dance floor. The second room has blue lighting, its own music and a different, calmer yet still dance-worthy atmosphere. This club is good for decent drinks at a decent price, dancing, and saving money. The age group can be a little older, but if you go with a group of friends it’s a lot of fun.
Mass Ave Tavern:
Spacious sports bar/restaurant on Mass Ave and Newbury St. The service at Mass Ave Tavern is fast and friendly and the ambience is laid back but a bit nicer than your average sports bar. It’s not a typical college crowd, but if you don’t want to be bothered by anyone and just want to throw back a beer or two and eat nachos (seriously, the nachos could feed a party of 10) with your friends, Mass Ave Tavern is your place. There is also a foosball table and an array of board games to play, a fun and laid-back addition that mad Mass Ave stand out. Specialty cocktails include the Bee Keeper, which our fellow FreeP staffer described as “rye whiskey [with] fresh lemon and honey [to] really balance it out. It’s palatable and complements it instead of drawing attention to the alcohol.”
Grendel’s Den:
In our opinion, this was by far the best place of the night. Located right in the heart of Harvard Square, Grendel’s is located in the basement of a charming white building. It does sort of feel like a den – prepare to feel cozy but not suffocated, as can be the case in many bars frequented by college students. The crowd is young, the bartenders are trendy and tattooed, and prices are wallet-friendly. But beware of the specialty drink called “Kanye’s Workout Plan” – it sounds cool, but according to our taste-tester, it tasted more like watered-down mint syrup mixed in with some vodka than a refreshing lime-infused drink.
Click for a full photo slideshow
CLICK PHOTO FOR FULL PHOTO SLIDESHOW.
Patrons sit inside Mass Ave Tavern/ PHOTO BY Hilary Ribons
Back-to-the-gym-playlist
By Steph Solis, Staff
On nearly every freshman’s checklist is his or her first visit to FitRec. My freshman-year roommate and I crossed that off our list on the first week of school, but instead of working out, we just took the tour and left. We went back in for a minute, realizing we hadn’t ordered the smoothies we wanted.
I went back to FitRec Monday morning after two-and-a-half years.
Why didn’t I take advantage of this extravagant resource that probably cost our alumni (and many of us) a chunk of tuition? Well, unlike many athletes and BU biddies, I don’t live near West, nor did I desire to move there to be closer to the gym. I admire their discipline, but I’d rather have a shorter walk to classes and avoid the crowds in West for the BUS on snowy mornings.
Having a more easy-going schedule this semester, and having noticed that my jeans are much tighter than they were when school started, I decided to attempt working out regularly.
In the process, I have begun to compile my very own workout playlist. Just to warn you, there is no trace of Katy Perry on my playlist. Nor is there any One Direction, Justin Bieber or Britney Spears. Instead, I bring to you a compilation of Classic Rock and Punk with a sprinkle of Hip Hop and Lady Gaga (who, in my world, stands as her own category).
So if you like spunky workout music that you probably won’t find at the clubs, or if you’re new to FitRec-ing like me, give these a chance.
Here are a few highlights.
“Are You Experienced?” Patti Smith Cover
The Pattie Smith cover is much more mellow than Jimi Hendrix’s original, but it’s perfect for stretching.
“The Distance” by Cake
This is probably best if you’re on a track field (because I would clearly know), but it’s one of those motivating songs that make you feel cool and stuff.
“Funk Soul Brother” by Fatboy Slim
Because it’s in every other movie and makes people want to dance (or, in Bruce Almighty’s case, makes him want to take his clothes off).
“Right Here, Right Now” by Fatboy Slim
This is one of those songs where you’re either in a really cool daydream as a spy running from the enemy or a really bad nightmare where you’re about to die first. Either way, it’s worth adding to your playlist.
“Knights of Cydonia” Muse
Listen to this while on the elliptical and imagine yourself running into an epic battle that will determine the fate of the world. Once you’re in a groove, this song can be the perfect energizer.
“Single Ladies” by Beyonce
If the song’s beats don’t give you incentive to work out, you can picture yourself as Beyonce while you workout. Sounds like enough incentive to me.
“Rabiosa” by Shakira
Don’t get distracted by Shakira’s sex appeal here. The song’s bachata-style beats add some necessary flavor to your workout, and might make you want to dance in the middle of FitRec (I wouldn’t recommend it, though).
“Bad Girls” by M.I.A.
One of the best songs to workout to. Not sure if it’s the sick beats or M.I.A.’s empowering message of women’s rights. When I listen to this song, I like to think I’m almost as bad ass as the Saudi Arabian women in the video who defy their male counterparts by driving and brandishing massive weapons. One way or another, I convince myself to keep running until the song ends and tone those thighs.
“BYOB” by System of a Down
It’s one of the heavier songs on this playlist, but it’ll get you to workout. That, or if you’re like some students I know, it’ll scare you into running faster.
“Apple Tree” by Wolfmother
Lyrics aside, it’s a fast-paced, rock song with a feel-good, don’t-give-a-f— tone. If you’re looking for fun, but not pop-heavy, I highly recommend.
FreepOUT: Top headlines of 2012
Boston University and its surrounding city was full of surprises in 2012 and the FreeP was here to cover it all. We had protests and arrests and accidents, oh my! But with 2012 coming to a close The Daily Free Press has compiled some of the news highs and lows of the year.
1. On Feb. 19 men’s ice hockey junior defensemen Max Nicastro was charged with sexual assault. However, the charges were later dropped.
Charges dropped against former BU mens hockey player
2. Boston eagerly awaited election results.
Tensions stir as Boston awaits election results
3. When the campus was plagued by armed robbers, racial profiling became an issue on campus.
Students still feel racial tension despite robbers arrests
4. BU legend, former University President John Silber died leaving the community (and the FreeP) many memories of his turbulent presidency.
The legacy lives on, John Silbers impact on BU
5. Three Students died in a car accident in May while studying abroad in New Zealand
Vigil remembers NZ students
Road conditions in NZ crash analyzed by expert, police say
6. Following the administration’s announcement it was suspending the gender-neutral housing initiative students organized a demonstration and were subsequently threatened with arrest.
Students threatened with arrest at GNH demonstration
7. The MBTA emptied our wallets but still didn’t get us to class on time.
Passengers face fare hikes as MBTA awaits potential revenue
8. The community surrounding the BU biolab continued to fight against its operation, but the FreeP got in for a tour.
Residents speak out against biolab at forum
Biolab scheduled to begin operating in February
Reporter’s notebook: tour of the BU biolab
9. After a slew of bike accidents community members called for increased safety for cyclists.
Officials, advocates seek increased bike safety
10. Two bodies were found in the Charles, proving nightmares about early morning crew practice to be true.
First body found in Charles River ID’d as Cambridge man
Here’s to a new year full of even better coverage!
—Freep E-board Spring 2013
FreepOUT: Novembeards in the office
By Lauren Dezenski, Online Editor
Girls run the world at the FreeP this semester (to steal the phrase from Beyoncé). With an e-board made up of all ladies except for Kevin the sports editor, No Shave November doesn’t quite meet its original meaning. But thank goodness for the associates: Tyler, Chris and Jasper (plus assistant Greg) are all in some state of facial hairiness.
Thus, I’m honored to present the Novembeards of the FreeP.
Exhibit A:
Kevin Dillon, sports editor and our reigning Novembeard champion. Well, that doesn’t actually exist because I just made it up, but Kevin *IS* sporting the sickest beard at 648 Beacon St.
When asked to describe his beard, Kevin said, “It got real itchy, so I have had to shave the neck part of the beard.”
Neck beard grows in three times as fast as the regular beard, Kevin said, and had he not taken preventative measures, he would “look like Gandalf with a neard.” Neard is a portmanteau of “neck” and “beard.” That Kevin, always combining words.
Exhibit B:
Chris Lisinski, current campus associate and next semester’s campus editor. This weekend was the interview process for postion selection (congrats to all chosen), and because of this, Chris was forced to shave off his beginnings of a Novembeard. As of Monday night, Chris is steadfast in his pursuit of the truest Novembeard, despite this weekend’s razor action.
I’m thinking that shaving process looked a little something like this:
Fear not, Chris. Beards grow back.
Exhibit C:
Resident cherub and City Associate Jasper Craven. Baby boi is next semester’s city editor and with his clean shaven face, boasts the face of a baby angel.
I see you with those Beats headphones, Jaspy.
Don’t be fooled by his cherubic visage ladies and gents. During last week’s snowstorm, Jasper was riding his bike to cover an event for the FreeP, fell and scraped up his knee, thus BLEEDING FOR THE FREEP. That’s dedication if I know any.
Exhibit D and E:
Tyler Lay and Gregory Davis. Tyler is next semester’s managing editor and has no care for maintaining his Novembeard. What a party pooper. However Greg, next semester’s sports editor, is keeping the enthusiasm alive and is a true gem.
Let us heed the words of Kanye West in light of these Novembeards: “No one man should have all that power.”
Stay tuned for updates on the beards’ progress as November elapses.
FreepOUT: Covering Silber
By Lauren Dezenski, Online Editor
Eight hours. That’s how long it took for The Daily Free Press Fall ’12 E-Board to rummage through our office archives on Thursday in a frantic effort to piece together full coverage for former Boston University President John Silber’s death.
It’s no stretch to say the E-board members can recount his or her location when they found out Silber died.
It was shocking, but didn’t come as much of a surprise, either.
“He was 86, had a life well lived and his death wasn’t unexpected,” said Managing Editor Sydney Shea.
Those who could flocked to the newsroom for much of the day Thursday. Many, including Campus Editor Emily Overholt, Social Media Editor Sofiya Mahdi and Associate Campus Editors Chris Lisinski and Amy Gorel were in the office from before noon until 8 p.m.
“This happened on our watch,” Shea said. “It fell on us [The Daily Free Press] to portray him as truthfully as possible.”
Lisinski and Gorel worked for much of the day on a piece on Silber’s legacy.
“We dug through archives and interviews and learned as we went, doing coverage that as students, we wouldn’t have learned otherwise,” Lisinski said. “We were then able to take what we learned and transmit it to our reader base as much as possible.”
Though many news outlets posted Silber’s obituary within a few hours of the announcement, The FreeP held back, not posting our copy until around 2 p.m.
“We don’t always get it [the story] first, and that’s something that we have to work on,” Editor-in-Chief Steph Solis said.
Much of the pace of coverage had to do with the student body in mind. It now fell upon us to inform thousands of students about someone we barely knew ourselves, yet led a huge transformation that brought BU to its current state as one of the top research schools in the country. We sought stories that had a deeper analytical look, ultimately taking longer to develop given the reams of newsprint archives in the office.
The keyboard function “control-find” was sorely missed, to say the least.
Ultimately, the stories’ research quality took precedence over churning them out at break-neck pace, and we stand behind that decision.
“Our job is to educate the student body,” Solis said. “What I think we did was respond from the present state. And in the present state, we as a paper and as a student body have moved on [from the harsh sentiments toward Silber of previous decades].”
In the past, Silber was known for his antagonistic role with not only students and staff, but also The FreeP. We were also known to give it right back to him, too. Nowhere was this clearer than in the archives.
“I think having the opportunity to look back on the archives [ … ] adds character in ways that no obit or sound bite can provide,” Solis said.
If Silber and The FreeP’s relationship is worth noting, so too is the fact that as a staff, “We didn’t have extreme opinions of him,” Shea said. “We didn’t have an agenda behind this.”
As Boston University students, Silber is essentially a historical figure, and at The FreeP, our work included seeking to comprehend him. We determined understanding Silber’s relationships ultimately leant itself to the coverage as a whole, as well as our efforts to correctly portray him.
“He was a man that operated at both ends of what most people would consider right and wrong,” Lisinski said. “He [Silber] brought a lot to BU and did a lot for the future of the university—faculty and future students, but at the same time, he upset a lot of people and alienated a lot of people.
“I think when looking at him [Silber], you have to take both aspects into consideration. No person is black and white and you can’t look at anything simply. I think he’s a fantastic piece of evidence that you can be right and wrong at the same time.”
FreepOUT: Photo editor Abbie’s playlist
A track listing of Abbie’s chosen beats
If you’ve ever visited the sketchy Freep office, no doubt that I’ll be sitting in my torn up chair in the photo corner, under the tic-inducing flickering light. But today, I did a little more than my usual photo editing and crying myself to sleep due to hunger to present you all with a playlist I use to calm me down when everything else in the newsroom (hi news) is getting chaotic.
P.S. Justin Bieber 4ever.
-Abbie Lin, Photo Editor Fall 2012
