Category: Inside the Newsroom
2013 in review
2013 was a year of tragedy, triumph and new beginnings. Here is a look back, in chronological order, at the stories that impacted BU students and the entire city of Boston the most this year.
Winter Storm Nemo prompts cancellation of classes, snowball fight, arrest
- Classes canceled in anticipation of major winter storm
- ‘Snowbrawl’ draw hundreds, BUPD take student into custody
- Boston still recovering after Winter Storm Nemo slams Commonwealth
Freshman Anthony Barksdale II dies after being medically transported to hospital from function at Allston house, Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity suspended, alcohol policies at BU reformed
- ENG freshman dies Saturday morning
- ENG freshman remembered for friendly demeanor
- Community holds candlelight vigil in memory of Anthony Barksdale II
- BU suspends Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity
- Elmore, Brown meet with Greek leaders following death
- Students push for BU to change medical amnesty policy
- BU Greek life participates in 1st-ever mandatory alcohol training
Jack Parker retires after 40 years as men’s hockey coach, is replaced by former BU player and assistant coach David Quinn
- Jack Parker announces retirement after 40 years as BU head coach
- Source: David Quinn to be next BU men’s hockey coach
- BU officially taps David Quinn as Jack Parker’s successor
Women’s hockey team reaches Frozen Four, falls in national title game
- Early goal propels Terriers to national championship game
- Women’s hockey loses championship bout 6-3 despite mentally strong showing
- Marie-Philip Poulin returns from injury to give BU spark
BU cuts varsity wrestling program
- Wrestling team ceasing varsity-level competition
- BU wrestling community reacts to loss
- BU wrestling staying strong amidst last season
Explosions rock Boston Marathon finish line, BU student Lingzi Lu dies, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev captured after daylong manhunt shuts down Boston
- 3 dead, many injured by blast, spectators shocked
- After deadly marathon bombing, officials begin piecing together evidence
- Students shocked, disheartened by Marathon attack
- BU student among 3 killed in blasts, another injured
- After an elusive week, bombing suspect arrested in Watertown
- Massive rally takes place in Boston Common after 2nd marathon bombing suspect taken into custody
- Student killed in Marathon explosion remembered for effervescence, dedication to studies
- Lingzi Lu’s promising life commemorated by friends, family, BU community
- Marathon bomber formally charged with 30-count indictment
- Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev pleads not guilty
BU student Binland Lee dies in off-campus house fire
- Allston blaze claims 1 BU student
- Victim of Allston fire remembered as personable, driven to change world
- Fatal Allston fire caused by smoking materials
- City officials enforce ordinance with landlords on housing units
Gender-neutral housing approved by University
- Gender-neutral housing proposed to University Council
- University Council approves gender-neutral housing
- Gender-neutral housing available for first time
- More students expected to use gender-neutral housing next semester
Boston celebrates as Red Sox clinch World Series title at home
- BU students from other states come together to enjoy Red Sox
- Crowds swarm Kenmore Square after Red Sox win World Series
- Red Sox Rolling Rally parade brings thousands to Hub
Martin Walsh wins mayoral race over John Connolly, becoming first new mayor of Boston in 20 years
- John Connolly, Marty Walsh to face each other in final mayoral election
- Martin Walsh narrowly defeats John Connolly in Boston mayoral race
- Marty Walsh announces transition administration
James ‘Whitey’ Bulger sentenced to 2 life terms in prison
- Prosecution seeks life sentence for James ‘Whitey’ Bulger
- Victims’ families face James ‘Whitey’ Bulger at sentence hearing
- James ‘Whitey’ Bulger sentenced to 2 life sentences in prison
Mayor Thomas Menino to chair initiative at BU in 2014 following end of mayoral term
- Mayor Menino to co-chair Initiative on Cities at BU
- Students, officials excited to see Mayor Menino join university
For a look at some of the images of 2013, click here to view our album.
FreePOut: The end of No Shave November
By Michelle Jay, Multimedia Editor
Now that November has ended, it’s time to see how the gentleman of the FreeP faired at No Shave November after our initial look at them. Spoiler alert: no one made it all the way through. Various reasons were given: interviews, itchy, scraggly, life. Here’s where they each stood on returning from Thanksgiving break on Dec. 1., as decided by me.
Winner: Kyle, City Editor.
Despite shaving probably a few times, Kyle still wins. He keeps his neat and tidy and looks quite nice with his new haircut.
Kyle, city editor, the “winner” of FreeP “No Shave” November PHOTO VIA Michelle Jay
Runner-up: Steve, city associate.
I’m pretty sure he shaved at some point as well. Or else he might look a bit like Steve the Pirate right now.
Steve, city associate, the runner-up. PHOTO VIA Michelle Jay
The rest in no real order:
Chris, editor-in-chief.
He, like the rest, gave up and shaved a few days before Thanksgiving break. He said it was getting too scraggly and disgusting. But he hasn’t shaved since then. He’s back to trying.
Chris, editor-in-chief. PHOTO VIA Michelle Jay
Brian, opinion editor.
He was never really trying as his television duties keep him clean shaven.
Brian, Opinion editor, unhappy to have his picture taken today. PHOTO VIA Michelle Jay
Conor, sports associate
Conor gave up the day after the original post and shaved multiple times since then. Despite his nice start, this admission dropped him out of the running for winner.
Conor, sports associate PHOTO VIA Michelle Jay
Andrew, sports associate
Also gave up, also shaved multiple times, also could have won.
Andrew, sports associate. PHOTO VIA Michelle Jay
And that’s how the males of the FreeP do No Shave November.
Perspective about Typhoon Haiyan and Being Filipino
By Samantha Wong, Blog Editor
@samzwong
The damage of Typhoon Haiyan in Leyte./PHOTO VIA Flickr user EU Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection
It is never easy to hear when your home undergoes some kind of disaster.
I hail from the Philippines. More specifically, I hail from the capital, Manila, located up north in the region of Luzon. Fortunately, my family and most of the Metro were barely affected by the typhoon. It was the southern provinces in the Visayas region that endured most of the damage.
On Nov. 8 2013, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines and devastated thousands. The typhoon sustained winds of 313 km/h and gusts of 380 km/h and is one of the strongest typhoons in recorded history. Authorities believe that around 10,000 are dead. President Benigno S. Aquino III declared a “state of calamity” to, hopefully, release emergency funds from the government.
Admittedly, the Philippines is no stranger to typhoons. Typhoon Reming and Typhoon Milenyo hit in 2006 and were some of the strongest cyclones that laid waste to the country.
I remember exactly where I was at the time of Typhoon Milenyo; I was sitting at home for a week with no electricity.
Day in and day out rain poured overhead and while I was cursing the fact that I had no Internet, a little niggling voice in the back of my head reminded me that other people had it worse.
I wasn’t at home when Typhoon Haiyan hit. Since I was in Boston and so far away, I had to hear about Typhoon Haiyan from friends and family back home. Being this far away is not as comforting as one would think. It is not easy to see and to hear the destruction that appears on the news each day.
The comforting thing is to hear the stories of strong Philippine spirit and camaraderie in challenging times.
The Filipinos have coined the term “waterproof sprit” as the Philippines has managed to weather – no pun intended – storm after storm. With each storm the more evidence there is to the fact that we (as Filipinos) are, indeed, waterproof.
It is hard to start all over again when you have little to begin with. The people of the Philippines manage to endure all of this and make the best of each situation. It is through the strength of the Philippine people and the compassion of those who help that the Philippines can grow in the face of adversity.
No matter where I am, I am proud to call the Philippines home. I am proud to be Filipino; waterproof and indomitable.
To help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan:
FreePOUT: No Shave November in the office
By Michelle Jay, Multimedia Editor
Unlike last year’s fall office, this year’s fall e-board and associates group is more evenly balanced between guys and gals. This means No Shave November is a go in the FreeP office. Here’s our boys’ beginning stages.
Chris, Editor-in-chief
He tries, really. His request for this post to be postponed in order to grow more facial hair was denied. 
Kyle, City editor
He is one of the better beard growers of the office. Currently, he is in the lead for best beard. However, he has an interview on Thursday that will probably force him to shave.
Brian, Opinion editor
He can also grow a decent beard. However, due to his television responsibilities he tends to stay more clean shaven.
Andrew, Sports Associate
Despite being one of the youngest in the office, Andrew can sport a good beard when he wants. He’s just starting out for the month now.
Conor, Sports Associate
Our Southie boy, Conor matches his classic Boston accent with a nice start to his beard. Currently, he is in second for the best beard. Plus Clancy, his Boston Terrier, wins him some points.
Steven, City Associate
He’s yet another one who can grow a man beard. He’s on his way.
As for the ladies of the FreeP, our general opinion is that beards are not our favorite things. Rachel, campus associate, put it best saying, “A survey of Daily Free Press staff opinions reveals that while very few women staff members are turned on by facial hair, 99 percent of staff members, both male and female, would not walk away if J-Kraz [John Krasinski of “The Office”] leaned in at a bar.”
A special thank you from The Daily Free Press
By editors
Daily Free Press Fall 2013 editors and members of the Board of Directors listen to Meg Bossong of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (left) and Maria Cramer from the Boston Globe Thursday. PHOTO via Sarah Fisher.
On behalf of our editorial staff and Board of Directors, we would like to thank two individuals for their help to The Daily Free Press. Meg Bossong from the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and Maria Cramer from the Boston Globe led a helpful and educational meeting Thursday on sensitive reporting and writing techniques, particularly relating to the topic of sexual assault. We are happy to have learned from them and we look forward to welcoming them back in the spring 2014 semester.
Accepting the Challenge: Rhett’s Challenge
Could you eat one triple bacon cheeseburger, one order of fries, one root beer and one eight-scoop super sundae in 30 minutes or less? On Tuesday, three Boston University students representing different groups on campus took on the feast known as Rhett’s Challenge. Former managing editor and current men’s hockey writer Tim Healey stepped up to the plate, or more appropriately the tray, to represent the FreeP. Watch the video to find out if Tim succeeds.
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.
The Daily Free Now 