[Ed. note -- Front Page'd. If you blog it, they will come.]

Per the Globe, Chestnut Hill is getting a Shake Shack before downtown Boston and BC is part of the reason why. They must have been listening to BCI.

"Shake Shack, the New York City burger stand whose frozen custard has gained a fierce following, plans to open its first Massachusetts store next year at the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center.

Shake Shack will take over roughly 3,000 square feet in the Boylston Street space formerly occupied by the Rugged Bear children’s store, featuring its signature line of burgers, hot dogs, and frosty treats.

“With its proximity to Boston College, Chestnut Hill is a thriving community to bring Shake Shack,” said Randy Garutti, Shake Shack’s chief executive."

From today's WSJ by the author of Friday Night Lights:

In more than 20 years I've spent studying the issue, I have yet to hear a convincing argument that college football has anything do with what is presumably the primary purpose of higher education: academics.

That's because college football has no academic purpose. Which is why it needs to be banned. A radical solution, yes. But necessary in today's times.

Football only provides the thickest layer of distraction in an atmosphere in which colleges and universities these days are all about distraction, nursing an obsession with the social well-being of students as opposed to the obsession that they are there for the vital and single purpose of learning as much as they can to compete in the brutal realities of the global economy.

Photos: A Legacy of Scandal

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North Carolina football coach Butch Davis

Who truly benefits from college football? Alumni who absurdly judge the quality of their alma mater based on the quality of the football team. Coaches such as Nick Saban of the University of Alabama and Bob Stoops of Oklahoma University who make obscene millions. The players themselves don't benefit, exploited by a system in which they don't receive a dime of compensation. The average student doesn't benefit, particularly when football programs remain sacrosanct while tuition costs show no signs of abating as many governors are slashing budgets to the bone.

If the vast majority of major college football programs made money, the argument to ban football might be a more precarious one. But too many of them don't—to the detriment of academic budgets at all too many schools. According to the NCAA, 43% of the 120 schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision lost money on their programs. This is the tier of schools that includes such examples as that great titan of football excellence, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers, who went 3-and-9 last season. The athletic department in 2008-2009 took in over $13 million in university funds and student fees, largely because the football program cost so much, The Wall Street Journal reported. New Mexico State University's athletic department needed a 70% subsidy in 2009-2010, largely because Aggie football hasn't gotten to a bowl game in 51 years. Outside of Las Cruces, where New Mexico State is located, how many people even know that the school has a football program? None, except maybe for some savvy contestants on "Jeopardy." What purpose does it serve on a university campus? None.

The most recent example is the University of Maryland. The president there, Wallace D. Loh, late last year announced that eight varsity programs would be cut in order to produce a leaner athletic budget, a kindly way of saying that the school would rather save struggling football and basketball programs than keep varsity sports such as track and swimming, in which the vast majority of participants graduate.

“If you want to establish a minor league system that the National Football League pays for—which they should—that is fine.”

Part of the Maryland football problem: a $50.8 million modernization of its stadium in which too many luxury suites remain unsold. Another problem: The school reportedly paid $2 million to buy out head coach Ralph Friedgen at the end of the 2010 season, even though he led his team to a 9-and-4 season and was named Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year. Then, the school reportedly spent another $2 million to hire Randy Edsall from the University of Connecticut, who promptly produced a record of 2-and-10 last season.

In an interview with the Baltimore Sun in March, Mr. Loh said that the athletic department was covering deficits, in large part caused by attendance drops in football and basketball, by drawing upon reserves that eventually dwindled to zero. Hence cutting the eight sports.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are the medical dangers of football in general caused by head trauma over repetitive hits. There is the false concept of the football student-athlete that the NCAA endlessly tries to sell, when any major college player will tell you that the demands of the game, a year-round commitment, makes the student half of the equation secondary and superfluous. There are the scandals that have beset programs in the desperate pursuit of winning—the University of Southern California, Ohio State University, University of Miami and Penn State University among others.

I can't help but wonder how a student at the University of Oregon will cope when in-state tuition has recently gone up by 9% and the state legislature passed an 11% decrease in funding to the Oregon system overall for 2011 and 2012. Yet thanks to the largess of Nike founder Phil Knight, an academic center costing $41.7 million, twice as expensive in square footage as the toniest condos in Portland, has been built for the University of Oregon football team.

Always important to feed those Ducks.

I actually like football a great deal. I am not some anti-sports prude. It has a place in our society, but not on college campuses. If you want to establish a minor league system that the National Football League pays for—which they should, given that they are the greatest beneficiaries of college football—that is fine.

Call me the Grinch. But I would much prefer students going to college to learn and be prepared for the rigors of the new economic order, rather than dumping fees on them to subsidize football programs that, far from enhancing the academic mission instead make a mockery of it.

—Mr. Bissinger is the author of "Friday Night Lights." He will participate in a debate Tuesday evening at New York University, sponsored by Intelligence Squared, in which he and Malcolm Gladwell will argue that college football should be banned.

http://www.thebcracetoeducate.com/

Spearheaded by men's hockey Associate Head Coach Mike Cavanaugh, this 5K on the BC campus will benefit the Saint Columbkille Partnership School, a Catholic school in Brighton that's closely tied with BC and with the BC hockey team, which mentors some of the students there.

There's a 1K fun run for kids, followed by a regulation 5K. It's a great event in a great location run by a great hockey team to benefit a great cause. Basically, it's great. See you there!

When you love B.C. football and can't get rid of your head coach, you feel unhappy
When you feel unhappy, you go to Happy Hour
When you go to Happy Hour, you're up for anything
When you're up for anything, you head to a Turkish bath house
When you head to a Turkish bath house, you meet Charlie Sheen
And when you meet Charlie Sheen, you reenact scenes from Platoon with Charlie Sheen.

Don't reenact scenes from Platoon with Charlie Sheen.

When your alma mater's college football program is on the fritz, you get frustrated
When you get frustrated, your daughter imitates
When your daughter imitates, she gets thrown out of school
When she gets thrown out of school, she meets undesirables
When she meets undesirables, she ties the knot with undesirables
When she ties the knot with undesirables, you get a grandson with a dog collar.

Don't have a grandson with a dog collar.

When your A.D. keeps trolling your fan base, you get angry
When you get angry, you go blow off steam
When you go blow off steam, accidents happen
When accidents happen, you get an eye patch
When you get an eye patch, people think you're tough
When people think you're tough, people want to see how tough
And when people want to see how tough, you wake up in a roadside ditch.

Don't wake up in a roadside ditch.

When you pay too much for B.C. football, you throw things
When you throw things, people think you have anger issues
When people think you have anger issues, your schedule clears up
When your schedule clears up, you grow a scraggly beard
When you grow a scraggiy beard, you start taking in stray animals
And when you start taking in stray animals, you can't stop taking in stray animals.

Stop taking in stray animals.

When you watch Boston College football, you get depressed
When you get depressed, you attend seminars
When you attend seminars, you feel like a winner
When you feel like a winner, you go to Vegas
When you go to Vegas, you lose everything
When you lose everything, you sell your hair to a wig shop.

Don't sell your hair to a wig shop.

When your team attempts the game-winning FG but it Freeses, you get irritable
When you get irritable, your work suffers
When your work suffers, the wrong man is convicted
When the wrong man is convicted, he has time to think
When he has time to think, he thinks about you ... a lot
And when he thinks about you a lot, your house explodes.

Don't have your house explode.

[Ed. note -- Front Page'd]

Fifteen former BC Eagles saw their NHL clubs in first round action during the NHL playoffs, and a third of them are lucky enough to still be in the hunt for the Stanley Cup. Here's a look at their performance in the first round.

No Eagles shone brighter than the ones on Broadway. Brian Boyle and Chris Kreider were two of the best players on the Rangers roster - and arguably their best forwards - throughout the first round, despite the fact that neither saw action in all seven games. Boyle scored in each of the first three games, including the game winners in both Games One and Three, before being concussed in Game Five and missing the remainder of the series. Despite missing the final two games, Boyle's three goals remain tops on the team for the first round. Kreider was a healthy scratch for Games One and Two, the entered the line-up while Carl Hagelin served his three game suspension. After a tentative first few games, Kreider was the Rangers best forward in Games 6 and 7, playing key minutes on the second line and netting the game winner - his first professional goal - in Game Six. He also forced a turnover that led directly to the Rangers first goal in Game Seven. Boyle returned to practice today, fueling speculation that he may be healthy enough for to skate in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tomorrow afternoon.

On the other side of the Hudson, both Stephen Gionta and Peter Harrold played in all seven games for the Devils. Gionta scored in Games Three and Seven, added an assist in Game Four, and finished the series at a team best plus five. Harrold added three helpers of his own, including one on Gionta's Game Seven goal, and finished at a plus two for the series.

Rob Scuderi is the fifth and final former Eagle advancing to the Conference Semifinals, as his Los Angeles Kings upset the President's Trophy winning Canucks. Scuderi skated in all five games, recording no points, a plus one, and four penalty minutes while averaging just over twenty minutes a game.

Amongst the former Eagles not advancing, Cory Schneider had perhaps the best opening round. After Roberto Luongo struggled in losses in Game One and Two, Schneider took over starting duties for the remainder of the series, posting a 1.31 goals against average and a 0.960 save percentage while picking up Vancouver's only win of the series. In the days since Vancouver's season ended, Luongo has reportedly requested a trade, leaving the restricted free agent to be Schneider as the presumptive new starter for one of the League's best teams. Andrew Alberts, the other former Eagle on Vancouver's roster, was scratched for all five games.

Pittsburgh was the only other club to see multiple former Eagles in action, as Brooks Orpik skated in all six games, and Ben Lovejoy in two. Despite entering the playoffs as the Vegas favorite to win the Cup, Pittsburgh played an ugly series against Philly. Orpik finished pointless with four penalty minutes and a minus one while finishing second on the team playing more than 22 minutes a night. Lovejoy was also pointless and finished at minus two. He committed a critical third period turnover in Game Two, leading to the Flyers tying up the game, and was scratched for the remainder of the series as Mats Niskanen was healthy enough to return to the line-up.

Scott Clemmensen saw action between the pipes in three of Florida's seven games. After pitching a 19 save shutout in 54 minutes of relief action in Game Three, Clemmensen was given the start in Game Four. After losing that contest Clemmensen went back to the bench, only to start Game Six when Jose Theodore was injured and could not play. Clemmensen was a tough luck loser in that one, making 42 saves in a losing effort. He finished the series with a 2.34 goals against average and a 0.920 save percentage, both marks infinitesimally better than Theodore's.

After being a health scracth for the first five games of the series, an injury to Joe Corvo allowed Mike Mottau out of the press box for the final two games of the Bruins' series against Washington. Mottau skated to a minus one in both games, without recording a point nor a penalty, and averaged just over ten minutes of ice time.

Jimmy Hayes was the final former Eagle to see first round action. A healthy scratch for Games One through Four, Hayes cracked the line-up for the final two games of the series. After skating to a minus one in ten minutes of ice time in Game Five, Hayes earned a major and a game misconduct for a boarding penalty in the third period of Game Six. Already down 2-0, Chicago gave up a goal on the ensuing power play, effectively ending their season.

Hayes' teammate Ben Smith saw no playoff action following hernia surgery in March, while the concussion suffered by Patrick Eaves back in November kept him out of Detroit's opening round loss to Nashville. Benn Ferriero was a healthy scratch for all five games of San Jose's opening round loss to St. Louis.

A poster on another site was astute enough to see how we have done this year in the ACC. If you can't get fired for this as an AD, what can you get fired for?

Men's Basketball: 12th out of 12
Women's Basketball: 11th out of 12
Baseball: 12th out of 12
Softball: 12th out of 12
Men's Tennis: 12th out of 12
Women's Tennis: 9th out of 12
Women's Lacrosse: 6th out of 6
Football: 10th out of 12
Women's Volleyball: 12th out of 12
Field Hockey: 5th out of 6
Men's Soccer: 6th out of 9
Women's Soccer: 5th out of 11

Incoming freshman Frankie Vatrano scored the game winning goal for Team USA yesterday at the IIHF World Men's Under 18 Championship, as they downed Canada 5-3. With the victory, Team USA finished group play at a perfect 4-0-0-0, outscoring their opponents 18-3. Vatrano has played in all four games, registering two goals on nine shots, two assists, two penalty minutes, and a plus four.

By virtue of the victory over Canada, Team USA won Group A, and received a bye to the semifinals of the playoff round, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal match-up between Canada and Russia.

[Ed. note -- Front Page'd]

While most of our BC hockey focus has fallen on the east side of the Hudson as of late, there were a few former Eagles playing on the west side of the river tonight. Though Brian Gionta, Scott Clemmensen, and Mike Mottau have long since departed the Devils, two former Eagles figured prominently into Tuesday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between New Jersey and Florida.

Firstly, the Devils' Stephen Gionta - younger brother of both the BC all-time and Devils' single-season goals record holder - scored New Jersey's second goal of the night, just 3:27 into the game. The younger Gionta made his NHL debut with 12 scoreless games in the 2010-11 NHL season, and spent the past year - his sixth pro season - serving as captain of the AHL's Albany Devils. He was surprisingly recalled for the NHL Devils' season finale, scoring his first NHL goal - the game winner - against Ottawa.

Gionta's goal in Game 3 - the second of three Devils goals scored in the game's first 6:16 - helped chase Florida goaltender Jose Theodore from the pipes. He was replaced by Scott Clemmensen - the long-time former Devils back-up goalie - who played in four Frozen Fours and three National Championship games in his four years on The Heights.

Not only did Clemmensen stop all 19 shots he saw from the Devils over the final 53:44, he also recorded the secondary assist on the Panthers' first goal, as they battled back to secure a 4-3 victory and a 2-1 series lead. The win might have been particularly satisfying for Clemmensen, who clashed with Devils' coach Peter DeBoer during their two years together with the Panthers.

Aside from Gionta and Clemmensen, the game featured one additional former Eagle. Devils defenseman and former BC captain Peter Harrold - who like Gionta spent much of the season in Albany with former Eagle Joe Whitney - finished with no points, a minus one, and one hit in 15:03 of ice time.

"I'm just trying to contribute in all facets and playing some good minutes. Do the physical stuff, playing defensively sound, killing penalties and contributing offensively. Those are all responsibilities when you get to play those minutes and you have the opportunity to do that.

"I'm trying to contribute, I'm trying to be a difference maker in these games that really, really matter. A lot of guys are doing that, a lot of guys are playing well."

Brian Boyle gives New York Rangers a boost in playoff series against Ottawa

[Ed. note -- Front Page'd]

With the recent departures of Gabe Moton and Matt Humphrey from Boston College, scholarships have certainly opened up for the Don to use on transfers and recruits. There are a few that can play right now, and most that have to wait a year.

Kyle Smyth, Iona: This guy is known as a priority to get for Coach Donahue, and it certainly makes sense. While he did only average about 5 PPG this past year, he averaged about 10 the year before was buried behind star MoMo Jones on the depth chart. He also played his best against the best, as he dropped 21 on Michigan State and He can play the 1, 2, and 3 and is a deadly 3 point shooter. He's mostly a wing. He's also immediatly eligible and would be a 5th year senior, which is huge for guard depth next year. He's considering UNH, BC, Seton Hall, and Rutgers. This would also bring tons of experience to the team.

Dylan Ennis, Rice: The brother of the stud recruit is a fabolous game manager and runs the fast break with superb athletic ability and passing. Also, he would even out the scholarships as he joins the 2012 class. He's likely not to pick BC however, as BC is last on his top 5. His best buddy, who will visit BC May 4, and who also played at Rice, is known as....

Jarelle Reischel, Rice: Now when I first saw Reischel's name mentioned with BC, I immediately thought it was a ploy to get Ennis, as he is best friends with him and Smyth and Ennis are BC's two main targets. However, he's played with Patrick Heckmann before on the Germany U-16 team (he's from Germany), and is exactly what BC needs at wing. He's basically a more athletic and better version of Humphrey. However, he is a 6'6 wing that can shoot it and has amazing athleticism. He would fit the need Matt Humphrey left and would join the 2012 class. He's considering VCU, BC, Iona, Rhode Island, and La Salle.

Alex Dragicevich, Notre Dame: Another wing, a guy who is a 6'7 shooter who is skinny and has long arms. He would be nice for depth along with Reischel. He's also visited Northwestern, Loyola, and just visited BC last weekend, and is also considering Valporaiso. I'd also have to figure that Northwestern has the advantage, as he grew up close to the Northwestern campus. His problem is he would join the already-huge 2011 class.

Tony Gill, JUCO: Another guy who would be eligible to play next year, Gill visited BC last weekend and scrimmaged with the team, but apparently didn't come away with an offer. He's a 6'8 power forward that can rebound and step out and shoot it. Why is he not a big target for BC? Well, he's definitely slow and did the same not-box-out-look-up-at-the-ball technique that helped cause BC's rebounding woes. He would join Moton's class.

Also, let's not forget recruits, as BC is rumored to be in the mix for the recently-opened Michael Orris, a guard who would replace Moton. If you're wondering about Jordan Tebbutt coming to BC, stop wondering. It was reported by Eric Hoffses that he isn't considering BC anymore.

I also wouldn't be surpassed if BC took Smyth and a transfer that has to sit out next year, as said Smyth would play next year.