The Patriots are in the Super Bowl, and I couldn't be more heartbroken

There are no words.

Actually, there are ten. The New England Patriots are going to the Super Bowl.

That sentence breaks my heart. And it's a feeling I've gotten used to over the last decade or so. I'm a Baltimore Ravens fan, and I'm beginning to think that I'm a glutton for punishment.

As numbers on the game clock in yesterday's AFC Championship Game shrunk, it looked like—for the first time since I was in the fifth grade—the Ravens would be going to the SuperBowl. Joe Flacco led a drive that, as CBS color analyst Phil Simms said before it began, was reminiscent of Baltimore's huge win at Pittsburgh in November.

Joe Flacco outplayed Tom Brady, and he threw the winning touchdown pass to send the Ravens to Indianapolis for the big game. But Lee Evans didn't hang onto it. What happened next seemed as inevitable as the sunrise: Billy Cundiff missed a 32-yard chip shot, and it was over.

The Ravens did everything the experts said they needed to to win that game. Joe Flacco was better than he was against the Texans. The Ravens made the stops on defense when they needed them, and even mixed in a few turnovers, including one huge interception to nullify an errant Flacco throw shortly before.

It's been a long 11 years in Baltimore. After that SuperBowl victory against the Giants in late January 2001, there has been hardship. The Ravens made the playoffs each of the next two seasons, but never got further than the divisional round. Then, the Kyle Boller experiment began in full force, with two dreadful seasons to show for it. Then, with possibly their best team since 2000 and before the one that took the field yesterday, the Ravens in 2006 were stunned at home by the Indianapolis Colts. They didn't even give up a touchdown.

The next year saw the return of Boller, and a 5-11 finish in which they seemed to play just below the level of their opponents. They lost an overtime thriller to the 1-15 Miami Dolphins, and a few weeks before pushed the then-undefeated Patriots to the limit on Monday Night Football. I was there for that one. I could feel the sting of Boller's hail mary being caught at the four yard line all the way in the upper deck.

In the four years since, the Ravens have won a playoff game in each season, advancing to two AFC title games. The 2008 title game wasn't a surprise. A rookie quarterback couldn't beat a tough Steelers defense that went on to beat Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals in the SuperBowl.

In 2009, they crushed a weakened Patriots squad on their way to being beaten by the Colts again. And last year, they let a comfortable lead in the divisional round disappear into the cold Pittsburgh night.

It never gets any easier.

Between now and September, I'll occupy myself with my other team of choice: The Boston Red Sox. The same Red Sox who let a nine game wild card lead fall out of their hands in much the same way that Lee Evans let the AFC trophy be punched out of his hands by Sterling Moore. At least the Red Sox gave me a month to prepare for that one.

The Red Sox have brought home two championships this century after an 86 year wait. I wasn't around for most of it, but I was around for some, and more recently they've reverted back to their heart-shattering ways.

In 2008, they were one run away from returning to the World Series. Everyone knows, or at least I know, that the third strike that the Rays' David Price threw to J.D. Drew in the 2008 ALCS was a ball. Jonathan Papelbon failed to record the final out of the third game of the Division Series in 2009, and again on the last day of the season in 2011, his last as a member of the Red Sox.

Most Patriots fans share the same love for the Red Sox that I have, but they can't understand what it's like to have two knockout punches of this magnitude in the span of just a few months.

The Red Sox struggled for a long time, but, since former Ravens QB Trent Dilfer returned home from Disney World in 2001, Boston has been on top of the world. The Patriots won the SuperBowl that next season, then again in 2003 and 2004. The Red Sox won in 2004 and 2007, the Celtics in 07-08 and the Bruins got involved this past summer.

The same can't be said for Baltimore. The Orioles haven't had a winning season since Austin 3:16 was a household name. The Baltimore Bullets moved to Washington ages ago. We've never had a hockey team.

Patriots fans did have to suffer through the imperfect end to what had been a perfect season in 2007, but there was still a Red Sox parade to soften the blow.

Now, with baseball season looming on the horizon, all I can do is worry that this vicious cycle will continue. The Red Sox have done little to improve upon the roster that disbanded two months before they were supposed to, and the question now is: how long will they wait to deliver another blow? Will they miss the playoffs for the third straight year? Will they lose in the first round of the playoffs? Or, will they make it to the point of no return, and have nothing to show for it?

I want the Giants to win the SuperBowl for a few reasons. Obviously, I can't root for the team that showed my heart to me before slamming it to the ground yesterday. Still, wouldn't it be nice to see Eli Manning come into Peyton's house and win the second ring that has eluded the elder brother to this point? Maybe it's just me.

The biggest reason, and it's a selfish one, is that I want the Patriots fans that I have to see on a daily basis to be as miserable as I will be until the shock finally wears off. After all, misery does love company.

The class of 2013 will be having a viewing party for the big game on February 5 in the Campus Center. I likely will not be in attendance, but rather watching the game alone in a dark room, away from any contact with the numerous Patriots fans that I call friends.

26 days until pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers.

A new Thanksgiving tradition

Thanksgiving generally looks the same for me every year. The day typically consists of watching the home chef prepare the meal, and watching football in order to build up enough of an appetite to eat as much as possible.

This year was no different. I did my part to help set up by carrying chairs from the basement to the dinner table, and the meal was just as good this year as its ever been.

I also watched plenty of football. The NFL outdid themselves this year with three solid games on paper, and that's including the Detroit Lions. The Lions game was the worst of the three, but still entertaining nonetheless. Fortunately, the Cowboys and Dolphins stepped it up with a 20-19 thriller in Dallas.

More recently, the NFL has added a third game on its own network to round out the evening. It serves as a great wake-up call from he mandatory post-dinner nap.

This year was a bit different. Instead of waking up to watch the game on TV, I got suited up to go watch the San Francisco 49'ers take on the Baltimore Ravens, live at M & T Bank Stadium. The atmosphere was unlike any other football game I've been to, as the two teams that played are among the best in their respective conferences, and featured two brothers at the helm on either sideline.

The game was a close one, and the Ravens ultimately came out on top thanks to their best defensive performance of the season.

I think I've found a change in my Thanksgiving routine that I could really get used to. Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving night game moves around from year-to-year, but you better believe I'll capitalize on the opportunity to go if it comes my way again.

I've been to nationally televised games, and playoff games, and big divisional games, but none have been as electric as this one was. It's hard for me to find something more important than a turkey-induced nap, but I think I have.

Speaking of new traditions, my fellow Ravens fans have adopted a new one at the stadium that I've never encountered before. When the Ravens find themselves in key defensive situations, the fans, prompted or otherwise, join in harmonizing the White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army.' There's not a whole lot more impressive than seeing 70,000+ people singing in tune, and it seemed to have an impact on the Niners' offense late in the game.

Here, see for yourself:

(Note: the video isn't from the Thanksgiving game, but you get the idea).

5 things to do before Thanksgiving break

To do lists make everything easier. It's even better when your list is limited to fun, or even practical tasks.

Here's my short list of things you should try to do before you head home for Thanksgiving, and return to wintry Boston for the rest of "fall" semester.

1. Check out the foliage

New England is renowned for it's glorious fall foliage. If you have the means, you should definitely hop in the car and go for a scenic drive. Even if you don't go too far outside the Boston area, you'll still be in for a nice view.

The leaves are finally starting to change colors, after a brief interruption by snow, but they'll probably be close to gone by the time Thanksgiving break is over. Head down Rt. 2 off 128/95, or Rt. 24 off the expressway for some nice scenery close by.

2. Attend a major event
The NBA lockout has put a bit of a limit on entertainment options this fall, but there's still plenty to see and do. The Bruins are finally starting to get over their Stanley Cup hangover, so now might be a good time to get into the TD Garden for cheap. And if you're a sophomore, the Office of Student Activities still has some discounted tickets ($20) available.

The next option might be limited only to a few like-minded individuals, but WWE Raw will be at the Garden next Monday (Nov. 14) for a three-hour sports entertainment bonanza. WWE Hall-of-Famer The Rock will be returning to Raw as he and Mass. native John Cena prepare to team up at the following week's pay-per-view.

I'll be laying out the newest edition of The 1851 Chronicle that night, but I'll be there in spirit. Tickets start at just $20 for the show.

3. Witness the Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting

Can't make it to 30 Rock in NYC? No problem. The Faneuil Hall Christmas tree will be lit up right in town on November 19 at 5 PM. the 19th is the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and will help you get in the holiday spirit for the following week.

4. Make your shopping list

There has to be more than a few people planning to take advantage of the great savings that come with Black Friday. If you've got the motivation to wake up early (like, before the sun early) then you'll be in a great position to pick up some solid bargains, no matter where you go.

5. Take part in college night at the Frog Pond

What better way to warm up (or, cool down) for winter than ice skating? The Frog Pond at Boston Common has a new promotion this year: college night. Students can skate for just $2 when they present a valid college ID on Tuesday nights. The first college night takes place Nov. 15, and will feature a range of music courtesy of WERS, Emerson College Radio.

What's on your list of things to do before the cold creeps in? Anything I forgot? Let me know in the comments!

Weekend Preview: 11/4-6

You think Tuesday is too early to start looking at the upcoming weekend? Maybe you're right.

But... it turns out this week has already been busier than last week's midterm adventure, so I'm looking for anything to get my mind off the 3 papers I have due tomorrow.

In case you're wondering, I haven't started any of them.

I'm also looking for a way to wind down from submitting two job applications for, you know, the real world.

Anyway, the weekend ahead is a big one for Lasell. On Friday, the original winner of Last Comic Standing, Dat Phan, will be performing on campus. He could arguably be one of the most well-known acts to come to Lasell so it's definitely a can't-miss event. Phan will be joined by opener Ray DeVito to help round out the show in Yamawaki.

On Sunday, the rugby club will host its second home game of the year, and their first playoff game ever at 1 P.M. on Grellier Field. The Lasers had a tremendous regular season, finishing the year 5-0 after topping formerly undefeated Framingham State.

The game was originally scheduled for last week, but was postponed in the wake of the Halloween snowfall.

For me, it's a bit of a shame, as I had every intention of going last week. Since it was rescheduled, I won't be able to go since I'll be in sunny Los Angeles for the weekend. (That shouldn't stop the 1851 Chronicle from live-blogging the event. Follow the paper on Twitter @1851Chronicle). End: cheap plug.

I've been planning this trip to LA for about a month or so, and I'll be attending the Education Writers Association conference at UCLA while I'm there. Of course, there will be plenty of time to explore the city (I've never been), and I'll be sure to post an update and maybe even some pictures from when I tour Nickelodeon Studios.

Midterm madness, but that's not all

I don't know about you, but midterms snuck up on me quite quickly this semester. This post is being written in between two of those exams.

The only physical exams I'll be taking are for closely related courses taught by the same professor. I feel confident about how I did on the first one, and I'm not necessarily sweating the second one either. However, it's definitely a lot of information to remember and it's hard to be sure that you're going to be able to retain everything long enough.

The fact that the tests are 100% essay based makes it just that much harder, especially on my ever-so delicate wrists that have become so accustomed to typing anything and everything.

If that were the end of the madness, I'd have little to worry about.

But wait, there's more:

As the Co-Editor-In-Chief of the 1851 Chronicle, it's always exciting to see a new issue of the paper come out. But, it doesn't happen without a fair share of challenges. There's plenty of reading, re-reading and more reading after that to be done before it can go to print, and even then, mistakes still happen.

That's why I'll be on campus for about 14 hours today, worrying about tests, work, and getting close to wrapping up the paper.

It's fun, exciting work for the most part but that doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to next week, especially now that the two research papers I have (for those same history courses I'm taking exams for today) have been pushed back a week.

What gets me through with such a heavy load? It's nothing more than a healthy balance of procrastination and hard work. There's nothing wrong with pushing studying back an hour to play a game of MVP Baseball 2005, or to browse Facebook. But I've learned that these things, while they technically do get in the way of getting things done, can actually be beneficial when crunch time comes.

How's your week been?

October Preview: Wide range of events and activities all month long

It's hard to think of any one month that is the busiest for the Office of Student Activities, except for June of course.

But, in terms of the fall semester, it's looking like October might come out on top. There is a full slate of events throughout the month that cover a wide range of interests. Basically, you're bound to find something that you'll want to do.

Of course, there are ticket sales to a variety of off-campus events at a great rate. We're currently selling tickets to the New England Revolution game on October 15 at Gillette Stadium. Wouldn't that be a great way to welcome family and friends to the area for Family, Friends and Alumni Weekend?

If you're looking for a way to get in the Halloween spirit ahead of LCR's annual Creeps and Ghouls dance, tickets for the Boston Ghost Tour on the night of October 22 are available for $10 each at the Office of Student Activities.

The most activity, though, is happening right here on campus. Next week is Lasell's annual spirit week, featuring free T-shirts for each class, the first ever nugget eating competition as well as Family Feud, Lasell style!

Spirit Week runs directly into Family, Friends and Alumni Weekend, which features plenty of trips of its own, as well as movie nights, a mentalist duo, river day canoe races and the undefeated rugby club's lone home game of the season.

Also in October: CAB Fright Fest tickets, Class of 2012 pumpkin carving, the All for Haiti talent show benefitting victims of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and the more recent disaster in Japan, as well as various visiting musicians, comedians and the ghost hunter, John Zaffis.

Which event(s) are you most looking forward to?

Eating Out: Five great places for food off campus

So, now that the semester is completely underway, you've probably gotten used to, or at least re-acquainted with eating on campus most days. First year students in particular are probably starting to wonder what the best options are for off-campus dining. Even upperclassmen may not know all of the options available outside of Valentine dining hall.

Here are some of the top choices for eating out around Lasell, in no particular order:

1. Bruegger's Bagels

Bagels, coffee and breakfast sandwiches are all available for a low price right by campus. They're also the only place on this list that accepts Laser Loot, which means no cash is neccessary if you have money on your torch card. Also, if you're looking to buy in bulk, baker's dozens are half-off on Wednesdays.

2. Prime Deli

Located right next to Brandeis University in Waltham, the Prime Deli offers everything from omlettes to cheeseburgers, and you won't be disappointed regardless of which one you pick. They deliver as early as 9 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., giving you a choice of breakfast, lunch or dinner.

3. Prospect Cafe

The reccomended dish: buffalo chicken calzone. If you're from outside the Massachusetts area, it's possible you've never heard of such a concoction (I hadn't either), but once you feast on one for the first time you'll never be the same again. If the calzone seems too intimidating, their pizza comes highly reccommended by many and they deliver, making it even easier to fill up without going out.

4. Carl's Steak Subs & Burritos

Philly's got nothing on this. Carl's steak and cheese sub runs away with the honor of 'best cheesesteak', not just in Mass. but the world. Be warned: only order the large if you don't want to eat again for at least 24 hours, as it has the potential to overload your stomach. If the subs aren't for you, the burritos just might be. They're equally overloaded with fresh ingredients and come at an affordable price. The only down side is that they don't deliver, so you'll need to find a ride to their location at 55 Prospect St. in Waltham.

5. Wing Night at John Brewer's Tavern

Sunday and Monday nights are king at John Brewer's Tavern in Waltham. 20 cent wings are available from 6 p.m. on those nights, meaning that you can get as many wings as you can handle, plus a drink and blue cheese (the wings are hot, so you'll need it) for under $10. Watch out during football season, though, as it can get crowded pretty quickly for the big Sunday and Monday night games.

So, What are you in the mood for?