The Faithful Rally

I spent my Sunday night in church — The Charles Street AME Church in Roxbury to be exact. The black clergy of Boston were holding an “emergency rally,” as they were calling it, to show their support for Charles Street, which is fighting foreclosure hearings from its lender, OneUnited Bank. My colleague Rich Weir reports in more detail for the Boston Herald.

With the passion and volume of a Southern Baptist service, the religious and civic leaders on the pulpit preached to the standing-room audience with songs and sermons. That kind of combination usually makes for some good moments for photos.

Boston, Mass. -- Rev. Gracie Redfearn of Charles Street AME Church speaks in tongues as she his supported by Brother Damien Howard, left, and Rev. Gene Rivers, after a rally to support her church on March 4, 2012. Charles Street is fighting a foreclosure by its lender, OneUnited Bank. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

3/4/2012 -- BOSTON -- Rev. Gracie Redfearn of Charles Street AME Church speaks in tongues as she his supported by Brother Damien Howard, left, and Rev. Eugene Rivers III, after a rally to support her church on March 4, 2012. Charles Street is fighting a foreclosure by its lender, OneUnited Bank.

Boston, Mass. -- Rev. Jeffrey Brown emcees the speaking program at a rally to support the Charles Street AME Church on March 4, 2012. The church is fighting a foreclosure by its lender, OneUnited Bank, and is calling for a national boycott. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

3/4/2012 -- BOSTON -- Rev. Jeffrey Brown emcees the speaking program at a rally to support the Charles Street AME Church on March 4, 2012.

Boston, Mass. -- Rev. Viola Morris-Buchanan of Bethel AME Church in Lynn, leads supporters in song at a rally to support the Charles Street AME Church on March 4, 2012. The Roxbury church is fighting a foreclosure by its lender, OneUnited Bank, and is calling for a national boycott. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

3/4/2012 -- BOSTON -- Rev. Viola Morris-Buchanan of Bethel AME Church in Lynn, leads supporters in song at a rally to support the Charles Street AME Church on March 4, 2012.

Boston, Mass. -- Rev. Gregory Groover, the pastor of Charles Street AME Church, kneels in prayer with members of his congregation as Rev. Gloria White-Hammond of Bethel AME Church delivers a sermon at a rally to show support for the church as it fights a foreclosure on March 4, 2012. The church is fighting a foreclosure by its lender, OneUnited Bank. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

3/4/2012 -- BOSTON -- Rev. Gregory Groover, the pastor of Charles Street AME Church, kneels in prayer with members of his congregation as Rev. Gloria White-Hammond of Bethel AME Church delivers a sermon at a rally to show support for the church as it fights a foreclosure on March 4, 2012.

Boston, Mass. -- Kara Wells, of Boston, yells out calls of approval during the speaking program at a rally to support the Charles Street AME Church on March 4, 2012. Wells grew up in the congregation and came to show her support as the church fights a foreclosure by its lender, OneUnited Bank. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

3/4/2012 -- BOSTON -- Kara Wells, of Boston, yells out calls of approval during the speaking program at a rally to support the Charles Street AME Church on March 4, 2012. Wells grew up in the congregation and came to show her support as the church fights foreclosure.

Boston, Mass. -- Rev. Gregory Groover, the pastor of Charles Street AME Church, kneels in prayer with members of his congregation at a rally to show support for the church as it fights a foreclosure on March 4, 2012. The church is fighting a foreclosure by its lender, OneUnited Bank. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

3/4/2012 -- BOSTON -- Rev. Gregory Groover, the pastor of Charles Street AME Church, kneels in prayer with members of his congregation at a rally to show support for the church as it fights a foreclosure on March 4, 2012.

Boston, Mass. -- Louise Beach, of Roxbury, raises her arms up in prayer at a rally to support her congregation, the Charles Street AME Church, on March 4, 2012. The church is fighting a foreclosure by its lender, OneUnited Bank, and is calling for a national boycott. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

3/4/2012 -- BOSTON -- Louise Beach, of Roxbury, raises her arms up in prayer at a rally to support her congregation, the Charles Street AME Church, on March 4, 2012.

Sweet Sixteen

It’s been awhile since I’ve covered an NCAA Tourney, but I had a chance this weekend to jump right back into the swing of things with the Tufts Jumbos women as they hosted the first two rounds of the Division III Dance. Tufts being the host also gave me the opportunity to strobe the otherwise dim and cavernous Cousens Gymnasium and have a little more forgiveness with my remote cameras.

But more importantly, I got to make pictures of the Jumbos as they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with two hard-fought wins, characterized by their tough, nationally ranked defense. Here’s a selection of photos from the second-round game between Tufts and Johns Hopkins.

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - The Jumbos celebrate Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - The Jumbos celebrate Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins forward Alex Vassila gets her shot blocked by Tufts guard Liz Moynihan, A14, in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins forward Alex Vassila gets her shot blocked by Tufts guard Liz Moynihan, A14, in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins guard Chantel Mattiola gets her shot blocked by Tufts guard Liz Moynihan, A14, right, in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins guard Chantel Mattiola gets her shot blocked by Tufts guard Liz Moynihan, A14, right, in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins forward Maggie Fruehan loses possession of the ball in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins forward Maggie Fruehan loses possession of the ball in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins guard Stephanie Fong falls after Tufts guard Bre Dufault, A13, steals the ball in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins guard Stephanie Fong falls after Tufts guard Bre Dufault, A13, steals the ball in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins forward Alex Vassila boxes out Tufts forward Hayley Kanner, A15, with some help from Johns Hopkins guard Fatu Conteh in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - Johns Hopkins forward Alex Vassila boxes out Tufts forward Hayley Kanner, A15, with some help from Johns Hopkins guard Fatu Conteh in Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - The Jumbos bench cheer in the closing seconds of Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

03/03/2012 - Medford, Mass. - The Jumbos bench cheer in the closing seconds of Tufts' 55-46 win over Johns Hopkins in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship at Tufts University's Cousens Gymnasium on March 3, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

Aquamen

Winter high school championship season got here fast! Then again, it’s been pretty hard to keep track of winter this year, with unseasonably warm temperatures and zero snow on the ground. I got in to the swing of things with some boys swimming from the MIAA North Sectionals. I’ve shot a bunch of swimming before, but MIT’s pool actually let me get into an elevated position to get some clean backgrounds for some diving photos, too.

Here some samples!

Cambridge, Mass. -- Westford Academy's Brian Poon opens up a large lead against his heat in the 200 Yard IM at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Cambridge, Mass. -- Westford Academy's Brian Poon opens up a large lead against his heat in the 200 Yard IM at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012.

Cambridge, Mass. -- Westford Academy's Charlie Goodwin, left, tries to keep his lead against St. John's Prep's Peter Fallon in the 200 Yard Freestyle at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Cambridge, Mass. -- Westford Academy's Charlie Goodwin, left, tries to keep his lead against St. John's Prep's Peter Fallon in the 200 Yard Freestyle at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012.

Cambridge, Mass. -- Lawrence Central Catholic team members cheer on David Kitchen in the 200 Yard IM at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Cambridge, Mass. -- Lawrence Central Catholic team members cheer on David Kitchen in the 200 Yard IM at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012.

Cambridge, Mass. -- St. John's Prep's Phillip Dytko swims the breast stroke portion of the 200 Yard IM, winning his heat, at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Cambridge, Mass. -- St. John's Prep's Phillip Dytko swims the breast stroke portion of the 200 Yard IM, winning his heat, at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012.

Cambridge, Mass. -- Weston's Kian Nowrouzi dives into his inverted pike somersault at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Cambridge, Mass. -- Weston's Kian Nowrouzi dives into his inverted pike somersault at the MIAA North Sectional Swimming and Diving Championships at MIT on Feb. 12, 2012.

Occupy Sunday Night

It seems like the Occupy Boston campout happened a long time ago, but maybe that’s because I was out there at least once a week for 2 months.

Well, the Occupy folks were at it once again Sunday night, marching in solidarity with their Oakland counterparts and shutting down several Back Bay streets in the process. I heard all of this developing on the scanner, coming right up on my deadline, so I hit the road and caught up with this group on Boylston Street.

1/29/2012 -- BOSTON -- Protesters march down Boylston Street in solidarity with the Occupy Oakland, Calif., movement, whose members were arrested over the weekend, on Jan. 29, 2012.

1/29/2012 -- BOSTON -- Protesters march down Boylston Street in solidarity with the Occupy Oakland, Calif., movement, whose members were arrested over the weekend, on Jan. 29, 2012.

1/29/2012 -- BOSTON -- Boston Police shut down traffic on Boylston and Arlington Streets as protesters march and stop traffic on Tremont Street in solidarity with the Occupy Oakland, Calif., movement on Jan. 29, 2012. Several Occupy Oakland members were arrested over the weekend.

1/29/2012 -- BOSTON -- Boston Police shut down traffic on Boylston and Arlington Streets as protesters march and stop traffic on Tremont Street in solidarity with the Occupy Oakland, Calif., movement on Jan. 29, 2012. Several Occupy Oakland members were arrested over the weekend.

1/29/2012 -- BOSTON -- Protesters march and stop traffic on Tremont Street in solidarity with the Occupy Oakland, Calif., movement, whose members were arrested over the weekend, on Jan. 29, 2012.

1/29/2012 -- BOSTON -- Protesters march and stop traffic on Tremont Street in solidarity with the Occupy Oakland, Calif., movement, whose members were arrested over the weekend, on Jan. 29, 2012.

1/29/2012 -- BOSTON -- Protesters march and stop traffic on Tremont Street in solidarity with the Occupy Oakland, Calif., movement, whose members were arrested over the weekend, on Jan. 29, 2012.

1/29/2012 -- BOSTON -- Protesters march and stop traffic on Tremont Street in solidarity with the Occupy Oakland, Calif., movement, whose members were arrested over the weekend, on Jan. 29, 2012.

The Heat is On

Though it might not seem like it this year, winter is indeed here in New England. That means it’s supposed to get cold, and when it gets cold, people need heat. For many in Massachusetts, that means a reliance on home heating oil, an increasingly expensive fuel source, especially when compared to natural gas. With three refineries in Pennsylvania set to stop production soon, prices have started to increase.

The New York Times asked me to head out to North Brookfield, Mass., to follow the daily routine of an oil company and to see how their customers deal with the high costs of heating their home. You can read the full story here.

Here’s an extended take from the assignment:

1/11/2012 -- NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- Rob Thompson, driver for Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., refills his truck with heating oil from his company's storage facility on Jan. 11, 2012. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

1/11/2012 -- NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- Rob Thompson, driver for Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., refills his truck with heating oil from his company's storage facility on Jan. 11, 2012. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma/Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

1/11/2012 -- WEST BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- Rob Thompson, driver for Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., makes a delivery of heating oil to a home in West Brookfield, Mass., on Jan. 11, 2012. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

1/11/2012 -- WEST BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- Rob Thompson, driver for Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., makes a delivery of heating oil to a home in West Brookfield, Mass., on Jan. 11, 2012. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma/Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

1/11/2012 -- WEST BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- The oil pump on Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., driver Rob Thompson's truck counts down during a delivery of heating oil to a home in West Brookfield, Mass., on Jan. 11, 2012. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

1/11/2012 -- WEST BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- The oil pump on Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., driver Rob Thompson's truck counts down during a delivery of heating oil to a home in West Brookfield, Mass., on Jan. 11, 2012. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

1/11/2012 -- NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- After delivering 184.4 gallons of heating oil to a home in North Brookfield, Mass., Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., driver Rob Thompson calculated a bill of $680.44 on Jan. 11, 2012. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma/Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

1/11/2012 -- NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- After delivering 184.4 gallons of heating oil to a home in North Brookfield, Mass., Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., driver Rob Thompson calculated a bill of $680.44 on Jan. 11, 2012. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

1/11/2012 -- NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- Dave Harris, a retired project manager for a company that designs fossil fuel power plants, loads up a weekend's worth of fire wood for his home in North Brookfield, Mass., after receiving a delivery of heating oil from Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., on Jan. 11, 2012. Harris supplements the oil heat in his home by cutting the trees on his 5-acre property for firewood. He said he has enough to last this winter and the next. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

1/11/2012 -- NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. -- Dave Harris, a retired project manager for a company that designs fossil fuel power plants, loads up a weekend's worth of fire wood for his home in North Brookfield, Mass., after receiving a delivery of heating oil from Crowley Fuel Co. Inc., on Jan. 11, 2012. Harris supplements the oil heat in his home by cutting the trees on his 5-acre property for firewood. He said he has enough to last this winter and the next. Some analysts are predicting fuel shortages and price increases in anticipation of the closing of three refineries in Pennsylvania. (Kelvin Ma/Kelvin Ma for The New York Times)

No More Tebow-time

In case you haven’t been paying attention to the hype, there’s this guy in the NFL named Tim Tebow who everyone is talking about. I got to see him in person, covering the AFC Playoffs as the Denver Broncos took on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium over the weekend. Much like the experts were predicting, things did not go well for the young quarterback against the heavily favored Patriots, who did exactly what they were supposed to do as the No. 1 seed.

Here’s a selection of my images from the game, featuring a whole bunch of scoring. Much thanks to the folks at the European Pressphoto Agency, who hired me for the game. Most of what you see here can be licensed through them.

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow walks off the field after turning the ball over on downs late in the fourth quarter in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow walks off the field after turning the ball over on downs late in the fourth quarter in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Photographers swarm Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow as he prays before the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Photographers swarm Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow as he prays before the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich in the first quarter of the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich in the first quarter of the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski makes a touchdown catch in the first quarter in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski makes a touchdown catch in the first quarter in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch hauls in a touchdown catch ahead of Broncos cornerback Andre Goodman in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch hauls in a touchdown catch ahead of Broncos cornerback Andre Goodman in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots wide receivers Deion Branch and Wes Welker celebrate Branch's fourth quarter touchdown catch in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots wide receivers Deion Branch and Wes Welker celebrate Branch's fourth quarter touchdown catch in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski hauls in a fourth-quarter touchdown pass in the end zone while shedding a tackle from Broncos defensive back Rafael Bush in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. Gronkowski's touchdown, his third of the game, tied him with the all-time record for touchdowns in a single playoff game by a tight end. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski hauls in a fourth-quarter touchdown pass in the end zone while shedding a tackle from Broncos defensive back Rafael Bush in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. Gronkowski's touchdown, his third of the game, tied him with the all-time record for touchdowns in a single playoff game by a tight end. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, congratulates tight end Rob Gronkowski on their fourth-quarter touchdown as Broncos cornerback Aaron Goodman looks on in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. Gronkowski's touchdown, his third of the game, tied him with the all-time record for touchdowns in a single game by a tight end. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, congratulates tight end Rob Gronkowski on their fourth-quarter touchdown as Broncos cornerback Aaron Goodman looks on in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. Gronkowski's touchdown, his third of the game, tied him with the all-time record for touchdowns in a single game by a tight end. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots safety Patrick Chung breaks up a pass intended for Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal in the fourth quarter in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots safety Patrick Chung breaks up a pass intended for Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal in the fourth quarter in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots cornerback Sterling Moore wags his finger after breaking up a Broncos pass in the fourth quarter in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots cornerback Sterling Moore wags his finger after breaking up a Broncos pass in the fourth quarter in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich tries to tackle Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich tries to tackle Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- A Patriots fan dressed as Jesus Christ mocks Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow and his faith in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- A Patriots fan dressed as Jesus Christ mocks Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow and his faith in the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is swarmed by photographers after the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is swarmed by photographers after the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is swarmed by photographers as he kneels to pray following the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/14/12 -- FOXBORO, Mass. -- Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is swarmed by photographers as he kneels to pray following the New England Patriots' 45-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 14, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

Mitt Happens

It’s been interesting to compare the operations of the candidates this election cycle. Take Mitt Romney, for example — It’s no secret that the former governor of Massachusetts has a lot of money. That translates into an operation that is basically already set up for a national campaign, while the rest of his competition is campaigning more or less at the grassroots level with much smaller budgets.

The second stop on my New Hampshire tour Sunday featured a Romney rally at Exeter High School. The polish and set up was far beyond anything I had seen from any other candidates. Having only covered previous presidential campaigns after they had reached the national level, this reminded me of those events in terms of production.

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, left, walks behind the stage with New Jersey governor Chris Christie at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, left, walks behind the stage with New Jersey governor Chris Christie at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- New Jersey governor Chris Christie, with U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), delivers his endorsement speech for former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- New Jersey governor Chris Christie, with U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), delivers his endorsement speech for former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Supporters of Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney cheer to drown out Occupy movement protesters at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Supporters of Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney cheer to drown out Occupy movement protesters at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)


1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney listens to his wife Ann Romney's remarks at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney listens to his wife Ann Romney's remarks at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Supporters rush to meet Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Supporters rush to meet Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is ushered out of a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is ushered out of a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

And of course, at an event where the staff tries to make sure you see exactly what they want you to see, it’s nice to see something unscripted happen. This poor kid was struggling and squirming big time the whole event!

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- A young attendee yawns as former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney addresses the audience at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- EXETER, N.H. -- A young attendee yawns as former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney addresses the audience at a campaign rally at Exeter High School on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

Newt-ered

Seems like I’ve posted a lot of politics on here lately — it is election season, after all. These next few will be no exception.

I got my crack at the New Hampshire primary circus this past Sunday, with my first stop being a Newt Gingrich campaign event at the Don Quijote Restaurant in Manchester, N.H., for a hispanic town hall. I heard someone call this stage of the presidential campaign “the petting zoo,” where it’s easy to meet, hear and touch the candidates. Having only covered past presidential races well past this point, it was refreshing to be able to get into the thick of things.

Here’s some Newt for ya!

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich declines to get into a debate with a member of the Occupy movement at a campaign stop at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich declines to get into a debate with a member of the Occupy movement at a campaign stop at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A campaign staffer offers some support for Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich before delivering remarks at a campaign stop at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A campaign staffer offers some support for Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich before delivering remarks at a campaign stop at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks at a campaign stop at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks at a campaign stop at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Pins in support of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich were on sale at the presidential candidate's campaign event at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Pins in support of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich were on sale at the presidential candidate's campaign event at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich greets supporters after speaking at a campaign event at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich greets supporters after speaking at a campaign event at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich fields questions from the media after a campaign stop at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Republican presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich fields questions from the media after a campaign stop at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

And of course, us members of the media weren’t the only ones working on Sunday… Try the empanadas!

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A waiter struggles to serve food through a crowd of media during a campaign event for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

1/8/2012 -- MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A waiter struggles to serve food through a crowd of media during a campaign event for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at Don Quijote Restaurant on Jan. 8, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

Barney Speaking Frankly

When U.S. Rep. Barney Frank announced that he would not be seeking reelection in 2012, he mentioned one of the things he was most looking forward to in retirement: “I don’t have to pretend to be nice to people I don’t like.” Congressman Frank has always been a colorful character, and I know I’ve always had a kick out of covering him at various events over the years.

Here are some photos from his press conference, which are all available for licensing through Bloomberg.

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) announces to the media and constituents that he will not seek reelection in 2012 at Newton City Hall in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg (Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg)

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) announces to the media and constituents that he will not seek reelection in 2012 at City Hall in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) announces to the media and constituents that he will not seek reelection in 2012 at Newton City Hall in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg (Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg)

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) announces to the media and constituents that he will not seek reelection in 2012 at City Hall in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

A man holds up a sign protesting the Dodd-Frank financial reform law as U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) announces to the media and constituents that he will not seek reelection in 2012 at Newton City Hall in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg (Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg)

A man holds up a sign protesting the Dodd-Frank financial reform law as U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) announces to the media and constituents that he will not seek reelection in 2012 at City Hall in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) is mobbed by the media after announcing that he will not seek reelection in 2012 at Newton City Hall in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg (Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg)

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) is mobbed by the media after announcing that he will not seek reelection in 2012 at City Hall in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

And for good measure, here’s the Congressman giving me the evil eye as the rest of my photojournalist colleagues swarm.

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) exits Newton City Hall after announcing to the media and constituents that he will not seek reelection in 2012 in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg (Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg)

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D - Mass.) exits City Hall after announcing to the media and constituents that he will not seek reelection in 2012 in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Photographer: Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

Crosstown Chippiness

It’s well known in this town that there’s very little love lost between Boston University and Boston College. That rivalry is showcased in crystal clear fashion whenever their top flight hockey teams square off on the ice.

Their latest tilt took place Sunday night, with the visiting then-No. 16 Terriers taking on the then-No. 2 Eagles at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill. Penalties, fights and goals — for BU, anyway — were plentiful as BU cruised to a lopsided 5-0 win.

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University and Boston College players get into a fighr against at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University and Boston College players get into a fighr against at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011.

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University forward Yasin Cisseé, right, and forward Ben Rosen put a hit on Boston College forward Tommy Atkinson against at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University forward Yasin Cissé, right, and forward Ben Rosen put a hit on Boston College forward Tommy Atkinson against at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011.

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University forward Wade Megan celebrates his first-period goal against Boston College at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University forward Wade Megan celebrates his first-period goal against Boston College at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University goaltender Kieran Milner makes the save on the shot from Boston College forward Chris Kreider in BU's 5-0 win over BC at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University goaltender Kieran Milner makes the save on the shot from Boston College forward Chris Kreider in BU's 5-0 win over BC at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011.

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston College forward Bill Arnold punches Boston University forward Alex Chiasson after BU scored its fifth goal in a 5-0 win over BC at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston College forward Bill Arnold punches Boston University forward Alex Chiasson after BU scored its fifth goal in a 5-0 win over BC at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011.

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University forward Wade Megan (18) is congratulated by forward Ross Gaudet after scoring against Boston College in BU's 5-0 win at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston University forward Wade Megan (18) is congratulated by forward Ross Gaudet after scoring against Boston College in BU's 5-0 win at Conte Forum Nov. 13, 2011.