sweet nothings

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Dec 07, 2004

The Weston Jesuit School of Theology is a daffy and sickly old maid not long for this world, and Boston College is courting her in the hope of getting her library -- which she would otherwise leave to the cat. I was amused by BC's attempts at flattery, as recounted in this morning's Globe:

"This is very early in the process, but the [BC] board has very high regard for Weston, and we think that it would be very attractive to the future offerings of Boston College," said Jack Connors Jr., chairman of BC's board of trustees. "It builds a world-class theology capability and gives us great bench strength" in theology, he said.

The bench in "bench strength" refers to those second-tier athletes who lack the talent to take the field in prime-time, but can be called upon to sub for the big guys at need. Nicely put, Jack! As for the "world-class theology capability," my only doubt is whether in fact you intend that as a compliment.