Monday, August 17, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section C · Page 15
Boyfriends perfectly packaged
People can give get wonderful partners in box
By Melissa Long Special to the Kansan
Nathan McClain, St. Louis junior, poses in front of Watson Library. McClain is one of the "hypothetical" new boyfriends for the locally made Boyfriend in a-Box concept. His simulated boyfriend identity is "Collegiate Cole," designed for teen-age girls who want an older, mature boyfriend. Contributed Photo
William Cole is a perfect boyfriend - smart, attractive, responsible and, for $10 dollars, committed to a relationship for as long as his girlfriend wants.
Cole is the oldest of six new teen Boyfriend In-A-Box editions created by Lawrence resident Cathy Hamilton.
Hamilton's product features a box with props including a picture and other evidence to make a girl or woman appear to have a boyfriend. The concept was created for single women struggling with the dating scene and, more specifically, nosy questions regarding the status of their love lives. The teen edition is a spin-off of her adult version.
The prepackaged relationships are stereotypes of ideal boyfriendrs ranging from ages 14 to 19. Each imaginary boyfriend includes a warranty, guaranteeing him to be safe, clean and healthy without a police record, jealous ex-girl-friends or a grade point average below a C+. He also is guaranteed to remember important events, understand mood swings, notice new haircuts and express his feelings. He is a boyfriend who will never cheat, notice when you gain weight, borrow money from you or break up with you.
A hypothetical boyfriend becomes real with Boyfriend-In-A-Box. The package includes a 5x7 picture and a wallet-sized photo, which are perfect for display in a picture frame or for showing friends. Two ticket stubs are evidence of last night's date, as well as the handwritten love letter taped inside a locker at school. And who can forget the thinking-of you greeting card that every perfect guy sends to his girlfriend?
Hamilton used a focus group of teen-age girls from the Lawrence area to compile individual statistics for each boyfriend.
"They were girls that I knew would be savvy about the mainstream. This is mass marketing, and you want to appeal to as many teen-age girls as possible. It's about stereotypes and using nationally known slang," she said.
"Collegiate Cole" is designed for girls who desire an older, mature boyfriend. The 19-year-old college freshman is in a fraternity and
described as romantic, spontaneous and serious about school and partying. The face of William Cole is actually that of Nathan McClain, St. Louis junior.
McClain, a dark haired, 21-year-old with chocolate brown eyes, said he was excited to be the bovfriend of thousands of girls.
"Just to have some complete stranger have my picture in their possession, wow!' he laughed, showing his perfect teeth. "They don't even know me, but I'm their boyfriend, I think it's so funny."
McClain said he was nothing like Cole, avoiding both commitment and the Greek system. He said he doesn't have free time like his hypothetical character.
"I'm taking 16 hours as a graphics major, plus I work for Sunflower Cable. I don't have free time, and if I did, I can't say that I would spend it like Cole."
For girls looking for an athlete, Joseph Collin, a.k.a. "Joey Jock," was created as a social and competitive boyfriend. Matt Collins, Lawrence High School senior, represents the face of this stereotype.
Collins, tall and lean with blond hair, plays tennis, soccer, basketball and hockey. He has a solid physique and a shy manner, uncontrollably blushing about representing a Boyfriend-In-A-Box.
"I don't really want girls from my high school to know about it or buy them. It's really embarrassing," he said, hiding his face under hands, called from working outside.
"Brainy Brett" Michael possesses the two basic qualities every female searches for: intelligence and good looks. Ambitious and well-dressed, he enjoys intellectually challenging girls and reading about European history in his spare time. Dru Hull, Lawrence High graduate, modeled for this ideal boyfriend.
Hull is tall, dark and handsome. His broad shoulders are framed by a black Polo T-shirt, untucked over a pair of worn jeans. A chiseled nose and distinct jaw are complemented by a genuine smile that makes his blue eyes sparkle with confidence.
Attractiveness runs in the Hull family. His younger sister was the cover model on Seventeen magazine's November 1997 issue, and his older sister was a contestant in Kansas State University's beauty pageant three years ago.
Hull is part of his school's choir and takes voice lessons outside of class. He works nearly 40 hours each week at Dillon's, barely leaving enough time to spend with his real girlfriend. Hull said that
although he was excited about being a Boyfriend In-A-Box, his girlfriend did not share his enthusiasm.
"She said she won't buy one, but I think I'll probably give her one anyway," he said.
Three more teens complete the edition. "All-American Alex", or Alexander Douglas, is designed to be the conservative, yet sweet, boy next door. Skylar Paul, also known as "Skater Skye," was designed to appeal to girls on the wild side. This extreme risk taker also is philosophical and loyal. Enrique Louis, or "Rockin' Ricky" plays guitar and enjoys Mexican food. Hamilton said she thought that every teen-age girl would somehow be attracted to at least one of the six stereotypes she created.
The edition features characters with different ethnic backgrounds
and lifestyles, she said.
Each package has a stat sheet, listing vital information about each guy. This includes basic data such as birthday, height, weight, eye color and hair color. Also listed is favorite subjects, wardrobe style, activities, likes, dislikes and goals. Each guy is quoted on his idea of a great date and thoughts on romance.
Although Hamilton's first release, was primarily a gag gift, the new edition is expected to be more of a collectible novel item.
"For the teens, I think it will be a birthday gift, but I also think there will be a lot of girls buying them for themselves and buying all of them," she said. "We wanted to make it collectible so we gave every guy his own design on the package to try to increase the collectibility of it."
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Upcoming Events
Kickoff to School BBQ - Tuesday, August 18
Come meet new friends and eat some burgers at the Kickoff BBQ! The fun will start at 4:30 p.m. and go until 6:30 p.m. at St. Lawrence. A group of students will be going to Beach 'N' BLVD. at Wescot after the BBQ. Everyone is welcome!
Mass on the Hill - Wednesday, August 19
Fr. Vince and the staff at St. Lawrence would like to help you start your school year on the right foot. Our first annual Mass on the Hill will take place on the Campanile Hill at 6:30 p.m. After Mass we will go to Opening Convocation at the Lied Center.
Jce Cream Social - Sunday, August 23
Ice Cream Social - Sunday, August 23
Want to know more about all the different groups at St. Lawrence? Then come to the annual Ice Cream Social. After the 11 a.m. and the 5 and 10 p.m. Masses, we will be serving free ice cream and all the toppings down in the social hall.
Mass on the Hill - Wednesday, August 19
Fr. Vince Krishce, director (785)843-0357
Fiestal - Friday, August 18
At the Fiesta St. Lawrence likes to welcome new and returning students back to school. We throw a party on the front lawn with tons of Mexican food, music, karake and dancing. The celebration will begin in 5 p.m., so bring your friends and grab a taco!
Fiesta - Friday, August 28
1631 Crescent Road www.st-lawrence.org
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