-Bri Stoddart
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
"Wait . . . We Have a Student Council?"
Have you ever heard any of the following statements?:
a. “Student Council is holding Jar wars in the cafeteria next week.’
b. “The dance will be planned by Student Council.”
c. “Student Council is holding a fundraiser for (insert name of organization here).”
d. All of the above?
Who exactly makes up this Student Council? How are its members chosen? Besides planning dances and hosting fundraisers, what exactly does Student Council do? But most importantly:
Why do the majority of the students at Bishop Kearney not know the answers to these questions?
The answer: No one knows how to get involved.
If we knew anything about Student Council, more students would join, causing students to feel like they had a say in what happened to them during their high school years. If that were to happen, there would probably be a lot less complaining.
Kearney’s Student Council should be a democracy, not an oligarchy where a few seniors make up the ruling body. Would it really be that difficult to have the students actually know who their representatives are because they were the ones who elected them?
It’s sort of like George Orwell’s 1984: “Big Brother is always watching.” Big Brother was constantly among the members of the Party, only no one knew exactly who Big Brother was. Did anyone end up happy in the end? Not unless you count being tortured and brainwashed as a means of attaining happiness. However, many people, like Wilson and Julia, started to rebel against “Big Brother” because they were dissatisfied with the way they were forced to live under it.
In a way, Student Council is the “Big Brother" of Bishop Kearney. We know next to nothing about them, and yet they have the potential to hold so much control over us. Some people accept it, saying that things are never going to change. What they always seem to leave out is that if you don’t try to change the way things are, who will?
-Lauren Parker
a. “Student Council is holding Jar wars in the cafeteria next week.’
b. “The dance will be planned by Student Council.”
c. “Student Council is holding a fundraiser for (insert name of organization here).”
d. All of the above?
Who exactly makes up this Student Council? How are its members chosen? Besides planning dances and hosting fundraisers, what exactly does Student Council do? But most importantly:
Why do the majority of the students at Bishop Kearney not know the answers to these questions?
The answer: No one knows how to get involved.
If we knew anything about Student Council, more students would join, causing students to feel like they had a say in what happened to them during their high school years. If that were to happen, there would probably be a lot less complaining.
Kearney’s Student Council should be a democracy, not an oligarchy where a few seniors make up the ruling body. Would it really be that difficult to have the students actually know who their representatives are because they were the ones who elected them?
It’s sort of like George Orwell’s 1984: “Big Brother is always watching.” Big Brother was constantly among the members of the Party, only no one knew exactly who Big Brother was. Did anyone end up happy in the end? Not unless you count being tortured and brainwashed as a means of attaining happiness. However, many people, like Wilson and Julia, started to rebel against “Big Brother” because they were dissatisfied with the way they were forced to live under it.
In a way, Student Council is the “Big Brother" of Bishop Kearney. We know next to nothing about them, and yet they have the potential to hold so much control over us. Some people accept it, saying that things are never going to change. What they always seem to leave out is that if you don’t try to change the way things are, who will?
-Lauren Parker
Terrorism at Home
Recently with the elections and political affairs, terrorism has been a huge focal point. With Iraq and Iran and the Afghanistan conflicts that the U.S. is involved in, the talk has come about regarding the war on terrorism. While opinions differ, the main idea is to still fight terrorism. But, there is one problem here. While fighting overseas, have we forgotten about the terrorism that reigns within the borders of our own country? In recent news, activity of the KKK, or Ku Klux Klan, has been reported. A woman who attempted to join was murdered by a leader of the Klan in Louisiana. Her identity is not being released yet, but the suspects have been detained. Now the bigger question here is why is the KKK even running? Why has the United States not shut down the Klan for good? The famous KKK is a Klan that is dedicated to violence and terrorism in the form of racism. The two are one in the same here within the bounds of this group, and also one in the same period. The KKK’s main motive is to destroy Blacks. They seek to have a, "white supremacy", claiming that they are superior. They demonstrate this by acts of violence such as burning homes, crosses, conducting hate crimes, murders (assassinations), terrible slander, anti-black slurs, and even the trafficking of drugs at times. The United States, as she was formed, was formed to be a house of protection for all from tyranny. Our country was built to house the poor, help the hungry, clothe the naked, and offer all men who are all created equal in the Image and likeness of God, their basic rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But let us look around today. With the wars on terrorism going on, is it possible that we have forgotten about the terrorism in our own country? We have been so focused lately on the terrorism outside of the borders. Has the terrorism within grown and does it have the potential to bring this once great nation down on a suicidal plummet? In recent news forms of terrorism on Christians throughout the States has been reported as well. Church Murders as they are called are ever more visible. In various states, churches have had to hire armed guards to guard their worship sites during their services because they have had a number of people killed in attacks. A Catholic Church in New York State reports that during Mass, a gunman entered and shot several people injuring many and killing a few. This is terrorism. It is a direct threat to our national security. But do our leaders recognize this? Have they begun to take the steps to fight the war on terrorism within the boundaries of our own country, or are they too focused on external affairs and thus blinded to internal affairs? While this topic of terrorism is very upfront and in your face, we must constantly remind ourselves and our leaders that terrorism does not simply exist outside of the United States, but also within the United States. We must encourage the end to terrorism and hatred of all sorts. In many cases all of this can be linked to one central topic. Saint Maria Goretti has told us about it many times. Hatred. It kills a man’s heart faster than malaria or any disease. It steals over his soul and he becomes deaf and blind
to any form of love. Mother Teresa also reminded of this when she spoke here during her life time. Along with John Paul The Great, She has warned us that for a nation who kills its own people there will be consequences and there will be trouble, because God never approves of such an atrocity (She spoke on the topic of the sanctity of all human life and Abortion’s out-front denial of the basic rights of citizens and of all people). A nation that murders its own children, she states, cannot be a nation of hope or peace. Violence will overtake a nation that supports violence. We cannot keep killing our own people and our Government cannot keep overlooking the forms of terrorism that have both been ignored and been made legal. We as Americans must rise up in the Name of God and our Country and defend those who are being harmed. We must fight against terrorism in all its forms and work to prevent and stop it within the borders of our own Country. Our lives depend on it, our faith demands it, and we have the duty to do so for the better of our country. Let us join hands in the fight against terrorism in a peaceful manner in the spirit of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, in a way that will be true. We must advocate for the victims of violence and work to stop it at all costs. We must not stand by and allow such evil to take place. We must stop the murders of the people of our country at home before we can help others outside. Remember, one cannot give what they do not have.
-Ian G. Henry Scheil
to any form of love. Mother Teresa also reminded of this when she spoke here during her life time. Along with John Paul The Great, She has warned us that for a nation who kills its own people there will be consequences and there will be trouble, because God never approves of such an atrocity (She spoke on the topic of the sanctity of all human life and Abortion’s out-front denial of the basic rights of citizens and of all people). A nation that murders its own children, she states, cannot be a nation of hope or peace. Violence will overtake a nation that supports violence. We cannot keep killing our own people and our Government cannot keep overlooking the forms of terrorism that have both been ignored and been made legal. We as Americans must rise up in the Name of God and our Country and defend those who are being harmed. We must fight against terrorism in all its forms and work to prevent and stop it within the borders of our own Country. Our lives depend on it, our faith demands it, and we have the duty to do so for the better of our country. Let us join hands in the fight against terrorism in a peaceful manner in the spirit of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, in a way that will be true. We must advocate for the victims of violence and work to stop it at all costs. We must not stand by and allow such evil to take place. We must stop the murders of the people of our country at home before we can help others outside. Remember, one cannot give what they do not have.
-Ian G. Henry Scheil
Movie Suggestions
The Princess Bride
To sum up this movie plainly, true love is the noblest cause. This classic love story is filled with both action and humor- far from a chick flick (despite the excess of estrogen emanating from the title). Told by a grandfather to his nephew, this tale involves the ominous capture of a princess, a run-in with both poison and torture, and misfit henchmen driven by a passion (revenge and… well, rhyming), all leading up to a young man’s undying quest to be with his true love. How inconceivable! You won’t be disappointed once you get pulled into this story. You might even, like the primary listener, want to hear it again.
To sum up this movie plainly, true love is the noblest cause. This classic love story is filled with both action and humor- far from a chick flick (despite the excess of estrogen emanating from the title). Told by a grandfather to his nephew, this tale involves the ominous capture of a princess, a run-in with both poison and torture, and misfit henchmen driven by a passion (revenge and… well, rhyming), all leading up to a young man’s undying quest to be with his true love. How inconceivable! You won’t be disappointed once you get pulled into this story. You might even, like the primary listener, want to hear it again.
PG, classic love story, action, humor
Die Hard 4, Live Free or Die Hard
What happens when electricity of an entire nation shuts down? Well, all hell breaks loose, of course. And where you’ll find that, you’ll find John McClain. This cop from New York City might have gained some years since his last run-in with trouble, but don’t let that make you turn off the television. This action-packed movie is the best in the Die Hard series. Laced with humorous verbal remarks all over the place, this plot is about a menacing plan for a ‘fire sale’ (aka: COUNTRY-WIDE BLACK OUT). When the United States starts to shut down, it’s up to McClain to save the day. But he’s not alone. This time, he’s got an oblivious computer whiz with him. The kid is an internet hacker- who was tricked into contributing to this entire nation-wide meltdown. Since he’s the one that cracked the code, he might be the only one that can stop it. That is, if McClain and the kid can make it to the Eastern Hub alive. Oh, did I mention helicopter chase and various assassins?
PG-13, action, humor, stuff that blows up
The Prestige
Are you watching closely? This thrilling mystery follows the lives of two young friends… young magicians… young enemies. The movie starts at the end: one magician in jail, reading the diary of his rival- whose murder he has been framed for… grasping at the pages for the secret. You go through the past seeing the tragic accident that started it all, the mutinous sabotages, and the life-long obsession of learning each other’s secrets. The thrill of the mystery soon consumes you, too; you can try, but you won’t guess it. The secrets are only revealed in the final act… the prestige.
Are you watching closely? This thrilling mystery follows the lives of two young friends… young magicians… young enemies. The movie starts at the end: one magician in jail, reading the diary of his rival- whose murder he has been framed for… grasping at the pages for the secret. You go through the past seeing the tragic accident that started it all, the mutinous sabotages, and the life-long obsession of learning each other’s secrets. The thrill of the mystery soon consumes you, too; you can try, but you won’t guess it. The secrets are only revealed in the final act… the prestige.
PG-13, mystery, thriller, drama
Kung Fu Panda
Everybody was kung fu fighting, yes, we know. But this animated movie puts a new spin on things and makes you want to sing that song anyways. The main character is played by Jack Black (Tropic Thunder, The Holiday, Nacho Libre, School of Rock). The story is about a food-happy panda who idolized the amazing kung fu fighters of the age: The Furious Five. When news gets out that a new dragon warrior is being chosen, Po (Jack Black) rushes to the scene hoping to catch a glimpse of his heroes. But, he’s chosen as the dragon warrior instead, surprising all of China, himself included. Join in his hilarious journey to becoming a master of kung fu, earning the immaculate ‘Dragon Scroll’- the secret to unbeatable power.
PG, comedy, animated, wooshi finger hold
10 Things I Hate About You
How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways… This movie is a remake of Shakespeare’s play “The Taming of the Shrew.” When the new boy, Cameron, moves into town and meets Bianca, the girl of his dreams, there’s just one problem: She isn’t allowed to date… until her sister does. Meet her sister, Kat: tough, opinionated, all for feminine prose, and all against conformity. She’s the rebel of the school and nobody wants to even cross her path, let alone date her! There’s only one guy in the school that would be a possible taker for the job. Patrick, the outcast who will most likely rip your head off if you stare at him the wrong way, agrees to take out Kat (as long as he gets paid for it). Things start to look up for Cameron as Kat and Patrick don’t immediately attack each other. Yet, problems do arise when something unexpected happens… the rebel and outcast fall for each other!
PG-13, comedy, love story
School of Rock
When it comes to Mr. Schneebly’s class, creating musical fusion is just what they do. Seriously, ditch the math and history, recess and band practice for the rest of the day. When a run-down wanna be rock star poses as a substitute teacher in one of the preppiest elementary schools in the country, something’s gotta give. And it’s school work that’s leavin’ in this classroom! Soon after arrival, the rocker realizes these 11-year old kids have musical talent- and possible rocker potential. With the doors of his classroom closed, he secretly teaches his students about the legends, the passion, and the ways of rock and roll, eventually aspiring to compete in the Battle of the Bands.
PG-13, humor, more humor
Enough of Twilight!
Twilight this and Twilight that, it is all I am hearing about these days! It is a BOOK not a religion, I would not be surprised if people were actually worshipping it. Sure, it was great in the beginning, but now the affects of the great Twilight are wearing off, it is definitely not epic. Plus, sorry to burst your bubble, Stephanie Meyer is not a great writer. I do not even think I could stick her in my top 50 favorite authors. I’ll give her props for an awesome plot; it really was a great idea. It just feels when I read Twilight that she just through the idea out there. It does not feel like she nourished it just stuck it down on a piece of paper, VOLIA, BOOM, BAM, here you go. I also feel like she picked up a thesaurus and substituted every single adjective in the book for newer, bigger, more extravagant words. Now let’s discuss Edward (If you would please, shut up I can here you scream from here, fan girls) He is one, a stalker, two, an abuser, and three, CREEPY. In fact he is so creepy he has perfected a new level lovingly called “Edward Cullen Creepy!” He watched Bella when she was sleeping and she had no clue (not romantic, would YOU want that to happen to you on any other occasion). He is also incredibly jealous, he does not want her to see her friends, and he never leaves her alone (I have read the WHOLE series and I am quite aware of New Moon and when he goes hunting). These days it feels like running from Twilight is like running from death, near impossible.
-Anonymous
-Anonymous
Memories
Come, take my hand, I’ll lead you through the dark.
Under the worn tapestries you once remembered…
Here, look at the walls that we stained,
Painted in passion, it seems unable to remain…
The peeling paper falls.
I’ll show you more- let your heart remember…
Look,
At the table our minds poured onto,
Merged- unattainable friendship came so easily.
Here,
On this table the world was set forth in front of our lives.
To feed our yearning hearts, dare it offer more?
Let’s move on, into the garden where young hopes grew.
Dead roses covered in dust waiting for life to give,
Still here waiting...
What if we’d never done?
What if we’d never loved?
We are the vines grasping for sturdy ladders,
Outstretched… to the reachable sky.
We let go. Flowers lost. Our bonds fell silently.
The dead petals try to drown us in memories of white.
Turn away. Let’s not linger here,
We’re breaking out into dawn.
A new light arises, first pale, then bright.
The rays awoke this house… makes our hearts breathe,
Alive.
All heaven surrounds us through this golden warmth.
The day begins again, as we too begin again,
Your white-walled prison erased…
It was just a memory.
Come take my hand, I’ll lead you through your past.
These tapestries, you once pulled back.
This house was our home, an ancient memory.
As you fade, I cling tighter…
And I become your memory.
-Julie Angie
Under the worn tapestries you once remembered…
Here, look at the walls that we stained,
Painted in passion, it seems unable to remain…
The peeling paper falls.
I’ll show you more- let your heart remember…
Look,
At the table our minds poured onto,
Merged- unattainable friendship came so easily.
Here,
On this table the world was set forth in front of our lives.
To feed our yearning hearts, dare it offer more?
Let’s move on, into the garden where young hopes grew.
Dead roses covered in dust waiting for life to give,
Still here waiting...
What if we’d never done?
What if we’d never loved?
We are the vines grasping for sturdy ladders,
Outstretched… to the reachable sky.
We let go. Flowers lost. Our bonds fell silently.
The dead petals try to drown us in memories of white.
Turn away. Let’s not linger here,
We’re breaking out into dawn.
A new light arises, first pale, then bright.
The rays awoke this house… makes our hearts breathe,
Alive.
All heaven surrounds us through this golden warmth.
The day begins again, as we too begin again,
Your white-walled prison erased…
It was just a memory.
Come take my hand, I’ll lead you through your past.
These tapestries, you once pulled back.
This house was our home, an ancient memory.
As you fade, I cling tighter…
And I become your memory.
-Julie Angie
I'm Sorry
I am sorry that
I forget to write
I am sorry that
You live far away
I am sorry that
You keep secrets
I am sorry that
You lie
I am sorry that
I stuck up for you
I am sorry that
I kept your secrets
I am sorry that
You cannot talk to me anymore
I am sorry that
I was your best friend
I am sorry that
I am not
I forget to write
I am sorry that
You live far away
I am sorry that
You keep secrets
I am sorry that
You lie
I am sorry that
I stuck up for you
I am sorry that
I kept your secrets
I am sorry that
You cannot talk to me anymore
I am sorry that
I was your best friend
I am sorry that
I am not
Sisters
Hold me when I cry
Wish me good night
That’s what sisters do
Hugs and kisses
Hogging bedsides
That’s what sisters do
Late night cries
Good morning smiles
That’s what sisters do
Boring conversations
“How’s your life today?”
That’s what sisters do
Missing you forever
And Coco Puffs
That’s what we do
-Anonymous
Wish me good night
That’s what sisters do
Hugs and kisses
Hogging bedsides
That’s what sisters do
Late night cries
Good morning smiles
That’s what sisters do
Boring conversations
“How’s your life today?”
That’s what sisters do
Missing you forever
And Coco Puffs
That’s what we do
-Anonymous
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