March 2009

Volume 4—Issue 7

March 2009

PHOTO

SPREAD

PAGE

2

Life is busy all around UA! VOLUME

4—ISSUE

7

BEAR

FACTS

NEWS

PAGE

3

News: Mexican Drug Wars Intensify The Mexican Drug War has been a When Mexico’s president troubling event for the people of MexFelipe Calderon declared war on the ico and the United States since 2006. drug traffickers, he sent 30,000 troops Since then, Mexico has to fight against the “Cartels have been been dealing with the gangs. T h i s notorious drug cartels. bringing many drugs caused a seconThese cartels have condary war which flicted in the counties of into the United State’s led to the MexiBaja California, Du- major cities. There are can government’s rango, Sonora Guerfocus on currently 7,337 people loosing rero, Chihuahua, Mithe drug trade. that have died since choacan, Tamaulipas, This has also led Nuevo Leon, San Luis January 2007 due to the to thousands and Potosi, Sinaloa and thousands of murMexican Drug War.” Quintana Roo. In these ders in both Mexcounties, there has been ico and the a massive amount of drug trading. CarUnited States. To fight off the drug cartels have been bringing many drugs into tels, Washington will help out with enthe United State’s major cities. There hancing security around the United are currently 7,337 people that have States/Mexico border. President Obama died since January 2007 due to the is aware of the threat of the cartels and Mexican Drug War. has been working with Secretary of Mexico is a main route of coState Hillary Clinton on how the govcaine and other illegal drugs that have ernment can stop this from happening. been entering the United States. This The cartels have grown in both has made the United States more vulMexico and in many cities in the United nerable to having drugs in major cities.

States . Some of the Mexican cartels The cartels even have many authentic have moved to cities in the United assault rifles, hand grenades, and other States and have made these cities the military caliber arms. hub of their business . Some of Mex-

ico’s people have been trying to smuggle immigrants into the United States, causing this war. In March, federal agents caught many members of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel which has been growing in the United States. They caught about 755 members and have raided about $59 million dollars in criminal profits.

President Obama has been trying to end the battle this year. Earlier in the year, Congress continued helping the economy in both countries. Obama has sent out soldiers to guard bordering states next to Mexico. The soldiers are trying to keep the border secure and prevent any immigrants holding drugs from entering the country. Obama has also been trying to enhance the antidrug enforcement and to continue helping people who have drug problems. Both Obama and Calderon need America’s help in ending the drug cartels. They are trying to work together in ending the battle of Drug Wars.

Brooke Messmer Bear Facts Staff Writer

Conflicts between Ireland & N. Ireland On Saturday, March 7, 2009 there was an unexpected incident on Northern Ireland’s military campgrounds. While going to pay for pizza they had ordered, two British officers (Cengiz "Pat" Azimkar, 21, and Mark Quinsey, 23) were attacked and killed.

Only two days later another person was attacked, the target this time being Constable Stephen Carroll, 48. While responding to a call from a nearby town, he was shot once in the back of the head.

In both instances the IRA (Irish Republic Army) is thought to be behind

VOLUME

4—ISSUE

7

the attack. The IRA is an enthusiastically aggressive military group made of Northern Irish people. The Irish Republic Army also has a history of violence with Britain going back over fifty years, violence that ended in Britain’s renouncing its rule over Northern Ireland and creating the Good Friday Agreement on April 10, 1998.

March 7 was the first major attack on the British that has happened in nearly twelve years. The murders caused fear that the previous violence seen in “The Troubles” (time before the Good Friday Agreement) would return.

Although these fears are logical, there have been no other instances since March 9 with the murder of the Constable.

Currently there is one arrest made for the March 7 murders and three arrests for the Constable’s murder, but no convictions have been made at this time. Police continue to investigate trying to confirm the IRA involvement and unveil their motive, and hopefully their findings will lead to convictions for these murders.

Cinnamon Mullins Bear Facts Staff Writer

BEAR

FACTS

NEWS

PAGE

4

Help Save Child Soldiers of Uganda Starting March 26, TheBiggestLabelEver.com joined with the non-profit organization Invisible Children in an effort known as “The Rescue.” Along with at least seventy bands, these organizations have set a goal to raise enough awareness, money, and help to free the child soldiers that still remain under the control of a rebel group in Uganda. The songs of the artists involved are available free on TheBiggestLabelEver.com; the only requirement is that you watch the video created by Invisible Children.

The video, although short, is packed with information on ways that money and awareness have been raised in the past along with efforts that will be done in the future. For now, the main focus is on the worldwide rescue at-

tempt. Exactly one month from the beginning of the free music project, on April 25, people across the globe in nine different countries will organize a “rescue.” There are two requirements from Invisible Children for each rescue location. At least one media group must cover the event, and one political representative must be there to rescue the people who have been a “captured.”

In the United States alone, there are thirty-nine states participating, Missouri included. The details regarding Missouri’s plan of action can be found through the website http:// therescue.invisiblechildren.com/en/#/map/.

Already over 500 St. Louisans have signed up for the event.

Everyone will meet at the Edwards Jones Dome at 3:00 p.m. for the “abduction” and then proceed to the steps of the Gateway Arch. At least seven people will be there to rescue the abductees. The list of rescuers includes Governor Nixon, Albert Pujols, Mayor

Slay, and Senator McCaskill. The media will follow the event and hopefully broadcast it on local news. There at the rescue site letters will be written to members of Congress to petition for their help in rescuing the remaining children in Joseph Kony’s army.

Participants are told to spend the night at their rescue site, to show solidarity with the thousands of children who have been abducted, but if spending one night away from the comforts of home seems like too much of a sacrifice, Invisible Children still wants people to participate in TheBigestLabelEver.com in hopes that it will spread awareness.

But for those who would like to participate in the worldwide event, go to http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com/en/#/ st-louis/ to sign up and get involved with St. Louis’s rescue plan.

Allie Magee Bear Facts Co-Editor in Chief

Lies Your Teachers Taught You In School Outside the world of teachers it’s easy to spot myths from facts. Hollywood has modified history in ways for entertainment such as the popular movies: Troy, The Patriot, and Cleopatra. However, inside the classroom there are plenty of false truths lying within every history book. The top ten myths are: 1. Columbus did not find North America, but was actually searching the world for gold. When he stumbled upon North America, he thought he had discovered the ‘East Indies’.

2. Another myth about Columbus is he was not the first person to believe that the Earth was round. In his VOLUME

4—ISSUE

7

time it was not uncommon to believe the Earth was round.

3. When Rome conquered Carthage, they did not salt the land so crops could not grow.

4. Although Paul Revere warned of the British invasion, he was not the only one. In fact there were many more men that helped.

5. Thomas Jefferson was not the only mind writing the Declaration of Independence; he was simply one man who wrote down America’s ideas.

6. More African Americans sided with the British than the Americans in the Revolutionary War. 7. Einstein did not fail math.

8. Newton did not have an apple fall on his head. Joe Conduitt is the founder of this story, and told it

about 60 years before Newton.

9. Benjamin Franklin never held a kite and key. He may have proposed the idea, but did not go through with it.

10. Washington never fibbed about cutting down the cherry tree.

These common American myths have become more than the name itself. They have become truths taught to children at an early age, making it almost irreversible to correct in the mind. Adults even believe such lies and teach them to the next generation.

It’s about time these myths and others must stop Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen Claire Fadel Bear Facts Staff Writer BEAR

FACTS

EDITORIAL

PAGE

5

Editorial: Is Entitlement our Downfall?

In the midst of our nation’s economic they are trying hard, that should be struggle, many Ursuline students have taken into account in their grade. But in just one question: Why? Why is our reality, students should not just get an A economy in the worst condition since for their effort. Students need to make the great depression? Many factors can an A by earning their good grades. If we contribute to the fall of our economy. went to a hospital or doctor’s office to Americans’ obsession with credit, banks receive medical care of surgery, would that gave out loans to people who did we want a doctor who made A’s benot qualify, and Americans that could cause he or she felt entitled to them or not pay back their loans are because he or she only a few reasons. One “A study by reshowed up to class? No, other reason, however, is searchers at the we would want to put because the of newfound our lives in the hands of mentality that many of University of the most qualified and Americans have: The feeling California, Irvine hard working doctor who of entitlement. Entitlement is earned his or her grades thinking that you should have found that a third and was dedicated to something, that you deserve of the surveyed learning. something, “just because”.

Students need to Entitlement is a big college students realize that they cannot cause of our nation’s eco- said that they ex- sail through life thinking nomic struggle, but this way they are entitled to eveof thinking can also affect pected B’s just rything. That is not how Ursuline girls on a more per- for attending our society can thrive. sonal level. Many students We need to work hard have begun to develop the class and lectures, and earn what we want. sense of entitlement when it and 40 percent We, as Ursuline students, comes to school and their are receiving the best grades. The New York Times said they deeducation. 99.9 percent recently published and article served a B for of Ursuline graduates will that discussed a study by go to college. A recent researchers at the University completing the statistic is that a college of California, Irvine, that required reading.” graduate represents only found that a third of the surone percent of our veyed college students said that they world’s population. Is it not up to us, as expected B’s just for attending class and educated students, to help prevent entilectures, and 40 percent said they detlement from destroying our country’s served a B for completing the required future? If we are waiting for someone, reading. Professor Marshall Grossman, our government, our school, our job, to from the University of Maryland, says take care of us and give us everything that many of his students complain that we want, than we shall fail. We are rethey deserve a higher mark in his class sponsible for our future, our success, because they work hard. He suggests and our country’s success. John F. Kenthat those complaints made by his stunedy’s powerful quote, “Ask not what dents are due to their sense of entitleyour country can do for you, but what ment. “I tell my classes that if they just you can do for your country,” is what do what they are supposed to do and every citizen and student should remeet the standard requirements, that member. Don’t allow the mentality of they will earn a C,” he said to the New entitlement take over.

York Times. “That is the default. They Grace Adkins see the default grade as an A.” Nearly two-thirds of students Bear Facts Staff Writer say that if they explain to a teacher that VOLUME

4—ISSUE

7

Bill Gates’ s11 Rules of Life Rule 1: Life is not Fair. Get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won’t care about selfesteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right after high school. You won’t be the vice president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait until you have a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different name for burger flipping- - they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault; so don’t whine about your mistakes; learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now.

They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rainforest from the parasites of your parents’ generation, try delousing your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters.

You do not have summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself.

Rule 10: Television is not real life! In real life people actually leave the coffee shop to go to work.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds; chances are you will end up working for one.

BEAR

FACTS

EDITORIAL

PAGE

6

Students Stop Caring about Knowledge There is little emphasis on gaining knowledge in this poor economy. It’s all about making sure you learn skills to get a high paying job.

Let’s remember, not everyone used to go to college. Those that went really wanted to further their knowledge. Nowadays, it’s second nature for many of us to go to college after high school, but the reasons for going are much different than in the old days. The privilege of college is taken for granted because most students just go for social reasons and to meet new people. Sure, college is a time to become independent, meet new people, and maybe join a sorority. But college should not be a time to go to parties every night of the week just because you can.

College is an extremely expen-

sive endeavor, and not everyone can afford to go. When spending all this money, getting a good education should be the most important goal.

Recently, I was talking to a group of seniors about what excited them most about going to college. Most responded that they were excited to go to parties and meet people. After I explained the idea of my editorial, they had a second response. They did say they were interested in their education as well. What did I learn from this conversation? Let’s face it; a good party is the first thing on a pre-college brain.

Along with getting used to the newfound freedom, we should be excited to finally learn what we want to learn. Of course, college holds general education requirements as well, but for

the most part we are allowed to take classes that interest us. Colleges offer a wide array of courses across various disciplines and departments. Have you always wanted to take psychology but could not fit it in to your schedule at UA? Now you will have your chance. Interested in learning about art history? Your college may just offer a class on that subject.

Take advantage of the educational opportunities offered to you. Furthering your knowledge is still a viable reason to go.

Emma Master Bear Facts Co-Editor in Chief

UA’s Production“Twelve Angry Women” Tensions flared, tempers mounted, and justice was served as Ursuline Academy proudly presented Sherman F. Siegel’s dramatic production of 12 Angry Women on April 3, 4 and 5. This year’s spring production was highly anticipated for many reasons. This was the first time in several years that there was a dramatic production instead of a musical. This was a first for many UA students and faculty. This year’s production was also held in the dance room. This was a first for many as well, as both the fall and spring productions are typically held in the old gym.

Additionally, since it was held in the dance room, this limited the number of available seats to a mere sixty, compared to around generally 125 seats. Due to these reasons, and, of course, the annual excitement of Ursuline plays, tickets were a hot item this year. Tickets sold out so quickly that the cast and directors even decided to add a fourth show, a matinee at 5:00 VOLUME

4—ISSUE

7

p.m. on Sunday! And let me tell you, if you missed this show, you missed a lot!

Although I was in the show and played the character juror #4, I promise this review will not be biased, and I can honestly say that this production was fabulous! Although the show was only about an hour and fifteen minutes, the cast certainly made the most of their time.

The dance room provided a more intimate setting, and although the set was very simple with two wooden tables, a chair, and a table with water, the room was truly transformed into an authentic looking 1950’s jury room.

The cast was comprised of one judge and twelve jurors, who by the end truly became 12 angry women! The cast ranged from one freshman to several seniors, each with an important and defined role. The room was lit up by a wide variety of authentic looking 1950’s clothing, ruby red lipstick, curls galore, and vintage hats. Although this is the first official review of the play, I have

heard many positive thoughts and feedback from others, some even saying that this was the best Ursuline production they have ever seen, and I would agree!

I’m sorry to say, but if you missed this one, you missed out! Congratulations to the cast, crew, and production staff of 12 Angry Women on a job well done, very well done!

Caroline Tanner Bear Facts Staff Writer

BEAR

FACTS

FEATURE

PAGE

7

Save the Planet and Do What You Love No matter what kind of career you want, there are countless small ways to “green” your career. From an Eco-Architect to an Organic Chef, virtually any career can become environmentally-friendly with a few simple alterations. Below, you can take your own idea of your future career and apply these green steps to make it an eco-career.

Caitlin Zera Green Commute Bear Facts Staff Writer Even if your route to work is too far to Green Supplies walk, there are other green options; you By using green supplies whenever you can in your busican try whenever possible to reduce ness, you can cut down on the negative impact nonyour greenhouse emissions. recyclable items have on the environment. Green products can also save money and can be better quality than synthetic products.

CARPOOLING is a good answer if you have to use your car; you can ride with someone or give someone a ride; both are eco-friendly options.

LOCAL MATERIALS RECYCLED PAPER Buying from local PRODUCTS like staPUBLIC TRANS­ places eliminates tionary and envelopes BIKING to work PORTATION excess pollution for office. is great exercise like local buses, from nationwide and uses no fossil subway, or Me­ transportation. fuels.

PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT You trolink might not be able to control all the aspects to completely green Green Space your office or building, but Create an eco-friendly work Check out the there are small things you can environment.

“Building Green Bado. sics” at www.ciwmb.ca.gov.

YOUR OWN BUSINESS Now Ask your boss to consider an with so many environmentally energy-saving utilities plan for friendly building options it’s your place of work to save easy to find ways to build a Learn about using green buildmoney and the environment. green business. ing resources and energy options, like solar power, at Bring a plant to put in your www.thisoldhouse.com. office to give off extra oxygen.

ECO PARTY PLANNER Incorporating reusable items, like cloth napkins and glass cups, into every aspect of a party can save the hosts money. Make the right first impression with the invitations: Print them with non-toxic ink on recycled paper.

ECO CHEF For aspiring chefs, cooking with organic food cuts down on the pesticide pollution, and storing food in biode­gradable and reusable con­ tainers cuts down on waste. Also buy from local growers.

RECYCLING LISTS FOR UA’S SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING *Remember to use the blue plastic bins in classrooms and the bins lined with tan plastic bags in the café for recycling.

WHAT NOT TO RECYCLE: • Styrofoam VOLUME

4—ISSUE

4

• • • • •

ECO FAHSION DESIGNER Using fabric made from renewable resources like bamboo to create clothing is stylish and eco-chic. Accessories like purses can be creatively designed out of recycled products.

Food Plastic Ziploc Bags Wrappers (candy bar, cookies, etc.)

Food-contaminated products Glass BEAR

FACTS

FEATURE

PAGE

8

Organic Foods: The USDA’s Qualifications Throughout the past few years the “organic” fad has become increasingly more popular. However, most people don’t know what the real meaning of organic is.

The average person doesn’t know the difference between the U.S. Department of Agriculture definition of organic and what the box says on the food thier eating. So, does organic food always mean better food? As people are starting to become more aware of things like where they’re food came from, this question has become important. Organic foods are better choices for those consumers who make educated decisions in food choices and are not fooled by marketing.

Most consumers don’t know what the actual USDA’s organic requirements are or what their definition of organic is. The word organic refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables and meat. The USDA’s requirements are different from what most think. In order for a food to have a

USDA approved organic sticker, it must contain up to 95% organic ingredients.

However companies are allowed to print “made with natural or organic ingredients” if thier products contain up to 70% organic ingredients. Labels are also printed with terms on them such as "all-natural," "free-range" or "hormonefree”. But don’t get these confused with organic.

Most conventional farmers use pesticides to keep plants safe from insect infection. However, it has recently been discovered that these pesticides can pose some serious health risks.

"The evidence is strong -- and validated by the National Academy of Sciences -that pesticide levels in conventionally grown foods can pose a threat to human health," said Dr. Philip Landrigan, professor and chairman of the department of community and preventive medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, N.Y. in an interview with ABCNews. They have been known to release toxins into the brain and are even transferable from mothers

to their unborn children. These toxins reduce the brain growth in young children, and in unborn children they have been known to cause a risk of low birth weight, also leading to learning disabilities and conditions similar to autism.

Studies also show that synthetic growth hormones in food may be carcinogenic and exposure to them is the cause for the puberty of young girls to begin sooner.

Even if people choose to eat organically, they still need to be smart about what foods they are buying. In one interview with ABCNews, Dr. David Katz, associate clinical professor of public health and medicine at Yale University in New Haven, Conn. said this: "Organic can be a gimmick. For example, marshmallows could be organic, but so what? Organic Cheese Doodles could be made, but wouldn't be nutritious. Sometimes 'organic' is used to make people think a product is wholesome."

Ally Hill Bear Facts Staff Writer

Metro’s Plan to Shut Down Bus Routes As the struggles with the economy continue, many St. Louis citizens will face a new change. As of March 30, 2009 only 2,300 of the 9,000 Metro bus stops in Missouri will be in use, according to the Post Dispatch. These routes are not being cut because Metro feels they are unnecessary, but because funding to stop at all the destinations costs too much money.

It is impossible to fund without receiving more help from the government or drastically raising bus fares.

With these bus routes being cut, many people will find getting to a job or school much more difficult. During a time where jobs are not the easiest to come by, many people only find jobs that are not near their home. Not all of these people can afford cars, so they need public transportation to make this possible.

VOLUME

5—ISSUE

6

The city of Chesterfield understands the importance of these employees for their businesses’ success along with helping these employees make a daily wage to provide food and shelter for themselves and their families. In response, the city of Chesterfield pledged to provide Metro with $173,000 towards funding a route that will stop at hospitals, nursing homes, and stores along Highway 40.

Along with bus routes being cut, Metro also had to put restrictions on the service, Call-A-Ride. Call-A-Ride provides rides from a person’s curb to the curb of where they need to go within the limits of St. Louis City and County. Call-A-Ride, after the drastic cuts were made still, costs $13 per 5 mile ride which many of the needy customers cannot afford, and it will only pick up within ¾ of a mile of an active

bus stop, according to the Metro website. Call-A-Ride is known for being very useful fo the people who cannot drive and need to visit the doctor or a hospital for regular treatment, such as an elderly cancer patient. Without the service, these people may not be able to make it in for treatment. Along with the other services that are becoming scarcer, the MetroLink will also be cutting the number of times it runs a day, making daily commutes for St. Louisans more difficult.

With the decline of the public transportation availability, it will make getting around St. Louis more difficult for many.

Transportation to jobs, schools, and all the places offered in St. Louis for entertainment will take great planning to get to and from home.

Laura King Bear Facts Staff Writer BEAR

FACTS

STUDENT

LIFE

PAGE

9

Update on Rihanna, Brown Relationship It is a known fact that one out of every three girls is or will be in an abusive relationship. Abusive relationships do not just mean that there is blood or bruises involved. Actually most relationships start off with verbal abuse and transform into physical abuse.

Recently one of our top celebrities, Rihanna, was involved in an abusive relationship with another famous celebrity, Chris Brown. It is said that Chris Brown received a text message from his manager, whom he has been secretly seeing since the age of 17. Rihanna saw this scandalous text and immediately freaked out and started an argument with Chris.

Chris then hit Rihanna in her face, leaving her with a black eye and a bunch of horrific facial bruises. Also, he beat her up so badly that not only

bruises were marked on her skin, but blood was also involved. Chris also threatened to kill Rihanna if she ever told anybody about their argument.

Rihanna reported that this was not her and Brown’s first fight. Before this fight, she and Brown fought regularly, with the violence progressively getting worse.

Even though Rihanna is a famous celebrity and most of us assume that this stuff does not happen in the celebrity world, this shows that celebrities are just like us. Relationship abuse can happen anywhere, celebrity or just a girl at Ursuline Academy.

Some of our very own UA girls had comments on the incident, but I found out that all the girls of the six I interviewed had the same reaction.

“I didn’t believe it; I thought it

was a publicity stunt,” said Holly Reynolds, a sophomore at Ursuline. A junior, Ally Mintert, said “When I found out, I didn’t take Rihanna or Chris’s side; I didn’t really care all that much about it”. But a freshman at Ursuline had a different comment when I asked whose side she would take in this situation: “Rihannas forrsure, he should not hit her in any circumstances”.

According to The Los Angeles Times, “Brown was arrested Feb. 8 on suspicion of criminal threats and is free on $50,000 bail. Prosecutors have not charged him, but he must return to court as part of his bail release”.

Lauren Eversgerd Bear Facts Staff Writer

Jimmy Vs. Conan on Late Night TV On March 2 something big happened to late night TV. NBC’s long-running Late Night series received a new host. Since 1993, host Conan O’Brien dazzled audiences with his comedy sketches, monologues, and celebrity interviews. In 2004, it was announced that O’Brien would leave Late Night in 2009 to take over Jay Leno’s place on The Tonight Show. Conan’s first appearance as Tonight Show host is scheduled for June 1.

In the meantime, a new host has taken over Late Night, former SNL cast member Jimmy Fallon.

Jimmy Fallon is known for his goofy SNL skits and mediocre acting carrier. It was announced in May 2008 that he would be replacing O’Brien in 2009. Fallon has been on the air for several months now, and so far has failed to impress critics. He is not a terrible host, but there is definitely room for improvements with both Jimmy and the show as a whole.

VOLUME

4—ISSUE

7

Jimmy Fallon’s monologues are relatively pleasing. He speaks naturally and delivers punch lines well. His opening night he had some great political jabs, but the monologues are too short, leaving much to be desired. Perhaps this is to allow for more time with celebrity guests, which seems to be much longer than on other late night TV shows.

I would say the area most in need of improvement is Fallon’s interactions with his interviewees. He fidgets while speaking with guests and often gives off nervous giggles. Fallon also frequently interrupts them with another question while they’re still answering the previous one.

The new Late Night format needs work as well. The transition to commercial breaks and introducing new appearances is choppy and awkward.

Fallon’s desk segments and interaction with the audience are not funny and are

weird. The house band, The Roots, plays live music that sounds harsh and tinny.

But the show and Jimmy also have many good qualities, and the show isn’t a complete disaster. Fallon has potential as a talk show host. He is friendly and welcoming to his visitors, obviously has a great team of writers behind the scenes, and is already fairly well known to viewers. As more time goes on and more practice is put in, the show will hopefully begin to impress more people.

As far as comparing Jimmy Fallon to Conan O’Brien, it would be unfair. Conan was practiced and familiar with Late Night, while Jimmy Fallon is just starting out. Fallon is making progress quickly and his show is promising, but fans will surely be glad to see Conan back on TV this June.

Molly Sweeney Bear Facts Staff Writer BEAR

FACTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE

10

Biggest Concerts of the Summer!!

Are you going to be completely bored this summer? No plans to go on a summer vacation to somewhere awesome like Europe? Maybe that’s not such a bad thing, because this summer St. Louis is going to be hosting some great concerts.

Rascal Flatts starts the season off on June 5 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater- there are still some tickets available, but hurry; they’re selling out! Dave Matthews Band comes June 17, followed by Brad Paisley the next day.

If you like country music, try to get to Brad’s concert, because his concerts are known for being extremely entertaining, and he likes to interact with the crowd lots throughout the night. Both Brad Paisley and Dave Matthews are playing at Verizon with a vari-

ety of ticket sections still available.

July is just as exciting, with Live on the Levee July 3. Some of the scheduled bands at the Levee are O.A.R., The Black Crowes, and OneRepublic, and, of course, the best part is that it’s free.

Also on July 3 are The Fray and Jack’s Mannequin at Verizon Wireless, with tickets still available.

On July 10, No Doubt (welcome back, Gwen!) and Paramore come to the Verizon Wireless Stage, with lawn tickets for $10. It’s sure to be exciting, especially since Gwen Stefani has started touring again.

July closes with a bang- Coldplay is coming July 24 to Verizon, and the Jonas Brothers are at the Scottrade Center July 28. Coldplay will definitely be worth the money, and they always sound excellent live. Tickets are expen-

Vans Warped Tour @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on 8/3

No Doubt @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on July 10th with Paramore!

Features: Bad Religion Bayside Flogging Molly 3OH!3

VOLUME

4—ISSUE

7

sive but available for both shows.

In August comes Van’s Warped Tour on the third. This year’s lineup includes: 3OH!3, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Saosin, Underoath, and many other excellent bands. The featured band is The White Tie Affair. If you like alternative/punk, don’t miss out on this.

For more information, log onto www.warpedtour.com.

So if you’re going to be sitting at home this summer and you love music, there are many opportunities to get out and have fun. Save your money; some of the tickets are pricy. Get a group together and buy your tickets for this summer’s concerts before they’re all gone!

Amy Coyle Bear Facts Staff Writer

Photos: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

BEAR

FACTS

APRIL

FOOLS

PAGE

11

Cafeteria’s Taking on a New Menu This school year, the UA Café has offered healthier options for students. But diet after diet in the café has failed, and students want new options. Lucielle Calypso, an Ursuline junior said, “Summer is two months away, and these diets haven’t been working! I was hoping the orange juice diet would stick, but I’ve gone back to the fried chicken!” After the shortfall of the green food diet, iceberg lettuce diet, diet soda diet, and the newest attempt, South Beach diet, the lunch ladies have decided to throw the dice and try a brand new diet: The Atkin’s Diet.

The Atkin’s Diet is very popular among the 42-and-up club, and the lunch ladies agree that the girls will really take up on it. Although on the Atkin’s diet users have higher stress levels and higher risk of stroke, everyone will be looking better for swimsuit season. “I just wish they would’ve started this before spring break,” said one dangerously bronzed senior.

The new menu will feature more sausage, hardboiled eggs, cheese, and beef. Bread will no longer be fea-

tured on the menu.

Diet ice cream bars with the consistency of cardboard will replace chipwiches and chocolate éclairs.

The weight will drop off but only if the students commit outside of the café, too.

Stacy Crawford, freshman, divulged, “My dad lost like 60 pounds on Atkins, but he had my Ursuline Academy’s own Breakfast Club. They extra pizza crust this meet every morning for some good food and even one time, and he could- better conversation. Photo by Mary Mooney. test. “When will it stop? When will n’t fit into his pants anymore.” The girls realize that their waist size doesn't Atkin’s diet has been modified recently matter, and this diet is endangering their to be healthier and safer for dieters, but health?” said Jessica. But her message the lunch ladies plan to use the 1998 was ignored by the majority of the edition. lunch-goers, and I wasn't that concerned Breakfasts will no longer have either. donuts, granola bars, hash browns, grain The above picture features -based cereals, bagels, or French toast Ursuline’s own Breakfast Club. They sticks, but will only offer sausage egg meet at the same table everyday, fourth omelets. Lunch will now be hardboiled from the bookstore, to share breakfast eggs, bacon, steak plates, and string and good conversation. They are not cheese. So say Bon Voyage to California excited about the new Atkins change wraps, crab Rangoon, and spicy chicken because they normally feast on biscuits strips. and donuts. “We are not down with Although Atkins zude!” said Casey Fults. many students are Within the next month stulooking forward to dents are predicted to lose an average the new diet, many of 28 pounds on Atkins. Protein levels are dreading it. Stuwill skyrocket along with stress levels. dent clubs have proWith the dedication to supply tested the new diet healthier lunches in 2009, hopefully the over the last week. lunch ladies will pull out a winner with But the turnout has the Atkins Diet. been small, due to And let’s not forget, a very the lack of club parpleasant and belated APRIL FOOLS!!! ticipants.

EnvironMary Mooney mental Club PresiBearfacts Staff Writer dent Jessica LuElla Casey Fults chows down on a biscuit. Casey is not looking forward to the new Atkins based menu. Her has been the leader in the Atkin’s Probreakfast is carb based. Photo by Mary Mooney VOLUME

4—ISSUE

7

BEAR

FACTS

Hotties of the Month

Chris Pine

Cillian Murphy

Kiss Me Thru the Phone– Soulja Boy If You Seek Amy– Britney Spears Boom Boom Pow– Black Eyed Peas That’s Not My Name– The Ting Tings

Summer Concert Scoop!

On ThursDay, April 2, viewers said goodbye to E.R. After 15 consecutive seasons the show aired its final episode. We will miss Noah’ Wyle’s beautiful face every week.

Bestest Month Ever!

Blues, Congrats!, you are having the Bestest Month Ever! You have had a great season, and after fighting in these past few games, you’ve made it to the playoffs! Not in eighth, but in sixth place! St. Louis is proud; we are proud so keep?

St. Louis is being visited by new artists, and classics as well. Make sure you catch all your favorites!

No Doubt and Paramore July 8 (UMB Bank) Rascal Flatts June 5 (UMB Bank) Dave Matthews Band June 17 (UMB Bank) The Fray and Jack’s Mannequin July 3 (UMB Bank) New Kids on the Block July 1 (UMB Bank)

Worstest Month Ever!

Oh, Spencer Pratt, we forgot how much we didn’t miss you. However, thanks to the premiere of what seems to be the 1,000th season of the Hills (will it ever stop?) , American audiences were reunited with you and your creepy flesh colored beard. From what we picked up from the first episode, Lauren hates you, Stephanie hates you; Heidi’s family hates you; and even Heidi is starting to hate you.

Needless to say, Spence, you are having the worstest month ever.