April 2012

BEARFACTS

Ursuline Academy 341 South Sappington Rd St. Louis, MO 63122

5.3.12 Volume 7 Issue 7

Summer Bucket List P. 7

Ursuline Look-Alikes

P. 4 Kony Meltdown

P. 8

British Bands and Hunger Games

TABLE OF CONTENTS St. Baldrick’s Charity “Kony” Meltdown Summer Bucket List “Can you believe it?” Fact Page UA Look-Alikes Must-see Movies British Band Craze and Hunger Game Phenomena

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Mrs. Sherman Dedication Poem

“A Powdery Kiss Goodbye 2012” by Kaylee Huddleston Near the sunset of life, I knew a low flicker.

She was once a bright orange light of energy.

A nova of atoms she bounced about in an ionized pattern.

Three universal forces: teacher, wife, Mother.

Her music was the big band swing of Miller and Dorsey.

In the Mood of her life, in the great American Generation.

She remembers best the heavy chromed cars with fins.

A slower time of family routines, of real mail, not e-mail.

She could once do it all: a lead dance lesson for her boys, A pot on the stove with graded papers to clear for supper.

But today is so hard, the long pathway that is just across the room, with a walker.

Those pretty black heeled dress shoes are big white sneakers now.

The words in her ears are fading mumbles that make no sense.

Why does she always choose me to write on the board? She struggles just to stand.

Her back is curved, but it is not the weight of glasses hanging from a chain around her neck.

She often forgets they are there.

So clear is the memory of her first Ursuline class in ‘67.

She giggles then reminds us of the postponed exam that October Cardinal World Series day.

The seasons of her life are all intermingled now.

She often forgets my name, but it doesn’t matter, she knows it in her heart.

She brought us all special gift chocolates from her cruise.

Her thoughts were never far from school.

So long, so strong, are the stories that meander to the delta of her life.

Husband long gone, her boys are old men who no longer dance.

Apricot face of humor, she laughs at herself, always turning off the computer.

She has forgotten more than we girls will ever know.

Hurling so fast through time, she teaches us the importance of real memories.

Life is not just the next text; not even a real voice or person.

The aged wires of Grey hair are slow to conduct the memory that was.

So sad to see a fading mind, to know we all will fail at the end.

Mrs. Sherman, tell me again about the veiled prophet, the Christmas windows downtown.

Giggle for us, postpone this exam called life.

I hope to buy chocolates, to secure my memory with youth in my sunset days.

I wish I could have kissed her powdery cheek goodbye.

I hope someone kisses mine.

Charlie Price is a normal ten-year-old boy.

He plays baseball, soccer, volleyball and basketball.

He loves playing outside with the neighborhood kids until dark. He also loves fishing, hiking and being with his family and friends. Charlie thinks that if Dawson was still alive today, they would be great friends.

Dawson Ivanowski was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at age six. Neuroblastoma is a cancer that forms in the nerve tissue. Until Dawson was diagnosed, and even after, he was also a very normal little boy doing the things he loved to do.

He played hockey, fished and went hunting with his dad. He loved being outdoors with his friends and family as Charlie does, too. Charlie and Dawson would have been great friends, but Charlie knows that he is somewhere in heaven today.

Charlie decided to shave his head for Dawson’s Hairless Heros. This is one of the teams of the St. Baldrick’s foundation that raises money every year around the world for kids with cancer. There are over Dawson Ivanowski hundreds of teams that contribute to the St. Baldrick’s foundation. Charlie’s goal was to raise $200, but with the help of his friends and family, he has raised $432.

At Charlie’s age, anyone would think that he could not do a lot to make a difference in the amount of money St. Baldrick’s has been raising. He almost raised half a thousand dollars, which is huge to the people of St. Baldrick’s.

Charlie said, “It wasn’t hard to raise the money because so many people were willing to help me. I was really excited to raise the money.”

Charlie was very enthusiastic throughout the whole process. He could not wait to get up on stage at Helen Fitzgerald’s to shave his head for Dawson. He was a little nervous, but he did not let

Bottom right is Charlie before the event. Larger picture is Charlie after the event. it show. When the hair was finally coming off and he felt his almost bald head, he explained how weird it felt to have no more hair. This is what kids with cancer have to go through every day of their lives. When asked if he is going to do it next year, Charlie said, “Is that even a question? Of course, and my goal next year is going to be $1,000!”

Emily Price Bear Facts Staff Writer

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ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

PHENOMENON TURNED BREAKDOWN Diego. Before being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, he It all started with a video that became an overnight phenomewas found naked, vandalizing cars and disturbing traffic. The non. Once the “Kony 2012” video was released at the beginning Invisible Children CEO Ben Keesey released of March, it was all Ursuline girls and people a statement to NBC News claiming that around the country could talk about. Jason Russel’s behavior was a result of exhausRussel, the filmmaker and co-founder of the “It’s hard to Invisible Children organization, knew exactly tion, dehydration and malnutrition. Rusunderstand the sel’s wife Danica commented that the sudhow to spread the word about a major injusden attention and criticism of her husband tice happening to children in Uganda everysudden transition could have caused the incident. Later, Rusday. According to YouTube, his video reached sel’s doctor diagnosed him to have suffered 87 million hits. The video made such an imfrom relative from brief reactive psychosis due to expact, yet the stress it caused for the video creaanonymity to treme exhaustion, stress and dehydration, tor was unmanageable. according to NBC San Diego.

The video’s purpose was to spread worldwide awareness about Joseph Kony, a rebel leader Danica Russel explained, attention” in Uganda kidnapping children to become his “Though new to us, the doctors say this is a soldiers or sold into the sex trade. This “Kony common experience given the great menDanica Russel 2012” video quickly went viral. Recently, on tal, emotional and physical shock his body April 20, “Stop Kony” supporters in major has gone through in these last two weeks. cities around the country, including St. Louis, Even for us, it's hard to understand the sudcovered the cities with posters to make Kony’s name known. den transition from relative anonymity to worldwide attention The story touched many people, but with popularity there is both raves and ridicules, in a matter of days.” always criticism.

It is very sad that this great movement caused such Meanwhile, Russel reached his breaking point. Accordsuffering to the man who had made such a big difference. While ing to NBC San Diego, the “Kony” talk turned negative when its he recovers, people around the country will continue to particileader, Jason Russel, had a psychological meltdown. pate in this crusade to stop Joseph Kony and the injustices occurring in Uganda.

On March 15, Russel was seen participating in bizarre behavior in a San Diego intersection, as reported by NBC San Meg Vatterott Bear Facts Print Editor

To read more about KONY 2012 visit our website at www.ursulinestl.org /bearfacts

Photo by: http://lunamagazine.com.au/ slider/13511

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What’s on YOUR Summer Bucket List?

“Be in a flash mob.”

Paula VanCamp, freshman

“Paintball, camp out, float trip with friends.”

Sammy Zuelke, junior

“Go to a lot of concerts.”

Dana Intrieri, senior

“Tie-dye, baseball games, road trip.”

Rachel Mosqueda, junior

“Go white-water rafting.”

Megan Hickey, junior

“I want to have an ultimate water gun fight with all of my friends...it's going to be intense.”

“Not get fired from my job and win a contest.”

Rachel Garozzo, junior

“Go to PointFest and read 20 books not assigned by school.”

Shannon Strawhun, senior

“City Museum, Science Center, The Boathouse, have a picnic.”

Nicole Mueller, senior

Maddie Klump, junior

“Go to Six Flags.”

Courtney Schweiss, freshman

“Go to the Johnson Shut-ins.”

Ali Moser, senior

“Go cow-tipping.”

Colleen McGovern, senior Meg Vatterott Bear Facts Print Editor

Photo by Meg Vatterott

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ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

Is it True?!

The facts and percentages below represent a survey done to show the opinions of 20 people and whether or not they thought the following facts were true or false. If you would like to see if the facts below are really true or false please go to Bear Facts webpage.

“40% of all people who come to a party snoop in your medicine cabinet.”

True: 85% False: 15%

“The average life span of a major league baseball is “28” pitches.”

“Ancient Egyptians shaved off their eyebrows to mourn the death of their anteaters.”

True: 35% False: 65%

“1980, Las Vegas hospital suspended workers for betting on when patients would die.”

True: 69% False: 40%

True: 65% False: 35%

“o.3% of all railroad accidents in Canada involve a duck.”

“In Utah, it is illegal to swear in front of a dead person.”

True: 90% False: 10%

True: 80% False: 20%

Facts found at ultimatehubber.hubpages.com/hub/Very-Interesting –Facts

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“Coca-Cola would be purple if coloring weren’t added.”

True: 55% False: 45%

“Barbie’s full name is ‘Barbara Millicent Roberts.’”

True: 50% False : 50%

“Right handed people live, on average, 30 years longer than left handed people do.”

True: 25% False: 75%

Olivia Passafiume Bear Facts Staff Writer

Morgan Powers and

Kelsey Reijko ‘12 and Olivia Cunio ‘12

LOOK ALIKES Have you ever had that awkward moment when you start talking to someone in the halls who you though was your friend but was not your friend. Bear Facts composed a list of students that Betsy Kennedy ‘12 and

Pictures by Maggie Eggleston and

Anne Laschober ‘13

Kim Cracchiolo ‘13 and Alyssa Rogers ‘14

Molly Streeter ‘14 And Maggie Jordan

Movies to See...

If you are looking for a funny movie this spring, go see “The Three Stooges.” It is a modern take on the classic Larry, Curly, and Moe. It will be hard to hold in the laughter once it gets started with their silly antics.

The story takes place from the beginning of their life at the convent to all kinds of crazy, modern day hilarity.

If you are wanting something more romantic, “The Lucky One” is the movie for you. When a Marine sees a picture of a woman on the ground, he goes to pick it up, which ends up saving his life. He tries to find the girl in the picture and eventually finds her. At first, she is dismissive, but like a normal Nicholas Sparks book, they find love.

Rated PG-13

If you are looking for action this May 4, get ready for “The Avengers.” All of the Marvel movies have led up to this. Even though this time, the Incredible Hulk will be played by Mark Ruffio, the superheroes are even more super than ever. Ironman, Captain America, Thor, Nick Fury, Black Widow, The Incredible Hulk and Hawkeye team up for what is expected to be one of the greatest superhero movies in a long time.

PG—13 Ann Wolf Bear Facts Art Editor.

Rated PG

Art by Ann Wolf

Entertainment in April

Another boy band that’s begun to rage on the music charts is the band The Wanted. They are made up of five boys from Great Britain as well: Max George (22), Nathan Sykes (17), Siva Kaneswaran (21), Jay McGuiness (20) and Tom Parker (22).

They definitely haven’t made as big of an uproar as One Direction, but they’re for sure a band to watch! Their song “Glad You Came” has been hovering at number three on the United States music charts for sometime now. It wouldn’t be surprising if they made it into the top five when their first US album is released.

Part of why the hype is so large for these two bands, besides the fact that they’re all extremely attractive, is their personalities! The Wanted tries to maintain a video blog channel on Youtube. One Direction also has video tour diaries where they let loose and supply entertainment to viewers. One Direction was also on the British version of the X Factor where

(left) The Wanted (right) One Direction

The Phenomena Behind “The Hunger Games” If you haven’t heard about the “Hunger Games” yet, then it’s safe to say that you haven’t been paying attention! The “Hunger Games” made a huge weekend box office debut with the first installment of the series. Harding commented, “I've read the books and loved them. I think it's a great series and an interesting, unique story.” Jung agreed, “From the millions of dollars it made the first day at the box office, I'd say it's going to be the next teen series. ‘Twilight’ is finishing up, and ‘Harry Potter’ is over. The ‘Hunger Games’ series has two more movies coming out, and if they break one or both of them up into two parts, that'll probably be the next big franchise.” And that’s exactly what they plan to do! There have been numerous rumors surfacing that the producers of the show are going to split up one of the books into two movies! That means more to love for the viewers!

“The Hunger Games” three main characters include Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Liam Hemsworth as Gale. There are numerous other exciting characters portrayed in the movie who have caught the attention of the media. Woody Harrelson (Haymitch) and Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket) have been hailed for their performances. Amandla Stenberg, who played Rue in the movie, has also attracted a great deal of attention following her debut in the “Hunger Games” series.

Pictures from: www.robotpluger.com , 1d-gerneration.tumblr.com,

Harry Styles (18), Liam Payne (18), Louis Tomlinson (20), Zayn Malik (19) and Niall Horan (18) have suddenly become famous names in the United States. These five boys make up the United Kingdom band One Direction which has made a huge impact on Americans, particularly teenage girls. Kathleen O’Brien, freshman, exclaimed, “I am in love with One Direction! Boy bands are coming back, and there’s no stopping it!” There are mixed feelings about these boys, however; Ellen Harding gave her side of the story: “I think they have catchy songs, but they don't seem any different than the boy bands we already have in America though it's nice to see new faces in the music industry.” Madison Jung, junior, also commented, “I've never heard of them.

Besides, I don't think the ‘British boy band take over’ will ever match the British Invasion of the 60s’. It seems a bit overrated.”

www.newmusiclive.ca, www.gori.com

British Invasion (Part 2?)

(left) The kid stars of the Hunger Games (right) Harrelson as Haymitch and Banks as Effie Abby Blaes Bear Facts Staff Writer