August 2008

Jesuit Journal

August 2008 ADIEU ISSUE

www.jesuitcp.org/campuslife/studentcouncil

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“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute.

We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.

To quote from Whitman, ‘O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?’

Answer: That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”

Dead Poets Society

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Contents & Acknowledgements Elves, The True Story.....................................................Nicholas Radoszewski ’08 Top Ten...........................................................................Nicholas Radoszewski ’08 Senior Insights................................................................Nicholas Radoszewski ’08 Wax Seal of the Ivory Tower.........................................Travis San Pedro ’08 Reflections.......................................................................Michael Randall ’08 Senior Breakfast Speech..................................................Michael Randall ’08 Swing State Predictions..................................................Michael Randall ’08 & David de la Fuente ’08

The staff of the Jesuit Journal would like to express our deep gratitude to all those who made this year’s publications a success. Without your much-appreciated efforts, we could have no material to print. Literature and the arts are incredibly important disciplines, and we are glad to have had the opportunity to help them flourish here at Jesuit by providing a forum for their dissemination. We hope you have enjoyed our offerings, and that in the future you will not hesitate to read, write, and create, knowing that you are contributing to the interminable weaving of man’s intellectual tapestry. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

Publisher..........................Student Council Editor...............................Michael Randall ’08 Artistic Editor.................Travis San Pedro ’08 Layout & Design.............Michael Randall ’08

Travis San Pedro ’08 Art Contributors.............Norman Belza ’08

Brad Boudreaux ’08

Colin MacGregor ’08

Travis San Pedro ’08

Rossi Walter ’10 Moderator.......................Dr. Michael Degen

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Student Council News

As summer break has now commenced, there is little news of interest to report. Have a great summer and enjoy your respite from work while it lasts.

About the cover: Usually we like to place students’ art on the cover of the Jesuit Journal as has been the tradition since the publication’s inception. For this last issue of the Journal for the academic year of 2007-2008, we decided to break with artistic legacy. What is photographed is the Yale Skull & Bones society, quite a prestigious group amongst the Ivies and the epitome of the clandestine, collegiate gathering. I cannot say that there is any specific motive for placing the image on the cover – in truth, the interest lies in its randomness and the juxtaposition of an antique photograph with the bright landscape of the back cover. However, upon further inspection, what the group forms is a bond of brotherhood, a society linked through a common set of beliefs, reminiscent in a way of what we create here at Jesuit. As the class of 2008 bids its adieu, remember that it is not a farewell, or perhaps even a goodbye for the time being, but a “hello” as Michael Randall expressed in his Senior Breakfast Speech, reprinted on pages 9-10.

-- Travis San Pedro ’08

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Elves, The True Story

had made an alliance with a mysterious yet dark and dangerous figure named Kellogg, about whom not much is known. They had been funded and been given a private agenda: “Force the small elves out of the kitchen.” The large elves, who had grown accustomed to living in luxury grew, unsurprisingly, large egos. They saw themselves as far superior and waited for the smaller ones to make the first strike.

When Pop accidentally ran into a small elf who was carrying a knife, he claimed he was being attacked and that is when things rapidly escalated.

In the wake of the battle for the kitchen, the large elves, although heavily outnumbered, kept control of the kitchen and banished the smaller elves, but not without paying a heavy price. After holding his own for 3 days, Treats was finally swarmed by some of the Keebler elves. Autopsy reports showed that the cause of death was fudge poisoning. In fact, his blood/fudge content was 6.23, enough to kill a small pony. Thus, the remaining three Rice Crispy elves (as they were soon to be called) vowed revenge. Yet, they had to honor their fallen comrade, so they named their creation after him, thus arriving at the name Rice Crispy Treats.

All was not well for the banished Keebler elves. For forty years they wandered in the woods, looking for a new home (when you have small legs, its takes a lot to get from place to place). Keebler led his chosen elves to a large, hollowed-out tree.

From this tree, they would work and live, and one day take their revenge against those Rice Crispy Guys. This elf war is still fought to this day. Only time will name the victor.

Nicholas Radoszewski ’08

On the first day there were elves. There were many elves: Santa’s elves, the elves that make your calculator work with their elven magic, and food elves, just to name a few. The elves that are the subject of this story are the food elves. The food elves had been commissioned to make all things delicious. This included, but was certainly not limited to: corn dogs, cake, brownies, pineapples, pizza, sushi, and cereal. The elves enjoyed what they did, and they saw it as their duty to provide the world with many a delicious treat.

For what seemed like an eternity, all was perfect. Then, on one fateful day, there was a dispute in the kitchen that was unlike all other disputes. Many disputes had occurred, featuring the question, “Where are the spatulas,” or pondering if extra-extra virgin olive oil was just trying to make itself look better than its sister extra virgin olive oil.

This argument made all others look tame. There were four large elves that worked in the kitchen.

They were a different species of elf (there were two species of kitchen elves, big and small). These four elves had taken all the marshmallows to use for their treats, and would not lend any to the others.

Their names were Snap, Crackle, Pop, and Treats.

Hoping to broker a peaceful solution, the smaller elves wanted some of those marshmallows and were willing to do anything for them. They desired to mix chocolate, marshmallows, and cookies (they had this new idea spinning off of a major hit, s’mores), but the larger elves refused to give them any, saying it was crucial for them to use all the marshmallows.

It was here where the fudge hit the fan.

We don’t know who exactly threw the first chocolate chip, but we do know that when the flour cleared, the smaller elves (under the command of an older elf named Keebler) had left, and taken all of their recipes. Never again were small elf-shaped cookies made in a kitchen.

Anthropology of the elf mindframe will tell a person that if things got hot in the kitchen, elves would rather die than escape the heat. In an investigation, it was made known that the larger elves

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Top Ten Nicholas Radoszewski ’08

Dear Pondering, Being a senior is like enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, whose sensations are hard to describe.

Through the first three years at Jesuit, you struggle to put the powdery mix in your cup. Then, when you finally get the chance to sit down to enjoy it, it is a struggle trying not to burn your tongue, which at first is almost impossible. When you check the clock, sometimes you have to chug it because you put it off and now are approaching a deadline, and sometimes you get to slowly sip the Dutch cocoa, slurping the liquid masterpiece in the company of other enthusiasts.

At the end of the long path we have come to know as high school comes the final strech known as senior year. If you listen carefully whenever someone says those two words, angels can be heard singing. But it is not all that is seems, and a list has been put forth, proving: The top ten reasons to hate senior year: 10. All the good privileges come after spring break (and striped shirts still isn’t a privilege).

9. 9th, 10th, and 11th period classes on Wednesdays.

Best whishes, XL

8. College applications: They’re fun until you have to do the second one.

Dear Xavier,

7. Three theology classes.

How do I get a girl to go to prom with me?

6. The continually rising prices (lunch, prom, vending machines…).

Nervous Junior Dear Nerve-less Nervous,

5. A plethora of apathy.

There are several ways to do this. The most acceptable way is when you roam the Dallas Savannah with your hunting pack and come across a gossip of girls (Homo Unpredictablus), target the slower, weaker one. The faster and prettier ones are out of your league, while the smarter ones have developed defense mechanisms and camouflage against you.

After the girl of your dreams has been separated from the group, and is tired from the chase, drop to one knee and ask her to go with you for an unforgettable night of dining and dancing. She will be caught off guard, and, if you do it in the sight of her friends, the peer pressure will overcome her and she will have to say yes. If that fails, I don’t know, bake her a cake or something.

4. No marshmallows for hot chocolate.

3. TPS reports.

2. The Examen.

1. Next year you will have to be a freshman.

Senior Insights Nicholas Radoszewski ’08

By Xavier Longenschnaus Dear Xavier,

Happy hunting, XL

What is it like to be a senior at Jesuit?

Pondering Freshman

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Dear Xavier,

Dear Xavier,

Is Mr. Donahue as tough as he seems to be?

What are the best classes to take senior year?

Frightened Freshman

Pondering Junior

Dear Frightened,

Dear Pondering,

Mr. Donahue is so tough, he can bench press the AAA building, defeat level 70 Rogues, eat a pound of Naga Jolokia peppers, use the same computer password all year long, go 288 hours without needing to be recharged, arm wrestle the pope, tap dance, beat Chuck Norris in poker, all while reading “The Examen” without the PA system.

The best classes to take are US History after WWII, Honors Latin IV, AP Free Periods IV and Honors Off Campus Lunches.

Good luck, XL “Senior Insights” is written by Nicholas Radosze wski ’08. Questions can be sent to him via Moodle.

Love, XL Dear Xavier, How do I get upperclassman to give me a nickel for the vending machine?

3 Quarters Sophomore Dear Cents Less, The best way to go about this is to give them something in return. Otherwise, you would be begging, and begging in a blazer is not very successful.

However, singing “I’m a little teapot” or break dancing will certainly merit your needed 5 cents. That, or you could go to the C Store and buy your candy for 69 cents. Whichever you decide, remember to brush your teeth.

Yours in economics, XL

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Rossi Walter ’10

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Wax Seal of the Ivory Tower Travis San Pedro ’08

Norman Belza ’08

Colin MacGregor ’08

Light the cigar, put the record on the Victrola to that familiar tune, for that one last dance.

Childhood and limby jejune, lawns will no longer be a place to catch crickets but a forum for idealogical coups d’etat.

Stow away the chips and cards, there’ll be plenty of time for that where we’re headed.

We are of age to sign for the draft, the letters have come, all stationed to different places.

The hour is desperate and imposing, what we have left of it is fastly fleeting - the voices refuse to cease, unrelentless, from the Hagia Sophia wailing echoes sound.

Though the fate inevitable we have tried to pass from our minds for some time has arrived, we will continue to ignore it until we depart at the docks.

From lip to lip, we drink from the flask, seeking escape from the loved ones left behind.

“We were supposed to go to India” I wrote on postcards of pretend optimism - sweat drenched pith helmets and sticky khaki, the opium incense was to caress our nostrils in ceremony of the maharajah; that was our dream as boys in makeshift tents, pop guns and slingshots to slay the stuffed tiger.

But you are to be where the bell tower tolls, where the Jesuits stroll, and your sport coat will become your merit badge of youthful ego.

Let us suspend the moment as best we can then, turn the hour hand back on the pocket watch, place our grandiose plans on hold for one more stolen event of bread and circuses.

The letters will cease to come o’er the summer, though we say goodbye and make plans for next week, existing in pictures, nostalgia, the crest, and hymonoptera again will be the chant collective, legacies of doppelganers.

And the foreign words to virginal ears will unveil concepts intangible, feelings inexpressable by the Cartier of Bhupinder Singh.

For when the red velvet curtains begin to close, it will be time to take our final bow. Adieu, Adieu, Adieu.

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Reflections Michael Randall ’08 Honeybee, flittering across the bundled petals Five-pronged invitations to goldenrod powder Filling suitcases bursting with nectar, Sweet saliva soon to concoct life-giving liquid A business trip.

Arachne’s child with wispy silken tightrope, translucent, Spins across polyester, royal blue, though She reigns here, her eight queenly eyes Darting between seams and headlights above, transfixed, The ball-point obscured its final sight. Twitchy.

The soil, determinedly, raises periscopes from its depths, Anchored by networks of cellular tunnels Pickpocked with nodules Absorbing, obeying the directions of the Earth.

Sunny and violet, they compete.

Tongues smear the lens, but leave behind a gift, The instructions for the next expedition towards the stars.

Hoping always to get closer, sequoia as inspiration.

Brad Boudreaux ’08

Tweet, chirp, howl. Burrows soundlessly. Rustle! Quick! Nothing.

Fertilizing again.

2008 Presidential Election Predictions Michael Randall ’08 and David de la Fuente ’08

The following is our take on the most probable presidential election scenario as of today. It was compiled in a nonpartisan, objective fashion by Michael, on the right, and David, on the left. A map follows on page 11.

New Hampshire: The most conservative state in the Northeast, New Hampshire sent its electoral votes to Bush in 2000 and to Kerry in 2004. Delivering primary victories to McCain both in 2000 and 2008, New Hampshire appreciates McCain’s “maverick” streak and his “straight-talk” persona. His fiscal conservatism also fits the libertarian mold of the state. McCain ought to win New Hampshire narrowly.

Pennsylvania: While most of the state is rural and post-industrial, Pittsburg and Philadelphia will help deliver the state for Obama. Although Pennsylvania has been a perennial GOP target, its changing demographics are putting it more solidly in the democratic column.

Virginia: Although the Democratic Party in Virginia has recently made significant gains under the leadership of former governor Mark Warner, most of its gains come from cross-over support from Republicans which will not be present in the presidential election. McCain’s military (continued on page 10)

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ux ’08

Senior Breakfast Speech Michael Randall ’08 Father Postell, Mr. Earsing, Faculty, Parents, Brothers of the Class of 2008:

Honestly, I’m nervous. Nervous doesn’t even scratch the surface. I’m incredibly honored to be standing here addressing you because I profoundly respect you. You have been friends and confidants, acquaintances and classmates, companions and teachers. For four years, you have been brothers. The Class of 2008. Brothers.

How can I define the class of 2008? A simple list of adjectives couldn’t suffice; this group of men transcends superlatives and refuses to be pigeonholed. Our sixty-sixth graduating class is a collection of questionably obtained garden statues arranged meticulously in the senior courtyard. Our class is an impromptu inner-tube brawl in the lazy river at Community Days. Our class is forty-five minutes of uninterrupted slime soccer in the library and the broken spacebar to show for it. Our class is a band of crimson cape clad Spartans dancing simultaneously to “Crank That” and “Every Time We Touch” at Ranger Day. Our class is “what she said” – or at least we wish we were. Our class is infinitely more than 247 individuals: it is a community.

At the core of community is the philosophy of St. Ignatius: seeing God in all things, recognizing a facet of the divine in everything. And that is what being a “man for others” is about – not feeling obligated to serve, not serving for recognition or for self-satisfaction, but serving based on a deep empathy, a fundamental identification with the needs of others. That means being open to service whenever and wherever – perhaps our class’ greatest contribution to the Jesuit community. Service is rarely glamorous. Service can be a compassionate gesture, a kind remark, or a friendly countenance – but you already know that. I was pleasantly startled when the recent construction moved the statue of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, my favorite piece of our museum’s art, to the front of the building. I think it is more appropriate there, serving as a reminder of our mission to all who enter. Aloysius knew exactly what service was, never fearing the danger inherent in his work, putting his life entirely in God’s hands. In the class of 2008, I see that young Jesuit saint reflected. Like Aloysius, you recognize that service is not always conveniently scheduled – it is a spur-of-the-moment, drop-everything-and-help sort of impulse. This is why our class has grown into such a close-knit group. Whenever there is an ’08 who feels lonely or excluded, there is an ’08 willing to bring him into the fold. Whenever there is an ’08 desperate to be heard, there is an ’08 desperate to lend a listening ear. Whenever there is an ’08 who feels overwhelmed, there is an ’08 to lighten his load. Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever – someone is there.

In this way, none of us are self-sufficient; as much as I like to pretend I can make it alone, I know I am supported, strengthened, upheld, invigorated by the community. Whether it is something as trivial as finishing a tough Friday crossword in the senior commons or as profound as a small group discussion at Community Days, we all contribute pieces of ourselves every day. I am reminded of the no-feet push-up at the Freshman Retreat – while at the time it was just a brain-teaser, it now seems prophetic. Our four years at Jesuit are one no-feet push-up – everybody leaning on everybody else, trying to keep your feet off the ground, failing repeatedly and trying to complete the push-up again. Either the group succeeds or it falters – there are no individual accomplishments or failures that do not impact the community. Even these words are as much my own as they are yours, for we have all molded each other into the unique individuals we have become. Some among you have taught me to laugh, others not to sweat the small stuff, others to cherish the present, still others to put problems in perspective. Every member of this class as taught me something, just as you have learned from each of your brothers. Never stop teaching. Never stop learning. I was told in a theology class once that every time you open up a Bible, you receive a personal, relevant, timely message. The same is true, I think, of a Jesuit yearbook. Every time I open mine, I am reminded of smiles, of experiences, of disappointments, of voices that continue to shape me. I am reminded of all that I have learned. Twenty years from now, this class will still not have imparted all its wisdom. We all have so much left to teach each other.

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You know, when I first received my “open campus” card, I was conflicted. I knew the little laminated slip represented trust from the administration, and I looked forward to brandishing it, thump-thumping over our infamous speed bump, and flooring it all the way to Chipotle. But at the same time, I hesitated…

Do I really want to leave? I wanted to savor the crisp grass of the courtyard, the chatter of the commons, the latest high-jinks in the library. I wanted to commit to memory every nook and corner of the building, every hilarious mannerism or slightly off-color joke from a classmate. So I stayed. That first time, I stayed.

And, though the last four years have not been without regrets, that was one decision I’ll never want to revoke.

In two weeks, we’ll all receive our Jesuit diplomas, our permanent open campus passes. Like the open campus cards, the diplomas will reflect Jesuit’s trust in us – trust that we will live each day seeking God in our neighbors, trust that magis, ad maiorem dei gloriam, and “men for others” are not simply words, trust that the class of 2008 does not require geographic proximity to be brothers. These are not merely pieces of paper – they are covenants, sacred reminders of the compact we entered when we first answered an emphatic “yes” during our interviews. Indeed, the Jesuit diploma is a reflection of what we have internalized – four years of knowledge, four years of service, four years of each other. No piece of paper can replace these things. Nothing can.

A recent cell phone commercial invited its audience to “say goodbye to goodbye.” As we continue with our own extended goodbye, collective feelings of nostalgia mingling with excitement and anticipation, I implore you to do the same. For the class of 2008, I hope there will never be a “goodbye.” In “goodbye” there is finality, and we all know that the Jesuit experience transcends time – “the time is now,” after all.

“Hello” conveys infinite possibilities, infinite hopes, infinite opportunities to succeed and to make mistakes, infinite potential for love and growth and achievement, an invitation to go out into the world and make an impact on your community. So, brothers of the class of 2008, all I can say is: “Hello.” Thank you.

Swing State Predictions (Continued) support should help him carry this military-oriented state, despite Obama’s attempts to flip it.

Florida: As evidenced by its election of moderate Republican Charlie Crist against the Democratic wave of 2006, Florida is becoming more solidly Republican on the state level. It will be difficult for Obama, whose appeal among Hispanics and the elderly, two key Florida demographic groups, has been lackluster, to capture Florida’s 27 electoral votes.

Texas: Sorry, just kidding. Texas’ election is very unlikely to be competitive this year. But still go vote!

Ohio: Ohio is likely to be a hotly contested swing state, as in 2000 and 2004. Obama will do well in Cinncinnati and Columbus, but McCain will score rural victories, burgeoned by so-called “Reagan Democrats,” which should propel him to a victory in the state. Ohio will be among the closest races in the nation.

Michigan: McCain should do fairly well in Michigan’s suburban areas, and may obtain the votes of Democrats disaffected by the failed primary process. However, the Democratic bastion of Detroit, as well as the severe recession which has made Michigan’s economy the worst in the nation for years, will make Obama’s message of change resonate here, and he will score a very narrow win.

Wisconsin: Although Wisconsin tends to be rather liberal on the state level, it is trending Republican on the presidential level. Bush lost the state by only about 10,000 votes in 2004 and, like New Hampshire, Wisconsin has an independent streak which makes it fertile territory of McCain. Although this state also will be close, we expect it will go very narrowly for McCain. Both WI and MI are essentially toss-ups.

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Minnesota: Another frequent Republican target that always seems out of reach, Minnesota will likely go the same way this year. As the only state to vote for Democrat Mondale in 1984, Minnesota has a distinctly liberal bent, despite recent GOP inroads there. Governor Tim Pawlenty as John McCain’s vice president may make this state more competitive, but as of now we predict it will be a comfortable win for Obama.

Iowa: In this extremely corn-heavy state, ethanol and other agriculture issues are paramount. Obama has expressed support for ethanol subsidies, while McCain has railed against them. This distinction should make it very difficult for McCain to hold the state for the GOP. Missouri: A traditional bellwether state, Missouri has gone with the winner for the last sixty years in presidential elections, more than any other state. McCain is poised to win the state, just as he will likely win the presidency.

Colorado: Due to the influx of urbanites and Hispanics into the state, Colorado has been friendly to the Democrats in the last several election cycles. Obama’s appeal in the mountain west, combined with the demographics of Colorado, will deliver the state to him and cement it as a newly Democratic state.

New Mexico: The massive Senate victory we expect by Democrat Tom Udall, as well as a Democratic registration edge there, ought to help propel his fellow Democrat Obama to victory. Traditionally a 50/50 state, high Democratic turnout in New Mexico thanks to several highly contested congressional races will help Obama win.

Nevada: Nevada has gone narrowly to the Republicans on every level of state and national politics for the past decade, and we can see no reason why that should change this year. Expect a slight victory for McCain.

Oregon: Once a reliably Republican state, the past few decades have seen Oregon slip into the Democratic column. Although McCain’s environmentalism will help him in this close-to-nature state, Obama will win in part because of competitive state races where crossover support is likely.

Light Gray = Likely Democratic Dark Gray = Likely Republican

Michael Randall ’08 and David de la Fuente ’08

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Brad Boudreaux ’08

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