Loyola Academy Jesuit College Preparatory School
The Loyola Academy Prep Wednesday, November 15, 2017 A.M.D.G.
Volume K Issue III
www.goramblers.org
Failure comes to the Academy Grayson Pitt Freshman Writer Emily Devyor LA News Editor Failure: A Love Story by Philip Dawkins was presented by the Thespians Club the weekend of November 2-5, in the Loyola Academy Theater. The play takes place in the early twentieth century in a clock shop on the riverbanks of Chicago. The story is centered around the lives of the Fail family, more specifically the three Fail sisters – Nelly, Jenny June, and Gerty – who all tragically died (in that order). Student Director, Jason Kesse, did a fantastic job directing such an emotional story. Failure: A Love Story is exactly what it sounds like,
a tragic love story. The story, told as a memory, was narrated passionately by Elena Kittle-Kamp. A man named Mortimer Mortimer, played by Jack Serio, wandered into the Fail family’s clock shop one evening. There, he met Gerty Fail, played by Eva Vitanovec, and also the girl of his dreams (and Gerty’s sister), Nelly Fail (Emma Samuelson). Nelly and Mortimer fell madly in love, until Nelly tragically died on their wedding day. Devastated, Mortimer Mortimer moved into Nelly’s old room and became the swim coach of Jenny June Fail (Tessa Volpe), who wanted to be the first woman to swim across Lake Michigan. Mortimer and Jenny June fell in love as well, until her untimely drowning so
John N. Fail bonds with his would be brother-in-law. Photo Courtesy The Year
What’s Inside?
Updates to Loyola page 3
Mortimer and Gerty anxiously keep an eye on Jenny June Fail as she attempts to swim across Lake Michigan. Photo Courtesy The Year
close to the finish line. Mortimer Mortimer jumped in to save her, but he could not swim (ironically), so Gerty Fail had to jump in and save him. Sadly, Gerty Fail then died from a disease called consumption (similar to tuberculosis) that she caught while saving Mortimer. This sounds like the most tragic play ever written, but it is not so serious throughout. John N. Fail (Daniel Brennan) is the socially awkward brother who helps keep the story light and fun. His silly antics, misunderstandings of social customs, and general randomness keeps the audience laughing. The cast and crew of the show worked for a month and a half to bring this show to life. When asked how working on this show differed from other experiences she had had in theatre, senior Jackie O’Kane, one of
the assistants to the costume and makeup crew, said, “I feel that this show differs from other shows because I’ve never had this type of leadership, freedom and responsibility, and as a senior I find it extremely rewarding to see my visions come to life.” Jackie helped design and execute the makeup looks for each cast member. The costumes for this show were different from other shows because they had to look like they were from the 1920s, which was a very specific style. There were a lot of drop waist style dresses and updo hairstyles during the time, which had to be reflected in what the actors wore. Some actors chose to do accents to fit the time period. Ensemble member James Cullinane, who was in the musical Urinetown, mentioned this when talking
about his experience in this show: “I think it’s really amazing to be doing a comedy because other shows just have scattered jokes throughout, while this show was designed to be funny and make people laugh. It’s just amazing to stand on stage and see the audience smile and know that you could bring them that joy through acting.” Last year’s play, The Amish Project, was a drama, so having a comedy this year was a nice change, especially because of how dark and emotional The Amish Project was. “Failure is a play about death and yet it is a comedy. It has a unique feel because of this, and it allows the audience to see the irony in the Fail sisters’ deaths,” said Production Manager
Clean Power page 4
Weinstein Scandal page 4
Ramblers Football page 6
continued on page 3
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The Prep
Editor-in-Chief Madeleine Quackenbush
Moderator Ms. Katie Klein
EDITORIALS
Loyola Academy’s Oldest Organization Founded September 20, 1912
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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Prep
1100 Laramie, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Phone: 847-256-1100
Letter from the Editor This issue, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to a simpler time...2007. Enjoy this letter from past Editor-in-Chief Lauren Kus as she reflects on some timeless aspects of Thanksgiving.
Contributors
Grayson Pitt, Emily Devyor, Neil Gorman, Sean Ryan, Claire Finley, Martin Susanto, Jess Vela, Eva Vitanovec, Natalie Regan, Abbey Scott, and Brady Reichert
Notes in the News Mass Shooting in Texas - Neil Gorman The most recent American mass shooting took place on November 5, in the First Baptist Springs Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
The table was laden with cranberries, dumplings, and a stuffed
The shooting is the fifth worst mass shooting in modern American
bird, but I could have satisfied my hunger for a Thanksgiving feast
history, and now the demand by the people for gun control is louder
with fodder of another kind: family stories. Although I stuck to the
than ever. The Columbine high school shooting in 1999, once seen
mantra “There are no calories on Thanksgiving. There are no calo-
as one of the most violent gun attacks in American history, has now
ries on Thanksgiving,” my figure would have thanked me, and I’d have stayed full for longer. But on the fourth Thursday of November, both diets are possible - expected even - and I didn’t have to choose. The stories themselves are no different than those you’ve heard your own dad and his brothers tell: paper routes, First Holy Communion parties, the way their father cut their hair until they were twelve years old. They way they tell them is my favorite part: faces alight, they furrow their brows slightly, as though searching for the best point in their story to start. Upon hearing anecdotes from their youth, the others either throw back their heads in laughter or smirk
been knocked off the top ten worst shootings in modern history by the latest shooting in Texas. At the top of this list is the Harvest Music festival shooting in October, followed by the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016. Other recent shootings on this list include the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting in 2012, and the San Bernardino shooting in 2015. No matter where you sit on the political spectrum, you must agree that there need to be changes to prevent shootings like this from happening. There is an ever growing cry by the people to enforce gun control laws in the United States, and this most recent deadly shooting
knowingly (especially if they were mentioned in the memory). Enrap-
will only make it louder. Columbine, one of the most dangerous gun
tured by their conversation, I remain in appreciative quietness. I feel
attacks in American history, is now not even among the deadliest ten.
that today I have nothing to contribute, but maybe some day I will.
If this is not a sign that changes need to be made, I don’t know what is.
My uncles made it to the one about the family vacation to California in ‘69 when something outside the window roused my notice. Beyond the powdered ground stood the row of houses lining my cousins’ block. That day each had at least one feature in common: a driveway hosting more than the usual one or two parked cars. In that moment my own world was both big and small: we weren’t the only ones basking in the lovelight’s gleam (a premature reference to Christmas carols I can only blame on 93.9 FM), but all that light together - we could have a new eco-friendly source of energy. But others are still quick to malign Thanksgiving in a fit of political correctness. They condemn the day as the anniversary of the Pilgrims doling
Hesitations before release of J.F.K files - Sean Ryan On October 26, President Trump ordered the release of 2,800 documents that were related to the John F. Kennedy assassination. The CIA and FBI wanted the President to stop their release. The President and government agencies looked over the files and are deciding if they want to block some of the documents from going public, so the protection of national security could be upheld. In 1992, Congress said that all the investigation records would have to be released on October 17, 2017. Many think that these documents will uncover the
out not just cornbread but cowpox to the American Indians - but those
mysteries of Kennedy’s murder, including Lee Harvey Oswald’s mo-
conspiracy theorists can join the others on the grassy knoll. Thanksgiving
tives. So, maybe the world will never know why one of the most be-
is the one holiday without an agenda: not even commercialism can ruin
loved presidents had his life cut short on that infamous day in 1963.
it, Black Friday and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade withstanding. It’s not all about the Pilgrims and Indians, although I can recall one Thanksgiving years ago turning a cardboard box into a Mayflower, dressing like a Pilgrim, and “learning” how to make (pop)corn from the younger boy cousins, in American Indian garb. But it’s not about the literal reenactment of that dinner at Plymouth. Instead, it’s about remembering the meal by sharing (and preferably not communicable diseases). Bing Crosy sang it best in Holiday Inn: “I’ve got plenty to be thankful for: I’ve got eyes to see with, ears to hear with, arms to hug with, lips to kiss with - someone to adore. How could anybody as for more?” I know I couldn’t. Unless you’re talking about more stories.
Story Behind Chicago Christmas Tree - Sean Ryan This year’s official Chicago Christmas tree, that will be placed in Millennium Park, is a 62 foot Norway spruce that was donated by the Dolfler family. The tree has been in the yard of the Dolfler family since the 1930s, and the owners of the property always knew it would make a great Christmas tree. The late Frank Dolfler, father of the family, used to always say that he thought the tree was so special, that it would be a great Christmas tree for Chicago or Washington D.C. The tree was cut down November 2, and it will be displayed in Millennium Park at the tree lighting on November 17. For
Have a safe, happy, and story filled Thanksgiving, Ramblers.
the family, it is a happy coincidence that November 17 is also the
The Prep Staff
wedding anniversary of Marlene Dolfler and her late husband Frank.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
The Prep
LA News
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“Breaking” News: LA’s Future
This rendering of Loyola’s Campus Master Plan details the exciting improvements to the campus in the coming future. Photo Courtesy Loyola Academy
Claire Finley A&E Editor “It’s really an exciting time to be at Loyola! We are in a healthy position to make some of our campus master plan a reality for Loyola students.” – Father McGrath Most of you have probably heard that the Village of Wilmette approved Loyola’s Campus Master Plan. So, I sat down with Father McGrath to get all the information. The way he explains it, the physical changes will come in a two-phase plan. The first phase will include the replacement of the swimming pool, improvements to our traffic management plan and parking lot and a new student gathering space. The main parking lot will be expanded, and the tennis courts will be pushed
further toward Lake Avenue. This will allow for more parking, mainly for visitors. Secondly, a new driveway will be added in front of the school to address what is called “stacking,” or parents’ cars lining the streets surrounding the school at the end of the school day. The driveway that already exists will be only for students trying to get into the parking lots in front or back, and the new driveway will be for parents dropping off students. Construction is slated to begin on the parking lot at the end of this school year and should be completed over the summer. The second aspect of Phase One will be the swimming pool. According to Fr. McGrath, the pool has just given out due to its age and really needs to be replaced, especially because of how
often it is used and for how many different purposes it serves. The pool would become slightly larger and many outdated features would be updated. Construction on the pool is slated for the 2017–18 school year. Though the construction will be an inconvenience to work around, and swim teams will be placed at another local pool during construction, the pros of a new, updated pool will outweigh the cons of construction. The last bit of Phase One will be the plan to enclose the sidewalk area in front of the athletic entrance. This will be a spot similar to the student center, complete with tall tables and Wi-Fi. An area like this has been increasingly called for with the new schedule, due to the amount of time students have free and need places
to hangout. It is also being considered as a type of cool performance space or gallery for Loyola Fine Arts. Phase Two will include a new theater—but construction on this won’t begin for at least five years. A larger theater is necessary thanks to increased support and involvement in the fine arts—a trend that will hopefully skyrocket with the new theater. With all the interest in theater and fine arts classes, the current 200-seat theater for a student body of 2,000 is just unrealistic. Plus, Fr. McGrath hopes that in conjunction with this increased enthusiasm, the fine arts faculty can be more centrally located. He remarks that currently on campus “there’s a dance studio in the basement and one on the first floor, a band room in the basement, art studios in the basement and on the second floor.” If all the fine arts teachers had their classrooms in the same area, it would drastically improve collaboration and communication for the arts programs at Loyola. These changes do seem like a lot to be happening all at once, but Fr. McGrath let me know that discussion about these improvements began even before he was president at Loyola, but they were tabled when the economic downturn occurred in 2008–09 and Loyola needed funding to be focused on financial aid. But now that Loyola has been raising money for the campus master plan in accordance with other necessities, it’s finally becoming a reality. Yes, there have been other developments at Loyola already, such as the updated science and computer labs that we have today, but Fr. McGrath makes a point that the school’s monetary focus has always been, and will always be, on financial aid. Because of this, Loyola doesn’t have every bit of the funds for the campus master plan yet, but it is close. So stay tuned to The Prep for more updates throughout the year on the campus master plan. As Fr. McGrath concluded his interview, he noted, “It’s a really, really good time to be at Loyola.”
Gerty was initially not a fan of Mortimer. Photo Courtesy The Year
Failure Cont. continued from page 1 Morgan De La Cruz. Her ability to see the irony in the subject matter perfectly sums up this year’s fall play, a story of love and how fast it can run out of time. The acting and directing was fantastic. Nelly Fail was youthful and carefree, John N was absolutely hilarious, Jenny June was determined, the chorus was in sync, Gerty Fail was serious, and Mortimer Mortimer was totally in love. Not to mention the impeccable story telling skill of Elena Kittle-Kamp. The stage was also beautiful. The students who created the set are true artists, and the director used all of the props in very creative ways. The choreography was fun, and the Roarin’ 20s take on modern songs like Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love”. The lighting dramatically enhanced the importance of each scene. The costumes were marvelous. The entire atmosphere of the set was spectacular. As a whole, the play was well done, and I would highly recommend it, even though all of the shows are over. Ramblers can still see these talented actors on stage in future productions like the One Acts and the Spring Musical. Thespians: hopefully the spring musical will be as good as this play.
4 The Prep
Current Events
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Now Trending in the US...Clean Energy Martin Susanto Sophomore Writer In 2014, the Obama Administration proposed a regulation enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency called the “Clean Power Plan” that would cause major cuts to carbon pollution levels from American power plants. Described as “[Obama’s] most ambitious climate policy to date” (Brad Plumer), this regulation was aimed at coal power plants, being the largest source of carbon pollution. Rather than suddenly shutting down all means of conventional power, states were given a “menu” of alternative, cleaner power options to choose from. This act was met with both opposition and praise, as environmental advocates rushed to support it, while the coal industry saw it as an attack on the economy. Over the years, the plan has been the subject of many court cases due to industry representatives suing the EPA as a result of the plan’s announcement. These rep-
resentatives argued that the measures taken in the plan go well outside the boundaries of the existing law, and that they will lead to a loss of jobs in the industrial sector. This led the Supreme Court to suspend the law temporarily in 2016 in order to hear these arguments fully. However, as of this year, the plan remains a proposal, and, as revealed on October 4, 2017, the EPA under the Trump Administration announced plans to possibly end it. Just five days later, on October 9, current EPA director Scott Pruitt officially issued a proposal to repeal this policy. His argument followed up on the views of the industry representatives, stating that regulations on pollution should only be imposed upon existing plants, rather than extending it beyond these plants, such as building new wind and solar farms. Pruitt, in a leaked repeal proposal draft, also suggests that the health benefits are not worth the economic loss following the hypothetical implementation of this regulation, adding that
the U.S will save $33 billion by not implementing it. The battle for the actual repeal, however, may draw out for years, as many environmental advocacy groups already expressed the desire to combat the repeal plan, as well as any other movement supporting it. The passing of the Clean Power Plan will bring a number of longlasting benefits, such as an estimated 25% reduction in air pollution, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, and a possible decrease in health costs per year due to the reduction in air pollution. If the plan is repealed, however, progress in achieving those same benefits will be slowed down considerably. While it may be true that the plan will cause a loss of jobs in the industrial sector, the plan is designed to encourage and reward communities that implement energy-efficient programs, possibly opening up more jobs in those sectors. Not all hope is lost for the primary goals of this plan, because states without a federal incentive are already shifting towards
the New Yorker by Ronan Farrow, making the stories public and accessible. This provoked what is now being dubbed “The Weinstein Effect”— masses of people stepping forward and courageously sharing their accounts of abuse, not only concerning Weinstein, but also an executive at Amazon, British government officials, and many
more. The allegations range in location, year (even dating as far back as the early 1970s), and severity of action, but all share the common thread of unwanted, unrelenting harassment. As of right now, Weinstein has even been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. But his
The Clean Power Plan works to limit pollution levels by slowing down large sources of carbon pollution. Photo Courtesy AP
sources of renewable energy. A study by the Rhodium Group predicts that, by 2030, emission levels will fall approximately 2735% below the emission levels in 2005 due to this shift, which was Obama’s intended range in the first place. However, the plan remaining in place could force quicker, more prompt action in moving away from coal, possibly dropping emission levels lower. Slowing down progress in
this area seems like a sensible course of action for a person who is both an ardent non-believer in global warming, and an ardent supporter of the coal business, as the plan would only bring more cost to America and a decline in said industry. However, whether or not a person doubts global warming, there is no reason why excessive air pollution and increased health risks should be viewed lightly.
expulsion from prestigious organizations is not the most influential result of his viral infamy— rather, in the past few weeks, victims have been rallying behind a movement (and a hashtag) of two words— “Me Too.” The hashtag started trending over a weekend in late October, following actress Alyssa Milano’s tweet involving the tag. However, the Me Too campaign was started over ten years ago by Tarana Burke, who began the campaign after hearing an emotional recollection of a 13-year old girl about her sexual assault experience. Burke has been fostering a nonActress Rose McGowan and creator of the Me Too campaign stand together in profit organizasolidarity with all victims of sexual assault. tion since then, Photo Courtesy AP to help victims,
headed by the Me Too campaign. A few days after her influential tweet, Milano respectfully gave Burke the credit she was due. The hashtag has since become a safe place for victims to stand in solidarity with one another and share their own experiences on social media. The hashtag reaches beyond actresses— it has pervaded into the sports world too, such as with Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney and basketball star Breanna Stewart. The Me Too campaign has been extremely successful in raising awareness for sexual abuse and harassment, and continues to provide a protected platform for victims to express their emotions. As Tarana Burke so poignantly states, “It’s not about a viral campaign for me, it’s about a movement.” That very movement should be one that continues to move the inner activist in all of us to move towards justice.
Out of Scandal Comes Courage
Claire Finley A&E Editor Harvey Weinstein is the name circulating in the news more than any pop stars’ in the past few weeks. Most of you know what he did— but you probably don’t know the scale… or the response. This issue isn’t limited to one man, and it is not challenged by only one woman. What’s really at-hand here is an international call to action. It all began with actress Ashley Judd, who made claims about inappropriate situations Weinstein forced her into in the past, while filming 1997’s Kiss the Girls. Since Judd’s allegations were made public, over 70 others have shared their accusations against the film mogul, including such famous names as Cara Delevingne, Angelina Jolie, and Gwenyth Paltrow. The claims were legitimized by an exposé in
The November Prep Challenge
Before your brain shuts down from too much turkey and couch sitting, solve this traditional sudoku. Solve the puzzle by correctly placing numbers 1-9 in each box, row, and column without any repeats. Good luck, Ramblers!
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6 6
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1 2
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9 1
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Jess’ Comic Corner
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The Prep
Fun and GAmes
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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5
What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?
4 9
When is it acceptWho is your favorable to start listenite Stranger Things ing to Christmas character? music?
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
Marvel or DC movies?
Mashed Potatoes
After Thanksgiving
Dustin
Doing something different every year
Star Wars
Turkey
After Halloween
Dustin
When the whole family comes together
DC
Turkey
Week before Thanksgiving
The thing that goes through the wall
Not celebrating Thanksgiving!
Marvel
Mashed Potatoes
After Thanksgiving
Didn’t watch it
Dinner
DC
Mashed Potatoes
Day after Thanksgiving
Haven’t seen it!
Going around the table and each saying what we are thankful for
Marvel
Mia Rode ‘21
Courtney Rei Cochico ‘20
Kabello Muhammed ‘19
Alex Bentkowska‘18
Mrs. Amin
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6 The Prep
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
JOIN US!
Do you want to write the latest news for The Prep? Then join our staff now! Talk to Ms. Klein in the English office or email her at kklein@loy.org
UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS Thursday, November 16 Girls Basketball @ New Trier @ 6:30
Friday, November 17 Girls Swimming @ New Trier @ 3:30
Saturday, November 18 Boys Bowling @ Hillside Bowl @ noon Girls Swimming and Diving @ New Trier @ noon Maroon Hockey vs. Evanston @ 4:30 LAG vs. Glenbrook North @ 6:10
Sunday, November 19 Girls Hockey vs. New Trier @ 4:30 Maroon Hockey vs. New Trier White @ 5:40 LAG vs. New Trier Green @ 7:20
Monday, November 20 Boys Basketball vs. Von Steuben @ 5:00
Sports One Last Yard - One Last Pass Abbey Scott Sophomore Writer On October 21 friends and families gathered together to rally a final cheer for our 2018 seniors. The crowd was there to celebrate the four years’ worth of practice, dedication, and game days for the football team, cheer squad, and marching band. Senior linebacker Chris Scott said, “It’s a day that we really take the time to appreciate our parents and other people who support us. This day also marks the start of our playoff season and all the work and focus we need to put into the games to come,” about the day dedicated to them. The senior game, however, was our annual face off against Brother Rice. The first quarter was quick to start when the Ramblers ran in for their first of four touchdowns. After receiving a pass from quarterback Quinn Boyle, receiver Jamie Joyce ran the ball 43 yards into the end zone. Not long after the 7-0 lead, running back Hamid Bullie ran 25 yards to add
seven more points (with the successful extra point kick) to the scoreboard, concluding the quarter. The second quarter saw fast action after Jamie Joyce ran 21 yards to score his second touchdown of the day. After leading Brother Rice 21-0, junior Jack Fallon was put in as QB, where he threw a pass to receiver Dillon Grant. Grant ran the ball in for a 20-yard touchdown, with only 46 seconds to go until halftime. The last major play to occur before the half was when cornerback Patrick Russell intercepted the ball from Brother Rice. The first half was definitely rewarding for the senior boys, who were playing their last conference game on the Loyola field. After a quick pep talk from head coach John Holecek, the Ramblers were ready to take the field again and keep fighting for the win. The third quarter was the least exciting of the four; the teams managed to hold each other off for the twelve minutes in the quarter. The most excitement during the quarter was when Brother Rice offense fumbled the
Girls Basketball @ Glenbrook South @ 5:30
Tuesday, November 21 Boys Bowling @ Habetler Bowl @ 4:00 Boys Basketball vs. University High School @ 5:00 Girls Basketball @ Harlan @ 6:00
Wednesday, November 22 Wrestling vs. Highland Park @ 10:00 Boys Basketball @ New Trier @ 6:30
Hamid Bullie breaks through the New Trier defensive line as he fights for the first down. Photo Courtesy The Year
ball, which was recovered by middle LB Chris Scott. The game was pretty much sealed shut for the fourth and final quarter of the senior day game until Brother Rice’s offense was able to make a 14-yard touchdown with 59 seconds left in the game. The Ramblers called it a victory shortly after, only giving the opponent 7 points to their 28. The defense and offense put in all they had to this game and it definitely paid off. The boys ended their conference season with an 8-1 record and as Catholic Blue champions. With a record of 8-1, Loyola earned a 6 seed in the playoffs. The Ramblers faced off against neighborhood rival New Trier in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday, October 28. Going into the fourth quarter, the Ramblers had a commanding lead of 28-10, but New Trier had a comeback in mind. They scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to make it interesting, but the Ramblers had one more touchdown in them to win the game 35-32. The following weekend, the boys faced off against an 8-2 Hinsdale Central for their final home game. Determined not to allow any fourth quarter comebacks, the Ramblers easily handled the Red Devils with a final score of 28-7. In the quarterfinals, the Ramblers took on a tough opponent in undefeated Marist on Saturday, November 11. Scores were not available at press time. Finally, one last shout out to our seniors, congratulations on four amazing years. We cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you. Once a Rambler, always a Rambler.