Marian High School Student Newspaper Nov/Dec 2011

Marian High School 7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 402-571-2618 Volume 56 - Issue 4

the network

THE Y G O L O N H C TE E U S IS

Behind the Counter An inside look at lunch

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Tomorrow is a Latter Day Marian girl opens the door to the real Book of Mormon

newsflash............................................ pp. 2 & 3 opinion................................................ pp. 4 & 5 features............................................... pp. 6 & 7 indepth ............................................... pp. 8 & 9 features...........................................pp. 10 & 11 active life.........................................pp. 12 & 13 entertainment................................ pp. 14 & 15 photo essay................................................ p. 16

printed on 100% recycled paper GO GREEN!

I’M A QR CODE!

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cover and photo by emilyfischer photo of Jessie Koraleski ’12

Munch on This

An inside look to the lunch room and its perks naomijones

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hicken teriyaki, ground beef tacos, famous chocolate chip cookies, and delectable cake pops all brought to you courtesy of Tim Eoriatti and Marian Dad Bill Agnew.

These two men satisfy your hunger aches 180 days out of the year. It would be difficult getting lunch if it weren’t also for Marian Mom Mary Jo Morrison and LuAnne Thommes.

“We serve, set up, put all the dressings on the cart, and do dishes, then serve lunch,” Morrison said.

These are without a doubt the number one lunch workers of all time and the Marian family can vouch for that. In fact, three of these people are literally family in that they are parents of past and present Marian girls.

All 689 Marian students and 86 faculty members can admit to buying at least one, if not multiple, lunch menu items as they change daily.

From fresh veggie trays to $1 ice cream cones, girls have Tally Up Tim Eoriatti dishes up the lunches while their favorites, their not-soI.O.U. notes line the counter for forgetful, hungry favorites, and the things they students. still crave in the summer months.

“Every day I eat food from the lunchroom,” junior Payton sauce, costs $3.50.

Horacek admits. A majority of Marian girls Some Marian girls do find the lunch prices can agree with that statement. overpriced for the serving sizes. Agnew The staff is also guilty of giving into explained that inflation is real even in a high the addictions caused by the lunch men’s school lunchroom. meals.

“We try to keep the food prices as low Observe and you will find repeat as possible because of the budget. We even offenders like business teacher Mr. Joe switched suppliers to keep costs down,” Menendez who magically appears in front Agnew said. of you in line at least once during your The more Marian girls eat hot lunch, the Marian career. more money the lunch program makes and “My favorites are the nuggets and the cheaper the lunch becomes. Freshman the teriyaki; it’s hard to choose one,” Katherine Belitz said, “I think the prices are Menendez said. With the variety of entrées, usually good and I eat lunch every day.” it is very difficult for many to choose a The cheapest thing you can buy in the favorite. lunchroom is a fork for $.05, while the most So just how long does it take to prepare expensive is the Samurai teriyaki chicken at these feasts that have former students $3.50. wishing they still attended Marian? “About Sophomores and upperclassmen know why three and a half hours to prepare lunch I.O.U.s are out of the question these days. every day, and an hour to clean up in the “We stopped doing I.O.U.s because people back. We usually clean up a little bit while didn’t pay them back and it started adding up,” lunch is going on,” Eoriatti said.

Agnew said.

You will meet your best friends when For I.O.U.s to work out, girls needed to the clock strikes 11:24. Eoriatti, your bring back their money, and because they left-hand man, dishes out the delicious didn’t, a debt began to build. Loans of $2 and brownies that go for $1. On the right side, $3 meals add up after a while. The only I.O.U. Agnew sells cookies like crazy, three for around these days is if you purchase a lunch $1, or one for $.35. ticket. You can borrow money for lunch and When you sneak in the lunchroom to then bring your check the next day. raid the vending machines, you can start Unless you run to lunch like a bull, or smelling lunch around 9 a.m. The most happen to be one of the select few who have prevalent aroma is the main entrée for the a study hall before lunch, you might have day. fallen victim to lunch running short. Whether Senior Dominique Hebron skipped the crazy amount of shadows or one too many out on senior privilege on Nov. 10 to girls being ‘starving’ is to blame, it’s not fun grab her favorite, chicken teriyaki. “My when they run out of food. favorite meal is chicken teriyaki, even though it’s overpriced for the serving,” Hebron said.

Marian’s chicken teriyaki, white rice with grilled chicken and teriyaki

The most common lunch item to run out of is pizza; first goes the sausage, then pepperoni, and lastly cheese. The vending machines are always stocked, so eating something for lunch is never a problem.

However, students may not get their first choice.

With limited lunch selection, especially for the Marian population that consumes second lunch, cutting has become a dominant problem.

Freshman year you’re scared, sophomore year you’re building a little more confidence, and once you hit upperclassman status, there is no stopping it.

For Marian’s free lunch during Mission Week, the line for hamburgers and fries stretches to the vending machines, if not past. Long lines are a playground for cutters, as well as distraught underclassmen.

“I don’t agree with the lines; it needs to be more orderly. Maybe line organizers like in movie theaters,” freshman Katherine Belitz said.

Due to the mosh pit of people and constant cutting issue, there is hope in the near future. “We could do a longer line organizer, then girls don’t get confused,” Eoriatti said. Cross your fingers and hope to see this improvement sooner rather than later.

If you have very little conscience, you are naturally prone to cut. Along with that, you are prone to grab a fork without paying, or even to steal a salad when nobody’s looking. Maybe you will stop once you find out there is such a thing as fork debt. Although very small in price individually, they add up like I.O.U.s. “I usually just assume the girls already bought a lunch if they come up and get a fork,” Agnew said.

Senior Carolyn Zuegner brings her lunch almost every day. “Sometimes I’ve been able to take forks and not have to pay and other times they’ll ask me for the nickel,” Zuegner said. The forks that are paid for are priced exactly at how much they cost: $.05 a piece.

You’re probably wondering how in the world Eoriatti and Agnew know how much food to order for lunches with the fluctuating number of girls that eat each day. What happens with the leftovers? They are used for days when food runs out. Why have there been so many substituted foods like pizza and cookies?

Ordering food has become second nature to Eoriatti. Working in the lunch room for more than a decade has given him a good idea of what to expect.

“I just know off of 11 years of ordering food so we never run out. I always have extra and something else easy like chicken tenders if we run out of food that day,” Eoriatti said.

Yes, there is a necessary wait, but Eoriatti will make sure every girl eats regardless if he has to make something completely new.

For a Marian girl, all 180 days of eating school lunch is money well spent, and on a good meal at that.

Good manners are worth much more than one expects. “I’ll add a little bit of extra on ice cream if they’re nice,” Agnew said with a smile.

These men and women are genuine with their smiles each day, creating lasting impressions on the Marian community. Let us hope they never give up on those delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Club Briefs kalanifortina

Select National English Honor Society

members meet every morning from 7:20-7:40 (except Wednesdays) in the College Center to help any student with her writing, turnitin assignments, essays, etc. “We feel that we need to get the word out to the underclassmen that the Marcella Writing Center is open and available,” moderator Mrs. Regina Lenhoff said.

Novellettes

made goody bags for semester finals!

They were purchased online for $10, hopefully you got one!

Future Buisness Leaders of America

are working on Distracted Driving Week which will take place in January. They are planning a driving simulator, a seatbelt check, and a speaker.

Togas for Others

collected 88 blankets! They were all donated to the Heart Ministry Center, the social outreach of Sacred Heart Parish. “I heard most of the blankets were being used by moms to ‘winterize their babies’,” organizer Mr. Mark Koesters said.

Art Expression Wednesdays

are making exciting new projects every week. Make sure to talk to art teacher Ms. Veronica Rief or senior Rachael Kreski if you are interested in joining!

Emma Fletcher ’15

Kelly Woodruff ’12

Ally Gebhart ’14

all photos by kalanifortina Dish it Up The delicious, traditional Monday pasta lunch is served up by Mary Jo Morrison.

2 newsflash

Serve it Out Lunch man Bill Agnew gets together a delicious plate of pasta, sold for $2.

Megabus

Mega Deals christinarommelfanger

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ublic transportation is not as expansive a business in Omaha as it is in bigger cities like New York and Chicago, but with increasing gas prices and population, that may have to change.

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), public transportation saves fuel, provides economic opportunities, saves money, and reduces the overall carbon footprint.

One easy and fairly inexpensive way to embrace public transportation recently made its way from the UK, across the eastern part of North America, and officially stopped in Omaha on Aug 17. Yes, the Megabus is finally here.

Megabus, a fairly new transportation option, has been in operation in North America since 2006, and in the UK since 2003.

“Megabus is the first, low-cost, express bus service to offer city-to-city travel for as low as $1 via the Internet. We provide low-cost and reliable bus services serving nearly 50 cities from five hubs at New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Chicago and Toronto,” according to megabus.com.

A $1 ticket sounds great, right? But if you want one of those dollar seats, book it far in advance. A ticket booked two months before will cost considerably less than one booked two weeks ahead of time. This is because as tickets are sold, the prices go up.

Sra. Shanahan can attest to this. Her son, Gregory, has taken the Megabus three times.

“He took the bus home from Chicago last Christmas, and it only cost $5,” Shanahan said. She did mention, however, that this isn’t always the case. He has paid more for other tickets.

The most expensive ticket, however, is not much in comparison to other forms of transportation. A round-trip flight from Omaha to Chicago can range from $100 to $200. If planned out enough in advance, the average price is around $40 for a round-trip Megabus ticket. Taking the Megabus also saves the multiple tanks of gas needed to travel by car, and conserves energy and fuel for the benefit of the planet.

Shanahan did have something to say about the reliability of the service, however.

“He rode it a few times. Once it broke down, another time it was running late, and once the WiFi wasn’t working. But it doesn’t take very many stops so it’s not that much longer than driving, and you can’t find anything cheaper.”

In the years it has been operating, the bus service has received all sorts of feedback, both negative and positive, but Marian girls have little to complain about.

Senior Lizzie Mensinger had an excellent experience with the Megabus this October.

Her $40 round-trip ticket took her all the way to Chicago to visit colleges.

The decision to go was easy. “My friend John said, ‘Hey dude, let’s take the Megabus to Chicago.’ The seats were comfortable, and it was absolutely a great time,” Mensinger said.

Sophomores Kelsey VanOsdel, Carly Steinauer, Alex Stock, and Liz Wiggs also had a positive experience with the Megabus.

The girls took the bus for Steinauer’s surprise 16th birthday along with Steinauer’s mom, older sister, cousin, and aunt. Her $50 round-trip ticket was well worth the price. “The customer service was great. We were able to make stops on the way there and back. It was really great because it had outlets, so we could charge our phones, ipods, laptops, etc.,” Van Osdel said.

2011 graduate Kristy Kunkel recently took the bus back from Des Moines to Omaha.

“It was an interesting experience,” Kunkel said. “The only bad thing was waiting for the bus because you have to wait on a street corner in the middle of downtown at night. My bus was an hour late so I was kind of scared because there were some sketch people. But I met some other college kids and then I felt way more comfortable. Once the bus came it was super nice. I got my own row, and the best part was that it was only $1.50 for the whole trip to Omaha. All in all, it was a good experience!”

To many people, taking an inexpensive bus ride with many people you don’t know might sound like a risk, but to some it’s worth the experience and the price tag.

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2011Elections Freshman Class Voters Choose Leaders of Tomorrow

michaelamcdonald

t takes an immense amount of courage to present yourself in front of a large body of people. It takes even more courage to not only present yourself, but also win over your classmates and win an election. On Nov. 9, 20 freshman girls took the plunge and ran for a student government position.

Just as the city elections this November, the girls were allowed to campaign with posters and a written speech that was posted on the Marian website. They had a panel session in front of their classmates and were Lizzy Schumacher ’15 Anabelle McDonald ’15 Hallie McNamara ’15 asked numerous questions pertaining to the spirit of their class and the goals for the upcoming year.

That same day, an e-mail was sent out to the freshmen class with a link that allowed them to choose six candidates for Class Officers and three candidates for Student Board.

The voting process has been evolving for the past years and has now finally reached a good groove.

“This year, 137 freshmen voted in the election. That is a vast majority of the Class of 2015. It’s wonderful that so many students participated in Marian’s demoAlex Regan ’15 Julia Tatten ’15 Mary Woodruff ’15 cratic process. Hopefully the young women elected will continue to grow as ethical leaders and pave the way for a fantastic future for us all,” Student Board Moderator Ms. Megan Piernicky said.

The faculty has watched the democratic process evolve throughout the years and has great insight on what changes have made the student government elections more effective.

“Any time we are able to teach students that government elections are beyond popularity, and give them the tools to answer panel questions and make postAnna Morrison ’15 Juliana Curley ’15 Maeve Nelson ’15 ers, is beneficial and related to the process that real politicians prepare to do today,” “I look forward to becoming closer tives. Student Board members have to be Student Success Coordinator Mrs. Jennifer as a class and getting to know everyone organized, innovative and must possess Christen said. better,” McNamara said. great leadership qualities.

The techniques that are now implanted “I’m looking forward to getting to Curley has reflected on where she fosin the student-run government elections tered these qualities. “There are a couple of know my classmates a lot better, sharing mimic essential components of how the ideas, and Field Day, of course,” McDonpeople that I look to for advice on leaderreal world chooses its elected leaders, such ald said. ship. They are both members of my family, as panel sessions, campaigning and written Student government is a great way my mom and my aunt Sue. They are both essays. for students to harvest their potential really strong women and have achieved a The results were announced with great as leaders of tomorrow. However, at lot in their lives,” Curley said. anticipation on Friday, Nov. 15. As hearts Marian, there are many more ways to The Class of 2015 Class Officers are raced during homeroom announcements, Hallie McNamara, Julia Tatten, Alex Regan, develop leadership skills. Whether it is in the dreams and goals of nine candidates the classroom or out in the community, Lizzy Schumacher, Mary Woodruff, and were about to be fulfilled. Juliana Curley, Marian girls can tap into their inner Anabelle McDonald. Class Officers must Anna Morrison, and Maeve Nelson were potential whenever a situation provides be outgoing, positive leaders and great elected the new Student Board representaitself. thinkers.

Throw Out Your Books or Throw Out Your Back torinietzel

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he parade of backpacks begins in the halls of Marian at 7:55.

Students lug their heavy polka-dot Jansports and black Northface bags all around.

Girls stumble up the stairs, trying to keep their balance under the weight of their book-filled bags.

According to a recent survey, 74 percent of Marian girls believe back pain is caused by heavy backpacks.

“Student posture is the most common reason why I treat students. Sitting in desks from age four to maybe more than 24 and carrying backpacks are part of this student posture,” chiropractor Dr. Chad Steskal said.

Steskal treats about 100 teenagers a week. Most see him due to bad student postures they have developed over the years and uncentered backpacks.

“When I was in high school, you were a dork if you carried your backpack on both shoulders. Today I see more students using both shoulder straps,” Steskal said.

Back strains and pains from backpacks tend to be the most common form of back pain throughout Marian.

Sophomore Sarah Wangler and senior

Cassie Edet struggle with back pain more often than the average teenager.

Wangler started noticing her back pain in fifth grade. “I complained about it a lot to my mom. Whenever it hurt, she would push really hard on my lower back and that helped for about five seconds.

Finally, my neighbor told me she goes to a chiropractor, so I begged my mom and we went to him about a year ago to get an x-ray,” Wangler said. The x-ray revealed a slightly curved spine and two lower vertebrae pinching a nerve.

“I started getting treated in February of this year, which basically meant getting adjusted a few times a week for a while. I also had to do heat therapy, which is when the chiropractor puts these little sticky things on your back and then when he turns the machine on, it makes your muscles move for you. You also lay on heat, so your muscles are super relaxed. It felt super weird!” Wangler said.

Stretching out her back now takes care of her day-to-day back pains.

If you move up the back pain scale you will find senior Cassie Edet. “I started having back pain when I was in seventh grade. I was a pretty active kid so at first we figured I pulled a muscle or something

minor, but my pain never went away,” Edet said.

After a CT scan, MRI, bone scan, and multiple x-rays, the diagnosis was final. Edet has Bilateral Pars Fracture, which is a fracture or break on both sides of the outer part of the spinal column.

After months of hoping it would heal on its own, Edet’s back specialist realized it will never heal without surgery. “I deal with the pain on a daily basis. It’s nothing horrible, but I’m not 100 percent better. I’m sure someday down the road I will need some form of back surgery, but for right now I have gotten used to it,” Edet said.

Steskal suggests keeping backpack weight under 10 percent of your body weight. Both shoulder straps should be used to carry the backpack and should be centered high on the back, not sagging low. “At about 30-35 years old, symptoms of more serious back pain and the beginning signs of arthritis can show up as a result of bad student posture” Steskal said.

An arm can be replaced while a spine cannot, so take care because it’s the only one you’ve got.

newsflash 3

Shot Through the Art: The modern decline of classical ideals

zoeursick

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cartoon by marylouisewoltemath

Feminism: noun.

Misconceptions about the unspoken word hannahtoohey

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admit it. I’m a feminist.

No, I don’t run around with posters screaming, “Who needs men?!” Contrary to the beliefs of many Americans, feminists don’t think women are better than men and that men can just go die.

Feminists want equal rights.

Is that such a radical thing to crave - equal rights? Most people would be proud of the fact that they support equal rights for ethnicities, races, or cultural backgrounds. Why is the same not true for genders? I attribute this to the fact that a majority of Americans (including myself just a few years ago) are misinformed. A simple dictionary definition can help de-muddy the waters.

Feminism, as defined by John C. Macionis, is “support of social equality for women and men.” Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that is the definition of feminism.

It seems that the misinterpretation comes when one attempts to break down the many levels of feminism. The textbook Sociology, used by Mr. Baker’s Honors Sociology students, outlines feminism in three categories: liberal, socialist, and radical. And I will be honest, radical feminism sounds a little on the edge of nutty to me. So is that what people really think of me when I say I am a feminist? Nutty?

I would like to be treated with dignity and respect. I would like the same business opportunities as men. I would like to get paid the same amount as my male counterpart with an equivalent job. And I would really love to never hear another kitchen joke again. That’s what I mean when I say I am a feminist. Are those really things that young women should be ashamed to say about themselves?

Let me be clear with one detail. I have accepted the fact that a majority of boys my age are physically stronger than I. Let’s be honest, so are a majority of girls, but that is beside the point.

I’m not trying to go against science when I say I’m a feminist. I get it. Males are biologically built with certain physical traits that females don’t have. I know there are certain things men are better at than women are, and that doesn’t bother me.

And hey, there are things that women are better at than men, too. Psychologists have actually proven that women are better at multi-tasking than men. The world needs men and women with each of their strengths and weaknesses to balance out each other.

However, I have never heard of any scientific experiments trying to prove that females are born with certain chemicals that make them the only gender that can cook. Here’s where my anger gets the best of me and I become susceptible to being misconstrued as the nutty feminist.

Kitchen jokes.

Q: Why did the woman cross the road?

A: Wait, better question, why is she out of the kitchen?!

Or this one.

Q: Why don’t women wear watches?

A: There’s a clock on the stove.

One more, just for a good, nice laugh.

Q: What do you do when your dishwasher stops working?

A: Slap her and tell her get back to work.

Anyone laughing? Me neither. I’m actually getting pretty angry just reading examples online and hearing real-life stories.

Who ever thought it was funny to be so degrading and offensive to the opposite sex? When did that become okay? It seems that it is socially acceptable in today’s society to proclaim sexist mockeries like the ones above just because they come with the title of a “joke.”

Some remarks that I hear more often may not appear as harsh, but what the joke-tellers don’t realize is that when they say, “I’m hungry, why don’t you go make me a sandwich? You belong in the kitchen anyway,” it sounds just as bad as the dishwasher example.

In my eyes, a sexist joke is a sexist joke, no matter how mildly or severely misogynistic it may seem.

Maybe the worst part about these jokes is what happens after they are delivered. I’m not one to sit back and listen to a man degrade women, so I stand up and say something.

Ninety-nine percent of the time, I hear, “Can’t you take a joke?” Actually yes, I can take a joke, but what was just said doesn’t qualify as a joke in my book.

Kitchen jokes are brewed up by men who truly believe that women belong cooking in the kitchen or folding laundry all day.

If young men don’t agree with those opinions, they shouldn’t be telling such jokes. The more people say it, the more people start to believe it.

I’ll be honest, I still don’t know the best way to respond to degrading kitchen insults or even mindless Marian day care jokes. Dishing it back is not the answer; females shouldn’t bring themselves down to that level - an eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind, right?

However, I do know that it takes a strong sense of maturity to overcome such ridiculousness. Maturity from the one telling the joke, and even more maturity from those on the receiving end.

All females should stand up against these jokes. Stand up strong like the empowered young women we are and make a difference. Make those jokes stop. Maybe if the jokes can trickle away, sexism can trickle away as well. Because that’s really all a nutty feminist like me could ask for.

Zo and Tell

ue Sylvester wants to kill the arts. (For all those upon whom this reference is lost, never fear; it is not a crucial piece of information pertaining to this column.)

Coach Sue, Glee’s notoriously wicked cheerleading coach and all-around villainess, is out on a mission to disband the glee club and cut all funding for school arts programs around the country.

What Sue may not know, though, is that the arts are already dying. Not necessarily from lack of interest, but from what I consider to be a lack of novelty.

And frankly, talent.

If DaVinci or Michelangelo or Picasso or even your dad’s college Art History professor knew what was going on in the world of the arts these days, they would be rolling over in their graves (assuming your dad’s Art History professor is, in fact, in a grave).

These are the people who developed (or at least promoted) the concept of art. These are the people who whipped up the Mona Lisa and the style of cubism. And now, their artistic ideals are being replaced by... live births on display.

Seriously.

Some New Yorker named Marni Kotak actually set up an inflatable baby pool in NYC’s Microscope Gallery and pushed out her kid as an exhibit.

I know.

And Kotak’s not the only one proclaiming such bizarre acts as artwork.

In 2007, a Nicaraguan “artist” went so horrendously far as to snatch up an emaciated stray off the street, tie him up in a gallery (sans food or water), and starve the dog to death while gallery-goers watched.

Nobody intervened.

What happened to the oil paintings and marble statues of yore? When did it become acceptable to starve an animal or put spectators through the horror of watching a live birth in the name of art?

When did the art of dance that is ballet lose its artistic element to grinding and hopping up and down?

(Not that I’m at all against jumping up and down to a musical beat; I just don’t consider it “dancing” by any stretch of the imagination.) And when did the standard of the musical arts begin to dip so low?

These days, anybody with a nice physique or pretty face who can so much as sing a note without a voice-crack is eligible to become America’s next singing sensation.

The Voice and America’s Got Talent are giving out recording contracts like candy as the Antares AutoTune Pitch Correcter company is making bank. Very few of today’s modern vocal artists are actually appreciated for their talents. (Perhaps Adele is the one exception, as she has the voice of an angel without the photoshop-esque figure behind which to hide.)

But remember when music was considered an art? When having a recording-contract-worthy voice was a true novelty, and gaining vocal fame was a privilege, rather than just a side perk of starring in a Disney Channel show?

Well, I don’t either. Probably because I was not yet even a product of conception, but still.

So you know what, Sue Sylvester? Try as you might, your efforts to kill off the arts will never really pay off. Because, I’m sorry to say, there isn’t much left to be killed. Granted, I could try in vain to declare that the quest for artistic revival isn’t over—not over ‘til the fat lady sings, as some might say.

But she’d probably just be auto-tuned.

Share your views...

Send us your opinions... netpaper@omahamarian.org

4 opinion

meganandreasen

“H

ow are you?”

“I’m good!”

These two greeting phrases are used in our everyday vernacular. However, most people are aware of this incorrect use of the word “good.” “I’m well” would be a much more acceptable response according to our quite convoluted English language.

Yet, we rarely contemplate giving a grammar lesson when confusing adjective/adverb agreement. Thus, a common question arises. When is it appropriate to correct another person? I’m not only referring to verbal grammatical errors (which I am guilty of far more often than I’d like to admit), but in all aspects of everyday conversation.

If I blatantly relay a false piece of information of some sort, by all means, hit me with the true fact. But, I truly don’t care if I’m pronouncing an obscure band name incorrectly, even if you’re

a die-hard groupie. There is nothing worse than someone arrogantly, unnecessarily putting you in your place for the pure sake of correction.

In other words, it doesn’t matter if you know everything there is to know about Russian literature. Just this once, save your tongue’s red ink and allow me to wallow in my ignorance.

Really, what good will your correction do? You have embarrassed someone who probably was aware of the mistake they made two seconds after the words escaped his or her mouth.

What you are actually doing is portraying yourself in a haughty light. And as for correcting teachers? Simply don’t.

There is a time and a place to correct another person. If you hear a vicious rumor being spread, naturally a firm correction is a necessary course of action.

Likewise, names are a unique

WHY?

circumstance- everyone should take pride in their name.

For instance, if someone calls me by the wrong last name, which has been the curse of my entire existence, I will not hesitate to gently inform them of the correct pronunciation. It’s Andreasen, not Andersen. I would expect anyone to do the same if I was the culprit of butchering their identity.

Bottom line, no one enjoys a haughty, holier-than-thou presence.

“How are you?”

“I’m good!”

“Really?”

“I think so...?”

“Are you sure you’re not well?”

Please, spare me the Russian literature lesson and I’ll go back to listening to music while simultaneously disgracing its creators (possibly on purpose).

Seeing the look on your face when my pronunciation causes your ears to pop makes me laugh.

SS PP EE AA KK OO UU TT

“Beyonce. I love her music.

I love her.”

“Kim Kardashian. She dated Hannah Goebel ’15 Reggie Bush and is beautiful.”

Drew Scherer ’14

photos by rosalieplofchan

Corrections Pose Problems Who is your girl crush?

Put the red pen away

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Sarah Michelle Geller).

She is awesome and I want “Cassie Thompson. She has to be her character. Buffy a wonderful voice, is pretty, gets to date Angel, the and is the nicest person in super hot vampire with a the world!” soul.”

Alayna Stokes ’13 Macy Potts ’12

Remember Nostalgia?

No Need to Blush

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rosalieplofchan

Should you?

that we now listen to. Obviously, we like what we’re o I was listening to Disney songs on YouTube listening to now as well. again, and I noticed something - nearly every More often than not, we will either forget about commenter on the video prided him or herself these current shows, or pray no one remembers we on being a “nineties kid” and how “Disney can’t ever listened to that song. We need to be reminded make ’em like they used to.” of how great the cafeteria chicken fried steak was Basically, that meant I’m not alone on the to wish we were eating it again in grade school . . .

Internet.

Unless you’re always thinking about chicken fried Now besides that, try to think what this means. steak.

My parents have always been telling me how great Or, since some interests never die, occasionally the good ole days were before I was around (which what we love today will attach itself to our character has unfortunate implications), and now I realized forever. I can still taste the gravy. that this wave of nostalgia has finally hit our Nostalgia isn’t something to scoff at; it’s just generation. depressing. See, I never play hide-and-seek We’re old enough to look back on our childhood, anymore, and even if I did, I and our minds can’t fit under the bed. have idealized Oak View Mall once had our past. We say a water fountain in the center to one another, of the food court. It is now a “I wish I could Starbucks that I can’t toss in take regular pennies for wishes. hannahgrace naps again,” and On the flip side, the past “Remember when should not be equated with we used to spend better times. I remember the the afternoons days of dial-up and Aaron outside, before Carter. I have no nostalgia for homework made either. us sedentary?”

We exaggerate our past, Conveniently, have hopes for our future, and no one remembers hate the present. Too bad we that when live in the present. naps were a Though nostalgia is just requirement, we another component of the human condition, that would always shut our bedroom doors and stay up doesn’t mean we should live like that. Hopefully instead. people can learn to treasure their memories while When we were the age that apparently contained still managing to enjoy the average day-to-day “the good ole days,” we wanted nothing else than to events. be sixteen and driving.

Normal days basically make up life, and we just Even right now girls are saying how they can’t need to keep enjoying it as we go along. wait for college, while in the same breath they declare I can’t see nostalgia disappearing anytime soon, that graduation is going to break their hearts. Make and googling random memories prove interesting, up your minds. like Hey Arnold or Michelle Branch. Remembering Rather, there is no mind to make up. Both what I loved 10 years ago is fine. Wishing I was 10 approach us at a constant speed. years old only leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Before we all wish for the days when the decent Besides, who needs to be a kid again? Disney is cartoons played on the television and *NSYNC was for all ages. still together, let’s think about the shows and music

Grace Notes

It’s just a girl crush

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’m not afraid to eat summer sausage after Labor Day. I’m not afraid to break a bone or two.

And I’m most definitely not afraid to admit that if I could shave off all of Megan Boler’s hair and sew it onto my head, I would. That’s a lie, but whatever. It’s a girl crush, and seriously...I want red hair.

Part infatuation, part admiration, part obsession: the girl crush.

Girl crushes have been a part of my life since the first time I blinked.

Granted, for the first 10 years of my life my girl crush was based on my sincere desire to simultaneously be my mother, my mother’s best friend, and my mother’s favorite child.

I have moved past that phase (kind of), and for the last seven years, my girl crushes have included Ashley Tisdale, the Virgin Mary, Emily Pieper, Leighton Meester, Phoebe from Friends, and (insert two dozen additional names of quirky celebs, athletes, or redheads). It’s been a long journey, but I finally know who I want to be when I grow up: Chelsea Handler. Or her sidekick.

At this point, you may be confused. “What is a girl crush, Rosalie?” Let me enlighten you.

According to UrbanDictionary.com, a girl crush is “when a girl has a crush on another girl, but they don’t like wanna date them. It’s more like they wanna be their best friend.”

EXACTLY! We all have women we look up to.

We see the girl with the cool shoes, flippy hairstyle, or witty banter and instantly want to become friends with her. We want to be associated with girls who have certain traits or qualities that we wish we had. We want to grow up to be like her.

There is nothing to be ashamed of. As confident, independent,

ink lasts forever the network

The Network is a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High School, Nebraska’s only Class A, Catholic, North Central Accredited college preparatory school for girls. The Network is a member of the N.H.S.P.A, N.S.P.A. and the C.S.P.A. It is our goal to provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community. Opinions expressed on the opinion pages do not necessarily represent those of the entire community. Students, faculty, and friends are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors. All letters must be typed, signed, and sent to: The Network, Marian High School 7400 Military Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 Or e-mailed to us at: netpaper@omahamarian.org An electronic version of this paper can be found at: http://www.omahamarian.org/netpaper

thinking leaders, it’s not as if we are super dependent on our girl crushes.

Personally, I don’t wake up a half hour early to do a quick “Chelsea Handler” Google search. I don’t send her fan mail or make her face the background of my phone. My girl Chels is just a friend (who I haven’t met yet) whom I admire and aspire to be like. I would never dye my hair platinum blonde to mimic her, but I do sometimes find myself watching her show or reading her books thinking of ways to pass her jokes off as my own. Sue me.

Now, I’ve always been more of a giver in my girl crush relationships.

However, I’m not oblivious to the words written in the bathroom stalls… I know that when I walk at a snail’s pace up and down the middle staircase everyone stops to stare. I know that my occasional library naps and Mass solos don’t go unnoticed. I realize members of my Marian community sometimes think to themselves, “I want to be that girl.” And it’s cool- I get it, and I am flattered.

Being the object of another girl’s crush inspires me to be a better, smarter, more gentle person. And this is the reason I am a firm believer in telling your girl crushes you admire them. Find a non-creepy way to do so. It will be funny, and probably make her day or year.

Whether you’re crushin’ on Eleanor Roosevelt or Nicki Minaj, the girl crushes you have can make you who you are. Take the wonderful qualities of those you admire and run with them. However, don’t change who you are as an individual to liken yourself to another. No matter our age, we’ll always have people who we aspire to be like, but one day, hopefully, we’ll be the subject of some weird teenage girl’s admiration.

Managing Editors: meganandreasen & taylorhaag Copy Editors: clancynelson & faithwilwerding Photo Editor: ellemostek Graphics Editor: kalanifortina Online/Convergence Editor: trinitygleason Front Page Editor: emilyfischer Newsflash Editor: michaelamcdonald Opinion Editor: christinarommelfanger Features Editors: catelinhotz & torinietzel InDepth Editors: katykohlmeyer & hannahtoohey Active Editors: nicolewojtalewicz & marylouisewoltemath Entertainment Editors: colleenfell & gabriellamartinez-garro Photo Essay Editor: alexamoore Columnists: hannahgrace & zoeursick Reporters/Photographers: naomijones, cassiephillips, rosalieplofchan & haileywolf Adviser: mrs.marshakalkowski

opinion 5

Far Apart but Close at Heart: Marian girls discuss loved ones’ service gabriellamartinez-garro

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photo courtesy of angelaaltamore

he land of the free and the home Though keeping in touch with in Japan. They also would try to come of the brave. Without the brave, close ones serving overseas can be and visit us each summer if they could,” this land of the free would not be challenging, modern technology is Tuttle said. possible. On a recent survey conducted making contact easier than ever. The Altamore, however, found

by The Network staff, more than 20 webcam service, Skype, is an extremely communicating with her sister much students say that they have either family popular way for people to keep in touch more difficult. or someone close to them serving when they are apart.

“At first, she was not allowed overseas now, or within the next six “We usually try to Skype [my any phone calls, and when she was months. brother] and keep in touch. It has been allowed they were maybe only three Among these is sophomore Emma hard at times to keep in touch especially minutes. They were tear-filled and very Tuttle, who has had an aunt and uncle when he is flying somewhere without hard especially since she would have serving in the military for almost 20 Internet. I’ve been pretty lucky though superiors yelling in the background. years. because we can keep in touch with Now, she has a cell phone which is “Well, my aunt and uncle, Tamera Skype and Facebook. Unfortunately, on her all the time so we can text and and Andrew Tuttle, have been on active Afghanistan doesn’t have good Internet e-mail each other,” Altamore said. duty in the U.S. Navy since 1995. My so that might change. For some people, Though technology can be a great aunt is a navy nurse and my uncle is a Skype is just a way to talk to friends or way to communicate with those far Supply Corps Officer. They were first have online study parties. But for me, it’s away, nothing compares to seeing a stationed in the U.S. After the U.S., they the only way I got to see my brother for loved one in person. With shows such were stationed in Italy for three years. a year,” Bohnenkamp said. as TLC’s Surprise Homecoming, surprise After that, they were stationed in Japan Tuttle and her family also utilized visits home for those in the military for four years. Now they are back in Skype when her aunt and uncle were have become more publicized. the U.S. and are currently stationed in stationed in Japan.

“First off, I hate surprises, but for Connecticut. In the summer of 2012, “We would Skype with [my aunt and [my brother’s] birthday on Feb. 14, he they will be stationed on the island of uncle] on a regular basis when they lived had a 90-hour leave so he came home Guam,” Tuttle said. and surprised Freshman Sarah us at my little Bohnenkamp also has brother’s someone dear to her risking basketball his life overseas. “My game. He brother is currently serving stayed for in Okinawa, Japan, but as the weekend of Dec. 1, 2011, he will be and then on a tour in Afghanistan flew back to until June 2012. He’s in the Florida. He Marines and works on C1also surprised 30 carrier planes as a Crew us on Father’s Chief,” Bohnenkamp said.

Day last year Christina Mason, by waking 2006 graduate and sister us up in the of advancement director middle of the Mrs. Angela Altamore, is night. It was currently serving in the great because Air Force in California. we spent “She’s been in all night California for about talking and eleven months and is in catching up,” intelligence. She’s not Bohnenkamp allowed to talk about said. what she does, but Mason basically she’s the ‘eye in also surprised the sky’. Her job is to be her family on a plane and to read this past intelligence and talk to summer by troops on the ground. coming home She looks at intelligence during a twoand then tells those on day leave.

That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles This year Marian donated land what their objectives “She more than 170 dozen cookies to Cookie Crumbs and hopes to add to are,” Altamore said. surprised my

that number in upcoming years.

catelinhotz

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, B, C, D, E, F, G, H. The first eight letters of the alphabet are more commonly known to Marian girls as the daily schedule of classes routinely repeated day after day, month after month.

Eight classes a day is plenty for the average student, but for those who pride themselves in overachieving, working in classes outside of school is one way they spend their evenings.

Classes outside of Marian are provided through various corporations and companies throughout the Omaha metro area, giving students the opportunity to explore fields of interest not provided in local high schools.

Classes such as engineering, art, meteorology, dance, and architecture are subjects that Marian girls enjoy studying in their free time.

Freshman Megan Smith takes art classes a few times a year at the Joslyn Art Museum.

“I’ve taken classes on oil painting, acrylic painting, colored pencils, pastels, and mixed media,” Smith said.

Smith has been involved in these art classes since the sixth grade. After discovering the

program online, she convinced her parents to let her take them.

“Each class is really unique to the teacher, and I’ve never been to a class that was the same! We end up having a small exhibit where parents and friends can come and see our final product, which I enjoy,” Smith said.

Marian girls have also shown interest in meteorology. “I started taking meteorology for high school students when the teachers contacted me because I had listed meteorology as one of my career interests,” senior Shiloh King said.

King takes these classes about once every two weeks in the Shadow Lake Hy-Vee meeting room. She learns how to read charts, maps, forecasts, while also learning about various weather phenomenons.

“Sometimes, we even go storm chasing!” King said. King does not look at these classes as a burden, but as an interesting kick start to her career path.

Whether it be spending hours at a dance studio, painting masterpieces downtown, or trying to become the next Jim Flowers, Marian girls are pushing themselves to succeed through extra classes offered around town.

“I want to become a pilot one day, so I decided an aviation class would help me to achieve that.”

- Simone Duryea ’14 6 features

photo by catelinhotz

According to a survey, Marian girls have loved ones serving everywhere from Iraq and Afghanistan, to Russia and the United States.

over half a million cookies to our troops!

Dancing to the Beat of New York City:

Five Marian girls take the trip of a lifetime to perform in the

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

naomijones

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Spirit of America to see if it was a solicitation ach year the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day “Dance to the level of your eyelashes,” Ms. and an honor that our studio was selected,” Parade attracts millions of viewers Betsey Weber, mother of freshman Rebecca worldwide to the streets of New York City. Talmadge said. The energy levels went through Weber, said. The girls’ last Omaha rehearsal More than 1,600 dancers, cheerleaders, singers, the roof at the invitation announcement. It was and first dress rehearsal premiered their circusand performers line the streets and perform surely surreal until practices were scheduled, themed costumes (seven different ones total) costumes arrived, and plane tickets were routines that were mastered during the early and gotti eyelashes. weeks of November. On the fourth Thursday of purchased.

Two of the Marian girls participating are November, the party begins. also involved in the On Pointe It’s an incredible honor to Competition Team, creating a be a part of this parade. This rigorous schedule. They practice year marked the 85th annual for four hours every Tuesday, along parade. For a dancer this is an with mandatory four hour Saturday opportunity to tour the streets classes. These past few months of New York, dance with other have been jam-packed according to talented artists, perform for spohomore Anne Steenson. millions of people, and make “The time commitment was dreams a reality. intense! All honors classes, no This March, On Pointe study hall, dance four nights on Dance Centre, right here the weekdays plus Saturday; and in Omaha, was chosen to getting ready for the New York participate in the Macy’s trip with packing, last minute Thanksgiving Day Parade. errands, and makeup homework.

“We were personally The week before was make it or invited by Spirit of America break it. Thank goodness it went Productions. They chose from smoothly,” Steenson said. With performance at competitions the commitment for New York and workshops; we were first rehearsals, the girls were in the in a draft out of three,” studio studio for at least 11 hours a owner and dance instructor week. Yet, all five of these Marian Mandy Talmadge said. The superstars kept their smiles, and set girls performed with 600 good examples for the younger girls other dancers in New York at the studio.

City, sponsored by Spirit of Saturday, Nov. 19 at 4 a.m. marked the beginning of the girls’ America Productions. trip to The Big Apple to make the The studio’s 2010-11 high first all-studio rehearsal that night. school class was given an performed with 600 other open invitation. But, the studio Dancing Divas Four Marian girls along with the other danc- They dancers on Thanksgiving Day. The was only able to take a limited ers wore seven different circus-themed costumes which parade was watched live aroud the number of dancers. Many alternated from dancer to dancer in the parade. nation on NBC and other local Marian girls, including 2010 stations. alumni Grace Thiesen, Emily “To be honest it still hadn’t hit Carnie, and Liz Walls, are These girls put their hearts on the dance me that night before, or the morning of the members of the On Pointe Dance Centre family. floor each time they perform. They practiced parade, or even during the parade that I was in They celebrated in the studio achievement by New York City (the place everyone talks about) multiple nights for hours to perfect routines, supporting the girls with congratulations. The and I was about to be parading on the same studio’s Marian girls of the 2010-11 high school jazz hands, and quick style changes. “Make grounds as Daniel Radcliffe, Cee Lo Green, and class participating in the parade were freshmen sure you know the steps. Don’t watch other Alli Leighton, Megan Majewicz, Kelly Neuhaus, people and keep smiling throughout the whole all the other celebrities...on national television,” Steenson said. For these lucky girls it was an Rebecca Weber and sophomore Anne Steenson. thing,” freshman Megan Majewicz advised. experience of a lifetime, no doubt something The girls’ last practice before embarking Being a witness and experiencing the girls’ on the trip consisted of constructive criticism that will, according to freshman Alli Leighton, excitement was extraordinary. Talmadge hid to make sure the girls were on point with their “…change our lives forever.” her excitement until after a competition team routine. in-studio practice. “I was in shock, I called

photo courtesy of annesteenson

Marian Girls Expand Knowledge Outside the Classroom

shocked,” Leeds said. parents and came home in May when Senior Kat Dudley has multiple she had two days off. My husband and I cousins serving in both Afghanistan and picked her up and my sister was hiding Iraq, and says that her viewpoints on in the backseat. She called my dad so war and military service have changed it seemed like she was still away. Then since being directly affected. he saw my car pull up and said, ‘Oh, “I am way more for it. If they believe your sister is here, do you want to talk in it, then it’s worthwhile for them to to her?’ Then she popped up out of the fight and serve. I’m not saying I’m for backseat. He was definitely surprised!” war, but it makes me mad when people Altamore said. are against it. If someone from our Our nation’s service men and women do much for our country, so this country is willing to protect citizens of other countries, then obviously these year, Marian’s Baking Club carried out people are not in a safe place. If they’re its second annual Treats for the Troops fighting for a cause, then I know that to project. serve and protect is what they want to “Nebraska actually does not have do,” Dudley said. a place for us to go, so we work with Altamore possesses a similar Iowa’s Cookie Crumbs. They pack and viewpoint. “I have a stronger belief that ship the cookies to service men and I need to support the troops. It doesn’t women from Nebraska and Iowa first, then once all those names are done, they matter if we should or should not be in war, they’re doing their jobs and we start to fill the national quota. This year, should support them. It doesn’t matter if seniors Shiloh King and Macy Potts we should or should not be there.” went with me to deliver the cookies.

As for Bohnenkamp, she hopes that Next year, I would like to take students those serving us get the recognition they with me to help with the packing deserve. process instead of just dropping off the “I just want people to realize all cookies,” Altamore said. that our men and women do for us Knowing someone serving can every single day. They are the unsung impact a person’s viewpoints and heroes of the war and I hope that they outlook on life. For freshman Jordan are included in everyone’s prayers every Leeds, her future has been directly day,” she said. affected by the fact that her father used to serve in the graphic by gabriellamartinez-garro military.

“I actually want to In 2010, Marian This year, go into U.S. donated 150 Marian the Air dozen cookies for donated 170 Force. the troops. dozen cookies.

Being the only Since Jan. girl 2007, Iowa out of Cookie six, my Crumbs parents have given were

She’s a Mormon Girl in a Catholic World

Life’s fantastic, it’s ecclesiastic

“I

’m sorry, what were we talking about?”

For those who know junior Nan Long, her occasional forgetfulness sometimes seems more common than not.

Her love of reading, which is revealed in her vast collection of books, can be so strong that she forgets about class (there’s that famous memory of hers again).

Not only is Nan a sometimes forgetful reader, but she’s also an artist, currently working on her selfportrait in Advanced Art II. That is Nan in a nutshell: forgetful lover of books and art.

Oh, there’s one more thing.

She’s also a Mormon.

To Be a Mormon

Forget what you previously thought about Mormons. It was probably a bunch of scattered, secondhand information and secondhand is only a good thing if we’re talking about clothes. If you want to know about Mormons, don’t ask your mom or a random friend. If you want the truth, who better to ask than a Mormon?

“First, Mormon is more of a nickname, not the actual name of the church. It’s handy though, [since] ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints’ is quite a mouthful. To be a member of my church though, is being a disciple of Jesus Christ. A follower of His teachings,” Long said.

If possible, think back to the part where you were told to forget everything you previously knew about Mormons. Focus on the part where everyone would tell you about how Mormons are nothing but a bunch of crazy polygamists. Well, Long might have some very strong opinions on that topic.

“The first question out of a lot people’s mouth: ‘Oh, how many wives does your dad have?’ or something along those lines, which I find offensive. MORMONS ARE NOT POLYGAMISTS!” Long said.

People aren’t asking Long these types of questions for no reason.

There is some truth behind the questions Long is asked.

“When the Church first started in New York [circa 1830], Mormons were heavily persecuted and were eventually kicked out of New York.

From there they moved to Kirkland, Ohio and ended up getting kicked out of there, too. [So we] moved to Missouri,” Long said.

History likes to repeat itself and the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) ended up being kicked out of Missouri in mid 1838.

“We were kicked out of those places just for being Mormon, which was a very derogatory name at the time,” Long said.

The members of the LDS Church migrated to Nauvoo, Illinois and were happy there for a while. The Mormons made Nauvoo one of the largest cities in Illinois at the time. The non-Mormon inhabitants of Illinois began to get upset with the LDS members and in order to not start another violent outbreak, the LDS members decided to leave the country entirely in 1846. But before they left, polygamy was just starting up.

“It was a quiet thing; not many practiced,” Long said.

In order to avoid persecution, the Mormons settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, which was outside the U.S. border. They finally found a place where they could live out their lifestyle without fearing for their lives or any kind of retaliation because they were different from the rest of society.

“The U.S. government could not and would not help the Church. The book Prophets and Presidents tells about it,” Long said.

Eventually the U.S. wanted to claim the Utah territory but with one serious stipulation: the Mormons could no longer practice polygamy.

“The Prophet John Taylor prayed over this and said they would no longer practice polygamy. It’s preached [that we should] follow the laws of our land unless it is an obviously incorrect, morally wrong law,” Long said.

So the faithful did what they were told and polygamy was no longer an accepted practice in the LDS Church.

graphic by trinitygleason

But not everyone was happy with this decision. Many people in Utah wanted to continue practicing polygamy.

Those who believed in the continuation of polygamy broke away from the LDS church and formed the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). The FLDS is still active to this day (think Texas compound and Warren Jeffs).

“The LDS church holds no affiliation with this church.

The members of the FLDS church are not Mormon, in the real sense of the title. We do not claim that church or its teachings as any part of our church,” Long said.

Long isn’t the only Mormon who gets a little touchy when the polygamy topic comes up. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints started a campaign on Oct. All Smiles Junior Nan Long attends Young Women’s, a youth group for young Mormon 1 of this year to women ages 12 to 18. She attends these classes twice a week at the Rockbrook Ward. promote the Church and to dispel any [because] I’m not interested in anyone for kindergarten through ninth rumors. currently,” Long said. grade and transferred here beginning “[The Church] is trying to get it For a pretty girl who attends an of my sophomore year. I was fine out there that ‘No, we aren’t a cult. No, all-girls school, one would think that there,” Long said. we aren’t polygamists.’ We’re normal Long would be a little upset about all “My mom felt that they people with high morals,” Long said. these rules. But she’s not.

[Westside] were pressing their liberal “A lot of people say ‘There are so views down our throats,” Long said. many rules! Do you have to follow Modesty is the Best Policy Long’s mom had always wanted them?’ I want to follow them. They Those high morals surround to put her daughters in private are good rules,” Long said. almost all aspects of a Mormon’s life. school and this was the chance she She might not be interested in They are encouraged to listen to clean was waiting for. anyone right now, but Long knows music - something without swear “I wasn’t too happy at first, but I what sort of man she wants to marry. words or derogatory remarks about love Marian now,” Long said.

“I would rather marry someone the opposite gender Religion class wasn’t too daunting with the same views as I do,” Long or another race, and of an idea for Long either since she said. definitely nothing that attends an hour long Sunday school Hence why her dream college is has anything sexual every week.

Brigham Young University in Idaho. in the lyrics. Modest “Religion class is very interesting.

For those that do not know, BYU is a clothes for everyone, Especially Church class last year with Mormon university with campuses in girls especially, which Mr. Koesters. I learned a lot about Provo, Utah; Rexburg, Idaho and Laie, include no cleavage, the Catholic Church, and learned Hawaii. covered shoulders, some about my own. There are a Though Long doesn’t plan on knee-length shorts, surprising number of similarities going to college just to snag a man, skirts and dresses and she does admit that going to BYU will between Catholics and the LDS no two-piece swimsuits, Church, though there are gaping though a one-piece with help her find the right one since she’ll differences. I’d be comparing my be “surrounded by Mormons.” straps is acceptable. religion to what I was being taught,” At the moment, Long is a little With modest Long said. conflicted in what she wants to major dress comes modest Catholicism isn’t the only religion in: psychology - specializing in either relationships. It’s that interests Long. She greatly art therapy or family therapy - or preferred that teenagers enjoys learning about Greek and graphic design. Two totally different do not date until they Egyptian mythology as well. The idea areas of expertise but both can utilize are 16 and then they of polytheism is really interesting her talents in art. should be going on to her, though not something she group dates - single believes in herself. dates aren’t allowed Where does Marian fit in?

“I still like being a Mormon until both parties are 18.

Most people want to know why better, but I understand Catholics “Single dating is a student at Marian decided to go to [and other religions] a bit more now. a little serious for 16 Marian. Long didn’t exactly choose I don’t think I could ever not be a when you’re not really Marian. Her parents did.

Mormon. If I was, I’d have to be a looking for anyone to “I didn’t choose to go to a whole other person,” Long said. marry. I’m fine with it Catholic school. I went to Westside

photo by trinitygleason

trinitygleason

Community Colleges Provide Valuable Educational Opportunity for Marian Girls trinitygleason

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CC. IWCC. No, those abbreviations don’t stand for ‘milk chocolate chips’ or ‘I want cotton candy.’ They are simply the lazy ways to say Metropolitan Community College and Iowa Western Community College.

You know them, the schools that are always on the radio and television commercials trying to convince you to go to that specific school. They can sound very persuasive- too bad they aren’t real colleges.

Or at least that’s what many people believe. That would be an incorrect assumption; therefore, a large portion of society is incorrect.

Marian’s counselors want to change the stigma many people have against community colleges. “[There’s] real value in that option,” counselor Ms. Kathy DeBoer said.

Not every profession requires a four year degree attained at a normal

college or university. Do you have any great desire to be a police officer, corrections officer, heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) installer, mechanic, chef or a clinical laboratory technologist (think CSI)? Those are just a few career choices that don’t need a four year degree to be able to find success.

Community colleges are generally cheaper to attend than a state or private college, something mom and dad might find very welcoming. If one is trying to achieve a four year degree but money is tight, going to a community college to earn required class credits and then transferring to a preferred college or university is a sound idea and a great way to stretch your wallet.

“Due to the state of the economy, high school graduates across the country are looking at two-year colleges as a more affordable option, especially the first two years of their bachelor’s degree.

It could also help a student save money

if they plan on going on to a master’s or doctorate program,” counselor Ms. Kathy Janata said.

For those who just can’t seem to cut the umbilical cord, have no fear, home is near.

Sure, this sounds all great and dandy but let’s face it, no one really goes to a community college despite the many benefits.

Wrong again!

Marian has actually seen an increase in the number of graduating seniors who decide to attend a community college.

“It used to be about 1 percent of the graduating class would go [to a community college]. Surprisingly, 2 percent of last year’s seniors went to a two year college,” DeBoer said.

Those percentages may seem small, but in a school of almost 700 students, that’s actually a lot of girls.

Amber Asselin, a 2011 graduate, is one of those girls who decided not to

follow what everyone else was doing and enrolled at Metropolitan Community College.

“I decided to go to MCC because it would be cheaper for me [since] I am paying for college. Also, I got the Board of Governors Scholarship, [which] pays for half of my tuition for two years,” Asselin said.

Mom and Dad may not be paying for her tuition, but Asselin is taking full advantage of the cheaper tuition to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse.

“I’m going into nursing and I’m going to have to put a lot of money out in the future after I leave here [MCC]. I’d rather not be in debt my whole life,” Asselin said.

Just because community colleges like MCC offer more affordable tuition doesn’t mean that the education offered is not as good as the education offered at University of Nebraska - Omaha or Creighton University.

“You’re still getting a quality

education, just in a smaller setting. All the teachers are very good and are there for you if you have any questions,” Asselin said.

“Two-year colleges work very hard to make their curriculum transferable to a four-year college,” Janata said.

Sounds like a pretty good deal. A fantastic education with teachers that are there for you and want you to succeed in life for a nice, low rate. DeBoer was right, there really does seem to be a lot of value in a community college education.

Perhaps the cheaper tuition, good education, ability to transfer credits and close proximity to home should put at least one community college on your list of schools to apply to.

“For those people who are financially blessed and can afford the top ranked schools, that’s great. But for those other families who are looking at multiple student loans, it’s important to weigh your options,” Janata said.

features 7

Cybe

Say Goodbye to “Once Upon a Time” and Hello to “File, Open” clancynelson

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he childhood memories of listening to bedtime stories, going on a shopping spree at the book fair, and receiving strange literary works from great aunts at the holidays are familiar to most beings of our generation. In general, books are commonplace items in the lives of many.

Sadly for bookworms, these bounded sheets of paper are on their way out. What was once as simple a decision as paperback or hardback has now become a decision involving a whole new medium. Books can be read through the Internet, viewed on a computer, a Kindle, and a cluster of Apple Inc. products.

Several pleasure readers have made this transition. The ease of transportation and storage is a major factor drawing readers to the tech side.

Freshman Sarah Mullen embraces the technological revolution. “I think they’re [eBooks] great, and they save trees,” Mullen said. Along with the fact that eBooks benefit the environment, Mullen enjoys the ease of electronic reading. “They’re more convenient and lighter to carry,” Mullen said.

On top of those who read for enjoyment, schools and other institutions are making the switch as well. The reasoning for this could include factors such as lower cost, environmental benefits, or the fact that an eBook won’t suffer the physical wear and tear that a paper textbook will. Whatever the reason, look out, because it’s happening. The technological revolution is booming big, as if it wasn’t big enough already.

Where it really goes...

emilyfischer nsatisfied with my third attempt at writing this article using GoogleDocs, I ease my frustration by pressing the delete key with a vengeance.

It’s gone. Disappeared into cyberspace, I assume. But what is cyberspace? Where did my poorly written page end up?

In my head, I imagine cyberspace to be a complicated network of futuristic-looking tunnels and loopholes, similar to Timmy Turner’s experience surfing the Internet on Nickelodeon’s Fairly Odd Parents. After accidentally sending an e-mail to the girl of his dreams, Timmy delves into the vortex of cyberspace to retrieve his message.

Now, I am almost 98 percent positive that’s not how the Internet operates, but one can only be so sure. Intrigued, I did a quick Google search.

According to Google’s “Think Quarterly,” a total of five exabytes of data existed at the inception of the Internet. In 2011, we produce that amount every two days. Our generation is creating more and more information than ever before. Where are we supposed to store all of our videos, e-mails, documents, pictures, tweets, and blog posts?

In April 2010, Twitter donated their digital archive of public tweets to the Library of Congress. Every public tweet posted since 2006 will now be archived by the federal library. On average, Twitter receives around 200 million tweets a day. As of Sept. 2011, there are 100 million active users on Twitter.

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“I imagine cyberspace to be a complicated network of futuristic-looking tunnels and loopholes...”

It may seem unnecessary to archive the tweets of every single user, but Jennifer Gavin, Acting Director of Communication of the Library of Congress, disagrees. “Not everything that goes on Twitter is trivial.

We are constantly finding new ways to communicate and Twitter is one of them.”

She explained that newspapers are fertile ground for researchers and provide valuable information and someday tweets will do the same. At the current time, tweets are not open to the public as the Library of Congress has not yet figured out their storage system. However, when the system is up and running, tweets will be accessible to the public through the archive six months after the tweet appears.

Nothing can ever really be deleted in the digital world. Sure, I hit the delete button and my paper disappeared, but the data is still

there. For example, say I took a p later deleted it from my camera. isn’t gone forever, I just gave my permission to use that space for new picture. If I don’t take any m it’s possible to recover the earlier picture. It is the same concept wi files to the recycle bin.

On the computer, informatio segments stored on the hard driv the document or picture remove but the information can easily be by someone with a knowledge of The archived copy can even be a future. Deleting something off yo doesn’t delete it off the archive.

GoogleDocs saves all informa the Cloud, but don’t let the name information is very real and stor drives located all over the world. hard drives can be found in Cou California, and even Canada.

It’s important to remember th something is put on the Internet impossible to take it away. Once posted to Facebook, there is noth could do to prevent the picture f copied and saved to computers a world. Facebook archives their in once a day and keeps backups in center for up to 30 days.

The Library of Congress’s Jen reminds us by saying, “Be realist fact that when you leave a comm behind you, it may not just go aw

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1976

The Altair 8800 was the first successful home computer.

after you hit the delete key

According to the Library of Congress’s website, “The mission of the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program is to develop a national strategy to collect, preserve and make available significant digital content, especially information that is created in digital form only, for current and future generations.”

1975

Computers Through the Ages

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1980

1977

The HP 85 was released in January almost twenty pounds.

The Apple I was the very first computer created by Apple.

8 indepth

It took one year and twelve people to develop the IBM PC.

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Te c h n o l o g y Ta k e o v e r

PARENTS AND TECHNOLOGY

michaelamcdonald

“My parents always call me and never text me. I have to help my mom all the time on the computer, but I still love her!”

- Laura Kramer ’12

Senior shares her views on this love-hate relationship

nicolewojtalewicz oogle it.

Quick and to the point, just as we want everything in our lives to be.

The first thing I do when someone asks me a question to which I don’t know the answer is look it up using Google. And I’m pretty sure that almost anyone else who is knowledgeable of what the Internet is would do the same thing.

This sudden impulse to go directly to the Internet when I have a brain lapse brings up an important question: Is it a bad thing that so many people have become readily dependent on technology?

What a tricky question.

Technology can simply be defined as amazing because it can help you find the answers to even the most difficult questions. However, technology can also prevent you from thinking for yourself and exercising brain power.

Though this may be so, I will be the first to admit that technology is one of my best friends. No, this is not because I do not have any real human friends, but because I spend more time with electronics than I do with people.

I’m sure you are now thinking, “Wow, what a loser. She spends more time with technology than she does with actual people.”

Don’t be so quick to judge. . . this may apply to you as well.

Shall we take a moment now to reflect on what the average Marian girl’s daily whereabouts

G “My mom didn’t know how to download Apps on her iPhone or how to use the iCloud.”

- Maddie Neppl ’15

ation using e fool you. The red in hard . Some of these uncil Bluffs,

hat once t, it is a picture is hing a user from being all over the nformation n the data

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“My mom never wants a Facebook, and I have to help her with technology all the time.”

- Payton Horacek ’13

katykohlmeyer

1993

include? It would go a little something like this: wake up to an alarm clock, drive to school, go to class (may I mention that several classes utilize technology through calculators, laptops, etc.), go on Facebook or Twitter, and text periodically throughout the day (kidding, our phones are always locked up and secure in our lockers).

Each of these activities involves some sort of technology. So I guess you are a little more similar to me than you may have thought.

Consider it a compliment.

Though technology is around us everywhere we go, and there seems to be no way to escape it, do we really need it?

Is it that much better to use an electric can opener than a manual one? Would it cause that much strain on my arm muscles to twist a little knob a few times in order to get my canned green beans? It’s highly doubtful.

And what about cell phone usage? Is it that impossible to walk up the stairs to the kitchen to get a glass of water, or do you need to call your mom to go get it for you?

As my parents have told me since I was a child, “You have legs. Use them.”

Technology and I have a sort of “love-hate” relationship. I love that it adds convenience to my life, but I hate how much I love it. I have, however, come to terms with the fact that technology isn’t going away any time soon, so I may as well take advantage of what it offers.

2000

y of 1980 and weighed

In 1993, the HP Omnibook was the smallest and lightest PC on the market, weighing only 2.9 pounds.

photo source: www.apple.com and www.hp.com

Speak

The iMac G3 was the first model of the iMac line of personal computers made by Apple.

indepth 9

Di Mauro is No Scrooge rosalieplofchan & emilyfischer

F

or most people, the Christmas season begins after Thanksgiving, at Advent, or in December. For Latin teacher Mr. Al Di Mauro, the season began midOctober. For more than 20 years, Di Mauro has been collecting Christmas décor and has accumulated an unimaginable collection.

Upon entering Di Mauro’s home, the living room is the first stop. The Christmas tree in the corner is host to hundreds of ornaments: some new, and some dating back to before Di Mauro’s birth.

Marian’s Assistant to the Principal, Mrs. Michelle Delisi, has seen Di Mauro’s decorations many times over the years.

“It’s absolutely amazing. The intricacy and placement all follows suit. Every piece has a reason and a history. His tree has probably 400 ornaments. You can’t see the tree!” Delisi said.

The living room is also home to the beginning of Di Mauro’s massive Dickens Village set.

A Dickens Village is made up of different homes, buildings, and people created by 19th Century author, Charles Dickens.

Crazy for Christmas Di Mauro’s holiday collection includes a Dickens Village, Peanuts characters, The Christmas Carol memorabilia, nativity scenes, and more.

photos by rosalieplofchan & emilyfischer

Marian faculty member opens door to Christmas wonderland Di Mauro’s collection includes figurines from The Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and Nicholas Nickleby. Dickens Villages are still sold today at holiday stores such as Tannenbaum’s, located in the Old Market, but some of Di Mauro’s pieces are very rare, including pieces he has found in one-of-a-kind shops. His village has grown to a massive size.

The set is displayed on top of and underneath tables, on cabinets, and on the floor. Twenty years ago, Di Mauro’s Dickens Village collection was valued at $11,000. He said, “It’s probably worth about $20,000 now.”

When asked how many pieces are in his Dickens Village, Di Mauro misunderstood “pieces.”

“Pizzas?! I don’t have any pizzas in my collection,” he said.

When the question was clarified, Di Mauro replied, “I don’t know right off the top of my head. I’d have to count them all.” He then took on the task. His Village has 93 houses, businesses, and related buildings, and 74 different figurines.

Di Mauro’s collection is not relegated to the living room; Christmas cheer fills his entire house. There is not a single space devoid of Christmas decoration. Lights and garland wind around the doorways; genuine German nutcrackers line the stairs; candles are lit on every table; and even a stuffed Grinch has a place on the couch. A tea kettle in the shape of Santa Claus sits on the stove top, never used, and there are more Christmas village pieces on top of his refrigerator.

Much of Di Mauro’s décor revolves around The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Di Mauro played the character Jacob Marley for 20 years in the Omaha Community Playhouse production.

Throughout his years in the cast, students, friends, family, and cast mates have given Di Mauro pictures of Marley, figurines, and even silver spoons which have contributed to his massive holiday collection.

For many years, Di Mauro has invited Marian faculty members over to see his décor.

“I’ve seen it numerous times, but every time I

go, I notice new things. It totally puts you in the Christmas mood,” Delisi said.

When he opened his home to the two Network staffers and their mothers, it was a rare glimpse into the treasures.

You may wonder, “Where does it all go after Christmas?” All of the Christmas houses and residents are stored in metal cabinets in the basement until Di Mauro feels it’s time to begin decorating. It takes him an average of two and a half weeks to complete.

During this time, he works from around noon until about 10:30 p.m. But, he still continues to adjust his displays throughout the season. While the decorations go up well before the Christmas season, Di Mauro is adamant that they must be taken down the day after the Epiphany.

“This is my last year of putting this all up,” Di Mauro said. He is becoming tired of the hard work it takes to set up. “Crawling around the floor on my back is no longer fun,” he said. “Maybe I’ll sell it all and spend a year in Europe.”

Dyeing for a Change

New appearances take Marian girls on a YOUturn alexamoore

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Pictured (from top to bottom): Annie Skradski ’13, Savannah Uden ’12, Zoe Ursick ’12, Shelby Johnson ’12, Nicole Wojtalewizc ’12, and Baylie Moravek ’15.

photo illustration by alexamoore

10 features

ver walk down the hallways at Marian and see girls with beautiful golden hair with highlights and wonder how they were blessed enough to be born with it? They probably weren’t.

According to hairstyles-7.com, Americans spend $5 billion each year on hair care products alone. Marian girls keep changing themselves to enhance their features or change their look all together.

Senior Savannah Uden highlights her hair every four months for around $80 each time.

“My natural hair color is a chestnut brown, but I started highlighting my hair the summer after freshman year. I just really wanted a change and I thought I would look good with blonde hair-well, better than I did with brown,” Uden said.

Although almost everyone enjoys the process of changing their appearance, not everyone is content with the outcome.

Freshman Baylie Moravec wasn’t too thrilled with her new hairdo. “The lady dyeing my hair messed up and it turned out to be really blonde...I am brunette,” Moravec said.

Many people say the red-headed population is a “dyeing” breed. In sophomore Bailee Moylan’s case, this is true. “I dyed my hair because I hate having fully red hair. I dyed it brown because it’s more [of] a winter color and in the summer I go blonde,” Moylan said.

Whether it be as simple as getting braces to improve the structure of her mouth, or hair dye to enhance her features, the typical Marian girl is now “upgrading” herself. Senior Shelby Johnson can relate. “I had braces for 5 years because I wanted my teeth to be perfect for when I grow up,” Johnson said.

According to msnbc.msn.com, prices for braces range between $4,000 and $7,000, but many orthodontists will do an initial screening for free.

Not only are the costs for braces and hair color high, so is the cost for plastic surgery.

According to breastplantinfo.com, in 2003, more than 223,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on patients 18 years of age or younger, and almost 39,000 were surgical procedures such as nose reshaping, breast lifts, breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tucks.

As Marian girls, we often question the morality of getting plastic surgery. Juniors, who are required to take a morality class, often discuss this topic in class and through projects. Junior Jackie Jensen refuses to get plastic surgery. “God made me the way I am for a reason,” Jensen said.

Although altering one’s appearance can have a bad connotation associated with it, studies show that women who dye their hair are often in better moods and are more confident.

According to telegraph.co.uk, “There was a marked improvement in the ability to express their opinions and ask for things that they may not ask for ordinarily in a work environment.”

On the contrary, sophomore Janae Heaney doesn’t think dyeing her hair is necessary at this point in her life. She values her beauty and makes the decision to keep her hair the natural color. “I don’t change my hair because I feel that natural beauty is more important at this age. Plus, when we are older we are going to have to dye it because we are going get grey with age so, I don’t want to have to worry about it until I really need it,” Heaney said.

Although dyeing hair and getting braces may seem like a nice alternative to the way girls have looked their entire life, it doesn’t appeal to everyone. Beauty isn’t only skin deep. Many girls opt to not change their style or body simply because they are content with the way they are. “I like the color of my hair so there really is no need for me to change the way it looks,” Heaney said.

Whether it be dyeing hair, considering plastic surgery, or getting braces, Marian girls stand firm in their beliefs on both sides of the spectrum.

graphic by ellemostek

Finally Time for Finals

Prepare yourself for upcoming exams

clancynelson

I

t happens every year. Twice per year, actually. Some students thrive on the the rush they experience during a late night cram session, while others require themselves to study weeks in advance. Every girl as her own method, her personal finals study habits.

Freshmen who are about to have their first taste of a high school semester exams look ahead-some with confidence, some with fear. Freshman Maeve Nelson doesn’t know how to feel about her first semester exams. “I’m not scared, I’m just excited for them to be over,” Nelson said.

Upperclassmen have been through it multiple times. They should know what works and what doesn’t in terms of attaining the most desirable results. Senior Haley Elsome is heading into her seventh set of semester exams and shares what has worked for her. “Freshman and sophomore year I would sit down with my notes several days in advance but not really get any studying done,” Elsome said.

It may not be the wisest of all choices, but one third of Marian girls admits to cramming for finals. Elsome can attest to being a skilled crammer. “I hard core study, no phone or anything, the night before the test, and I actually do well,” Elsome said.

Whether you are part of the 50 percent of the Marian community who uses flashcards to study, or you choose to “wing it,” be ready for Blocks A, C, and D on the 16th, Blocks B, F, and H on the 19th, and Blocks E and G on the 20th!

If you’re feeling like you need some assistance, talk to Mrs. Christen. She offered two study sessions and covered the topics of organization, study strategies, and even a study schedule!

Looking for a little guidance? Start with the “three r’s” of academic survival. Read. Read and re-read until you have a good understanding of the material being covered. R number two is to record. Once you grasp the concept at hand by reading, underline, make marginal notes in the book, or take notes in a notebook. These notes will be useful while studying. The third R is to recite. Recite your notes to yourself; this helps with memorization.

When you’re ready to buckle down, begin by organizing.

Gather all notes, old tests and quizzes, and previous study guides or flaschards, and put them all in one place; a binder or folder is very helpful.

Now it’s time for business. Set small goals for yourself while studying such as a certain number of problems, or pages of material you want to cover. Make sure to reward yourself for meeting your goals! If you’re having trouble concentrating right away, try starting with shorter study sessions and gradually make them longer.

To maximize your study efficiency, study during the day or evening in a quiet space. Set up a study area with everything you may need to avoid breaking up study time to search for an eraser. Grab your books, writing and correcting utensils, and a small snack.

It is important to fuel your body during these days of studying and test-taking. Eat breakfast every day, and enjoy snacking on brain foods. According to Online University Ranking’s list of 20 foods that will increase study effectiveness, citrus fruits, nuts, and chocolate will give you that extra boost needed to power through a study session.

Also, be sure to give your body the rest it needs. If you’re debating on whether or not to stay up all night to study, choose wisely. It’s not beneficial to continue to study while fatigued- take a rest. When you feel recuperated, begin again.

Studying for finals doesn’t have to be done all alone. Take full advantage of study groups. You can use googledocs to share study sheets with classmates, and host group study sessions with friends to help answer each other’s questions.

Along with schoolmates, ask your parents or siblings for help- have them quiz you. The more creative ways you can think to study, the better.

When your routine is enjoyable, studying will be easier. Be careful not to make it too crazy; remember, you’re in a working atmosphere.

You’re almost ready, just a few last minute reminders!

Get and stay organized.

Be smart with break time- reward yourself.

Really focus on learning the material in front of you, it’s worth it. Finally, remember that it is juat a test. Similar to the several others you will take during the remainder of your high school career. Just think, afterward, you’ll get to enjoy a nice Christmas break!

Now that you’re equipped with simple tricks and tips, get to studying. If you’re dealing with test anxiety, keep calm; it’ll be okay.

The best thing you can do for yourself is start studying now, if you haven’t already. Keep yourself on a regular schedule (as regular as a schedule can be, that is), and don’t push too far beyond your limits. Always be sure to put forth your best effort.

Good luck to all!

grap

Marian girls give their thoughts on NaNoWriMo

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More Than Your Average Writing Assignment

haileywolf

T

he last paper you wrote might have been two thousand words. Three thousand at the most. Imagine cramming FIFTY THOUSAND words into a month-long period. That’s the goal of National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short. The point is to simply write a novel- even if it stinks worse than sketchy week-old eggs in the locker next to you. As said on the NaNoWriMo website, “It’s all about quantity, not quality. This approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.”

There may not be a monetary reward for completing a lengthy novel, but there are perks. The satisfaction that even with a severe case of procrastination, things can in fact be accomplished, for instance. It is a free program whose sole goal is to inspire and motivate authors to stop putting off their brilliant ideas. The NaNoWriMo organization also presents a certificate if a full 50,000 words are uploaded by the Nov. 30 deadline.

To help along the way, the NaNoWriMo organization runs forums for writers to comiserate with fellow

authors.

Pep talks by famous writers help to encourage and motivate writer’s-blocked participants. The website suggests informing close family and friends about the undertaking to build a support system. Some particpants report withdrawing from social activities and obsessing over their word counts.

Writing a novel may be the aspiration of many a Crusader, but how many can say they’ve actually plopped down and written one? Freshman Juliana Curley has attempted the feat twice.

“My fifth grade teacher invited me to participate in NaNoWriMo the first time,” Curley said.

“I’ve done it twice, once in fifth grade and once in sixth.” Curley did not complete the full 50,000 words, but reached her personal goal the second time around. “The Missing Duck,” a Thanksgiving mystery, was the 10,000 word story that Curley wrote during NaNoWriMo. Another freshman, Sarah Bohnenkamp, first heard about NaNoWriMo from her cousin. This November marked her third attempt at the 50,000 word goal. Bohnenkamp relied on a “dare machine” run by NaNoWriMo to help prompt her to write creatively. “It would come up with stuff like, ‘add a ballerina to your story,’ which really helped me keep

writing,” Bohnenkamp said.

The NaNoWriMo organization sponsors an online summer camp for aspiring writers who want practice for NaNoWriMo. Bohnenkamp participated and came closer to her word count goal than ever before. The topic for the summer program was a Harry Potter themed story. “We got to reimagine the Harry Potter series. It was really fun, and it was easy to be creative,” Bohnenkamp said.

There is a small but strong NaNoWriMo community within Marian. “It’s kind of a secret. No one knows about it. There are maybe five or ten girls I know about who write at school,” Bohnenkamp said. “We ask how everyone’s stories are coming, what their word counts look like.”

Curley hopes to particpate again next year and maybe make the final goal of 50,000 words. “Make sure you pick something you want to write about, or you’ll never finish,” Curley advises. “To reach your goal, make sure you write every day.”

It may be December, but it is never too early to start practicing and dreaming up ideas for next November.

“It’s kind of a secret. No one knows about it.”

-Sarah Bohnenkamp ’15

features 11

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Toe Shoes: Wiggling their way

into daily activities

photos by katykohlmeyer nicolewojtalewicz & faithwilwerding

faithwilwerding

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perrys, Toms, Uggs and Birkenstocks are all common footwear seen parading around Marian. But lately, some Marian girls are letting their toes hang loose. Toe shoes are a phenomenon that is sweeping the nation.

Their peculiarity has caused some girls to trade in their plain, old shoes for these new kicks.

The first rubber-soled shoes were invented for mountaineering boots by Vitale Bramani in 1935. Since then, rubber soled shoes have evolved into the new craze that is toe shoes. “[At first] they looked big and hard to move in,” freshman Caroline Arens said.

Toe shoes are designed to replicate the shape of a bare foot. It is said that this design lends itself to a more natural running experience while still providing grip and protection on a variety of surfaces. Toe shoes are a unique solution to knee pain and soreness that many people experience while running. Toe shoes can be used for running, weightlifting, water sports, yoga, hiking, and

everyday activities.

The most popular brand of toe shoes, Vibram FiveFingers, states five reasons to wear toes shoes. First, they strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs. Second, they improve the range of motion in the ankles, feet, and toes. Third, toe shoes stimulate neural function important for balance and agility. Fourth, they eliminate heel lift to align the spine and improve overall posture.

Lastly, toe shoes allow the foot and body to move naturally.

Senior Alec Morand first heard about toe shoes from a camp counselor and then bought a pair while in Italy. “I wear them for weight lifting because they’re better for your feet.

I also use them for running and just walking around my house,” Morand said. Wearing toe

shoes requires a significant increase in lower leg and foot strength, so at first they may feel unnatural.

Although for some it may seem easy to transition from conventional running shoes to the barefoot-like toe shoes, the switch is often more difficult than expected. “I had to get used to my toes being separated but other than breaking in the shoes, it was an easy transition,” Morand said.

According to the Vibram FiveFingers website, to ensure a smooth transition into toe shoes, run no more than 10 percent of your normal running distance for the first two to three weeks. In the following weeks, gradually increase your distance by 10 to 20 percent every few weeks. Never run two

“I wear them for weight lifting because they’re better for your feet.”

- Alec Morand ’12

days in a row for the first month and never continue running if you experience pain. Be sure to always stretch before and after running, and back off your mileage if you are feeling overworked or sore.

Doctor Hillary Brenner of Tribeca Private Medical Group disagrees that these are ‘miracle’ shoes. “There’s no support for your heel or arch and no shock absorption,” Brenner said. “In addition, in some brands, the ‘fingers’ separate the toes, interfering with the natural walking position.”

However, many podiatrists praise the return of minimalist footwear, saying that a natural arch is the best way to go. “Most podiatrists are just doing what they have been taught: that feet need support. The average podiatrist’s education spends a great deal of time focused on the best ways to provide support and padding to feet. I hope in the future the detrimental aspects of footwear and remarkable benefits of going barefoot become part of a podiatrist’s education,” Dr. Michael Nirenberg, founder of America’s Podiatrist website, said.

Toe shoes can be purchased at local shoe stores such as Finish Line or Scheels and range from $60 to $90.

Whether it be to keep up with recent trends or to improve well-being, toe shoes have become a growing fad at Marian. “I recommend them; they aren’t just fun to wear, but very fashionable!” sophomore Rachel Ervin said. So if you’re looking for a new way to vamp up your style and get in shape, look no further than your own two feet.

Snow Better Time to Play Sports

Sports Signing

clancynelson

taylorhaag

T

he warmth of the summer sunshine is long gone, and the autumn sky is turning dark. Winter is upon us.

So you’re home-ridden, right?

No, silly! Get outside and play!

Winter is a prime season for outdoor activities. You can sled, ski, snowboard, or ice skate, to name a few. Many Marian girls enjoy spending time romping around in a snowcovered winter wonderland.

Sophomore Rosie Gensichen explained her superb ramp-building technique. She starts by packing as much snow as needed for the desired ramp size into a ramp shape. “Don’t use it that day, though,” Gensichen advised. “Pour water on it, and use it the next day. It will be perfect. The ramp will be nice and firm...and dangerous,” Gensichen said.

To the 45 percent of Marian girls surveyed in November who consider themselves to be skilled sledders, try it out!

You can take your sled to Memorial Park, a favorite hill for the Omaha youth. Other A-plus sledding locations include St. Robert Bellarmine grade school, Candlewood, and possibly your own backyard!

Skiing is another fan favorite wintertime

activity for Marian students. On the same student survey, one fourth of Marian students consider themselves to be experienced slope sliders.

Ice skating is an activity that is less popular within the Marian community.

However, that doesn’t stop sophomore Maria Mathey. Mathey is part of the 17 percent of Marian girls who love to ice skate. Her introduction to ice skating was through Sun Dawgs summer camp when they took the campers to the rink. From then on, it has become a favorite activity of hers.

“I ice skate mostly for fun- I like that it’s cold,” Mathey said. Mathey is a perfect example that you don’t need to be a pro to have fun in a sport. “I’ve never really tried any tricks,” Mathey explained. “ But I can skate on one foot!”

If you’re looking to get your skate on, check out Moylan Ice Complex at Tranquility. Public skate times are available online at moylaniceplex.com, and admission plus skates is only $7.50.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or gliding across the ice, there are plenty active winter activities for you to enjoy!

“. . . you don’t need to be a pro to have fun in a sport.”

Slick n’ Slide Sophomores Rosie and Annie Gensichen enjoying sledding in the snow as children. The twins consider themselves expert sledders and know how to make the perfect ramp.

photo courtesy of rosiegensichen

12 active life

O

n Nov. 9, Marian celebrated three student athletes for their athletic accomplishments over the past four years. These three seniors have officially signed to their individual colleges to participate in their specific sport.

Senior Shannon Daly committed to University of Sioux Falls, a decision that will shape her college life for the next four years.

Daly has been playing softball since she was 6, and has known she wanted to continue her softball career ever since playing club at age 9. Daly is extremely excited to be playing for Sioux Falls, but wanted to make sure it was the right decision before committing.

“The most difficult factor in deciding if I wanted to play or not was if it would make an impact on my studies,” Daly said.

Speaking like a true Marian girl, Daly expresses her excitement for starting a new life in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, while still remembering the great times spent here at home.

“The school is perfect for me. Smaller, Division II, close to home, and a Christian college.

I had this amazing but also weird feeling when I stayed the night on campus, and I knew this was the college for me,” Daly said.

Senior Kate Elman has officially become a Bluejay volleyball player. Marian’s starting libero has decided to leave her Crusader blue to become a team member of Creighton University’s Division I volleyball team in the upcoming year.

“I’m mostly excited for just playing with the team.

They are really good and I get to play with Ashley Jansen!”

Elman said. Jansen, a fellow Marian senior, has also decided to play for Creighton next year as a walk-on.

When asked if there were any doubts about playing in college, Elman was completely confident in her decision to play.

“I have always wanted to play. No questions,” Elman said.

Senior Elyse Brouillette signed as a Division I diver at Iowa State University.

“I decided to commit to Iowa State because, out of all the recruiting visits I went on, I was the most comfortable with the team, coaches, and the campus,” Brouillette said.

After competing as a gymnast for five years, Brouillette shifted her attention to diving at age 13. She has been diving for Marian since her sophomore year, but never thought it would turn into anything. “I guess I had never really thought about doing sports in college until about two years ago when I started getting recruited,” Brouillette said.

Brouillette said she is nervous about being able to handle academics and athletics, but is mostly enthused about competing in college. “I am most excited about being on the team with so many girls who work just as hard as I do, traveling for meets across the country, and meeting new people,” Brouillette said.

photos courtesy of kateyhancock

Str king G ld Marian Bowling Club forms league of its own

photo illustration of Barbara Pereira’13 by nicolewojtalewicz

colleenfell

T

he Flaming Komodo Dragons, Honey Badgers, and the Spunky Strikers are just a sample of some of the team names for this year’s Bowling Club.

The team has more than 75 members, including several returning players.

Senior Anna Bashus has been a part of the team since her freshman year. “I thought it sounded like it would be fun and it was a good way to get involved,” Bashus said.

The club also took in many new members this year including se-

“[The change] gives everyone more of an opportunity to play because people had to sit out last year.”

- Anna Bashus ’12

nior Erica English, who plays on The Flaming Komodo Dragons team along with Bashus.

“I joined because I wanted something to do after musical was over,” English said.

However, new members are not the only changes that the club faces this year.

The entire Marian club is being re-vamped into its own league, due to immense popularity. In previous years, so many girls wanted to play for the club that many would have to sit out at competitions and other tournaments.

According to Bowling Club moderator Counselor Mrs. Laura Gelecki, more than 75 girls wanted to join the Bowling Club this year and it was Marian’s mission not to cut anyone from the squads. One other factor that contributed to this decision was that Gary Anderson, who had coached the team for the past eight years, was no longer able to. So, without a coach and without enough positions, the club was in a pickle.

“We didn’t want to make cuts, so we talked to Maplewood Lanes and they were really excited about Marian having its own league

there,” Gelecki said.

This new league has offered numerous benefits for the girls. “Compared to last year, it’s a lot more relaxed. It gives everyone more of an opportunity to play because people had to sit out last year. I like it a lot better,” Bashus said.

However, now that Marian is in its own league, there are no formal competitions or tournaEye on the Prize Senior Anna Bashus copies down ments. Instead, the bowlers gather scores in hopes that she has reached a personal each Tuesday night at Maplewood best. Bashus has been part of the bowling team Lanes and bowl a few hours for fun. since her freshman year.

Gelecki said that there are also not photo by colleenfell many schools with bowling teams to compete against, either.

Even with numerous changes, the morale Despite not having any legitimate competiand enthusiasm of the team has not been tions, the girls are still having plenty of fun. altered. “I love watching the girls’ faces after “I wanted to be a part of a team, but I’m not they get a strike- seeing the surprise, shock, very athletic. I’ve also made a lot of new, close pleasure, and excitement,” Gelecki said. friends,” sophomore Samantha Mayfield said.

Although the girls no longer face any real “It’s fun even if you don’t do well,” freshcompetition, you can guarantee they are still man Erin Carollo said. “One time, my friend having a great time with friends, improving Alyssa threw the ball before the bar went up... their skills, and getting more involved. and broke it.”

p ? u c How do sports drinks s t a k katykohlmeyer

O

ne of the many slogans ingrained into the minds of millions in the United States is “Gatorade- is it in you?” In today’s world, sports drinks seem to be replacing water during athletics. Do these drinks really quench your thirst and rehydrate your body just as well as water?

The claim to fame for sports drinks is electrolytes.

Electrolytes are ions in the body that regulate the flow of water through cells. This is one reason drinks such as Gatorade and Vitamin Water (just a few of the many sports drinks enhanced with electrolytes) became popular in the first place.

Your body loses electrolytes through perspiration while exercising or doing any form of physical activity. The goal for many of the popular sports drinks is to replenish your body’s supply of electrolytes so you are sufficiently hydrated.

If one does not stay hydrated while being active, it can cause the body to lose more fluid than it takes in. It is nearly impossible for the body to carry out its normal functions when it does not have enough fluids. Since perspiration is a natural part of exercise, it is very important to keep the body hydrated. You lose a large amount of water through sweating, so your supply of electrolytes needs to be replenished frequently.

Dehydration can generally be reversed by drinking more fluids, but there are cases of severe dehydration which require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can range from a dry mouth to delirium, or unconsciousness in more serious cases.

It is crucial to stay hydrated during hot weather or physical activity. But the question still lingers: Is it better to drink water or a

sports drink during exercise? is suggested that a person drink about four to Marian’s athletic trainer Mrs. Melissa six ounces of water every 20 minutes. It may Brusnahan suggests drinking your Powerade seem excessive, but this will keep your body or other sports drink after your game or when hydrated and ready for a good workout. you’re done working out.

“Sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, “If you drink a sports drink before and All Sport can give you a needed energy Sports drinks competition, you haven’t even begun to boost during your activity. They are designed increase sugar perspire, so it does to rapidly replace fluids and to increase the circulation in not do much good sugar circulating in your blood,” Zelman said. the blood. to put unnecessary As stated before, there is no black and electrolytes into white answer to whether you should reach for your body,” a Gatorade or your water bottle. But if you do Brusnahan said. choose a sports drink, Zelman offered some “I really think that handy tips for choosing one that will give you water is the best the best results. hydrator, but there While there is no distinct solution to are a lot of factors whether drinking water or a sports drink that affect which during athletic activities is better, the most drink is best,” important thing is to stay hydrated during Brusnahan said. physical activity.

Drinking a sports drink before being active can concentrate the sugars in the stomach, which can cause the body to work hard to dilute them. While they are very tasty, sports drinks may not be best for hydrating the body Sports drinks during exercise. replace According to a survey of 192 Marian girls, electrolytes only 32 prefer sports drinks over water during lost through physical activity. The other 160 prefer water.

Out of 192 perspiration.

“I like drinking sports drinks better- they give Marian girls, me more energy during hard work outs,” junior only 16.6% Audrey Smith said.

The ideal sports prefer sports “[Water] always just sounds better when drink: 28 mg drinks over I am exhausted, rather than a sports drink potassium, 14 g water. that just gives a burst of energy and then has carbohydrates, negative effects later,” senior Rachel Bormann and 100 mg said. sodium per 8 There are no rules as to when you should ounce serving. drink a Gatorade or a bottle of water, but there are some helpful tips. Kathleen M. Zelman, director of nutrition for the website WebMD, gives hints for staying hydrated before, during, and after physical activity.

If you plan on a good hour’s workout at the gym, Zelman recommends that you take a sixteen ounce water bottle and drink up. Going for a run outdoors? Especially in hot weather, it illustrations by nicolewojtalewicz

“Sports drinks can give you a needed energy boost during your activity.”

- Kathleen M. Zelman, director of nutrition for the website WebMD

active life 13

Thus Says the Lord, “and The Geeks Shall Inherit The Earth. . .”

Reviewing Alexandra Robbins’ best-selling not-so-typical high school non-fiction read haileywolf

I

wish I were a freshman this year.

Alright, that is not exactly true, but I do wish The Geeks Shall Inherit The Earth had been published in 2008 when I started high school. Alexandra Robbins, author of The Overachievers (which I swear is secretly really about Marian girls), has written yet another well-researched non-fiction book about modern students.

For those intimidated by the thought of reading non-fiction for fun, rest assured.

This book reads like a highly accurate novel about high school.

I picked up Geeks because I enjoyed and was familiar with Robbins’ other work. Like The Overachievers, Geeks introduces you to seven “characters” whose lives in “the cafeteria fringe” are the topic of the book.

The Nerd, the New Girl, the Loner, the Popular: they’re all present and accounted for.

While keeping it strictly factual, Robbins records her subjects’ daily lives in

source: TLC.com

a realistic and relateable manner. bullying and persecution at their respective The format schools. Every problem of Geeks the characters face is deals with relevant to the lives and one issue at a experiences of Marian time by telling girls.

One of the main the daily points of Geeks is story of each stated in the subtitle: character.

“Popularity, Quirk The Popular Theory, and Why struggles to Outsiders Thrive After escape her High School.” Robbins mean-spirited defines outsiders as clique and the cafeteria fringe, a change her description that at first reputation may sound offensive, at school. yet is highly accurate.

As explained in Geeks, The Loner is the cafeteria fringe are encouraged “people who are not part to branch out source: alexandrarobbins.com/geeks of or who are excluded and make friends. from a school’s PR society’s in-crowd.”

Two characters are homosexual and face Again and again, Robbins drives home

the point that it is our differences in high school that lead to success in the real world. “The cafeteria fringe are well-suited to seeing around corners; they are not so mired in the mainstream that they cannot step back and view multiple angles.”

As with her other books, Robbins has done her research. Thirty-four pages of endnotes support the claims she makes throughout the book. Countless interviews support what otherwise would be assumptions about high school culture.

Beyond being informative about high school, Geeks becomes a beacon of hope for the plucky youngsters who can’t or won’t conform. Reading this book as a geek myself, I felt so relieved to know that the statistics are in my favor. “If there is one trait that most cafeteria fringe share, it is courage. No matter how awkward, timid, or insecure he or she may seem, any teenager who resists blending in with the crowd is brave.”

12 Hour Challenge

colleenfell & gabriellamartinez-garro

On a fateful Sunday, we embarked on a reality show adventure. Armed with a plethora of junk food, we tuned into TLC for 12 hours, unaware of the challenges to come. Through catty brides and many wives, here is our story:

Four Weddings 10 AM- 1 PM

10:00 AM- Alright, here we go folks. Time for this 12-hour challenge on TLC. Who knows what the day will bring us?

10:05 AM- Unbelievable. This woman is having her wedding at the zoo! Just seems messy.

10:55 AM- Well, the first episode is over and we have come to the conclusion that it seems unfair that it’s the competing brides who get to judge the weddings.

But I suppose this is reality TV, and nothing is fair here.

11:02 AM- This orange wedding looks sweet, and we’re not even huge lovers of the color orange. Although, folding those thousand paper cranes would be way too much effort.

Sister Wives 1 PM- 7 PM

1:00 PM- “Love should be multiplied, not divided.” Ahhh. . .words of wisdom from Kody Brown, polygamist extraordinaire. . .still creeping us out.

1:51 PM- Almost four hours in and we’re just realizing it’s a Sister Wives marathon. Expect sanity to go down the drain.

2:00 PM- Gaby says she has seen enough of Kody Brown’s face to last a lifetime.

2:12 PM- Cotton commercials make Colleen want to be Zooey Deschanel.

2:53 PM- Kody may just be the creepiest man Colleen’s ever seen. Gaby says she’s starting to understand his appeal.

3:01 PM- So, we’re learning they were kicked out of the Mormon Church for practicing polygamy in Utah. So, they relocated the family to Las Vegas. Sounds like a great place to raise a family. . .

3:20 PM- “We wish you a Snuggie Christmas and a hands-free new year!” Enough said.

3:57 PM- Is it bad that it weirds us out how much all the kids like each other?

5:08 PM- “Wahhhhh, we’re polygamists, everyone hates us!” We can’t take anymore of this.

5:09 PM- No, seriously. We get it. You’re polygamists and you’re misunderstood. Stop.

6:16 PM- We’ve figured it out...Kody reminds us way too much of Billy Ray Cyrus. It’s definitely because of his hair.

19 Kids and Counting 7 PM- 8 PM

7:02 PM- The Duggars are going to Israel and words can not

express our joy. Seriously, please no more Sister Wives.

7:06 PM- Good grief, all of the Duggar children are gorgeous.

7:14 PM- They’re all being baptized in the Jordan River. Makes

us inclined to sing. . .Gonna rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham!

7:19 PM- Why is it these dog treats look better than real bacon?

7:24 PM- Jim Bob riding a camel may be one of the most hilarious things we’ve ever seen.

7:45 PM- All the kids burst into “Amazing Grace” before entering the believed tomb of Jesus. . . in 4-part harmony. . . dang.

Sister Wives 8 PM- 9 PM

8:07 PM- And we’re back to the Sister Wives finale. We cannot handle any more Kody Brown.

8:20 PM- MY GOSH. . .please say that isn’t Beans (of Even Stevens fame) in the T-Mobile commerical.

8:23 PM- More passive-aggressive behavior than we can handle. (Also, we don’t understand their obsession with wearing tank tops over long-sleeved shirts. . . it’s not 2002.)

8:40 PM- Ahh. . . childbirth on TV. Colleen says she’d rather be doing stats homework.

8:59 PM- My goodness, a twist! Robyn offers to be Mary’s surrogate. I’m not sure how to feel about this: thoughtful or incestual?

9:13 PM- We mean, we guess we would miss dinner with the president

to go to a football practice. . .or not.

9:14 PM- Nina, are you sure you didn’t mean to be on Real Housewives?

9:32 PM- This new D.U.I. show just looks like a classed up version of Cops.

9:58 PM- Really, more babies?

10:00 PM- We’re tired, and we have completed the challenge. Less fulfilling than running a marathon, with twice the psychological pain.

All-American Muslim 9 PM- 10 PM

14 entertainment

Challenge By The

NUMBERS

9 Cookies

1 Pitcher Kool-Aid 5 Bathroom Breaks

13 Episodes of Sister Wives 6 Parental Interruptions

14 Snuggie commercials

12 Hours in All ...we wouldn’t recommend it.

graphic by colleenfell

Christmas Crossword

kalanifortina

Across

1

1. When we finally ____ _________, how I’ll hate going out in the storm (2 words) 4. _____ _____ Prospero Año y Felicidad (2 words)

2

5

3. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, _____ ____ nipping at your nose (2 words) 4. All I want for Christmas is my two ____ _____ (2 words)

6

7

8. Fa la la la la la la la la, ‘tis the season to be _____

6. If ______ had ony seen mommy kissing Santa Claus last night

8

7. What a bright time, it’s the right time to _____ the night away 9

13. When they found her Christmas morning, at the scene of the attack, there were _____ prints on her forehead

11

10

12

________, how I'll hate going out in theTrim storm Before You the (2 Words) 4 _______ _________ Prospero marylouisewoltemath Año y Felicidad (2 Words) ust because people are opposed as Scrooges. This is not the case.

5 reindeer loved to listening to “Let itThen Snow” all the These people are oftentimes very him, as they out until after the 60 degree weather tempted_______ to give in to the Christmas subsides, doesn’t mean with they’re gleecheer, but they are actually waiting little Grinches. People who want celebrate because waiting makes 8 Fa la la lato la la la la la, 'tis to celebrate Christmas during the Christmas more special. Sophomore toMcNeil beis_______ prime of the fall seasonthe need toseason Haylea opposed to understand that9everybody is excited starting Christmas too early, but Dashing through the snow for this exceptional holiday, but by is definitely no downer. She enjoys in a one-_____ open sleigh containing this excitement until Christmas as much as the girl who 11season Frosty the snowman had to closer to the actual is also sings Christmas music year round, keeping the holiday more precious.on just without actually enjoying hurry his way, but heit year “I love Christmas and the music, round. “People start listening to waved goodbye and said but there is a time and place for Christmas music too early and it don't you ___ all things Christmas and it is NOT makes me mad! I’d wait to start before Thanksgiving, Maddythey celebrating until even a week into 13 ” junior When found her Kaplan said.

December because that’s the month Christmas morning, at the Birthdays get just one day of that Christmas falls in,” McNeil the attack, there the year for celebration,scene so it’s only of states. logical that Jesus Christwere would be _____Inprints fact, the stores overonthather presented with at least two months promote Christmas earlier and foreheadearlier are actually the “antito His name, right? Of course that

J

Christmas” ones. They aren’t putting out their red and green the day after Halloween because they are obsessed with Christmas and its purpose.

They are solely encouraging the consumerism of excessive amounts of decorations, gifts, and just plain stuff all in the name of Christmas.

It’s a commercially-run game for stores, which isn’t the true meaning of Christmas at all! Sophomore Sarah Sullivan said that this behavior defeats the true meaning of Christmas.

“I don’t like the commercials.

They are annoying,” Sullivan said.

Once Thanksgiving can be conversed about in the past tense, that is when Christmas can be welcomed in all of its glory. A large population starts celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving is even in the back of people’s minds.

This is obviously unnatural.

It makes perfect sense to knock out holidays in an organized chronological fashion. Do people start concerning themselves with the Fourth of July before Easter is in their midst? Of course that is an absurdity. So lay off the peppermints and resist the urge to go caroling until you’ve had seconds of mashed potatoes and gravy. This way turkey gets enough credit and Christmas isn’t thrown about so commonly, but instead is savored and kept special.

10. Sir, I want to buy these _____ for my Mama, please 12. Baby all I want for Christmas is ______

13

Carve1theAcross When we finally ____

doesn’t make sense.

Starting the celebration too early transforms Christmas from a rare holiday that is looked forward to into a more common and less special period of the year. It wouldn’t be out of bitterness to say that starting Christmas too early is excessive.

Amen! Jesus is the reason for the holiday! Of course, He is the reason for everything, but let’s keep the mistletoe in the storage room until the appropriate season. Christmas is more special if kept under wraps until the fitting time.

So when is it okay to cut down the pine tree and haul out the holly? According to Kaplan, not the first snow (though people tend to mistakenly think this is the case).

It could be Dec. 1 and the smell of sunscreen from people protecting themselves from the warm weather could still be lingering in the air. Or the first snow could fall at the peak of autumn.

The holiday season should not be established because Christmas decorations start appearing in stores, oftentimes alongside summer merchandise being sold on clearance.

The view that says Christmas can wait is often perceived as “antiChristmas”. People who plug their ears to block out the Christmas tunes blaring from various sources or turn their heads away from the decorations strewn about various homes may commonly be marked

Down

2. Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in _____ _____ (2 words)

4

5. Then all the reindeer loved him, as they ____ out with glee

9. Dashing through the snow, in a one-_____ open sleigh 11. Frosty the snowman had to hurry on his way, but we waved goodbye and said don’t you ___

3

created on ArmoredPenguin.com

Down 2 Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in __________ _______ (2 Words) 3 Chesnuts roasting on an open fire, ______ ________ nipping at your nose (2 Words) 4 All I want for Christmas is my two _____ ______ (2 Words) Christmas lights start a jolly season 6 If _______ had only seen cassiephillips mommy kissing Santa Claus t’s the most nightmake the ride to those illuminated throughout the Old Market in last beautiful time neighborhoods all the better. downtown Omaha. Although it is 7 of theWhat time, year, the a bright Some of the most it's festive the available year-round, most people right to are ____ the night holiday that is lovedtimehouses located all around the find it more enjoyable around by all. Christmas Omaha area. Deer Creek, Nelson’s Christmas. The ride away brings many Creek, Regency, Happy Hollow, takes groups of 10 Sir,andI wantDowntown, to buy these wonderful Dundee, and ______ people around for tomy Mama, please exciting memories Fairacres are some shops, perfect families places for Christmas 12and friends Baby all I magical want for Christmas every year. The shopping, to spend an shopping. Through is ____ cheerful music, the ride, there

Deck the Halls!

I

decorations, and snow are just some of the things people look forward to. However, it’s the Christmas lights and other decorations that truly get the Christmas spirit started.

“I think people should go all out with Christmas decorations and lights because it’s so much fun.

Christmas only comes once a year, so why not? I think it really helps get people into the Christmas spirit,” freshman Hannah Stanek said.

It’s always a fun time during December.

The Christmas lights and wreaths adorned upon every inch of a house, inflatable Santas, snowmen, and reindeer in front lawns have become popular items for the Christmas season. Many people like to spend all of December driving around to see some of the best lights in town. Cuddling up with your favorite blanket, drinking hot chocolate, and listening to Christmas music

are many areas covered in lights and other seasonal decorations.

Driving home from work, school, or other activities, Christmas lights provide people with some relaxation, stress relief, and time to enjoy the Bright Lights The Coder family do their annual true beauty of the over-the-top Christmas decorations for the long season. They give awaited season. people something to look forward photo courtesy of anniecoder to. Instead of the image of the same evening admiring a Christmas-filled boring houses lined up along the atmosphere. street all year long, Christmas time One of the most popular allows many to change the scene, neighborhoods for festive Christmas and decorate for one of the most lights is Linden Estates, located popular holidays of the year. near 144th street between Blondo “I would say that my family and Dodge street. There are many goes all out. The house is decorated houses that go over the top, some with traditional colorful lights. We that even have lights to go to the beat also have candy canes outlining of any radio station. It is a common our yard, a full manger scene, and neighborhood through which Ollie a wood cut out of Santa falling the Trolley, limousines, and many from the roof. We also have a real families like to take a drive.

Christmas tree inside our house, According to a recent survey and a real one outside as well. conducted by The Network staff, My dad loves to decorate for the many Marian girls seem to think that holidays,” junior Annie Coder Linden Estates is worth a visit. “I said. love driving through Linden Estates Christmas truly is one of the because the houses are always so most special times of the year big and beautifully decorated. It’s spent with family and friends. a tradition that my family and I The decorations do not just bring do every year. We love listening to a smile to everyone, but add Christmas music the whole ride,” happiness and laughter to a long senior Erica English said. awaited and cherished holiday.

Another popular activity during the winter months is carriage rides

entertainment 15

Dancin’ Queen Freshman Caroline Byrne busts a move at the dance party. Some other activities during the retreat included Mass, bonding games such as ships and sailors, and time to talk privately with their individual groups.

MFreshman Retreat M Left: Spending Time with Servites Junior group leader Nyoke Dumba and Sister Ellen Doyle, O.S.M., gather together to talk at the Motherhouse. “The experience was great! Something as little as making cards is something that they appreciate greatly,” Dumba said.

Right: Lending a Hand Freshmen Olivia Wolodkewitsch and Erica Dunham volunteer by helping stack cans at Christ Child North.

Each retreat group volunteered at a different service site in the Omaha area.

Left: Prince Charming Creighton Prep senior Timmy Pazderka visits seniors Hannah Manganaro and Claire Troia’s group to talk to the freshmen and answer their questions about relationships. “The freshmen thought it was a really nice gesture and gave them hope for their relationships with guys in the future,” Manganaro said. Right: Circle of Trust Senior group leaders Emily Fischer and Michaela McDonald provide time to talk to each other. This year’s theme was Discover Your Beat. Each classroom at Marian was decorated according to the room’s genre of music. During Freshman Retreat on Nov. 3 and 4, there were many group discussions and talks, allowing the girls to create a special bond that unites them forever as

16 photo essay

photo essay by alexamoore photos by gabriellamartinez-garro, clancynelson & katykohlmeyer