Marian High School Student Newspaper September 2011

CLUTTE

ED September 2011

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Marian High School 7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 402-571-2618 Volume 56 - Issue 2

the network

Janae Heaney ‘14

newsflash........................................ pg. 2 & 3 opinion............................................ pg. 4 & 5 features........................................... pg. 6 & 7 indepth ........................................... pg. 8 & 9 features....................................... pg. 10 & 11 active life..................................... pg. 12 & 13 entertainment............................ pg. 14 & 15 photo essay...........................................pg. 16 printed on 100% recycled paper GO GREEN!

cover by emilyfischer photos by ellemostek emilyfischer

Marian Walks the Plank 2011

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ollecting money, the walk, and a great “We all just brought in our own morning filled with conversation and individual money. Our class officers laughs with friends. You guessed it, really pushed us to keep bringing in another successful Walk-A-Thon for Marian. more though,” Sosa said. “We all just Before WAT was behind us, the common really wanted this to be the year we question among many Marian girls arose: came together as a class and won,” How am I going to raise money?

Sautter said.

For some, it’s harder to figure out creative Sosa and Sautter also found that ways to get the right amount of money to people are very willing to donate when meet class and all-school goals, but for others, asked. “It’s definitely easier to just ask it just comes naturally. Marian girls deal family, because they are willing to give with busy after school schedules every day. more, but when I went door to door Whether asking, involved people in a sport, gave extraanywhere curricular from activity, or $5-$10,” Freshmen 3rd Place with 109% a part time Sosa said. job, WAT Both girls Sophomores 4th Place with 92% is still an explained, important however, School Total=$100,093.13 fundraiser that it’s that harder to girls actively participate in. Not only is it a raise money for private schools. People competition between all four classes, but it unfamiliar with the Catholic school is a huge part of the school’s annual budget. system don’t understand what exactly Many girls feel the importance of giving back the money is being used for. to their school. While most are using the “It’s hard to explain to people classic methods to collect money, (walking everything the money is going toward, around neighborhoods or asking family but when we say how important it is, members), there are some girls that go all out. and that it’s helping Marian, people “We go to Marian, raising money for are very willing to give some kind of WAT. If you donate, we’ll give you a smile donation,” said Sosa. too. Thank you for your support.” These are As freshmen, it’s always hard to the lyrics to the made up tune seniors Kate understand some of the most exciting Nichting and Christina Reyelts sing when events that happen around Marian. This they ask people for donations. “We’ve been year’s freshman class hasn’t failed to singing it since freshman year, we sway while show their support. we sing it, and then at the end, we give a “It’s just exciting. I’ve never done thumbs up,” Reyelts said. The song has made anything like it before,” freshman such an impact on donators that they are Lauren Warner said. rarely rejected.

Marian girls never fail to show “We’ve only been denied once, and it the importance of community and happened to be this year,” Nichting said. In friendship in their lives. Walk-A-Thon past Walk-A-Thons, Nichting and Reyelts is a fun activity for girls to get involved have gotten as much as $100 from one and compete to be the best. Not only person. “People usually think it’s funny and do fun prizes and rewards accompany don’t really turn us down,” Nichting said.

Walk-A-Thon, but also the exemplary Juniors Lizzy Sosa and Dani Sautter said effort that helps Marian become all that that their class didn’t have a set plan when it it is today. came to raising money.

Juniors 1st Place with 165%

We Reflect

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Seniors 2nd Place with 142%

O photo by alliebraun

n Friday, Sept. 9, Marian students and staff met before school to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Buisness teacher Mr. Joe Menendez brought up the idea for the ceremony. “I just wanted to change the flag. Once other people heard about it, it evolved into the song, color guard, etc.,” Menendez said. “The idea got its own legs and took off. I thought it was worth mentioning as a law teacher.”

The ceremony began with a prayer led by Head of School Mrs. Susan Toohey. The color guard from Northwest High School came to the ceremony and raised a flag with the names of the 9/11 victims on it. Sophomore Toni Ptacek played Taps on the trumpet as the flag was raised. The Select Women’s Choir also performed the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

We will always remember those who lost their lives in the attacks and the Marian community continues to send their prayers to all those affected by the terrorist attack.

The ceremony was well received by the student body. Junior Erin McQuillan said, “It was a great way to remember those who lost their lives. I enjoyed participating in the ceremony by singing with the choir.” rosalieplofchan

Fire Safety Month: McCutcheon Family Shares Their Story

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t’s one of those Friday evenings at the very beginning of June when “school” processes as an invalid word, and the first mosquito bite is a constant reminder that you do not have to take history notes for three long months.

On this particular Friday, these glorious, familiar feelings have only just begun to feel real for junior Nicola McCutcheon. But on this particular Friday, these feelings will soon explode into something entirely different.

An Accident

At around 9:30 pm on June 3 of this past summer, McCutcheon and some friends and family were hanging out inside. Outside sat her parents, aunt, younger sister, and some neighborhood friends. Suddenly, she heard an extremely loud bang. Instantaneously she looked up to see where the noise had originated, and what she found left her, as she put it, “screaming hysterically.”

“As I ran over to the deck, I saw my mom, Jamie, Holly, and my dad rolling on the deck with their arms and legs on fire. There was fire everywhere.”

Where had this fire come from, and what caused the loud bang? Moments before the explosion, McCutcheon’s dad noticed that their liquid/gel candle, commonly known as a Firepot, had gone out. In response, he went to refill this “medium-sized, wickless candle” with the fuel gel purchased along with it. Instantly the candle exploded, spewing the burning, gellike substance in every direction. The flames landed all over the deck, hitting McCutcheon’s aunt Jamie, 9-year-old sister Holly, and mom, Kimberley.

The three quickly dropped to the ground to smother the flames, and McCutcheon’s other sister Katrina grabbed the fire extinguisher within seconds. As McCutcheon explained, the way the gel-fuel reacted with the skin of the three victims made it difficult to put out the fire with the fire extinguisher; what really put out the flames was the stop2 newsflash drop-and-roll. While the

Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it goes to show that fire safety is a real thing; it is something that people should take seriously.

“Fire is not a thing to play around with or joke about. I don’t like being around birthday candles because of the close proximity of the candle flame to a person’s face. I also get really nervous around bonfires. It’s hard for me because I don’t want to sound like a brat and tell people to be careful, stand back, but I know Fire: It’s Not a Joke what fire can do to a person, and I know what It was not a situation anyone would ever it feels like to hope to be watch someone placed in, you love rolling but the way on the ground, the people screaming, in involved pain, and not handled it being able to was almost do anything too perfect. about it, except A few weeks scream yourself,” before the McCutcheon accident, explains.

McCutcheon’s McCutcheon dad just would like happened to students and tell Katrina their families to that the fire be more in tune extinguisher with their fire was stored in Fire Burning. The remains of the McCutcheon’s bench extinguishers. the garage. after the explosion.

As ridiculous One of the as it sounds, many neighbors who had witnessed the accident happened to be a nurse and was able to give the families don’t even own a fire extinguisher, “let alone know where it is or how to use it.” burn victims instant attention. McCutcheon Even the most proficient stop-drop-andgot to the phone just in time and the roller should review his or her technique. In ambulance showed up immediately. But sadly, this type of well-oiled reaction is not always the the time of a fire, sometimes these basic skills learned as preschoolers don’t set in. case. Other accidents took place around the “It may sound petty, but it really does save time of the McCutcheon’s horror story. Many lives,” McCutcheon said. of them resulted in worse burns and longer October is fire safety month. But don’t only recoveries due to of a delayed response. use fire safety when lighting the cinnamon Fire is not a new topic for the Marian candle inside the jack-o-lantern. Fire safety community. In November of 2006, during should carry on in any day-to-day activities Freshman Retreat, a candle was tipped over, involving fire, from lighting the gas-stove to setting Mrs. Juza’s classroom on fire. This warming up around the fireplace. is an incident that greatly affected Marian. flames were being put out, McCutcheon ran to the nearest telephone and dialed 911.

“One of our neighbors was out on their deck when the accident happened. They said that from the time they heard screams to the time they saw ambulances come and go was only probably five to six minutes tops, but to all of us that were on the deck at the time, it seemed like an hour or more,” McCutcheon said.

photo courtesy of nicolamccutcheon

christinarommelfanger

Life Keeps Rolling

The accident on June 3 greatly influenced and is still influencing the McCutcheon family’s life. Everyone involved had a hard time adjusting after the explosion.

“It’s really hard, even now, for me to talk about the accident. When I talk about it, I feel like I’m reliving it, and I can see and hear everything that happened all over again. Some days I’m better at talking about it and dealing with it than others,” McCutcheon said.

Two weeks after the accident, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC) made an effort to recall the specific product (manufactured by Napa Home & Garden) that was the cause of the McCutcheon’s accident.

After working with Napa Home & Garden, the Firepot was successfully recalled.

On Sept. 1, the CPSC officially released a recall for products similar to the Firepot.

By the time of the final recall, a total of 65 incidents had been reported to CPSC. According to CPSC, the accidents resulted in “two deaths and 34 victims who were hospitalized with second and third degree burns of the face, chest, hands, arms or legs.”

Twenty-eight of these victims had been burnt by the Napa Home & Garden Firepot.

The importance of fire safety is forever burnt in the minds of McCutcheon and her family. She can attest that it is something that should be taken very seriously.

Today, McCutcheon’s mom, sister, and aunt are doing quite well, but the family will not know about any permanent scarring for another year.

“We are so thankful for so many things.

That the injuries could have been even worse; that the home phone was easy to find on its charger (because usually it’s laying around the house somewhere); that we had a nurse up at our house at the time of the accident. The list in endless. It’s just amazing that everything happened the way it did,” McCutcheon said.

Archdiocese Standardizes Religion Curriculum meganandreasen

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hey are the staples in our schedules, a time during the day to seek out deeper meaning, the sole reason we attend a Catholic high school: religion classes. Junior Megan Woodruff and sophomore Courtney Warren reflect on their religious education experience at Marian.

“Religion classes have always been some of my favorites at Marian. Several times I have been able to discuss real-life issues, such as sexuality, the drug trade, immigration, abortion, political policies, and gay rights. These classes have been instrumental in helping me understand the Catholic Church's opinions on such issues, and I really think this has given me a different insight on life,” Woodruff said.

“I didn’t go to a Catholic grade school so I learned a lot of new things about the Bible and the Catholic religion in general. I learned a lot about our religion and it helped me form my own opinions on the Catholic faith and really grow into being a Catholic,” Warren said, based on her freshman Scripture class.

What many students aren’t aware of is that change is in the air for religion curriculums across the nation. This means that the eight Catholic high schools in Omaha will soon be teaching the same curriculum, in the same order, with the same emphasis as Loyola High School in California or Knoxville Catholic High School in Tennesee.

“I went into the meeting last spring feeling confident about what we do at Marian,” freshman religion teacher Mr. Greg Golka said, referring to last February’s Foundations of Faith in-service at Gross Catholic High School, which all Omaha Catholic high school educators are required to attend. After the

in-service, theology teachers were asked to have a special meeting with Archbishop George Lucas. It was here that the Archbishop introduced the new theology core curriculum that is soon to be implemented in secondary education.

All the teachers were given a hefty packet entitled “Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework” constructed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Archbishop Lucas is a member of the committee that designed these guidelines. As stated in the Curriculum Framework, “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” It outlines a defined structure that is to be followed by all secondary religion departments and

is designed to encourage conformity with Roman Catholic doctrine.

“We were told repeatedly ‘to be in compliance; do not deviate,’” sophomore and junior religion teacher Ms. Kathy Tocco said.

“I would hate to see the curriculum that the teachers have developed individually over the years go. I think every teacher has their own unique way of teaching, and that they have found ways that have worked for them,” Woodruff said.

Marian, along with the other seven private, Catholic secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha, must sign an assurance statement of compliance with theology curriculum standards. The most recent statement was signed by former Head of School Ms. Elizabeth Kish in 2008.

Crucial questions arose at the February meeting, however, on how to teach subjects such as sexuality or social justice. Though these subjects are of utmost importance, Archbishop Lucas stated that any classes outside of the Framework will need to be incorporated elsewhere.

Sophomore Nora Neary and junior Lauren Gibbs express their feelings on sexuality education at Marian.

“I would hate to see the relationship section go because it really taught me a lot and I think Mr. Golka was really realistic in what high schoolers would really do in those types of situations,” Neary said.

“The one thing I would hate to see removed is the part in the sexuality unit where we learned more about what our society values (thin, young, tan...) and how this in turn

can harm us,” Gibbs said. These vital lessons will no longer be discussed in-depth in theology classes and the manner in which they are integrated will be decided by each individual high school.

Religion curriculums have never been standardized in the sense of what is taught and when. However, this did not cause theology teachers to be any less surprised when the new curriculum was revealed.

“Marian already covers everything [in the Framework], just not in the required order...Everyone is in the same boat,” Golka said.

For theology teachers, this means extensive work will be spent designing new lessons. The curriculum will be implemented with the 2012-2013 freshman class and new textbooks will be issued.

graphic by ellemostek

Accessibility for Disabilities: Injured Girls Struggle to Get Around Marian katykohlmeyer

photo by katykohlmeyer

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Moving Forward. Elizabeth Erftmier ‘14 walks down junior hallway with the support of her leg brace and crutches.

hen glancing down the halls of Marian High, one may notice the unusual amount of injured girls. It seems nearly impossible to walk down the hallway without stumbling upon someone with crutches or even a scooter.

The injuries range from a sprained ankle all the way to a broken femur. Take junior Theresa Kennelly, for instance. The Varsity volleyball player was scrimmaging in practice, and after jumping for a ball, she landed badly. After visiting the doctor, the prognosis was torn ligaments in her ankle.

Kennelly used crutches for just one day, but now wears a boot in order for her ankle to heal properly.

Sophomore Elizabeth Erftmier had an unfortunate water skiing accident, which resulted in a broken femur. While skiing, Erftmier took a

nasty fall and her femur snapped. She now sports a large leg brace and does not know how much longer she will be on crutches.

Most uninjured girls do not realize how exhausting and often difficult it is to maneuver around the school on crutches. As if dodging hallway obstacles isn’t hard enough, the elevator is all the way at the end of the school.

“Even though I was only on crutches for one day, it was hard getting from class to class.The worst was having to go from the first floor to the third floor because I had to go all the way down the hallway to the elevator and then to the end of the third floor,” Kennelly said.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any institution that is at least three stories high or is more than 3,000 square feet must have an elevator. Marian

is up to par with the regulations regarding disabilities.

According to Vice Principal Jim Miller, the school is considered handicap accessible because the elevator is located on the ground level of the school. “We try to accommodate injured girls as best as we can, they can have a special parking permit to park closer and should have full access to the school,” Miller said.

“Getting around school is really tiring. If I could move the elevator, I would put it in the middle of the school so it would be closer to my classes,” Erftmier said.

While girls like Erftmier are familiar with the frustrations of restricted mobility, they can now give the rest of the Marian community insight on the obstacles injured girls must overcome.

newsflash 3

‘911, I’m having phone anxiety!’ trinitygleason

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cartoon by marylouisewoltemath 5.

Selling Tragedy

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ave you finished your holiday shopping yet? The clock’s ticking. December’s only two months away. Surely you’ve had your Halloween costume prepared for the last few weeks. You’ve got all of your Valentine’s Day cards planned out, of course. Soon ABC Family will begin their stream of feel-good Thanksgiving movies, and the Disney Channel will be replete with broadcasts of Halloweentown and Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire.

I bet those channels make a lot of money during those few weeks.

It’s a fight to the top—whose ratings will rise the most? Who will make the most money off of advertising space? Which companies will grab the attention of the nation by making a holiday into a trend?

Which retailers can market a single day as a full-blown seasonal event?

You’ve certainly seen this before.

Mothers’ Day, for example, is no

y heart races. My pulse quickens. Hyperventilation will soon set in. Sweat quickly forms in the palms of my hands and pools down my back.

As I reach for the receiver, my hand shakes as if I have hypothermia.

My finger slips on a few buttons and I must hang up and try again.

One more quick look in the phone book to make sure I have the right number. I do. Good.

I think I’m going to throw up. It’s ringing...ringing...ringing.

“Godfather’s. How can I help you?” “…………..” What am I supposed to say again? I have short-term memory loss; for the life of me I cannot remember what I am supposed to say.

“Hello?”

Great. Now she probably thinks I’m some creep. I hope I’m not breathing too heavily.

Say SOMETHING!!!!!!!

“Uh……hi.”

Smooth.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes. What are your specials?”

Finally, my brain is working again.

Many of you may not think that calling for pizza is such a hard thing.

But it is. At least for me.

I haven’t talked to a therapist about the origin of my phone fear, but I believe it stemmed from my childhood.

I used to be totally okay with talking to people on the phone. My

me extreme anxiety.

I’m not alone in my fear, as irrational as you all may think it is. In fact, thirty-five out of 156 Marian girls dread using the phone and talking to strangers on it.

Now rack your brain. Isn’t there a girl who works in the attendance office after school every day? Isn’t there a phone in there that is often ringing off the hook?

Well, I’m that girl, and the phone does often ring nonstop.

I can’t let every call go to voicemail. So I answer the phone.

Don’t get me wrong, I still get anxious that I’m going to forget the girl’s name I’m supposed to page or that I’ll transfer the caller to the wrong person.

However, I use my wonderful imagination Mr. Delkamiller has helped reawaken in Faith class and pretend I’m Mrs. Brown. How would Mrs. Brown handle this situation?

With a cheery smile that reaches her eyes, she answers the call with, “Marian High School, this is Karen.”

While I may not have the charm and exceptional phone voice Mrs. Brown has, I pretend well enough to keep my anxiety level to a minimum.

Mrs. Brown would never mess up, therefore neither will I. Ring!

Ring!

That’s the phone again.

I must go answer it but this time with a slightly normal heart rate, deeper breaths and a whole lot less sweat.

The American Sensationalization of 9/11

more than an outlet for advertisePeople are buying $1 silver comment; cell phone companies and memorative coins for prices far into jewelers and florists dominate the the double, and even triple, digits. airwaves Morning radio and the talk shows hidden spend the middle week taking pages of calls about magapeople’s zines; thoughts on a mom the terrorist gets a attacks of folded 10 years piece of ago. These cardpeople stock as probthe Hallably weren’t mark there, corporation nor did they gets millions. Sentiment directly know anyone afzoeursick falls by the wayside. fected. But they get to be on And now, the American media the radio, and anything can carry a has found yet another opportunity deep personal meaning when the city to sell, sell, sell, sell. The anniversary will be hearing your voice. The Hisof 9/11. tory Channel gained roughly 400,000

Zo and Tell

ink lasts forever the network

4 opinion

mother often reminds me of how my grandpa loved to listen to me talk when he called.

Then something changed.

Perhaps it’s because I used to call 911 all the time and talk to the operator about my family. That is, when I would do something more than just listen to her say, “Hello, 911 operator” a few hundred times.

I thought it was the funniest thing in the world to call 911 and chat with the operator.

After my usual three calls to 911 while my mother took a nap, there was a knock at the door.

The police showed up. To my house. Because I called them. All the time.

I was so scared they would take me away because I was being bad.

They talked with my mom and while I was definitely in trouble with her, the police officers just smiled at me and left.

I didn’t go to jail at the tender age of 5.

However, from that point on, I made a connection between the phone and the police. Not the ‘if there’s a problem and you need help, call 911’ connection that every other kindergartener had.

No, my connection was that if I used the phone or talked to strangers on it, something bad would happen.

Look at that, I discovered all of this without the help of an overpriced therapist.

But seriously, making phone calls, even little ones to Godfather’s, gives

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

more viewers the week of Sept. 4 through 11 than the week before. The online market boomed with demand for 9/11 memorabilia.

I can only assume that this infatuation with such a tragic event is due to our culture’s desire to connect and empathize with those less-fortunate.

We invest in tragedy and encourage others to do so. Sentiment falls by the wayside.

But were I to have loved ones killed in the 9/11 attacks, I can’t imagine I’d feel the same way.

What I consider a day of reverence and memorial, America has turned into a consumers’ market, a commercial industry. A week-long parade of television specials and merchandising. The feelings of loved ones are pushed to the back burner, and drawing the rest of the public’s attention takes priority. Sentiment falls by the wayside.

I don’t disagree with the need to

recognize this tragedy as an integral part of American history. I disagree with using the event as a means of advertisement. As far as I’m concerned, a teenage boy does not need to watch the death of his father every day for a week. A husband does not need to watch his wife die when all he wants is the weekend forecast.

Families and loved ones of the deceased deserve respect and understanding. This day of reverence has become a nationwide broadcast, churning out information meant to shock and disturb its audience.

Respect and compassion and propriety have been lost. The media has sensationalized tragedy. Sentiment falls by the wayside.

I cannot support this commercialization at all. I cannot condone the media’s attempts to strip this day of its solemnity.

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? The clock’s ticking.

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

Undershirt Upheaval:

Marian Girls Debate the Art of Layering Gotta Wear It torinietzel

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ocks, shorts, shoes, skirt, UNDERSHIRT, and polo. All the necessary items I need to be lookin’ good and feelin’ good for the day. My undershirts even have their own drawer in my dresser. That is respect right there; I have respect for my undershirts. They provide warmth, comfort, and love...like my mom.

Wearing undershirts can be extremely simple. I don’t even buy undershirts. I just wear white tshirts I have collected over the years such as Walk-A-Thon or Field Day shirts. Another cheap way to fit undershirts into your wardrobe is buying a bulk pack of undershirts from Costco or Walmart.

Nifty, right?

I tried not wearing an undershirt one day my sophomore year. It was a horrible mistake. I felt naked all day. That was the last time I ever came to school without an undershirt on under my polo and I will never try it again.

Undershirts provide a sense of security and protection. I don’t exactly know what I am being protected from, but I like to know I’m being protected.

Speaking of protection, what if I were walking into school and a bird pooped on my polo?

To the undershirt! I am able to strip myself of the soiled polo and not be arrested

for public indecency.

A more practical reason to wear an undershirt is for after school activities.

Avoid changing in bathroom stalls and wear an undershirt instead. Proudly rip off that polo and proceed to cross country practice or to Burger King with the gals for an afternoon snack.

You could wear your polo to Burger King, but that polo is significantly heavier than an undershirt. Why weigh yourself down?

Now would be a good time to point out where we live. We live in Omaha, Nebraska. Omaha is cold.

In the winter, your handy dandy undershirt provides an extra layer of warmth to the blistering winds and icy cold air.

Along with the freezing weather, the first and last couple of months of school can bring intolerable heat and cause unwanted moisture in the confines of your polo. Are you an overactive sweater? Wear an undershirt. It will protect your polo from getting smelly and wet.

Undershirts can handle the smell and sweat; they are there to help you avoid embarrassing pit stains and stank.

I dare you girls who don’t wear undershirts to try wearing one for a day. They offer so many things, but what can not wearing one give you?

Wearing undershirts is a way of life. Join me in this unbreakable bond.

Today’s Prediction:

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photos by michaelamcdonald

Can’t Bare It taylorhaag

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aybe it’s the fact I enjoy the occasional breeze I receive.

Perhaps I like the liberating feeling. Whatever the reason, I know one thing is for sure: undershirts are overrated.

My hatred for undershirts started freshman year. As I was sitting in Mrs. Remmick’s Honors World History class, I began sweating profusely as I debated the answer to a question on my first test of the year.

While pondering why it became so incredibly hot in the room in such a short time span, I realized why I was perspiring so fiercely: my undershirt (and due to the fact I didn’t even know the answer to the first question). After this particular sweaty experience, I decided I was done with wearing the tight-fitting undershirts forever.

People tell me every day why they love undershirts as much as they do. Number one, they apparently are “way more comfortable!” When I argued that this statement is ridiculously incorrect, I was told I “wouldn’t get it” until I wore one. Because I hadn’t worn an undershirt since freshman year, I decided it was time to try it out once again. I forced myself to slab on a strangely thin white undershirt last week, and let me tell you: IT’S ALL A LIE. I’m not sure about you, but having an extra layer on my skin all day didn’t exactly raise my comfort level.

Number two, undershirts “soak up

. . . I Don’t Know

If people seriously believe that every very day I flip through the Omaha day is mapped out, then I can predict that World Herald, find the “Living real life must not only be a drag for them, Section,” peel the pages apart, and but that they don’t have the initiative to spread the comic and puzzle pages on do anything about it. top of the dining room table. Propped by I do admit that if this sort of stuff my elbows and leaning over the images, I actually worked, it would be interesting. laugh at my favorites, like Dilbert, Zits, or Interesting as in borderline terrifying. . . . well you get the point.

Because if planets and other celestial Then I tilt my head to the text next beings were sentient, horoscopes dictatto the comics and continue snickering, ing our lives but this would be time at the least of the daily Earth’s worhorories. Maybe scopes. the Sun Now, would feel I don’t like chatting know if it up with it’s the Jupiter and Catholic cut through or the everybody’s scientist orbit. Sugin me gesting that that a giant ball makes of Hydrogen horoscopes and Helium (and everything appear silly and contrived, else that the Sun is made out of, hannahgrace but they are. for those nit-picky science people) Somehow, people derive is even remotely interested in the comfort from “knowing” the comings and goings of puny Earthlings is future, but that has unfortunate implicajust as ridiculous as proposing that it has tions. Whatever happened to free will feelings and friendships to maintain. and being in charge of our own destiWhat really ropes in believers is when nies? Belief in astrology and crystal balls they read something that just has to be lead to a passive outlook on life events, talking about them. I mean, it’s like the instead of a more dynamic and active horoscope knows who they are on their interaction of the moment. deepest level.

Grace Notes

A quick Google search will reveal what everyone already knows about how Zodiac signs predict personalities. Robert T. Carroll from the Skeptic’s Dictionary (aptly named) writes about the Forer (or Barnum) Effect and how it relates to astrology and other pseudosciences.

An example should do nicely: “You have a need for other people to like and admire you, and yet you tend to be critical of yourself.” This quote from Carroll’s article could apply to one person, or nearly everyone on this planet. Just because a statement resounds with one mind does not make it uniquely theirs.

So horoscopes basically make broad statements and we internally fill in the details.

Consider it an allusion, or a conspiracy between horoscope writers and our own psyche.

Oh, by the way: whatever Zodiac sign your birthday falls upon is off by about 2000 years. So most of us are actually a sign before ours. Try not to have an identity crisis.

And don’t even talk to me about palm lines. Once I gouged my hand, slapped a band-aid on it and when the band-aid fell off, I had an extended lifeline.

Should I be concerned?

Sometimes people are constantly searching for meaning and self-awareness and will cling onto whatever they want to hear. I doubt this article will change anyone’s mind about the matter; they’re too preoccupied interpreting the stars to see the reality in front of them.

sweat!” When people tell me this little fact, I just lightly chuckle to myself, remembering my Honors World History test freshman year. If one was so worried about sweating, then wouldn’t you think one would not want to be wearing an extra piece of clothing all day? Just a thought.

And finally, number three.

“I wear undershirts so I can take off my polo after school!” This reason always interests me. So, you want to wear a pit-stained undershirt out in public, but not your clean-cut polo? Makes sense.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand why certain students like to wear undershirts for after school sports and activities, but I become confused when girls decide to wear their wanna-be clothing item out in public, instead of their sharp, blue polos.

I admit, I would be okay if undershirts were worn in the correct manner at all times of the year. However, there is always that occasional Marian girl that likes to take the undershirt to the next level. If you know me personally, you would agree that I am not one to worry about my appearance inside the walls of Marian High.

However, when I see numerous Marian girls’ oddly-long undershirts hanging out from under their polo, I begin to wonder if these particular girls actually think this style is attractive. The wanna-be slob look is becoming a little too popular for my liking.

So, for all you undershirt wearers, next time you decide to slip on your ratty white t-shirt, take my opinion into consideration; let your naked collar bone enjoy the breeze for once.

Create Your Own Horoscope __________ your ___________, but un(verb)

(noun)

derstand that not everyone wants to __________ your __________. You may (verb)

(plural noun)

feel frustrated as you ___________ a (verb)

brick wall, but use this moment to experiment with new styles of ________.

(-ing verb)

You want your ________ heard, don’t (noun)

you? Though your schedule is busy, find time to spend with ______________. (a Marian teacher)

graphic by christinarommelfanger & zoeursick

opinion 5

g n i o

G

y t t Ba

graphic by zoeursick

Sophomore Evades Rabies zoeursick

H

aley Minnick is paranoid.

And with an arm full of needle holes, one can’t help but sympathize. This August, Minnick was bitten by a bat in her sleep, and had to endure a shot of the rabies vaccine nearly every week for a month aftwerward.

Though the bat in question wasn’t necessarily rabid itself, Minnick’s family soon found out that seeking treatment is crucial. “[People] don’t usually show symptoms for around 20-or-so days, but once you do, you’re basically done for,” Minnick said. This statement can be confirmed by John Hutton of North Carolina, a man who received a bat bite himself and was urged by doctors to get treated immediately.

“Once you show clinical symptoms of rabies, it’s a 100 percent mortality rate,” Hutton said. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention agrees, insisting that any contact with wild animals should immediately be countered by a rabies shot. Fortunately, Minnick was able to suppress any further infection by receiving treatment as soon as her mother learned about the danger.

“I didn’t get a shot until about a week after [the bite] …

My mom didn’t know about how dangerous [bat bites] are, but then she did some research online about it and I had to go to the hospital” (So, no, she did not ever foam at the mouth or exhibit manic tendencies.)

Minnick explains that her encounter with the chiropteran bed-intruder has left her feeling none too secure. Several days after Minnick was awoken in her own bedroom, her younger sister Sophia received a nighttime visit of her own. Minnick admits to now sleeping with her bedroom lights on, and is always on the lookout for new nocturnal invaders. “Sometimes I still think I hear the telltale flapping at night...” Minnick said with a smirk.

Jay Minnick, Haley’s father, stated that he is “not losing any sleep worrying about the bats returning, but it’s definitely a concern. We’ve had pest control professionals come out to make recommendations.”

During Minnick’s Block A gym class on Friday, Sept. 9, a bat was discovered hanging on the wall adjacent to the Quad stairs, right next to the Crucifix. The presence of a bat inside the school certainly did nothing to soothe Minnick’s paranoia, as she joked, “Once my room was fixed so that [the bats] couldn’t get in, they went to my sister’s room. And now that they can’t get into my house, they’ve come to my school… I feel like I can’t escape them!”

Maintenance man Mr. Shane Beck confirms that no student has ever been bitten in the school, though he has his suspicions on how they may gain entrance to the school. “Somehow they get in through the third floor, maybe through the roof eaves,” Beck speculates. “Sometimes they’re up in the ceiling tiles and if one [of the tiles] gets taken off [the bats] could fly right into the school. And that’s why we have to kill ‘em once we catch ‘em, or they’ll just fly right back in.” (Sorry animal rights activists-- he’s just looking out for your health and well-being.)

Though Minnick is now able to discuss the issue with a lighthearted attitude, she still expressed concern over the soaring costs of treatment for her and her sister.

According to the CDC, the rabies vaccine and the immunesystem booster, immunoglobulin, can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $7,000 per person. Minnick’s treatment cost $5,000, and her sister’s reached almost $10,000. “I’m not sure why it costs so much, whether it’s [an] artificially high price or if it’s just very expensive to manufacture, ” Jay Minnick said.

“Our insurance covers part of [the cost] but not all.”

Though this financial concern has caused some discomfort for the Minnick family, Haley is glad her house is finally batproofed; her room was carefully searched for any ways the bats may have gained entrance, and quickly sealed off.

Though shaken up by the experience, the Minnick family has overcome the initial worry and has gained valuable knowledge about the rabies virus. And if anything, Minnick has made the best of her situation, and has a bloodstream full of immunoglobulin to prove it.

“Once you show clinical symptoms of rabies, it’s a 100 percent mortality rate.”

-John Hutton

6 features

#Twitter is Trending @MarianHighSchool alexamoore

“@

ConanOBrien: My goldfish is either planking or dead.”

You hear it on the news or entertainment shows. It can bring news, updates, controversy, laughter, tears and smiles. It’s hundreds of millions strong and growing every day. What is it? Twitter.

Twitter is a social networking site that allows users to express thoughts and feelings through 140 character tweets. Users are also allowed to “follow” anyone else on Twitter, whether it be celebrities, family members or friends. Users can “mention” other users in their own tweets, and hashtags are used to sum up a tweet. To mention someone, one must use the @ and then the other user’s name. To make a hashtag, the user must use the # followed by a word or words without spaces. Tweeters can then click on the hashtag to see other tweets with the same hashtag.

The recent boom in Marian girls getting Twitter accounts seems to be growing larger. Some prefer to use it to follow their favorite celebrities, catch up on current events within social circles, or simply to communicate with friends and family.

Whatever the reason, Marian girls are taking Twitter by storm.

Junior Lauren Tussey is an avid tweeter. “I love to follow @ gingerproblems because their tweets are hilarious and I relate to them easily, being a ginger myself! For example, once they tweeted ‘I have more freckles than the mileage on my car’, and I thought ‘story of my life....’” Tussey also uses Twitter to keep up on current events, especially 9/11.

Sophomore Carly Steinauer also loves to tweet, especially to Ke$ha. She tweeted to Ke$ha before her recent concert in Council Bluffs.“I believe my exact tweet was ‘I’d give all my teeth to go to your Omaha concert #yourbiggestfan’ and Ke$ha tweeted back ‘why aren’t you coming?’” Steinauer also uses

graphic by zoeursick and nicolewojtalewicz Twitter to relieve stress and to avoid judgement and those envied Facebook likes. “You can say whatever you want without any pressure for people to like or comment on it,” Steinauer said.

Many use Twitter just for fun as well. Junior Morgan Harms uses it for just that reason. “I like twitter because I think it is funny. There isn’t really a point to it. I mean, telling everyone where you are and your thought of that moment... really? It’s like the creepy version of Facebook,” Harms said.

Although Twitter is a fun social networking site, it is also known as a waste of time. It is blocked at Marian, but that doesn’t hinder the amount of tweets sent by Marian girls. Most tweets are sent by phones, so many people tweet conveniently on-the-go.

Whether it be for fun, to keep up on current events, or to keep tabs on favorite celebrities, Twitter is making its mark on Marian.

How to Hold an Intelligent Conversation About:Football trinitygleason

I

Langdon and her family are regular viewers of both Husker n a state like Nebraska, it’s hard to understand why people games on Saturdays and NFL games on Sundays. don’t like to watch football. In fact, many Nebraskans say Their love of the game extends far beyond the reaches of a they bleed red, literally and figuratively.

TV, to the actual turf of high school stadiums.

Eighty-three Marian girls (surveyed out of 148) say that the Or does it?

Nebraska Huskers are their favorite college football team.

“The girls go to watch guys run around in skin-tight pants But what is it and guys go to support that draws them to their friends. Only football? Why are they e g o e r l family and friends pay l P football fanatics?

Co attention when their “I love the physical loved ones play,” senior game compared Ty O’Neal said while to a net between observing an Omaha the players,” senior North game.

Carolyn Wolfe said.

“My brother played “The game can for [Creighton] Prep get so intense and last year [and I] didn’t pull anyone in,” miss one game except junior Samantha for the last game which Sandhoefner said. was on freshman In a Utopian world, retreat night,” Langdon Sandhoefner would be said. correct with the idea Family ties seem of everyone loving to be strong enough football. However, that even non-football this is not a Utopian watchers, like Peterson, society, and there are go to high school several students who games. aren’t drawn to the “I go to support my cult-like fan club that nephew, a freshman is football. at Creighton Prep,” “The game drags Peterson said. on forever, making However, the real frequent and annoying draw to games seems to pauses,” sophomore be friends.

Maggie Witzenburg NFL vs NCAA Do you know the difference between college and pro“I would go to see said.

“It’s uninteresting fessional teams? 1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2. Nebraska Cornhusk- my friends from other ers 3. Ohio State Buckeyes 4. University of Iowa Hawkeyes 5. Univer- schools and socialize and way too long,” sity of Kansas Jayhawks 6. Green Bay Packers 7. Pittsburgh Steelers with everyone I don’t junior Bridgit normally get to see 8. Dallas Cowboys 9. New York Giants 10. Minnesota Vikings Peterson agreed. everyday,” Sandhoefner “I was never taught graphic by zoeursick said. the rules or had “All my friends go football explained, so [to games] therefore I go,” Peterson said. “It’s something to do on I don’t know what’s happening most of the time,” Peterson adds. a Friday night.”

Even if they did know everything about the sport, neither Humans are extremely social beings, but sometimes the Witzenburg nor Peterson would watch football. “[The game] is socializing of others gets on the nerves of those who are trying so long,” Witzenburg said. “I have no motivation to learn about to watch and enjoy the game. it [because] no one in my family watches it.”

“All the teens want to talk when I want to watch the game,” Perhaps that is the difference between those who watch Langdon said about high school games. “I hate when people are football and those who do not-- nature versus nurture. in your way when you want to watch the game!”

Carolyn Wolfe grew up on football; every weekend her During football season, Nebraska is no longer just a state family sits down with popcorn, Hector’s queso dip and a fridge but Husker Nation. Thousands of people gear up for game days stocked full of pop to watch the game. in hopes of the Huskers continuing their winning streak of 4-0.

“If it is not on TV, we go to sports bars and stay until the But don’t forget that in the sea of red there are splotches of other game is over [or] we will go to people’s houses and watch it,” colors in support of other teams or no team at all.

Wolfe said.

Football fanatics should try not to put non-believers down Now that is the kind of dedication sophomore Meghan because of their lack of knowledge of the former’s beloved Langdon can relate to. “If we are out of town, we’ll go out of our sport. Those that are at games just to socialize should also be way to find a bar and grill and ask to watch the game. We don’t considerate of the people who are deeply embedded in the game.

Respect goes both ways. miss a game,” Langdon said.

We’ve Got the Blues for Blue Jeans Through the Ages emilyfischer

J

eans. Everyone has them, everyone wears them. Few actually know where and when the trend began and why has denim withstood the test of time.

Believe it or not, people started wearing denim in the 1500s.

In fact, denim gets its name from a town in France called Nimes.

At the time, the material was referred to as “Serge de Nimes” which translates to “material from Nimes.” Blue jeans first boomed in popularity during the California Gold Rush of 1849 when miners wanted pants made of a strong material that they could wear while working in the mines. Jeans were the perfect fit, being durable and not easily torn.

One of the first men to supply the miners with these jeans was Leob Strauss. Strauss moved to San Francisco in 1853 and later changed his name to Levi Strauss. In 1885, a pair of Levi copper-riveted overalls cost $1.25. However, when a pair of Levi Strauss jeans dating back to the 1800s was recently found in an abandoned mine, they sold for more than $25,000.

“Are you kidding me?!” junior Kara Murphy exclaimed.

“Why would anyone pay that much for a pair of jeans? The most I’ve ever paid was $130 for a pair of Miss Me Jeans,” Murphy added In the early 1900s, denim was common attire for working class Americans. Not referred to as “jeans” until the 1960s, blue jeans as we know them today were called “waist overalls.” The popularity of denim in the 1930s can be traced to Western movie stars.

Throughout the Depression, many Americans depended on one pair of jeans to get them from place to place. Jeans had not yet become a token of fashion- instead they were favored for

Flatter Your Figure:

Denim

their practicality.

During the 1950s, jeans were popularized by stars like James Dean and Elvis Presley. In the 60s, “rebellious” teenagers began wearing jeans to school.

“When my mom was growing up, her dad wouldn’t let her or her siblings wear jeans because he thought they were ‘hippie clothes’,” junior Kristin Nietzel said.

By the 1980s, jeans came in all forms. Acid washed, frayed, cuffed, tight, multicolored, embellished...the list goes on and on. In addition to jeans, denim also became the fabric for other clothing, including jean jackets and denim shirts.

Kurt Cobain, and other grunge rockers from the early 90s, favored light wash jeans that were ripped at the knees. “I think it’s kind of weird, but it was the style back then. I would probably wear that if I lived in the 90s,” freshman Anabelle McDonald said.

Another fad that took root during the 90s was denim-ondenim.“When I was little, I loved denim on denim. I’m pretty sure I had a denim vest with apples on it,” senior Kayleigh Lewandowski said.

Senior Jackie Tondl agrees. “I rocked denim everything from GAP. I owned the denim. Dresses, overalls...everything.”

Today’s denim has greatly evolved from the material that came from Nimes. Often blended with Lycra or other synthetic materials, modern jeans stretch much more than in years past.

(Think jeggings or PajamaJeans...)

Denim has been around for centuries and it is almost certain that it will be around for even more time to come. What will be the next major change? Only time will tell.

What Jeans Suit your Body Type?

marylouisewoltemath

T

hese tips were recommended by the New York Times and the Jeans Blog...but in the end, it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it!

Cute and Curvy Compliment your curves with a pair of flare denim that will accentuate the right areas, or balance off a pair of skinnys with a flowy tunic on top and boots or heels below! Don’t get too detailed with the stitching or the pockets...stay simple and let your natural curves be the main attraction.

What do Your Jeans Say About Your Style? nicolewojtalewicz

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t a loss for what to wear this weekend? Going to a party?

Wear a pair of jeans. Working on the farm? Wear a pair of jeans. Just lounging around at home? Wear a pair of jeans. Whether you plan on sporting a relaxed, sassy, grunge, or dressy style, jeans are always the way to go. Jeans have always been the go-to look for any outfit, no matter what the occasion.

Their color, cut, and simplicity are unbeatable.

Sophomore Araya Santo wears jeans with every look. “I wear jeans all the time. Depending on what my plans are for the day, I can dress them down with a t-shirt or dress them up,” Santo said. “I love wearing skinny jeans and pairing them with a boot,” Santos said.

Some girls aren’t fond of jeans because they find it difficult to find a pair that is easy to fit into. Sophomore Janae Heaney agrees. “I really love jeans, but they’re hard to fit into, especially if you have a few curves.” Though some jeans may have a difficult fit, there are ways to find the perfect jeans.

It all starts with the style. There’s the artist, flare, cropped, and the ever-so popular “mom jeans.” All of the styles have their own personality; they speak for themselves.

For example, the artist jeans say, “I’m artsy and relaxed. I love to look casual and comfortable.” The artist jean is unconcerned with all the modern styles. Artist jeans are sometimes dirty and splattered with paint, but that’s what makes them so likeable.

Another popular style that seems to keep popping up is the “mom jean.” The mom jean says, “I don’t care if I reach to the bellybutton. I just want to be myself.” Mom jeans don’t care if they are judged. Their only concern is being functional and comfortable.

After an initial style of jeans sets your mood, the color and/ or shade (also known as the wash of the jean) is the next thing to take into account.

A dark wash is perfect for a dressy or sassy look. This particular shade is subtle, yet not too casual to wear to a party or formal function. A dark wash is perfect to pair with some high heels for a night out on the town. It provides a look that is sassy, while not making you look too overdressed.

On the contrary, an extremely light wash goes perfectly with a casual, relaxed look. A light wash is totally laid-back and camouflages dirt easily if you are planning on doing a little dirty work.

No matter what your style, personality, or activity level, jeans are the perfect choice. When it comes to picking out something to wear, there is no competition. Jeans will always win!

Precious Petites Your smaller build complies with many different types of jeans making it easy for you to compliment your body. Go ahead and try different styles because most types of jeans have your body type in mind. The boyfriend, artist, and high-waisted jeans are trendy styles that are waiting to be experimented with.

Love Me Slender

Your lengthy form will give you no troubles when rockin’ the skinny Jeans! These jeans are versatile with any kind of shoe and work for many different occasions. To give the allusion of a more shapely body, slip into some jeans that have flapped pockets in the back.

photos by marylouisewoltemath, pictured: Nicole Wojtalewicz, Maria Barmettler, Claire Wieger, Elizabeth Woltemath

Always on Your Feet: The Athlete Your toned and muscular legs aren’t necessarily begging to don those skin tight jeans.

With skinny Jeans, try a pair that leave extra room around the ankle and make cute folds. Also try a straighter leg that doesn’t suffocate your thighs. With your non-flare jeans, cuffing the bottom will create space between your ankles and the denim. Have fun adding different types of shoes to these classic jeans!

features 7

Controlled Clutter

The System Behind it All

hannahgrace

M

y alarm sounds and I maneuver around my room, donning the polo and skirt I left on my bean bag chair, and my hands feel around on the dresser for my glasses. I’m holding my phone and my headphones before I even turn on a light.

Although my room’s not the hazard zone my sister’s is, things get ugly fast. The room’s dark; of course I trip over the shoes and piles of clothes. And I usually knock more stuff off my dresser than my cat does.

The point is that I thrive in my controlled chaos. So what if I cling onto useless notebooks from freshman year, and whatever I do need on a daily basis is strewn about the house. It never matters where I leave my stuff, because I always leave it in the same place.

I’m predictable.

I know my phone’s either in my backpack, in my pocket, or between the couch cushions.

Stacks of loose papers and old notebooks tower next to my closet. I have a general idea what to expect if I checked them.

It may not look organized, but trust me, I know what I’m doing (being lazy, that’s what).

Anyway, the system works for me . . . as long as I don’t lose my planner.

Unfortunately I have discovered the Achilles Heel of my predictable clutter, and it’s this: don’t touch my stuff. Otherwise my personally encrypted clutter becomes normal clutter, and I’m just as lost as everybody else.

de k n bu

Collecting vs. Cluttering

Displaying old movie posters Having old posters rolled up in the attic

Keeping trophies dusted and shiny in a display cabinet

Trophies are kept in a cardboard box in the closet

Stocking up on soup when it’s on sale Extreme couponing for un needed things Owning all of the Beatles’ records on vinyl

Owning every vinyl record since 1965,

Buying apps for recreational use

Buying into the latest app craze for the sake of

having all of the applications

hannahgrace

haileywolf

C

lutter. Why are Marian girls’ lives so bogged down with this messy junk? As many of you know, TLC’s popular TV show, Hoarding: Burried Alive, features the lifestyles of certain individuals who take the art of collecting to the next level. Although you may not be exposed to cases as extreme as displayed on the show, hoarders may exist within the Marian community.

The simplest explanation for collecting junk is that it becomes routine. It is very easy to just throw dirty clothes on the floor instead of placing them in a hamper. Loading the dishwasher is so much more difficult than leaving a plate on the counter. Socks do not fold themselves, and matching them up takes too much effort. That 10-page Baker paper can wait until tomorrow. This behavior becomes second nature, and clutter begins to accumulate.

Sophomore Paige Taylor is a self-proclaimed messy girl. “I’m really lazy with my room,” Taylor said. “It just takes too much time to put everything away.”

Some “hoarders,” like Taylor, argue that there is no organizational solution to their sloppy habits. Little do they know (or care to know, for that matter), there are readily available means to control their junk. There are containers of every shape and size sitting in the local housewares store for storing the useless junk that accumulates over one’s lifetime.

!

T U O K A E P S

How do you define your clutter?

“It is not intentionally messy. Things just stack up and I don’t always get to them. It’s managed chaos.”

Seth Bryant, technology assistant

8 indepth

“My trunk is like my own walk-in closet. . . My life just gets so hectic that it is easier to keep things in my car.”

Emily Swett ‘12

“One day I was cleaning out one of my drawers and found my old stitches in a plastic bag.”

“I found two retainers in my closet. I still don’t know whose they are.”

Hannah Knight ‘14

Anna Pope ‘13

What is the most random thing you have stumbled upon in your clutter?

the

“The container suppliers are not to blame; they are simply meeting the demands of consumers. We have to admit that we are out of control when it comes to buying, we have too much stuff that we don’t need in our homes and our lives,” Ranka Burzan said in The SOS Guide to Organize and Clean Your Home.

However, some Marian girls do not care to drown themselves in everyday clutter. Junior Lauren Gibbs has figured out a system that keeps her life organized. “It has to be done right the first time,” Gibbs said. “It takes time, but everything has a place. If something is lost, that’s because it isn’t in it’s place.”

For the typical teen who does not posses the same organizational mindset as Gibbs, it is easy to want to keep items he or she attaches to certain memories.

Why would someone throw out a medal they won in the fourth grade spelling bee, or purge their favorite McDonald’s toy from 1999 when they can store it away?

When ordinary objects become memories, the junk starts to pile up. If something may one day prove useful, there is a certain reluctance to give up these potentially handy items.

Whatever the reasons foe the level of messiness you may maintain, nevermind if you thrive in chaotic conditions or if you prefer to live in a cleaner setting, keep a watchful eye on the mess. Your friends may see you on the next episode of Hoarders.

Source: 155 students surveyed online in September

How cluttered are you?

Take this simple quiz and find out!

1. What do you do with your uniform when you get home from school?

a. Throw it on the floor of your bedroom

b. Toss it on your chair or bed

c. Tuck it nicely in a drawer

d. Fold, iron, and hang it 2. Which of the following is true:

a. You own multiple participation awards received before the 4th grade

b. You can’t seem to let go of that 3rd grade soccer medal

c. You only keep awards through high school

d. Each award is labelled and filed in date and time order 3. Approximately how long after your laundry comes out of the dryer does it take you to put it away?

a. You just wear everything out of the basket until it is time to do another load

b. You pull things out of the basket for a few days until the wrinkling gets out of hand

c. They stay in the basket for less than a day or else wrinkling will set in

d. The clothing goes straight from your washer to your dryer to your drawer every time

If you answered mostly...

As: You are one year of memorabilia away from making an appearance on “Hoarders” Bs: You may have been accused of major cluttering habits before, but you still have a limit Cs: You maintain organized balance only allowing a little room for error Ds: You are not human. No one is that clean.

hannahtoohey & katykohlmeyer

Clutter Quiz!

Graphic by: katykohlmeyer

4. Describe the contents of your locker:

a. Remnants of last week’s lunch, a mobile library, enough clothes to outfit your entire block A

b. Some extra T-shirts, notebooks, and upside down textbooks

c. A to-do dry erase board hanging above mostly organized textbooks

d. Textbooks and notebooks stacked in block order

indepth 9

Stop, drop,

photo op! michaelamcdonald & kalanifortina

W

hat do ice cream cones, planks of wood and owls have in common? Each of these objects are the inspirations for the new worldwide phenomenons: coning, planking and owling.

The act of coning is the oddball of the three, but in the Omaha metro, it seems to be one of the most popular. Coning is not for the faint of heart. It requires about a dollar worth of change, a car, and a lot of bravery.

Owling and planking have the same general idea. Owling is when a human tries to imitate an actual owl by crouching into a somewhat-fetal position and staring up at his or her observers. The tentative definition of planking is when a person tries to imitate a plank of wood in a humorous way. Planking was discovered in Australia by a viral video on YouTube. The video depicted an Australian newscaster lying flat across the newsdesk “planking”.

At this point readers may be thinking, “Why would anyone want to imitate a piece of wood?” My advice to these readers, do not hate until you have tried laying flat across a grocery cart, then, feel free to judge.

The Planking Sensation That’s Sweeping the Nation

Y

ou’ve probably heard of it.

It’s the act of laying one’s body atop something unusual, horizontally, arms at the side, legs stuck straight out, and demonstrating deep core body strength.

Planking.

The planking phenomenon hit its peak this summer, and many Marian girls have tried it out. Junior Kellyjo Steier said, “I planked once this summer at Regency Pool. It was kinda weird... haven’t done it since.”

Although many find it strange, many others find it very humorous and entertaining. So, hey, whatever floats your boat.

Planking sounds like a lot of work to me, especially coming up with a creative and original planking background, which is crucial. Although some may never understand the meaning behind planking, it’s a phenomenon we’ll just have to learn to love.

Own The Cone

“

Olivia Hersheiser ‘12

Who wants to go to Burger King?” You announce your quick run to the nearest fast food drive thru and your friends explode with excitement. Driving up to the window after ordering a single cone, you pay your dues (approx. $0.97) and stare at the large twist cone, traveling at an accelerating pace at your 9:00.

You take a swig of ice cold water, swallow your nervous jitters and as the employee breaks the barrier of the BK environment into the outside world, you speak your last words to your passengers, “No. One. Laugh.”

The car sounds like a silent chapel as “Drake”, the dedicated Burger King employee, hands you your receipt and change.

The moment you have been living for has arrived. The world feels like it is at a stand still. As Drake grabs the glistening cone and passes through the threshold once more, you reach out and grab the cone.

“What are you doing?” Drake exclaims.

You’ve done it, you’ve grabbed the bull by the horns, or in this case, the cone by the ice cream.

A final beware to all who attempt to cone. The art of coning is not without its enemies. There maybe some “Drakes” who do not find your attempt at humor to be tasteful. Therefore, the “coneblock” may be initiated from behind the fast food window.

A “coneblock” is when the employee anticipates your “coning” move and swirls into defense mode. The cone will be retracted, and you will most likely be confronted with a peeved employee.

In its entirety, coning can be considered a prank. There are many ramifications to this high-intensity prank, a frozen hand, a bruised ego, and a sweet treat not consumed. However, if successful, this is such a monumental prank that can satisfy your humorous conscience for days on end.

Sister Joan Houtekier

Howling About Owling

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verybody knows owls are cute. So cute, it seems, that much of the younger generations have started taking pictures of themselves, pretending to pose like the furry little creatures. A little weird, if you ask anyone over the age of 15. But, admittedly, it’s pretty funny. Some people are just able to capture the perfect face, with the perfect background, and the perfect scrunched-up body that will just tickle you head-to-toe.

So here’s how it works: You run around town to find the perfect spot, climb on top of something odd, crouch down, stare off into the distance like an owl, and have someone take a picture of you. You then post this picture onto the social networking site of your choice, sit back, and watch people of the Internet tell you how awkwardly funny you are. Owling takes time and originality for the “owl,” so I’ll continue to be a viewer and chuckle at an original idea that comes up every once in a while.

have you ever planked, coned, or owled?

“I owled one lake hou time on the co k un s wor I e doing so e. I didn’t reall ter at my frien r y know ds’ my frien whe nd sat Y w B d h a C j t o ie ust t I was with my to T his fr ready t o n i eyes rea ook a picture o f me lly wide lked cone as e out up to s a McKenzie w o p en.”

Buchana boy anilla is phon e was ked it e n ‘15 n h v h o ” ic ime, for a g with l what t he p round. t e g u d l in “On aske laugh ould te unter b on the nce o d l o n o e o a c d ap tabl ure. I he c lande nk in ... t a s a l d p n n e t t o i t o i a c 12 fr dt a pi cone e, and ortis ‘ “I trie three of my up floating e k e a P m t d th h t with h ende g.” set w it a Hanna c u I m y tt nin re we pre then drow ‘14 , th p u Vosik Katie

Bridget Brich ‘12

Ms. Maria Hahn

10 features

photos by michaelamcdonald, clairetroia, catelinhotz, kalanifortina & danimorrell

Mrs. Karen Brown

Annie Skradski ‘13, Ally Pietrok ‘13, Jessica Samuelson ‘12, and Rachel Langenfeld ‘12

Nikki Ohlinger ‘14

Byrne Breaks Barriers:

Knight Auditions with Crusaders and Jays

gabriellamartinez-garro

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ith sweaty palms and racing hearts, students from both Marian and Creighton Preparatory made their way into “The Church,” the building where musical auditions for Footloose took place on Aug. 22.

Acting auditions had just begun, each person was called up to read a scene from the script, when suddenly a boy walked in. Though late, this arrival should have seemed nothing out of the ordinary.

However, this student was not from Marian or Creighton Prep, but instead, from Mount Michael. John Byrne, a senior at Mount Michael and brother of a 2010 Marian grad, was trying out for the musical. Since 2009, this collaboration has only included Marian girls and Creighton Prep boys.

The 72nd street schools’ close relationship

has allowed the two to merge their performing arts programs. This union has given Marian and Creighton Prep the opportunity to perform at the Omaha Community Playhouse, an expensive undertaking that would not be possible without the financial generosity and talent that Creighton Prep has provided.

However, the collaboration has discouraged students from other schools to audition.

This year, John Byrne was an exception. “When I was younger, I always went to Marian shows and saw how great they were. Since then, it’s always been one of those things I’ve wanted to do, but I haven’t really had an opportunity,” Byrne said.

This year, Mount Michael found themselves without a director and without a musical, a situation that left Byrne without an outlet for his artistic talent. This tricky

ordeal led to a generous decision by both the directors of the musical and Marian’s Head of School, Mrs. Susan Toohey. “Because his school did not allow for opportunities that other students have, we allowed him to audition. It was an act of compassion,” director Mr. Luke Ostrander said.

“My mom called Mrs. Toohey and explained the situation, that’s how I got permission,” Byrne explained. As for the audition process, Byrne said “I was nervous, but glad it was finally happening, and everyone made me feel at home.”

After a successful read-through and voice audition, things were looking bright for Byrne. As the fateful cast list was posted, Byrne discovered his role. He was cast as Garvin, a small supporting role which also included participating in the chorus.

After auditioning and being cast in the musical, Byrne decided to decline the offer. “I hadn’t planned on being able to audition and I just saw Duchesne’s play as a good opportunity that would be less likely to cause any unrest,” Byrne said.

“We still uphold our collaboration with Creighton Prep, this was a one time exception because of his unfortunate situation and the fact that we knew John [Byrne] through past Marian productions, such as Pops Concert. If our students were in the same situation, I would hope that they would be given the same opportunity,” Ostrander said.

Though he may not be cuttin’ Footloose this fall, Byrne says he will definitely be in attendance Marian girls of all grade levels gather round in a circle singing numbers and wishes the cast the from Footloose for the fall play auditions. The musical consists of 15 best of luck.

numbers which will be performed on Oct. 28, 29, and 30. photo by meganandreasen

A Flavor Explosion!

Marian Girls Share Unique Culinary Combinations clancynelson

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rom meat lovers to chocoholics, everyone has a food they call their favorite. Food is something that can be experienced in so many different ways, and it is up to the eater to decide how he or she would like to indulge. Across the globe people are eating foods a typical Marian girl wouldn’t dare try. Or would she?

While you munch on your turkey sandwich at lunch, halfway around the world in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong natives are chowing down on a delicious piece of cat. In Cambodia, people are filling up on fried tarantulas. Although Marian girls may not be lucky enough to sample such delicacies, some do enjoy experimenting with unique flavor combinations.

Senior Rachel Langenfeld enjoys the bagel, an American breakfast staple, in a completely nontraditional way. Rather than using the common bagel spreads of cream cheese and/or butter, Langenfeld tops her bagels with jelly, cheese, and mustard. Yes, all at once. Talk about a flavor explosion!

“It sounds gross, but it really isn’t,” Langenfeld said about her crazy breakfast sandwich.

This unusual combination of flavors started with her grandmother and has been passed down through her family.

“My grandma made it for my mom when she was little and ever since my mom made it for me; I have really enjoyed eating it,” Langenfeld explained.

“When I eat grapes, I eat the skin first, then I eat the actual grape... I’ve been doing it for forever.”

Kim Barry ‘12

“My favorite food is mashed potatoes with corn and ketchup in it. I usually don’t tell people that though.”

Morgan Harms ‘11

Langenfeld is not the only Marian girl whose mother has shared with her a unique recipe. Sophomore Nora Neary decorates almost every food with ketchup. Her favorite food to eat with ketchup? Macaroni and cheese.

After the success of the the mac n’ ketchup combo, introduced by her mother, Neary decided to try even more foods dunked in the tasty red paste.

“My mom always liked macaroni and ketchup so I tried it, and liked it. Then I wanted to try other foods with ketchup,” Neary said. A few other noteworthy mixtures include ketchup on pizza, or fish.

Freshman Kayla Sullivan shares her crazy food favorite--peanut butter and pickle sandwiches! “I had a friend when I was younger who would eat these and so I would ask my mom to make them for me,” Sullivan shared. Sullivan considers pickles to be a convenient addition to the sandwich. “If I’m out of jelly at my house, I’ll just use pickles.”

Marian girls’ strange eating preferences are observed by Marian’s cafeteria staff.

Staff member Mr. Bill Agnew, known to many as the ice cream man, notes “Once I saw a girl squirt mustard into her chili.”

Food can be as simple or as exotic as one may desire. Half the fun of eating is creating new recipes and combining new flavors. What one girl may never dare try could be another’s favorite indulgence.

What are your weird eating habits? photos by clancynelson

“I can’t eat cottage cheese without eating peanut butter before it.”

Jenn Gillespie ‘12

“I like to eat sandwiches of peanut butter and cheese. Some people think that it’s gross, but I think it’s tasty!”

Poorna Ramasubramanian ‘11

features 11

What’s All the Squeak About?

The 411 on the mice ‘supposedly’ sighted in Marian’s home locker room nicolewojtalewicz

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Gabbie Jonas ‘15

If you were a mouse living in the home locker room, what kind of food would be most appetizing to you?

graphic by nicolewojtalewicz

hey love to maneuver their way through small cracks at Marian, eat leftover lunches, and hide in small crevices. But who, exactly, are these visitors?

Mice. In the home locker room.

For the past several weeks, Marian has supposedly been visited by a few unwelcome guests.

This leaves most students shaking in their boots, or rather, their gym shoes. The thought of walking into the locker room and seeing little rodents scurry across the floor and shimmy into a hole is not ideal. It’s like seeing a spider in your room, but when you look back a second later, it isn’t there anymore.

This feeling has left many Marian girls too afraid to even enter the locker room to change for gym class or sporting events. “Mice in the locker room kind of freaks me out,” senior Emily Pieper said. “They are my least favorite animal and the thought of them running around the school makes me freak out.”

The real question is, how were these mice discovered and why did they decide to make Marian their temporary home?

Sure, Marian girls consider the school to be their “home away from home,” but not many students would have guessed the mice would feel the same way.

The most obvious reason for the sudden arrival is food. “The locker room is notori-

ous for having food stored in it in the past,” maintenance man Mr. Tim Eoratti said.

“I think a lot of girls don’t think about the consequences of leaving food out,” front office manager Mrs. Karen Brown said. Many students don’t realize that at this time of year, mice are trying to get indoors to stay warm. Leaving food around only encourages them to come.

It is common knowledge that a lot of students sneak a snack or two

“They are my least favorite animal and the thought of them running around the school makes me freak out.” - Senior Emily Pieper

“Cheez-its because they have cheese.

Or I might like the odor of the clothes.”

Maggie Gell ‘14

“Probably Nutrigrain bars or maybe Gatorade. . . anything with sugar.”

throughout the day, and many of us are guilty of having open bags of food in our backpacks or lockers.

This definitely does not help with the present vermin problem in the home locker room.

According to Vice Principal Mr. Jim Miller, there was only a supposed mouse sighting, but this does not mean it still isn’t a problem. Eoratti has placed sticky traps around the locker room, but states, “I haven’t seen any mice caught in the traps yet.” Eoratti noted this was not the first time that a mouse was sighted at Marian. “I’ve seen a mouse in the Quad before,” Eoratti said.

Mr. Shane Beck, another maintenance man, noted that a few years ago, there was a pest of a different kind at Marian. After MarianFEST, the maintenance crew found an op-

Emily Ford ‘13

“I would like crumbs from people’s snacks or trash on the ground.”

possum lurking around in the Quad.

“How long he was in the building, we don’t know,” Beck said. He also added, “A main source is the doors that are left open.”

When the doors are propped open around the school, it gives animals a chance to sneak in.

Eoratti is also in charge of Marian’s lunch program. The cafeteria takes many preventative measures in making sure the food is safe from any type of rodent.

“I check in the kitchen for mice every day because people leave the door open and they can get in. We do it

Katie Schaenzer ‘12

“Maybe peanut butter. . . or peanut butter sandwiches left over from lunch.”

as a precaution. If there is a sign that a mouse came in contact with any food, the food is thrown out,” Eoratti said. Because of these precautions, Marian passes all health inspections, and there is no problem with contaminated food.

Marian is not the only place that is sure to take these precautions. “Rodents are a problem everywhere,” Eoratti said.

At the moment, the rodent situation is under control and will hopefully not be a problem in the future. Marian will be hearing no more “squeaks” from those pesky mice.

“I haven’t seen any mice caught in the traps yet.”

- Maintenance man Mr. Tim Eoratti

Kicking Cancer in the Bud Young cancer patient determined to play Marian soccer colleenfell

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he Bonams are undoubtably be inoperable and is growing quickly. a soccer family. Their three However, according to her Caringdaughters Danell, Kendall, Bridge site, she has been responding and Jordyn all play for Toro Soccer well to radiation treatments. Despite Club and love every minute of it. all of this, Jordyn’s dream has been However, following this passion is kept intact: she wants to play soccer not easy to do with cancer. at Marian High School.

The youngest Bonam, 9-year-old “Our family watches all of the Jordyn, or “JJ” Marian soccer as her family games,” Jorcalls her, was dyn’s mother, diagnosed Mrs. Keisha with Pontine Bonam said.

Glioma, “We keep which is an track of the extremely rare stats, all that. form of canWe really cer that forms love Marian on the brain soccer.” stem and can Soccer affect the is not the spinal cord. only thing The family that Jordyn discovered loves about that Jordyn Marian. Her had a brain mother extumor this plained that At Worst, I Feel Bad For a While, past July, just she loves as Jordan was every aspect, but Then I Just Smile. Jordyn waits prepping to despite one for school with a smile. Currently, compete in concern.

Jordyn is home from school while the Corn“Jordyn is treatment is taking place. photo husker Classic such a fashcourtesy of the Bonam family Track Meet. ionista so Her parents, she is a little thinking that she was simply sufbit worried about the uniforms.” fering heat exhaustion, took Jordyn Claire Zach, an ‘05 Marian graduto Children’s Hospital where they ate, knows firsthand the joy of playdiscovered the heartbreaking truth: ing soccer for four years at Marian.

Jordyn has brain cancer.

“When I learned about Jordyn’s battle Jordyn’s tumor is considered to with brain cancer and her lifelong

12 active life

dreams of becoming a high school or college soccer player, all I wanted was to allow her to experience as much of her dreams as possible. To be honest, when I heard that her dream was to play at Marian, I got goosebumps. As athletes, we tend to take experiences for granted sometimes,” Zach said.

Jordyn and her family are determined to make sure that she is able to live out her dream. Her family says that their hope is made possible through their amazing support system. “We have our soccer family, our education family, and all of our other family and friends. Everyone has been amazing and great,” Bonam said.

Judging by the crowds that showed for a spaghetti dinner benefit for Jordyn on Sept. 18, this notion was verified. Walking through the doors of Burke High School, the aroma of marinara sauce was not the only thing in the air.

There was also a strong presence of love, support, and family, but most importantly, there was a feeling of joy and hope.

When reflecting on how her faith life has been impacted by Jordyn’s health, Bonam said, “I definitely pray a lot more now than I used to, but now for different things. . . I wouldn’t wish this upon any family.”

According to her CaringBridge page, Jordyn is now off radiation treatments and is in better spirits. However, Jordyn has had one unexpected change in her health: her appetite. “Right now, Jordyn is on

“Marian soccer is like my second steroids, so her life is all about food,” family, honestly. Ed [Dudley] does Bonam said. “She’s the kind of kid such an amazing job at creating that eats healthy food all the time; such a comfortable atmosphere for she loves fruits and vegetables. But everyone, having the other night so much fun yet she says, ‘Mom, working hard all I want Taco the time. Four Bell. I keep years fly by!” seeing tacos.’

Tondl also She doesn’t plays for the same even like Taco soccer club that Bell,” Bonam Jordyn and her said with a sisters do. laugh.

“I’ve never acLittle does tually met her [JorJordyn know Going Once, Going Twice. dyn], but she plays how many Bidders at a spaghetti dinon a younger team people’s lives ner benefit for Jordyn look to in the club I play her story has make purchases. Hundreds for. Everyone was touched. One of Jordyn’s supporters came made aware of Jorbig supporter of to the event on Sept. 18 at dyn’s situation this Jordyn is Marian Burke High School. photo by past summer and Varsity soccer colleenfell we’ve been doing coach, Mr. Ed tons of fundraisers Dudley. to help offset her medical expenses. I When he heard of the battle that did get the chance to coach her older Jordyn is fighting and her goals, twin sisters, though, and they are the Dudley said, “I think it’s very flattercutest, most optimistic girls who I ing that she thinks that much of the don’t think I will ever give up hoping program and of our kids.” Dudley is also determined to help Jordyn’s for their little sister,” Tondl said.

Knowing this, Tondl offered addream come true. vice to Jordyn and her family saying, He says that in the spring time, the Marian soccer team will be happy “Never give up hoping and fighting because there are so many people to have Jordyn on the bench with the out there pulling for Jordyn and we’ll team sporting an oh-so-fashionable Marian uniform of blue and white. never stop, no matter how bad things may get. Also, just make the most of Senior Jackie Tondl understands whatever time you have because life just how gratifying the experience is too short to be wasted worrying of playing Marian soccer can be. about the future.”

Playing for four years, Tondl said,

Softball Slides Home faithwilwerding & hannahtoohey

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“Our goal this year was to create a [student] fan base.”

- Senior Erin Fitzsimmons

he sun is shining, dust is flying, and the clink of softballs hitting bats fills the air. It’s a typical evening for the Marian softball team. “I love playing outside. You get to be out in the sun and fresh air,” senior Alec Morand said.

Unfortunately, unlike indoor sports, inclement weather sometimes prevents the team from playing games or fans from attending. Many students are hesitant to attend games in the burning heat or chilly rain.

“Our goal this year was to create a [student] fan base,” Senior Erin Fitzimmons said. The team feels that their parents are great supporters, rain or shine, but many softball players wish that more Marian students would

attend games.

Marian’s Spirit Club is working to make that happen by encouraging students to attend games and by hosting a poster-making contest to decorate the school in support of the softball team. Unfortunately, most students haven’t had the opportunity to attend a game this season.

Marian’s team loves playing on their home field, located right by sophomore lot, especially because Marian’s softball field is ranked one of the best in the state. The team practices for two and a half hours every day after school.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot.

Varsity player freshman Jordan Tejral makes a hit for Marian against Burke High School. photo by faithwilwerding

Focus From Behind the Fence.

The Junior Varsity softball team watches from the dugout as a teammate makes a hit. photo by hannahtoohey

“We have a lot of people hitting really well [this year],” Varsity coach Al Leaders said. “We’re better than last year. We can focus and play well together as a team,” freshman Jordan Leeds said.

All of their hard work gets put to the test during their short season. Many team members enjoy playing a sport whose season is shorter than others.

“It’s short, sweet, and to the point,” senior Karyn Gohr said.

As of Sept. 30, the JV team had a record of 10-5, and the Varsity team had a record of 5-9. Softball districts take place on Oct. 6 and 7 (location to be determined). The state games will be held on Oct. 12, 13 and 14 in Hastings, NE.

Wind it Up! Senior Varsity pitcher Biz Steinauer winds up for a pitch that resulted in a strike. photo by faithwilwerding

Team Marian Girls Along for the Ride Terminology catelinhotz

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“My favorite part is going down hills!

I love the feeling of the wind rushing through my face.”

- Junior Emily Ford

Whether it’s running through the campus of MHS, or doing nonstop layups in the gym, Marian athletics offers a variety of conditioning techniques. What makes these so different from the average conditioning? The terminology. One could ask a volleyball player and a cheerleader to tell them about “The Mountain” and they would get two totally different definitions. Confusing, right? Hopefully this can educate you in your Marian team terminology.

Teresa Randall ‘13 Mr. Luke Ostrander Ali Leighton ‘15

go down head first. I would only go on flat surfaces at first,” Skradski said of her fear.

“My parents were also worried about safety when I first started boarding, but now my mom thinks it’s hilarious. My dad probably doesn’t even know what long boarding is,” Ford said.

Not only is long boarding an enjoyable, relaxing activity for a Sunday afternoon, but a competitive lifestyle for many across the nation.

While no Marian girls have had the opportunity to compete for a title yet, young adults spend hours preparing for such competitions on the national and international level.

Most competitions take place on the West and East coasts, as long boarding is more popular there.

Some competitions that represent the Midwest take place in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. First, second, and third place prizes range from money to long boarding gear to sponsorship by a company. Success in these competitions is difficult to gain as the competition is stiff!

“It’s easy to learn the basics, but it takes a long time to perfect it,” Skradski said. “I’m still not very good and I started six months ago, but I keep trying!”

Annie Loveless ‘12

alifornia surfer dudes, punk try to get out every day. “I love just sk8r boys, long boarding being able to relax while I ride, I do it Marian girls? To an average just for fun!” Bolamperti added. The high school student, the third catgirls found a long board, complete egory of this trio would seem out of with stripes and a picture of Bob place, but not to the multiple Marian Marley, while at Ginger girls who have recently taken up long Cove and decided to try boarding as a sport. it out. “Ginger Cove is “I started long boarding last the best place to board summer. A lot of my friends because the streets are have boards and we would go so smooth,” Bolamperti downtown and board when said. the weather started getting While nice...then me and my sister long boarding is decided to buy one!” a fun and relaxing junior Annie Skradski experience for most, said of her long boardit can be dangerous. ing experience.

Most recreational Long boarding is a and professional type of skate boarding riders do not wear that is said to feel like protection such as surfing on pavement. helmets or pads.

Boarders participate “Most people never in downhill, cruising wear anything... and carving, slalom that’s why every(going in and out of one gets obstacles), dancing huge scars!” Skradski (walking and spinning said. “But I probably should moves), free-riding, and because the very first vert and sliding (effective night we had it my sister technique of breaking) was riding down a hill and boarding. crashed and cracked half of Junior Emily Ford her left front tooth off! has also recently After that, she was picked up hesitant to get back the art on her board but after of long about two days photo illustration boarding. “My she got over by catelinhotz favorite part is it,” Skradski said. going down hills!

As danger is an I love the feeling issue with long boarding, some of the wind rushing against my face,” girls who are first time long boardFord said. ers are nervous to pick up the new Ford and classmate Lindsay hobby. “When I first started I was so Bolamperti share a long board and scared that I was going to biff it and

Q: What do you th A: “A state. . . isn ink a North Carolina is? ’t Reality: “A full ou North Carolina a state?” t soccer field, and 100 yd. sprint to the end of a a less than 36 seco full sprint back to the start in nds. It is brutal.”

- Soccer Coach Ed Dudley

tain” is?

“The Moun k in th u yo .”

Q: What do ry volleyball position d back n a ve e rt u g in co n the A: “Do der.” unning dow Reality: “R stops, similar to a lad tykowski with add on Coach Ms. Ronda Mo - Volleyball Q: What do you think “T ster is? he Green M onA: “Mr. Bake r and chasin putting on a green tr g Reality: “A the cross country gir acksuit b ls have our ru ig hill in Benson Park .” n that we n e rs g o u times throu p ghout the se and down several for other hill ason to pre - Mr. Greg s they will encounter. pare Golka ”

” is? think an “Iron Mike Q: What do you e the Heisman one. . . right?” lik A: “Like a pose, th candlesticks (arms in front), Reality: “Lunge wi r lunge with consistent tempo/ and switch to othe speed.” n Gillespie and -Cheerleaders Je Katie Hoffman’12

Photo of Mr. Ostrander courtesy of Charlotte Wortmann

graphic by naomijones

active life 13

Alpine INN-teresting rosalieplofchan

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onight, I go to a place I’ve never dared to go before. I’ve heard rumors, praise and insults, but tonight, I’ll experience the infamous Alpine Inn for myself. Of the four girls that I have talked to about Alpine Inn, two say it has the best fried chicken they’ve ever tasted. One says that the place is disgusting and greasy.

Another said it was odd, but that wouldn’t stop her from going.

Word is there are three items on the menu and you can watch raccoons and feral cats feast on the leftover food.

To me, it sounds like absolute bliss. At 6:15 p.m., I’ll find out for sure...

The scenic view on the drive to the Alpine Inn is an unexpected surprise.

Located about 10 minutes from Marian in Ponca Hills, the Alpine Inn is on the side of a gravel road, surrounded by wilderness-- picturesque.

The smell of fried chicken is in the air as you approach the restaurant, which is definitely

not a bad thing.

As a minor, I walked straight past the bar upon entering and into the restaurant side of the building.

The Alpine Inn’s atmosphere could probably be described as homey. The family-owned restaurant is decorated in what seems to be late ‘70s decor with a lot of wood, which made my trip to the Alpine Inn a mountaineer getaway. The best part of the atmosphere is the large picture window that overlooks the forest.

While eating, I was able to watch cats and raccoons feast on the remains of fried chicken and gizzards which the workers had thrown out.

The owners have created a platform on a tree so the feasting is right in view of guests. Watching fat raccoons, baby raccoons, and a little black kitten suck on the leftover bones made my experience about 76 times more enjoyable. The Alpine Inn hostess said that at one time there were more than 68

Alpine Inn

Monday - Friday 10 a.m.- 1 a.m.

Saturday - Sunday 12 p.m.- 1 a.m.

10405 Calhoun Road Omaha, NE 68112-1320

raccoons outside--delightful.

Now to the food. In contrast to what I had heard, there are a lot more than three items on the menuthere are 12. From the famous fried chicken to livers and gizzards, the courses at the Alpine Inn are large, greasy, and cheap. I sampled a cornucopia of dishes, but the true gem of the Alpine Inn is indeed the chicken. The chicken is the perfect blend of crispy, warm goodness and definitely worth the trip over to the Alpine.

The burgers, potato wedges, and macaroni salad were all pretty average, but I’m not saying I wouldn’t eat it.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The Alpine Inn is a fabulous location for people of any age and has a truly relaxed vibe.

I know I’ll be coming back again and suggest all readers to do the same. Stay tuned for my 18th Birthday Party which I will be hosting at the Alpine Inn.

Macaroni Salad

Nothing special

4/5 Noodles 5/5 Ice Cubes

Fries

Cold, tastes clean, kept it coming

Big, good

Chicken

Delicious, crispy, warm

5/5 Squawks

Burgers

Alright, good taste, not very attractive looking, uniform density throughout...are they the microwave kind?

3/5 Cows

Potato Wedges

A little too soft, not crisp

2/5 Spuds

Overall Food

Get the chicken and fries

5/5 ‘Coons

Water

Overall Experience Loved it!

4/5 Potatoes

5/5 ‘Coons graphic by gabriellamartinez-garro

All-School Read

(402) 451-9988

Some images should stay

Rosalie’s Reviews

Immigration Humanized by Journalist Sonia Nazario

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2-Dimensional haileywolf

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uesday movies at Rave Westroads for $5 are a pocketbookfriendly deal. With normal ticket prices for an evening film climbing to $9, the deal seems even sweeter.

The price of a 3D movie seems like theft comparatively. A regular 3D movie at AMC Oakview will set you back $13. If the IMAX 3D experience sounds thrilling, keep in mind that working two hours at minimum wage will barely earn you enough to cover the cost of the ticket-before popcorn.

Is it worth the extra cash?

The majority of Marian girls say no. Out of 151 survey responders, only 31 noted that 3D movies were worth extra money. “3D movies are not worth the price,” senior Maddie Schlotfeld said. “There isn’t enough actual 3D in the movies to make them worth it. The worst was Shark Night.”

Sophomore Cassidy Schlosser disagrees. “I think 3D movies are worth the price because they make you feel like you are part of the

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movie,” Schlosser said. “They are also just so different from your average theater experience. The best 3D movie I saw was My Bloody Valentine. The 3D made it 10 times more scary!”

Those in the film industry might cite the success of films such as James Cameron’s Avatar and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, both gargantuan box office hits, to their 3D component . On the other end of the 3D spectrum are movies that were not filmed to be shown in 3D, but instead had 3D effects slapped on after filming in an attempt to reap some of the fiscal benefits 3D movies seem to ensure.

One film that hoped in vain to capitalize on the 3D craze was 2010’s Clash of the Titans. This review bashing the added effects, appeared on online movie reviewer cinemablend.com. “. . . They may only look bad because they’ve been post-processed into a 3D mess. Unlike movies

such as Avatar where the film is shot in 3D from the start, or movies like Alice in Wonderland where 3D is planned from the beginning and added at the end, Clash of the Titans appears in 3D only as a lastminute, gimmicky, careless money grab.”

Freshman Fiona Kennedy saw Lion King 3D on its opening weekend. “The 3D effects were cool, but it didn’t change the original aspect of the movie. They didn’t overdo it.” She saw the movie at VillagePointe for $10. “It was worth the extra money to see one of my favorite childhood movies on the big screen. But, I still like the original movie better in its 2D, VHS, old-style-home theatre blue snuggie format.”

It feels like every other movie that opens has the 3D option. With a plethora of 3D films in recent years, the magic they used to inspire has been stolen. What was once a treat is now common, run-of-the-mill entertainment. However, it appears that Hollywood still thinks there’s money to be made.

Juniors Poorna Ramasubramanian and Megan Dennis ask for an autograph from Sonia Nazario after her visit to the journalism classroom. photo by clancynelson

M

any authors strive to give readers a sense of total immersion into their works.

This goal is prominent in the mind of Pulitzer Prize winner and author, Sonia Nazario. Nazario is the author of Marian’s 2011 all-school read, Enrique’s Journey. “I wanted to put readers on top of the train with Enrique and to make them feel that they were alongside him,” Nazario said. Through this emotionally-charged book, readers are provided with a view into the treacherous voyage to the United States alongside a Honduran boy, Enrique.

On Sept. 21, Sonia Nazario arrived at Marian to give a presentation on her book Enrique’s Journey, as well as her life experiences as a “fly-on-the-wall” reporter. As Nazario began her all-school presentation, she swiftly captured the attention of the Marian community, as she divulged into her own journey on the tops of the Central American trains, trying to successfully make it to the United States border just as young Enrique did. Each of Nazario’s presentations gave the Marian community insight on issues such as immigration and human rights. She portrayed herself as a woman who stands for independence and justice and made it clear to her audience that she has become a person whose life goal is to bring the world a sense of hope and a thirst for change. Empowered by her passion for social justice and sense of accomplishment, Nazario has become a beacon of pride for Latino women. As the presentation closed, it was obvious that Sonia Nazario had become a role-model for the young women of Marian, who strive to achieve extraordinary measures. It is also apparent that Pulitzer Prize winner and author, Sonia Nazario embodies the core values and spirit of a Marian girl.

michaelamcdonald

It’s Not Over Yet...

Pottermore opens to public in October hannahgrace

I

solemnly swear that this review contains no spoilers of J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore.

Despairing from the inevitable closure that the final film brought, Potter fans everywhere clung on to the June announcement of the author’s new project in the wizarding world.

J.K. Rowling collaborates with Sony to create an “online reading experience unlike any other.”

Yeah, the announcement was that vague. No one quite understood what J.K. Rowling intended for the online world of Pottermore.com.

Besides the mystery, what really caught the world’s attention was the hint that one million lucky fans would be offered the chance to explore Pottermore before the official release to the public in October (for an exact date, anyone can subscribe for the notification on the website).

That’s like, the Golden Ticket of Harry Potter.

The “7 Books, 7 Days, 7 Chances” challenge presented a clue for the reader to solve before the day’s quota filled with faster people. Day one’s

clue came from book one, day two from book two, and so on.

At 2:45 am of July 31, I refreshed the Pottermore homepage to see if the first elusive clue had been posted yet.

Fully awake and 10 minutes later, I waited for an e-mail to validate my account.

Finally the welcome e-mail to explore the site as a beta tester (a person who tests the far reaches of a website for bugs or errors and gives feedback) arrived in midAugust, during Journalism class.

First thing I’d like to say is that Pottermore is aesthetically beautiful. Each page is literally interactive art. As I progressed through the chapters, I noticed that none of the characters’ faces are shown. This is sensible, as J.K. Rowling wrote the books, and a cut-out of Daniel Radcliffe in an illustrated world could come off as tacky. Pottermore tugs the images of Harry’s world out of our heads and onto the computer screen.

Admittedly, there is no introduction to the controls, and I found the

best way to find content on the site is to click on everything in the pictures. I’ve collected anything from chocolate frog cards, to galleons, to textbooks and potion ingredients.

But by far the crowning jewel of Pottermore appears in the new content Rowling awards the reader when he or she stumbles upon a relevant object in the chapter. I’m under an unbreakable vow of silence to the specifics, but expect articles on various professors, students, and author notes.

Now, Pottermore wouldn’t be a complete Hogwarts experience if there were no opportunity for interaction. Not only do the readers purchase school supplies in Diagon Alley (500 Galleons are given, don’t worry, no credit cards needed), but they are also chosen by a wand, sorted into houses, taught how to cast spells, and make potions.

Making potions is not a joke; it took me nine tries to correctly create a potion to cure boils, and every other time the cauldron exploded.

In some aspects, the

beta version fell short of my expectations, but overall Pottermore impressed me.

The lack of significant audio or music only means that the reader has to listen to the Harry Potter soundtrack on Youtube, so no big loss. As for the pages where nothing interesting happens . . . I’m not sure if I overlooked something, or if the creators only had a picture to show.

I should remind everyone that the purpose of Pottermore is to be read alongside the books (well, Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone, as the other six have yet to be uploaded). The site is supplementary, and is not meant to stand in place of the novels, which may be why some beta testers I’ve encountered remained unsatisfied.

So, as tempting as scouring through the site in one sitting sounds, crack open your copy of The Sorceror’s Stone instead, bring up the Pottermore homepage, and go back to where it all began, with a few new additions.

How well do you know... colleenfell

Across:

T U O K A E P S

What’s your favorite Harry Potter memory?

torinietzel

“ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” This year for the final Harry Potter movie my friends and I dressed up as Luna Lovegood and we got a lot of compliments.

-Sarah Bohnenkamp ‘15

Can I have two? The first time I saw the scene in the sixth movie when Harry drinks the liquid luck. It was so funny. Also when I finished the first book.

-Paige Searl ‘14 First time I went on the castle ride in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter the worker said, ‘Remember Muggles, never tickle a sleeping dragon.’

-Claire Koory ‘13

When the seventh book came out, my nana couldn’t sleep so she bought it and brought it to my doorstep at 6 o’ clock in the morning.

-Carolyn Wolfe ‘12

Drinking Butterbeer in Orlando.

-Mrs. Karen Brown, Front Office Manager

Harry Potter?

6.“Turn to page three-hundred-_______-_______.”

7. Harry and Ron take the ______ twins to the Yule Ball.

8. Which class did Dumbledore teach before he was headmaster?

10. Battle place where Sirius Black is killed: Ministry’s ________ of ________. (2 words) 14. Gryffindor Common Room password. (1st mentioned) 18. In HP and The Order of the Phoenix, where at the Dursleys’ does Harry listen to the news?

21. Original title of first book: Harry Potter and the_______ Stone.

22. A creature you are capable of seeing only if you have seen someone die.

23. Name of Draco Malfoy’s mother.

24. Total number of Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers that HARRY had.

25. Book containing Babbity Rabbity: The Tales of _______ the_______. (2 words) 26. In which part of England do the Dursleys live?

Down:

1. Alternative travel method: ______ network.

2. The “R” in “R.A.B.” found in the necklace horcrux, stands for:_____.

3. What is the meaning of “Albus” in Latin?

4. This spell makes an object levitate.

5. Core of Ron Weasley’s wand: hair of a __________.

9. Luna Lovegood’s Hogwarts house:_______.

11. The Deathly Hallows are first discovered in the Tale of the _______ _______. (2 words) 12. Name of Neville’s toad.

13. Weasley family car: Ford _______.

15. Wizard bank.

16. Hogwarts motto: “Never tickle a sleeping ________.”

17. Who said this: (HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban) “Now repeat after me- without wands please- repeat after me, RIDDIKULUS!” 19. Wand shop.

20. Shape of Hermione’s patronus.

*Answers to crossword available online at: www.omahamarian.org/netpaper/ Crossword created on ArmoredPenguin.com

entertainment 15

Walk the Plank: walk-a-thon 2011 Sweet Victory After hearing of their WalkA-Thon victory, the junior class jumped with joy. Junior Kayla Celello was thrilled to be the winner. “I was really estatic about winning, because I tried really hard. It was almost like Field Day all over again; the adrenaline rush and the excitement of my class was really fulfilling” Celello said. The juniors raised 164 percent of their goal.

Checkpoint! Mrs. Michelle Delisi stands at the second checkpoint and signs junior Maria Corpuz’s sheet. “Every faculty member and many staff members are given several options as far as their duties on the day of WAT. We need adults willing to run, walk, drive support vehicles, work checkpoints, distribute water, cheer students on, and most importantly, keep our students safe,” Megan Piernicky, moderator of Student Board said.

Ahoy Mateys!

Head of School Susan Toohey and Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Casey participated in the Walk-A-Thon.

Most walkers ended up carrying their jackets or tying them around their waist by the walk’s end. The temperature heated up to a high of 75 degrees during the walk.

The Head Pirate Herself Senior and Vice President of Student Board Clancy Nelson announces the winner of WAT. The order went juniors in first, seniors second, freshmen third, sophomores last. “Obviously, I wish our class won, but mostly I’m happy that the school exceeded the goal” Nelson said.

ARRRGG! Sophomores Casey Mainelli, Shannon Casey, Hannah Hertel, and Karina Barek pose for a picture while walking. “I ran the course last year for cross country, but this year I walked and it was really fun!”

Barek said.

Walkin’ the Plank! The Marian student body either walked 2.5 miles if she was a VIP, or 5 miles if she was not. To be a VIP, a student had to have raised $150 by Sept 7. As a student body, the school raised $100,093.13.

photo essay by alexamoore

16 photo essay

photos courtesy of katykohlmeyer abbyjohnson hannahgoracke michaelamcdonald