Vorbach Takes the Helm

Students,teachers, and staff wel-come new principal, Dr. Vorbach.

What’s Inside:

12days since we

beat Ireton

I do not believe that teach-ers should write articles in the student newspaper, but I am going against my principles to urge you to vote in the upcoming election. I have 3 reasons for you. First, this election is a watershed election, like 1932, 1968, and 1980, in which the direction of the county

To The Senior Class, The VotersDr. Joseph LeBlancSpecial to the Visor

might be changed by the outcome. Second, this election is about you. The 21st Century is your century, not mine. By the time you reach my age, will the atmosphere contain so much carbon that life as you know it now is impos-sible? Will as much as a third of your tax dollars go to paying just the interest of a bloated national debt left to you by the politicians? Will your government still be a democracy, in which officials must answer to the people, or will the executive branch refuse to account for its Abu Graibs and warrantless spying on you? This election is about your future. Third, as voters, you are more idealistic than the older voters,

who helped create this awful mess by their cynical attitude of “all of politi-cians are the same---phonies!” This cynicism is actually naïve because it demands less and less of our leaders:

our passive ac-ceptance keeps them from being account-able. You may be discouraged or angry at them, but you have not yet been worn down into agnostic passivity by the relentless campaign com-mercials and

commentators. Keep your ideals and your hopes, as you keep your religious faith, and vote with those hopes. Words are cheap; voting is action.

Of all the changes at O’Connell this school year, arguably the biggest is that we have a new principal, Dr. Joseph Vorbach. O’Connell students have all seen him around the building: introducing himself on the first day of school, greeting students at the main entrance, asking names, and generally making the students feel welcome. Not only is Dr. Vorbach an alumnus, he has innovative new ideas on education, and bold new plans for the future of the school. When speaking of his overall goals for both this year and the future, Dr. Vorbach said, “The big picture for us is academic excellence first, and to have a good holistic Catholic education for everybody that comes here.” Christian leadership for and by the students is another important goal because, he explains, “the environment inside this school is driven, more than anything, by the students.” Vorbach added that he felt wel-comed and encouraged in coming to O’Connell, another major theme of Dr. Vorbach’s administration. He acknowl-edges that he will need the help of the students and O’Connell staff to bring this about. He wants to foster an envi-ronment in which the students “feel a sense of sincerity from the administra-tion and the faculty.” He explains that teachers “want you [the students] to be able to take advantage of the op-portunities you have in front of you.” He wants to continue to improve those opportunities for the students, just as O’Connell did for him during his years of study. Dr. Vorbach also intends to be a good listener; he wants to hear from everyone at O’Connell and will respect O’Connell tradition, that have made things work so well in its storied past. He will take into account all of the answers and feedback from students and faculty and use that information to plan for the future of the school. The “strategic plan” for the school includes improvements in the physical appear-ance and conditions, athletics, and aca-demics- more specifically: classrooms, the athletic fields, teacher training, financial aid, and enrollment. Dr. Vorbach also shared some of his ideas and philosophies on educa-

tion. “The educational experience for the students of the school needs to be focused, meaning that everybody involved in the process needs to have their eye on the ball as far as what is the goal.” He also stresses that “there needs to be a struc-tured environment so the students can get what they came for.” He wants to en-sure that the students also have a challeng-ing environment and can learn and grow by overcoming those challenges. Individ-ual potential of the students is another important factor. Dr. Vorbach explains; “Every kid is dif-ferent; every child is a unique child of God; they have gifts and talents that need to be fostered. We need to make sure that we find ways to have every student involved and find a way to realize that potential.” Somewhat ironically, Dr. Vorbach said that becoming principal was never a part of his plan. “The opportu-nity came to me sort of inexplicably… maybe it was a convergence of a time in your life, the opportunity to make a change, and the opportunity of this job…being made aware that they were looking for someone. ” Students also should know that Dr. Vorbach’s approach to being principal is positive and proactive. “My entering assumption is that everyone is com-

ing in ready, prepared to do their best, including just living with or dealing with the rules that we have that makes it possible for 1400 people to come and go from school every day. I intend to

be as positive as possible, but clearly I have respon-sibilities to make sure that we run our school in an excellent way.” What does O’Connell’s new principal do outside of school? His hobbies include run-ning, playing basketball and reading, when he can

find the time. He also spends

lots of time simply being a parent and enjoying time with his family. Sporting events, musical performances and other social events also occupy space on his calendar. As for the way O’Connell helped him later in life, he comments: “O’Connell was a great environment for me, and it enabled me to move on and take advantage of other opportuni-ties.” There is no doubt that with his plans, his educational ideas, and his experiences as an O’Connell student, Dr.Vorbach will strive to do the same for the students and help them to achieve success for years to come.

Joanna HarkinsStaff Writer

17days until the Chunky Soup

Drive

1day until

SCA Movie Night

Get to know a few of the freshmen!

Meet our six brand new teachers.

Check out what’s going on in fall sports.

The VisorBishop O’Connell High School Volume 51 Issue 1

ObamaThe Candidate for the Future

vs.McCainPolitical Antiperspirant

Many people gawk at change; Barack Obama does not, and neither should we. Now, change is necessary.

Look at our shredded economy, our poorly handled environmental crisis, the billions upon billions of dollars being spent outside of American soil—look at them, and then tell me that we don’t need change. This election is one that will never be forgotten. Yes, no m a t t e r w h i c h c a n d i d a t e you vote for, the winning ticket will be a first. But ask yourself: do the names on that winning ticket make a difference? Yes, yes, a t h o u s a n d times yes! We haven’t had as inspirational a candidate since J.F.K. P e o p l e like this only come around once every few d e c a d e s —we need to wake up and seize this opportunity being handed to us. This election should not be about the same old policies with the same old politicians. It should not be about politics convenient for the president, it should be about politics that work for the citizens and for the community! It should be about the youth—it should be about the promise and hope for a new, better America! It should be about change. Obama is the candidate for the future. He believes in building a country that will not only be strong during our lifetime, but that will still be strong for our children and grandchildren. He will reverse the tax cuts for big businesses and special interest groups, and give them to the middle class instead.

Obama will support working families by increasing the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2011. He will expand and reform programs such as the No Child Left Behind Act. He will create a service program to help decrease the cost of a college education. In a time when many Americans’ wallets

a r e hurting, Obama will provide a short-term relief program, while still working vigilantly on l o n g - t e r m solutions to the economy and energy crises. He will create five million new jobs dedicated to speeding up efforts to provide clean r e n e w a b l e energy. In the next ten years, he will eliminate our dependence on Middle Eastern and Venezuelan oil. M o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, he will end the war in Iraq r e s p o n s i b l y, while still c o n t i n u i n g to train Iraqi

security forces as Iraqi leaders grow towards political harmony. In his speech at the National Democratic Convention, Obama said, “This election has never been about me; it’s about you.” This election, in every way, is about us. It is our future; it is our time to step up and say, “Hey, this is our earth and this is our country; let’s change it for the better.” So those of you who are voting this year: I ask you—no I implore you—to learn all that you can. Learn about more than one issue, learn about them all. Watch the news, listen to the debates, read the platforms, pay attention. At this crucial point in history, we cannot afford to waste another 8 years. We cannot afford another mistake.

First, I apologize for the title of this article. It’s completely inappropriate, but I couldn’t resist. When both Barack Obama and John McCain are degrading and demoralizing each other in their ads, it becomes hard to remember that this is a presidential

race. It’s shaping up to be a bit of a bloodbath, actually… Now, I’m going to say s o m e t h i n g right now that half of you reading this won’t agree with: I think John McCain should be the next president of the United States of America. I f you haven’t s o p p e d reading this, I applaud you. If you are liberal, you are open-minded enough to read a justifiably biased article about a Republican candidate. If you are conservative…well, you have obvious reasons for reading this. Perhaps I’ll offer some new insight on the election. Perhaps the following article will contain some top secret information you can hurl at your opponent in your next political argument. I’m sorry to disappoint, conservatives, but this article is not for you. It is for those brave liberals who have decided to forgo the 2nd period history lecture and read this. You still reading? Right. To the point now. I have watched many of Michael Moore’s documentaries. Fahrenheit 9/11 was a popular title in my home when I was in middle school. I actually considered myself a democrat until my freshman year of high school. I’ll spare you the details. My point here would be that, first of all, I am not ignorant of liberal politics. I am, on the contrary, quite aware of the social, economic, moral, political, etc. beliefs of liberals. Those were once my own views. But one day, I decided to consider the possibility that I may be wrong. I was determined to be absolutely 100% positive that what I believe, where I stood, was the right place to be. So I started paying attention to my hyper-conservative father as he “lectured” me on politics in the car. It was weird for me. I understood what he was saying. His words were actually making sense to me. What made sense actually, weren’t his words, necessarily. It was what those words stood for. It was conservative politics. I’m a big fan of the middle class. I’ve been an honorary member since birth. I’m not wealthy. I go to private school, yes. That’s where a good hunk of our

money goes each year. I’m not your stereotypical “country club Republican.” George Bush comes to mind at the mention of that phrase. The term “country club Republican,” you see, is a phrase true conservatives use for the conservatives who are convservative because…well, they think it looks good. They think they’re supposed to be Republicans because they are wealthy. These are the ones who give us a

bad name. These are the ones that make me cringe at the prospect of affliating myself with the Republican party. You say, how can I be c o n s e r v a t i v e and not affluent? The answer is simple. Pay attention, now. In the ideal liberal economy, all the poor would get lots of money and the rich would be the ones to give it to them. Rather, the rich would be taxed highly, and somehow, that money would go straight

to the pockets of the significantly less-rich in America. I find it hard to distinguish between this worldview and socialism. Hey, if Karl Marx is your guy, go ahead and subscribe to his philosophies. Whatever. I’m just a little perplexed. How can socialism and capitalism coexist? Well…they can’t. The liberal conomic system is kind of counterproductive, isn’t it? Work hard, and you’re punished for it. Slack off, and you’re rewarded by the government. Welfare, anyone? Before you have a conniption, keep reading. It’s a generalization, and I know that. Some of the rich people inherited their money, and some of the poor people are just really unlucky, but you get the gist. Anyways, I guess I never really understood that until I allowed myself to do so. In the ideal conservative economy, those who work to earn money are rewarded, and those who don’t aren’t. If you could get paid to do nothing, would you do anything? The answer is probably no. And that’s why conservative economics work. Your earnings are a direct result of your work. In the interest of time (and space—we only have 16 pages here), I won’t get into the specifics of every issue out there. There is a pro-Obama article being written, too, and I can’t make mine too long. That would be unfair, and I don’t want to play that way. I know I haven’t really said much about McCain specifically, but I have spoken about his politics. The real “issues.” I can’t sit here and say all the great things I think about McCain, because I think I would be doing him a disservice. True, he is a war veteran. True, he can’t send an e-mail? But the only really relevant thing at this point is his politics.

Visor September 2008 Editorials Page 2

Visor September 2008 Editorials Page 3

Shasta Wha’?A poem by Maggie Luning

One day at lunch, while listening to my Rasta,

My friend asked me, “Have you tried Shasta?!”

I took a look at the can and said, “Why no, suh.”

He said, “Well, you know it started in California.

There are a bunch of different flavors, like Guava.”

So, I snatched up that Shasta,

And I drank it…

…I tried not to shake it…

…First thing I said was, “That tastes like old pasta!”

Not after too long I felt mad nausea.

I took a gander at the can, and it said, “DIET.”

I felt so betrayed…I almost started a riot.

Most of the students at Bishop O’Connell have never even heard of Shasta sodas, however there is a lot of history behind Shasta. The Shasta website gives a lot of background information, as well as company plans to do for the future. Shasta, the soda company, was established in Northern California, originally selling spring water from Shasta Springs, in 1889. Their name comes from the Shasta Native American tribe from North California and South Oregon. By the 1920s, Shasta continued to open three major factories manufacturing their products: in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. In 1931, Shasta produced its first carbonated soda, Pale Dry Ginger Ale. In the 1950s, Shasta was the first soda manufacturer to use metal cans to distribute their soda. They were also the first to introduce low-calorie, or “diet” soda. Today, Shasta has over forty flavors, and the list is growing. Some of these flavors include Pineapple Orange, Moon Mist, Dr. Shasta, Passion Fruit, etc. Shasta now also has “Tropical Flavors,” including Guava, Mango, Jamaica, and

Sangria. This Shasta soda is a new addition to the beverages sold by Flik at all lunches. It seems to be a substitute for the recently removed Vitamin Water and multi-beverage dispenser, which previously resided in the cafeteria. There has been a little “pushback” from this swift decision. First of all, the Shasta sodas available to purchase come in only two flavors: Diet Shasta Cola and Diet Shasta Pale Dry Ginger Ale. These both come in cans half the size of a regular 8-ounce soda can. The consensus opinion seems to be that they’re not very appetizing. Highly-regarded gastronome and epicure, O’Connell senior Jim Decker of fifth lunch, shared his feelings upon first sampling Shasta’s Diet Cola. He recalled the conflicting urge of either “throwing up because of the overwhelming flavor, or crying tears of joy to realize it also came in ginger ale.” When senior Charles Daly was asked to assess this new beverage selection in a couple of words, he observed that the taste was not unlike “liquid Taco Bell meat.” Despite the angst and exasperation within the students’ taste buds, there remains nothing else to quench their thirst except the Shasta, or maybe the “buck-twenty-five” lemonade. Will their thirst ever be quenched?

A Brief History of Shasta ColaMaggie LuningStaff Writer

The VisorBishop O’Connell High School

6600 Little Falls RoadArlington, VA

Published monthly, the student newspaper of Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School is a public forum with its student editorial board making all decisions about its content, under the guidance of its faculty advisor. Opinions in the paper are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in this public forum be construed as the opinion or the policy of Bishop O’Connell High School, unless so attributed.

Sports Mark Moran Campus NewsJeremy AzuranSara Bushery Style Katie GradyCaroline MonekBridget McGinleyMaddie Arthur

EditorialsTaylor BroganMoey FoxEntertainmentGraphicsSpreadTaylor BroganMoey Fox

Editors-In-ChiefMoey Fox

Taylor Brogan

Faculty ModeratorDan Culler

Staff Writers:Mark Azar, Tyler Bergeron, Kathleen Bettencourt, Jamitress Bowden, Maria Buitrago, Christy Buranaamorn, David

Castro, Natalie Cocozza, Suzanne Fonzi, Marley Garner, Coetzman, Joanna Har-

kins, Daniel Herbert, Grace Hollis, Alexis Johnson, Clair Jones, Matthew Kelley,

Maggie Luning, Sandra Malone, Hayley Mion, Lulu Moore, Caitlin Patterson,

Rachel Potts, Amy Shepard, Kara Sims, Devon Spencer

New year, new rules, right? It’s a fact of life for every student...Everywhere.

And as it is everywhere, some make perfect sense and are readily embraced, while others seem unnecessary and frivolous. The ban on water bottles in the classroom seems to fit in the latter category. Students should be able to drink water in class when thirsty.

A ban on all water bottles outside of the cafeteria is excessive. Water fountains can become a repository for bacteria. Besides that, most of the time students are not allowed to get a drink during class anyway.

Most students have no problem with the ban on drinks or snacks, but can’t we at least have water? Another new development that has many of us groaning is the five-dollar charge for a public detention… it wouldn’t do much good if it’s meant to make an impact on the offender; usually those who end up in public detentions are indifferent to the consequences.

The same goes for the Saturday detention fee of twenty dollars. Though the fees add up, as well as the offender’s record, petty actions don’t really register as something potentially harmful.

The fee just seems like a futile effort. An additional rule that has recently been added is the school sweatshirt rule. In past years, any sweatshirt with the Bishop O’Connell logo on it was acceptable on the chillier days of the spring or fall.

This year, however, students have the option to purchase a designated class sweatshirt to wear on cooler days. Students can no longer wear team sweats during school hours; if a student is cold, now the only remaining option is to wear the blazer and sweater vest over the polo.

That just doesn’t seem to make sense. In order to show uniformity, we wore our O’Connell sweats; now we have to, if cold, purchase and conform even

more because we had lost “the uniformity in the uniform.”

One last regulation that seems excessive concerns the necessity of keeping your cell phone in your locker. Isn’t it sufficient for it to simply be turned off, in the student’s backpack?

One of the main reasons students carry cell phones is so that they can get in touch with a parent or some other form of assistance in the event of an emergency.

Rules: A Call for DiscussionWith all the phones locked up and out of reach, the one connection a student has to the outside world is gone.

Most of these regulations only apply to specific situations, but when they are obeyed, they still seem unnecessary. Some rules, such as these, need to be fully discussed by the entire O’Connell population.

Faculty and students alike need to discuss the regulations together, in some kind of forum.

Bring Back Vitamin Water I’m sure that I was not the only student who was upset when the cafeteria stopped selling Vitamin Water in the cafeteria about half way through last year. It is obviously a pretty awesome thing if 50 Cent, Carrie Underwood, David Ortiz, Kelly Clarkson, and other celebrities and athletes advertise it. Glaceau, the company that produces it, has branched out and n o w m a k e s S m a r t Water and e n e r g y d r i n k s . S o m e p e o p l e argue that Vi t amin Water is bad for you. However, they sell soda in the cafeteria now and last time I checked, soda is not the best thing for you either. They sell Propel, Aquafina, Gatorade, Snapple, and Pepsi in the cafeteria, so why can’t they just bring back the Vitamin Water?

Vitamin Water now comes in 15 different flavors, and each contains different vitamins and nutrients to help you through a stressful day at school. It tastes great and can last you all day (unless Mr. Casey catches you). Oh, and did I mention the stories on the side of each bottle next to the nutritional facts? They tell you all about the flavor

and provide you with s o m e t h i n g to read while you’re bored in class. V i t a m i n Water is c h e a p e r than Propel anyway. You have to pay $2.20 for one bottle of Propel, and Vitamin Water is only $1.84.

That may not seem like a huge difference but it adds up really quickly. So if you want delicious refreshment and a little more money in your pocket, let’s try and get Vitamin Water back.

Clair Jones Staff Writer Remember the old and friendly chaplain’s office that served pb&j? Well its still friendly, still serves pb&j, but it is definitely not old anymore! Fr. Hudgins has remodeled the chaplain’s office to create a new lounge for the students. Inside is a new paint job and carpet, tons of comfy chairs, tables, and even a sofa. The new lounge is also serving up even more goodies this year than just the normal pb&j! Fr. Hudgins says that there will be special snacks, a popcorn machine, and even coffee. He also hopes in the future to have a cappuccino machine and flat screen TV to display movies, although he would like to remind everyone that these are wish-list items and will only happen if the students keep the new lounge in order. The lounge will also be used as an art gallery for Mr. Crivella’s art students and of course a haven for those who have a craving for some snacks. Fr. Hudgins wants the lounge to be a place not only where the students can get treats, but also a place where they can feel that they belong and be able to talk about their faith in a comfortable atmosphere. He hopes that the students, “will use it, care for it, and love it.” Father would like to thank all the teachers who gave their time on labor day to help paint the lounge, and would also like to remind everyone to bring in their crucifixes for the lounge wall, and to stop by and enter a name for the lounge in the naming contest!

Fr. Hudgins showing off the new student lounge and popcorn machine.

Fr. Hudgins showing off the new student lounge, along with the ethnic crucifixes.

Visor September 2008 Campus News Page 4

Student Lounge: Just Relax and Retreat

Q. What school did you previously attend?A. St. Bernadette Q. Who is your favorite teacher?A. Mr. CarpenterQ. Roughly, how much does your back pack weigh?A. 3 PoundsQ. Was it your decision to attend DJO?A. Yes.Q. Are you proud of your decision?A. Yes.Q. McDonalds or Burger King?A. McDonaldsQ. Obama or McCain?A. Obama

Q. What school did you previously attend?A. ThoreauQ. Who is your favorite teacher?A. Mr. CoolsQ. Roughly, how much does your back pack weigh?A. 1 Million PoundsQ. Was it your decision to attend DJO?A. PartlyQ. Are you proud of your decision?A. Not yetQ. McDonalds or Burger King?A. McDonaldsQ. Obama or McCain?A. Yo Mama

Q. What school did you previously attend?A. St. MichaelsQ. Who is your favorite teacher?A. Coach HayesQ. Roughly, how much does your back pack weigh?A. 25 PoundsQ. Was it your decision to attend DJO?A. YesQ. Are you proud of your decision?A. YesQ. McDonalds or Burger King?A. Burger KingQ. Obama or McCain?A. Obama

Q. What school did you previously attend?A. Holy SpiritQ. Who is your favorite teacher?A. Sister Anne MarieQ. Roughly, how much does your back pack weigh?A. 30 poundsQ. Was it your decision to attend DJO?A. Yes.Q. Are you proud of your decision?A. Yes.Q. McDonalds or Burger King?A. McDonaldsQ. Obama or McCain?A. ...

Freshman Student Spotlight Introduces New Faces

Stefano Murro

Emily Rohrbach

James Soun

Rebbaca Culhane

Thursday, September 18 was a special evening for Bishop O’Connell High School. Back to School Night is always one of those nights when the special spirit that defines O’Connell is particularly obvious. After three glorious months, most students approach the coming school year with eager anticipation.

On this night, however, it was the parents who took over the building and tried to make their way from class to class, much as their children made their way through their new schedules on the first day.

Natalie CocozzaStaff WriterSuzanne FonziStaff Writer

The Parents Become The StudentsSome parents had maps from their

beloved students with arrows and circles pointing to each and every classroom.

When senior Daniel Tillson was asked if he provided his parents with directions to help them get around he simply replied, “I’ll leave that one up to my dad. He has been at O’Connell since the time that Msgr. Mc Murtrie was principal.”

Speaking of alumni, many O’Connell parents were lucky enough to have attended O’Connell themselves many years ago and already knew their way around. Sister Regina commented on the obvious difference between the parents that went to O’Connell and the ones that did not.

Watching them in the halls, she laughed, “They definitely have more confidence than the others; and are more interested in the changes around O’Connell

than how to get from class to class. They have a good sense of the building and know which routes to take so they are not racing against the crowds.”

In sharp contrast to the alumni, who resembled seniors but without the white shirts, parents who had not been fortunate enough to have attended O’Connell, and whose children had too much “homework” to offer them any last minute guidance, were left looking a bit like lost freshmen.

Regardless of the difficulties of finding classrooms, for most parents it was an exciting night of promise, the only night of the year they were able to walk the halls of O’Connell in their children’s shoes.

And for those few who became completely lost without their child’s help, there’s always “Bring Your Kid to Work Day,” for a little payback!

How did you spend your summer of 2008? Relaxing at the pool, hanging out in the DC area, or just “vegging out” in front of the TV? A selection of students at O’Connell returned to school after the summer with a little more to say than, “Oh, my summer was okay, I didn’t do much.” Some students returned to school with European experiences to share with their friends and teachers. To be specific, there were two different Europe trips that were hosted and planned at O’Connell. Both trips were different in several ways. One first trip took students to Central and Western Europe, hosted by Sister Regina and history teacher, Mr. Haas. Fifteen students joined them, comprised of last year’s sophomores, juniors, and seniors. In France, they traveled to the two very well known cities of Paris and Versailles. Naturally, in Paris they visited the Eiffel Tower, along with many other famous sites. In Switzerland, they traveled briefly through towns such as Lausanne, Bern, and stayed a night in Lucerne.

Summer Vacation: Not Just Flip Flops and SunburnsLake Lucerne was reportedly

one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip, sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. They also traveled to the tiny country of Liechtenstein. There, they visited the capital city of Vaduz. In Vaduz, the Vaduz Castle sits high on a hill, home of the Liechtenstein prince. East of Liechtenstein, they stopped briefly in Austria.

There, they went to Innsbruck, Telfs, Salzburg, Melk, and Vienna. In Vienna, they went to the Hapsburg Palace. Moving north, they journeyed to the Czech Republic. There, they visited the city of Cesky Krumlov.

Also, they stopped in Prague, where many tourists visit the beautiful Prague Castle. They traveled for two weeks, staying in luxury hotels from city

to city. The second trip was to the southwest of Europe, to Spain and Portugal. This trip was hosted by Spanish teacher and Department Chair, Senora Borges. This smaller trip was comprised of only seven DJO students, representing each class. The bulk of the trip took place in the very old and historic city of Salamanca. There the travelers studied Spanish language, culture, art, and economy at the University of Salamanca. This is the university where St. Ignatius of Loyola studied back in the 16th century!

In Salamanca, the students and Senora Borges lived for three weeks in a small, dorm-like residence, run mostly by nuns. On their first weekend excursion, the group traveled to the super modern city of Madrid.

During that weekend, they also visited the historic and beautiful city of Toledo. After another week of classes, they spent their second weekend west, in Portugal.

There, they visited Porto and Aveiro, nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal.” After the students finished up their final week of classes in Spain, they received a diploma from the University. International travel can naturally broaden a student’s horizons, and junior Matt Tyrpak (who went on Sister Regina’s trip) agreed, saying “I feel like I learned a lot on this trip, and I also feel like I’m a different person now, after the trip. After seeing other people’s culture, I can better appreciate my own. I would go back in a heartbeat.”

Devon SpencerStaff Writer

We’ve Got Spirit; How About You?

If you have school spirit the O’Connell Spirit Club is the place for you! The Spirit Club has existed at O’Connell for only 3 years, formerly known as the “Blue Crew.”

Last year’s Spirit Club soared with 400 members. Club leaders are hoping for even greater numbers this year. The spirit club is planning to establish a “spirit rock” for each class.

They also plan to show more support for other sports besides football by having more cookouts before the home games. Beginning with O’Connell’s first home game on September 13th, the club hopes to see the stands filled with cheering students!

Despite its relative youth, Spirit Club has grown quickly into one of the largest and most enthusiastic clubs at O’Connell.

Only a few days into this year’s recruitment, the club could already boast a membership of 400! Another 150 are expected by the end of the week.

Spirit club has instituted a few

new wrinkles this year that can only result in an even stronger club. President Kelly Horvath, Vice President Sophia Rodriguez, and the Executive Board, composed of representatives from the senior, junior, and sophomore classes; are all gearing up for an exciting year of sports action and fun.

The executive board designed the t-shirts for this year and decided to make them black, so that O’Connell could have “black-outs,” building on the popularity of the “Dark Knight” concept that was introduced last year. Fans can look for this “Dark Knight” at more sporting events as well.

Last year Spirit Club had a cookout /tailgate at only one game. This year they are hoping to have at least two cookouts (these games are to be announced later). Prospective new members must act fast because the membership drive ends with the distribution of the last t-shirt.

Vice president Sophia Rodriguez isn’t afraid to show how much she is looking forward to the games this year as she proudly shouts, “Knights eat Panthers!”

Beginning with the first home football game on September 13, 2008, the Spirit Club is “dressed out” and ready to cheer on the already victorious O’Connell Knights.

Jamitress Bowden Staff WriterAmy ShepardStaff Writer

Get Involved, Join A Club

What makes you interesting? What are your favorite hobbies or activities that always keep you motivated and really draw your attention?

Do you have a secret talent that no one knows about? Or do you have tons of new ideas that you just want to share with others?

If so, maybe you should start your own club! You never know when someone may actually be interested in something you’re passionate about. But if starting your own club is too extreme, join the countless number of clubs that O’Connell has to offer!

Do you have an obsessive need to help the environment and start working

on your Christian Service project? You can kill two birds with one stone by becoming a member of the Ecology Club.

Do you enjoy travel or the thrill of hearing a new dialect? You may be crazy about a Foreign Language club: from French, Spanish, Latin, Italian, to German.

Are you interested in the arts or catch yourself doodling in class? Maybe the drawing club is right for you.

Not only will you be doing something you love, but you will be making some new friends who share the same pastimes as you.

Colleges also love to see what types of activities you’re interested in, simply to have a better idea of what you may bring to their campus in the future. There are so many clubs and organizations to choose from; so go ahead and find that special club today!

Christy BuranaamornStaff Writer

Visor September 2008 Campus News Page 5

Words of Wisdom From Our New Faculty Natalie CocozzaStaff WriterSuzanne FonziStaff Writer

New Construction: A Pleasant Surprise

Improvements to the facility were ongoing throughout O’Connell’s exterior and interior spaces this past summer. New carpeting has been added to the Chaplain’s wing, a larger and more beautiful crucifix has replaced the old one in the auditorium, the floor in the lower gym has been thoroughly refinished, chipped and broken concrete has been replaced, and much of the school has been covered with a fresh new coat of paint. Fr. Hudgins has created a student lounge for informal conversations with and among all students, and new computers and a new phone system have been added on the technology front. As students returned to school, they were surprised to discover that the gym was closed. But they soon learned that the floor had been sanded and painted, and was only awaiting the finishing touches of several finishing coats of wax to protect a gleaming O’Connell logo. According to President Breen, the floor will be finished early September and some new video scoreboards will be added shortly thereafter, due to the generosity of a donor. The much anticipated student lounge in the Chaplain’s wing has also been made possible due to the donations of several people. When completed, the lounge will include couches, chairs, café-tables, and a popcorn machine. Fr. Hudgins hopes that the lounge will provide a comfortable space for students to assemble, find respite from a grueling class schedule, and enjoy an appetizing peanut butter and jelly sandwich. On the technology front, 78 new computers have replaced older models in the library and in some of the classrooms

and labs throughout the school. In addition, a new state-of-the-art telephone system has replaced the old system, bringing individual voice mail to each staff member and over five times the line capacity for ingoing and outgoing calls. Using IP Telephony, phones now run through the computer network. In the wake of the library move occurring mid-jubilee year, the old library will soon be converted into an Administrative Center, centralizing the functions of the President’s Office and putting them in close proximity to the Principal’s office. Plans have been developed,

permits have been secured, contractors have been assigned and the area has been prepared for work that should begin soon. `The President’s Office, Business Center, Communications Center and Advancement Office will all be relocated in this new space. The Student Life Office will then move to the former Business Office location and the Studies Office will move into the former President’s Office. Those spaces will then be reconverted to their original classroom configurations to create additional teaching space for students and faculty. New advancement creates new

Jeremy AzurinCampus News EditorSara Bushery Campus News Editor

change in the school. O’Connell has been working hard with volunteers and other workers to raise funds and improve the appearance and functionality of this venerable fifty-year-old institution. According to Mr. Breen, “These improvements are the tip of the iceberg, and signal the start of a series of changes that will make us proud of the learning environment at Bishop O’Connell. I am grateful for the generosity of those who make these improvements possible and encourage all to both contribute and to care for what we have in this wonderful place.”

Welcome Back! Now, Dance!

“It reminds you that your social life can go on even when you get tons of homework,” says junior Hayley Milon. No, she wasn’t talking about the first football game or “party of the year;” she was talking about O’Connell’s Welcome Back Dance! On September 5th, students arrived to find the cafeteria transformed into a party room where they could reunite and make new friends. The dance had a great turnout,

Grace HollisStaff Writer

with over 150 people attending, including a large majority of seniors, though the freshmen won the “dress-down” day.

“I think it’s a great idea- the

best idea of a dance there is, except for Superdance. You know: beginning of the

year, everyone’s insecure… and well, I’d dance!” said Dr. LeBlanc.

And as to those who assume the Welcome Back Dance is just for

freshman, senior Devin Cole added his perspective regarding this myth: “I plan on getting as many of my senior friends as I can to go to the dance!”

And so she did; seniors, along with everyone else partied it up on Friday night.

The dance was far from “lame,” as many have dubbed it in the past.

To sum it up, Ricky Tanis also provided some words of

wisdom- “We’re gonna get down!”

MISS WILLARD“At some point one must fold down the wings of intellect and bow down before the

mystery.”

This year Miss Willard is teaching New Testament/Church History to sopho-mores and Sacraments/Morality to juniors. She has her undergraduate degree from Lee High in Science, Journalism, and An-thropology; and her Masters in Theology from Franciscan University. She decided to become a high school religion teacher because when she began to understand her faith and make it her own, she knew she wanted to share it. High school students present more of a challenge, she feels, be-cause unlike students of college religion classes, the students are not there because they want to be, but because they have to be. She looks forward to growing in her relationships with her students and loves them all so far!

MISS VANDUZER“Music expresses what cannot be put into

words, but cannot remain silent.”-Victor Hugo

Miss VanDuzer is teaching Begin-ning and Intermediate Guitar along with Piano Seminar. She graduated from Cath-olic University, majoring in music theory. She was inspired to become a teacher be-cause after a short career in professional performing, she realized that performing is an individual thing, and not very reward-ing. She often helped fellow performers with basic music skills, and realized that teaching was more fulfilling. She looks forward to the spring musical and all of her students’ performances this year!

MISS POWER“It is Jesus in fact that you seek when you dream of happiness.”

-Pope John Paul II

Miss Power is teaching Catholic Thought to seniors and Sacraments/Moral-ity to juniors. She completed her under-graduate degree at the University of Illi-nois, and just received her masters from the John Paul II Institute, where she has been

studying for the past two years. She was inspired to become a teacher by several of her family members who are also teachers. She is looking forward to all of the various student activities this year because she has never taught at a school with so many stu-dents.

MR. GRAJALES-CASTRO“No pain, no gain!”

Mr. Grajales-Castro is teaching Spanish 3. He graduated from Caldas Uni-versity in Colombia and majored in Eng-lish and minored in French. He wanted to become a language teacher because he believes we need better communication among people of all cultures. He is most excited to see his students begin to really speak Spanish! He says his students prefer he not wear striped shirts, and he jokes that this may create problems in the future., as he is quite fond of stripes.

MISS TANOS“Practice makes the master.”

Miss Tanos teaches Spanish 1 and 2. She went to school at George Mason University and attended school overseas in Spain. Her majors were Spanish and Jour-

nalism. In her high school in Argentina, she enjoyed playing volleyball. One of her favorite hobbies is knitting. She is really looking forward to her year at O’Connell. She is excited about watching the sports games, attending Superdance, and wit-nessing the Chunky Soup Drive. She was inspired to become a teacher because she believes that everyone can learn a second language and she wants to be a part of that learning process.

SISTER ANN MARIE“The Immaculate Heart of Mary: the Di-

vine Lamp.”

Sister Ann Marie teaches Biol-ogy to sophomores and freshmen and also hosts a sophomore homeroom. She went to Immaculata University in Pennsylva-nia for her undergraduate degree and to Villanova University for her Masters. A veteran teacher, she has taught in many exciting interesting locales such as Lima, Peru, and Santiago, Chile, to name a few. She spent the past 15 years at Immaculata High School in Somerville, New Jersey. She chose teaching because wanted to help young people to develop their minds as well as their spirituality.

Visor September 2008 Campus News Page 6

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September 1 2 3 4 5 6

8 9 107 11 12 13

14 15 1716 18 19 20

21 242322 25 26

302928

27

Labor DayNo School

Adoration and Confession

Music Boosters

Welcome Back Dance

Club FainAdoration andConfession

Adoration andConfession

Adoration andConfession

1:50 DismissalFaculty Meeting

Back to School Night

7:00pm

Adoration andConfession

Senior Picture Make-Ups

Senior Picture Make-Ups

Deficiencies Issued

Opening Masswith the Bishop

8:15pm

October Events

October 4th

October 6th-17th

October 10th

October 13th

October 15th

October 18th

October 19th

October 23rd

October 24th

October 27th-31st

October 28th

October 30th

October 31st

SAT

Chunky Soup Drive

Freshman Only, 12:05 Dismissal

No School, Columbus Day

PSAT, 11:30 Dismissal

Opera Night, 7:30 pm

Youth Rally

End of 1st Quarter, 12:05 Dismissal

No School

Spirit Week

1:50 Dismissal

Carnival 5:00 pm, Pep Rally 7:00 pm

Halloween

Visor September 2008 FYI Page 10

Visor September 2008 Sports Page 11

Football Marches to VictoryHaley MilonStaff Writer

Photo By David Borowski (Catholic Herald)

The Knight’s decisive 34-0 win in their season opener at Bishop Ireton on Sunday caused a great deal of excite-ment among the O’ Connell faithful.

“This year the team is at an ad-vantage; most of the roster is the same as last year’s, so the guys know how to work together,” said head coach Steve Trim-ble. “It’s going to help us in our goal in being a competitive team in the WCAC.”

The offense was extremely efficient, running the ball 363 yards for five touchdowns, led by sophomore Josh Trimble with 127 yards. Sophomore Pat-rick Simms and Senior Justine Trimble combined for 14 points in the first half. Senior quarterback Patrick Thompson ran the ball nine yards, on a play fake, to score in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, juniors Greg Gadell and Dwayne Wintz scored, with Wintz having the longest run of the game (23 yards).

“The offensive line did a great job of blocking Sunday, especially in scoring situations. It allowed us to be able to count on running the ball for touchdowns,” said Justin Trimble.

Trimble wasn’t kidding, as all of the touchdowns were scored on the ground.

“Running the ball is the offense’s biggest strength,” said Thompson, before Sunday’s game. “When we’re working to perfect our offensive plays, it’s crucial for us to have a solid offensive line.”The defense had several standout plays, including two interceptions for both senior cornerback Brian Williams and junior linebacker Alex Berdahl. Junior outside linebacker Beau Fitz-

patrick led the team with nine tackles. Dominating defense was essential in handing Ireton a stunning defeat.

“Defense is going to be a big part of our game this year,” observed senior linebacker Taylor Hayes, “We have key players returning this year, and we’re all glad to be working together again.” If the first game is any indication, the knights appear to be poised for a promising sea-son of excitement and dominance.

2008 Football Home

Schedule

9/13 St. Albans School 9/20 St. Mary’s Ryken 9/27 Gonzaga 10/4 St. John’s 10/10 At Good Counsel 10/18 At Carroll 10/25 DeMatha 11/1 McNamara

Royalettes: Working Hard for More Championships

Kara SimmsStaff WriterClair JonesStaff Writer “For the girls on the Royalette Dance team, it isn’t just dance; it’s the whole experience of showing leadership,

being there for each other, and coming together as a family to do what we all love to do,” said Ashley Shipley, junior and three-year veteran of the team. The tryout process this year was expanded to cover over three days. Dur-

The Royalettes, Posing in front of Their Trophies

ing the first two days the girls learned techniques as well as the final dance routine the girls would perform in front of the judges. On the third day the hope-ful, future Royalettes performed in front of the judges and now await the results of their efforts. One question that was on ev-eryone’s mind concerned the freshmen “newbies.” How did it feel, coming to a team that had already been through so much together? Freshman Olivia Timms responded, “It was hard coming on at first because everyone already knew each other so well; but after camp we all bonded and I felt really welcome. I learned that the Royalettes is not just a dance team; it’s a family and I’m so happy to be apart of it.” Senior Captain Annemarie Younger added her view on what its like to be on the O’Connell Royalette team, and how she is coping with her third and final year as a Royalette. “Being on the dance team has been one of my greatest high school

experiences, and it will be so hard to leave the team. We aren’t just a team; we are like a little family that laughs together, cries together, and struggles through the same things. We have really been through so much and have created so many unforgettable memories, like reaching “Nationals” in Disney world, or our favorite UDA camp and the gala. It’s the fun times and the laughs that will definitely be missed most when all of us seniors leave, but we will carry these memories with us throughout our life.” The Royalettes got together to describe themselves in onesimple word: “Sisterhood.” Why Sisterhood? “Because we’re all really close and we will always be there for each other. Once a Royalette, always a Royalette,” added sophomore Katie Arthur, who has been on the team for two years. Look for the girls at the fall and winter pep rallies, all home varsity football games, all home girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games, open house and the O’Connell Gala. If you haven’t seen

Cross Country: At the Starting LineMaggie GoetzmanStaff Writer

It began in the sweltering heat of mid-August. The 33 girls and 22 boys of the cross country team began practices to get ready for the coming season.

“The team is looking good so far this season, and has a lot of poten-tial,” said girls’ Coach Cindy Walls. Both teams practice Monday through Friday, striding out on long runs throughout the area, cruising from such diverse locales as Williamsburg School and the local Harris Teeter; some days they ventured out onto the WO&D trail.

On August 23rd, the team par-ticipated in time trails at Bluemont Park. The top ten finishers received t-shirts as well as promotion to the varsity squad. “Time trials were a lot of fun,

because it was a mock race, only a mile, so it was over quickly,” remarked senior Anna Murphy. Usually the team’s races are 5Ks, a little more than 3 miles.

On September 6th, the team competed in their first race in a down-pour at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland. The girls came in first, led by senior Megan Fitzpatrick, who placed third. The boys came in eighth, with senior Andrew Holleran finishing in the top 25. This year the girl’s team has three captains: seniors Megan Fitz-patrick, Maddie Nardacci, and Lizzie Katz. The boys also have three captains: Andrew Holleran, Matt Gardner, and Andrew Stella. “I love cross country. It’s really hard but it’s definitely rewarding. It’s re-ally fun, it’s a great way to meet new peo-ple, and we’re going to be great this year!” exclaimed Captain Maddie Nardacci.

them before, you are in for quite a treat.

11/7 At Paul VI

Visor September 2008 Sports Page 12

Even After O’ Connell Ziegler is Still in the Fast LaneMarley GarnerStaff WriterChristy BuranaamomStaff Writer I f you don’t know who Kate Ziegler is, you’ve probably been living under a rock the past couple of years. As a member of the class of 2006, Ziegler was a typical DJO student: she attended Superdance, participated in the Chunky Soup Drive, and had everyday issues like grades and friends. She aspired to a career in fashion or psychology. What set her apart was her gift for breaking records in swimming. She joined DJO’s Swim and Dive team and during her four years on the team, she succeeded in breaking a 15-year-old record in the 500-yard Freestyle in 2003 during her freshman year. By the end of her sophomore year she had won the 200-yard Freestyle as well as the 500-yard Freestyle. As an upperclassman, she once again won both the 200-yard and 500-yard Freestyle, establishing Inde-pendent National High School records.

Even as her accomplishments were nationally recognized, Ziegler stayed at O’Connell, choosing her team-

mates over big-figure contracts. Ziegler states, “I love my school. O’Connell let me lead a normal life, or as normal as

it can be when you’re taking time off for trips to Australia and China” (USA Today).

When Ziegler was six, she told her mother she didn’t want to join a swim team; but when she saw the cute swimsuit she’d be wearing, she changed her mind. “It was blue with fireworks,” she said; “and I thought it was so cool” (USA Today).

Ziegler, now 20, made it to the final Women’s Olympics trials this past summer. Unfortunately, she did not get the chance to represent O’Connell and participate in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. She did not make the top eight, finishing 10th with a time of 8:26.98. After the trials, Ziegler lamented, “Some days your body just doesn’t work” (New York Times). This is the second time Ziegler narrowly missed an opportunity for Olympic gold.

Ziegler currently holds the world record in the 1500-meter Free-style and has two gold medals from the 2005 World Aquatics Championships in Montreal. She will continue to break records. Look for new accomplish-ments from her in 2012 in London!

Ziegler Breaking A World record!

Cheering to VictoryCait PattersonStaff Writer

O’Connell cheerleaders have just begun the 2008-2009 season. After returning from summer cheer camp, the JV and varsity teams are ready to cheer on the Knights. This year, the ladies hope to create more school spirit on and off the field.

The JV cheerleading team has been practicing hard for their perfor-mances at all freshmen and JV home games. The ladies practice for two hours, two days a week, and are led by team captains Angel Lain and Maddie DeGeorges. The team bonded at cheer camp over the summer when they partic-ipated together in classes such as dance, jumps, and cheers. Emily Ferguson said they “learned many new things” at the clinics. The classes helped the cheer-leaders “practice and improve all of the skills we need for performances,” added

Maddie DeGeorges. This year, the team hopes to stir even more school spirit as well as win all their competitions.

Varsity cheerleaders, led by Helen Landon, Jenn Nguyen, and Chinye Okoh, are off to an impressive start this year. The ladies are practicing rigorously to prepare for the fall pep rally: practic-ing jumps, cheers, motions, tumbling, and dance. To make the varsity squad, each cheerleader must execute a back-hand spring, still another skill practiced at cheer camp this past summer. The team often refers to the phrase “Si se puede,” as they drill for two hours, two days a week in preparation for events. This year, the team has goals of “win-ning our competitions without injuries,” said Christin Yi. Come see the varsity cheerleaders perform at every home varsity game as well as the fall pep rally.

Kicking Off a New Season

Sandra MaloneStaff Writer

The girls’ Varsity soccer team is kicking off another excellent year with Coach Starace and Coach Lu-cas. They have won their first two games: a 7-0 victory over Bishop Ireton and a 2-1 win against Flint Hill.

“The great th ing about soccer is that you need the whole team,” said junior Lisa Gonzalez, a returning Varsity player. “It’s a sport where you need everyone to win.”

Right now, the vars i ty

coaches are focused on keeping all the girls healthy, and keeping them working together. The primary goal for the season is to win the WCAC.

“We have to keep up our team’s record of achievement,” said Coach Lucas.

In the past seven years, the O’Connell girls have won the regular season six times and have won their tournament four times. Our girls’ soccer team is considered one of the elite teams on the East Coast. The soccer season lasts into early November, so there is still plenty of time to watch the team play.

Congratulations to Coach Starace on His 500th WinServing it Up

Lulu MooreStaff Writer

The Lady Knights Varsity Ten-nis team is poised for another winning season. After a great season in 2007, winning eleven of eighteen regular season matches, the Lady Knights are hoping to do it again. Although last years #1 and #5 singles players have gradu-ated, the team feels confident it will again be very competitive in the WCAC.

This year’s team is led by five very strong senior players: Suzie How-ell, Meg Lagos, Laura Mika, Victoria Blow, and Kate Culhane. “We’re look-

ing forward to a great season. It’s been an amazing three years and I’m looking forward to my final year of playing for O’Connell,” said Senior Laura Mika.

In addition to the experienced upperclassmen, the team has also found talent in the freshmen class. “Our three new freshmen players are going to really help out our team. They are definitely going to contribute to a winning season.”

The Lady Knights have al-ready gotten off to a great start, win-ning their first match of the season

against rival Paul VI. Coach Klu-ba was excited about the results.

Junior Megan Gardepe, last seasons MVP, is also looking ahead to a great season: “We have a lot of fun but we work hard. We always love listening

to Kluba and watching his dance moves.” With all the extraordinary

talent and vibrant spirit, the Lady Knights are certain to have another inspiring season of fantastic tennis.

SERVING, Con.

Visor September 2008 Style Page 13

Upcoming Events: Movies: Concerts:My Best Friend’s Girl 09/19/08 Mary J. Blige - Nissan Pavilion - Sat, 09/20/08

Lakeview Terrace 09/19/08 Alanis Morissette - Dar Constitution Hall - Mon, 09/22/08

Appaloosa 09/19/08 Ben Folds - Dar Constitution Hall - Wed, 09/24/08

The Duchess 09/19/08 Martina McBride - Nissan Pavilion - Sat, 09/27/08

Eagle Eye 09/26/08 New Kids on the Block - Verizon Center - Thu, 10/02/08

Forever Strong 09/26/08 Enrique Iglesias - Patriot Center - Fri, 10/03/08

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist 10/03/08 Nelly - Love - Fri, 10/03/08

The Express 10/10/08 T-Pain - Towson Center Arena - Sun, 10/05/08

Body of Lies 10/10/08 Pat McGee Band - Birchmere - Thu, 10/09/08

What Just Happened? 10/17/08 Janet Jackson - Verizon Center - Wed, 10/15/08

Stylish Fall Fashion for LessWhen you think fall, you picture orange leaves, school work, fading sunshine and packing away your summer clothes and stocking your wardrobe with the new essentials for the new season. Some of the hottest fall trends include mixing patterns, adding pops of color with vibrant acces-sories and also simple, yet chic leather totes. We’ve put together a celebrity look, to show you how to work it out for less.

Skirt: A cute high-waisted patterned skirt from Forever 21 for $19.80, completely do-able with a solid colored blouse and some black bootie shoes.

Blouse: A piece that can be paired with a dark wash jean for a casual look, or with the skirt pictured for a dressier event. Find this at Forever 21, for only $19.80.

Tote: Oversized bags are always useful and roomy to carry everything you need as well as stylish. This leather one also works with the trends for fall. Find it at Forever 21 for $24.80.

Shoes: This black bootie shoe combines a leather top with a fashionable tabby fabric for an ultra chic look. These can be found at DSW stores for $44.95. Cutie Booties!

By: Marley Garner, Devon Spencer, Rachel Potts, and Joanna Harkins.

Visor September 2008 Style Page 14

Fashion Week, the most sought out week of the year for fashion-istas in New York, went down September 5 through September 12. Hot designers like BCBG, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller, and Michael Kors showed off their new 2009 lines under the tent in Bryant Park. Designers received positive feedback, and they displayed pieces that are wearable for spring. Diane Von Furstenberg’s new line included cute spring pieces and funky dresses. Nicole Miller included some exciting hippie tunics and wrap dresses as well as clean cut blazers and shorts.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2008

Diane Von Fustenburg Diane Miller

Style and Fashion Incorporated In This Year’s Presidential Race

Everyone knows that we all can learn a lot from both of our intelligent presidential candidates. What we can also learn from this presidential race is style and fashion. “How,” you say? In case you haven’t noticed, Cindy McCain and Mi-chelle Obama have shown their great fashion senses in front of the whole nation each time they step out into the public eye. With a mixture between classic pearls and fashionable suits, these women have really shown what it means to be a classic beauty. The presidential race is close, but both of these hopeful first ladies have a sense of style that could win anyone over. Both McCain and Obama have used skirt suits to look stylish but professional at the same time. Vibrant col-ors are also “in” with the political wives, who have sported colors from hot pink to an energetic purple. If we can get any one thing out of these two lovely ladies’ styles, it is that nothing can replace a nice strand of simple pearls.

John and Cindy McCain Barack and Michelle Obama

Visor September 2008 Entertainment Page 15

From the time I started writing, my screen saver has popped up twice, and I’ve written in 30 minutes about as much as people write in 30 seconds. It’s 2:30 in the morning, and I’m having trouble concentrating. I feel the need for sleep overpowering me. If I don’t turn this paper in on time I’ll be kicked off the soccer team by my parents. So I get up. I walk to my stereo. My room is completely dark. I mean to grab Icky Thumb by the White Stripes, but I knock the disc to the floor. I’m too tired to pick it up, so I feel blindly for another disc. I set it to a random song. I need some kind of music to keep me awake. A descending chord pattern and then...“I look at the world and I notice its turning/ While my guitar gently weeps/ With every mistake we must surely be learning/ Still my guitar gently weeps.” Then “I’m so tired I don’t know what to do/ I’m so tired my mind is set on you/ I wonder should I call you but I know what you would do

I had put on the album that is normally known as The White Album, but is actually called The Beatles and I was absolutely dumbfounded. Let’s backtrack. The year is 1967. The Beatles have just released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, their masterpiece. The album was the first rock album to win the Grammy for album of the year, and it is the lead-off batter on Rolling Stones list of 500 best Albums ever. The Beatles had officially exploded like no band ever had before. People said that rock music had become an art form, just like painting or poetry. Beatlemania reached its climax. Not even Elvis had ever been this big. The

Fab Four knew they had to get away from it all to survive as a band. George, always the spiritualist,

suggested they go to India to study with the guru

Maharishi Mahesh

Yogi. While there

the boys meditated, and more

importantly, wrote music.

Songs like “Dear Prudence”

and “While My Guitar

Gently Weeps”

came from India. This is vital information because

when John, Paul, George, and Ringo got back to Abbey Road their mindsets

were drastically changed. In many ways India, while saving the band, magnified

their differences and lead to their breakup. These differences are magnified,

particularly, between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. In the songs and the attitude of the songs the contrasts are

striking. John’s “Yer Blues,” “Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?” and “Helter Skelter” are sharp foils to Paul’s “Blackbird,” “Birthday” and “Back in the U.S.S.R.” Like the band, The White Album’s differences are what make it special and outstanding—that and the songs, obviously. Back to me being sleepy. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” the song that I listened to nearly forty times that night, is now my favorite song ever. “Dear Prudence,” “Happiness,” and “Yer Blues” are up there as well. The entire track list is filled with gems: “Helter Skelter,” “Julia,” “Savory Truffle,” “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey,” “Blackbird.” The White Album version of “Revolution 1” is, in many ways, better than the single later released that is much better known. The album can break your heart, make you smile, and allow you to forget about the rest of the world. It is a tour de force of songwriting and musicianship, and I adore it in every way.

Beatles White Album turns 40Dave BundrenSpecial to the Visor

Fringe is a new sci-fi/thriller series that debuted on September 9th on Fox. The show is created by J.J. Abrams, who also co-created the massively popular TV show, Lost. The pilot episode begins with a devastating plane crash. All of the people inside are killed by a strange flesh-eating illness. An FBI agent is assigned to investigate the crash and discovers a small

Fringe: The Next Lost?slice of horrifying truth. Interrogating the dead and psychogenesis are commonplace in this series. The show is often shot from strange camera angles, giving the viewer a chill down his or her spine. This show is recommended if you are a fan of The Twilight Zone or The X-files. It is hard to classify Fringe under one genre. It is mainly science fiction with twists of drama, suspense, and sometimes even horror. It is guaranteed that Fringe will keep you on the edge of your seat every episode. The first episode is available for free at fox.com/fringe. The show is on every Tuesday night at 9 o’clock.

Matt KelleyStaff Writer

An unlikely superhero, John Hancock (Will Smith) is also an unhappy alcoholic, but with supernatural powers. He saves the city of Las Angeles countless times. However, since he’s often “impaired” during his latter feats of daring, he also destroys buildings, cars, bridges, roads: you name it. The once appreciative city begins to realize that they can no longer afford to be saved by Hancock.

As a result, the people of LA eventually become infuriated with him, preferring that he forgo any future rescue attempts; or if he can’t, he needs to start rescuing another city.

Then one day Hancock saves a man named Ray Embrey (Jason Batemen). Ray is forever thankful for being saved, and wants to repay Hancock in some way. As a professional publicist Ray believes he can perhaps save the superhero who saved him. Embrey proposes he “reinvent”

Hancock: An Unlikely SuperheroAlexis JohnsonStaff Writer Hancock through his powers of marketing,

and restore Hancock’s reputation. The plan is initially promising, but Hancock complicates its implementation with a few new wrinkles of his own, involving a bungled bank hold-up and some jail time.

Hancock’s resurgence is again complicated, this time by a former lady friend (Charlize Theron), with which he shares a secret past.

Despite mixed reviews, the film still did well commercially, gate receipts topping out around $225,214,837 in the US and Canada.

With its mix of suspense, action, and romance, Hancock will have you gripping your seats and screaming at the screen one moment, only to discover yourself reaching for your handkercheif to dry your eyes the next.

Hancock comes to DVD and Blu-Ray November.

You’ve seen the trailers, and heard the lines; you might even think that you’ve seen movies like it before. But the House Bunny is so much more than the commercials imply. Anna Faris (Scary Movies 1, 2, & 3, Just Friends) plays a naïve, 27-year- old orphan turned Playboy Bunny, named Shelley. When competition begins at the mansion to become Miss November, Shelley is duped out of the lavish life she knows, and straight onto the streets of Los Angeles. She subsequently wanders onto Greek row at a local college. In need of a place to stay, but lacking the resources to actually attend, she instead becomes the house mother of the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority. The Zetas themselves are about to be kicked out of their house by the evil and exclusive sorority, Phi Iota Mu, because they haven’t met certain “Greek requirements” and exhibit a severe lack of social skills. Shelley helps the eccentric

House Bunny:Pretty FunnyAlejandra BuitragoStaff Writer

Zeta girls shed their unsociable ways so they become more self-confident and poised. As she does these girls this favor, Shelley falls for the intellectual Oliver, who values real conversation as opposed to the banter of the shallow guys she has known in the past.

The movie has much more substance than it promises. Despite its

“Playboy pretext,” the movie is much more concerned with character and “inner beauty.” And because there are many” laugh out loud” moments, a great soundtrack, and an interesting story line, The House Bunny delights son several levels.

Rated PG-13, The House Bunny is currently playing in theatres throughout the metropolitan area

House Bunny Shelley (Anna Farris) rejoices over breakfast in bed.

Twilight: The Next

Big Thing?

Almost everyone has heard of the novel Twilight. It was written by Stephanie Meyer, a stay-at-home mom in Phoenix, Arizona.

Although millions of people have read this story, not many know how the project began. Meyer had a dream one night about a girl who fell in love with a vampire. When she woke up, she wrote it all down and continued from these notes.

The story concerns a young woman named Bella Swan. Bella and her vampire sweetheart, Edward Cullen, face great challenges together, including the attempt to elude a bloodthirsty, human-tracker named James.

Bella also has a werewolf friend named Jacob Black. But since the vampires and werewolves do not get along so well, this further complicates Bella’s relationship with Edward, especially since Jacob has feelings for her too. The question becomes, who will she choose?

This is currently a 4-part series which added its last installment on August 2nd, Breaking Dawn. Millions of fans lined up at Barnes and Nobles and Borders at midnight in order to be the first to receive their copy of the brand new book.

Some even dressed in costume, mimicking characters from the books. Breaking Dawn succeeds two other books released earlier, New Moon and Eclipse.

“I really love these books because you get to know the characters really well,” says junior Elizabeth Kilgallin.

Although the Twilight saga is complete, new installments are anticipated. Summit Entertainment has brought the story to the big screen, slated for release on November 21st.

Bella will be played by Kristin Stewart, Edward by Robert Pattinson, and Jacob by Taylor Lautner. As many “Twilighters” know, Meyer was planning on releasing another book called Midnight Sun. This was intended to repeat the plot of Twilight, only written from Edward’s perspective instead of Bella’s. However, Meyer’s plans changed after someone leaked a few unfinished chapters online. Now Meyer is not sure if she will continue with this project.

Rachel PottsStaff Writer

Apple Releases an Array of Colors, OptionsLulu MooreStaff Writer

Apple has recently released new and improved iPods, iTunes and Mac books. Although each of the iPods has been

improved, the Nano has been changed the most. Available in nine colors, the Nano also boasts a new, curved shape. Basically the mantra of the new nano is “options, options, options.” Heck, get one to go with each of your outfits, because I guarantee that there is one to match whatever you own. Fans of the iPod Touch’s Accelerometer will be pleased to hear that the Nano now has that feature, allowing users to view the screen sideways as well as shake the iPod,

shuffling the order of the music. The most impressive feature of the new Nano is the “spoken menus,” allowing those visually impaired to enjoy the iPod along with everybody else.

Only minor changes have been made to the iPod Touch and iPod Classic.

The iPod Touch has a new external volume control and a lower price. The improved iPod Classic is skinnier and lower in price, which is a plus in today’s economy. New features on iTunes include Genius Playlist, an application that makes playlists for songs that go well together as well as suggesting new songs, it also allows you to view HD television episodes of shows such as The Office, and browse new titles by album cover. In addition to quality products, Apple also has ever-pleasing advertisements, both

on TV and printed media. Many question the ability of Apple to continue improving and remodeling their products, but as these developments prove, the geniuses behind Apple are going to keep delivering.

For Your New ‘Pod, An Editor’s Playlist:

1. Time To Pretend-MGMT2. Shut Up and Let Me Go-The Ting Tings3. Walking On Air-Kerli4. Radar-Britney Spears

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