6
News & Features
december 2011
Why is it always ‘A Wonderful Life?’ by Kenny Palandines BUsinEss ManaGEr
Students have gathered together for the past two decades to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” a black and white movie from the ‘40s that is shown on the last day of the fall term. Does anyone know the reason why the community gathers to watch a mind numbing movie in black and white? The yearly tradition started in 1986 when Father Edwin Leahy’63 O.S.B and Abbot Melvin Valvano O.S.B meet with alumnus Robert Brennan ’62 who donated millions of dollars, and in return asked the community to watch one of his favorite movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” each year. Assisistant Headmaster Ivan Lamourt said that the reason the movie is shown every year is not just the favor for Mr. Brennan but because it has a moral message. “Everyone can benefit from watching this movie due to its many messages it sends to the audience.” He also said, “We watch the movie every year before Christmas because it reminds students that their lives matter to everyone around them”.
by sereTse daVis staff writEr
Mr. Lamourt said that the students don’t get the reason the movie is shown or the meaning of the movie. “I think the older you get the more you appreciate the movie. That’s why so many alumni come to see the movie.” Father Ed said that the movie is a best way to really get to know one another. “Watching the movie can help build the relationship between guys in our community and get them to bond with one another”. He also said that no one should feel that their lives don’t matter to anyone. “Everyone lives matter because everyone touches other people’s lives.” Fr. Ed also said the depictions of generous actions show how the community will help members in need, just like the movie did. “What people get most out of the movie is to help one another like a community should do.” Senior Dennis Tassie said that watching the movie so many times can really change the lives of people. “Although it might not seem like your life matters, the movies make you feel that you can make an impact in your community.”
The best albums of 2011
As 2011 nears an end here are what I believe to be the top five albums of this year. “Take Care” by Drake, a Canadian hip-hop artist. This is his second album that came out on November 15.This album offers listeners an inside view of his life on topics such as romances that failed, relationships with friends and family, and growing wealth and fame. My favorite three tracks are “Lord Knows,” “Look What You’ve Done” and “Take Care.” Listeners are able to relate and connect with his story. “Watch the Throne” is a collaborative album recorded by Jay-Z and Kanye West. The album was released on August 8. Listeners are taken into their world, which involves high-end fashion, cars and vacations. Also they talk about the
burdens of success. My favorite three tracks are “No Church in the Wild,” “Gotta Have it,” and “New Day.” The album offers listeners a chance to envision a journey from having nothing to having everything. If bragging over a beat appeals to you, this album is for you. “Cole World: Sideline Story” is the debut album by J. Cole which was released on September 27. The issues he raps about kids are able to relate to like growing up in a fatherless household also he talks about abortion, relationships, fame and success. My favorite three tracks are “Sideline Story,” “God’s Gift,” and “Breakdown.” He gives listeners a piece of himself and lets everyone inside his life. “Section 80,” recorded by Kendrick Lamar, was
released on July 2.The album talks about the trouble youths are facing- drugs and alcohol, an unfair justice system and the confused morals of today’s society. My favorite three tracks would be “A.D.H.D,” “Keisha’s Song,” and “HiiiPower.” The album gives listeners a new sound, by having a hip, jazz-influenced beats. Also his rap scheme is unlike anyone else’s in rap right now. The second album by Wale is called “Ambition,” released on November1. The album lets listeners feel a part of his journey; he talks about trying to be successful, his flashy life-style, and his respect for women. My three favorite tracks are “Miami Nights,” “Ambition,” and “Double Genius.” Listeners can relate to him being humble and hungry trying to become great.
What do you want for Christmas?
Reporter Donald Stokes asked students what they want Santa to bring them this year. Have you been good enough to get anything? UDII Zakee Smith “All I want for Christmas is for my mom to be happy because I don’t want to see her stressed out over things in life” UDII William Brown “I want a PS3 for Christmas because it’s a great game system and I could play online with my friends” UDII Trevon Sloan “For Christmas I want a Laptop because it is convenient to have one at home instead of going to the ACC or library”
Senior Dax Bernard “For Christmas I want the new IPod because I’m a fan of apple products and Fr. Ed still has my iPod from freshman year” Senior David Rivera “For Christmas I want Batman Arkam city because I enjoy video games and comic books” Senior Group Leader Akeem Millar “This Christmas I want a fourth generation iPod touch because I lost my previous one”