Spectrum DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Volume 83, No. 4.3
April 17, 2020
Checking in with . . . Mrs. V Dominic Aiello ‘23 Staff Writer
What is the best part of being at home all of the time? “The best part is that I’ve been spending massive amounts of time playing Animal Crossing. I’m currently trying to get this horrible snooty monkey to move out because she’s torturing the other villagers.” What is the worst part of being stuck at home? “The worst part is trying to make my own grilled cheese. I loved going to the cafeteria and seeing TruFoods has blessed me with a grilled cheese day, but now, every day is grilled cheese day.” Have you perfected a grilled cheese recipe? “Disney released its recipe for the grilled cheese sandwiches it uses in Toy Story Land, and so when I went to the store for my Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, I got the ingredients to make Disney’s grilled cheese. The sandwich is amazing, but it’s too much work for an everyday sandwich.” What is something that you didn’t expect to miss about school? “I miss waiting in line at the drinking fountain, and doing that thing where you wait for someone else to drink but they say “no, after you,” and then you say, “no, you were waiting longer.” Sometimes it’s the most words a quiet kid will ever say to me. I also miss playing the game when you’re done with a test and you’re bored so I see how many people are wearing sneakers vs not sneakers, without looking like I’m weirdly staring at people’s feet. I also miss waiting in the parking lot line to get out of school
and hearing people’s music blasting. It’s how I stay hip on music these days. Now I am becoming no longer cool. I have to watch TikToks for cool music now.” What is the best movie/TV show you’ve watched during quarantine? “I watched Tiger King,which was an entertaining train wreck. I saw the Disney/Pixar movie Onward, and it was amazing. I loved the D&D elements. I watched the old sci-fi movie Tremors, though, and I think that was the best. It was campy and terrible and the graphics were ridiculous. It reminded me of something Mr. Ahronheim would want to put in his room as a Drive decoration.” Best book you’ve read? “Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Mr. Nilsen and Mr. Cornish collaborated to recommend it. It’s a sci-fi book that’s filling the void left by Game of Thrones. There’s magic and danger and sass and shenanigans, so it’s entertaining. I just finished and am starting book #2.” How have your dogs been enjoying the quarantine? “They enjoy having me home all the time. We’ve been playing tug-tug and chase-chase in the yard. There is a frog family that has appeared under our deck and they have been chasing the frogs around. Since I replaced all of the living room furniture with beanbag chairs, they have not been happy that they have to share more than usual, so they’ve been trying to sit on me to force me out of the beanbags.” Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Mrs. V, and don’t worry. . . you’ll always be cool.
Phobia Embraces Tech, Zoom Bombs History Department Bryce Murray ‘20 Staff Writer
Call me Neo. I, Phobia, transcended this ghoulish realm and entered the virtual. The firewalls of myCC shook before my barbaric yawp and crashed. I was the 404 error code, the loading circle to YouTube lectures, the email attachment of unsupported file type. Yet, enthralled with power, I stumbled upon a sight whose memory forces me to curl into a fetal position and whisper “the horror”: the history department Zoom meeting. It was a dark and stormy night, and the distant chatter from classic baseball games could be heard through the microphone of Mr. Rumberger. “Alright,” Mr. Peck began, “I just wanted to start out by saying…” “Hey, Mr. Peck. Nice thighs.” They had added the wrong Dan Anderson, and he had posted the link to his story.
Dozens of students started to join in. Nick Augustine: “Ay, who tryna play Mr. Casey’s Crazy Carts?” Gavin Nafso: “Hey, guys, it’s beastmode90. Smash that like button and join notif gang.” Bashar Jawich: “GEEEEEEEEEEE!” Mr. Wilson: “Craig, do something!” Mr. McMichael: “Give me time. Geewhiz! They keep coming!” Blaine Marks: “Do you think I’m more of a ketchup or a mustard kind of guy?” Diego Fernandez: “Neither. You’re sriracha. You’ve got that spicy side.” Blaine Marks: “I think I’m more of a mustard guy.” Kevin Downs: “Where am I?” I was thrilled. Mr. Magni was mumbling “13” over and over like it was a Hail Mary. Someone had broken into tongues. As if exorcising a spirit, another yelled with great authority, “Go Magic!” “BRRRING!” A cacophony erupted from Mr. Herman. “Pew, pew. Brring! Pew, pew, pew. Ba-
Albums Fit For Quarantine
dump. Wa-wa.” All else was quiet on the western front. The bells from Mr. Herman’s pinball machine were a testament to his mastery. He knew when to press every nook and cranny, and how — a gentle tug on a ball launch now, a quick tap at the flipper button. He drew music from that hunk of rusted steel and carcinogenic paint. He was the Paganini of pinball. Students and staff alike wept. So enthralled at just the noise, they forgot why they had joined the Zoom call. Mr. Herman’s black icon, it ate at all of us — a lust for an image of the man at his machine. We imagined beyond the empty allure. Even now, weeks after we eventually did pull ourselves from his sirens’ song, we search for it — in the darkness after first dreams, in a distant tintinnabulation.
Andrew Ciarelli ‘22 Staff Writer
Because of quarantine, CC has effectively switched to an online curriculum. This means no seeing your friends, no TruFoods chipotle bar, and even no finals. Fortunately, this also means no one can tell you to stop listening to music in class. Here are some personal recommendations from various genres. The Slow Rush - Tame Impala (2020) Kevin Parker, known to many as Tame Impala, doesn’t fail to push his own creative limits in this sequel to 2015’s Currents. In this upbeat melting pot of genres, he blends dozens of synthesizers, samples, and vocals to create a style that is uniquely his own. Definitely worth an uninterrupted listen. Tha Carter II - Lil Wayne (2005) While I really liked the other entries in his Tha Carter series, Wayne’s magnum opus will forever be The Carter II. This album marks Weezy’s coming of age in hip hop, a huge step up for his lyricism and artistry, as the game around him changes. Hall of fame tier. No doubts about it. Hysteria - Def Leppard (1987) As a rap fan, it was hard for me to get into rock, but this album opened my eyes to the wonders of the 80s. From mainstream classics like “Pour Some Sugar On Me” to wild energy hits like “Run Riot,” Hysteria kept me entertained for the full 62 minutes. Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa (2020) Most of her songs have gotten overplayed, whether it’s on the radio, Tik Tok, or even the NBA 2K19 soundtrack. Dua Lipa has quickly become the face of modern pop, and this album is no exception, with its poppy melodies and EDM-influenced instrumentals. Give this album a listen and you might get a song or two stuck in your head faster than you think. Spirit - Earth, Wind & Fire (1976) This project, from the same funk group behind the timeless hit “September,” is sure to bring nothing but smiles and peaceful thoughts during the stressful pandemic. The flawless harmonizing and religious undertones offer an uplifting vibe, something that definitely puts them above other 70s R&B acts. Highly recommended - 10/10. Good Faith - Madeon (2019) In the world of EDM, I stumbled upon this gem. Producer Madeon changes things up well, with every track bringing something new to the table, until you have an entire Thanksgiving dinner of synth melodies and beautifully warped vocals. Modus Vivendi - 070 Shake (2020) 070 explores the many sides of love and scandal in this debut LP. Her vocals were really solid, but the production by Dave Hamelin and Kanye-collaborator Mike Dean was what made good become perfection. Shake has loads of potential so I won’t be surprised if she starts climbing the rap and R&B charts soon. Tangled Up -Thomas Rhett (2015) It’s politically correct to throw a country album in here too, so here’s one I’m actually pretty fond of. Rhett toes the lines of pop in songs like “Vacation” but still remains true to his genre in a way that feels natural. He offers some unforgettable higher melodies in the choruses, and casually returns to a low southern drawl for the verses that leave the listener wanting more.
Wee ken d
Edi
tion
!
27225 Wixom Road, Novi, MI, 48374
A Message From Fr. Fulton Dear Shamrocks, I pray all is well as can be with each of your families. I know many new challenges continue to appear, but please remember that we are all in this together. We are here to support you through this time. You are to be commended on how you have engaged so successfully in our on-line learning environment. Please keep up the good work. If you know of friends or family who need prayers during this time, please let Mr. Walters know (kwalters@catholiccentral.net). I also want to wish our Orthodox Brothers “Christos Anesti! (Χριστός Ανέστη!); Christos Voskrese! (Хрїстόсъ воскpέсе!).”
All AP students should check their College Board accounts to access the latest information and resources In preparation for their upcoming exams.
An Academic Awards Evening will be held on August 31 at Catholic Central. This will be the occasion to celebrate the Academic Achievements of the Classes of ‘21, ‘22, ‘23. More details to follow.
Seniors: Contact Mrs. Bolig if you believe you have had perfect attendance over the last four years.
Christian Service Hours must be completed by May 1 for Seniors and May 22 for underclassmen. Contact Mr. Walters (kwalters@catholiccentral.net) for online opportunities.
Mandatory physicals will be accepted at a later due date, to be determined when appropriate. Watch for more information in future emails.
Lunch Account Refunds: Senior lunch accounts will be reimbursed by the end of April via check in the mail from Tru Food. Underclassmen accounts will roll over to the 2020-2021 school year. If you would like a refund instead please have your parents contact Maria Cifani-Stepp (mcifanistepp@gmail.com).
Be sure to check out CC owned restaurants!
NHL, NBA Confront Uncertain Futures Gordon Jones ‘22 Staff Writer
Oklahoma City, March 11. Chesapeake Energy Arena is buzzing as tip-off between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz is moments away. Jazz center Rudy Gobert was feeling flu-like symptoms, similar to those of Covid-19, for an undetermined amount of time before he was tested prior to the game on the eleventh. His results came back positive. The whole league seemed to come to a screeching halt as an NBA official ran onto the court and gathered referees to address the situation. The stadium was immediately evacuated and all staff and officials were either evacuated or put under quarantine. The NBA later announced that they would put the season on “temporary hiatus,” later opting to suspend the season indefinitely. Not soon after, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced that they would “pause” the NHL season and playoffs. “In all likelihood, we aren’t going to get through the rest of the season without a player testing positive. Particularly because the Utah Jazz had used locker rooms within 24 hours of our teams using the same locker rooms in buildings that we share with the NBA,” said Bettman. Since March 4, the Utah Jazz had played in Boston, New York, and Detroit right here at the Little Caesars Arena. So it made sense when Detroit Pistons forward Christian Wood announced on March 14 that he had tested positive for Covid-19. Wood later made a full recovery. As of now, there still is not any definitive answer for either league’s seasons to be resumed. We are likely to be a long way away from seeing any pro hockey or basketball. With neither league having any set dates to return, and the U.S. being hit worse than the majority of countries around the world, it’s likely both seasons are cancelled until a vaccine or other treatment is developed for the novel coronavirus. It is likely that there will not be a 2019-20 NBA Finals Champion or NHL Stanley Cup Champion. Unfortunately there isn’t much hope for a prompt return to the NBA or NHL, or any other major sports for that matter.
