meldometer

Get Your Workout On in GR

2008-04-21T12:35:00.001-04:00

published in the April 9, 2008 issue of The Saint

Grand Rapids Spring is in the air! Sure, the sky may manage to sneak out a few more snowflakes, but West Michigan will be all flowers and sunshine before we know it. Time to break out the shorts, sundresses, and bathing suits!
But before you start planning your warm-weather wardrobe, you might want to take a look in the mirror, or at the scale. If you are like the majority of Midwest residents, you probably have a little extra winter insulation that you could stand to lose. There is always Regina’s basement gym, but if you are like me, broken treadmills and limited space and options are rather un-motivating. I decided to see what else Grand Rapids has to offer.
The first place I checked out was Riverview Athletic Club located on Plainfield. My over-all impression: old, cramped, but still decent. Jennie Dykstra, Grand Rapids resident, classified it as a “hole in the wall”. It was not especially dirty, but everything in the building was so outdated and faded that struggled to feel clean. The cardio theatres were split up into three smaller rooms, one of which had a broken drinking fountain, while the strength training room was packed with about any machine that you could ever want. Basketball, racquetball, tennis courts, spinning, and group classes were available as well.
Second on my list was East Hills, located on East Paris. Described by Aquinas student Karen Harag as “very clean”, East Hills was fairly easy to get to and definitely matched Harag’s description. Clean, friendly, energetic, and family oriented, East Hills has a lot to offer. High ceilings, fans, and bright lights hang over three long rows of cardio equipment and several different sections of weight/strength machines. From there, the biggest danger is getting lost. Tennis, basketball, and racquetball courts, spinning, gymnastics, and group exercise rooms, two sets of lockers, a swimming pool, and even a café and pro-shop, provide plenty of space for you to break a sweat or just relax.
The MAC, located on Burton, partners with East Hills and is very similar with clean facilities, similar programs and classes. It was a little smaller than East Hills but had the same energy level and great overall atmosphere.
Another option is the YMCA, located on the West edge of downtown Grand Rapids. If shiny new facilities, lots of people, huge windows, and water slides are what you’re after, this is the place for you. It is really a challenge to not be motivated to work out when you walk inside the Y. After getting ready in one of the largest locker rooms I have ever seen, it is almost guaranteed that you can find something to do on one of the three levels. Your only challenge might be battling the crowds for a turn on your favorite machine.
If none of these places are quite what you are looking for, there are plenty more options. Google “sports clubs” and call around. Most places are more than happy to give you a free day to check things out yourself.

Fledgling Lacrosse Team

2008-03-23T16:21:00.003-04:00

published in March 18 issue of The Saint

It’s 10:00 p.m. on Aquinas’ campus and all is well. Students are buried in their studies, The Moose is providing a steady stream of caffeine, and 21 guys are running around the field house carrying sticks and yelling strange commands.
Wait, what?
It’s the Aquinas men’s lacrosse team hard at work late into the night. Unbeknownst to most of the college, the team has been training together since last semester, gearing up for games to start later this month.
Scheduled to play against larger schools including Albion and Grand Valley State, the team sees this season as their chance to prove themselves. Not only do they want to be a competitive team, the lacrosse Saints are on track to be approved as an official varsity sport for next year.
The jump from a club sport to a varsity team is a big one. Senior team captains Brad Vandenbroeck and Mike Battaglia are confident the team won’t drop the ball, no pun intended.As the team straps on face masks and grab their practice jerseys, Vandenbroeck explains their confidence.
“With our level of dedication, I truly believe that we will be one of the best teams in Michigan over the next three years,” said Vandenbroeck.
The team has come a long way already. Three years ago, Aquinas lacrosse consisted of some by-laws scratched out by Vandenbroeck and his brother Roland and about 10 guys with a love for the game.
Now a 21-man team on the verge of reaching the varsity level, they have the dedication, the experience and a coach who has been actively recruiting and building support.
Luke Griemsman, the official coach for the 2009 lacrosse team, has recruited from almost 95 percent of all Michigan high school lacrosse teams and is excited by the potential he sees at Aquinas.
“There are some very good lacrosse players here with leadership and experience,” said Griemsman.
“We will bring pride to the college and its name.”
As the team sprints laps around the empty field house, whip balls at each other and run plays, their enthusiasm is contagious.
Battaglia says that best thing about being part of the team is seeing how far they have come since his freshman year.
“It’s exciting to be at the start of something,” said Battaglia.
“It can be kind of rough [practicing late at night] since we could be studying or working, but we’ve seen huge improvement as a team and have such a high level of dedication. I think we’re more dedicated than most club sports.”
The team’s first game is against Albion on March 22.

PeP

2008-02-07T12:39:00.000-05:00

published in the February 6, 2008 issue of The Saint

Does Aquinas college have pep? Specifically, does Aquinas have pep when it comes to sporting events — our very own competitive teams? Most would answer that question with a resounding “no.”
To exist without pep is draining, and leaves one in low spirits. Aquinas already has to deal with the never-ending west Michigan winter; handling the repercussions of lacking pep hardly seems desirable.
So let’s get some!
…But how?
Well, one idea — the beginnings of a plan even — is to form a pep band at Aquinas. What a concept — increasing pep with a pep band. But would it work?
The opinions around Aquinas are a solid combination of yes, no and maybe. How’s that for definitive?
Freshman Mary Grace Guild likes the idea. “I think a pep band would improve school spirit,” she said. “And it is definitely possible. There are enough high school band grads to make it work.”
The prospect of an Aquinas pep band seems “pretty cool” to Freshman Jason Hill, forward for the men’s basketball team. “We had one in high school and I really liked it. It gets you hyped before the game, gets the energy up and adds school spirit.”
So maybe Aquinas should go for it. In the words of sophomore Stephen Simon, “Knock your socks off, Aquinas.”
While it is true that a good pep band could increase the excitement at games and raise some school spirit, it would have to actually be good. It would require significant time, dedication, energy, organization and genuine musical ability. Not to mention an audience. With current game attendance, the hypothetical pep band would be hard pressed to find fans to get pepped in the first place. But that is a different issue altogether.
“If it was going to work, it would need to come out of the music department,” said senior Nick Cooper. “It would require a lot of dedication, and students would be more likely to stick with it if it were part of a class.”
As someone very involved in the music department, Cooper seemed doubtful about the prospect of a successful pep band.
“Aquinas has tried this before and it has never worked,” he said. “Honestly, I think getting the new field house will improve school spirit more than trying to have a pep band.”
Athletic Director Terry Bocian was equally doubtful. Also sighting previously failed pep band attempts, he explained that while he would love to have a quality band, he does not see it happening any time soon.
“It would need to a be a dedicated group that could actually play well,” Bocian said. “We don’t want an inconsistent group that would detract from the games.”
The current solution is to play music over the sound system until that amazing, talented and dedicated Aquinas pep band appears.
Bocian did have one more idea. “I could always bring an accordion and few grandkids with some flutes,” he offered.
He may have been joking, but it’s a thought.

A Shot of Reporting

2008-01-29T21:37:00.001-05:00

As promised, here is a completed package from my internship with 24 hour News 8:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-UCYakJKtQ
(blogspot couldn't handle the file size; you tube time!)
This was an exciting shoot for me to do because I was able to work with a lot of talented people as well as use my own script. Back at the station, John helped me edit it all together into a smooth story. I am happy with how it turned out but definitely not finished here. Hopefully, this is just one of the first with many more to come! It will be interesting to be able to track my progress as I continue to produce. Always room for improvement, right?

Good Recruiting Makes the Team

2008-01-28T20:03:00.001-05:00

Published in January 23, 2008 issue of The Saint

Currently 15 and 5, The Saints men’s basketball are in the midst of an excellent season. After last Wednesday’s win over Davenport of 84-65, men’s basketball remains a strong force in Aquinas athletics. Game after game, the players continue to deliver. But where did those players come from? How did they get to Aquinas?
The recruiting procedure for AQ men’s basketball is a fairly lengthy process involving players from all over the Midwest. In the five years that Dave Hammer has served as head coach for The Saints, he has worked hard to bring in high quality basketball players.
Hammer initially began recruiting from other colleges in an effort to best utilize the already present potential. The decision to avoid solely focusing on freshmen recruits provided the jumpstart that The Saints needed, leading to the addition of players such as Jeff Wierzbicki.
Wierzbick, the 6” 2’ forward from Elk Rapids, consistently provides an outstanding game, leading the entire team. Currently a senior at Aquinas, Wierzbick began his college basketball career as a red shirt at Grand Valley State University. Soon after Hammer came to Aquinas and began looking for new talent, Wierzbick approached him about playing for The Saints.
“At that point, Hammer was looking for people already in college with some experience to get his team to where it needed to be.” explained Wierzbick.
Wierzbick has apparently been just the type of mid-college recruit Hammer was hoping for.
Now that the basketball program has had a chance to develop and strengthen, Hammer focuses most of his recruiting energy on the high school level.
“The recruiting process really starts during the sophomore or junior year of high school.” said Hammer. “I will initially start with a group of 75 to 100 kids which will then get whittled down. It depend on what we need as a team and on their skill level.”
As the potential recruits make their way through high school, Hammer makes a conscious effort to keep in touch with them and keep track of how they are doing. Depending on the individual, Hammer will contact the student anywhere from a couple times a month to a couple times a week, just to touch base. Hammer illustrates a typical conversation: “I’ll ask about their interest in Aquinas, how their season is going, how classes are, and just try and get a feel for who they are and how they would fit into the big picture.”
The recruiting process also involves communication with coaches and parents, as well attending games and inviting students to visit Aquinas for games and practices. Establishing a connection with the school and the players already on the team is important to Hammer. “They can see that they would be playing with good teammates, they get a better understanding of the style of game, and they realize that they would be playing against some good teams in some good tournaments.”
Jason Hill, the 6’ 6” forward from Mason, is one such Saint that Hammer has recruited. Hill was first spotted by Hammer while playing on a team with AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) during his junior year of high school. The two kept in touch and early winter of Hill’s senior year in high school, he accepted an offer to play at Aquinas. Now into the season, how does he like being a Saint?
“I like it, it’s a big change and it’s harder, but it’s making me better and we have a great team.”
A great team; what good recruiting is all about.

Hypnotized

2008-01-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

published in January 23, 2008 issue of The Saint

“Relaxing. Every muscle in your body. Relaxing. Breathing deeply. Pushing negative energy out of your body.” A holistic calming exercise? Not exactly, but as Canadian hypnotist Sailesh spoke those words, Aquinas student volunteers sure appeared to be relaxed as they slumped into a deep hypnotic state.
The 13 year veteran of hypnotism made a special visit to Aquinas on January 10th. Greeted by a full auditorium, Sailesh was prepared to hold his audience captive, literally. By the end of the night, The Saints of Aquinas had witnessed their friends do things they would have never imagined performing. Humiliating? Not even embarrassing according to Sailesh.
All in the name of good fun, over 15 students volunteered to relinquish “all control of their actions” into the hands of Sailesh. Quite a trusting move, considering that most had no idea who this hypnotist even was. Once in the initial hypnotized state, the students could best be compared to Sailesh’s personal puppet collection, making the audience laugh and crossing all sorts of lines in the process.
Seeing the volunteers put on a hypnotized version of Riverdance was hilarious, as was watching them attempt to evacuate the audience in slow motion. Seeing them watch porno on the other hand, as well as witnessing them explore their sexuality, respond to perceived nudeness, and react to other such overtly sexual scenarios definitely stepped into the realm of not-appropriate-for-an-Aquinas-sponsored-event.
The Aquinas reaction was mixed. Catherine Newman said “It was the funniest thing you’ve ever seen.” Bridget McCrackin explained that while it was hilarious, she was glad that she was not one of the people hypnotized. Another student, who wishes to remain anonymous, found the Sailesh hypnotism experience to be quite traumatizing. But it’s just good, relaxing fun, right?

Review - Chase The Light, Jimmy Eat World

2007-12-15T18:32:00.000-05:00

Chase this light, and keep chasing it because it gets better every time.
Chase the Light, Jimmy Eat World’s 6th album was released on October 16, 2007 and has since hit its peak at number 5 on Billboard’s charts. The opening track, Big Casino, has had even more luck, inching its way up to the number 3 position.
Chase This Light has less of the darkness of their previous album, Futures, and instead delivers high energy, toe-tapping awesomeness. Track after track engages the listener with meaningful lyrics combined with a depth of musical quality. Snapping fingers in Always Be, political lyrics in Electable, and powerful vocals throughout, Chase This Light is a satisfying mix of emo/rock/pop.
A great listen the whole way through, I have yet to tire of this album; it really does get better with each repeat. My roommates haven’t complained yet either. This one must be a winner.
4 ½ out of 5 stars

To The Bottle

2007-11-18T17:01:00.000-05:00

Published in Nov 14 issue of The Saint
As the cold weather moves in to stay, college students across America are experiencing the same ailments. Pounding headaches, bloodshot eyes, nausea, mood swings, and even some unexpected weight gain. Has some terrible flu swept the campuses? Nope; the above symptoms are simply a result of what has become known as typical college behavior - binge drinking.
Many students are surprised to learn that binge drinking consists of five drinks over two hours for men and four drinks over two hours for women. Heavy binge drinking involves at least that level of consumption three or more times in a two week period. This is a shocking realization to those who consider that to be a normal, or even small amount of alcohol to consume.
For the average person, a few drinks in a short amount of time is enough to raise one’s blood alcohol content well over the legal limit of 0.08% .
As the number of alcohol related incidents continues to rise, Aquinas is no exception. While seen by some as “not as bad as other colleges” Aquinas is cited as a typical drinking school by others.
“I don’t think we’re any different from any other school.” stated Kim Texley-Quigg, director of the Aquinas Health Center. “Aquinas is fairly normal, and we do deal with alcohol misuse.”
When students arrive at college, Aquinas included, they feel that there is a social expectation of them to drink.
“Students feel like they are supposed to experiment with alcohol at college.” Said anonymous Aquinas student. “I know people here who never drank before and now drink at least three times a week.”
In the last three years, Campus Safety Office (CSO) has dealt with 163 liquor violations. CSO strives to enforce both law and college policy as well as looking out for students’ safety.
“Any indications of alcohol poisoning is immediately referred for medical transfer.” Explained Tony Nolan, director of CSO. “In the last 2 years, such response may have saved the life of at least 3 students.”
It is recognized, however, that the majority of student drinking does not lead to disciplinary action. Whether it is a sophomore who binge drinks four times a week, or a freshman who sneaks shots into her morning orange juice, Aquinas does not step in until they are made aware that the alcohol misuse is negatively affecting that student or others on campus.
“The kids that get in major trouble are the ones we're concerned with.” said Quigg. “It’s causing them to fail, either academically, or by prompting fights or sexual misconduct.”
At that point, the student is referred to a counselor and provided with other resources to help them get back on track. Quigg says that she sees it as a learning experience and that Aquinas provides a very nurturing environment to help the students get beyond the routine of alcohol abuse.
“I think it‘s really helpful that Aquinas offers a lot of alcohol free activities.” stated Carolyn Lovelace, East Area Apartment Manager. The prevailing hope seems to be, that when surrounded by supportive friends and healthy options, a student will chose to avoid alcohol abuse. Otherwise, they become one of the 1.8 million students diagnosed as alcohol dependent at colleges every year.

Master Arts Improv Earns a Smattering of Laughs

2007-11-18T16:54:00.000-05:00

Published Nov. 14 in The Saint
###
Their website states, "The key to a successful weekend is to start out laughing and keep laughing. Let us help!"
Well that may be true, but you'll need a little more help than this troop's improv routine to accomplish that goal.
"Contents Under Pressure" is the name of the traveling comedy group. Started five years ago as a brainchild of the director Walt Williams' improv class, Contents Under Pressure practices every week and performs all over Michigan. As an audience member in their November 9th show at The Master Theater in Grand Rapids, I was witness to one of their mediocre performances.
When the eight person troop walked out in their matching bowling shirts, I had high hopes. Improv is a fun theatre genre; I was ready to be entertained.
The show started with cast introductions; that's when the trouble began. Matt Hall, the first to introduce himself, laid the ground work by explaining that he had just gotten engaged. Congratulations, but that's not funny improv. The rest of the cast members proceeded to then base their intros off of the engagement announcement. Again not funny.
The first amusing improv game that they played came a little ways into the show. Called "Tagline", the game consisted of a couple audience members providing the lines for the troop members. After a couple amusingly random remarks from the audience members, I was beginning to laugh, finally. But then I realized the reason that I was laughing. The audience members were providing the funny, the improv troop, not so much.
It didn't get much better when the troop continued on to "Jeopardy". Jonny Nelson, the cast member hosting the game, seemed confused an unsure of himself as he fumbled to get responses from the audience.
"Movie Review" proved to be a downer as well. Characterized by a general lack of creativity and witty comments, Timothy Cerchia and Matt Gommesen dialogue seemed to leave the audience confused and searching the things to laugh at.
The show was not completely without it's laughs, however. Mark Beckwith began to show strong comedic ability as the show passed the halfway point. The game "survivor" grew progressively funnier as Mark Beckwith carried the laughs, performing multiple roles simmultaniously.
As the performance continued, the cast seemed to warm up, providing a higher concentration of laughs. Why couldn't they bring that level of entertainment right from the beginning? Perhaps the words of Director Williams can help explain: "Improv is not as easy as people think it is. We take time to train every week." Maybe they just need to take a little more time.
All in all, it was a fun show but not anything really spectacular. The theatre was almost sold out, and I'm still trying to figure out why. Perhaps it was just an off night. They did have some good laughs; maybe they usually have more. Regardless, Contents Under Pressure failed to impress.
###

TO KNEEL OR NOT TO KNEEL

2007-11-01T09:41:00.000-04:00

Published October 31, 2007 Issue of The Saint
by Alissa Schafer, Saint Reporter

“Please do not kneel during the
consecration.”
Spoken at the first campus mass at
Bukowski Chapel this fall, these words
immediately raised a red flag. Isn’t the
Catholic teaching that the
congregation should kneel during the
Eucharistic consecration? Why are
Aquinas students being instructed to
stand? Confused, I did some research.
The third edition of the General
Instruction of the Roman Missal
(GIRM) states that one “should kneel
beginning after the singing or
recitation of the Sanctus until after the
Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer,
except when prevented on occasion
by reasons of health, lack of space,
the large number of people or some
other good reason. The faithful kneel
after the Agnus Dei unless the
Diocesan Bishop determines
otherwise.”
According to the diocesan office of
Grand Rapids, Bishop Hurley has made
no such exceptions. Therefore, Aquinas
is choosing not to kneel because of the
GIRM’s “other good reasons” —
specifically, the lack of space.
While standing may be technically
acceptable in Bukowski, how does one
reconcile this interpretation with the
words of Pope Benedict: “A faith or a
liturgy no longer familiar with kneeling
would be sick at the core. Where it has
been lost, kneeling must be
rediscovered, so that, in our prayer, we
remain in fellowship with the apostles
and martyrs, in fellowship with the
whole cosmos, indeed in union with
Jesus Christ Himself.”
Considering Bukowski’s space and
kneelers dilemma, I believe that the real
issue here is one of attitude. Obviously,
kneeling at Bukowski is entirely possible
— most students freely choose to kneel
after communion regardless of said
space issues. Should they not also be
free to kneel during the consecration?
Instruction to remain standing, although
an understandable effort towards unity,
is uncalled for.
Which is more important: a uniform
physical posture or freedom to worship
in a way that draws you closer to God?
Kneeling symbolizes deep respect
and submission. When we kneel, we are
humbling ourselves before God,
offering our complete selves, body,
mind and spirit, as a prayer. While
standing is a form of honor as well, there
is a power in kneeling that cannot be
negated.
Philippians 2:10 states that “at the
name of Jesus every knee shall bow.” It
is fitting, then, to kneel before His very
presence in the Eucharist, or to have
the option to do so without feeling
ostracized.

Michael Clayton Review

2007-11-01T09:38:00.000-04:00

October 31, 2007 Issue
Meet Michael Clayton, father of
a young boy, failed bar-owner and
proclaimed miracle
worker, at least at
far as legal issues
are concerned.
Expertly played
by George
Clooney, Clayton
works as a sort of
special consultant
for a major law
firm.
When law gets messy, Clayton is
called to clean up and fix the
problem. What exactly does that
mean? Well, the audience has about
two hours to figure that out.
Demanding complete attention,
this legal suspense film is not one
for casual viewers wanting a feelgood
ending. Forget mid-movie
popcorn runs.
Quality dialogue develops
exceptional, and at times complex,
characters and plot lines.
Although it is not a fast-paced
film, director Tony Gilroy keeps a
rapt audience as he incorporates a
good deal of the unknown while
avoiding a complete downward
spiral into senseless confusion.
Additionally, the cinematography
is outstanding and provides the
audience with artistic and poignant
shot sequences throughout the film.

Alissa Schafer,
The Saint Reporter

State budget crisis

2007-10-16T11:19:00.000-04:00

State budget crisis
leaves residents
uneasy, dissatisfied
By Alissa Schafer
The Saint Reporter

What do baby shoe bronzing,
singing telegrams and janitorial
services all have in common?
They are three of the services that
will now be taxed as a result of
Michigan’s overdue budget.
While most of the state was fast
asleep on Sept. 30, state senators
were still at work in Lansing. The
marathon senate session, ripe with
debates, fatigue and high emotions,
continued as politicians tried to
agree on a budget before the
midnight deadline.
Despite the previous nine months
of budget work, an agreement was
not reached by the deadline —
causing a four hour partial state
shutdown.
A state budget is required to
authorize all government spending.
Michigan’s fiscal year ended on Sept.
30, thus requiring a new budget to
be in place by Oct. 1 in order to
operate any state service.
This includes Secretary of State
offices, rest areas, social work,
lottery sales, state parks, police
services and many others that would
have become quickly obvious had
the shutdown lasted past the early
morning.
The final vote on the new budget
came in at 4:18 a.m. Monday
morning, prompting weary
politicians to break out into
applause.
“This budget agreement is the
right solution for Michigan,” said
Gov. Granholm in a statement.
“We prevented massive cuts to
public education, health care and
public safety while also making
extensive government reforms and
passing new revenue.”
However, everyone is not
pleased. The new budget raised
income tax from 3.9 percent to 4.35
percent and attached a six percent
sales tax to dozens of services,
ranging from landscaping to psychic
readings.
Rep. Craig DeRoche (R) is one of
many opposed to the higher taxes.
“I think it sets back Michigan’s
economy,” said DeRoche.
Changes to teacher and state
worker health benefits are also a
concern.
Unhappy business owners and
consumers alike are already plotting
a repeal of the newly passed taxes.

2007-10-03T17:46:00.000-04:00

New apartmet complex design finalized

By Alissa Schafer
The Saint Reporter

East Area is about to get a new look
— anticipation is mounting as plans
are being finalized for the new
apartment complex to be built on the
east side of campus.
The planning
process behind this
undertaking has
been quite extensive.
Aquinas faculty and
staff have hosted
several open forums and meetings
over the past couple years in order
to best address the needs of the
campus and student body as a whole.
As enrollment continues to
steadily increase, the need for
additional housing becomes more
prevalent. At the same time, Aquinas
is also working to maintain its mission
to strive towards sustainability.
Other campus resources such as
parking and food service are being
factored into the plans as well.
Parking is a large concern for
many students.
While the exact
situation is still
to be
determined, it
will be an
inconvenience.
“Construction will impact parking
negatively,” said Randy MacGeorge,
Director of Residence Life. “So things
will get a little worse before they get
better.”
Aside from potential parking
frustration, the new plans have been
getting a lot of positive feedback and
are promising to be a valuable asset
to the college.
The current plans will include
many features of the Ravine
Apartments with a couple key differences
— single person bedrooms
and more general meeting rooms.
There will also be several
community areas, laundry facilities
and study desks with lounge type
settings.
“The new plans really foster a
sense of community,” said
sophomore Emily Kokx, who has
been helping with the process.
The demand for those who wish
to be a resident of the new complex
is anticipated to be very high.
The complex will be open to
juniors and seniors through an
application process similar to the one
required for Ravine. Additionally,
Ravine will become available to
sophomores, maintaining its current
application process.
Design +, a Grand Rapids based
company, began working on the
project in June.
Suzanne Makarwicz, an Aquinas
alumni employed at Design +, has
been assigned as the apartment’s
interior designer.
With construction planned to
begin this fall, the apartments should
be finished by the beginning of
August.
“As a freshman, I can’t wait to live
there,” said Ashley Richards.
“Eventually I’d like to be a resident of
the complex. I’m pretty excited for
when that day comes.”

all you need is love?

2007-09-12T23:45:00.000-04:00

not published but personally profound which makes it post worthy

From 8/29 - Last night I dreamed that world was ending by a giant flood; the water was slowly rising and these was nothing we could do. Death was inevitable. (happy dream, I know) For some reason, I was home with my brothers but Mom and Dad were gone. Dad at work, Mom running errands. (that’s one thing that makes this story obviously a dream. If death were slowly but surely approaching, I doubt Mom and Dad would be out and about. Anyway.) So here I am at home, trying to do what I can, getting myself and my brothers to the roof, getting food, doing other unknown preparations. All the while, the water is slowly rising. Why am I preparing? What for? I realize there is absolutely no hope. Somehow I know, without a doubt, this is the end. There will be no rescue. Everything will be gone. It doesn’t matter how much I try to bring to the roof with me. As I sit on the roof with my brothers I realize that I don’t feel ready to die. Not at all. Cue alarm clock. Good morning.
Obviously, I continue thinking about the dream after I wake up. It was like a near death experience without actually being near death. And I think… If I was staring death in the face, would I be okay with it? My initial reaction is no, I wouldn’t be ready because I haven’t LOVED. Really, truly, completely.
To love and to be love, that basic human desire that runs so deep. We cover it up, ignore it, disguise it, twist it, even make light of it by masking it in jokes and cheesiness, but it’s still there. It seems easier for some people to love. Why is that? Are some people naturally compassionate and generous while others are naturally self-centered and cynical? Or is that what we let ourselves become?
Throughout high school I always said that I didn’t want to have any regrets. For the most part, I’ve stayed true to that. By the grace of God, I haven’t done any moronic things to screw up my life, and I see the many mistakes I’ve made more as things to learn from rather then as regrets. But I do regret not loving more. I regret the countless times I was too self-centered to even notice the opportunities to give of myself. I regret the times I’ve let pride, laziness, jealousy, and even apathy get in the way. Regardless of how I feel, I am called to love. We all are. Obviously, I have fallen short, we all have, but that’s not the point.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” - Jesus

I'm officially a reporter

2007-09-12T23:42:00.000-04:00

as published 9/12/07 in The Saint, Grand Rapids, MI
By Alissa Schafer
The Saint Reporter

Effective Sept. 14, Catholic priests
will be able to celebrate mass in the 1962
Latin form as a result of Pope Benedict
XVI’s motu proprio.
Previously, priests needed specific
approval from their bishop.
The Holy Father’s new guidelines are
seen as a pastoral effort towards unity
within the Catholic Church. As he says
in his letter to the bishops concerning
the motu proprio, he is acting on his
obligation as pope “to make every effort
to enable for all those who truly desire
unity to remain in that unity or to attain
it anew.”
Many see the measure as an
attempt to bring schismatic groups such
as the Society of St. Pius X back to the
Vatican, as well as an effort to reach
out to individuals who better identify
with the more solemn and reverent
nature of the Latin Liturgy.
“Many people within the Church
have a devotion to this mass on account
of its long standing use and some are
able to pray better in a more reserved
Pope allows Latin into mass
fashion,” said Matthew Grady of Ave
Maria University. “Anything that builds
up the Body of Christ has value.”
The strange language and traditions
of the 1962 mass can make it seem
distant and hard to follow for some.
Conversely, some find it very appealing
and feel it helps them to enter into the
Mass.
“People have different ways of
drawing close to God,” said Fr. Victor
Kynam. “The Latin liturgy is one way.
The Pope is opening the door to people
who may have felt rejected before.”
Senior Ryan Engemann feels it is
good to allow the use of the old Latin.
“The document has a sense of inclusivity
and is a good measure as long as it
doesn’t become divisive,” he said.
While the value of the change is
recognized, it is not expected that
the Aquinas community will
experience any effects. “It’s simply
not feasible to offer a Latin mass
here,” said Terry Marshal, Aquinas
Liturgist.
“It is possible, however, that
some area churches may provide a
Latin option.”

Paradigm of Indignity

2007-08-19T19:11:00.000-04:00

Well this is a little exciting for me; my opinion has been published by someone other than me! You can read it below, feel free to comment :o) Hopefully there will be more to come. I intend to use this blog to post both published pieces and personal writing.

Published August 19, 2007[ From Lansing State Journal ]
Alissa Schafer: Symbolic word bans are no aid to women
Leaders who ignore effect of our hypersexual culture can't claim any credibility
The press has given a great deal of coverage to New York City Councilwoman Darlene Mealy's proposed "symbolic banning" of the words "bitch" and "ho." These are derogatory words, but, really, limiting acceptable vocabulary in the name of supporting a woman's dignity?
Surely they can do better.
Do council members actually believe this measure will help New York females recognize their individual worth?
Don't worry ladies, they won't refer to us as bitches or hoes, but will continue to allow us to be unashamedly objectified by the support of "adult entertainment," scandalous personal behavior and even pop culture.
As long as "family" radio stations such as 97.5 FM in Lansing air explicit ads for Deja Vu; as long as the vast majority of magazines remain focused on sexuality; as long as porn is easily accessible at almost any gas station or convenience store; as long as men's magazines continue to focus on how to "score," words such as bitch and ho will remain as one of the smallest resulting problems of the underlying degrading attitude.
The council even acknowledges the fact that this ban is "unenforceable" and members are doing it because of symbolic value. Whatever happened to city councils taking practical steps to improve the quality of their city? This useless measure is less than the proverbial slap on the hand; more like literal lip service - the ban is designed to make people (i.e. council members) feel good about themselves.
It is my hope that Lansing will not follow New York's example, but rather take real steps to defend women's dignity by targeting root issues.
Instead of censoring words, why not start by restricting the local sale of pornography, strip clubs and overtly sexual advertisements? Or is that asking too much of our leaders?
Telling people that certain words are naughty won't affect a leader's bottom line. Eliminating deeply ingrained industries on the other hand ... that requires a whole different level of commitment - real commitment.
I am in no way placing all of the blame on men when it comes to women's current lack of dignity.
Most pornography involves willing women. Women have allowed themselves to be put in their current position. Whether they believe they are exercising their sexual power for personal advancement or the greater good or simply doing what Cosmopolitan tells them to, women have turned themselves into objects.
I think it is a bit ironic for women to act completely undignified and then protest when referred to in derogatory terms. Get it straight, ladies. It begins with seeing yourself with dignity, recognizing your worth as an individual and acting accordingly, thereby earning respect.
It doesn't generally work to do whatever you want, then demand respect as an afterthought.

2007-08-13T20:10:00.000-04:00