Prep Grads Franciscan Peter’s Presents Collaborate on Friars Visit Prep Video Report Pizza Bomber Theology Book Classes THE RAMBLER VOLUME CXII ISSUE 5 News & Features

What’s going on around the school? What’s going on around the world? This is the place to find out.

1 NEWS & FEATURES What it takes to get school cancelled By Luke Merski, staff writer

In recent Prep history, there has only been one instance that school has been canceled due to the weather. This happened about When I talked to Lucas Buseck, he said that he was also somewhat four weeks ago on Tuesday, October 30, 2012. There was much disappointed that our tradition was broken over weather that fear and unknown about the weather on that night. At about 9 turned out to be nothing. p.m. on Monday the 29, students received a phone call from Fa- ther Jabo. With the other area schools having canceled, and in the After this day off, I feel that it will be even harder to obtain a snow interest of precautionary student safety, he announced that Prep day. Cathedral Prep already had tough requirements for a snow would have the following day off because of the extreme weather day, and finally after getting school off and having it turn out to be conditions. nothing serious, I feel it will be even more harder to get off from school in the future. With the winter season almost upon us, we Personally, I was surprised when school was cancelled due to shouldn't get our hopes up for another snow day and prepare for a weather. Being a senior now at Prep, I have had many instances long and cold winter. over the years with horrible weather conditions, including several feet of snow. Each of these times, the hope was always that school Also, I had an interview with Mr. Murnock about what it would would be cancelled, but it never was and students eventually made take to have a snow day, why Prep rarely has snow days, and also it in to school, keeping our record of never having a snow day. what the specific reasons were that we had off for Hurricane Sandy. After sleeping through a night of high speed winds and periods of heavy rain, I woke up in the morning, only to be delighted by the Luke: What were the main reasons we had off for Hurricane beautiful weather. It was a sunny day with clear blue skies. Al- Sandy? though it was a wonderful day to have off from school, I was al- most disappointed because we had such a strong record of never Mr. Murnock: Projections were not good the entire night. They having off for weather. I was upset that our long record was bro- were monitoring other schools throughout the night and they were ken over a storm that mostly spared Erie. all closing (City of Erie and Millcreek schools). Father Jabo went 2 to Villa and checked the weather conditions. Later the Erie School Living in Erie for all 17 years of my life so far, I do not think that District closed. Since we normally run on their schedule, we de- conditions will ever reach the requirements to obtain a day off cided to close. But in the end, Father Jabo waited to the last minute strictly because of snow. I think that it’s a safe bet that this winter to make the call. season will produce no days off for the students here at Prep.

Luke: Was that the very first day Prep has ever had off due to weather?

Mr. Murnock: Yes, for as long as I have been here at Prep, but I can’t speak for before my time. We specifically try not to close be- cause for practical reasons. Our history of not having snow days is not because we are trying to be macho. It is because most students’ parents have to go to work. If they drive their sons, they can drop them off on the way. The majority of students come from the city of Erie. Some can walk to school and also parents like their sons to be in school during they day.

Luke: What would it take for us to have a snow day this winter sea- son?

Mr. Murnock: Unsafe conditions, conditions that are so unsafe that the students’ safety is in jeopardy.

Luke: Are you upset that school was cancelled for Hurricane Sandy because it ended up being a nice day when we had off and the conditions were not that bad?

Mr. Murnock: Yes, of course. It interrupted the scheduling and planning. Also, it was the end of quarter and this made us back up school one day and also back up report cards. In the end we have to make up that day of school, most likely in the summer, which no one wants to do.

3 NEWS & FEATURES Peter’s Presents By Nick Michael, contributing video reporter This year, with the addition of the iPad, The Rambler introduced multimedia video content for the first time ever. This issue marks a new milestone, as The Rambler has established a relationship with Mr. Deau’s broadcast journalism class. This partnership will enable students in the class the opportunity to produce and publish high quality, professional-grade video reports for The Rambler, adding to and enhancing the content already being produced on a regular basis by the staff of The Rambler.

The first video report, produced by Nick Michael, tells the story of Peter’s Presents, a Cathedral Prep Christmas tradition.

4 NEWS & FEATURES Pizza Bomber puts Erie on the map By Austin Kanonczyk, contributing writer

Pizza Bomber: The Untold Story of America’s Most Shocking not a man considered evil, insane, or mentally unfit. Ironically, Bank Robbery was written by Dr. Jerry Clark (Cathedral Prep Wells was not the last victim of this mysterious bank robbery. Class of 1978), whose son Michael Clark is currently attending Prep, and Mr. Ed Palattella (Cathedral Prep Graduate). Cathedral Prep graduate Jerry Clark was the lead FBI special agent who was eventually Their gruesome story began on the morning of Aug. 28, 2003, in the agent that solved the case. Ed Palattella, Erie, Pennsylvania. A seemingly unsuspecting pizza delivery man another accomplished Cathedral Prep gradu- named Brian Wells was confronted by multiple people who se- ate, followed this complex case from begin- cured a time bomb around his neck and demanded him against his ning to end as the lead investigative reporter will to rob a local bank. The manipulative plan was that Wells for the Erie Times newspaper. Eventually, would successfully rob the bank, hand over the money to the ac- Clark and Palattella teamed up to “set the re- complices who secured the bomb to his neck, and then he would cord straight” about what really happened in receive clues that would assist him in disarming the live bomb this bizarre murder case. The ordeal con- clamped around his neck. This case, labeled “Collar Bomb," was tained may twists and turns, as well as facts considered a major case for the FBI and one of the most creative that were not shared with the general public. bank robbery schemes in history. Being “Brothers of Prep," they collaborated their efforts and wrote the book, Pizza The unique plan didn’t go as well as the creative criminals had Bomber: The Untold Story of America’s schemed. The police captured Wells before he could acquire the Most Shocking Bank Robbery. multiple clues necessary to disarm the continuously ticking collar bomb. Time unfortunately ran out, as the bomb detonated while it Erie has always been known for a few things ranging from its amaz- was tightly fastened to Wells' neck. ing sunsets on our beautiful peninsula to its great Italian food, but After a lengthily investigation following Wells' shocking death, the Erie has never been recognized on such large a scale for such an FBI came to the conclusion that Wells was an innocent victim and important murder case. When traveling and speaking to natives of 5 another state, once many people hear the words "Erie, Pennsylva- the Antlers, and basically spend the whole weekend celebrating nia" the first thing that crosses their mind is The Pizza Bomber with my friends. This never did happen due to my commitment to Case. This case was recognized nationwide. the case. I tell about this in the book.

Though very busy promoting his new book, Dr. Clark spared some time to answer a few questions pertaining to the book as well as the Austin: Is there a possibility of a movie? case. Dr. Clark: Yes, Ed and I have a contact with Hollywood to develop Austin: What made you decide to write about the Pizza Bomber? a movie. I personally signed on as consultant to maintain accuracy of our story. Hollywood currently has the book and is adapting it to Dr. Clark: After a long investigation, with complex, twists and a screen play. turns the public wasn't aware what really happened with this mur- der case. As the lead investigator I wanted to set the record Austin: What actor would you prefer to play the character of you? straight. Dr. Clark: I was thinking Don Knots or some famous, talented Austin: What's your personal favorite part of the book? and handsome actor.

Dr. Clark: After Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong’s trial, my family went The book, Pizza Bomber: The Untold Story of America’s Most to The Erie Club for a celebratory dinner. Everyone close to me sat Shocking Bank Robbery is available for purchase at locations such down, relished my accomplishments and had a really great dinner. as Borders Books and iBooks for $9.99. Buy a copy today and dis- It was a great release. cover Jerry and Ed’s untold story written by fellow Prep grads!

Austin: What challenges did you encounter while writing the book?

Dr. Clark: Trying to make 7-8 years of activity flow into a logical chronological story was a challenge. Ed was a master at compress- ing all that time into an easy-to-read story that captured its unique- ness.

Austin: Is there anything about Cathedral Prep in your book?

Dr. Clark: Yes, my 25th class reunion weekend was August 28, 2003. My plan was to attend a football game, meet classmates at

6 NEWS & FEATURES Franciscan Friars share life les- sons with theology classes By Joe Hampy, staff writer On Tuesday, Nov. 13, theology One of them, Brother Lazarus was once a Division I baseball class was different. Walking into player who had a full ride scholarship to Nebraska. His whole life class fourth period I saw a man in he had a dream to play Major League Baseball. While in college he a robe with a beard. At first I was began to party, which began to set his studies off. Then when it surprised and was confused, but was too late he dug himself a huge hole. He dropped out of college as soon as Mr. Del Rio told us and decided to go to confession where it really hit home for him. what was going on and who they He thought long and hard, then made the decision to go to college were it all made sense. to study and learn more about God.

They were Franciscan monks, Brother Lazarus was in a dark hole and felt dead inside, and it members of a Franciscan order wasn't until he let God fully into his life that he finally felt himself. called the Franciscan Friars of Re- Lazarus and his brothers go around begging for food because the newal. They were founded in 1987. saint which they follow, St. Francis, asked for everything and also They strive to live according to the gave all they had to people In need. Lazarus inspired our class and charism of St. Francis of Assisi by truly showed us what can happen when we open our eyes to God. living a life of poverty, chastity and obedience and strive to pro- Also, he beat-boxed for our class showing off his skills. When I Brother Lazarus mote the renewal of the Catholic asked student Andy Amendola about the experience he said, "It Church and fidelity to Church was a unique experience. It was definitely not something I ex- teachings and to the pope. pected going into class that day."

7 Damion Terry said it was interesting listening to them hearing their life stories and how they go about their lives. When I was done asking students about their time with the friars I think the ma- jority agreed that it was a great time and was a great way to spend our class. We really saw a different meaning of truly devoting your life to God. I hope the friars return sometime soon or come back in later years so others students can listen and learn to them as well.

8 NEWS & FEATURES Prep Fashion stands out from the crowd By Mike Squeglia, staff writer As the weekends go on, I have realized one consistent thing among Another famous clothing style here at the students here at Prep. That is their immaculate taste in fash- Prep is the style used by Joe Marin. Marin ion. The clothing choices of Prep stu- lived in the shadows of the Bloomstine dents is far greater than those of stu- boys for two years, copying every article dents at McDowell, Mercyhurst, or of clothing they had ever worn. Now that any other school in the county. the twins have graduated, Marin has risen as the king of this particular style among The clothing style choice by senior Prep students. I have yet to see a student Bobby Oehling is one of the boldest outdo the preppy look coined by joe. The styles I have seen since the late 80s American flag Chubbies shorts I've seen and early 90s. This might have to do Joe sporting on dress down days look like with the fact that much of the clothing something that would come right off a he wears is 10 years older than him. I fashion runway. As said by Joe himself, don't even know where to start with "A great man once said, ‘sky’s out thighs Bobby. During my four years here at out.’ I try to live by that motto.” Prep with him I have seen him rock everything from that gorgeous Coogie Unfortunately, there have been some students here at Prep that sweater to the unforgettable coral haven't picked up the fashion gene quite yet. Blaine Bensur is sport coat. I had an interview with among these sorrowful students. One would think that after three Bobby to give us insight on how to years here at Prep he would be able to wear matching clothes; how- really give that “wow” factor to our outfits. Bobby recommends ever, he still insists on wearing those hideous neon yellow shorts. I that fans of his clothing style should watch Boy Meets World be- asked my assistant Calvin "Dollaz" Reed, a good friend of Blaine's cause that is where most of the inspiration for his outfits comes to explain to me why he continues to wear those shorts despite all from. the criticism. He replied, "I believe Blaine wears those shorts as a

9 confidence booster. He had a lot of success with the women while wearing them.” We'll find out this winter whether or not it really is these shorts that give him the magic touch with the women. With all that said, those shorts are a terrible style choice when it comes to fashion, in my opinion.

I am continually reminded that Prep students have a spectacular taste in fashion. I also wonder at times what is the next step for these students. Should Prep administration consider adding a fash- ion design class to their curriculum? What is the next step in pursuing this widespread tal- ent here at Prep?

10 NEWS & FEATURES Prep students discuss their favorite iPad games By Sean Taylor and Steve Bretz Covering the lighter side of the news, two members of The Rambler, on-air interviewer Sean Taylor and “the man behind the camera,” Steve Bretz spoke with several Prep students to find out what their favorite iPad games are. All video and audio used for these interviews was captured using the student iPads.

11 NEWS & FEATURES Winter weather preparations By Lewis Greco, staff writer

As winter weather approaches, it is important to remember to pre- pare for harsh road conditions and days. The most important thing is to make sure you always have plenty of water. As much as it is good to drink water during the summer to stay hydrated, it can be just as much of an issue in the winter. Most people don't think they need as much water during the winter because they don't move around or sweat as much, which is exactly why it is difficult to judge winter time dehydration. Not drinking enough water can increase your chances of getting sick.

Another obvious issue pertaining to weather is to make sure you get your winter tires on. Even if your car has four-wheel or all- wheel drive it can still be very hard to navigate frozen roads and highways. In addition to winter tires make sure you carry road salt and some sort of dry non-adhesive material, such as cat litter or gravel, in your car in the case of stalling or getting stuck on public roadways.

Last but not least make sure to wear layers and keep some sort of small snack on your person along with your water or some other drink. Staying warm and keeping from being hungry helps to stay awake and alert while out and about. Whether you’re hunting, driv- ing, playing sports, or working, make sure to be prepared and on top of things. Don't let yourself be left behind and in need of some- one else's help this winter.

12 THE RAMBLER VOLUME CXII ISSUE 5 Sports

Full coverage of Cathedral Prep athletics plus insights into college and pro sports.

13 SPORTS Ramblers football playoff run continues By Delton Williams, staff writer The Cathedral Prep football team is now 13-0 after winning the D- teams to win, football isn't for you. But this football team is ranked 10 championship game last Friday over General McLane by a final first in the state and has come together to work hard to earn that score of 48-14 and then beating West Allegheny this weekend. ranking. It is clear that the players and their coaches want this From the looks of this season, the Ramblers have a chance of being state tittle. the best football team at Prep in a long time. Prep is looking to make history with a big state championship ring, its first since Senior Joe Hampy, another important player on the team, also 2000. said that if they work together anything is possible for the Ram- blers. Every team Prep plays the rest of the way in the playoffs is a The Ramblers are focused and taking the season game by game. good team. We know we have to take it game by game to be sure Up next in the playoffs is Bishop McDevitt in the Pennsylvania that we get another week to enjoy football here at Cathedral Pre- class AAA state final four. Prep will have just one more game left paratory School. The last state title that was earned here at Prep until they receive the prize if they can win this Friday. Coach was in the year 2000. That was 12 years ago, and it has been way Mischler has been down that road before and knows what it takes to long for us. One more game after the game Friday against West with a group like this. With some of the best coaches around assist- undefeated Bishop McDevitt. Roll Ramblers! ing him, the Ramblers are prepared and ready to achieve the goals they set at the begin of the year. As a senior captain myself I will do what I can to help the Ramblers do just that. So roll Ramblers, roll, on to victory!

The words of quarterback Damion Terry, “Don't come into the game worried. Just let it all come to you and play your game.” When you worry too much, you do the wrong things because you are nervous in the game. Being nervous can change the way you play because you might be scared to get hurt or just scared, period. a man’s game, so if you don't like hard work and battling other

14 SPORTS CYO Rumor Mill By Matt Hess, staff writer This fall has had some major rumors swirling through the hallways "He has some raw potential, but he has a nice lefty hook." Sean at Cathedral Prep. Some rumors I have heard are quite surprising Taylor is now trying to play for Cathedral Center this season. and others I expected to be true. Let's review the rumors from this fall. Another news bit out of my former alma mater, St. George. Alex "Geanakopolis" Geanous, the number one free agent this season The first major rumor that has been going through the CYO circle for CYO is actually playing CYO so he can play for Prep next year. is whether Eric "Steezy" Swanson will play CYO. The "Swan Man" When I heard this, I was struggling to think about why, but I soon has yet to be approved by the Diocese of Erie. Currently Dan Ben- figured it out. He believes that he can win a state title this year and sur, the coach at St. Luke has one of the best recruiting pitches he then start for the Ramblers the following season. Geanous said of can use to bring in Steezy. He can give Swanson the starting center this chance to win a state title this year, "We have as good of a position, which is currently one of the largest questions heading chance of winning the state title as R. Kelly does staying out of into the CYO season. If St. Luke brings in Swanson, I believe that jail." Geanous is planning on reapplying to Prep next year and re- they could challenge St. George at the top this year. classifying as a senior again next year. He is planning on taking In- tro to Painting taught by The Vicary next year as his only class. Some buzz is also being generated out of OLP. First off, according to my sources, Coach Gerlach is very keen on Greg Coppola and ***Some of these rumors are untrue Kevin Bogniak this season. Coach Gerlach could make a surprising move this season in playing both of them more than expected. This could take time away from Anthony "Toni" "Zoboomafu" Siggia and Brendan "Stephen" Klemensic, which would be a shocking move.

Sean "Slagathor" Taylor has also officially thrown his name in the CYO mix. He is trying to work a ploy to get into the CYO league. He was trying to sign on as the St. Luke Crusaders' center in place of "Steezy Swan," but Dan "Tubby Smith" Bensur simply does not want him. When I talked to Coach Bensur he said of "Slagathor,"

15 SPORTS Tebow time in New York? By Calvin Reed, staff writer The New York Jets are in a tough place at the moment. They are currently 4-7 and their chances at making the playoffs are looking Tebow has many critics that say he cannot play quarterback in the quite unlikely. Nothing seems to be going right for this team on ei- NFL, yet his stats say otherwise. Last year the Broncos started the ther side of the ball. Most of the blame falls on their pathetic of- year off at 1-4. When Tebow took over the team went 7-4 and just fense that would struggle to gain yards on college teams. What made the playoffs. Everyone remembers the playoff game against could help the Jets this late in the year? the Steelers, where Tebow won in overtime on a play that still makes Steelers fans curse his name. If leading your team to the ! The answer has been in front of them playoffs and winning games is a bad thing, then no wonder the ana- all along. Tim Tebow! Tebow provides lysts hate Tebow. That's all the man does. much more to the offense and the team than Mark Sanchez has or ever Tebow does not always have the best stats, but in the end he gets will. So far this season Sanchez has the job done. Most people can remember his late-game heroics last thrown for only 12 touchdowns along season with the Broncos. It's not always pretty, but you can be sure with 10 interceptions. To make mat- that Tebow will get his team the win. That is something the Jets ters worse he also has 10 fumbles. San- are in desperate need of. Tebow gives the entire team a spark when chez has a pitiful bottom five rating of in the game. He motivates his team and gets them fired up after 76. The Jets offense ranks in the bot- every big play. He knows what being a team is all about, something tom three in passing and middle of Sanchez known little of. Recently some defensive players on the the road rushing. Jetshave said that Tebow is an awful quarterback. It's funny be- cause Tebow beat the same Jets defense last year with a final min- Tebow gives this team a spark in both areas of offense. He can ute touchdown to secure a win. Maybe Tebow should be the one both rush and pass effectively. Teams are worried about his ability pointing fingers at a poor defense. to run the ball so they overload the box hoping to take away any running lanes. When this happens Tebow can make them pay, Rex Ryan and the Jets organization brought in Tebow in hopes to throwing downfield for long gains. That's exactly what he did change to win more games. Clearly they are not winning games against the Steelers last year in the playoffs. If teams look to de- and Tebow has been on the sidelines all year. I think it is clear the fend the pass then Tebow can scramble or call designed runs, Jets need to do something different. New York needs to witness Te- where he can shred the defense at will. bowing first hand. The solution is simple: bring in Tebow!

16 SPORTS Major League Baseball free agent frenzy By Dan Makowski, staff writer It's that time of the year again, Major League Baseball's free agent frenzy. Every year we see teams completely redo their rosters. 7. Mike Napoli (C/1B/DH Rangers – Age 31): Na- Some teams are going to build for the future and some want to win poli didn't have a great season last year (hitting now. We have already seen a lot of moves early, such as the Blue .227/.343/.469). He is starting to age now, and I feel Jays adding a ton of star power to become an early favorite. But his best position would be as a DH, although he could now here are the Top 10 MLB free agents: give a catcher or 1st base a day off. Best fit: A's 10. Stephen Drew (SS Athletics – Age 30): He is definitely the best infielder left in this draft class. He will 6. Edwin Jackson (RHP Nationals – Age 29): Ed- provide great defense to any team but his offense is lack- win may have had an ERA over 4.00 last year, but he has ing after only hitting .250/.326/.382 in 39 with the A's. shown in the past that he can pitch. I believe that we have Best fit: Red Sox another 1, 2, 3 starting pitcher in Jackson. He is still young and has shown great endurance and durability. 9. Shane Victorino (OF Dodgers – Age 32): And let's not forget about his no hitter a couple years Even though he is way past his prime, The Flyin' Ha- back. waiian could definitely provide some outfield help to Best fit: Orioles anyone in need. Despite his career worst numbers last year, you can always expect him to produce for your team. 5. Nick Swisher (OF Yankees – Age 32): Swisher Best fit: Yankees had a somewhat successful four-year stint with the Yankees. Obviously his home run number increased 8. Dan Haren (RHP Angels – Age 32): Dan due to the fact that he played at Yankee Stadium, and Haren could provide help to any team in need of an his postseason number were not good at all. I do be- ace or number two guy. He didn't have a great season lieve, however, that he could provide a burst for any last year (going 12-13 with a 4.33 ERA), however, he playoff contending team. has shown his skill in the past. Best fit: Brewers Best fit: Angels 17 4. Michael Bourn (OF Braves – Age 30): Mak- ing the All-Star team last year, Bourn could be a cata- lyst for any team. He is always putting up great sto- len base totals, is a good enough hitter to be in the top of the lineup, and is possibly one of the best de- fensive outfielders in the game. Best fit: Braves

3. B.J. Upton (OF Rays – Age 28): Upton may not be the best average hitter, but his power numbers and defense were the best they have been last season. At 28, he is still young enough to help out any team. He too has plenty of speed which can help out any NL team Best fit: Braves

2. Zack Greinke (RHP Angels – Age 29): Greinke is the only true ace in this year's free agent class. Last sea- son he went 15-5 with a 3.48 ERA. Last season was his best season since his Cy Young year with the Royals in 2009. Any playoff contending team would love to have Greinke on their team. Best fit: Angels

1. Josh Hamilton (OF Rangers – Age 31): By far the best player in this year's class, putting up MVP- type numbers the past three seasons. The only thing teams are being cautious about is his age and his inju- ries. He could however completely change any fran- chise. Best fit: White Sox

18 THE RAMBLER VOLUME CXII ISSUE 5 Opinion & Editorials

Prep students have always had opinions on matters large and small. Now they have a space to share them with the brand new opinion and editorials page.

Note: All opinions expressed in the Opinion/Editorials section are those of the published individual(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Rambler staff or Cathedral Preparatory School.

19 OPINION & EDITORIALS Share your opinions with The Rambler By Op/Ed staff We want to here from you. Write us commenting about one of our articles. Ask us a question. Share your opinion on an important is- sue, school related or otherwise.

Every month we will publish some of the best ones in the opinion and editorials section of The Rambler. If warranted, your submis- sion may even get a personal response from one of our editors.

All you have to do is send an email to [email protected]. It really is that simple. So go ahead, be a part of the new move- ment and help make the voice of the students heard.

20 OPINION & EDITORIALS My top-five albums of all time

By Lucas Buseck, contributing writer I have taken on the task of listing and elaborating on my five favor- including "Come Monday," "Margaritaville," "Boat Drinks," and ite albums. This is not an attempt to list the five greatest albums of "Son of a Son of a Sailor." Two great songs that are often over- all time but rather a list of my five favorite albums personally. This looked on this compilation are "A Pirate's Look at Forty," and "He list is not set in stone and definitely welcomes discussion and the Went to Paris," both depicting the trials and tribulations of a opinions of you, my fellow classmates. So, in no particular order, man's journey through life. Whether you are at the beach, driving here are my five favorite albums. on a summer day with the windows rolled down, or stuck inside on a cold winter day, this album sets a great mood either way. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen This album put Bruce Springsteen, "The Boss," on a straight and Joshua Tree by U2 narrow path to stardom. The album reached number one on the U2 is one of the greatest bands to ever come out of Ireland. They U.S. charts upon being released in 1975. It's feature track, "Born to started their career in the underground industry playing in pubs Run," reached number 18 on the charts. Along with putting Spring- and clubs and have ended up selling out stadiums, most notably steen in America's eye, the album features many of Bruce's great- on their U2 360 tour, which I had the privilege of witnessing in est hits. "Born to Run" depicts two young lovers busting through Pittsburgh a little over one year ago. Along with a few decent sup- the trap of American society and features the best saxophone you porting songs like "Bullet the Blue Sky," this album features three will ever hear. "Thunder Road," one of the greatest songs ever writ- of U2's greatest songs, "Where the Streets Have No Names," "With ten, is a lyrical masterpiece. "Jungle Land" is one of the greatest or Without You," and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking ballads to ever be recorded and "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" never For." These songs could probably be performed well by just about gets old. Bruce doesn't always get the credit he deserves, and any person with a little bit of musical background, but with Bono's that's why he's here. vocals and The Edge's , these three songs are unbelievable.

Boats, Bars, Beaches, and Ballads by Jimmy Buffet by What's better than Jimmy Buffet and an ice cold beverage? Buffet The Kings of Leon responded to their first chart topping album is synonymous with island music, and when I head to the beach al- "" with this album. What at first seemed as a let- bum is always in my bag, along with a portable boom box. This down to many fans because of the success KOL garnered from isn't one album but rather a compilation of different songs from their single, "" slowly grew on many, including my- many of Jimmy's albums. The album features many classic tracks self. The band journeys back to their folk/ sound

21 with songs like "I'm Going Back Down South Now." Excitement over this album started when the single "Radioactive" was released, but this isn't even the best song the album has to offer. Great riffs and sounds can be found in all of the songs. My favorites are "The Immortals," "No Money," and "Pony Up." If you haven't already, give this album a second try.

Viva la Vida by Coldplay This album, my favorite from Coldplay, was at the top of the U.S. charts for many weeks. "Viva la Vida," the album's cover song, took home Song of the Year. With a revolutionary theme and many dif- ferent sounding songs, this is one of the few albums I can listen to from start to finish in one sitting. There are many neat and original sounds from this album that can only be described as "that Cold- play sound." Personal favorites include "Life in Technicolor," "Lover's in Japan/Reign of Love," and "Strawberry Swing."

22 OPINION & EDITORIALS My five favorite films of all time

By Sean Taylor, contributing writer

Note: These are not the greatest movies of all time, only my per- They close their eyes, hold hands, and sink, sink into demise, sonal favorites. Also, I chose only films released during my lifetime doom, despair, but do so calmly, surrounded by those they love. Of (1996 onward), meaning that the two films I consider as the best course there is the deus ex machina, and they are saved, and all is of all time, Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused (1993) and well because this is, in fact, a Disney movie. When I first watched Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, are going to get the proverbial it, I was filled with a kind of resounding clarity. We (humanity) are shaft. Both are groundbreaking though, each detailing one special the toys, moving towards the smelting furnace of our own ends, day in a community. In Linklater's film it's a small Texas town on just at a different clip. All can hope for is some good friends to the last day of school. In Lee's film it's the Bed-Stuy Neighborhood keep us company before we do. Sorry for that deepness. The movie in Brooklyn on the hottest day of the year. Both were ambitious is really, really good and highly recommended. works that propelled their directors and stars into later promi- nence, and I recommend each highly. With that out of the way, 4. Fight Club (1999), directed by David Fincher here is number five on my list. Reduced to its essence, Fight Club is about some very angry young men, and their response to a sensitized world with no outlet for 5. Toy Story 3 (2010), directed by John Lassseter their rage. The film has an absolutely corrosive sense of humor, is Laugh if you must, but no film is more likely to draw a solitary tear visually stunning in a very grimy, decayed kind of way, and fea- from my eye than 2010's Toy Story 3. If you've seen it you know tures a young Brad Pitt primed for superstardom. All this, and per- the part when the brave, indomitable toys, despite all their charm, haps one of the greatest twist endings in the history of cinema. ingenuity, smarts, and luck are trapped in a pile of descending trash, slowly moving towards a smelting furnace. There is a second 3. 25th Hour (2002), directed by Spike Lee of devastating silence, when the toys look to Sheriff Woody, up to The second Eddie Norton appearance on my list (he also stars in this point in the series a man with an answer for any situation, no Fight Club), Spike Lee's 25th Hour is a powerful work, one that matter how treacherous. Not this time though. At this moment finds the powerful in the small aspects of life and touches on a ri- he's just as lost as the others. Rather than act in terror, or panic, or diculous amount of themes in its relatively short runtime. Norton attempt some ignominious attempt at impossible survival, Woody plays a convicted drug dealer, spending his last day of freedom extends a hand to his fellow toys, each one grasping in turn to with friends and family before going in for a seven-year prison their neighbors--not for life mind you, but for comfort. stint. Lee's films are always bursting with ideas and energy, and 25th Hour might be the most representative of this (along with Do

23 the Right Thing (1989)). He sets the story in his city, New York City, and uses its narrative as a framework in which to capture it as it stood after 9/11, wounded but resilient. He succeeds.

2. High Fidelity (2001), directed by Stephen Frears I would not go as far as to call John Cusack a good actor, but he cer- tainly plays a specific character well, that of the self loathing, cyni- cal, depressed, sad sack. (Also see: Better Off Dead, Grosse Point Blank). In High Fidelity he applies his talents to the role of Rob Gordon, an angry and lonely record store owner dealing with the end of his latest relationship. Rob compulsively creates lists to or- ganize and document his musical appreciation, and responds to his girlfriend's leaving by creating a list of his top five breakups, revisit- ing each girl, seeking to understand why he cannot sustain a com- mitted relationship. It is a clever movie with a great dry wit, as well as being the vehicle for which Jack Black sprung to his relative star- dom.

1. Mulholland Drive (2001), directed by David Lynch There is no need for me to spoil any aspect of this film, not that I could. Sporting an extraordinarily incomprehensible plot, odd, sur- real characters and set pieces, and some of the best usage of sound I've ever experienced in a film, it is truly a one of a kind picture. I don't even know if I can truly recommend it. If you feel the need to see it, make sure you've got time, not simply to view it, but to think about it for the hours to come. Give it time to develop, let it wash over you, and see if at the end of the viewing you aren't changed, for better or for worse.

24 OPINION & EDITORIALS Skyfall movie review By Benjamin Deck, contributing writer

Just this past year James Bond fans celebrate 50 years of the fran- chise that started back in 1962 with Sean Connery. In order to cele- brate this anniversary, a new film of the franchise, Skyfall, was just released. This movie was probably one of the best James Bond films I have ever seen. The story, the action scenes, everything was excellent. In 007's new assignment, M, the Head of Britain's MI6 is haunted by one of the people of her past. When MI6 headquar- ters are attacked, M recruits Bond to go out and find the culprit of the attack before her own life is at stake.

Daniel Craig has always done an excellent portrayal of the British agent, while Judi Dench reprises her role as the stern and serious M. Some new characters join the franchise such as Q and Miss Monneypenny. Javier Bardem plays an excellent villain as Raoul Silva. The film also included in a way the origin of James Bond, in which I didn't know about before I saw the film, I will not spoil more details. The film also has a clever sense of humor between characters especially between Bond and M. Everything in the film was excellent with a strong beginning and a surprising ending. This film is probably recommended for those that are fans of the James Bond franchise, people interested in the spy movie genre and also for for fans of action film. I give this film a 9.8 out of 10 for its excellent action, story and characters.

25 THE RAMBLER VOLUME CXII ISSUE 5 The Rambler Staff

Prep’s finest when it comes to all things journalism.

26 THE RAMBLER STAFF The Rambler Staff

NAME YEAR POSITION Lewis Greco Senior Senior Editor-in-Chief Lucas Buseck Junior Junior Editor-in-Chief Stephen Bretz Junior Editorial/Opinions Co-editor Joe Hampy Senior Photo Co-editor Matt Hess Senior Editorial/Opinions Co-editor Dan Makowski Senior Audio/Video Editor Luke Merski Senior Copy Editor Calvin Reed Senior Sports Editor Michael Squeglia Senior News and Features Editor Sean Taylor Junior Staff Writer Delton Williams Senior Photo Co-editor

Cover artist: Nate Carlin, senior

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