The Voice of Mercy Merciette Advisor: Mr

M January 2007 Best and Worst of 2006 Music- Some old artists came back into the scene E by: Amanda Kelley and Meghan Mathewson ‘09 in 2006. Both Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake brought sexy back with their hit albums. The Fray also The year 2006 was an eventful year. As every became a household name with their catchy song “How year, it started out hopeful, but as the to Save a Life.” The worst artists months passed by, it seemed to go would definitely have to include down hill. There were some good Paris Hilton with “Stars are Blind” points, like sports teams rising up to and Kevin Federline with R conquer rivals, music comebacks, “Popozoa.” K-Fed deserved what exciting television shows, and box- he got when he was body- office hits. However, Hollywood slammed by John Cena on WWE. couples were crumbling, babies were Hollywood- Hollywood being branded with some unusual suffered from many devastating names, and unwanted “stars” were breakups in 2006. Reese and starting to make some unbelievable Ryan seemed to be the only strong C “music.” Altogether, 2006 turned out couple left in Hollywood after the to be a pretty entertaining year. mind boggling Brad and Jen split. The Buffalo Sabres- As a But after 7 years of marriage and Buffalo sports team, not many would 2 children, they decided to di- expect the Sabres to go far in the vorce. Allegedly, Ryan and co-star hockey season. But they proved us Abbie Cornish hooked up while all wrong. They started off slow, but on the set of The Kimberly Pierce I came back with a bang blowing Project. Sheryl Crow and Lance away the Philadelphia Flyers and the Armstrong also called off their Ottawa Senators in the playoffs. No one could forget engagement and soon after, Sheryl Crow ironically was Brian Campbell’s bone crushing hit against R. J. diagnosed with breast cancer. One breakup that no one Umberger or Jason Pominville’s short handed goal in was upset about was the Brit and K-Fed split. Every- overtime against the Ottawa Senators. Then, in the one seemed to agree that it was for the best, and K-fed 2006-2007 season, our underdog team started off the became Fed-Ex. One death that shocked the nation E season with a 10-game winning streak, a majority of was the death of Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter.” the wins being on the road. Now, going into the second While filming for his TV show, Irwin was pierced in the half of the season, they are not showing any signs of heart by a sting ray. Katie Couric made the controver- slowing down. Buffalo is not stopping until we have the sial move from the highly rated cup. “Today Show” to becoming the The Carolina Hurricanes- Although they first female anchor of the “CBS won the Stanley Cup, they would definitely Evening News.” When she began, T be considered a bad point in 2006 for she doubled the amount of viewers Buffalo fans. They stopped our quest for the who watched the evening show, cup, and a rivalry began to grow between us. but as weeks went on, ratings fell. Luckily, the Sabres sought revenge by The October Storm- On sweeping the Hurricanes in the 2006-2007 October 12, all of Buffalo looked regular season. outside to what appeared to be a TV Shows- “Grey’s Anatomy” has war zone. Power lines were down, T certainly been a hot topic, becoming an trees fell in the middle of roads, unexpected hit show for ABC. The ratings and buildings and homes were torn have skyrocketed, and millions of fans are apart. The surprise left the city tuning in every Thursday night to watch as the without power for almost a week plot thickens. Not only is everyone tuning in and in some areas power outages lasted for a month. to watch the show, they are also obsessed with seeing Although it left devastating amounts of damage, it left television’s favorite doctor…McDreamy. NBC’s “The school children excited that they were relieved from E Office” has also become a stand out hit. The show’s homework for an entire week. It made national news, fearless writers are not afraid to push the boundaries on once again making Buffalo a stereotype for bad weather what or who they make fun of. and unexpected storms. Surprisingly, it was the last snowfall for the year. The Voice of Mercy Merciette Advisor: Mr. Knisley Editors: Nora Oakley and Marga McMahon Assistant Editors: Melissa Hayes and Olivia Schlager W H A T’ MMA offers a different kind of test Avoid the long lines and wasted time at the DMV

S MMA will provide you with · Applications · Driver’s manual · Online testing

This service is available to MMA students who are 15 years or older. See Mrs. Kujawinski in the LMC to pick up forms and manuals and to schedule your test for your permit. U Questions? See Mrs. Kujawinski or Mrs. Gaske P

Landing the job

A by: Tara Bodziak ‘08 Have you ever thought that nothing could stand between you and your new job? Then you come to realize that you were completely unprepared for filling out applications or having an interview? T Well, here are some general tips for getting the job! 1. Dress nicely- Even if the job is in a causal setting, it is better to look presentable than looking like a slob. 2. Moral support- On your way to the interview, talk with a friend or parent to boost your confidence. Every- thing always seems easier when you receive encouragement from a loved one. 3. Bring a pen- Sounds silly, right? But you would not understand the difficulty of filling out paperwork with a single pen to be shared between you and 4 other appli- M cants. 4. Important information- Write everything you might need like references, phone numbers, past work, etc. on a single sheet of paper for easy access. Be sure not to lose it especially if you have things like your social security M number on it. 5. Call back- After two weeks without hearing anything from the employer, call and politely ask if anyone has reviewed your application. This shows you have a great interest in working there. A With these suggestions in mind, you are one step closer to getting the job! Good Luck Girls! The Mercy ring by: Elizabeth Cofranceso ‘08 You are out in public, maybe at the mall or out to eat, and you In 1916, Mother Borgia (the first principal of Mount come across another woman wearing a Mercy ring! This unique gold Mercy) designed the Mercy ring, which was to be worn by all ring with a blue band catches your eye and you immediately know that Mount Mercy graduates. This unique ring was designed to you are in the presence of another woman of Mercy! You mention that represent the values of a Mercy education. Today, there are over you are also a Mercy girl, and a great 12,000 women who share in conversation usually strikes up. This has this special bond created by happened to most Mercy girls at least the Mercy ring. Women of once in their lifetime. The Mercy ring is Mercy are united by this a great symbol that unites past, present, common bond of a Mercy and future Mercy women together into education, which as we all an everlasting bond. On February 8 know, is irreplaceable! As the 2007, the Mount Mercy class of 2008 ring symbolizes, a woman of will receive their rings at the annual ring Mercy is “a woman of com- day ceremony at Our Lady of Victory passionate service, a woman Basilica. who is respectful towards The Mercy ring symbolizes what it herself and others, a woman means to be women of Mercy. There who strives for excellence in all are numerous parts to the Mercy ring- that she does, and a woman each with their own special significance. who is empowered to take her The shape of the ring, a circle, symbol- place in the world.” izes the unity of all Mercy graduates. As the Class of 2008 The gold color of the ring symbolizes glances down at their new loyalty to school, church, country, Mercy rings, they should be family and friends. The blue band on the reminded of its significance, ring symbolizes the mantle of our Lady value and tradition. The Mercy which reminds us of her compassionate ring serves as an everlasting protection and care. The Seven pearls bond between Mount Mercy remind us of Mary’s purity, which graduates, as well as a re- stands for faith, hope, charity, obedi- minder of what it means to be a ence, humility, joy and patience. The woman of Mercy. Mercy ring has much significance to the women of Mercy.

Sudoku Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box Valentine’s Day is contains the digits 1 through 9. right around the corner! Dance the night away with your sweetheart or your best friends on Saturday, February 10th at Mercy’s Valentine’s Day Dance! Want to help with the planning? Contact a student government member or moderator with themes and other ideas for this amazing event. Let’s make it a night to remember! A country in mourning by: Melissa Hayes ‘08

On December 26, 2006, former President Gerald Ford passed away at 6:45 p.m. at the age of 93. President Ford was the 38th president of the United States and was the only person ever to lead the country without being elected to the presidency or vice presidency. In 1973, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned due to a scandal in Maryland. According to F the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, in case of a vacancy in the office of Vice President, the President should nominate a Vice President who will take office after receiving a majority vote by both the House and Congress. President Nixon, who was elected in 1972, nominated Gerald Ford, who was sworn in on Decem- ber 6, 1973. Then in 1974, President Nixon resigned E from office because of the “Watergate” Scandal and Gerald Ford succeeded him as President. He took his oath of office on August 9,1974. President Ford took office at a turbulent time. The President Ford died at his home in Rancho Mi- country was suffering from a recession and President rage, California. His wife, Betty, and three sons were at his Ford struggled to revive the economy. He also had to side when he passed away and his daughter had left a maintain the power of the United States after the Vietnam couple days before to celebrate Christmas with her family. a War and prevent war in the Middle East, while maintain- Betty Ford issued a statement confirming his death at 8:49 ing relations with the Soviet Union. He won the Republi- p.m. On December 30th, Gerald Ford became the 11th can nomination for the election in 1976, but lost to the president to lie in state at the Capitol. On January 2, there Democratic candidate, Jimmy Carter. Some believe that was a state funeral and memorial services at the National the loss was Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Former President due largely George H. W. Bush, Tom Brokaw, former Secretary to his of State Henry Kissinger, and President George W. t pardoning Bush eulogized Ford. Throughout the night of the 2nd of President and into January 3rd, Ford lay in repose at his Presi- Nixon. dential Museum where 60,000 people came to mourn him. The next day there was another funeral service in Ford’s hometown, Grand Rapids, Michigan. It took place at the Fords’ parish, the Grace Episcopal Church, and there Donald Rumsfeld, Richard Norton Smith, and Jimmy Carter eulogized Ford. Afterwards, u Ford was interred at the museum becoming only the 5th President to be interred on federally operated grounds. With the passing of Gerald Ford, there are now only three former Presidents still alive. They are former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. r Oh, celebrities Getting a job that puts a person in the spotlight is their decision and with that comes responsibility. Anything done that is seen as by: Stephanie Hallinan ‘07 inappropriate will be in the media before any time can go by. The news will get out to millions of people including children of all ages There is not a day that goes by where who will look upon it as if, “well if she is doing it then I should do it.” If people do not think about celebrities. They either a person chooses to be in the spotlight they must realize that they will see them in magazines, watch them in shows and be considered a role model and only they can make themselves good e movies, or see them on the news or on shows people to look up to. Some celebrities are good and find ways to stay dedicated to gossip about any person they can find out of the media as much as possible. There will always be those dirt on. This form of entertainment is disgusting but people who will sit outside their door waiting to take pictures of people live for it, thinking it more important to be anything. Being a celebrity is not easy as it looks sometimes but if they engrossed in some story about a celebrity than in can work all night and day and lose a ton of weight for certain roles or their own lives. gain it, they can be responsible and be a good inspiration for Somehow these others. s people became It’s inevitable that celebrities will be role models the “go to” people because they are in entertainment and no matter what people and it is scary. think they are the supreme group because they have a lot of Our children are money and big houses and are beautiful. Our society feeds watching what on celebrity gossip and I think someone needs to step they do and are forward and cancel those shows and after celebrities are in trying to copy their homes they should be entitled to their privacy without them and our anyone snooping around outside taking pictures. Limits need adults our watch- to be made on both sides. Just because you are a celebrity ing them and does not mean you can do anything you please and just wishing they were because you have a camera does not make you in charge of them. ruining people’s lives. January teacher of CA: Is there anything that you would rather be doing besides teaching? the month TK: No! by: Christie Adamczak ’07 CA: What do you like to do in your I am thrilled to announce that January’s teacher spare time? of the month is…drum roll please…Mr. Knisley. For TK: I love to ski, spend time with my those of you who do not know, Mr. Knisley teaches family and friends, and enjoy the outdoors. English and he is also the moderator for the chess and ski club. Plus, he assists with the wonderful CA: What is your favorite sports team? paper you are reading right now! I had a wonderful TK: The Sabres time interviewing Mr. Knisley in advisement and the following is what I found out about him. CA: Do you have a life long dream or goal? CA: How many years have you been working TK: To become a writer. at Mt. Mercy? TK: Six years CA: What is one of your pet peeves? TK: Rudeness or being impolite. CA: What do you like most about Mercy? TK: “The students!” CA: What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone? CA: Why did you decide to become a teacher? TK: “To get your graduate degree in a five year program TK: There are actually three reasons. First “I like the or do it right away.” It is much easier to get it done while you fact that no two days are the same.” Second, “I wanted to are young and are not that far into your career. do something that was beneficial to society.” Thirdly, “I enjoy the subject matter of literature and I thought I was CA: Who is a person that you admire? lucky I was doing something I found interesting.” TK: “I really admired my grandfather because he was born of immigrant parents and built a successful business CA: What is your favorite color, television show, movie, through hard work and his own values. and author? TK: My favorite color is white, television show is The I want to thank Mr. Knisley for allowing me to inter- Simpson’s, and movie is Star Wars. Kurt Vonnegut Jr., J.D. view him. I hope that you have all learned a little more about Salinger, and Joseph Conrad, are my favorite authors. Mr. Knisley. Stay tuned for next issue’s teacher of the month. American history is made by: Olivia Schlager ’08

On January 4, 66-year-old Democrat speaker from California, Nancy Pelosi, was sworn in as the first woman to lead the United States House of Representatives—a break- through for Congress and women alike. Pelosi now holds the highest position in U.S. government for a woman, being second only to the vice president in succession to the presidency. With Pelosi’s election also comes Democratic control of both the House and the Senate for the first time in twelve years—an occurrence that may largely be due to public Sabres continue to dismay with the Iraq War, as Democrats advertised withdrawal of troops during their campaigns. She and the president will now dominate have to cooperate and work together to by: Courtney Miller ‘07 resolve various uncertainties, including the impending question: in what direction is the Iraq War going? Buffalo Sabres fans are really excited about this year’s Pelosi’s additional plans for her time as speaker of the House may affect you, team. They should be too, they have the perfect mix of possibly in the near future. Plans to increase minimum wage and lower interest rates youth and experience. Daniel Briere and Chris Drury are on student loans are very pertinent to working and college-bound high school really great leaders; they know how to show the younger students. guys how to succeed. Ryan Miller has become one of the But Pelosi’s election may affect more than just jobs and loans. She is paving best goal tenders in the National Hockey League and the the way for additional opportunities for women everywhere. Furthermore, her young guys like Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek have election brings talk of the seemingly unlikely—but actually very probable—aspiration really stepped up for the team this year. Jason Pominville of a woman president in the near future. The concept of a woman in the presidency, has already passed his points total from a year ago in a lot though often mentioned nowadays, was virtually inconceivable to the women of our fewer games. Thomas Vanek has come up with some huge country 200 years ago. To these women, attaining the right to vote was a mile- goals so far this season. Everything seems to be going great stone—an opportunity often taken for granted by many nowadays, as a disappoint- for the Sabres, almost half way through the season. ing statistic shows that there are more votes for contestants on American Idol than The All Star Game was on January 24, 2007 in Dallas, for the leader of their own country. Nancy Pelosi’s victory in the House serves as a Texas. The Sabres sent three starters to the All Star Game, demonstration of how far women in the United States have come. What was Daniel Briere, Brian Campbell, and Ryan Miller. Maxim unthinkable in the past is not so now, and the suffrage that women fought for and Afinigenov just missed the cut to start the game and was won was a mere foundation of the great things to come from the women in our likely to be an alternate. Hopefully the Sabres can continue country, if we only take advantage of such rights and use them to gain more. Pelosi their momentum and win a championship! As Rick proves to us that the diligent women capable of leading our nation are beginning to Jeanneret the Sabres announcer would say, “Do you surface, and we may likely live to see women achieve more than we ever imagined believe? These guys are good!” they would. Yummy Recipes I Pepperoni pizza dip by: Michaela Leffler ‘07 Ingredients: 2 packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup sour cream N 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper 1 cup pizza sauce 1 cup chopped pepperoni 1 cup green/red pepper, banana peppers, sau- sage, olives, or mushrooms (optional) 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Directions: Combine with fork in medium bowl cream cheese, E sour cream, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper. Spread evenly on a pie plate. Spread pizza sauce over the top. Sprinkle pepperoni, and green pepper evenly over sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in oven at 350 for 10 minutes. Serve with Ritz or Waverly V wafer crackers or tortilla chips. If you’re planning on having a party or a Superbowl bash this recipe is perfect for you and your pals. It’s a new twist on the typical taco or chicken wing dip that we’re used to, and you can tailor it to your own personal tastes and preferences. If you don’t like one of the ingredients or would like to E add your favorite pizza toppings go ahead and add or omit as you please. This recipe is very versatile so don’t be afraid to experiment. Bon Appetite!

http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/77/ R Pepperoni_Pizza_Dip42563.shtml

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U piece of poetry that you 123456 March on 123456 123456

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123456 by: Lori Nappo ‘10 would like to submit to the 123456 123456 The sun has gone and the clouds are closing in. the war of 123456 123456

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the century is about to begin. 123456 Merciette, please email us at 123456

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E 123456 Don’t be scared march on, march on [email protected]. 123456 123456 123456

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123456 Athlete of the month: 123456 123456Career Corner

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Laura Thomas 123456

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Chosen for January’s athlete of the month was bowler 123456 by: Katie Goldbach

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Laura Thomas. 123456

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123456 Laura, a junior 123456 It’s January, and everyone knows what that 123456

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123456 here at Mercy is 123456 means...another career! The most popular shows on TV seem to 123456

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123456 an important 123456 be those that involve forensics, and many people are interested in a

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123456 123456 career in forensics (MMA even has a forensics course). So, this factor to the 123456

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123456 MMA bowling 123456 month’s career is science technician. Now I know you’re saying 123456

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123456 team. I recently 123456 wait a minute, you were just talking about forensic science, what 123456

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123456 talked to Laura 123456 does a science technician have to do with that? Well, in order to

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123456 123456 become a forensic technician one must be a science technician who and asked her a 123456

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123456 few questions: 123456 specializes in forensic work. What exactly does a forensic techni- 123456

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123456 cian do? Well, it is actually somewhat similar to what the crime

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123456 scene investigators do on TV or in the movies, it just takes a lot

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123456 123456 more time. From examining the body (if there is one) to getting all ML: How 123456

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123456 long have you 123456 evidence gathered and labeled, it can take many hours, and several 123456

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123456 been bowling? 123456 technicians before even getting back to the lab. Once back in the 123456

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LT: I’ve 123456 lab, evidence is processed, from DNA samples to footprints cast in

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123456 123456 plaster. This can take days or weeks depending on the amount of been bowling for 123456

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123456 eleven years. 123456 evidence. Unlike TV, where forensics usually works on murders 123456

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123456 123456 that seem to be unusually gruesome, forensic technicians in reality 123456

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ML: 5. How 123456 work on a variety of cases, including abuse. A forensic scientist

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123456 123456 must also be involved in court sometimes, testifying on results from did you get into 123456

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123456 bowling? 123456 the lab. To be a forensic scientist, one also has to be extremely 123456

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123456 LT: My 123456 strong emotionally, especially as some of the cases will be particu- 123456

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123456 parents bowl, as 123456 larly gruesome or upsetting. So, maybe, even after hearing that

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123456 door neighbors. 123456 hours, you still want to be one. Well, for college, either a two year 123456

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ML: Do you 123456 or chemistry is required. There are few schools that offer a degree

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123456 outside of school? 123456 forensic technician is about $21.16, and the average per year 123456

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123456 If so do you have 123456 salary is somewhere in the $40,000 range. Forensic technicians 123456

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123456 an average in an 123456 could work for the local police department, or could work for the

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123456 LT: Yes, I 123456 gruesome scenes, and long hours in the lab, then maybe being a 123456

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123456 play on a mixed- 123456 forensic technician is the right job for you! (Information used from 123456

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123456 age league, but 123456 http://www.careerprospects.org/ and http://www.bls.gov/)

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we’re scored and 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 given awards by 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 age groups (high school; boys & girls). I have a 137 average, compared to my 158 average for Mark your calendars!! school.

ML: What is your favorite part about bowling at Mercy? LT: I knew I wanted to bowl in high school, whether the The McAuley XI Auction is scheduled league was inside or outside of school. I just ended up doing both. There’s nothing really specific other than after you get to know the for Saturday, February 24, 2007. So girls and become really good friends, it’s really hard to watch them graduate. girls, be sure to listen to announcements

ML: Do you play any other sports besides bowling or are to find out how you can sign up to help! you interested in any other sports? LT: I’m in a lot of clubs, inside and outside of school. It’s too time consuming to play another sport. I used to play softball and soccer, but ended up putting that on hold. I’m a fan of watching the Buffalo Sabres and Bandits (lacrosse), though.

ML: Have you ever gotten a perfect score or what was your highest game or biggest accomplishment. LT: My biggest accomplishment would be picking up a 7-10 split, one of the hardest splits to pick up. My highest game is a 241, which I bowled during tryouts for this year. (300 is the highest you can score.)

Thanks to Laura for taking the time out to talk with me and congratulations! Good luck to you and the Mercy bowling team on the rest of your season. New year resolutions by: Kristina Land ‘08

The week following Christmas has generally been designated as a week to let go of the past year and to usher in the New Year and all that comes with it. Traditionally, every New Year people make resolutions in order to make an attempt to start the New Year off with a clean slate or, as it is sometimes referred to, or to “turn over a new leaf.” In the past, the New Year was used as a chance to clear up debt to neighbors; however it has become an opportunity for people to make any small change they hope to achieve or make habit by the end of the year. For example, one common resolution is to lose weight or start living healthier. On the other hand, it has become too easy in today’s world to simply make a resolution for the sake of the holiday and then to simply forget about it. This year, make a resolution and make part of the resolution be that you will actually keep it. If that means you have to adjust your resolution a little bit, so be it! One important tip that will help you to finally keep it for once: don’t resolve to do the impossible. Make your resolution doable and fun. It could be as simple as smiling more often or going for a short walk each day, doing your homework the day before it’s due, cleaning your room every once in a while, or eating less junk food. Whatever it is don’t just toss it out the window one week after New Year’s, resolutions are about personal motivation and wanting to improve your life and your self. This year make a resolution and resolve to keep it.