Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
The Observer
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Support The Observer
Observer Store Subscribe
The Observer

Opinion

The Observer

The indulgence generation

By The Observer · Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST ROOMIE! Get ready for me to get you WASTED tonight" stated what appeared to be an average Facebook post. A lack of comments suggested that no one seemed to have found this post out of the ordinary. It's sad to see my generation in this state, a state in which an over-indulgent amount of drinking is necessary to have fun, a state in which the night is not a success until one has "hooked up." We belittle the consequences of our actions by choosing to overlook our better judgment.

The Observer

A treatise on Notre Dame football: protecting tradition

By The Observer · Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011

"This is not merely a football field," says Notre Dame's Official Campus Guide. "It is an experience, a uniquely Notre Dame synthesis of sport, tradition, pride, loyalty and belief." The Notre Dame football experience is one born of tradition. Tradition makes Notre Dame more than a university. It gives alumni, students, and fans a passion for the school and creates a sense of loyalty to the university. Breaking this tradition would dishonor our history, alumni and accomplishments.

The Observer

Why The Shirt matters

By The Observer · Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011

As a former student and member of the Fighting Irish football team, I experienced firsthand how powerfully The Shirt unifies the Irish faithful. As the students and alumni of our great school have done in the past, when called to action, we respond. The hallowed halls of Notre Dame echo: God, Country and Notre Dame.

The Observer

Why I love Turkey Day (aka food)

By The Observer · Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011

With the impending Thanksgiving break approaching, I thought I'd provide a reflection on some of my favorite things about my favorite holiday of the year. Here's my Top 10 list of why I love Thanksgiving.

The Observer

Occupy unrest

By The Observer · Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011

Over the past two months, the Occupy Wall Street movement that began as a protest against the disproportionate influence wielded by the wealthiest members of society has garnered international attention and spawned hundreds of solidarity protests across the country and around the world. Recently however, the movement has faced a number of setbacks that have threatened the continued existence of the demonstrations.

The Observer

Thank thee, Notre Dame

By The Observer · Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011

Normally I use this space to distribute my pearls of wisdom regarding world affairs, but my mom told me to be more "lighthearted" this week. "You should remind people that there are a lot of good things out there," she said. Okay, Mom. After hanging up the phone I thought about what to choose as my subject.

The Observer

The real 99 percent

By The Observer · Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011

The Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement is particularly fascinating to watch. Similar to many populist movements, it has come out of nowhere, and a mix of economic frustration, media coverage and traction has expanded it more than anyone could have imagined.

The Observer

The National School of the United States

By The Observer · Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011

There is a tech revolution brewing in education that will change how we learn critical skills. People attack the problems of education with great ideas that require significant policy change. I have an idea the current administration can enact now that will further the education of Americans for years to come without as significant an effort. I will call this program "The National School of the United States," or "The National School" for short.

The Observer

Notre Dame hockey bliss

By The Observer · Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011

With my beloved Chicago Bulls locked out for the considerable future, I need a new winter sport to follow. Instead of turning to Notre Dame Basketball, I went to three Fighting Irish hockey games in the past week, and I couldn't have enjoyed them more.

The Observer

Changing The Shirt

By The Observer · Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011

Did you know that it takes 40,000 liters of water to produce the cotton needed for a single t-shirt, that current industry practices will waste hundreds more during the production process, a process that involves carcinogenic chemicals and dyes, one often carried in outsourced factories employing children for less than $2 a day? Obviously, intelligent ways of fabricating clothing are going to be an important part of building a sustainable society, yet few people are aware of the real costs of their clothes. Case in point: The Shirt, which sells to over 160,000 fans each year.

The Observer

Treatise on marshmallows

By The Observer · Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011

It's over, just like that. We 2,000 seniors have walked into Notre Dame Stadium 26 times as students and, after this weekend, will never do so again. Those 27 Saturdays will go down as the greatest 27 Saturdays of our lives.

The Observer

Underneath Halloween costumes

By The Observer · Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011

The purpose of this column is to help create an atmosphere where critically engaging our culture becomes the norm. When we are intentional about this, we are able to clearly delineate those behaviors that fit us and those which do not.

The Observer

This is tough love

By The Observer · Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011

Sometimes I do feel as if Jesus is saying to us patiently, but emphatically, "Pay. Attention. To. Me." I believe that this week, between two Sundays of very straightforward gospel readings, is one of those times.

The Observer

Extraterrestrial intelligence

By The Observer · Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011

Normally I wouldn't succumb to the pressures of expressing my opinion through a Viewpoint article. However, this topic is of great importance for both Catholics and atheists, Republicans and Democrats and all who find themselves living on this planet. The subject I would like to address concerns the search extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

Trending