opinion

Singing in tune

By The Observer · Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010

A full orchestra tuning their instruments prior to the start of a concert sounds utterly peaceful to my ears. Violins, cellos, flutes, horns and a host of other instruments adjust their pitches in preparation for a night of music. The brass, the upper and lower strings, the wind and the percussion instruments "tune up" to make one perfectly harmonious and beautiful sound.

A letter for Declan

By The Observer · Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010

Dear Fr. John Jenkins,

Comprehensive immigration reform

By The Observer · Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010

When it comes to the issue of illegal immigration, there are many different voices with valid points trying to talk over each other at the same time. Everyone is concerned about aspects that really matter. How can you tell the family that has been affected by drug war violence that the border is not an issue? How can you tell millions of people to just up and leave? How can you stop people from trying to get their own piece of the American Dream? There are real issues at stake and many good people stuck in the crossfire, but we need to have a solution soon if we want to move forward.

Dialogue and hospitality

By The Observer · Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010

Last week these pages included coverage of the "Contending Modernities" research initiative and its opening conference in New York. But the conversation that "began" there is hardly new to Notre Dame. The address given by Fr. Jenkins was part of a longer contribution to interreligious scholarship and dialogue led by another Notre Dame theologian, Fr. David Burrell. A self-described "Mediterranean person," Fr. Burrell is an emeritus Professor in Theology and Philosophy, and he served at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem for over 25 years. He was recently the central figure of a small colloquium held in the Catholic center at Northwestern University, in Evanston, IL.

I hate America

By The Observer · Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010

Man, I can't stand America. This country just stinks. Especially since the government isn't doing exactly what I want it to do. Sometimes it seems like those bloated Washingtonian fat cats don't have any idea what I think government should be doing, or what I need it to do. Even when I voice my concerns loudly, say to coworkers or in a letter to my congressman, I rarely see the kind of sweeping changes in national policy that should accompany my every pronouncement and whim. Hello! Aren't we supposed to be living in a democracy?

Enjoy Christmas season

By The Observer · Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010

Eddie Pola and George Wyle had it right when they wrote the classic "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Forget papers, projects, finals and break. It's finally Christmas season, indeed the most wonderful of all.

Ghost Rider

By The Observer · Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010

Outlined against a wet black November sky a lone horseman rode. In dramatic lore he is known as Ghost Rider. This is only an alias. His real name is Tim Kelly. He was not seen on any TiVo, slo-mo, high def, official review or replay. He was invisible to the naked eye and the camera. But to the eyes of the hearts and souls of those who knew him, his presence at Saturday's game was as unmistakable as the gleam on the Golden Dome, forcing the errant throw and two dropped touchdown passes on the game's final drive.

All I want for Christmas: The Silent Night Silent Auction

By The Observer · Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010

Need some help getting into the Christmas spirit? Not to fear, Silent Night Silent Auction (SNSA) has lots of holiday cheer! This Thursday Dec. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m., Pasquerilla East (not to be confused with Physical Education … sorry "The Week") will be hosting its annual signature event, the Silent Night Silent Auction in the LaFortune Ballroom. SNSA is a charity event auctioning off Christmas baskets full of goodies that make perfect gifts for family and friends, as well as provide you with great bargains on the items in the baskets.

Is this real life?

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 29, 2010

Thanks November. It's been surreal.

Ask the GreenMan

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 29, 2010

Editor's Note: This column is the first of a regular biweekly advice series about environmental issues from the Office of Sustainability. If you would like to submit a question for the GreenMan to answer in the Viewpoint section, please email askgreenman@gmail.com

I am thankful for Hannah and Friends

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 29, 2010

Hannah and Friends is hosting its annual Thanksgiving potluck for family, parents, residents, young adults and children who are enrolled in the many programs. My son, now a resident there, went on his weekly shopping trip with his housemates, with the support from Mosaic staff. My son decided to buy a ham with his food stamps to contribute to this festive occasion. Being able to make this decision independently made him feel quite proud. He wants to give back to his neighbors and friends. I am thankful that I can still learn valuable lessons from my special son as he continues to grow and learn at this very beautiful place. These fine people with different abilities, teach valuable lessons, if only society would hunger to learn from them.

Satirical misfires

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 22, 2010

I was greatly disappointed with Ryan Williams's latest piece, "The evil lurking in Harry Potter." (Nov. 18) I tried to read it in light of the generally high standard of his writing; I can only conclude that it was a satirical misfire. (Even the Letter to the Editor regarding this piece on Friday all in all had higher irony content!) One of the first rules of satire is to seriously engage with the arguments of those one lampoons. Is Benedict quoted saying anything like, "The books unabashedly advocate witchcraft and Satanism while openly blaspheming our Lord Jesus Christ?" Not one of his other interlocutors is quoted saying anything about Harry Potter mocking the Bible. Of course, behind this façade of moderation hides anti-intellectual bigotry, but one still would have hoped for better from Williams. It is a signal departure from his previous excellent satirical pieces.

To study or not to study ...

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 22, 2010

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to work

TSA aggression

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 22, 2010

Anyone who wishes to fly in the United States must now be prepared to consent to either a virtual strip search or a pat-down in which TSA screeners touch a person's genitals. Both types of searches are utterly intolerable and do nothing to actually increase security. Even more alarming is the general public's willingness to uncritically surrender its dignity to the government's latest form of security theater at airports.

Thanks for that

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 22, 2010

Writing for Scene and Sports gives me the welcome opportunity to explore my many passions for The Observer on a regular basis. With Thanksgiving only days away, I wish to use this space to give thanks for my many sports and pop culture blessings of the last several months, for which I am incredibly thankful.