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Sustainability Strategy

By The Observer · Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011

Despite the characterization of the University's new carbon emissions goals as "ambitious" by the Observer and "aggressive" by the campus Director of Sustainability, the plan announced on Nov. 29 is not one of which Notre Dame should be proud. A decade ago the Sustainability Strategy might have been moderately progressive in higher education circles. Now, compared to the plans of leading universities doing their parts to address global warming, it looks more quaint than visionary.

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Waffle home

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 28, 2011

The yellow squares and black block letters clearly mark each restaurant and now appear vividly in my mind as I crave the All-Star Breakfast. For me, Waffle House has recently become a main subject of my homesickness. When I tire of dining hall food, I turn to Culver's or Penn Station, but nothing can serve as a worthy substitute for Waffle House.

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Memory

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 28, 2011

In death — as in life — Nixon finds his way into everything.

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Occupy all streets

By The Observer · Monday, Nov. 28, 2011

At this point, everyone has presumably heard of the "Occupy" movement. You may have even seen the photos online of starving African children juxtaposed with hipster-looking American 20-somethings holding up Occupy signs; the former, they claim, are the real 99 percent, while the latter are actually the one percent in disguise. A friend of mine posted this with the caption, "Perspective is good." As a Peace Corps applicant and someone who believes strongly in the need to fight the war on global poverty and hunger, I couldn't agree more that it is important to remember how lucky we are in this country to have what we have, especially those of us at an institution of higher learning like Notre Dame.

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Our problematic tax system

By The Observer · Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011

Earlier in the year, I wrote about the Fair Tax. I argued that it would solve many of the problems our country faces today. This article will take a step back and ask, "What are those problems?"

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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