Opinion

Tradition is character

I apologize for continuing this conversation into yet ANOTHER day of Observer Viewpoints. But I felt it was necessary.

Supporting 'X for X'

Notre Dame Family,

Raise an X for X

Notre Dame Family,

Synesthesia

To say that my senses aren't too sharp is an understatement. I have horrible hearing, sub-par sight and an almost complete lack of smell — not to mention my notoriously bad hand-eye coordination. Instead, I have an extra sense: I can see sound.

Channeling St. Paul

Perspectives on tradition

I think we forget what tradition is sometimes at Notre Dame. Age does not make a tradition. The "Play Like a Champion Today" sign was put up by Lou Holtz. The leprechaun became Notre Dame's mascot in 1965. The first time we wore green jerseys under KnuteRockne in Oct. 8, 1921, we lost against Iowa. Should we have stopped wearing green jerseys?

Daisy, daisy

"Uh, tell Jon I'm running late!" "Here's your message to Jon, are you ready to send it?" "Yeah, that's perfect. Also, I have to meet Sarah at 5 p.m. tomorrow and again the week after." "Okay, I've scheduled your meeting, note that you have another meeting that overlaps. Do you want me to schedule it anyway?" "Oh, ****, move dinner with Joshua to 6:30." "Watch your language, Blake … I've moved dinner with Joshua to 6:30 p.m." "Thank you, Siri." "Your wish is my command."

The business case for going green

Since the environmental movement started, most businesses have viewed the process of "going green" as a cost rather than an investment. This sentiment is especially magnified in the United States, where corporate environmental responsibility is generally held to a low standard. This most likely stems from the public's skepticism — just 48 percent of Americans believe human activities play a role in climate change, a 12 percent decrease from 2008. Yet even if the public is undecided about the science behind climate change, it is financially wise for companies to take initiative. Businesses must cater to the consumer, and the demand for environmentally responsible companies will only increase over time. Also, even the simplest of internal efficiency adjustments can decrease unwanted spending while helping the environment at the same time. On top of this, it is also wise for the private sector to invest in green energy to prepare for inevitable environmental legislation like cap and trade.

Cincinnati style

Let me preface this by stating that I am among the greatest Brian Kelly supporters you'll ever find. I am a Cincinnati native, and passionately followed my Bearcats as Coach Kelly was bringing them to the top of the Big East. With that said, I was extremely perplexed by an idea attributed to Coach Kelly in Christopher Lilly's Sept. 29 submission ("The Football Coaching Internship Continues"). In this article, Coach Kelly was noted to have said in the past that the high-flying, deep-ball-loving offense he ran in Cincinnati was used only out of necessity — you've gotta score points to put fans in the seats.

Questionable report cards

Dear report card editor,

Motherhood

I am not certain that what follows is orthodox, but … well, it may be.

ESPN wins

In late July, ESPN announced it was going to air seven new documentaries as a result of its wildly successful and critically acclaimed 30 for 30 series that aired from Oct. 2009 through Dec. 2010.

An enjoyable time

In response to the letters "Gameday Noise" and "Don't mess with tradition," (Oct. 25) I'd like to say that I had a great time at the game!

Ladies - opportunity much?

Ladies, looking for someone who's tall, dark and handsome? Well then I don't have the guy for you.

Gameday noise

I am irate. Gameday at Notre Dame, for decades, has been one of the most unique atmospheres in all of college football. What I witnessed during the USC game this past Saturday was barely recognizable as a Notre Dame gameday. Bluntly, the entertainment product trotted out on Saturday was a disgrace.

True Fighting Irish spirit

When I started planning for NTD Awareness Week 2011, which wrapped up on Oct. 9, I was angry.

Grotto Matt

It is no secret that the Grotto is a special place. It is a gorgeous haven, offering a place for quiet reflection in the midst of campus chaos. It has many meanings and memories to anyone who has ever lit a candle, knelt for a prayer or even just passed through.

A T-shirt challenge

On Oct. 7, a clothing company named Alta Gracia presented their Dominican Republic operations in the Geddes Coffeehouse. Student turnout was understandably low; it was a home football Friday. Nevertheless, this presentation's effects should ripple through decisions for dorms, the Leprechaun Legion, The Shirt Project and the University as a whole.

What's next for Libya?

Libya's civil war has now reached its last and most difficult phase. With Colonel Qaddafi gone, Libya is now free to begin transitioning from war mode to recovery mode. This entails an entirely new set of challenges. Under Qaddafi, freedom of the press was virtually non-existent, elections were anything but fair and government agencies functioned as his personal bureaucracy rather than as a competent administration. All of these institutions will need to be built in the coming months, and progress will undoubtedly be slow and uneven.

Xavier

Two weeks ago, we mourned the passing of Xavier Murphy. He was a man of Notre Dame, and, more closely to my own heart, a man of Zahm.