February 10, 2019 • No Comments
This past Tuesday, February 5th, President Trump gave his State of the Union Address. For those unfamiliar, the State of the Union Address is a speech given by the President of the United States annually to a joint session of Congress. The purpose of this speech is to “give to the Congress information of the State of the Union, and recommend their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient,” which is required by Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution. Essentially, the President gives information and requests about budgetary and economic issues for the country. In case you missed it, here are some highlights from this year’s address: While discussing the state of the economy and job market, Trump stated: “An economic miracle is taking place in the United States, and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous, partisan investigations.” The “investigations” mentioned of course referring to the investigation led by Robert Mueller into the involvement of the Russian government in the 2016 US presidential election. This statement was met with raucous applause from the Republican side of the room, and stony silence from the Democratic side. Of course, there was mention of a wall being necessary for our southern border. He discussed the caravan of migrant making their way through Mexico towards the border and that he has placed several thousands of extra patrollers in preparation for their arrival. Perhaps the most interesting highlight of the speech was when President Trump again began discussing the economy and stated: “No one has benefitted more from our thriving economy than women, who have filled 58 percent of the new jobs created in the last year.” This was followed by a huge ovation by the Democratic women in the room, to which Trump remarked, “You were not supposed to do that.” If you missed this year’s address, you can look forward to next year’s, for which the date has not yet been set.
Katie Miller, Author
October 26, 2018 • No Comments
To many people, Hurricane Florence is old news, but for me, but I still find myself thinking about it sometimes. Florence has affected the lives of thousands of people across the country, including my great-grandparents, who live in Wilmington, North Carolina, only a 10 minute drive from where Florence made landfall on Wrightsville Beach. They were forced to evacuate, and my family and I were very worried about them. My great-grandfather survived fighting in Japanese-occupied islands during World War II, so he wasn’t as afraid of the hurricane as we were. However, he is now 95 and has a wife with Alzheimer’s, making both evacuation and cleanup of debris more difficult for them. Fortunately, my uncle was able to convince them to leave Wilmington, and one of their neighbors drove them to safety. One week later, they were able to return to their home, relived to find that no significant damage had been done to their house. If their house had been severely damaged during the storm, they would’ve most likely lost it, as my great-grandfather had decided to finally stop paying for hurricane insurance only a couple months prior due to the high cost on his fixed income. My great-grandparents were some of the lucky ones, as 2 people died in their county, and 43 total deaths were caused by the storm. Our fear was if they hadn’t evacuated, they would’ve become part of that statistic. Every summer, my family goes to Wrightsville Beach, and although we aren’t sure what the beach will look like this year, we are grateful that our relatives will still be there.
Sam Mortenson, Author
May 16, 2018 • No Comments
Sophomore Samantha Mortenson attended Neil deGrasse Tyson's lecture, "The Cosmic Perspective", at the State Theater in Minneapolis on March 23rd. In Neil deGrasse Tyson's lecture, "The Cosmic Perspective", many different topics were covered--from numbers and the universe to humanity's hubris. Each idea, however unrelated, was expertly woven together. The transition from looking at orders of magnitude to the entire universe, for example, may have been a bit jarring coming from an unskilled lecturer. However, Neil deGrasse Tyson expertly showed how small we all were through the use of these seemingly unrelated topics. First, general orders of magnitude were introduced. The numbers started off relatively small, but quickly grew in size. The number one, for example, was not threatening, but one sextillion? One sextillion was mind-bending. He used comparisons along the way to help the audience comprehend these magnitude of each number. For example, the number of grains of sand on a beach was one quintillion— that’s ten to the eighteenth power! And yet somehow the number of stars in the sky is over a thousand times greater than that. Keep in mind too that this is just the observable universe; our universe may as well be one sextillion times greater than that, for all we know. Some time later, Neil touched on the multiverse theory (cough, cough, it’s not a theory). He said that, although we have quite literally countless stars in our universe, it was plausible that there were more than one universe. The evidence he gave for this? The universe never makes just one of anything. It's like the universe wanted to share its gifts with a few friends. A single galaxy is teeming with stars, and there is a glut of galaxies in a cluster, and even more in a filament. It stands to reason, he said, that there is more than one universe in existence as well. There very well could be a multiverse, and perhaps even multiple multiverses. In jest, he called this the metaverse and said there were probably multiple metaverses as well. Of course, with the possibility of a multiverse, he presented another very real speculation. If humans can create video games, and if they can create them well enough that they mimic life very closely, then it stands to reason that our reality takes place entirely inside a simulation. With a powerful enough computer, he reasoned, simulation would be completely comparable to reality. The observed rules of our universe are comparable to the rules of a Mario game, in that they make perfect sense to the scientists recording them. In a video game, the rules of the universe are just as clear as the rules of our own universe. Dr. deGrasse summed this up well when he said, "whenever we’re doing good as a civilization, something bad happens to keep it interesting. Whether it’s Godzilla stomping through SimCity or a crazy president being elected, something always happens to mess things up." This may have been a joke, but he also said it was one of his strongest pieces of evidence. Although Mr. Tyson's ideas about a simulated universe are tempting, I personally do not agree with them. My reasoning is this: given that simulations can never perfectly replicate reality, there is a point at which the original picture is too far lost. The ability to replicate reality could could be assessed as quality. It may take a series of stacked simulations to achieve a notable loss in quality, but eventually the new simulations will be completely unrecognizable from the reality being replicated. The loss in quality is comparable to energy lost to heat in entropy; only in idealized situations can a reality be infinitely replicated. There is no way that a computer could process such a number of simulations, because the perfect computer does not exist. Of course, I am only arguing against the idea that reality is a computer simulation. I have no qualms about the idea of our reality taking place in some other form of simulation, whether it is in a dream or otherwise. (In essence... The Matrix was a great movie with a terrible scientific premise. Feel free to talk to me about that some other time). Just as in Mr. Miller and Mr. Grandy's Greek interim, the topic of hubris was covered extensively in Tyson's lecture. The Neilster even shared a letter he received, which said that the writer wanted to do a study about the psychological effects of feeling insignificant. The writer said that he recently visited a space station and was overwhelmed with these feelings, but Neil told the audience that that was the opposite of what he wanted to achieve. By giving this lecture, he wanted to both humble and exalt humanity. Humans needed to let go of their hubris, which was the idea that humans were extremely different from other species, and that action would allow them to appreciate the universe and the cosmos for what is really was. He wanted to show that, while humans were not the ones at the top, they were still playing a role in the universe. Through letting go of their initial hubris, humans could recognize and accept the fact that we are not special because we are different. The Science Man said that humans and chimpanzees were only 1% different from each other. He explained that a smart chimpanzee could do something a human toddler was capable of. He used this distinction to say that sending rockets into space was then only 1% different from stacking some boxes to get to a banana. This difference, then, would make our greatest achievements completely primitive to any alien species which were only 1% different from our own. Tyson jokingly played the part of an alien parent: “Oh, look what little Tommy did! He composed a sonnet and mastered calculus in his pre-school today... I think I’ll hang this up on the fridge!" Tyson's way of thinking about our species' mental capacity greatly mirrors my own. He thinks that it is entirely possible, if not completely probable, that our species is just too dumb to recognize the universe for what it truly is. Before, I may have struggled with this thought. Now, however, I readily accept it. Although I dislike it, I think that it is important to recognize the limitations of human comprehension. However, scientifically, it is crucial to persevere. Although we may not understand the cosmos, humans can try. Humans are getting smarter as they progress, and maybe one day we will have evolved enough to notice something glaringly obvious to someone that is only 1% different from ourselves... after all, that is only 1%. In essence, the purpose of "The Cosmic Perspective" was to provide a sense of perspective. It hopefully humbled those who needed to be humbled and reminded many people of what was important. I strongly believe that Tyson accomplished his goal, whether by referencing Carl Sagan on five separate occasions or by cracking jokes, he appealed to everyone in the audience. He delivered his message, and people received it. Neil deGrasse Tyson was a prophet of science, delivering the words one lecture at a time. Like any great sermon, he also performed "a reading from the book of Carl." His wise words hopefully stuck, forever to be remembered in the minds of those who attended this profound lecture.
Book Review: “Simon Vs. the Homo-Sapiens Agenda”
May 12, 2018
I’m sure most of you have heard of the movie Love, Simon, which has captured the hearts of most of its viewers. The movie is based on the book Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, by Becky Albertalli, which I finished reading recently. It tells the story of high school junior Simon Spier who is trying to do normal teenage things, while also trying to hide the fact that he’s gay. The story begins when Simon’s classmate Martin Addison finds Simon’s emails with an anonymous closeted gay guy at school who uses the pen name Blue. Martin screenshots the emails and uses them to blackmail Simon, saying he’ll expose both him and Blue unless Simon sets Martin up with his friend Abby. From there, Simon has to try to maintain his friendships and do well in the school musical, while also trying to come out to his friends and family and discover who this mystery boy is. In my opinion, the book was absolutely fantastic. It was very relevant to high school experiences today, and has a very realistic portrayal of the LGBT community. On top of that, it has a very gripping plot. There were several nights I stayed up past midnight just because I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I didn’t know what happened next. To make it even better, the book ranges from absolutely hilarious to heart-wrenching to extremely dramatic, and it really makes the reader really feel what the characters feel. My opinion isn’t the only one you will be hearing in this article. I got a chance to speak with freshman Sofia Bostrom, who also read the book and gave it a fantastic review. She is one of the people who read the book after seeing its movie adaptation, Love, Simon. She said she figured the book would be either okay or way better than the movie, and she believes the book has more relationship development. As I mentioned, Bostrom saw the movie as well and thinks it definitely did the book justice. I have not yet seen the movie, so I’ll have to take her word for it. She told me her favorite character was Bram, the lovable soccer player. He was fun, friendly, and a cool dude. Next, I asked her if she thought the book could be improved in any way, and said she thought it didn’t need any improvement. It was very accurate to real life LGBT experiences, and it had some fantastic and well-developed characters. Lastly, I asked how she would promote the book and her words were: “You wanna support gay rights? Of course you do!” All in all, Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is an amazing book, and I would encourage anyone who has not read it to change that now.
Prep Seniors Begin Their Slide… Or Do They?
February 18, 2018
Imagine a class of seniors, reclining on couches in the Fishbowl, Kit-Kats or bags of Sour Patch Kids in hand, not a care in the world.They breeze through the hallways, weightless and laughing, already accepted into their dream college. That’s how it’s supposed to be, right? Second semester of senior year? The long foretold “Senior Slide”? Well, kind-of. We’ve heard about the legend of the Senior Slide since we were freshmen. We’ve watched as class after senior class have slowly fallen apart—or wanted to, at least. But when the time finally came for our Slide, I began to notice and interesting combination of emotions within this year’s senior class: guilt, frustration, stress, and denial alongside all those foretold Senior Slide perks. Of course, it is only February. After three more months of IB testing, college classes, and Ms. Talic’s Prueba Orals, we might be telling a very, very different story. When I ask what Senior Slide means to him, senior John Martone laughs and tells me, “I get home and think I don’t want to, so I don’t. I try to do the bare minimum.” Mariah Bruner chimes in, telling me, “This sucks. It just sucks.” Andy Moen, no regret as he leans back into a Fishbowl couch, says, “Senior slide means hardcore coasting.” Already, I’m beginning to notice the obvious trend. In history class, Maura Cofell shares that her personal goal for this semester is to do as little as she can. “But the thing is,” she tells me, sounding tired and defeated, “I still feel like I’m doing a lot.” Hope Robak and Henry Smith III haven’t simply let go and given up like some. Their intentions, at least, are positive. Hope tells me, “I think yeah, I should try at this! but then it just doesn’t really happen…” Henry says, “I’m trying not to slide as much as I can…” He stops talking, but the sense of foreboding lingers, as if a “but” should rest at the end of his sentence. Magali Seymour is extreme in her opinion: “I won’t, but if I burned this school down, the seniors could roast marshmallows and have a bonfire.” After four, six, or seven years, I guess some people are just ready to begin writing new chapters to their lives. As I delved deeper and deeper into exploring the agony and frustration that we feel, as almost-graduated, college-accepted students, I decided to ask Mr. Nydeen if he had any advice for second-semester-seniors. “Advice? The most successful individuals are the organized ones and those who are still involved.” “So you’d say the Senior Slide is definitely real?” I continued. He responded without a shred of hesitation. “Oh yes. Especially after seniors receive that little letter that lets them know they’re accepted. And get this” he adds, with a pointing finger, “—I can always change the recommendation.” I scribble this note down as horrified seniors gasp around me. Teachers can really do that…? As exhausted and jaded as we all might be, I’m still surrounded by three-sport athletes, high-achievers, club leaders, student ambassadors, and insanely-committed theater kids. Disappointingly, I think this adds up to the fact that the Senior Slide isn’t all that it’s hyped up to be.
The Great “First Week of School” Debate
September 9, 2017
This year, rather than the typical “dreaded first day of classes,” Prep faculty and administration decided to shake things up a little! Before school officially started, there were a couple of community-centered events. On Monday, August 21st, the Prep community gathered for an all-school picnic. The next day, there was an opportunity to volunteer at La Cruz, an income-based housing complex in South Saint Cloud. On the first day of school, we participated in multiple activities with our advisings and grade levels, in addition to some school-wide events. In our advisings, we played multiple brain games and puzzles to work on thinking “outside of the box.” With our grade levels we “broke the ice” with some games to get to know each other better. The rest of the afternoon was spent running around campus for a scavenger hunt. Thursday was our Convocation, the official start of the 2017-2018 school year, and, conveniently, picture day. The rest of Thursday and Friday morning we attended classes, and Friday afternoon we had our annual “Prep Fest." There were minute-to-win-it games and other activities, played by one member from each grade. The day came to a close, and our 161st school year was well underway! Below, Cullin Egge '18 and Lizzy Kolb '19 give their opinions on the first week of school this year. Pro Alternative First Week of School: Cullin Egge In my opinion, the first week of school was an inviting and invigorating experience for all students to share. The school picnic was an awesome opportunity for new students to meet their classmates and teachers and for returning students to reconnect with friends. And teachers. Don’t forget about them! The day of volunteering brought our community together, but also gave us the opportunity to locally spread some of our Benedictine values. Both of these events were great bonding experiences for all involved, especially for those new students who hadn’t yet got the chance to familiarize with peers. While some students may have thought the bonding activities on the first day of school were unnecessary and boring, Senior Genesis Knoblach thoroughly enjoyed these activities, saying “[They] gave day students the opportunity to learn more about the resident students,” further explaining, “Normally we wouldn’t mix so much.” Although it was very hot and sticky outside, I think, overall, the scavenger hunt was an amusing and entertaining activity. Our Student Council President, Regan Mies, brought some great advice with her to the convocation, where she gave a heartwarming speech to the school. Picture day comes around every year, but for seniors, it was our last “Cheeeese!” before graduating this Spring. The energy in the air at the Prep Fest was electric! It was fun for those participating, but even more so for those watching! The colloquium was a blast, and a great way to end the first week of school. For me, this year’s spin on the typical “first week of school” was a fun and refreshing start to the year, and hopefully a kick-off to the best year yet! Pro Traditional First Week of School: Lizzy Kolb While some may have enjoyed the festivities during the first few days of school, I was not the biggest fan. Trust me, I am a fan of playing a couple get to know you games, but these games reminded me a little bit more of forced family fun than anything else. I felt as though I had been plopped right into the middle of an awkward family reunion. The only practical benefit that I could see from our first three days of school would be to introduce middle schoolers, freshmen, and incoming students to the rest of the school population. However, they had spent the prior week doing just that. Our peer mentors were working hard before the year started to make sure that all new students had a smooth transition into life at Prep. Peer Mentor and Student Council Secretary Tina Chen gave me her opinion about the beginning of the school year saying, “After nine full days of ice breaker activities, I was completely burnt out.” If I thought that I had to play too many name games, I can only imagine how the new students and peer mentors felt. Even for those of us who weren’t peer mentors, the days felt long, but it wasn't the same type of tired. Instead of knowing that I had worked hard that day and had given it my all, the only thing that I had really done was figured out some clues in a picture scavenger hunt. I would have rather been spending that time talking to my teachers or learning something in class. Either way, the 2017-18 school year here at Prep has begun, and although I cannot know for certain what events are in store for next year's first week of school, I can at least know that I won't have to play another ice breaker game for at least a few months.
November 30, 2018 • No Comments
Outside St. John’s Preparatory School, right next to the flagpole where the stars and stripes of the US fly, the light blue flag of the United Nation proudly hangs. This flag’s origin stems in an unlikely connection between a Catholic priest from North Dakota and a Ghana-born world leader. Many people in our St. John’s community know Father Gordon Tavis, former headmaster of the prep school and integral part of the monastic and university community. Many people worldwide are familiar with the name Kofi Annan, who served as General Secretary of the United Nations in addition to winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001, along with many other accomplishments. The story of this flag begins in the hallowed halls of MIT, where our very own Father Gordon was taking part in a prestigious fellowship- the very same one that Kofi Annan was participating in. The Sloan Fellowship, founded in 1955, is meant to accelerate high potential middle managers into a higher position of leadership. Father Gordon was the Business Manager of St. John’s- which, at the time, included programing the finances for the monastery, prep school, and the university. However, both men’s lives started far away from this world of business and prestige. Father Gordon was born in a small rural town in North Dakota called Mandan. Intelligent and eager, he graduated from high school at 16 before enlisting in the naval air force. However, it was a poor time to be in the naval program, and Father Gordon caught the tail end of the war along with a surplus of other naval air force hopefuls. He was bounced from place to place, ranging from the middle of a cornfield in Iowa to further places such as California and Hawaii, all before the age of 21. Soon after this, the war ended, and Father Gordon, living back in his hometown and bagging groceries, felt the call to priesthood. Thus, he ended up at St. John’s University. Walking onto campus, he said, was like “coming home”. Father Gordon, after being ordained, taught college courses, was a Prep school prefect, and eventually became the Business Manager of St. John’s. This, of course, lead to his acceptance into the Sloan Fellowship. Kofi Annan, on the other hand, grew up in a village in Ghana. He was born into an aristocratic family, and studied economics at a public university before accepting a grant that allowed him to finish his degree at Macalester College in St. Paul. His subsequent work lead to his acceptance into the MIT fellowship. These two managements students got to know each other among their small class of about 40. However, Father Gordon got to know Kofi particularly well due to Annan’s need of transportation and Fr. Gordon’s yellow 1971 Ford pinto. Living relatively close, Father Gordon gave Annan rides to many different social gatherings and parties throughout their year at MIT. Father Gordon describes Annan as charismatic and gregarious, a person so completely confident in himself and his ability to communicate with others. Fr. Gordon said this drew people, including himself, to Annan, who had a way of making people instantly feel like they were long time acquaintances. Of course, Father Gordon himself is a delightful person to talk to, as I had the pleasure of doing, and I’m sure his sharp mind and humble kindness drew Annan to himself. Even years later, the two remained in touch, and when Annan was in Minnesota visiting his alma mater Macalester, he called up Father Gordon. The two got together, and as Father Gordon was telling about the diversity of students who attended the Prep School, Annan suggested the raising of the United Nations flag. The flag was then raised, and flies proudly today to remind us that no matter where we come from, we are all united in a common humanity.
For KING & COUNTRY: Burn The Ships
November 11, 2018
October 15, 2018
Palaye Royale – Boom Boom Room Side B; Album Review
October 15, 2018
