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The Catholic Chronicle
Volume XXXVI/Issue V The Charlotte Catholic High School Newspaper January 25, 2022
CCHS Students Show off their Spirit, Inside and Out
TESS VALKOVSCHI
Staff Reporter
From sweatshirts to car stickers to The plan is for the closet to be con- it will sell the same items as the ally, the store would love to receive
cowbells, there is no doubt that the verted into a walk in store, complete outdoor store, such as sweatshirts, feedback from the students on what
Charlotte Catholic community loves with products and prices on display t-shirts, hats, water bottles, and cow- they would like to see being sold and
to show off their cougar pride. Cur- across all of the walls. This walk-in bells. Angie Johnston, who is leading possibly create new CCHS branded
rently, Charlotte Catholic’s Keffer experience is different from the Kef- the creation of the new spirit store, products. Payments via cash or credit
Stadium is home to a spirit store fer stadium spirit store, being a walk- said that “the store is looking to ex- card will be acceptable.
where students and parents can pur- up store. pand and offer seasonal items such as While there is no set open-
chase CCHS merchandise during the As far as inventory for the new store, shorts and beach towels.” Addition- ing date, “the desire is to have a soft
football season. Soon, students will launch by the end of January with
have the opportunity to shop from a limited hours,” said Mrs. Johnston.
new spirit store that will be located Optimally, the store will be open for
inside of the main school building. a few hours during break and lunch
Thanks to athletic booster on certain days each week for the
funding, a closet in the cafeteria will entire school year. Hours of operation
be transformed into the new spirit are still under consideration; student
store. Parent volunteers have already interest and the willingness of parent
begun to clean out the closet, making volunteers to run the store will deter-
way for a fresh coat of paint, display mine when the store will be open.
installations, and decorations. Lawrence Nazarian, student
The Keffer Stadium spirit council executive president and hype
store is great during the football sea- squad member, said he is excited
son, but not so much during adverse about the new store because he thinks
weather. The new store will not only “having a more accessible spirit store
resolve the weather issue, but better for all students will help to spread the
reach and service the entire student Red Machine pride and give nobody
population within Charlotte Catholic. an excuse not to show school spirit!”
Photo Credit: Tess Valkovschi
WILLIAM HICKS
Student of the Month: Ben the Beekeeper
Staff Reporter
For most students at Charlotte official school activities such as didn’t mean he clicked the link other participants in the program
Catholic, there exists a well-suited football and band, a student would any slower when the chance to were able, with the help of trained
extracurricular activity. Between struggle to find an uninteresting become a certified beekeeper did professionals, to get up close and
the student-run clubs like the extracurricular activity. Unfortu- arise. personal with the bees.
Super Smash Bros club and the nately for Senior Benjamin Pin- The first few weeks of the In order to ensure the bees
gree, Charlotte Catholic seven week beekeeping course are have enough nutrients to survive
legally can not offer what not as entertaining as one might the winter, sugar and other food
he is really interested in: expect. Ben compared it to a his- substances were placed atop each
beekeeping. tory class in that a good amount of hive. Although he never got to
“Until recently,” Ben time was spent looking at presen- fully take care of a hive by him-
said, “I hadn’t even been tations and taking notes on impor- self, to Ben it “was still worth the
a huge fan of bees. I’ve tant details. Though Ben said the hours of sitting I had to do. I’ve
just always enjoyed ani- two hour sessions were “certainly definitely learned to appreciate
mals and plants. Y’know. not the most fun,” he also added bees. And how loud they are.”
Farmer stuff. ” And that it “didn’t bother me too much. While it is cool to be legally
indeed, once Ben turns I mean, it was just a few more certified, Ben shared that there is
on his Zoom camera, you weeks until I got to actually touch not much that he can practically
can easily locate a wall some bees.” And with each pass- do with it at the moment. “Keep-
full of plants and maybe ing Monday, Ben became closer to ing a beehive on our property is
even some pictures of becoming a licensed beekeeper. really impractical.” They take
goats. “It didn’t even The final day was among the a lot of time and management,
have to be bees. best, as it was a departure from which most high school students
I would have happily the indoor presentations he had know they do not have. “But I
gotten a goat license or come to expect, and was entirely suspect it will help my future as
anything if that had been focused on being outdoors with a farmer in Idaho,” he said, only
offered instead.” But that the bees. Better yet, Ben and all half-jokingly.
Photo Credit: Ben Pingree, Master Beekeeper
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Features Features Entertainment
Volume XXXVI/Issue V
Features January 25, 2022
TESS MULLIGAN
‘21 and Done
Staff Reporter
Similarly to the preceding year, ous sources, such as the stock market Later on in the year, President years on from 9/11.
2021 began with a bang. On January jitters caused by thousands of young Biden would make the controversial In 2021, we finally celebrated the
6th, a group of belligerent US citizens stock traders on Reddit. decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Summer Olympics after a year’s delay
incited an insurrection at the Capitol Their actions resulted in a surge in Afghanistan quickly, resulting in the due to the pandemic. One student, who
building. One student referred to this the purchases of GameStop stock in Taliban takeover of the area. was supposed to be a visitor at the
event as “an embarrassment.” This order to stop corrupt hedge funds from Politically, events caused frustra- 2020 Olympics, said it was disappoint-
sparked debates about Donald Trump’s harming the businesses. tion. Notably, the debate over racism ing that she was not able to attend and
presidency, Joe Biden’s presidency, For weeks, traders were rushing to in America and gun control continued also mentioned how she noticed “it
and unrest within the country. buy and sell stocks in order to retain or into this year with cases such as the messed with the athletes” by delaying
This led to the second impeachment gain a profit. In addition to this finan- Ahmaud Arbery case and the Kyle Rit- the games a year.
trial of Donald Trump, almost a year cial upheaval, almost two months later, tenhouse case. While 2021 had its highs and lows,
after his first impeachment. the Suez Canal was blocked by the ship According to Reuter’s graphics, it proved to us as individuals and as
Financially and politically, the “The Ever Given” for six days, result- President Biden’s approval rating fell a society that despite tragedies and
United States faced pressure from vari- ing in global shipping delays. from 55% on January 21st to 48% on setbacks, we can keep fighting. This
December 10th. However, some deci- year, China was declared malaria-free.
sions, such as rejoining WHO (World Juneteenth became a federal holiday.
Health Organization) and the Paris The creation of Covid-19 vaccines
Climate Accord, might prove to be has helped in slowing the spread of
positive. the disease as well as diminishing its
2021 saw great loss of life in un- lethality. SpaceX made developments
expected disasters. In February, Texas in space technology and orchestrated
suffered a massive cold wave that left the first launch of a private crew into
many Texans without power. Around orbit. Blue Origin took Star Trek star
210 people died as a result. In June, William Shatner to space.
a condominium building in Miami This year, humans achieved several
would collapse, killing 98 people. Ap- incredible feats and on an individual
proximately 386,000 people in the U.S. level, there is no telling how many
died from Covid-19 this year. Hur- other good things have happened this
ricane Ida devastated Louisiana and year.
2021 marked the grim milestone of 20
Photo Credit: NBC New York
ANDREW O’BRIEN
Cougars Collaborate with ‘Cottie and Cake’
Staff Reporter
Today, it seems individuals first of its kind in the state. Ann Douglas O’Brien and Kevin the board are proud to be making
making impacts in their commu- The Cottie and Cake Fund was Kennelly, both freshmen, and a difference in their communities.
nities and the world are getting started by a local family who lost Andrew O’Brien, a junior. Though Ann Douglas even alluded to her
younger. Role models like Greta one of their twin girls after a com- not completely sure how their fun- goals of taking the cause further,
Thurnberg or Malala Yousafzai plicated, high-risk pregnancy. draising efforts will turn out with saying, “though it’s just local for
have captivated millions and im- Throughout the difficult pro- Covid-19 being on the rise again, now, that might not be the same
pacted the world in a beneficial cess, the family found strength in Ann Douglas said she was “very in a few years.” The board hopes
way. Could we perhaps find some each other and through the sup- excited to get the ball rolling in the that they will find success in their
of these young people in our city, port the staff at Levine Children’s new year” and that the organization efforts in the new year and make a
maybe even our school? Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care has a “special fundraising event” difference in their communities.
Obviously, the answer to this Nursery (NICN) showed them. planned for the winter of
question is yes. Charlotte Catholic To honor their children and 2022.
is home to three students who are show their gratitude for the care Kevin added that he is
heads of a fundraising board for they received, the family started “looking forward to being
the Cottie and Cake Fund, a local the “Cottie and Cake” Fund (after part of such a unique, moti-
philanthropic organization that sup- the nicknames given to the twins) vated group of kids” and that
ports the neonatology program at to raise money for neonatal care at he will be helping as much
Levine Children’s Hospital. Levine Children’s Hospital. The as possible with the fundrais-
Established in 2010, they have money then funds projects like ing efforts. He also hopes
raised over $440,000 to date, and buying state-of-the-art machinery Covid-19 won’t have a major
late last year introduced their first for operating on the newborns. impact on raising money or
ever board of fundraisers made up Currently, there are three stu- spreading awareness for the
entirely of middle and high school dents at Charlotte Catholic who are cause.
students from around Charlotte, the on the board for the organization: All in all, the students on
Photo Credit: Google Images
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Features Features Entertainment
Volume XXXVI/Issue V
Features January 25, 2022
MEG FRANTZ
Omicron Appears on the World Stage
Staff Reporter
During the past two years, the on November 11, 2021. It moved to Americans ages 12 and over. The but must wear a mask for five days
Covid-19 pandemic has been at the swiftly across the world and had booster shot builds on pre-existing upon return. If they continue to have
forefront of the world’s mind. What reached San Francisco by November antibodies to increase protection symptoms, they must stay home
used to be unfamiliar and scary is 22, 2021. It was named a “variant of against Covid-19 and the variants. until their symptoms resolve.
now normal. Masks, social distanc- concern” by the CDC on November The CDC also recommends wearing It was noted that when masks are
ing, and vaccinations are a part of 26, 2021. a mask indoors, regardless of vac- required for Covid-19 procedures
everyday life. The world has be- This variant differs from the cination status. post-exposure, the “mask exemp-
come resilient to everything thrown Delta variant because of its ability to Charlotte Catholic issued a tion form” does not apply until the
our way, but it is uncertain if we are spread quickly. However, according statement on January 3, 2022 de- procedure is completed.
resilient enough. to The Los Angeles Times, people tailing their protocols for the situ- With the rise of Omicron, some
Omicron is a variant of Covid-19, infected with the Omicron variant ation. They are continuing to offer students are worried about the po-
first discovered in Botswana, Africa are 45% less likely to be hospital- Zoom accommodations to students tential consequences, but others trust
ized than those infected with Covid-19 who have that CCHS will make the right deci-
infected with the contacted Nurse Holder. sions. One junior, Maddie Sternberg,
Delta variant, but The school updated their rules said, “I’m glad Charlotte Catholic
this fact does not on January 4, 2022, requiring masks is doing what they can to keep us
mean that Omi- for indoor sports events, as they are in school. I don’t know what’s go-
cron should be considered Covid-19 hotspots. On ing to happen, but I’m sure we will
taken lightly. January 5, 2022, Charlotte Catholic find a way to get through this rough
The CDC made the decision to move to virtual patch.”
maintains that the learning, resuming in-person in- After two long years of Co-
most effective struction on January 11. vid-19, people began to hope that
way to slow the Regardless of vaccination status, 2021 would see the end of the pan-
Omicron variant students exposed to Covid-19 must demic. Unfortunately, we have been
is to get vacci- quarantine for five days and get thrown back into the unfamiliar.
nated. Recently, tested. If the student tests positive
the booster shot and does not have symptoms after
became available five days, they may return to school
Photo Credit: The Guardian
MADELYN BRONSON
Eatin’ Less Chikin
Staff Reporter
As we enter the new year, we are still shortages, high commodity prices, and Chicken products are rising the chicken prices in the school cafeteria
facing multiple challenges. Not only are consumer demand contribute to fewer in price, and the amount of poultry in rise, students and staff will continue to
Covid-19 cases rising, but certain foods chicken products available to consumers. stores is decreasing daily. These changes buy chicken tenders and wings no matter
are getting more expensive. In 2021, The New York Post reported “underper- directly impact families. People are how expensive they are. So, in a school
food shortages continued to climb. These forming roosters that aren’t producing already struggling financially because of full of students with social media, the
shortages have been highlighted through as many chicks as expected are partly Covid-19, and many will not be able to news of chicken shortages spread like
social media, with the chicken shortage to blame for the US poultry shortage.” afford the higher prices of the poultry. wildfire. Junior Joe Hickman said “if
taking the spotlight. Teenagers began Tyson, one of the largest poultry produc- Chicken is a main protein source and Catholic ran out of chicken, I would be
to post about the situation, thus causing ers in the a staple devastated because I love the chicken
a panic over the loss of their beloved country, in family choices.”
chicken nuggets, tenders, and more. has been kitchens. Joe weighed in on the scope of this
Social media played a major role using new Rising problem. He said, “I don’t understand
in spreading the word about these food roosters for costs af- how there would be a chicken short-
shortages to the general public. Once fertilizing fect lower age in the first place because there are
the news of the chicken shortage spread, eggs. This income millions of chickens in the world.” He
people began to worry that it would last has been house- added, “the effect would be negative
into the new year. The answer? Yes, a struggle holds. It because millions of people throughout
there will still be shortages of chicken since the will be the world rely on chicken for their main
products. breeding harder for protein source.” Another junior, Ashley
The Daily Gazette, a New York based of these them to af- Sofarelli, said, “if Catholic ran out of
newspaper, interviewed Joan Driggs, new chicks ford good, chicken, that would be awful because
vice-president of analytics firm IRI, “simply aren’t hitting expectations.” The protein-filled meats. They will have to it is the main choice on the menu and
about the issue. “We’re not anywhere eggs fertilized by these new roosters buy processed, cheaper substitutes that is one of my favorite things to buy for
near the empty shelves that we saw in hatch less often, limiting the country’s are not as healthy. breakfast or lunch.”
the spring of 2020, but we can really an- chicken supply. Tyson wishes to resolve At Charlotte Catholic, chicken Despite the hardships that
ticipate a lot of shortages continuing into this issue by replacing the roosters tenders and nuggets on the daily menu chicken lovers faced in 2021, the world
the first half of 2022,” Driggs said. Ac- responsible for nearly half of Tyson’s are student favorites during break and hopes that 2022 will be a chicken-filled
cording to Driggs, volatile raw material chicken shortage. lunch. However, students believe that if year!
Photo Credit: Google Images
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Features Features Entertainment
Volume XXXVI/Issue V
Entertainment January 25, 2022
GRACE GILRANE
Slytherin Back to Hogwarts
Staff Reporter
Reunions of popular television takes us into the Great Hall decorated of academy award winners Maggie the world. Senior Annie Borda shared
shows and movies have become for the Christmas season. All the Smith and Gary Oldman. Oldman that sentiment, saying, “the Harry
increasingly popular. HBO Max has while she encounters actors who have chats to his onscreen godson Daniel Potter movies and books have truly
produced several of these reunions, played memorable characters from the Radcliffe about his time playing Sir- been areas of comfort and escape
including Friends: The Reunion, a series, like Bonnie Wright and Evanna ius Black. Radcliffe also spends time for me in my hardest times.” As the
highly anticipated television event of Lynch, who played Ginny Weasley with Helena Bonham Carter, whose world continues to go through trying
2021. On New Year’s Day, Harry Pot- and Luna Lovegood. performance as Bellatrix Lestrange is times, the reemergence of the Harry
ter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hog- Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: one of her more memorable. Potter series in people’s lives echoes
warts came to HBO Max, reuniting Return to Hogwarts chronicles the One of the rather touching mo- one of Professor Dumbledore’s iconic
the cast of one of the most beloved production and filming of the eight ments in the special is the acknowl- quotes: “Happiness can be found even
franchises of all time. films in chronological order. Chris edgement of the Harry Potter cast in the darkest of times if one only
The special celebrates the 20th Columbus, the director of the first two members who have passed away remembers to turn on the light;” or in
anniversary of Harry Potter and the films recounted the daunting task of since the last film premiered in 2011, this case, our televisions.
Sorcerer’s Stone, the first film in the casting the main characters of the se- including Alan Rickman, whose
series based on the popular novels. ries: Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, portrayal of Professor Severus Snape
The nearly two hour special opens on and of course, Harry Potter himself. was integral in the
actors who play some of Harry Pot- They found the trio in Rupert Grint, series. This portion
ter’s recognizable characters receiv- Emma Watson, and Daniel Radcliffe. of the special is
ing an invitation to come back to The director of each movie is inter- appropriately tied
Hogwarts in celebration of the 20th viewed about their work and experi- to the Sirius Black
anniversary, the most well-known be- ence making the films. As the reunion quote, “the ones
ing Emma Watson who played one of progresses, cast members who grew who love us never
the films main characters, Hermione up making the films talk about what truly leave us.”
Granger. it was like to come of age as their The special
Viewers are instantly whisked characters did. touches on how
back into the magic of the Harry While these roles were breakout the Harry Potter
Potter world as we follow Watson to moments for younger cast members, books and movies
platform 9 ¾, where she catches the the Harry Potter movies have a notori- provided comfort
Hogwarts Express back to school and ously star-studded adult cast the likes for people around
Photo Credit: Google Images
ELLEN MICHAELS
‘Red’ Steals Fans’ Hearts
Staff Reporter
Taylor Swift again tops the charts new label with Republic Records and Braun would still profit. Swift de- from popular musicians such as Ed
with her newly re-released album Universal Music group. She came clined the deal, stating that “Scoot- Sheeran, Phoebe Bridgers, and Chris
“Red (Taylor’s Version).” The origi- out stating that from now on she will er’s participation is a non-starter Stapelton.
nal album was released October 22, completely own all the music she for me.” As of 2020, a provision in In addition to the ten minute version
2012 and was Taylor’s fourth studio puts out. Swift’s record with Big Machine of “All Too Well,” Swift also directed
album. She was 22 when the original In 2019, high profile music execu- Records allows her to re-record and her own short film to accompany the
album was released and was strug- tive Scooter Braun became the owner re-release all of her previous albums. song, featuring well-known actors
gling with the milestone switch of Big Machine Records. Braun is On April 9, 2021, Swift re-released Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink. Swift
from her teen to adult years. Swift well known for working with many “Fearless,” along with a collection of also released a music video for the
has been able to re-release her early famous artists that have harmed her songs “From The Vault” that didn’t Vault song “I Bet You Think About
albums, since she now fully owns the career, including Kanye West, who make it onto the first record. Since Me,” which was directed by Blake
rights to them. notoriously stole Swift’s spotlight she re-released her second album Lively.
For a large part of her musical at the VMAs when he interrupted first, fans were kept guessing which Taylor Swift’s avid fan base, which
career, Taylor Swift was signed with her victory speech for “Best Music album she would re-release next. includes many Charlotte Catholic
Big Machine Record Company. She Video.” This further complicated the In June, Swift announced that she students, is back to guessing which
signed as a teenager in 2005, and situation. would be releasing “Red (Taylor’s album she will release next. Charlotte
when she decided to leave in 2018, Swift soon discovered online that Version)” on November 12th, 2021. Catholic Junior Lauren Brockman
her previous contracts would not al- Scooter Braun had sold her records Along with the original songs on the predicts Swift will release the album
low her to profit off of her music or to Ithaca Holdings LLC without her record, Swift also added nine new “1989” next, her personal favorite.
purchase her discography. knowledge. In 2020, her masters tracks from the Vault, including the Junior Megan Pons, on the other
Swift openly negotiated with Big were sold again to Shamrock Hold- long-awaited ten minute version of hand believes she will release the
Machine Records, but they refused to ings. The sale, rumored to amount to “All Too Well.” The original version album “Speak Now” next, because
give her the rights to her own music. 300 million dollars, was kept a secret of the song was ten minutes long, Swift “has hinted to it on her social
They never even allowed the young from Swift. but only five minutes made it onto media.” With four possible studio al-
musician to bid on her records. Later Shamrock Holdings offered a con- the first album. Many of these Vault bums to re-release, who knows what
that year, Taylor Swift announced her tract with Taylor Swift, but Scooter songs include features and duets Swift’s next move will be?
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4
Features Features Entertainment
Volume XXXVI/Issue V
Entertainment January 25, 2022
Staff LEONARDO YON
Marvel Finds Their Way Home
Staff Reporter
Editors On December 17, 2021, Marvel
Studios, in association with Colum-
fully, this movie did not fail to please
fans.
the people closest to him. While most
viewers will never become superhe-
Joseph Flynn bia Pictures, released Spider-Man: A standout feature of this movie is roes, there are aspects of the story
Peter O’Connell No Way Home. Directed by Jon the reintroduction of characters from that everyone can relate to. The film
Watts and starring Tom Holland, previous iterations of Spider-Man. incorporates the classic Marvel mov-
Reporters Zendaya, and Benedict Cumberbatch,
the movie is the 27th installment in
Williem Dafoe reprises his role as the
“Green Goblin” and Alfred Molina
ie action viewers expect while adding
a layer of emotion most Marvel mov-
Madelyn Bronson the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or returns as “Doctor Octopus” from the ies do not explore. This component
Natalie Dominguez MCU. first trilogy. enriches the story and brings out the
The third movie in the current Spi- Jamie Foxx continues his role as human side of a superhero.
Margaret Frantz
der-Man trilogy was a smash hit at “Electro” from the second iteration. While the story is great, so are the
Grace Gilrane the box office over the holidays. The Implementing these characters again special effects. Marvel Studios’ ef-
William Hicks movie currently sits at 94% on Rotten opens up the concept of the “multi- fects team really outdid themselves.
Ellen Michaels Tomatoes and 8.8/10 on IMDb. verse,” a concept explored in length From seeing Spider-Man swing from
With a budget of $200 million, it in Marvel comics but making its building to building across the New
Tess Mulligan debut in this film. Fans were eager to York City skyline to the geometric
has currently grossed $609.9 million
Alex Newell in the United States alone. The movie see how Marvel would translate this shapes and patterns of Dr. Strange’s
Kevin O’Brien also took the spot for the third big- into film. Its transition into the film is “Mirror Dimension,” viewers are
Fernanda Ramirez gest opening weekend ever, previ- faithful to the original idea but adds continuously engaged and excited by
ously held by Star Wars: The Force its own twist to keep viewers inter- what appears on the screen.
Tess Valkovschi Awakens, which was released in ested. All in all, I am glad to see that the
Leonardo Yon 2015. The film picks up after the events film lives up to my expectations.
of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Marvel found their way home and
Advisor
After the mixed receptions of
Marvel’s previous film Eternals, where Peter’s identity is revealed closed out 2021 well. I am excited to
many fans were hoping that this to the public. Peter deals with the see what they hold in store for 2022.
David Smith
movie would restore their faith in the consequences of the news and real-
evolving Marvel Universe. Thank- izes how his two different lives affect
ALEX NEWELL
Down to the Waiver Wire
Staff Reporter
The autumn and winter are the Fantasy football is key for creating barrassing challenges. The incen- before, this shouldn’t be too bad.”
most exciting seasons for sports. new fans for players that have been tive of a challenge encourages team Afterward, however, Piene ex-
Football fans eagerly anticipate performing well throughout the owners to make trades often, check pressed that the wings “can’t even
the 18 weeks of America’s most season. Players like Cooper Kupp, their fantasy apps constantly, and be described as spicy, they’re just
popular sport. However, in cities Justin Jefferson, and Jonathan Tay- agonize over early-season injuries pain encapsulated in a meal.”
with no football team, or cities like lor proved to fans that they were to star players. Other fantasy leagues had
Charlotte where the home team is valuable members of both a foot- Nathan Peine, a senior at Catho- the idea of wearing a Halloween
usually mediocre, the games on the ball franchise as well as a fantasy lic, had the misfortune of finishing costume for one week straight,
field aren’t enough for diehard fans. football team. last in his fantasy league. Luckily taping the loser to a tree and throw-
Spectators sometimes bet on games Players having a breakout for him, the league decided to go ing eggs at them, and doing other
to prove their dedication to the season are pleasant surprises to easy on him and, instead of sever- embarrassing challenges in public.
pastime, while others watch ana- team owners who drafted them ing a digit, they made him eat a Safe to say, finishing last in fantasy
lysts argue and predict the best and late or added them from the waiver dozen of the Atomic Spicy Wings football isn’t fun.
worst teams of each season. Sev- wire. The waiver wire is a fantasy from Wing-
eral even participate in what are football concept where players Stop.
famously known as “fantasy foot- that didn’t get drafted onto fantasy Prior to
ball leagues.” teams are put in limbo to wait for his punish-
Fantasy football brings addi- team owners to pick them up if one ment, Nathan
tional competition to the NFL, as of their starters gets injured. affirmed his
groups of friends act as general For fantasy footballers, bragging belief that
managers in their own leagues of rights are not enough. It is common “consider-
hand-picked teams, competing for leagues to put money on the ing I’ve had
against each other to see who can line for the winner, and the loser is spicy wings
build the best and worst teams. often forced to participate in em- many times
Photo Credit: ESPN Fantasy
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Features Features Entertainment
Volume XXXVI/Issue V
Features January 25, 2022
ELLEN MICHAELS
New Year, New Me
Staff Reporter
January 1 is the first day lutions to pay their debts and touching a peacock. ress, anticipate problems, and
of the new year where hun- return farming equipment. Although people today no to go easy on yourself.
dreds of thousands of people The traditions of the Baby- longer go around touching pea- Making a resolution is the
set goals for the following lonian new year were later ad- cocks and returning borrowed first step in achieving your
365 days. Whether it be going opted by the ancient Romans. farm equipment when the clock goals, so remaining positive
to the gym, picking up a new After the strikes and persistent is half the battle.
hobby, or totally changing life creation of midnight, To kick off the new year on
habits, New Year’s resolutions the Julian New a positive note, some Charlotte
have become a staple to start- calendar, Year’s Catholic students have made
ing off the year on a good note. the holi- resolu- their own resolutions for 2022.
But where did this tradition day was tions Several students stated that
originate? How does one pick a moved to have they wanted to get in better
good resolution? Is it even pos- the month remained shape, grow in their relation-
sible to carry them out? newly a constant ship with God, and stop pro-
Dating back to 2000 B.C., named tradition crastinating. Sophomore Elaina
the citizens of Babylon started “January” through Grady said she wants “to look
the new year with a 12 day after their the ages. on the positive side of things
festival called Akitu that began god Janus, the god of new be- This leads us to our next big and try to keep a good attitude
with the vernal equinox, when ginnings, reflection, and resolu- question: how does one pick a even when things can get really
the sun crosses the celestial tions. Like the Babylonians and good resolution? According to rough. I just want to live my
equator. At the start of the new Romans, knights in the Middle lifehack.org, it’s best to pick life.”
year, the Babylonians would Ages also made New Year’s one resolution for the entire
crown their king, begin their resolutions, annually renew- year. In addition, it’s important
farming season, and make reso- ing their pledge to chivalry by to plan ahead, track your prog-
Photo Credit: Google Images
NATALIE DOMINGUEZ
The “Worst Month of the Year”
Staff Reporter
I am writing this article the January is my question. As I look on December 26th is “364 more I have set goals revolving
Monday after returning from winter back over the course of the year, days,” showing our attachment to around softball and prioritizing my
break, the day before it is due. You January is a blur. I think of myself Christmas and its effects on our sleep schedule, which was defi-
are probably wondering why I did sitting in a classroom, reminisc- happiness. nitely a wreck this past semester. I
not write it over break. After all, ing over winter break and count- However, as we bask in the think it is important that everyone
I had two weeks and should have ing down the seconds until Spring afterglow of Christmas, we must sets a goal, even if it may not seem
been able to find the time. That is a Break. realize that the season is not entire- to make the largest difference. I
good question. The weather is unpredictable; in ly over. According to the Catholic think once a person sets a goal, it
I am still trying to figure that Charlotte, we get a few snow storms Church, the Christmas season does can motivate them to set and ac-
out. I am here to write about Janu- or even 80 degree weather. People not end until January 6th with the complish more goals.
ary, and how it appears to be every- always seem to be sick. There is a Epiphany of Jesus, also referred to As I write this article, originally
one’s least favorite month. Consid- constant cold going around, and this as “Three Kings Day.” Therefore, intending to focus on the sadness
ering that I and all other students year Covid as well. do not lament over relatives leav- and seasonal depression felt by
have returned to more assignments “Post-holiday blues” plague the ing after a visit or that Santa will students walking through the halls
and due dates after living stress free month of January. This syndrome not make an appearance for another on the first week back from break,
for the past two weeks, I too partake leaves individuals feeling down or 12 months. Instead, continue on the I would like to take a new perspec-
in this sentiment. depressed because the holiday sea- Christmas spirit until the feast day tive on January.
January. What even goes on in son is over. A common joke shared that marks the revelation of Jesus. Let’s try to make January a
With New Year’s resolutions memorable month for when we
floating around, I guess you can call review the year. Try to make the
it a month of new possibilities. I most of it. Set those goals and enjoy
know some view January as a fresh every moment of your journey to-
start: an opportunity to better one- wards accomplishing them.
self and try something new, myself
included.
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