Thursday, December 31, 2015

Somebody asked me...

2016: More Rancher Larry

...if I made New Year's resolutions. I was about to respond with a resolute no, but I then, like I often do, had an epiphany that moved me to respond with a yes. Yes! Yes, I have a New Year resolution for 2016... MORE Rancher Larry in the Gentlemen's Monthly! 

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Oh, the things...

Can I get a prospectus?

...the Gentlemen write on their whiteboards! We're told to buy gold by so many people from William Devane... and now... to the residents of 227. If you must know, I am keeping my money in the puppy farm and derivatives. 

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The word in the hallway is...

Check back in a week and a half

...well, nothing since everyone is on break. Continue to enjoy your break wherever you may be!

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Your Sunday Picture...

A little snow wouldn't hurt...

...from Notre Dame. Here's the University's Nativity scene that has been set up by the Grotto. While Jesus has arrived, the snow has not. Perhaps that's exactly what we needed? Enjoy your Christmastide wherever you may be!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Oh, the things...

Merry Christmas?

...the Gentlemen write on their whiteboards! For a variety of reasons, walking around the Hall is always full of surprises. Something that never fails to make one chuckle is the humor and wit displayed on residents' whiteboards. Here's what one Gentleman wrote on his... a Christmas wish. I guess it's the thought that counts!

Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas!


The Main Building's Christmas Tree

To "Sted's World," to all Gentlemen, family, and friends of St. Edward's Hall, Merry Christmas! May the Christ Child guide you all to happiness and peace this Christmastide and throughout the New Year!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

It's Christmas Eve...

He's probably from Zahm

...and, well, the picture says the rest. Make sure to get that last minute shopping done and those needed groceries... so that you, like our mouse, might be able to have a relaxing drink of your choosing! 

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

It's back...

GMD: A stocking stuffer for anyone's electric stocking!

Yes! The Gentleman's Monthly Digest: A biannual informational of the life and times of St. Edward's Hall is available for your perusal! In a simple, digestible way you can hear what has been happening at Notre Dame's first and best residence hall, St. Edward's Hall. Something that you will also find in the Gentleman's Monthly Digest is an opportunity to purchase Hall apparel! Whatever else could you ask for??!! Enjoy!!!

To read your Gentleman's Monthly Digest: click HERE.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

It's true...

Please stand by.

...we're experiencing technical difficulties. We'll be back when the internets are plugged back in.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Your Sunday picture...

Yes, those white spots are snowflakes! 

...from Notre Dame. It's quiet day, and maybe your Sunday be quiet and restful. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be... because I certainly am! 

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Saturday's Squirrel.

It's raining cake!

One person's dropped cake is a squirrel's dream come true! Without doubt, this furry friend's dreams came true when a resident of Zahm dropped a cake out of his 3rd floor room. With cake everywhere, North Quad squirrels converged and made the most of this sad accident. On having his dreams come true, this furry friend nonverbaled, "More, more, more..."

Friday, December 18, 2015

The wait is...


...over. What better way to end Finals Week than with the opening of the new Star Wars film, The Force Awakens! Everyday this week, the Gentlemen have been receiving messages counting down the days until the movie's release. The last movie reminder was an appearance by none other than Chewbacca himself in the Steds lobby. On being motivated to see the movie by Chewbacca, Sean Cullen, Steds junior, said, "I am going! It's the first thing I am doing when I get home tonight."

Thursday, December 17, 2015

He's a...

But what's he doing next?

...free man! Twelve hours ago, one would be hard pressed to find Alex Schelhorn, Steds sophomore, with a smile. But now, with his last final finished, it's all smiles for Schelhorn. To envy of his friend, Alex is a completely free man, well, until the next semester begins. On being finished, Alex said, "They say freedom comes at a price, and they aren't wrong. In the words of the great Taylor Swift, 'the high was worth the pain.’"

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Taking a break...

The 1st floor lounge: an oasis of temporary relaxation

...from their labors. With a Christmas music list generated by AR and wanna a be DJ, Kevin Cornwall, playing in the background, the Gentlemen enjoyed study break at 10pm in the first floor lounge where local barbecued pulled pork and chicken and other seasonal delicacies were served. Still, there was an opportunity to wrap the gifts purchased for the Hall's sponsored Christmas family. On the opportunity to take a break from their books and studying, Joe Trzaska, Steds freshmen, said, "Invigorated by the exquisite ensemble of entrees eaten at the event, I foresee nothing but excellent marks in the near future of my fellow Gentlemen." Indeed...

But...when it came to wrapping, the "exquisite ensemble of entrees" didn't have the same effect. I think this picture with Kurt Roemer, Christmas Commissioner, says it all...

Well, it is the thought that counts...

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Guadate Sunday...

Ned (in green sweater) and Ensemble Vogel at the Chapel of Sts. Edward and John

...with a generous helping of Christmas! On the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudate Sunday, and last candle lit Mass, Stedsmen were treated to a "special surprise" by the Hall's music director, Ned Vogel. Using his connections and calling in favors, Vogel assembled members of the Sacred Music program, Music program, and members of various orchestras and choirs to put on a special "Christmas Mass" with the all musical trimmings that one could think of. And this ensemble delivered! On the surprise at Mass, Fr. Ralph said, "The music and voices at Mass this Sunday truly made me forget my troubles and cares, and I am sure it was the same for all those who were there. What an amazing gift... many thanks to Ned and Ensemble Vogel!"


VIDEO: CHRISTMAS MASS CHOIR PRACTICE

Monday, December 14, 2015

The Force is...

Find the Star Wars nerd...

...strong with Fr. Nate Wills, C.S.C! At the recent Star Wars trivia contest sponsored by and held at the Hammes Bookstore, Fr. Nate, Holy Cross priest and in-residence priest at St. Ed's, finished in 1st place. While he "can't recall" the question that secured his victory and place in the annals of the Jedi archives- how convenient- he will tell us what he won... a Star Wars "Sphero BB-8 robot" that retails for $150! On winning, Fr. Wills said, "There were some pretty tough questions. It was somewhat comforting to think the countless hours I have wasted on a fictional (and awesome) universe was rewarded."

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Your Sunday picture...

Dropping off presents or lumps of coal?

...from Notre Dame. It's true! Santa was spotted riding a bicycle on South Quad!!! While Santa didn't stop at St. Ed's,  I am sure that he's going to this week since the Gentlemen have been such gentlemen this semester. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Christmas is on!

Kurt, Johnny, and Austin unloading Santa's sleigh

Thanks to the generosity of the Gentlemen, Christmas is on! Sponsoring a South Bend family of six this Christmas, the Gentlemen raised funds to not only fill the wish lists of the children but also to take care of the basic necessities of everyday living. With ample funds and more than enough volunteer shoppers, Saturday's Christmas shopping at Target was fun and memorable. On Christmas shopping, Austin Proehl, Steds freshman, said, "It's always nice to get away from studying for a couple of hours, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to go Christmas shopping for the kids!" Indeed, Austin... for the kids, indeed!

Friday, December 11, 2015

Justice denied!

Roman: Watching more Law & Order

At the South Bend Courthouse, with the Honorable Hugh Brenneman presiding, rising second year Notre Dame law student and Steds assistant rector, Tom Roman, tested his legal skills in moot court. Before a jury, our aspiring counselor prosecuted Jordan Peyton for DUI and hit and run. Despite his rigorous preparation, sound legal arguments, and his stylish, yet sensible, attire, Roman was unable to get the jury to convict Peyton. On losing, Roman said, “They say you can’t win them all, but this one really hurts. I used everything Joe Pesci taught me in My Cousin Vinny, but the jury remained unconvinced. One day, the the law will catch up to Jordan. Until that day, I will be watching reruns of Law & Order to prepare for the appeal.”

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Once a star...

Vogel: for the joy of singing and... the applause!

...always a star! That's the story with Ned Vogel, Steds junior, who took to the stage of the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center for the University Chorale's rendition of Handel's Messiah. Once again, it was a magical evening, and Vogel's performance not only was memorable but also prompted someone to proclaim "Vogel was a St. Ed's treasure on loan to the University." After all the fête-ing and post concert parties, I had a chance to catch up with this "living treasure," and here's what Vogel had to share...

St. Ed: I hear that you are in the Chorale’s Messiah. How did you land this gig?

Vogel: Basically what happens is the Chorale announces auditions for solos in Messiah. All the undergraduate and graduate voice majors show up on a Monday night in November and compete against each other (and in front of each other) to get the solos they want. It's pretty intense. Think "The Hunger Games", only we're killing each other off with our voices.

St. Ed: If I remember correctly, you have been in the Messiah before, correct?

Vogel: Yes, this is actually my third year as a soloist. This year I was lucky enough to land one of Messiah's best arias, "The Trumpet Shall Sound", which is a fantastic duet with a solo trumpet player. It was a lot of fun to perform.

St. Ed: Well, performing in the Messiah so many times, how do you keep it “real”?

Vogel: Well, what I like to do is mix things up from year to year. In the Baroque style of music, there's a lot of room for "ornaments"; eighteenth-century riffing, if you will. It's like seasoning a meal: a little of this, a little of that, a little somethin'-somethin' on top. I have my go-to ornaments, of course, but I like to keep myself on my toes and always try new things, sometimes even on the fly in the middle of the performance itself.

St.Ed: As a performer, who do you draw inspiration from? Jay Z?

Vogel: I always try to channel the musical depth and versatility of Michael Bolton, and of course the sheer power of Beyoncé. When it comes to ornaments, though, I typically look to the expert styling of Mariah Carey.

St. Ed: Don't forget Kenny G. He's someone to channel as well. Pardon the pun- on a different note-if I wanted to become "a patron of the arts", how would you suggest going about that?

Vogel: Look no further than the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center! They are always hosting amazing concerts, plays, and movies for all tastes and interests. It's a great place to go to whet your artistic appetite. And they have the best popcorn in the world, so you can also whet your regular appetite.

St. Ed: Congratulations, and continued well wishes for the future! How about a free ticket next time...just saying.



Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Finally!


A day long in the making...

Finally, Francois Moyo is on the Steds map! The Steds map, located on the first floor, is a map which denotes where the various Stedsmen come from with each class having a different color push pin to mark their home town. When it came to Francois Moyo, Steds freshman, to place his push pin, well, there was a problem. What was the problem? Well, the map was of the United States...there was no Zimbabwe, Francois' home country. It was a problem indeed, but the solution was easy. Fr. Ralph printed a small map of Zimbabwe so that Francois, but the problem was that Fr. Ralph forgot to tell Francois of the map solution. So, after much patient waiting and a chance encounter in the hallway, Francois and Zimbabwe got their day. On being on the Steds map, Francois said, "It feels really good to get on the map because that means that my presence here in Steds is being acknowledged. It makes me proud to see the map of Zimbabwe, and know that I am here representing my country."

Finally, Francois and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe are on the map!


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Attention to detail...

Ready for Finals and Advent to be over...

...both on the inside AND outside. Just as the Gentlemen have given great attention and care to the decorating of their rooms, common spaces, and chapel, so too have they to the exterior of the Hall. Christmas trees have been placed atop the south side porticos while wreathes with bright red bows have been hung which all give a subtle, yet elegant, Christmas look. On the decorations, Fr. Ralph said, "The decorations fit the Hall well, and the neighbors have noticed it too. They have done the same thing, but it's just not the same. It's all very much like trying to replicate a Monet, Van Gogh, or some other famous artist... you can do it, but in the end, it's a just a fake, spiritless, and unmoving attempt at being original."

Monday, December 7, 2015

Spotlight RA.

Having an Arnold Palmer afterwards?

Again, the real secret to St. Edward's Hall is its staff, particularly its resident assistants (RAs). These dedicated, undergraduate seniors are to the Hall as Arnold Palmers are to Arnold Palmer. Who are these seniors? Let's put the spotlight on one of them... the 1st floor main resident assistant, Dawson Robinson.

St.Ed: Why did you become an resident assistant (RA) for your senior year?  As a senior and the University’s "Irish Bachelor," wouldn’t you just want to be that- a bachelor- free of commitments and responsibilities… waking up at the crack of Noon, eating mac and cheese, and lounging in your pjs until dinner time?

Robinson: I’m really just in this for the name-tag. On day one of my “RA-ship”, Father Ralph bestowed upon me a beautiful, magnetic name-tag. I wear it with unabashed hubris. Everyone knows that name-tag = power.

St.Ed: Since you haven’t seen Star Wars- unbelievable- you can’t cast your fellow staff members in roles. Still, using WHATEVER movie you HAVE SEEN, how would you cast your fellow staff members?

Robinson: I think I’ll take this opportunity to cast my fellow hall staff members in NBC’s hit comedy, “The Office”... 

Rector, Father Ralph as Michael Scott- ever the jokester, and the “World’s Best Boss”
Assistant Rector, Tom Roman as Oscar- most likely to “Feel the Bern”
Assistant Rector, Kevin Cornwall as Dwight- Assistant Rector? Sounds pretty close to 
                 “Assistant (to the) Regional Manager” to me…. 
RA Vaishnav Murthy as Creed- our local comedian. Like Creed, V flies under the radar, but                    every once in a while, comes up with a zinger 
RA Dan Meehan as Ryan- Dan, who I think was the first to get a job for next year locked- 
                down, is our staff business school (soon-to-be) grad
RA Chris Hecht as Stanley- Chris loves fantasy sports almost as much as Stanley loves his                 daily crossword
RA Frank Spesia as Roy- Pam’s initial Boyfriend- this one just feels right...

St. Ed: Many times those who live on the first floor feel like they have lost out in the lottery called life… and in a certain way, yes, they have. How can you not feel that way with those low ceilings? Yet, how do you make your residents feel that they and the floor are still special?

Robinson: Although the ceilings are on the second floor might be tall, the gentleman on the first floor lift my spirits twice as high. What I try to tell my residents is that what we might lack in ceiling height, we more than make up for in amount of stairs not walked.

St.Ed: Rumor has it that you are an actor. Is that true? What have you starred in?

Robinson: Remember, I do mock trial, and so, I am, indeed a highly trained actor. I do most of my best work when Tom Roman constantly asks me who my favorite AR is and I have to respond: “You, of course!” 

St.Ed: Being an RA for over a semester now, what’s something that you learned about the Hall?

Robinson: No one can rock a sorority-shirt like a Stedsman. The recent “spirit jersey” demonstrates that.

St.Ed: What would you want your legacy to be at Steds?


Robinson: Sticking with “The Office” theme… like Michael Scott, I want to be remembered for my weaknesses: “I work too hard, I care too much, and sometimes I can be too invested in my job!”

Thanks for all that you do Dawson!

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Your Sunday photo...

Will there be a beautiful sunset in Phoenix?

...from Boston. Remember Boston was a home game... so in a way this was our campus away from campus. Wherever the sun sets upon you, may it be beautiful like this one. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Saturday Morning.

Warming hearts with smiles and blankets

With home football games over and campus squirrels taking a break in their tree nests, the Stedsmen have found some extra time on their hands. What have they done with that time? Taking breakfast at Noon? Lounging in pjs until 5pm? Hardly! Like the Hall, the Gentlemen are on the move, and some of them joined others at South Dining this morning for a special Christmas project- making blankets for hospital patients. While the craftsmanship of these blankets is questionable, no one can question that they have been made with much affection and Christmas cheer. On making blankets, Tim Sherman, Steds sophomore, said, “The blankets are warm, not only because of the fleece, but also because of the warm hearts and hands of the Stedsmen who made them!”

Friday, December 4, 2015

Folks, we have...

Counselors: I am going to allow it, but you better be going somewhere with it.

...our Christmas tree! How is that possible? Who knew the Hall not only had a RA comedian in Vaishnav but also a Christmas tree expert in one of its assistant rectors, Kevin Cornwall (above, right)? Surprised, I decided to sit down with Kevin and hear this guru's knowledge on Christmas trees, learning how it guided him in selecting the Hall's Christmas tree this year. Here's what I learned...

St.Ed: How did you become such an expert on Christmas trees? After all, you’re Californian.

Cornwall: People think I'm "crazy for Christmas trees," but the thing is, I never really had a choice--Christmas tree watching is a lifestyle I was born into. Like myself today, my father has been a card-carrying member of the National Christmas Tree Association for over thirty years. His father was as well. When my son, Nicholas Klaus Cornwall, is born, he'll have a membership card waiting for him. It's just part of my family's history. Visit http://www.realchristmastrees.org for information on how you, too, can become a member of the National Christmas Tree association.

St.Ed: Aren’t all Christmas trees the same? They’e all conifers, having cones and needlelike leaves that are evergreen?

Cornwall: Well, there are differing characteristics you can learn more about from the National Christmas Tree Associstion, but each Christmas tree has its own personality, it's own story, that makes finding the right tree for your family extremely important. I mean, by the same logic, you could say former Sacramento Kings point guard Jason Williams was the same as former Sacramento Kings point guard Mike Bibby, given their bald heads and purple wardrobes, but I think everyone knows that although Jason Williams was a human highlight reel, Mike Bibby was a better fit for the Kings. The tree that the staff picked out is the best tree for this particular hall--the Mike Bibby of Christmas trees.

St.Ed: As a Christmas tree salesman, have you ever sold a Christmas tree that you yourself wouldn’t have bought? In short, have you ever sold the proverbial “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree? If so, how did you feel after making the sale?

Cornwall: Call my hometown a bastion for hipsters, but the "meek is chic" attitude can be a blessing, especially when it comes to selling Christmas tree.  You see, when you recognize something is of poor quality but you decide to enjoy it ironically, the thing ceases to be of poor quality--it's like watching Star Wars: Episode 1 in a year that isn't 1999.

St. Ed: Say, I hear that you are in charge of selecting the Hall’s Christmas tree, the tree that will be in the chapel and decorated as donations are made to provide Christmas gifts for a South Bend family of six. What did you end up choosing?

Cornwall: Well, ideally I would have liked for us to have found a Noble Fir. Known for its beauty, the Noble Fir has a long keepability, and its stiff branches make it a good tree for heavy ornaments, as well as providing excellent greenery for wreaths and garland. Unfortunately, Noble Firs are exclusive to Northern California, but we found a closely-related Fraser Fir which will be almost as good. Find your own favorite tree type when you become a member of the National Christmas Tree Association today!

St.Ed: What’s something that everyone needs to know BEFORE they go Christmas tree shopping?

Cornwall: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately one tenth of one percent (0.12%) of residential fires involve a Christmas Tree -- both real and artificial. Luckily for us, the National Christmas Tree Association has provided safety tips that will help keep us ho-ho-hoing through the holidays. Read more at http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/AllAboutTrees/CareTips.aspx

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Who knew?

Nothing new: Spesia bungee jumping

We all know Frank Spesia (above) went bungee jumping in South Africa, but who knew that Frank's compatriot and fellow RA, Vaishnav, was a comedian? Who knew? Yes, who knew that this computer science major had a sense of humor? So, imagine the Hall's surprise when V revealed to the Hall Staff that he was performing tonight at Legend's. Suffice it to say, it caught many off guard and left many wondering if they were "material" for V's set. On seeing Vaishnav at Legend's tonight, Spesia said, "Vaishnav Murthy has more animal puns than anyone I know. The idea of seeing him do stand up gave me a sense of 'deja moo', because I've heard a lot of his material. But then, I remembered that 'good neigh-bors'  support one another, so I promptly bought a ticket. His show should be 'rebbeting!'"

Something new: V doing stand up!

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

That's a...



...great question. I am not sure. I'll have to get back to you on that. Still, sounds like we have another "Hall sage" in our midst. Folks, as Johnny Carson would say, "More to come..."

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

A chance Steds...

Ray Wise '85, Bill Novack '85, David Oh '16 and Tom Pieronek '85

...encounter at Boston College. That's what Steds senior, David Oh, experienced when he decided to go to the proverbial lion's den, Boston College's campus, on game day. Crazy? Absolutely crazy, but what David experienced was even crazier. What happened? In David's own words...

                 As a photographer for the Scholastic, I decided to take a trip that would take me deep into
                 enemy territory. Yes. I decided to make a visit to BC's campus. Why not? What could
                 happen? After the long trek, I decided to get lunch at a restaurant frequented by BC
                 students. Why not? What could happen? Of course, I saw a lot of Eagles fans, but yet,
                 there was a table of Notre Dame fans!  What's more unbelievable was one of them was
                 rockin' a Steds sweatshirt- a bona fide old-school sweatshirt- the likes of which my
                 generation have only seen in past Hall class photos. Amazed, I couldn't help but go over
                 and introduce myself. It turned out they were all classmates whose freshman year was the
                 year AFTER the Great Fire of 1980.  Since graduating, they've been getting together every
                 year since 1996 for a "Guy's Weekend," seeing home and away games.  I was told that the
                 sweatshirt is worn only on those mini-reunion game weekends.  Well, now I know what
                 I'm going to start doing after graduation next year. Still, my chance encounter with these           
                 Steds alums further proved what I've always believed to be true--that St. Edward's Hall is 
                 home to a brotherhood for life!


Sounds like craziness runs in the Steds family and that a new tradition is about to be started!