Kids in...

McClimon: Prepared for the long haul 

... quarantine. These are serious times, and the epidemic that grips our nation and world should not be taken lightly. Currently, the kids are away from Steds and the University and the spring semester has come to an abrupt end. But life continues. Tonight, we hear from Drew McClimon, Steds freshman, who had some time to speak after rearranging a couple of naps. Enjoy.

St. Ed: With the University's residence halls, including the oldest and most storied, St. Ed’s, shut down, where are you these days?

McClimon: New Albany, Ohio, where bandwidth is scarcer than toilet paper.

St. Ed: As in-person classes have been nixed for the rest of the semester, how have you found on-line classes?

McClimon: On-line classes are to real classes as Zahm is to St. Ed’s:  I guess they’ll suffice, but we all know where we’d rather be.

St. Ed: Clearly, you have more time on your hands than ever before. So, what are you doing these days to pass the extra time?

McClimon: While on day four of menial chores my parents have invented to keep their children busy, I found a guitar in the attic.  Despite no history of musical endeavors, I find myself drawn to the notes of the six-string, lack of talent notwithstanding. I have also reverted back to my high school Xbox days and am proud to say I have achieved 3,000 SR in Overwatch. I have way too much time on my hands...

St. Ed: During your sojourn away from Steds, do you miss anything?

McClimon: My Mom has created a dinner rotation and I am stuck with my 11 year old brother’s “Irish quesadillas” which turned out to be cold rotisserie chicken wrapped in a Mexican tortilla. Needless to say, I actually miss North Dining Hall and, it goes without saying, my fellow Stedsmen.  Counting the days until August when we get to reconvene and welcome the incoming freshmen into our community. 

Your Sunday picture...

Look forward, but don't...

... from Notre Dame. Here is a picture of an empty Basilica of the Sacred Heart. It's an odd scene to see the Basilica completely empty as it is now. Still, while the Basilica is closed the Daily Mass, at 11am, and Sunday Mass, at 10am, are streamed lived. To watch the Daily Mass, click here, and to watch Sunday Mass, click here. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

... forget to look up too.

The Boy...

Marini: Our Brazilian Birthday Boy 

... from Brazil. Our boy from Brazil, Luca Marini, Steds freshman, went home for Spring Break, and then, with the closure of the residence halls, he ended up staying. Yes, what was meant to be visit for only a week turned into a visit, well, for much longer. But, if someone's stay is unexpectedly extended, there's no better place for that to happen than one's home. And if that wasn't enough, then throw in celebrating your birthday at home too. What else could you ask for?! A special cake... oh, he's got that too. On being home and celebrating his 19th birthday, Marini shared, “I know God has brought my family together in such difficult times for a reason. It is a blessing to be able to celebrate my birthday with those who I love the most and be able to reunite with my home culture once again.” 

Kids in

Puurfect: Dahnke and his Yacht Dance dance

... quarantine. These are serious times, and the epidemic that grips our nation and world should not be taken lightly. Currently, the kids are away from Steds and the University, for their good and the good everyone else here on campus. So, the spring semester has come to an abrupt end with residence halls closed for the foreseeable future, classes now conducted on-line (so watch out University of Phoenix) and the much beloved Yacht Dance scuttled. But while the kids are away, life continues, and so, what we will try to bring you, the readership, of this blog is the life and times of St. Edward's Hall... AWAY from St. Edward's Hall. In a series called " Kids in Quarantine," we will hear what the Stedsmen are up to these days. Tonight, we hear from Ryan Dahnke, Steds freshman, who had some time to spare when he wasn't in bed for his on-line classes. Enjoy!

St. Ed: With the University's residence halls, including the oldest and most storied, St. Ed’s, shut down, where are you these days?

Dahnke: Mentally, I remain in Steds — Gavin won't stop talking and American Idol is on in the background. Physically, I spend my days in my bed, sometimes on a couch, and occasionally in a shower. I have been setting record lows in steps per day.

St. Ed: As in-person classes have been nixed for the rest of the semester, how have you found on-line classes?

Dahnke: I have attended one online class and do not really understand how it works. What even is the internet? 

St. Ed: Clearly, you have more time on your hands than ever before. So, what are you doing these days to pass the extra time?

Dahnke: I have recreated Yacht Dance — it was phenomenal and I highly recommend other Stedsmen do the same. The boat was a little small and I was worried about its integrity but otherwise it was a fun night. Unfortunately, my date was afraid of water so the boat sinking was a major problem. 

St. Ed: During your sojourn away from Steds, do you miss anything?

Dahnke: The thing I miss most is the climb down from my bed each morning — I have only fallen once but the thrill of a possible fall never ceases to wake me up. My cat's meows may wake me but they unfortunately do not provide the same adrenaline rush as near death. 

In quarantine....

Winter: is it over?

... for the foreseeable future. That's where many of us find ourselves these days... and it's for the best. Many are wondering what going on at St. Ed's and campus. Aside from the snow that recently fell, nothing. Yes, nothing is going on. But as we, each in our own way, begin this odyssey of solitude and isolation, the Gentlemen's Monthly will try to bring to you the life and times of the St. Edward's Hall... all happening away from St. Edward's Hall. You'll hear from residents wherever they may be, the ups and downs of on-line classes, the pasting of quarantine time, and much more. And all of this will be brought to you to raise your spirits, elicit a laugh or two, and make your cares and concerns disappear for just a bit. A tall order for sure, but one that the oldest and most storied residence hall of Notre Dame will not shy away from. On the task at hand, Fr. Ralph said, "We shall make them laugh in their chairs, on their couches, in their cars, as the walk, exercise, drink their evening beverage... let the humor reign!" 

Saturday Squirrel.

Please leave

Even though the students may be away, our furry friends are here, and they are having the time of their lives. With everyone gone, they have the run of campus, exploring places in peace and quiet with absolutely no fear of anyone or anything. Of course, there is a price to all of this... no student handouts. So, it's back to Mother Nature's basics. Still, there is another price. The departure of everyone has embolden the squirrels so that campus has now their personal fiefdom. Encountering a furry friend at the literal corner of Hayes Healy Hall, a message was non-verbaled, "This is private property."

What did they do...

Detroit never looked so good: Smith, Moriarty, Dilbeck, and Walsh

... over Spring Break? Yes, what did our Stedsmen do over break? Well, today we have a Spring Break story from our Steds sophomores. Taking their leave from Hall and campus, these four sophomores, Jacob Smith, Brendan Moriarty, Shane Dilbeck, and Jared Walsh, traveled north to America's "Motor City," Detroit. Staying in the Metro area, the group took in all that Detroit had to offer, and when there was nothing more to be had, they ventured to what some have referred to as "America's fifty-first state," Canada. Crossing the Detroit River on Ambassador Bridge, they went to Windsor, Canada's playground. On the venture to Detroit and beyond, Dilbeck, penned a poem and wrote... 

The Detroit River was sparking as coronavirus spread.

After heading to Caesar’s Windsor we were all in the red. 

We made some new friends while in the Canadian town, 

When Alex left early it made us all frown. 

That being said, the vacation was still fun. 

You know it’s a good trip when a global pandemic can’t cloud the Windsor sun.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Shamrocks make for Irish smiles 

Even though we may not be here to remember St. Patrick together, we can still exchange Irish greetings, blessings, and more from afar. That is exactly what Bill Dufour, father of Joe Dufour '12, did when he shared his St. Patrick's Day greetings. And what did send? A picture of his Notre Dame shamrocks! How appropriate. On his greetings, Bill said, "In 2012, Notre Dame sold shamrocks as a fundraiser. We purchased this one while visiting our son Joseph, a senior at Saint Edwards Hall. Eight years later it is a daily living reminder of the spirit of the Irish, and the Gentlemen of Saint Edwards Hall. Happy St. Patrick’s Day wherever you may be!"

Your Sunday picture...

Snowdrops are sprouting

... from Notre Dame. Should one take a walk about campus, there are many small signs that winter's grip is slowing easing. Many spring flowers, like Snowdrops, Galanthus nivalis, are pushing up and sharing their colors, giving a much needed break to the bland and bleak landscape. Hopefully, spring is springing where you are, and as always, enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be! 

Best of...

... the Gentlemen's Monthly. With everyone on Spring Break, we're posting every other day, and so, four years ago today, here was today's posting. Enjoy this blast from the distance past.

On Location: Spring Break

Spring Break: simple as closing my eyes

Yes, there is one set of foot prints on this Floridian beach. And unlike the prayer, the one set of foot prints does not denote the moment "where I carried you" rather it says to you and everyone there's one set because you weren't here with me! If truth be told, I am in NOT in Florida for Spring Break, but I was there for Fall Break. So, I am living a past memory thanks to photos and this video. Enjoy your break and this video wherever you may be breaking or not breaking!

VIDEO: A MEMORY FROM BREAK. CLICK HERE.

Best of...

... the Gentlemen's Monthly. With everyone on Spring Break, we're posting every other day, and so, four years ago today, here was today's posting. Enjoy this blast from the distance past.

Super, Super Tuesday...

A party of one... Gayheart closing it down

…was really super thanks to Steds freshmen, Corey Gayheart, who organized a Super Tuesday election watch. Was it super because their was Chick-fil-A? Perhaps. Was it super because the ND political science department was on hand to break down the results? Maybe. Was it because there was a Steds primary/caucus at the end of the evening? Again, perhaps and maybe. I don’t know. We’re just going to have wait until the votes are counted… but in the meantime, like CBS reporting with 0% of precincts reporting in, I am going to say it was super because the Stedsmen got to be with one another! On the event, Gayheart said, “I am happy to see so many Stedsmen engaging in their civic duty. I predict that Steds will be the next major campaign stops for trump, Hillary, Kasich, and others as they look to sway the diverse yet United community that is St. Edwards hall, and use it as an advantage for not only Indiana but the national electorate!”

Oh, yes. Here are Steds Primary/Caucus results:

REPUBLICAN:
Kasich (5)
Rubio (4)
Trump (2)
Cruz: (1)
Carson: (1)

DEMOCRAT:
Clinton: (5)
Sanders: (5)
De La Fuente: (2)
Supreme: (1)

Your Sunday picture...

Now that's a sunset

... from Notre Dame takes a break this Sunday. With everyone out and about spring breaking, enjoy this view of Spring Break from Naples, Florida. Here's a beautiful sunset with various birds. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be! 

Saturday's Squirrel.

Looking at me...

While walking on the west side of St. Edward's Park, I noticed that a furry friend was watching me or at least I thought he was watching me. When our eyes met, there was no blank staring with "hungry eyes." There was no extending of open paws. What happened? This squirrel ignored me and started smelling the pine tree and non-verbaled, "Now, that's pine fresh."

... no just smelling the tree.

A time to study...

Break well

... a time to take break. This Friday marks the start of Spring Break, and whether our Stedsmen are headed home or to warmer clim, may it be restful and relaxing. Without any doubt, our Gentlemen need a break from books, papers and exams, and the South Bend perma-cloud. Wherever they go and whatever they do, may our Gentlemen come back Corona free and ready to finish the school year. On the start of Spring Break, Fr. Ralph said, "Break well. I love all of you, but I don't want to see any of you right now. Carry on."

Stedsmen...

Raarup: On a board near you 

... are everywhere... even your on your hall's poster boards. Yes, even on your hall's power board. While walking down the hall way of Pasquerilla East, someone notice this poster, promoting the Winter Career. But if you closely, looking past the young lady wearing the smart glasses, and low and behold, it's a Stedsman... Axel Raarup. A talented football player, who we now know is as also  photogenic, Axel is flashing a smile. Why? Perhaps he got a job, or maybe someone complimented him on his  professional yet relaxed appearance. Whatever it was Axel is a Steds star all about campus. On being a Notre Dame poster board star, Raarup said, "It has been brought to my attention several times before. I will say that I never consented to my image being used for that event. My only wish is they would gotten a picture of me with my mullet!"

Shooting for the...

Steds: Looking sharp and always "looking downtown for three" 

... the hoop and stardom. With brand new uniforms, the Steds basketball team, under the direction of Steds senior, John "Poz" Posluszny, is once again in the hunt for the coveted RecSports inter-hall championship. As you would expect, the competition is fierce, with most halls fielding not just one team but several teams... all of which have the possibility of going all the way or at least of tripping up a hall's "dream team" from reaching the playoffs. While the competition may be fierce, the Steds team is not backing down nor questioning its potential, not even after it suffered its first lost of the season. On the lost, senior Pat Digenan, said, "We lost yesterday, but we were hanging with them- AND we only had seven guys" while fellow senior, Will Connolly, said, "The devastating offense being delivered by our leading scorer, Michael Brannan, coupled with experienced seniors like Connors, Digenan, Posluszny, and of course myself, STEDS is not just in contention for a title... it's bringing the title home to STEDS!"

It may be the time...

Thanks but no thanks

... for midterm exams, but it is also the time for something else... finding post-it notes all about the Hall. Sounds odd, doesn't it? But with the Yacht Dance on the near horizon, it makes perfect sense. These post-it notes are very much like messages found in glass bottles on the beach, but instead of asking for help, these notes are asking Stedsmen to take them as their date to the Yacht Dance. Yes, young ladies from all across campus want to be a part of the campus dance that is the envy of every Notre Dame student, and so, they leave a note somewhere in the Hall and hope it finds its way to a Stedsman in need of a date. On making final rounds one night, RAs, Sam Schaeffer and Josh Blossfeld, found such a post-it note stuck to a staircase sign on the first floor. On the find, Blossfeld said, "This time of year, it’s not uncommon to find young ladies trying to scheme their way to attend the Yacht Dance. It takes a well trained and focused mind to see through the tricks of those who really aren't interested in you... but rather your boat."

Spring Break...

Go get'em tiger!

… is right around the corner but so are midterm exams! A surprise to everyone for sure, but by now, everyone should know, even our freshmen, that if we’re going to take a break from something, well, you need to be doing something in the first place. And you guessed it- it’s taking exams. While the gloom of the perma cloud and midterm exams loom over everything, there are rays of sunshine and hope. Posted on the white board of room 203, inspirational messages have been appearing for all to see. Here is a sign that both positive and a timely reminder, should someone forgot, of what’s ahead. Indeed, the sign says it all folks.

Good luck to our exam takers!

Your Sunday picture...

Always looks good...

... from Notre Dame. While it has been a mild winter, there have been some snowy days. Here's a view of Steds, St. Ed's and the Park after a fresh blanketing of winter snow. No matter what the season, this view is never out of season. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be.