A grand openning...

Ed's: No E. Coli here!

...with toilet paper and smiles! After much waiting, Ed's is open for business. Necessity is said to be the mother of invention, and so, when the grand opening ribbon couldn't be found, toilet paper was pressed into service. Even though Ed's manager, Frank Spesia (pictured above with scissors), was short on words and fanfare, the atmosphere was electric so much so that excited Ed's patrons bypassed the toilet paper ribbon and entered the eatery. On the opening of Ed's, Cole Yelich, Steds freshman, first said, "I look forward to gaining weight from the delicious milkshakes from Ed's." 

Wanting to elaborate, Cole later said, "Ed's is like North Dining Hall, except classier."  

After his elaboration, Cole want to expound a bit more and went on to say, "While Ed's may not have the same menu as a 5-star restaurant, it's got the character of a family-owned business that's been passed down through generations."   

Feeling that he had more to offer, Cole said, "Ed's is a place where all your food-related dreams can finally come true."  

In closing, Cole said, "I was sorely disappointed when I showed up at the Ed's opening and found out there was no free food, but the disappointment quickly changed after discovering that the best chocolate milkshakes on campus are only $2!" 

There you have it folks... 

Your Sunday Picture...

A setting sun on the golden Dome

...from Notre Dame! Here's a view of Mary from St. Edward's Park. Often overlooked, the Park offers  views, unique and often overlooked views, of Mary and the Main Building  Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

It's official...

Fr. Ralph with Lauren and Justin Siller

...they're married! Yup. With Fr. Ralph witnessing, Lauren, of McGlinn Hall and '11 graduate, and Justin, former Sted's resident and '11 graduate, were married today at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, seven years to the day that they first met! It was a beautiful day, but it was only made more beautiful by this radiant couple. On Lauren and Justin's wedding, Matt Abeling, former Stedsman and groomsman, said, "I think the picture says it all!" Indeed, Matt... indeed! Best wishes and congratulations to Lauren and Justin!

Looking sharp for...

Wentzel & Cervantez: We want to work for you! 

...the Career Fair. Notre Dame's Career Center hosted its Winter Career Fair drawing employers from all across the country and potential employees from all over campus, including many Stedsmen. For two days, it was a parade of ties and suits coming in and out of the Hall, all headed to the Joyce Center. Like with their Game Day Float, the Stedsmen certainly made a splash at the fair. On participating in the fair, Alex Cervantez, Sted's sophomore, said, "I lead off every introduction with 'I go to Notre Dame, so when can I start?' They appreciated my confidence. I got all the jobs and won the Winter Career Fair in the process," while Sted's sophomore, Andrew Wentzel, said, "I asked them if I may have a job. They told me yes but only because I used 'may' instead of 'could'." Good on both of you!

Word in the hallway is...

Frank: Purveyor of comfort food and smiles

...that Ed's is opening tonight! It's true. After much patient waiting and fanfare from various signage posted throughout the Hall, Stedsmen are looking forward to this evening as Ed's opens for the semester. Once again, the aromas of pizza sticks, paninis, and smoothies will fill the hallways, providing that last bit of caloric intake and "util" that residents need and crave late at night. On Ed's grand opening, Frank Spesia, Steds RA and Ed's manager, said, "To me, Ed's provides home style cooking for the hungry men of Steds. As the manager of such an esteemed and cherished establishment, it puts me in a very powerful position. I'm not sure I'm the manager this Hall needs, but I'm certainly the one they want."

Not your ordinary...

All in the shadow of Steds

...morning. Indeed, it wasn't as Fr. Ralph, Rector of St. Edward's, accidentally stumbled upon the University's official welcome for Justice Sotomayor. How did it happen? Well, hear it from the welcome crasher himself, Fr. Ralph...

I left Steds midmorning last Wednesday. As I walked to the Basilica, I noticed Fr. John and his counselor, Ann Firth, standing in Sorin Circle. I thought, "Oh, they're waiting for a car service to take them to the airport." But then, I noticed a lot of dark suits on the periphery. I asked one of those dark suits what was going on, and he told me that Justice Sotomayor was coming. I asked if I could take a picture, and he said no. Still, I took a picture and endured a nasty scowl. Sometimes it's good to be wearing the collar.

Indeed, it does Fr. Ralph... Indeed it does...

Where is he now?

Heintz in front of Westminster Abbey

Yes. Where is Counselor Jon Heintz? Well, normally, he's clerking for a federal judge in Baltimore; however, Jon has managed some down time, traveling to London. During his travels, Jon managed to visit Westminster Abbey, built by none other than our name sake, King Edward the Confessor. Yes, Fr. Sorin had the first residence hall at Notre Dame named NOT after himself but rather after his patron saint, St. Edward the Confessor, King of England and builder of Westminster Abbey. Sorin Hall, the SECOND oldest residence hall on campus, was named after Fr. Sorin. On visiting the abbey and the grave of St. Edward, Heintz said, "I'm in London right now and visited Westminster Abbey. Today, I (illegally) snapped a picture of a sign denoting the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor. Enjoy." 

Won't argue with that...