The VisorBishop O’Connell High School Volume 51 Issue 2

5 days until

Homecoming

4 days until Halloween

30days until

Thanksgivingbreak

Homecoming: A Knight to Remember

Enjoy a fun Halloween spread on pages 6 and 7.

Get some last minute Homecoming advice.

Heard about the Chinese milk scandal? Get the details.

What’s Inside:

Is everybody ready for Homecoming ’08? This year is sure to be a blast! As most students have heard, the theme for this year is “The Dark Knight.”

The theme will provide the inspiration for many of the activities of Spirit Week, culminating in the Homecoming Game and the Homecoming Dance on Saturday.

This year, the Executive Board is trying something new. Throughout Spirit Week, students will compete in contests to earn “spirit points” for their classes, which can be earned in several ways. During lunch, there will be eating competitions as well as costume competitions.

Morning announcements will provide another opportunity for classes to earn points, with their morning “trivia” questions, so study up on your DJO trivia.

Finally, each class will be assigned a color. This color will represent the color they will be wearing during Spirit Day, as well as the color of the class’s Spirit Stick. The Spirit Stick will be hidden each day of spirit Week.

Finding the Spirit Stick quickly will give each class still more points. At the end of the week, the class with the most spirit points will win a special prize!

There will also be a special pep rally on Thursday evening, so each class will have another opportunity to turn out and prove that it has the most spirit.

Since each class will be sporting its individual class color that “knight,” a simple glance around the gym will provide further proof of the class’s spirit.

Finally, on Saturday at 2:30 PM the place to be is the Homecoming Game. The Knights will be facing their archrival, Bishop McNamara.

The Mustangs will probably be bringing their “a-game,” so the O’Connell faithful needs to be out in numbers, along with alumni, to pack the stands and cheer the Knights on to victory.

“Because the Homecoming theme is The Dark Knight, we want this game to be a ‘black-out,’” exclaimed Laura Riley.

Junior kicker and linebacker Ray Donahue can’t wait to deliver this particular kick-off. “As long as everybody is there to cheer us on, it’s going to be a great game!”

Providing the final touch, the “pièce de la résistance,” for this very

special week will be the Homecoming Dance on Saturday night. It will surely be a “knight” to remember. According to the SCA Executive Board, the decorations for the dance will provide an ambience of Hollywood glamour. For this one special night, the gymnasium will be completely unrecognizable.

Between the theme, the inspired decorations and music selections of PJ the DJ, students and alumni will forget they are in the gym, and find themselves transported to “tinsel town,” as they “rock the gym” with an enchanting night of dancing. Tickets for the dance will be on sale during all lunch periods throughout spirit week.

Why is the Homecoming Dance going to be so fun? Student Council President Ricky Tanis says it best: “We’re gonna get down.”

It’s Time To Get Chunky

Over the last two weeks, Bishop O’Connell students once again partici-pated in the Chunky Soup Drive, a tra-dition started by Monsignor McMurtrie 33 years ago, in 1975. The results were a whopping 10,600 cans of chunky soup to benefit the homeless. The drive culminated in the Living Rosary, prayed on the football field on October 17th.

When asked about the goals of this year’s drive, treasurer of the SCA executive board, Margaret Montavan ex-citedly said, “We’d like at least 9 cans to be brought in per student in honor of the class of ’09, baby! also to raise awareness for this awesome cause.”

All of the cans were brought to Christ House in Arlington to be given to needy families

from all over the area. This year the need for donations has proven to be even greater because of Christ House’s new program CHOW (Christ House on Wheels). CHOW delivers meals to people who are unable to make it to Christ House. “CHOW is a great new program that Christ House introduced, and we feel very honored to help them,” remarked Mr. Duesterhaus, one of the SCA moderators.

Through the years, the Chunky Soup Drive has always had an exciting buzz around it. Morning announce-ments, posters, and students walking around in the Chunky Soup costume display O’Connell’s great spirit for the

Lulu MooreStaff Writer

Maggie GoetzmanStaff WriterKathleen BettencourtStaff Writer

drive. Even though the drive is fun, the greater purpose is to serve the needy in the O’Connell community.

“The Chunky Soup Drive is a very tangible way of doing service,” added Principal Dr. Vorbach. “And praying the Living Rosary together is really shows our faith in action.”

The Living Rosary was held outside

on the football field for the first time in two years. The chilly, yet beauti-

ful day brought the entire community together as they prayed the rosary as a school, in a sense blessing the soup. Stu-

dents and faculty alike lead the students in prayer, showing the special spirit of unity that is O’Connell.

Of course all of the hard work and service done by the students paid off. The homeroom from each grade that brought in the most cans of soup received a “dress-down day” and break-fast. Also the class that brought in the

most cans received a dress down day as well.

“Cans were proudly displayed in each respective homeroom, not only as a sign of the room’s spir-it, but also as a challenge to other homerooms.

It shows who is trying to win the incentives,” remarked senior Matt Fitzgerald, Vice President of the SCA executive board.

In spite of all the great prizes

offered, and the excitement of the class competitions, O’Connell students never lost sight of the greater goal of service to the poor.

An enthusiastic group of juniors stacks their homeroom’s cans.

Visor October 2008 Editorials Page 2

The VisorBishop O’Connell High School

6600 Little Falls RoadArlington, VA

Published monthly, the student newspaper of Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School is a public forum with its student editorial board making all decisions about its content, under the guidance of its faculty advisor. Opinions in the paper are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in this public forum be construed as the opinion or the policy of Bishop O’Connell High School, unless so attributed.

Sports Mark MoranMinh Vuong Campus NewsJeremy AzuranStyle Katie GradyCaroline MonekBridget McGinleyMaddie Arthur

EditorialsTaylor BroganMoey FoxEntertainmentGraphicsSpreadTaylor BroganMoey FoxJamitress Bowden

Editors-In-ChiefMoey Fox

Taylor Brogan

Faculty ModeratorDan Culler

Staff Writers:Mark Azar, Tyler Bergeron, Kathleen

Bettencourt, Jamitress Bowden, Alejandra Buitrago, Christy Buranaamorn, David

Castro, Natalie Cocozza, Marley Garner, Maggie Goetzman, Joanna Harkins, Dan-iel Herbert, Grace Hollis, Alexis Johnson,

Clair Jones, Matthew Kelley, Maggie Luning, Sandra Malone, Hayley Milon, Lulu Moore, Caitlin Patterson, Rachel

Potts, Amy Shepard, Kara Sims, Devon Spencer

Ignorance Isn’t CuteWhen did society decide that

ignorance is cute? Please, if you have the answer, I’m all ears. Seriously. I’m guessing it all started right around the time the movie Valley Girl came out? Yeah, that was probably it. One minute, it’s okay to “get” what’s going on; the next, we’re all like…what? Totally. It’s an election year, so talk about politics is especially prominent. Not that it matters. True, there are a lot of well-informed teens out there, and this does not apply to them in the slightest; but there are still a ton of people who could care less about the next President of the United States of America (save for what Mommy and Daddy have to say about it). It’s scary to think that high school seniors, many of whom are eligible to vote this year, don’t know the difference between a conservative and a liberal. It’s scary to think that a lot of the people who are eligible to vote don’t know the specifics of the current economic crisis, can’t differentiate between the economic principles of the Republican and Democratic parties, don’t know the governor of their own state. It’s not just the seniors. Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshman alike should all be paying attention to this election. In four years, we will all have the opportunity to vote—an opportunity we should not take for granted—and though that may seem far away, we only have four years to educate ourselves about politics. To make an informed decision about each party before we subscribe to one. Which brings me to my next point. Outside of just kind of knowing what’s going on, people need to understand why everything happens. If you don’t understand why you believe what you believe, there’s almost no point in believing it at all. For instance, it’s one thing to say, “I agree that we should lower taxes because McCain says we should.” It’s another thing to say, “I agree that we should lower taxes because, as a consequence, we will all have more money to spend, and the economy will thrive.” Notice how much better the second statement sounded? Even if you don’t agree with the statement, it certainly possesses…credibility. There is evidence for the claim. There is a why. People underestimate the power of a good why. Forgive me if I’ve gotten off topic. I have a very roundabout way of writing things. Right, so about ignorance being cute. Well, it’s not. In the words of the great comedian Ron White, “You can’t fix stupid.” Essentially, however cute you may be, it’s never cute to be an idiot: Perhaps now, while you’re 15 and everyone else is an idiot, too. But in the long run, it pays to be informed. Because you’re going to get old, and you’re going to get wrinkles; but your brain is going to continue to absorb information as long as you’re alive and breathing. Your brain is your most powerful weapon. It’s a shame that knowledge has become such an under-appreciated virtue. With the media glorification of celebs and socialites like Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton, stupidity becomes more and

more fashionable each year. And it’s not necessarily true that Jessica and Paris are stupid. But they act stupid. And that’s enough. This is just a guess, but I feel like people who act dumb, even though they really are smart, feel some sort of external pressure to fit in with those less smart than they are. Yes, that’s a terrible generalization, but I’m trying to make a point, so cool down. For some reason, the ignorant, “stupid” people appear to be having all the fun, and it becomes uncool to “get” things, to understand what’s going on in math class, to know the difference between a conservative and a liberal. I’m almost done, I promise. Look, I don’t know why things are they way they are, but it needs to stop. Ignorance isn’t cute. No matter how you put it. If you aren’t dumb and you’re

just pretending to be, you’re an idiot for thinking that you need to be dumb to be cool. That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Two people can have an intelligent conversation about the War in Iraq or something like that and have it be okay. Really, stop. I don’t know who is telling you that ignorance is cute, but it isn’t. So stop. And if you really don’t know what’s going on, read a paper, watch the news, go on the internet. I’m sure you spend a lot of your time on the internet, anyways. It seems like a lot of effort, but it really isn’t. Informing yourself is a great thing. And the better educated you are, the more presentable you will be when you’re interviewing for college or talking to your parents’ friends or teachers or whatever it is that you end up doing. Knowledge is power, my friends. And ignorance isn’t cute.

Drop Everything: Learn! I don’t know how many of you have been watching the debates or the news recently, but unless you’ve been living in a hole, you know that the quickly approaching November 4th election is going to be one of the most exciting and country-changing elections in our history. I know that many of you will not have the privilege of voting in this election; however, whether you are voting or not, you should be concerned with the outcome. Politics set aside, this is your country; the next four years will directly determine the course of its future. And yes, that should concern you. A lot of high school students are so preoccupied with their busy lives (and yes, I do understand, my mind currently is straying to the four tests and two papers I have waiting for me—I apologize, I’m back now) that they fail to see what is going on outside of the “O’Connell bubble.” They think, “Hey, I can’t even vote, so why should I pay attention to what’s going on in the world?” In this time—in this amazing period of technology, where any piece of information we desire can be ours in just

the click of a mouse—being uninformed is unforgiveable. Let’s take the election. Say you’re voting, and you have absolutely no idea who you would rather have sitting in front of that red button. Simply go to Google—type in Obama or McCain. Tada! Two websites, made by the respective campaigns, designed solely for the purpose of helping you make an informed decision. Even if you’re not voting, don’t just stick your head in the sand. Research the candidates; figure out which one you truly believe will run this country in the right direction. Then talk about it. Tell your family, your friends, anyone who will listen why, specifically, you have faith in your candidate. Some people frown upon the discussion of politics; I think that discussion is vital to the political process, especially now. There’s nothing wrong with a healthy debate. This election is way too important to ignore because “not discussing” politics is the “polite” thing to do. So put down the college apps and the mountains of homework. Turn off the TV and close Facebook. Stop texting five

people at once and quit whispering about the juiciest bit of gossip you heard from a friend of a friend. Just for a few minutes, set aside your busy lives and think about something bigger. A few minutes of your time is miniscule compared to the huge difference being informed can make. No matter our personal beliefs, no matter if we think Obama or McCain is the best choice for president, no matter if we disagree with each other on every other issue under the sun, I think that we can all agree that paying attention and being informed now is vital not only to our own futures, but to our country’s future.

During these last few weeks before the election, take this time to learn about each candidate. Learn about all of their stances, on all of the issues. Pick one based not on your parents’ beliefs or your friends beliefs; choose based on your beliefs.

We are the generation coming into power—even if we can’t vote, our opinions and beliefs are the ones of the future. Those opinions are ones that should be fully formed, regardless of what they consist of. So go and form them!

Visor October 2008 Campus News Page 3

Cait PattersonStaff Writer

The Spirit Club hosted their 3rd annual tailgate on Saturday, October 4, 2008, in the courtyard between the religion and history hallways. A special appearance by the O’Connell knight made the event an even greater success. The tail gate was also an opportunity for students to purchase their 2008 spirit club t-shirts. The t-shirt design features a black background, with an O’Connell pride logo on the front. Emblazoned across the back of the “T” is the phrase, “Put ’em to bed…its Knight-Time,” over the image of a fierce knight. A limited number of shirts are still available for purchase in rooms 122 and 126. This year the Spirit Club has six senior representatives, two junior representatives and two sophomore representatives. It is moderated by Mr. McGrady and Mr. Haas.Mr. McGrady said of the spirit club representatives, “The officers are truly enthusiastic this year, which has made the club even more energized.”

The club hopes to add a spirit rock to the campus this year, along with its pursuit of other goals. To raise money for the spirit rock, raffle tickets are being sold during all lunches. The cost for one ticket is three dollars; three tickets, five dollars; and ten tickets, ten dollars. The two grand prizes from the raffle are a game system of the winner’s choice or a three-hundred-dollar shopping spree at Tyson’s Corner Mall. The drawing will occur at the November 1st cook out.

Students are encouraged to join the new O’Connell Knight mascot at each of the home football games, along with the many cheering fans painted in blue and banging drums. A “blue-out” is planned for the game against PVI. Three years ago Mr. Haas decided to create the club. It quickly grew into a large and vocal presence at O’Connell home football and basketball games. To be a member of the Spirit Club, a student must pay a fee of ten dollars and wear his or her spirit club shirt to as many games as possible. The face paint and bandanas aren’t required,

Natalie CocozzaStaff Writer

The special Bishop’s mass is an eagerly anticipated event every year at O’Connell. This year, on September 30th, when Bishop Loverde solemnly processed into the auditorium, everyone was prepared to be inspired by his words of wisdom. The auditorium had been transformed into a church through Christ’s presence. In his homily the Bishop discussed the challenges of living the faith, and attaining the balance that allows Christ to participate freely in all decision-making. He observed that it is sometimes difficult to balance a good relationship with God with the demands of family, peers and daily concerns; but he added that it can be done, with God’s help through prayer. In his discussion of vocations, he observed that many O’Connell students had entered the priesthood and vocations, recognizing several of the visiting priests on stage as O’Connell alumni, with a special acknowledgement

of O’Connell’s own Father Hudgins. When asked later about the lessons of the Bishop’s mass, Hudgins replied, “The most important thing for students to take away is the sense that we are connected- the church goes way beyond our little community and your own parishes, the whole diocese…the world; the bishop is a reminder of that.” Father Hudgins went on to say that when the bishop reminded the school that his famous gift of granting a holiday is never “guaranteed,” Hudgins offered his own suggestion for insuring that the holiday be granted every year.“Everyone has to sing louder! Part of worshipping God and having respect for Him is not being embarrassed about the voice with which He has blessed each individual.” So when the Bishop returns next year, do not forget to bring your best, loudest voices.

Bishop Loverde’s Visit Excites Students at Bishop’s Mass

but they are not discouraged either. The Spirit Club has enjoyed great success in the past, and looks forward to even

Lulu MooreStaff Writer

While many O’Connell students were spending their summer tanning at the beach or relaxing by the pool, Junior Hayley Milon was hard at work at The Connection, a chain of newspapers in the Washington D.C. area.

Q: What first interested you in journalism?A: I love sports and I always read the sports section in the paper. Being a reporter enables me to actually be involved in the sports world.

Q: What was involved in acquiring your internship at The Connection?A: The paper hires interns based on their resumes and achievement in their English classes in school. I applied along with students from a lot of other schools in the area around last April. The job began right after school ended.

Q: What was the best part of your internship?A: Although I was in a little over my head at times, it was such a valuable experience working with the paper’s editors and staff writers. I got the chance to interview a lot of fascinating people and cover a lot of interesting stories.

Q: What was the hardest part of your internship?A: When I applied, I anticipated doing small jobs such as filing papers. When I started covering stories, I was both nervous and excited. It was both a big privilege and a responsibility.

Q: What was the most important thing you learned? A: The single biggest lesson I learned is that in the work world there is no room for excuses and you can’t ever expect someone else to clean up your mess. You need to always be on top of your game and improvise when something goes wrong.

Q: Are you considering a future career involving journalism?A: Absolutely. I want to go into sports casting which is heavily tied into journalism. A reporter needs to have an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, and needs to be articulate and accurate during an interview or report.

Q: How will this experience help you in this future endeavor?A:It taught me the intricacies of interviewing and reporting. I’m learning what information is catchy and what people need to know.

greater numbers and success in the future. The main purpose of the pre-game party was to promote school spirit and get the students excited for the game against St. John’s. About 180 Spirit Club members attended the cookout, and an estimated 350 shirts have already been sold. The Spirit Club will be hosting another cook-out for their current 350 members before the homecoming game against McNamara. Be sure to come out and show your school spirit!

Seniors Tony McAlum, Jeremy Paul, Jeff Carroll, andChristian Straubs cheering excitedly at one of the football games.

Bishop Loverde at the Bishop’s Mass greeting students and teachers.

Hayley Milon’s Summer Journalism Internship

Alejandra BuitragoStaff Writer

O’Connell’s Open House welcomes prospective students from the area in eighth grade programs, including possible transfers, on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 7:00 pm. The Open House showcases O’Connell’s rich and challenging academic program, as well as its wide-ranging and highly competitive sports teams, vibrant extra-curricular activities, and faith-based student life.

This year, according to Mrs.

McAlevy, the Director of Admissions, the focus of the night will be the superior academics that Bishop O’Connell has to offer. One way that the school will boost academics are to place posters of “Fast Facts” highlighting achievements of past and present students. Also, parents and soon-to-be students are introduced to the faculty and staff that create and perpetuate O’Connell’s rich legacy; O’Connell’s very own renowned Coach Wooten will speak regarding the opportunities and challenges that await O’Connell athletes.

So much effort and intense planning goes into this one night so that future frosh, as well as transfers, can get a glimpse of

what Bishop O’Connell has to offer. Mrs. McAlevy added, “I don’t

know what I would do without Mrs. Adkins and Coach Wooten. Those hardworking student volunteers, in addition to the parent volunteers, have worked so much to make this upcoming Open House possible.”

The Open House is followed shortly by the shadowing invasion, beginning Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from November 17th to January 2009. Remember to treat them kindly as they might be your classmates next year.

Class of 2013: “It’s time to enter the ‘O.’”

“I Believe that We Will Win!”

Hayley Milon

Visor October 2008 Health Page 4

More than 54,000 babies in China have fallen gravely ill as a direct result of drinking powdered milk formulas tainted with melamine, the industrial chemical that killed so many cats and dogs last year. According to Chinese officials who are investigating the matter, melamine was probably used to spike the protein content in order for the milk to fool food inspectors. Although many dairy farms in China don’t export to America, the popular Swiss milk and chocolate maker , Nestle’s, has a dairy farm in China that was affected. “Nestle’s once again expresses confidence that none of its products in China is made

Chinese Milk: Made of Melamine?Marley GarnerStaff Writer

from milk adulterated with melamine,” stated an official of the firm. Usually used in the making of plastic, melamine can make milk appear to be richer in protein. But Melamine can also be toxic if swallowed or exposed to the skin: not exactly something developing babies should be ingesting. Most of these infants are now suffering from acute kidney failure; and their large intakes of melamine-laced formulas have lead to the formation of kidney stones. There have already been several fatalities. Infants are not the only ones to be worried, though. Anyone who consumes ice cream, yogurt, chocolate or any other daily product imported from China may also be at risk. The series of recalls is extremely

embarrassing as China had been working overtime to improve its tarnished image in the world markets. It seems like every year there is a major recall on products produced in China.

Amazingly enough, there are reports that Chinese officials had actually become aware of the poisoned milk crisis during the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing, but had waited an entire month to publically acknowledge it.

Many of the companies currently requiring the recall are located in Europe, but that doesn’t mean consumers in America are not at risk. A popular Anglo-Dutch company that produces milk-based tea items for Lipton, a familiar brand name in US grocery stores, recently recalled some of its tea powders because they tested positive for melamine.

Don’t Get a Cold; Prevent a ColdDevon SpencerStaff Writer

With the weather getting colder and stress levels rising, catching a cold or flu is easy for most high school students. Several simple practices might help prevent students from succumbing to what is becoming the almost obligatory fall cold or flu.

The first and most obvious way to avoid unwanted germs is to stay clean. Washing your hands often is important, because it can rid the skin of common cold viruses. Most cold germs are spread from hand to hand contact. A simple hand shake with someone or the touch of a dirty doorknob can quickly spread the germs that cause cold or flu.

Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose and ears after being around someone who is sick; that is the easiest way for the germs to enter the body.

Junior Maggie Goetzman suggests, “Don’t even hold your significant other’s hand if you think he might be sick!”

If cold symptoms (such as the running nose, sore throat or sneezing) begin to appear in spite of your efforts, it is a good idea to make small changes in habits

to prevent the situation from worsening. A sufficient amount of sleep at night is vital to good health. The more sleep one gets, the stronger one’s immune system.

Another way to keep the immune system strong is to have healthy eating habits. The body needs nutrients such as protein, calcium, and iron to feed the immune system and keep it working at an optimum level. Sometimes a busy day does not allow time to eat foods containing the necessary nutrients. Vitamin and mineral supplements can help supply the nutrients the body doesn’t get from food. Some scientists suggest 500 milligram supplements of Vitamin C twice a day. Fruit drinks are also a good way to receive the Vitamin C that the body needs. If the body does not have the necessary nutrients, it makes recovering from a cold even more difficult.

Ben Franklin may not have been thinking specifically of colds when he penned his famous aphorism concerning the “ounce of prevention” being preferable to “the pound of cure;” however, the best way to avoid the unpleasant process of recovering from a cold or flu is definitely to stay healthy. This fall, make sure to be aware of the ways germs travel, and avoid getting the bug in the beginning.

Curb That AppetiteAlexis JohnsonStaff Writer

Weight might be a small word, boasting only six letters, but it has big significance to most Americans. Our country likes to indulge. Our junk-filled pantries, fast food restaurants and midnight chocolate cravings aren’t conducive to maintaining a healthy and appropriate weight. For the average body, effort must be made in order to avoid taking on excess pounds. The science of it all isn’t that complex. Following a few simple tips can lead to a maintaining a healthy, appropriate weight.

Eat Fiber. Foods that contain a lot of fiber not only satisfy the appetite but also avoid adding a lot of weight.

Fiber suppresses hormones and gives the sensation of being full, the same kind of sensation one might experience when exiting the local McDonalds. But this type of satisfaction results from many types of fiber that do not add unwanted weight. Any type of whole grain, even popcorn,(as well as various kinds of fruits and vegetables) is preferable to meat, fat or dairy products.

Keep the clock in mind. Have

scheduled times for eating, and stick to them. Consistency keeps your hormone levels at a normal, steady rate; eating at regular times helps the body process food more efficiently, the way it was meant to.

When the time comes for you to eat, enjoy your food! It’s not running off anywhere, so eat slowly. You’re not only being polite, but there is science behind it.

It takes time for the brain to understand that the stomach is stretching. By eating at a slower rate you’re giving your brain time to catch up. It takes fifteen minutes for your stomach to realize if it’s full or not. So slow down!

Brush your teeth. Tooth brushing not only cleans the mouth and keeps the teeth white, but it also satisfies hunger pangs.

Lastly, what many people don’t realize is that you can occasionally indulge in the things you love to eat. Portion control is a must in keeping your healthy, desired weight.

If you eat in moderation, certain foods don’t have to be off limits. Once an appropriate weight for a particular body size has been achieved, there is no reason that it can’t be maintained with a healthy respect for the type and quantity of food that is subsequently ingested. A healthy diet is also a satisfying diet.

Visor October 2008 Sports Page 5

Sandra MaloneStaff Writer

O’Connell Boys’ Soccer has two great teams this season. The varsity team began another season on August 26th with a dominating 5-0 win against Bishop Ireton.

Both teams were eager to begin the season, and full of optimism about their prospects. The varsity team, led by Coach Laporte, is seeking another WCAC Championship.

“It’s all about working hard and aiming to win,” said returning senior Darian Chuquillangui. Chuquillangui has played varsity soccer at O’Connell for two years.

So far, in addition to their win against Bishop Ireton, the O’Connell boys have also beaten McNamara (2-1), St. John’s (3-1), St Mary’s Ryken (1-0), and scored a second victory over McNamara (2-0).

The Varsity Boys also suffered narrow losses against Good Council, Georgetown Prep, Carroll, Paul VI, and St. Albans. With the team’s dedication and effort, the boys expect

to win the majority of their remaining matches.

“We have great coaches,” commented junior Daniel Herbert, who thinks that their excellent coaching is a key

Boys’ Soccer Winning on More Than One Level

Kathleen BettencourtStaff Writer

Once again the girl’s varsity soccer team, or “G.I.B.L.E.T.S,” is on its way to compete for yet another W.C.A.C. championship title. The girls won the Urbana/McDonogh invitational tournament earlier in the season. On September 3rd the team defeated Flint Hill 2-1, earning Coach Starace his 500th career win. Coach Starace has won 10 W.C.A.C. tournament championships and 15 regular season championships during his long and successful career. He commented on the season so far, saying, “We are up and down. We can beat anyone and also lose to the weaker teams. When we play together we are very good.”

This year the team is led by

senior captains Casey Philbin and Danielle Corey. When asked about the team’s progress this year, Corey said, “It’s going pretty well. We have more losses than we should, but we are starting to play better.” In addition to its exceptional talent, the team is also youthful; this year’s squad is composed of mostly juniors. Senior Katie Gargiulo has been the team manager for the past four years.

She said, “All the girls on the team know each other really well and always encourage and push each other.”

The girls defeated one of their biggest rivals, PVI, 2-1 at the end of September. All the girls are very excited about their prospects for the tournament and hope to secure another victory, after taking second place to St. John’s in last year’s tournament.

Philbin said, “Through

determination, team work, and passion I believe we can accomplish anything, more importantly a W.C.A.C. title. Whoo!”

The W.C.A.C. tournament runs from October 28th until November 2nd. So come out and cheer on the Lady Knights in their efforts to clinch another W.C.A.C. title and winning season!

“G.I.B.L.E.T.S.” Spells Success

New Coach New Uniform:

Same Great TeamClair JonesStaff Writer

component in the team’s success.Because of the loss of so many

senior starters last year, this year’s squad is comparatively young, so the optimism extends beyond the recent season.

The Varsity team has two more home games: October 21 at 4

P.M. against Dematha, and October 24 at 4 P.M. against Paul VI.

The J.V. team has also boasted a winning season, with 7 wins, 4 losses, and 2 ties.

The J.V. team has three more home games remaining this season, a great opportunity to see the team in action.

Their remaining games are against DeMatha on October 21st at 5:30 P.M., Pope John Paul the Great on October 23rd at 4:30 P.M., and against Paul VI on October 24th at 5:30 P.M.

The WCAC tournament, scheduled for October 28th and 31st at home, and November 2nd away, should showcase some of the most exciting soccer of the season, so come on out and support the Knights!

The Lady Knights’ Tennis Team has had a very busy month of October. Recent matches have notched four victories, including wins against St. Mary’s Ryken, Good Counsel, and McNamara. Unfortunately, despite determined play, the matches against St. Steven’s/St. Agnes’s School and St. John’s did not yield the same result.

The team also has a new assistant coach this year: Coach Brown. He works closely with the team during drills to improve their skills and provide them with a competitive edge for match play. Junior Grace Hollis has already identified her favorite quote from the new coach, who always lifts the team’s spirits by exhorting, “There are no mistakes- just lessons.”

In addition to the new coach the team also sports new uniforms: white skorts and blue short-sleeved shirts. Despite the new look, the girls are determined to continue the winning spirit and tradition that has always defined O’Connell tennis.

The girls have been working extremely hard to prepare themselves for the WCAC Championship Tournament, which will take place from October 29th through the 30th. They are hopeful that their hard work and dedication will take them deep into the tournament. So make sure to get out there and support them! You will be rewarded with some of the best tennis the area has to offer.

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Girl’s Cross Country: Still Running Strong

Natalie CocozzaStaff Writer

To state that Cross Country is difficult is a gross understatement. It demands work from the body that is both mental and physical. People have been known to smugly state, “It’s just running.” When this comment is made to the girls on the Bishop O’Connell team, they have every right to simply smile to themselves and walk away without saying anything. They have the pleasure of knowing that this statement would never be made after a couple of days spent on Coach Wall’s vigorous training schedules. The girls on the team run everyday, averaging 3-4 miles a day, with a variation in the speeds the miles are run. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the “work out” days, and this means either a “tempo” run on a nearby trail or running around Williamsburg Elementary School. The girls hit the weight room two days a week and all have a carefully designed regimen of exercises to complete.

Ashley Stumvoll is a sophomore runner who has performed well on the Varsity team. When asked her secret in staying motivated she commented on how she likes to listen to the team’s theme song, “Check Yes Juliet,” in her imagination.

Despite the rainy weather conditions at every meet this year,

Coach Wall’s request for hard work has been respected and this dedication is reflected in all the girl’s wins this year.

When asked how the season has been playing out thus far with regard to goals set at the beginning of the season, Coach Walls grinned and responded, “Spectacular. We are right on target”.

The girls have been reaching new heights of achievement in the past three years, winning the Arlington County meet all three years, stepping it up this year to claim the large dual meets: Octoberfest and the St. Mary’s Invitational.

Despite their hope for sunshine the girls have proven that they can achieve greatness in the rain, too. They eagerly aniticipate the coming meets of Glory Days and their defense of their title from last year at the WCAC’s. Some of the girls will even be headed to the State meet on November 7th.

Arguably one of the team’s best traditions is meditation time on Fridays before meets, after a long week of school and running. The team also has spaghetti dinners at team members’ houses several Fridays of the season.

When asked what she thought was special about the team, senior Claire Whitesell replied, “Everyone is really nice and they all work really hard.” So if you have ever counted yourself among those who dismiss Cross Country as “merely running,” perhaps you now have a better idea of all the preparation that leads to the excellence of O’Connell’s Cross Country program.

Knights Perform Well Against Nationally Ranked FalconsHaley Milon Staff Writer

The Knights’ took their 4-2 record up against the undefeated Good Counsel Falcons last week to mark the middle of their season. The game, the Knight’s toughest matchup so far this season, ended in a Falcon victory, 41-14.

The Falcons scored during the first quarter with an 11-yard run, and followed up in the second with a 6-yard rushing score and an 18-yard touchdown pass.

“We kept a positive attitude, even though the game started out rough. We saw that we needed to play our best to get the offense the ball and score,” said senior quarterback Patrick Thompson.

At the end of the second quarter, Patrick Simms was able to run the ball 3 yards for a touchdown, and Trimble followed with a 2-point conversion.

The Falcons were able to add 3 more scores, leading the Knights 41-8 with 1:34 left in the fourth quarter.

But the Knights refused to fold, and battled hard throughout the game, junior Alex Berdahl ending the scoring with a 2-yard run, making the final score 41-14. “The defense played hard

to hold them back,” said junior outside-linebacker Dwayne Wintz.

Junior running back Greg Gadell ran the ball 107 yards for O’Connell,

while senior cornerback Brian Williams had 3 receptions and ran the ball 48 yards.

“We were up against the toughest team in the conference. We played hard, but Good Counsel was ready for us after beating DeMatha on national TV last week,” said senior running back Justin Trimble.

The Falcons had gotten their fifth win of the season the previous week against DeMatha, the game featured on ESPN.

“The guys have been positive all season. We went into the Good Counsel game prepared for a challenge. The team was competitive and held nothing back,” said head coach Steve Trimble. Following the Good Counsel game, the Knights found themselves ranked fourth in the WCAC, behind the Good Counsel Falcons, the DeMatha Stags, and the Saint John’s Cadets. The team is already gearing up to take on the Stags next week and boost their record to 5-2.

With the NBA season right around the corner many teams have improved by adding new players. Elton Brand joined the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers, for instance; but other teams, like the hometown Washington Wizards, have decided to stay put and maintain the main look of the team. This season promises to be just as exciting and entertaining as last year’s. Regardless of how it turns out, it’s never too early to hazard a few predictions.

Rookie of the Year: Derrick RoseIt will be fun to watch the battle

between Greg Oden of the Portland Trailblazers, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, and Michael Beasley of the Miami Heat. Essentially, Oden and Beasley will be surrounded by too many superstars and maybe unable to show off their capabilities as much as they would like. Derrick Rose will be the leader for this Chicago team that is in need of help. Hopefully other rookies such as O.J. Mayo or Kevin Love will get in on the discussion as the season progresses.

Sixth Man of the Year: Manu Ginobili

It is almost unfair to all other sixth men in the NBA, with someone as talented as Manu coming off the bench. Ginobili is an All-Star in the NBA, and one of the elite scorers in the NBA. He will be able to take the Spurs onto his back and help out Tony Parker and Tim Duncan as he repeats as Sixth Man of the Year this season.

Defensive Player of the Year: Ron Artest. Hopefully Artest’s trade to the Houston Rockets will bring the motivation he needs in order to return to his old form as a “lock-down” defender. With Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady on his team he should be able to “sinc” into with this new role and not have to worry about scoring as much as before.

A new season means a new start and maybe this will be the year that Artest matures and finally puts his full focus toward winning a championship.

Coach of the Year: George KarlAfter losing Marcus Camby it

seems like the Denver Nuggets have finally

decided to commit to the defensive end of the floor, and that is due to Coach Karl’s emphasis on defense this year throughout training camp. The Nuggets are projected by many to be one of the top 15 teams on defense. If that does happen, expect the Nuggets to have a great season and George Karl to be among the leading candidates for Coach of the Year.

Most Improved Player of the Year: Andrew Bynum

Last season Bynum was one of the best centers in the league. He really

put things together as he finally matured into form. Unfortunately, he was injured and this prevented his further maturation. In the offseason he “beefed up,” and is now stronger.

Also, this is the year in which his contract expires so he will probably be trying even harder. Bynum will rise to take place of one of the top centers in the

league and will show potential to be a potential All- Star.

Most Valuable Player of the Year: Dwayne Wade

The best is for last and the MVP for the 2008-2009 season could very well be Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat. It is easy to forget how good Dwayne Wade was before he was beset with injuries. All you have to do is switch on one of his Olympic games of the summer and you will remember the Wade of old. It will be a fight between Chris Paul, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and reigning MVP Kobe Bryant but ultimately, if everything falls into the right place, Wade will rise and lead the HEAT to the playoffs. Wade will probably average over 25 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds a game.

This season will probably be one of the best in recent years, especially following the recent controversy of the officiating scandals and reports. But with more competitive teams in both Conferences, fans of all teams will benefit by viewing some of the most competitive and exciting basketball in recent memory.

NBA PredictionsMark AzarStaff Writer

digitalsports.com

Visor October 2008 Style Page 7

Upcoming Events: Movies: Concerts:Changeling - 10/24/08 Jason Mraz - Dar Constitution Hall - Mon, 10/20/08

High School Musical 3: Senior Year - 10/24/08 OneRepublic - Patriot Center - Thu, 10/23/08

Passengers - 10/24/08 Alan Jackson Feat. Trace Adkins - Patriot Center - Sat, 10/25/08

Saw V - 10/24/08 Metro Station – Sonar - Fri, 10/31/08

Pride and Glory - 10/24/08 Coldplay - Verizon Center - Fri, 10/31/08 The Other End of the Line - 10/31/08 The Who - Verizon Center - Mon, 11/03/08

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa - 11/07/08 Usher - Warner Theatre - Tue, 11/04/08

Soul Men - 11/07/08 Hellogoodbye – Sonar - Fri, 11/07/08

Quantum of Solace - 11/14/08 The Cheetah Girls - Verizon Center - Sun, 11/09/08

The Road - 11/14/08 AC/DC - Verizon Center - Sat, 11/15/08

Find the Perfect Homecoming Dress!Keeping in Mind this Year’s Hottest Trends...

Pockets are not just handy for holding your gadgets, like cell-phones and keys, but they are also the latest trend, appearing with even the most formal dresses.

Purple is the most popular color of the season. Not only will you see the color on dresses, but many de-signers are also using the in color for jewelry, sweat-ers, and scarves.

High necklines have not always been popular, but this year this cut is making a comeback. Dresses with a higher neck are often very flattering, perfect for those who want something different- not just the typical homecoming dress.

The little black dress never goes out of style and is still something every girl should have. Simple black dresses are perfect for the season, especially when combining them with eloquent and exotic jewelry.

Visor October 2008 Style Page 8HOMECOMING WORD FIND

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Essential Checklist for an Amazing Homecoming:

1. GO TO THE GAME! Get ready for the game by wearing our school colors, putting on face paint, and showing up with your O’Connell pride!

2. GET READY FOR A CRAZY NIGHT! For girls this may include making sure your hair/makeup/nails are done. For guys, all you really have to remember is to be a gentleman, and of course, don’t forgot the corsage!

3. EAT BEFORE YOU GO! It will be a long night, so you’ll want to eat before you arrive at the dance. Many groups go out to dinner, but that’s not a necessity. If your group can’t decide on a restaurant to go to, just have a non-formal buffet at a volunteer’s house.

4. TAKE PLENTY OF PICTURES! We under-stand that parents may get a little obsessive with their cameras, but truthfully- it is something that you’ll look back on later and thank them.

5. HAVE FUN! No matter what grade you’re in, this homecoming will be one to remember. This is your time to relax and have fun with your friends. After such an awesome and enthusiastic week at school building up to this dance, you’ll want to make 2008 homecoming the best ever!

Visor October 2008 Entertainment Page 9

Maggie LuningStaff Writer

NBC’s 30 Rock, the highly praised comedy series, is about to begin its third season this fall on Thursday, October 30TH, at 9:30 PM. Created by Tina Fey, the show premiered in October 2006; it won seven Emmy awards this past year, after being nominated for ten. Some of the Emmy awards that the show won include Outstanding Lead Actor for Alec Baldwin, Outstanding Lead Actress for Tina Fey, and Outstanding Comedy Series.

The show takes place in New York City, at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The characters write and produce a variety show, and have to deal with their shallow network executive, Jack Donaghy, played by Alec Baldwin. Much of the show’s success can

Alejandra BuitragoStaff Writer

After three years of anxious waiting, Jack’s Mannequin released their new album, The Glass Passenger, on September 30, 2008. Andrew McMahon, formerly of Something Corporate fame is now the singer, song-writer, and piano- playing member of Jack’s Mannequin, continuing to astonish music lovers with his amazing ability to create meaningful and catchy lyrics, as he did in his debut album, Everything in Transit in 2005. In this past album, McMahon wrote of his battle (and eventual triumph over) leukemia, perhaps most evident in the song, “Holiday from Real.” He also wrote and performed hits like “Dark Blue,” “The Mixed Tape,” “Bruised,” and “Into the Airwaves.” These

tracks have also been featured on One Tree Hill and Kyle XY, and movies like Snakes on a Plane.

Jack’s Mannequin’s music is similar to One Republic, The Fray, and Lifehouse; but they have a punk-ier edge; Rhapsody has described it as a “combination of intelligent lyrics, infectious melodies and killer piano.”

From The Glass Passenger, McMahon has already released teaser tracks such as “The Resolution” and “Swim,” recorded during his performances in the Vans Warped Tour this summer; but fans have still eagerly anticipated the studio versions on the album.

Because of its new producer, Stephenie Meyer, renowned for her book series, Twilight, Jack’s Mannequin has more funding for music videos, promotion,

be attributed to its fantastic cast, including stage and screen star Baldwin along with Saturday Night Live’s previous head-writer and performer Tina Fey.

She plays an exasperated comedy writer named Liz Lemon. Also from Saturday Night Live is Tracy Morgan, playing the out-of-control and needy star of the imaginary show, Tracy Jordan. When these three unique and contrasting comedy forces collide, the result is witty

and seamless dialogue. Other actors include Jack McBrayer, as the innocent young NBC page from a rural background, Kenneth; and Jenna Krakowski, as the desperate and often manipulated actress, Jenna Maroney. Season three of 30 Rock has been eagerly anticipated, especially because of a guest star list that includes Jennifer Aniston, Salma Hayek, and Oprah Winfrey. Entertainment Weekly has called 30 Rock

“the funniest sitcom on TV.”Season one of 30 Rock is already on DVD, and is worth the investment. Guests include Will Arnett, from Blades of Glory and Saturday Night Live, playing a compulsive businessman named Devon Banks, who continually butts heads with Baldwin’s character. Season two will be released on October 7th. Guests on the Season two DVD include Jerry Seinfeld. Check out www.nbc.com for more information on the show.

and possibly bigger tours. The Glass Passenger has less

of a personal message than Everything in Transit , but its many hits include “Swim,” “The Resolution,” “ Crashin,’” and “Annie Use Your Telescope,” the last of which evoking shades of Mannequin’s previous release.

Jack’s Mannequin’s debut was stellar to say the least, but The Glass Passenger leaves a much more to be desired. Everything in Transit was a thought- provoking, relatable window into the reasons for which the songs were written, and if music doesn’t mean anything to the audience, what is the purpose of it?

Though The Glass Passenger exceptional in many ways, it is not on the same level as Everything in Transit.

McMahon Hits the Slump

30 Rock is Back in Action

party, and a t tending l a v i s h balls. She becomes a great public figure, who is loved by all except her own husband, it seems. The Duke is only concerned with a male heir from Georgiana, and does not even wish to speak with her to any great degree. When Georgiana gives birth to only girls, the Duke is infuriated. Georgiana is forced to live with the hypocritical Duke’s indiscretions. He soon makes Georgiana’s best friend and confidante

The Duchess is more than your typical 18th-century period piece. Yes, it has the elaborate costumes, love triangles, and family issues but also much more. Keira Knightly (Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice) gives a wonderfully emotional performance depicting Lady Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire. What makes this movie particularly interesting is that it is based on a true story; Lady Georgina Spencer was in fact Princess Diana’s ancestor. The movie begins with The Duke of Devonshire’s (Ralph Fiennes- The English Patient, Harry Potter) proposal to the 16-year-old Georgiana, who is first portrayed as happy and carefree, yet elegant. Then comes the reality of her marriage to a much older man who wants nothing but a male heir. Georgiana distracts herself by becoming a trendsetter in fashion (a contemporary of Marie Antoinette’s), becoming active in promoting the Whig

Keira Knightly Shines in DuchessJoanna HarkinsStaff Writer Lady Bess

( H a y l e y A t w e l l - Cassandra’s D r e a m , Brideshead R e v i s i t e d ) his live-in m i s t r e s s . G e o rg i a n a is not only angry, but this also causes a twisted love triangle in the Devonshire household. By this time the happiness

and carefree attitude of her youth is gone. Georgiana continues to struggle to find love in a loveless marriage. She eventually finds her own lover in the passionate Parliament member, Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper- The History Boys,

Mama Mia!), who has loved her since they were teenagers. The Duke finds out about Georgiana’s lover and threatens her, saying that she will not be able to ever see her own children again if she continues her relationship with Charles. The Duchess shows how the helpless and victimized Georgiana struggles to find some semblance of happiness and normalcy. The movie beautifully depicts her desperate emotions, and the cold-hearted brutality of the Duke, the villain of the film. Despite her fame throughout England, Georgiana still has to choose between her own personal happiness and her children. The realities of being a woman in the 18th century shine through. Most of the time Georgiana simply has no choice; her life is a sham, but one that she is required to “play out.” With its commanding performances, beautiful costumes, and emotional insight The Duchess is a surprising delight. Rated PG-13 and 110 min long The Duchess is now in theatres.

Visor October 2008 Entertainment Page 10

Taylor’s Infinite Playlist

Moey’s Infinite Playlist

The Start of Something Voxtrot Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? She & Him L.E.S. Artistes Santogold Barely Legal The Strokes Portions for Foxes Rilo Kiley I Always Get What I Want Avril Lavigne Everybody’s Happy Nowadays The Buzzcocks M79 Vampire Weekend My Name is Jonas Weezer Then She Appeared XTC Is She Really Going Out With Him? Joe Jackson Hey Jealousy Gin Blossoms Watching the Detectives Elvis Costello Carpetbaggers Jenny Lewis

On Call Kings of LeonThe Kids MGMTHide Another Mistake The 88On the Radio Regina SpektorAll I Need Matt KearneyThat’s Not My Name The Ting TingsDying Is Fine Ra Ra RiotYou, Me, and the Bourgeoisis The SubmarinesShine A Light Wolf ParadeIn the Morning Junior BoysGuaymas Sonora BeirutNeo Violence The Tough AllianceElectric Feel MGMT

Nick and Norah:(Almost) In Touch

with RealityTaylor BroganEditor-In-Chief

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist was a refreshing twist on a recycled plot line. Yes, it is pretty predictable (Boy gets dumped by the popular girl, boy meets a new girl, old girl wants him back, he re-alizes that new girl was the one for him, and they all live happily ever after), but the details were what counted for this one. The soundtrack, as the title might suggest, is one of the best out there right now. Vampire Weekend, Shout Out Louds, We Are Scien-tists, Bishop Allen, and The Sub-marines all grace the movie with their beautiful music. The dialogue comes as close to real life teenager-speak as is pos-sible in Hollywood. Norah (Kat Dennings) and Nick (Michael Cera) bring personalities so real and so complex to the dialogue, that you forget about the outrageousness of the situation they are in. After all, how many straight-edge teenagers do you know who hang out in New York City till the break of dawn looking for a band called “Where’s Fulffy?” The movie itself channels a sort of John Hughes-y portrayal of teenage life--presenting all sorts of teenagers from all sorts of cliques (be it popular Tris, straight-laced Norah, party girl Caroline, playboy Tal, or bassist Nick) and examin-ing the ways that different sorts of teenagers interact in certain situa-tions. Norah is hard to keep up with throughout the movie. She at-

tends a private (presumably Catho-lic, though Norah is Jewish) school, called Sacred Heart. She is some-what of a parental figure for her best friend Caroline, who has somewhat of a partying issue. Oh, and her fa-ther owns one of the most famous recording studios ever (think David Bowie, Led Zeppelin...). She is in an incredibly com-plicated relationship with a wanna-be rock-star, Tal (he’s really just using her to get to her dad) that has been going on throughout high school and, until Nick, she hasn’t kissed anyone else but Tal. Oh yeah, and she’s straight-edge, which (considering who her father is and who her best friend is) shows incredible strength of char-acter. Nick is the bassist (and only straight member) of a band that cur-rently lacks a drummer. Like Norah, he’s straight edge, and Cera’s dorky charm shines through a lot in this role. Nick makes the “best mix CDs ever” for his (ex) girlfriend Tris (and Norah has heard every one), and when he and Norah meet, their musical taste is what brings them together. All in all, this is a cute mov-ie, and a nice addition to the world of teen movies. While it may not be the greatest movie ever made (it may not even be the greatest movie in theaters today), but the characters are positive role models, the music is sublime, the dialogue is witty, the setting (New York City!) is beauti-ful, and, gosh darn it, I love Michael

Nick (Michael Cera) and Norah (Kat Dennings), make their way through the crowd of a Where’s Fluffy? concert.

Local Concert VenuesDevon SpencerStaff Writer

With fall finally here and the new school year racing along, everyone will need a periodic chance to exhale, relax and have a little fun. Is there any better method for ridding oneself of a little stress than singing and dancing to the sounds of a favorite musician, live in concert? In the DC, Maryland, and Virginia, there are tons of concert venues accessible to high school students. Some are designed specifically for small, up-close musical performances, while others are sports’ arenas; courts turned into stages surrounded by thousands of seats. It all depends on the type of music chosen; but in this area there is something for everyone. Take your pick: large or small venues, urban or rural locations, and cheap or expensive prices. In DC, the most popular venues include the Verizon Center and the 9:30 Club. Both are distinctive. The Verizon Center, located in the heart of Chinatown, is the home of the Washington Wizards, NHL Capitals, WNBA Mystics, and the Men’s Georgetown University Hoyas. Here, all musical genres can be experienced: singers such as Beyonce and Christina Aguilera, or rock legends such as U2, the Rolling Stones, and Paul McCartney. Tickets at the Verizon Center vary, but typically start around $50, going as high as $200 or $300. A slightly more affordable option might be the 9:30 Club It is located in the U Street area of DC and is super accessible, via the Green-line metro. This is a venue for people who enjoy more alternative-style artists and more intimate and personal settings. Tickets range from $12 to $45. In Maryland are Merriweather Post Pavillion and Sonar. Merriweather is located in Columbia, Maryland and has also hosted a variety of artists, including the Eagles. Another annual and well-

known event hosted by Merriweather is the Vans Warped Tour, which takes place every summer, with nearly 100 local and national rock bands. Merriweather has a unique and natural outdoor setting, containing seats and a huge lawn, where people can opt for blankets and picnics. Tickets at Merriweather can be expensive, ranging from $30 on the lawn and much more for closer, theater-style seating. A smaller venue in Maryland is Sonar, located in Baltimore: an edgy, “non-descript warehouse” in appearance. Tickets here range from $15 to $25, with performances of mostly lesser-known artists. From Virginia, driving is the best option, considering there is no close metro. Of course, for the most convenient venues, stay here in Virginia. Two larger venues include the Patriot Center and Nissan Pavilion. The Patriot Center is the 10,000 seat arena of George Mason University. You can get there by taking the metro to Vienna and then a bus or a cab to the stadium entrance. Ticket prices go for about $40 and up, depending on seat location. The huge outdoor venue of Nissan Pavilion is located in Bristow and ticket prices are generally the same as for the Patriot Center. Every summer Nissan also hosts the Vans Warped Tour. For smaller concerts, two great concert locations are the Birchmere and Jammin’ Java. The Birchmere is in Alexandria and has no close metro, except for Pentagon City, where you a cab would probably be necessary. It is a well-known “intimate music hall” and the prices range from $25 to around $100. Jammin’ Java is a hip venue, “voted #1 best music venue in the DC area.” It is located in Vienna and holds general admission concerts, with local, regional, and national artists. This place is unique because it has a full dinner menu and a café: ideal for the perfect evening. Tickets here price in the relatively inexpensive $10 to $20 range.

Cera.