Acting and singing can’t compensate for flat plot in Johnny Baseball

Emily Kline, Humor Editor
February 5, 2013
Filed under A&E, Theater Reviews

Park Square Theatre brings “Johnny Baseball,” a new musical about the infamous Red Sox curse, to the Twin Cities stage in its regional premiere, playing from January 18 to February 10. Although the show has been in development for eight years, it fails to tell a coherent and entertaining story all... Read more »

“Hyde Park on Hudson” fails to finish strong

Emily Kline, Humor Editor
January 23, 2013
Filed under A&E, Movie Reviews

In recent years, historical dramas have ruled supreme in awards season, be it “Lincoln”––which holds 10 Academy Award nominations––or the Oscar darling of 2011, “The King’s Speech.” The next in this line of true story films, “Hyde Park on Hudson,” initially shows promise, but overall... Read more »

Movie adaptation of Les Mis pleases loyal and new fans

Emily Kline, Diversions Editor
January 7, 2013
Filed under A&E, Movie Reviews, Top Stories

One of the most anticipated movies of 2012, “Les Misérables” bursts upon the big screen as the first film adaptation of the popular musical by the same name. A massive, 1000-page novel turned stage musical, “Les Misérables” was written by French author Victor Hugo and dramatized by Alain... Read more »

Mika maintains style, tones down sound on “Origin of Love”

Emily Kline, Diversions Editor
December 14, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

Reaffirming his position as a growing pop-rock power both in the U.S. and overseas, British songwriter Mika focuses on a more simplistic sound in “The Origin of Love,” his third studio album. While his previous work featured more light-hearted, cartoony songs, this latest effort highlights Mika’s... Read more »

Bed and breakfast intruder

Emily Kline, Diversions Editor
October 8, 2012
Filed under Humor

Until this Labor Day, I’d never truly underwent a life-or-death, beginning-of-a-horror-movie, well-I-probably-would’ve-died-if-that-had-gone-differently experience. To make matters more interesting, this brush with the dangerous came from the world’s least threatening places: a charming bed and... Read more »

Rave: Paninis

Emily Kline, Diversions Editor
September 20, 2012
Filed under Rants & Raves

Once a slave to lukewarm cold cuts tasting like the plastic bags they’re packed in, I found my salvation in that most delectable of sandwiches: the panini. If I make one before school in my trusty panini maker, choosing between any combination of meats and cheeses, I just need to pop it in the microwave... Read more »

Dark Shadows lacks biting entertainment

Emily Kline, Humor Editor
June 6, 2012
Filed under Movie Reviews

Combining family drama, gothic monsters, and a romp through the 1970s––not to mention plenty of blood––“Dark Shadows,” the most recent collaboration between director Tim Burton and leading man Johnny Depp, promises an edgy comedy but lacks enough bite to be memorable. In the 1770’s fishing... Read more »

Not so pepped for pep rallies

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
April 9, 2012
Filed under Humor

Sitting hunched over in a sweaty gymnasium with a thousand of my closest peers, waiting anxiously to hear whether or not I’m destined to be the star of today’s “fun activities,” makes BSM assemblies less like a pep fest and more like the Hunger Games. Whenever Homecoming or Catholic Schools Week... Read more »

What happened in the War of 1812?

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
March 20, 2012
Filed under Digital Life

Voicing every APUSH student’s innermost confusion, College Humor’s movie trailer parody of the War of 1812 sums up what takes scholars hours to wrap their heads around in two minutes. Blending cheesy fight scenes typical of every historical film with vague dialogue, melodrama, and general hysteria,... Read more »

“Call Your Girlfriend” when you’re bored

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
March 18, 2012
Filed under Digital Life

Proving that everything seems hilarious at three in the morning, the Saturday Night Live staff re-enacts Swedish recording artist Robyn’s music video for “Call Your Girlfriend.” Cast member Taran Killam executes her dance-pop moves perfectly (as a side-by-side comparison with the original video... Read more »

Your computer is one “Cleverbot”

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
March 16, 2012
Filed under Digital Life

Even the most socially-awkward can find a friend in Cleverbot. An online AI capable of holding conversations from a simple prompt, Cleverbot can provide even the loneliest of computer junkies with a heart-to-heart. After you type in a sentence, Cleverbot responds with a witty––and often insulting––comment,... Read more »

Junior math whiz excels in college course

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
February 23, 2012
Filed under Student Life

While most students learn mathematics in BSM’s main hallway, junior Stephen Jacobs travels a little farther to meet his math requirement. A participant in the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program, or UMTYMP, Jacobs takes Calculus III once a week with other accomplished students... Read more »

McPhee shows promise in this smash hit

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
February 1, 2012
Filed under A&E, Top Stories, TV Reviews

NBC’s highly-publicized new musical drama “Smash” premiered on the network’s website on January 16, answering the long-held question of whether the show would be an original success or a Glee rehash. While a final verdict remains fuzzy at times, this song-and-dance romp offers just enough promising... Read more »

“Ragtime” goes from rags to riches

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
January 27, 2012
Filed under Theater Reviews

Park Square Theatre’s “Ragtime,” the most ambitious show in its 36-year history, takes on the challenge of a musical behemoth and comes up with resounding success. This production features emotional songs, a wide range of characters, and acting talent to make both shine. In the end, “Ragtime”... Read more »

Gobarbra.com makes you feel as awesome as Streisand

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
January 27, 2012
Filed under Digital Life

Ever wanted to put your own name into a toe-tapping dance beat? GoBarbra.com offers that chance to music lovers striving for fame: taking the infectious earworm “Barbra Streisand” by Duck Sauce, you can type in any name to replace Barbra’s in the song’s catchy tune. The site offers over ten different... Read more »

Speech team suits up for first tournament

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
January 27, 2012
Filed under Activities

Ready to suit up for competition after three months of practice, the speech team begins its 2012 season this Saturday, Jan. 28, at Eden Prairie High School. This tournament, followed by seven others, as well as conference and sections, marks the team’s first introduction to competing schools they’ll... Read more »

Wolf Quest- A Howling Good Time

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
January 26, 2012
Filed under Digital Life

Instead of hitting the books to study for finals, Mr. Reiff’s Environmental Science class uses a teaching tool with a little more bite. Introduced in January, the game “WolfQuest,” a video game that puts players into the role of wolves in the wild, has already become popular among Reiff’s students... Read more »

“Silent Night” Makes a Loud Impact

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
January 10, 2012
Filed under A&E, a&e featured, Theater Reviews

Making its explosive world premiere at St. Paul’s Ordway Theatre, “Silent Night,” the dynamic first opera of composer Kevin Puts, weaves music, acting, and visuals together into a poignant portrait of World War I. Opera skeptics, never fear: this brand-new work engages all audiences, regardless... Read more »

Why won’t you say hello to me?

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
December 23, 2011
Filed under Humor

Hello. That greeting right there, ladies and gentleman, contains more social interaction than I will receive on any given day in the hallways of BSM. Don’t get the wrong idea: I’m a fairly friendly person with a fairly non-offending face, but it appears that, despite my best efforts, my classmates... Read more »

Madrigal singers prep for Christmas concert

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
December 15, 2011
Filed under Activities

Filling the basement with melodious harmonies on Thursday mornings, the Madrigal singers bring traditional women’s choral music to life with the assistance of their director, Mr. Jere Lantz. Now in their sixth year, the singers tackle bigger challenges than ever in preparation for their Christmas concert... Read more »

Christmas cheer felt among senior Peer Ministers

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
December 13, 2011
Filed under News Briefs

In anticipation of the holiday season, Peer Ministry’s annual Christmas party––occurring Dec. 12––celebrates members’ dedication to faith development in the Benilde-St. Margaret’s community during the past year. The party, hosted by Peer Ministry’s leader Mr. Mike Jeremiah, will begin... Read more »

Scorsese Has “Hugo” Success

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
December 12, 2011
Filed under A&E, a&e featured, Movie Reviews, Top Stories

Families looking for a feel-good flick this holiday season need look no further. “Hugo,” the latest effort of legendary director Martin Scorcese, weaves together talented acting with breathtaking 3D visuals to create a tale that both compels and delights. Based on “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,”... Read more »

Lucia’s Offers Organic Fare at Fair Prices

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
November 30, 2011
Filed under A&E, Restaurant Reviews, Top Stories

Nestled in a side street of uptown Minneapolis, Lucia’s consistently offers delectable dishes while maintaining its 26 year tradition of utilizing organic foods from local farmers. Led by head chef and owner Lucia Watson, this combination restaurant, wine bar, dog bar, and bakery leaves customers delighted... Read more »

New CFO takes over

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
November 30, 2011
Filed under News

Managing Benilde-St. Margaret’s finances to fit both the needs of the school and its students, Ms. Natalie Ramier assumed the position of BSM’s new Chief Financial Officer at the beginning of November. Ms. Ramier looks to improve the current financial system as well as specific issues, such as resource... Read more »

Martial artists share motivation

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
November 29, 2011
Filed under Student Life

From defeating an opponent with punches and kicks to talking about life, competing for national titles or just practicing with friends, a martial artist’s skill goes far beyond fighting alone. Benilde-St. Margaret’s martial artists-in-residence apply their talents in every field of life, always working... Read more »

“The Lion King” to bring pride to the Orpheum

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
November 17, 2011
Filed under A&E, Theater Reviews

Combining the story of a Disney classic with breathtakingly unconventional sets, costumes, and dance, “The Lion King,” coming to Minneapolis’s Orpheum Theatre in January, presents an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. The musical follows Simba (Jelani Remy), the next-in-line... Read more »

Math league kicks off what will hopefully be a successful season

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
November 17, 2011
Filed under Activities

Flexing their brains instead of brawn, BSM’s Math League team strives not only to help students excel in all fields of mathematics, but to enjoy them as well. The team, made up of nearly 30 members, participates in both meets and write-in competitions throughout their winter season. BSM’s Math... Read more »

Emily: a proud papa

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
November 15, 2011
Filed under Humor

Until two months ago, I’d never questioned my gender—I’m 5’ 5”, I’ve never successfully played an organized sport, and I only once accidentally bought guy’s pants. But after seeing the words “village father” next to my name on the “Fiddler on the Roof” cast list, my whole life did... Read more »

Hopeful speechers express talents at auditions

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
November 13, 2011
Filed under News Briefs

The speech team, one of Benilde-St. Margaret’s most popular activities, held auditions this week for new and returning members looking for self-expression and a chance to improve public speaking skills. The team’s head coach, Mrs. Maura Brew, five senior captains, and many coaches from inside and... Read more »

Sophomores grow at respect retreat

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
October 18, 2011
Filed under News Briefs

The sophomore class took time to learn about their classmates and themselves at BSM’s annual Respect Retreat on Friday. Designed to nurture a sense of respect between students, the retreat used get-to-know-you games and contests to bring students closer together. Mr. Mike Jeremiah, along with 78 senior... Read more »

Multiple generations celebrate annual grandparents’ day mass

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
October 12, 2011
Filed under News Briefs

Benilde-St. Margaret’s hosted its yearly grandparents’ mass on Friday, offering a special breakfast and church service for students and their family. Roughly 500 students and 700 grandparents attended the event this year. The mass, a tradition celebrated for over 15 years, emphasizes the importance... Read more »

Smile Network excels as first Common Basket recipient

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
September 30, 2011
Filed under News Briefs

Smile Network, a non-profit founded in Minnesota, became the first Common Basket recipient of the year at BSM’s Homecoming Liturgy, receiving over $3,300. The organization provides reconstructive surgery to children born with cleft palates and other disfigurations, all of whom can’t afford the surgery.... Read more »

Opera is underappreciated

Emily Kline, Staff Writer
September 18, 2011
Filed under Opinions

New York’s Metropolitan Opera broadcasts six performances yearly to movie theaters across America, including the West End’s Icon. Opera is easily accessible to the everyday person for the first time, yet one rarely hears a teen rave about their favorite operatic aria. In the last few decades, opera... Read more »