The 2014 BCS National Championship Game by John Jackson & Raffaele Elia

Auburn Tigers vs. Florida State Seminoles

By John Jackson and Raffaele Elia

The Auburn Tigers:  by John Jackson

​The 2014 BCS National Championship will be held between college football’s top two teams in the country which are the Florida State Seminoles and the Auburn Tigers ranked respectively. This event will be held on January 6th at the Rose Bowl Stadium. The #2 ranked Tigers had a stellar season in which they had a record of 12-1. The most vital game they played this season was the Iron Bowl played against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Although the Tigers were a very difficult opponent for Alabama, the Crimson Tide still were predicted to be the winners in this contest. This was not so as they were tied with one second left in the fourth quarter. Most people would have assumed this game went into overtime but this was not so either. The Crimson Tide attempted a long field goal with their backup kicker that fell short and was caught by Chris Davis of the Tigers who returned it 109 yards for the game winning touchdown. Their next and final game of the season was also impressive. They beat Missouri 59-42 in the SEC Conference Championship. In this game their running back Tre Mason ran for a tremendous 304 yards with 4 touchdowns which also propelled him into Heisman Trophy contention. The Tigers and Seminoles will provide a very interesting game to watch.

Florida State Seminoles: by Raffaele Elia

​Fresh off his Heisman win, Jameis Winston and the undefeated Florida State Seminoles are set to face the 12-1 Auburn Tigers in the BCS Championship game on January 6, 2014. The Seminoles have had an astounding season, averaging 53.0 points per game while only allowing an average of 10.7 points per game. Their offense, led by Heisman winner JameisWinston, scored a total of 90 touchdowns, 38 of which were thrown by Winston. In addition, their defense ended the season with 33 sacks for a total of 248 yards and 25 interceptions. This team has mowed down each opponent they’ve faced and are certainly the favorites in this championship game. Though there is no such thing a sure win, it will take a great performance, both on offense and defense, if Auburn hopes to take down this dominant team.

 

 

Artpop by Nicholas Hold

  On November 6th, Lady Gaga released to the world her highly anticipated album "Artpop." All of Lady Gaga's fans dubbed "little monsters" have been waiting for a long time for this album to come out, as her last album, Born This Way was released on May 23rd of 2011. It was almost 3 years that Little Monsters have been waiting and it was well worth the wait. Gaga debuted the album and wanted it to be about combining art and pop together in one. She actually said she wanted to "reverse Warhol," a highly acclaimed artist. She wanted her album to be a modern disco record that everyone would enjoy. On Monday, November 11th Vevo secured exclusive rights to Gaga's "artRave" event, held in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Gaga's launch party was broadcasted live around the world to watch and partake in an experience in which she comes out in masterpieces of art, dances and sings the night away for all the Little monsters to have a great night. Lady Gaga worked closely with Jeff Koons in making the album artwork, a sculpture, and many other things. A summary of Gaga's album would be hard to do, as she touches on many different genres of music such as rock, pop, ballads, and rap. Gaga goes on tour in New York in late march, to promote her new album. Gaga has been battling with addiction to marijuana and admits it on an interview with New York radio station Z-100. Gaga's battle with habitual use of the drug inspired her to write a touchy ballad named "Dope," in which she gets very emotional and doesn't want drugs to take over her career and take away her relationships. A few really great songs off the album are "Do what U Want" featuring R. Kelly, Aura, Venus, Jewels N' Drugs, and my favorite, Donatella. I am a huge fan of Gaga and I am very impressed with the new album and proud of how far she has come since her hip injury last year, causing her to cancel her "Born This Way Ball" tour. Artpop is very diverse and is a great listen wether you are angry, sad, or happy. Artpop was number one on the charts and it shows how much Gaga's Little Monsters love her music and how hard work pays off. 

An Apology from Ms. Rome

It has been brought to my attention that many upset parents have called in about our most recent poll regarding abortion.

It was posted without my consent, and somehow slipped in under the radar of our Web Editorial Staff. I was just made aware of the poll today. It has since been taken down.

When discussing the incident with my poll creators, they felt like they were simply exercising their right of free speech. While I explained that the First Amendment is a very important right to have and exercise, there is a time and place for such things; going against Catholic doctrine in a Catholic institution cannot and will not be tolerated.

I would also like to add that the opinions of our poll staff and those who were polled do not represent my views or the views of Sacred Heart High School.

We have since put more stringent screening on what will be put into our newspaper, both online and in print. I am sincerely sorry for any students and parents that were upset or offended; as moderator, I take full responsibility.

If any one feels they need to discuss the incident further, please feel free to leave me a message in the main office or email me at arome@sacredhearths.net.

Sports by John Jackson and Raffaele Elia

The 2013 World Series

Games 1-3 (By John Jackson)

         The 2013 World Series was a matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox. Boston had home-field advantage this year because the American League defeated the National League in this year’s All-Star game back in July. Game 1 was held in Boston on October 23 and featured the pitching matchup of these teams’ aces. Adam Wainwright was on the mound for the Cardinals while Jon Lester was on the mound for the Red Sox. Boston won this game 8-1 thanks to the help of three Cardinal errors and solid work off the mound from Lester. Game 2 was also held in Boston and on October 24. This game was won 4-2 by St. Louis with their young pitcher Michael Wacha. John Lackey started and lost for Boston in this game. Game 3 shifted to St. Louis and was held on October 26. This was an intense game that was won by St. Louis 5-4 from an unusual walk-off. The walk-off was due to an obstruction call. The obstruction was called when the runner from the Cardinals fell over Boston’s third baseman.

Games 4-6 (By Raffaele Elia)

The series came to an important game 4, as the St. Louis Cardinals, who were already up two games to one, had the chance to go up 3-1 and possibly finish off the Series in a game 5. However, this wasn’t to be as the Boston Red Sox were able to win the game 4-2 on a three-run homerun by Jonny Gomes. This knotted up the Series at 2-2 for game 5, where Boston would win 3-1, because of a wonderful, 4 hit pitching performance by Jon Lester. This win brought the Series back to Boston for a win or go home game for the Cardinals. On the mound for St. Louis was rookie sensation Michael Wacha, and for Boston was their veteran, John Lackey. These were the same two on the mound for game 2, where Wacha took the win against Lackey.  When all was said and done, the Red Sox pulled out a dominate defeat over the Cardinals, winning the game 6-1 and taking the World Series with it. John Lackey became the first pitcher to start a World Series clincher game for two different teams, and win (He did it as an Angel rookie in 2002). Boston’s David Ortiz was crowned World Series MVP, batting with a stellar .688 batting average, as Boston took their 3^rd Championship title in 10 years.

Horoscopes by Gabriela Dominguez

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Creativeness is not something you lack in. In fact, it’s by far one of your best attributes. Do not be afraid of including your ideas into a project or a conversation because many people will like to see your ideas swing in full motion, especially when they’re so unique and original. Your birthstone is the diamond.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Being determined as you are, nothing will stop you from accomplishing your dreams and goals. You’re also patient, and understand that your wishes don’t come true overnight. They need to be worked hard for, and sooner or later you’ll be rewarded with the hard work you put into these dreams and goals you have. Your birthstone is the emerald.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Adapting to new situations is an advantage you have. It is hard to get used to an environment at first, but then in a matter of days (or even hours) you start to recognize what’s around you and get acquainted with the people you come across with every day. You always have something interesting to talk about, which breaks the tension whenever you’re with someone. Your birthstone is the pearl.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Your friends and family are very important to you, so you are cautious and protective whenever someone or something is bothering them. This means you are a caring person, but others find it difficult to figure out what’s going on when you’re thinking hard about something.  Your birthstone is the ruby.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Everyone gets along with you because you are so warm-hearted and understanding. You can find similar interests with most people you meet because you see eye-to-eye with anybody. Your birthstone is the peridot.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

You are modest with yourself, so you don’t appear over-confident to others. In reality, you don’t want to admit how wonderful you really are. Open up to people more, and chances are they’re going to like you for being yourself. Your birthstone is the sapphire.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

 People recognize for your loyalty towards others. This makes you an honest person, so many people look up to you when you need to find out the truth from your point-of-view. You wouldn’t lie when someone is seeking advice from you. Your birthstone is the opal.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Brave and courageous, you won’t back down from any obstacles that lay ahead of you. Your willpower makes it possible to overcome this, so nothing can intimidate you. This is why you choose your friends wisely and the right type of people to talk to. Your birthstone is the topaz.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Just like an Aries, you are very creative. You also have an active endless imagination, so you never run out of interesting ideas. Using your creativity helps you make daily activities more fun and enjoyable. Your birthstone is the turquoise.

Capricorn (December 22-January 20)

Many admire how you can be humorous but serious at the same time. This means that you don’t let humor get too over the top, and you know how to control it in a sense that it doesn’t harm anyone’s feelings. Your birthstone is the garnet.

Aquarius (January 21-February 18)

You are independent, yet also interesting. Much can be accomplished when you are working by yourself. You’re almost a mystery because you keep to yourself, but this makes people want to get to know you better and see who you really are. Your birthstone is the amethyst.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Giving is most likely something you would see a Pisces doing. This shows you have compassion for other people, and you would rather give something you have for someone needy than receive something back in return. Your birthstone is the aquamarine.

Sports and Entertainment

Jets and Giants Week 6

New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: By John Jackson

In Week 6 the (0-4) Pittsburgh Steelers came to East Rutherford, New Jersey to play the (3-2) New York Jets. The Jets came into this game with great momentum after an upset at Atlanta where the Jets pulled off a win at the end of the game due to a quick and excellent drive by their quarterback Geno Smith along with another great field goal by Nick Folk their kicker. Widely viewed as one of the weakest teams in the NFL at the beginning of the season, some sportswriters and TV commentators started to change their tones after the great start the Jets have been off to. Unfortunately the Jets could not pull off a win at home as they fell to the Steelers 19-6. After no interceptions against Atlanta in Week 5, Geno Smith was intercepted twice while completing 19 of 34 passes for 201 yards. The Patriots will be coming to face the Jets in Week 7 for a big divisional matchup where the Jets are hoping they can beat them to improve to (4-3) and one game behind the Patriots for first place in the AFC East.

New York Giants vs. Chicago Bears: By Raffaele Elia

            The New York Giants came into week 6, 0-5, facing the 3-2 Chicago Bears. Eli Manning, the Giants struggling QB, came in needing to turn things around, but on only the second pass attempt of his game, Eli was picked off, giving possession to the Bears and QB Jay Cutler. Cutler had a good game throwing for 262 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. On the other end, Manning had another below average game throwing for 239 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. The game, however, was a very close one. In the fourth quarter the score was 27-21, Bears in the lead. With the game on line, the Giants and Eli marched downfield to the 12 yard line with a chance to take the lead. Sadly for all Giants fans, however, Eli would throw another interception, and along with it, throw away the game for the Giants who are now 0-6 for the first time since 1976. 

World News by Erika Ramos

The Government Shutdown

Many of us are wondering what a government shutdown is and how it pertains to us.  First off a government shutdown is the halt all "essential" federal services such as the closing of all national parks and most organizations run by federal aid. The NIH, or National Institutes of Health will have to turn down patients hoping to enroll in their Clinical Health Center, which provides cutting edge treatment for many illnesses. NASA and its website has been closed, expect for the Johnson's Space Center in Houston, which provides support for the International Space Station. National parks such as Alcatraz Island, Yosemite, and the Smithsonian Museum have been closed. The National Zoo's panda-cam had also been shutdown as it is apart of the Smithsonian network. The shutdown also affects federal loans, passports, and gun permits. None of these will be given out due to the fact that most government employees have been furloughed. So, how does this affect us as high school students? Not very much, schools are still open, but it does make for an interesting topic for discussion. So ask your history teachers about it and maybe they'll forget their lesson for the day.