Staff Writer

With St. Patrick’s Day being so recent, let’s discuss some of the best Irish artists on the  music scene at the moment!

CMAT: Ciara Mary- Alice Thompson, professionally known as CMAT is an artist from Dunboyne in the Republic of Ireland. CMAT makes self-described “Euro-Country” music which is  a combination of indiepop and country. Her lyrics contain a blend of theatrical, humorous storytelling, and dramatic elements. Additionally, CMAT tends to sing about personal  experiences and performs with high-energy akin to Kate Bush.

Hozier: Andrew Hozier Byrne, or simply Hozier hails from Bray in the Republic of Ireland.  Hozier’s music contains elements of rock, blues, folk, and indie. His songs focus on a multitude  of topics ranging from religion, nature, politics, and literature. Hozier writes with a distinct poetic perspective that evokes poignant imagery within the listener. His live performances have an  ethereal setting around him and a strong sense of community binding everyone together.

Fontaines D.C: Fontaines D.C is a rock band that originates from Dublin city, hence the  D.C in their name. Their music focuses on themes of Irish identity as well as romance and  existential meaning. Their early work such as Dogrel (2019) and Skinty Fia (2022) focuses on the  band’s Dublin identity. Their more recent work such as Romance (2024) shifts to a romantic  theme as well as themes of finding one’s place in the world. Even though there is a distinct shift  from Irish identity, the band takes references from Irish writers such as James Joyce and W.B  Yeats.

Amble: Amble is an Irish folk band from the west coast of Ireland. Amble is the most  recently formed band, as they formed in 2022. The band focuses on themes of storytelling,  yearning, nostalgia, and Irish life. Amble opened for Hozier for his Unreal Unearth tour last year!

Ireland truly is the home to some of the most prolific artists of the moment!

Staff Writer

Remaking movies is something that has become incredibly popular in the past decade or two. Although remaking movies is something that brings back great movies and shows them to the newer generations. Although most times when the movies are being remade, the original movie is only taken as a suggestion, and movies that people considered classics are detrimentally changed forever.

The rise of remaking Animations in Live action is something that has been increasingly popular with companies like Disney. Where most of their older movies were all animated and in many cases do not fit the new rules of PG movies, and many parents now are less ok with allowing their young children to watch movies that either have crude jokes in them or are considered scary. They decide instead of redoing them in animation, they make them live action.

Each time a movie is remade from animation to live action, there is always the debate between whether the movie is better now by using CGI or if the original animations were better. Both sides of the argument have good points. The animations of the movies hold a nostalgia with them that brings many people back to their childhoods, and they enjoy seeing the old animation style of Disney.

Then some people would rather watch the new remake of the movie, where many things that were in the first movie, like the songs or the visual effects, have been improved. The remake also brings these old movies from the past back to the newer generation and enlightens the younger generations with things their parents grew up with, but now it is different and new.

In my opinion, I think that the remake of old animations is something that is not as negative as many people make it out to be. The reason I think that, though, is not because of the newer look to the movies, or the new soundtrack, but instead I enjoy the remakes of the movies, because from there it encourages people to watch the original movie before watching the new version, making people fall in love with the old movie first and foremost.

Staff Writer

As I sit down to write this piece amidst the second week of March, I find myself surprised that Lent is almost halfway over, and the countdown to Holy Week and the Resurrection of the Lord is less than two months away. 

This period of the Lenten journey is a good time to reflect and reset for the rest of this liturgical season, a time for contemplation about our faith, our relationship with God, and our relationship with one another as we strive to become better Catholics and better humans imago dei.

Campus Ministry & Ash Wednesday Services

On Ash Wednesday, hundreds of students participated in services offered by Campus Ministry. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit offered a morning prayer, two separate Mass times throughout the day, a Liturgy of the Word night-time service, and Eucharistic Adoration with the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) at late hours. 

It was moving to witness the amount of students congregating for the 5 PM mass on Ash Wednesday. Eager students were quite literally flocking into the chapel to meet their Shepherd, to submit to His will, and to begin their journey of self-denial and active worship that will guide their hearts, minds, and souls for the upcoming months.

Students were given opportunities to receive ashes throughout the day at these services – a physical representation that humanity was created from the dust of the earth and the breath of God, and to dust they will return. At the time of receiving ashes, students heard the words “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” a strong framework for beginning the Lenten pilgrimage.

Church Teachings about Lent

Lent is a forty-day devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, symbolizing the forty days he spent fasting in the desert, facing temptation, and preparing for his public ministry. Catholics are called to deny themselves and grow closer to God during Lent through the pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, which symbolize central tenets of Christ’s living Word and message.

In a Campus Ministry weekly newsletter sent out before the beginning of Lent, Luis Melgar, the Director of Campus Ministry, reflected, “As we prepare for this sacred season, we invite you to reflect on how you might grow intentionally in prayer, fasting, and generosity. It is a time that calls us to be attentive to our neighbors—friends and strangers alike—who long to be seen and accompanied. Know that you do not walk this journey alone; we enter this season together as a community committed to prayer, service, and solidarity.”

Lenten Midterm Reflections

Lent is always an exciting time of the liturgical year – following the New Year slump and bombarded with winter weather and snowstorms, it’s a consistent light in an otherwise dark season. The beginning of Lent is typically marked by hope, excitement, and high expectations for spiritual transformation.

Now we’re at the half-way point. I can’t speak for everyone, but on a personal level, I’ve noticed myself starting to drag my feet. Around this time is when we start to feel bored, lose inspiration and clarity of our goals, and experience deeper cravings than ever before to discard those things which we have pledged to pray for, fast, and give alms.

However, it is important not to lose hope. Now might just be one of the most important moments of this journey – embracing the Lenten mission when it is the most difficult. Not at the beginning of the season when great ideas about progress and transformation are in the front of our minds, and not at the end when the reward is near and we can celebrate the sacred mystery of the Resurrection. Now, when we feel the most empty, the most weak, and the most tempted, is the perfect time to dig in.

Particularly the fasting practice of Lenten penance forces us to deny those things which distract us from God and take His position when we are struggling. For some this might be screen time, for others it might be sweets or coffee. At this point in Lent, we’re probably all missing those favorite things in our everyday lives.

But the emptiness and craving that we feel are what makes space for inviting God into our daily lives. Through our sufferings, through our losses, and through our sacrifices, we can learn how to be fulfilled by the Lord and His eternal and self-giving love, truth, and goodness.

Now is the time. It is the most difficult test of faith, of resilience, and of determination. It is a chance to dig in and push for spiritual growth. It is the time to take up your cross and truly deny yourself. It might even be the perfect time to hit “refresh” and start over, if you don’t feel great about how Lent has been going so far.

Reset, Refresh, and Renew

Lent is a journey, not a destination. Because we are human, we too are imperfect. No one will have the perfect Lenten experience, no one will come out of this season as a saint, and no one will go through these forty days without struggling. That’s the point. By devoting ourselves to the pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are reminded of the humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ and how truly difficult it can be to live up to his image and divine nature.

Perfection may be corporally impossible, but that doesn’t mean you should quit. If you’re feeling like you need to hit “reset” yourself, maybe go to Confession to seek the advice of a priest, go to a weekly or daily mass to hear the Gospel, listen to a podcast or YouTube video for inspiration, pick up a spiritual book, participate in Campus Ministry extracurriculars to surround yourself with like-minded pilgrims of the faith, or simply sit in the chapel and adore Christ in the Blessed Sacrament to spend time with Jesus in his Real Presence.

Keep your motivations and focus on God instead of yourself. Pick yourself up by the bootstraps as you carry your cross, and deny yourself over and over again. You’re halfway there. Now is the time.

Copy Editor

Believe it or not, but my favorite thing to do before or after class is to go to office hours. At this point, it’s just as much a part of my schedule as classes are. 

I’ll admit, I’ve been going to “office hours” before office hours. In high school, I would visit teachers during the five minute passing periods, which really only gave the teacher and I two minutes to talk, and then speed walk (because no running in the halls!) across Wachusett Regional High School before the bell rang. 

But here’s the thing: You would never see me in Founders Hall during my freshman year. It intimidated me! I wasn’t very outgoing at the time, and like every freshman, I only knew a handful of professors. 

I have to give credit to my Intro to Literature Professor, Kate Donius, who is now the Assistant Director of the Academic Support Center, for frequently getting me into Founders Hall. Whenever a due date for an essay was coming up, she required all of her students to meet with her one-on-one in her office to go over rough drafts. But after she gave me feedback, she always took the time to just ask what I was up to and how my classes were going. It was so kind, and we instantly built a rapport with each other. 

The next semester, when I no longer had Professor Donius, I would still regularly go to Founders to visit her and we would catch up. And then this turned into visiting Professor Gilbert, and Professor Norris, and Professor DiBiasio, and Professor Shields, and pretty much every professor I’ve had. I think office hours are fun, and more than half of the time, I’m just there to chitchat! Office hours are not just for students who need help or have questions. And the more you go, the more comfortable you’ll become. 

The only con I could possibly say about office hours is that I’m going to miss “making my rounds” around campus after I graduate! But I’m sure I’ll keep in touch with most of my professors in the future. 

All in all, take advantage of office hours! Your professors are there for a reason, and the reason is you! One of the best things about Assumption is how easy it is to build relationships with your professors, so don’t let that opportunity pass you by! At first, Founders was a building I was afraid to go into, but now it’s my favorite building on campus. I have made so many great memories in office hours and it’s all because I needed a little extra help.

Staff Writer

Like any other New Englander, I too find myself in the Dunkin drive through quite often, especially because nothing beats having a fun drink while completing homework. However, I had to do a double take after seeing the newly released Spring menu. As I am going down the new list of drinks, almost every drink contains the very spring flavor of…banana? Every new drink on the specialty menu, besides the new Dunkin’ Zero, contains an aspect of banana whether it be the Banana Puddin’ Cloud Latte, Banana Daydream Refreshers, Bananarama Iced Matcha, Banana Iced Protein Latte and many more.

Having very mixed (or should I say concerned) feelings about banana coffee, like any other good investigative journalist, I had to go try out the new spring menu for myself. I ordered the Banana Puddin’ Cloud Latte, and would not rate it very highly. The banana flavor was not overly strong, but the after taste was extremely artificial. It tasted like a liquidated banana Laffy Taffy which truly does not belong in any coffee. To me, the flavor profiles of coffee and banana just do not match and should definitely remain separate. Knowing I was a banana hater and would not drink the whole coffee, I also ordered another new Spring menu item, the Dunkin’ Zero Sunzest flavor. In this drink, there is a mixture of Tropical Mango and Peach flavoring in sparkling water which was surprisingly very good as it wasn’t too overly sweet and most importantly did not contain banana. 

Normally, Dunkin’ provides many different new flavors for their specialty menus as past spring drinks included pistachio, the signature Dunkalatte, and churro. In prior years, many different flavors were introduced rather than focusing the entire menu around one very distinct flavor. I may be banana’s biggest hater, but I wish there was more variety in the Spring menu rather than the extreme promotion of bananas.

Staff Writer  

Carrie Bradshaw is one of the most iconic TV characters of all time, yet she irritates many  who come across her. I couldn’t help but wonder, why is Carrie Bradshaw so polarizing?  

Carrie Bradshaw, who’s played by Sarah Jessica Parker in the hit TV series, Sex and the  City. The show follows protagonist Carrie and her friends, Charlotte (Kristin Davis), Samantha  (Kim Cattrall), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) in their love lives as well as their personal lives. 

Carrie is more notably controversial and widely disliked. She is notorious for never taking  accountability for her wrong doings, instead she projects on her friends and finds an innocent  party to blame. She cheats on her boyfriend with her on again off again boyfriend who’s given the  nickname “Mr. Big” on her far more loving boyfriend Aidan Shaw (John Corbett). She also spent  her month’s rent on Manolo Blahnik shoes. 

At the same time, Carrie is also fiercely independent, is a great friend during her friends’ hardships and milestone moments; particularly when Miranda goes through her pregnancy, when  Samantha has breast cancer, and when Charlotte faces issues with her first marriage, a prolific  writer, and a fashion icon. We can’t help but admire Carrie for these qualities, but at the same  time shudder at her utter stupidity and selfishness. 

What makes Carrie such a polarizing character is her complexity. She’s violently human!  She cheats, she spends too much money on designer shoes, and she lacks accountability for her  actions. We hate Carrie because we are Carrie. We don’t like our mistakes to be called out  because it reveals how flawed we are. That’s why we gravitate towards characters like Charlotte,  Miranda, and Samantha because they represent some positive qualities, we want 24/7; kind,  smart, intelligent, and confident. But in the end, our human capacity for flaws takes over, and we  can’t be the romanticized unrealistic versions of ourselves. That is what Carrie serves to remind  us; we are imperfect. 

Carrie Bradshaw serves to remind us of our imperfections, to prove that we’re perfectly  imperfect. That we contain multitudes, and that we aren’t always the seamless version of  ourselves that we think we are.

Staff Writer                           

As the holiday season is quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect presents for those in your life. Whether it’s your mom, dad, significant other, sibling, or even roommate, this gift guide is sure to get you right with the perfect gifts, even equipped with common places to buy such presents, for those who make the holiday season feel whole. Take it from a “D1 shopper” whose love language is pure gift-giving. Here are my opinions and ideas on what you should get for those special people in your life this season.

First, if you want to show your mom that you love her, certainly don’t get her a robe. The 2020, SNL skit “I Got A Robe,” explains just why your mom does not want that this year. Moms are the creators of all Christmas magic, making sure all the presents are wrapped, the Christmas tree is decorated perfectly, and that all of her family members are happy throughout the holidays. They deserve a special present too. So, here are some ideas:

• Perfume (what is her favorite scent)? (Ulta, Sephora, online stores)
• Spa Basket: Candle/lotions/bath salts/fuzzy socks/skincare (Bath and Body works, T.J. Maxx/Marshalls)
• Clothing: Cozy sweaters, pajamas, slippers (T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, The Paper Store)
• Jewelry (doesn’t have to be fancy, T.J. Maxx has great options)!
• Apple Watch (Amazon, Apple store)
• Books (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, local book stores)
• Decorative Pillows/Comfy Blankets (Homegoods, online stores)
• Personalized ornament (Amazon, online)
• Scrapbook (good if the budget is low – Michaels, CVS, etc.)
• Dish Towels/Kitchenware (mom’s surprisingly love customized and cute towels that match the kitchen – can be found online or in various chains)
• Air Fryer (surprisingly this is a great gift – Amazon, online stores, etc.)
• Wallet, purse (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Target)
• Chocolate/baked goods (the way to any mom’s heart)!
• Experiences/Giftcards: Her favorite restaurant, store, cafe, nail salon, hair salon, concert tickets, etc.

Next, whoever the girl is in your life, whether that be a daughter, best friend, girlfriend, sister, or even roommate, these gifts are sure to be items she either wants or really needs, but doesn’t want to ask for! Every girl ages 13-20s will surely have these items on their Christmas list.        

• Jellycat (Online, The Paper Store)
• Weighted stuffed animal/blanket (Amazon)
• Personalized blanket (Etsy, Amazon)
• Digital camera (Amazon)
• Best Friend ornament (Etsy, Amazon)
• Makeup (Lip liner, mascara, fake lashes, setting spray, lip gloss – safest options if you’re clueless with makeup) – (CVS, Sephora, Ulta, Glossier)
• Nail polish/fake nails (CVS)
• Skin care headband/skincare (CVS, Ulta, Sephora, Glossier, Florence By Mills)
• Sweaters, hats, scarves (Paper Store, Marshall’s)
• Candles (Bath & Body Works, Homegoods, Yankee Candle)
• Hair clips/bows (Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx)
• Uggs/Converse (DSW, online shoe stores)
• Jewelry/ring dish (hoop earrings, promise rings, etc.) (T.J. Maxx, jewelry stores)
• Pajamas/fuzzy socks/slippers (T.J. Maxx, Homegoods)
• Tote bags (Esty)
• Light up mirror (Amazon)
• Poster/Merch of favorite singer (online stores)
• Airpods/Headphones (Apple, online stores)
• Lotion/Perfume/body scrubs & gels – Sol De Janeiro is popular (Bath & Body Works, Sephora, Ulta, Tree Hut)
• Workout sets/weights (Kohls, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lulu Lemon)
• Candy/baked goods
• Giftcards: Dunkin, Starbucks, Ulta, nail salon, favorite store, etc.

Dads can be especially difficult to buy for, as they generally say they “don’t want anything.” Despite this, giving your dad a Christmas gift is more than necessary as they are the backbone of the season. They carry in the Christmas tree, they are often the ones to lay down their credit card for the presents, and the ones who act like they know what is wrapped underneath the tree on Christmas morning, even though they have zero idea. These ideas could also work for any boy in your life, whether that be a best friend, roommate, brother, or boyfriend. Most boys enjoy the same sorts of things…So here are some ideas!

• College Merch (dad’s love college sweatshirts & hats)
• Baseball hats (Dick’s Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx)
• Sneakers/new shoes (Dick’s Sporting Goods, DSW)
• Golf balls/clubs/equipment (Dick’s Sporting Goods, online stores)
• Ski jacket/hat/gloves (Amazon/online stores)
• Apple Watch (Apple Store, Amazon)
• Whiskey/beer glasses (Amazon, online stores)
• Puzzles
• Customized socks (Amazon, Etsy)
• waterbottle/coffee mugs (Homegoods, Amazon)
• Customized keychain (Etsy, Amazon)
• Framed photo for desk (CVS for printed phots & frames)
• Baked goods/candy (every dad’s favorite)
• Chain/Cross Necklace (jewelry stores, T.J. Maxx)
• Sports jerseys (Dick’s Sporting Goods, online)
• Video Games (Online stores, Amazon)
• Experiences: Tickets to a basketball/football game, concert tickets, golf times, skiing passes

I hope these gifts have helped you as much as they have helped me get all my Christmas shopping done early. Make sure to take advantage of Black Friday Deals, and happy shopping!

Staff Writer 

As Christmas approaches, it’s time to settle once and for all the top five Christmas songs of all time!

5. “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” by Bleachers 

Although this song is new in the zeitgeist of Christmas songs, “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” has solidified itself as a top tier Christmas song. Much like “Last Christmas”, “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” focuses on themes of love and heartbreak over nostalgic and catchy Christmas instrumentals. However, “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” finds solace in the sadness of losing a partner.

4. “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson

“Sleigh Ride” is a true Christmas classic. Anderson is able to capture all the elements of the holiday season in a robust symphony orchestra. Of course, the most iconic part being the slapstick! Since Anderson released the piece, “Sleigh Ride” has grown even further, with lyrics being added to it a few years after its release. This piece holds a special place in my heart as I got to play this with my high school’s symphony orchestra in my sophomore year of high school!

3. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

Would this be a true top five Christmas songs list if Mariah Carey wasn’t featured? The song is incredibly catchy, and Carey’s vocals put it over the top. The song’s popularity has been able to soar even higher with Carey posting comical videos to her social media on November 1st with the saying “It’s Time!” What started as videos in her living room have grown into large scale productions featuring celebrities such as Billy Eichner playing an elf in her most recent video.

2. “Wonderful Christmas Time” by Paul McCartney

“Wonderful Christmas Time”, takes a unique approach to balancing nostalgic Christmas sounds with synth instrumentals. This is what makes this song so iconic and iconic. It fully hones into the happy and nostalgic elements of the holiday season, allowing you to fully indulge in the cheery feeling of the holiday season.

1. “Last Christmas” by Wham!

Last Christmas is a classic through and through. The lyrics are catchy and resonate with listeners on a personal level. The sleigh bells and synths are the cherry on top of such a catchy melody and compelling storyline. Its legacy has lived on through covers by major artists like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande.

Whether you agree with my list or not, it’s important that you blast your favorite holiday songs and sing them at the top of your lungs! Happy Holidays Hounds!

Editor in Chief

Every holiday season, audiences climb aboard The Polar Express for another ride to the North Pole. Even two decades after its release, the 2004 film continues to hold its place in our hearts as one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic picture book, “The Polar Express” broke new ground with its pioneering motion-capture animation. The film’s dreamlike visuals, such as shimmering snowflakes, gleaming train tracks and the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights, transport viewers into a world where believing truly is seeing. The ambiance reaches a part of the soul that can be captivated in childlike wonder.

The story follows a young boy, never named, who boards a magical train on Christmas Eve and ‘rediscovers’ his faith in the holiday spirit. “The bell still rings for all who truly believe”, resonates with children and adults alike, reminding audiences of the importance of wonder and imagination; something that holiday movies created today tend to lack. 

The film’s emotional core is strengthened by beloved Tom Hanks, who voices multiple characters, including the conductor, hobo and Santa Claus. His performances lend warmth and familiarity to the movie’s fantastical setting, even if you were unfamiliar with his work prior. 

Complemented by Alan Silvestri’s sweeping score and the Oscar-nominated song “Believe” performed by Josh Groban, “The Polar Express” has become a Christmas tradition. From pajama parties to grand “Polar Express” train rides at local museums, fans continue to celebrate its message of hope and belief. I will admit, this movie served as a big part of my childhood that I will never forget. 

Twenty-one years later, the train’s whistle still calls out, inviting everyone no matter the age, to believe again.

Staff Writer

Every family has their own special traditions during the holiday season. In my family, my favorite tradition happens on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. That’s when my whole family gathers at my uncle’s house to watch “Scrooge”, starring Albert Finney, and enjoy Chinese food together.

Instead of trying to split Thanksgiving Day between both sides of the family, we spend the holiday itself with our separate families. Then, on Sunday, we reunite for a long-standing tradition that has been a part of my dad’s side of the family since he was a little boy: watching “A Christmas Carol”, cheering for football, and eating Chinese food. Occasionally, we’ll add another movie into the mix, usually “Elf”.

This tradition is one of my absolute favorites. It’s a day when I get to see my cousins, laugh nonstop, and feel completely at ease. No matter what’s going on in our lives, that Sunday always brings us together. For those few hours, there’s no stress or worry, just family, food, and laughter.

Watching “Scrooge” with my family is something I’ll always cherish. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, surrounded by the people I love most. Honestly, I look forward to “Scrooge Day” even more than Thanksgiving itself; it’s a day that’s all about being together, relaxing, and feeling the joy of the holidays.