Technology- Raspberry Pi[e], a dessert… with a difference

The raspberry pi is basically a miniature computer. It is a credit card size board, that comes with: a processor, a GPU 512 GB RAM, a GPU, 2 USB ports, an Ethernet port, a HDMI & video (I.e. the yellow part of the three coloured cable) ports, and a micro USB power supply port. All for just over €30. It however, doesn’t come with: a hard drive, a Monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, an operating system (the thing that makes your computer run: i.e. windows or mac OS) or even a power supply. If you have a desktop, you will likely have most of the above requirements, you just need to transfer them from your desktop to your Pi. For an Operating System, you use Debian, a distro (sort of like a variation) of linux, and not unlike Ubuntu (another distro of linux), and for a hard drive, you use a SD card. If you don’t have a spare one lying around your house, an 8 GB class 10 SD card will cost you about €12. The SD card however, will NEED to be 4GB or over. For a power supply, any android charger will do, otherwise you can buy them with the pi on CPC. For laptop users (including myself), there is still (limited) hope. A mouse and keyboard are (relatively) cheap, and if you don’t want to buy them, you can get a loan of a friend’s for the initial setup and connect remotely You CAN use a TV as a monitor, as long as you have the appropriate cable to connect the two (HDMI, video connection, not sure about SCART however, you would need an adaptor, and whether you can get an adaptor, I don’t know). As it happens I don’t have a TV, so I had to borrow a friend’s monitor and keyboard for the initial setup. It is possible to run it completely wirelessly, but that’s very involved, and will be discussed later.

My project, is one that is extremely user-friendly, and one of the most useful applications of the Pi, to turn a TV into a smart TV. It does involve, however, installing a completely different OS on your Pi. The OS this time is called Raspbmc, and instructions on how to download it can be found on the website. It is based on Raspian, and supports FTP, SSH and HTTP by default. There is also wake on LAN support, which allows it to become inactive, and only turn on when it is requested by some other device. It also supports AirPlay, and AirTunes. To set it up, all you need to do, is install the OS, connect it to the TV via HTMI or any other suitable method, and boot. And there you have it, a Smart TV, no knowledge of linux is required, so it makes it easy to set up, however, if you want to mess around with the settings, there is extensive settings that can be fiddled with. And best of all, (this applies to all OS), if you brick the device, all you need to do is reflash the SD card, and reinstall the OS, and away you go.

I hope I have whetted your appetite, and I hope to be back with FAR more extensive RPi ideas, including streaming, and something along the lines of robots. The main website you will need is raspberrypi.org, you will get links off there to anything necessary. Cpc.farnell.com is also a handy website for ordering pi related products
I hope to be back next issue with more, interesting Pi ideas, including (hopefully) how to build a robot

Happy programming
Eoin Butler

Restaurant – Crackbird

Crackbird is a restaurant located in Temple Bar, Dublin. I wanna keep going back and back! Upon looking at the website, Crackbird seems to be part of a chain of restaurants that include “Jo’ Burger”, “BEAR” and “Skinflint” which is a poor advertising job, because I would never want to eat at some place called Skinflint.
Upon arriving to Crackbird with the boys, I was not impressed. Decor was obviously a big factor, As the place was very dark, there was super abrasive music playing at quite a loud volume and all the tables and chairs were wooden and “minimalistic” and probably “trendy”. All of this did add up to a bigger picture in Crackbird, and that picture was the atmosphere – the place definitely had one. But at the end of the day, I’d rather sit on a chair that is comfortable and has a back and actually be able talk to my friends, rather then sit on the wooden stools they had and listen to that loud electro at Crackbird.
We got waited by this hip guy with a nose ring, and the prices would be revolving around that nose ring if it were the ring of Saturn, because they were OUT OF THIS WORLD. I ordered some buttermilk Chicken wings, and let me tell you, they were delish. Crackbird was big into their dips, because we received a wide assortment of them. I wasn’t very adventurous with them.

Crackbird may not be the most impressive place, interior design wise, but it does deliver on many other points. Okay just one, the food. But that’s all that matters when you’re fifteen years old and ‘The All Seeing I”
By ‘The All Seeing I”

Poetry from the Poetry Club

I am lying in my bed
with depression on Christmas Eve
”Its like being sad” is often said
but that’s a thing people just conceive.
Though I don’t consider myself “wise”
I can see why people talk
as they try to empathise
but they have never walked my walk.
It’s quite hard to just lay it out.
It never got my sisters or my brothers
and comes in bout to bout
some of which are worse then others.
And now I have one today
but tomorrow won’t be like this
I’ll bring my cousins to Santa’s sleigh
and hear choirs sing of “merry and bliss”.
I’ll go out and play in the snow
I’ll sample some mince pie
there’ll be a party I’m sure to go
or at least I will try.
But I must wonder, for I amn’t sure
is it really worth my while
when I have depression the day before
and then to face all with a lying smile.
And if I say “No, Ican’t come”
to this celebration of celebrations
I know there will be some
with me the topic of their hushed conversations.
All I can do is wait, all I can do is hope
and maybe it’ll come to pass.
All I can do is hang on, all I can do is cope
and maybe it’ll be gone come Christmas day.

An Update from the Poetry Club

About a year ago we set up a forum for pupils interested in all things poetic. We meet once a week; keep a copy of our written work; read out our finished pieces; & discuss examples of written expression we admire from ‘non-sense verse to rap’. Anyone with an interest in creative writing is welcome to join.
This year St Kilians secondary students took park in a vocal poetry competition. Brought by the poetry teacher of the school ( Mr. O’Scannail) and the students Max McCabe, Ben O’Neil, David Noone and Nikolai Gladichef who placed second in the competition. 

-Max McCabe

The National – Concert Review

There’s an air of nervous excitement in the O2 tonight for what is Brooklyn band The National’s first show in the capital for three years. The last time around they headlined three sold out nights at the slightly more intimate Olympia, but this years album “Trouble Will Find Me” has seen the band take the step up into the big leagues. Any fears that tonights surroundings may be too much for the band are instantly quelled as they launch into new songs “Don’t Swallow the Cap” and “I Should Live in Salt” before pleasing older fans with “Secret Meeting” from 2005’s “Alligator”. The National are a band of brothers and twin guitar players Aaron and Bryce Dressner’s melodic guitar lines are complimented perfectly by the Devendorf brothers Scott and Bryan on rhythm and topped off by the classic baritone of Matt Berninger. The band storm through fan favourites from their back catalogue such as “Bloodbuzz Ohio”, “Squalor Victoria” and a particularly intense version of “Available” keeping the crowd at their fingertips. “We were happy in Whelans” says a clearly elated Berninger in a rare word to the crowd. Berninger is captivating throughout and one gets the real sense he is in his element as he waltzes around the stage, taking breaks to rhythmically brain himself with his microphone, proving to everyone in the crowd that he is one of the most enigmatic and intense performers of our time. The band are joined tonight sporadically by strings along with their usual horn section to give each song the extra kick they almost don’t need. The horn section go into overdrive on “Fake Empire” receiving a deserved bow from Berninger to close the main set. The band aren’t finished with us yet and return to “Humiliation” from their latest offering before Berninger makes his way into the crowd for a scintillating version of “Mr November”. Berninger briefly returns to the stage for the start of “Terrible Love” before once again launching himself into the crowd who welcome him with open arms. The band aren’t finished yet and make the 02 seem like Whelans with an almost unplugged version of “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” joined by 12,000 ecstatic back singers before walking off stage triumphant in the knowledge they have proved anybody who doubted them very wrong. It’s been a long journey for The National but they have well and truly arrived at the top as one of the best bands in the world today.

100/100

Jake M. Linnane

Reviews – Television-House of Cards

With six Emmy nominations and three wins it’s no surprise that this Netflix exclusive is gaining popularity rapidly. This political drama is as intense and fast-paced as any thriller for those who can appreciate it.
The show encompasses the fast-moving work and life of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a democratic congressman and House Majority Whip from South Carolina. After being passed over for the position of State Secretary he seeks his political revenge on those who betrayed him. Issues constantly arising from his work and private life and several sub-plots and characters ensure that there is never a dull moment in this exceptional show.
Kevin Spacey does an exceptional job and his monologues, which speak occasionally directly to the viewer reveal a lot about his character. He is a cool and calculating politician, who cunningly surpasses his competition.
Not only does this show entertain, but it also informs the viewer about the life of someone in the American political system, in journalism etc. Although other shows may be equally as intense and interesting as House Of cards you rarely come across a drama as informative as this one.
For its informative nature and interesting style I give this show an 8/10 and definitely recommend it.

By Kyle Ohlendieck

Sport – Hockey

In the past few months, a great deal has happened. Firstly, our senior schoolgirls have reached the Premier Leinster Schoolgirls league, competing against the top schools in our province. This fantastic achievement has led to tough, strenuous training sessions and games. In their debut game, they surely gave Loreto Dalkey a run for their money. Their proud coach Tom Parsons had a fantastic match report commenting on the sheer pressure we put Dalkey under. The footnote expressed how they were unfortunate to lose their game, however playing against their top team with over 30 teams in the school, show the utter talent available in St.Kilians. Nina Heisterkamp claimed girl of the game, with Captain Tara Junghenn claiming goal of the match.
We have also had our junior girls compete for the first cup win of the term. Elizabeth Murphy’s team played against Our Ladies Grove, to achieve this honourable cup win. At first, Our Ladies put Kilians under pressure; however the solid defence line kept Our Ladies at bay. Progressing through the game, Ciara Connelly swept home the goal to put us in the lead. At the start of the second half, Our ladies continued their strong influence on the game. This was not enough to stop Nina Heisterkamp getting the goal of the match, by smashing home a goal from great passing play. Aine Burns was girl of the game for this match.
Not only have the girls had sensational achievement, but the boys have had some great games too!
Captain Sam Staunton led his team to victory with a 4-2 win against Sandford Park. Coach Tom Parsons had this to say “Our under 13 boys led by Captain Sam Staunton came back from a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2 against Sandford Park. We were caught cold at the back in the first ten minutes to go 2-0 down but struck back through Ben Hauer and then possibly the goal of the season right on half time when Louis Murphy smashed the ball high into the roof of the net to level the game. In the second half we lifted our game. Samuel Nourse, Captain Sam Staunton and Ben Hauer worked tirelessly to create chances for Louis, Hugo and Philip Kuehnrich. Sam scored the third when he roofed a short corner to the net and Philip picked up a rebound from the keeper to score the fourth”. Samuel Nourse received man of the match for having an outstanding game at left mid. Louis Murphy got the goal of the match and contender for goal of the season.
Lastly, Captain Max Murphy, who received man of the match, led his team to victory conquering New Park with a 3-2 win. “It was end to end game with both sides creating lots of chances. Ben Hauer scored after 8 minutes to put us 1-0 up. Newpark replied after 13 minutes to level at 1all. Newpark scored first after the break to go 2-1 up. Eoin Brennan came on and scored to make it 2-2. Eoin nearly scored the greatest goal of all time when he deflected the ball over the out rushing Newpark keepers head and ran round the keeper and smashed the ball just wide of an open goal. With 1 minute to go Captain Max Murphy made a great run beat two players and scored to seal the game for St. Kilians at 3-2”. This was the commentary of a fantastic Coach.

Mark Noone

1st Year Disco with 5th Year Mentors

On Friday the 8th of November the 5th Year Mentors held an ‘80s themed disco for their 1st Year Mentees. The evening was a great success with a total of €280 raised and great fun had by all! All of our mentors got involved with various activities from dancing, DJing, selling tickets and manning the sweet stall. The 1st Years had great fun at their first ever school disco and can’t wait for their next one, which will be held on Thursday the 19th of December, with all proceeds will be going to Focus Ireland and Project Peru. The 5th Years remember their 1st Year discos fondly and are delighted to have given the 1st Years a memorable experience. A big thank you to Ms Farrelly, Ms Kelly and Ms Ennis for giving up their time to supervise the disco.

By Comhall Fanning
Photos by Mark Noone

St Kilians Short Film Festival – Call for Entries

All students of St. Kilian’s/ LFI are invited to participate in the first ever film festival at St. Kilian’s. All films less than five minutes will be accepted for nomination. These should however be inventive, imaginative and innovative. First film attempts are especially welcome. The films can be recorded on camcorders, iPads or mobile phones. The technical quality is secondary, more important is the result, your stories and your imagination….Individual and group entries may be submitted. Foreign language films with subtitles are particularly welcome. Your film or films should be saved on a clearly labelled USB stick and submitted to the staff room or E12 by 1pm, 28th March

Overfishing – A Message From the Green School

“There’s always more fish in the sea” goes the old saying.
Well, no, not really. Over-fishing is a huge problem, and though you might not be able to see it now in a few years time it will have a huge impact on us. You might not think it at the moment, but trust me it will. Just as an example, tuna. Is there anyone reading this who really likes a nice tuna sandwich? Maybe with butter or coleslaw or lettuce? Well, guess what, there’s going to be none left in as little as fifty years if we continue to fish as much tuna as we are currently doing, and in just thirty years if over-fishing inflates even more. Or how about cod? Do any of you like a nice fish and chips? Well,there is only twenty years until cod is gone and it’s never coming back. Or salmon. How do you like your salmon? Do you like it grilled or baked or poached? Well, enjoy it while you can because you only have ten years left until you can never taste salmon ever again. That’s it. Zip. Zero. Nil. Gone forever.

And let me tell you, that’s the short of it.70% of the worlds fish And fish oils are a valuable source of omega-3 and provide an alternative for protein to semi vegetarians. Fish are used to make fine wines, to make crops grow, even to make glue. But let me tell you, it’s give more to get more. If you want to keep these fish going you need to do your part. Check what type of fish you’re eating. Get the Good-Fish-Guide app. It is absolutely free, doesn’t cost you a penny, and you or your parents can use it in the supermarket or in the fish mongers to tell what fish are from large fish stocks and what fish are being depleted.

Or if you really feel passionate about it you could join the Green School. Already Green School have been busy making people
aware and taking part in the SHOAL project, where we made loads of metal fish from tin cans.

To get more information go to the Green School board in the lobby
or come along to one of the Green School weekly meetings in the library from 1 – 1.30