The Spirit '15 December Truman High School by The Spirit of Truman

THE

of ‘15

SPIRIT

Truman High School

3301 S. Noland Rd. Independence, Mo. 64055

Volume 51 Issue 2

New Leadership, New Direction, New Year!

Welcome the Wagon Wheel Home

Cover Story:

A Royal Season

A New

Veteran’s Day Radicalism at Home

Cheers at State The Royals celebrating an amazing season with fans after winning the ALDS, ALCS and going to the World Series after 28 years. Photo Credit: THS Media Carly Hall

Scan for THS Media website: www.thsmediaonline.weebly.com

October-December 2014

THE

Radicalism at Home

editorial

A New Veteran’s Day

opinion

news

Secretary of State

Truman ‘s Big Band Cheers for State

feature

Greg’s Christmas Wish List

Ferguson Lens

reviews

sports

The Wagon Wheel at Home A Royal Season

Editor’s Statement:

The theme for this year is the new leadership, new direction, new year. This 2014-2015 school year the THS Newspaper Staff is looking forward to a successful year! Bringing you the most current and popular news. We really hope you enjoy reading the newsmagazine as well as having a great successful year with us!

Get your exclusive on Truman’s news, sports and clubs. Follow us on Twitter @THSNewsMedia. Also like us on Facebook: THSNewsMedia. Leave us your feedback!

Editor in Chief: Melynda Robinson Managing Editor: Kane Mobley Adviser: Robyn King Reporters: Gregory Miranda Wanda Wolfe Alana Campbell Jazzmin Matchette Michaela Bishop Cartoonist: Eric Etzenhouser Photo Editor: Carly Hall Assistant Photo Editor: Katrina Shepherd Photographers: Amanda Newberry Jessica Armstrong Taylor Hickman Wanda Wolfe Kirstin Huber Kendra Amos Ani Hedrick

Public Forum Statement

The Spirit is considered a public forum for student expression. We will accept criticism in the form of a letter to the editor. Letters may be delivered to room 244 or emailed to thsnewsmedia@gmail.com. All letters become property of the spirit. The Spirit is produced by students for students however, a faculty adviser provides guidance.

Truman High School 3301 S. Noland Road Independence, MO 64055 (816) 521-5350 thsnewsmedia@gmail.com

Become a Guest Columnist: Guest columns can be typed and submitted to Room 244 or emailed to thsnewsmedia@gmail.com. The content must be school appropriate and is subject to change at the editors’ discretion.

New Leadership, New Direction, New Year...

October-December 2014

of ‘15

SPIRIT

table of contents

editorial

Radicalism at Home by Melynda Robinson, Editor

ver since Sept.11, 2001, the world sees the radical side of Islam, of Arabs, of Muslims. Please keep in mind that an extremist groups actions, does not define a group of people. 1988: Al Qaeda is formed. Its founders: Osama Bin Leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri and Dr. Fadl. 1998: Bin Laden issues out a fatwa saying any American citizen not following Islam was a potential target to Al Qaeda. 2001: 2,996 die in Sept.11 attack, including many Arabs and Muslims who are AMERICAN citizens. 2002-2003: In between this one year interval there are numerous counts of bombings and massacres. The US tries to invade the organizations headquarters, but have found little success. 2004: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi initiates Al Qaeda. 2006: Zarqawi is killed in US air strike. Abu Hamza al-Muhajir has been appointed leader of Al Qaeda. 2010: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi becomes leader of the organization after Abu Hamza al-Muhajir and a couple of others die in an US joint operation towards Iraq. 2013: Baghdadi reinstates Al Qaeda , renaming the group ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq). 2014: ISIS kidnaps 140 Kurdish boys in Syria, demand them to study Islamic theology. 2014: ISIS starts taking control of many towns. The organization closes down many borders to stop fleeing citizens from leaving their homes. They then announce a new beginning- the caliphate (Islamic State), erasing all state borders. According to CNN.com 1.2 million Iraqi’s were forced from their homes. Aug. 19, 2014: James Foley, a United States journalist,finally surfaces after missing for two years in Syria. Only to be beheaded by an ISIS militant. The militants then posted the video on the Internet for the whole world to see, targeting America. June 30, 2014: The Pentagon announces the US will be sending 300 troops to Iraq. July 3, 2014: ISIS takes control of Syria’s

Photo Credit: likeaprism.tumblr.com

largest oil field (al-Omar). Sep. 2, 2014: The second victim, US journalist, Steven Scotloff, is beheaded. The executioner is believed to be the same man. Sense he wore the same all black outfit and has the same British accent in his video beheading Foley. Sep. 13, 2014: The third execution of a journalist this time from Britain, David Haines, is beheaded. At the end of the video the executioner threatens the United States and Great Britain stating if Britain doesn’t want to see more destruction, stop “evil alliance” with America. Sep. 23, 2014: The USA initiated airstrikes against ISIS in Raqqa, Syria. Oct. 3, 2014:The fourth victim, Alan Henning, a British aid worker, is beheaded. This time the anonymous executioner blames the UK for this. Saying because of them joining forces with the US. Nov. 16, 2014: The fifth victim, Peter Kassig, a former soldier turned medical worker, gets beheaded while in Syria trying to help the Syrian people. The war has just begun. For the most part I think most people judge Arabian culture (especially the women) on religion. Saying women are “oppressed” because of religion. Religion doesn’t oppress people, people oppress people. In this case it’s men oppressing women. We, as a society, inflict the oppression on each other. Religion is used

as a scapegoat because without it, no one can fully agree to their extreme opinions on a culture. The lack of opportunity, pain, and inequality in a society is shaped by the person(s) with power, abusing it. The people in power that abuse their power, feed off of negative energy. Tending to prey on who they view as weak, which is most of the time- women and children. Until the minority is strong enough to speak up, oppression will still be present. Culture can be a very ugly thing and it can be very beautiful. It dictates lives probably more than religion ever will. People are very much attached to it because it gives them an identity. You won’t even be able to tell the difference because they believe in it so much. The world has a way of bringing other countries faults into the spotlight, but when the spotlight turns on us we turn away. The news only seems to highlight ISIS only when one of our people (Americans) are involved. At this point Barack Obama needs to stop being arrogant and admit that he doesn’t know what to do. He doesn’t have a plan, where if ISIS did strike, We as a nation would be in turmoil. This situation goes beyond the Middle East, this is a world crisis. If we don’t stop ISIS now they might be in our country tomorrow. No one will ever know the seriousness of ISIS unless you are living in/from the Middle East or have family in the Middle East. See RADICALISM, page 4

October-December 2014

opinion A New Veteran’s Day by Wanda Wolfe

cy of a door gunner was only six weeks. On his first day at the unit, he was sent on his first mission, he didn’t have time to unpack his things. My grandpa has been diagnosed with PTSD, it means Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is not a mental illness, it is a reaction to the extreme stress encountered during the war and upon returning home. He also has prostate cancer due to the Agent Orange exposure. He is being treated at the Veterans Hospital in KC. Also due to the Agent Orange exposure he has Parkinson’s disease. Agent Orange was a blend of herbicides the U.S. military sprayed from 1961-1971 during Operation Ranch Hand in the Vietnam war to remove trees and dense tropical foliage (leaves) that provided enemy cover. The name “Agent Orange” came from the orange identifying stripe used on the 55- gallon drums in which it was Mike Martinez pictured when he first went to the stored. The U.S. Department of Defense service at age 18. Photo Courtesy: Wanda Wolfe developed these tactical herbicides specifOne soldier said, “The year others knew ically to be used in “combat operations.” as youth, I spent learning the meaning of They were not commercial grade herbideath. The times others spent learning to cides purchased from chemical companies love, I passed hoping to live through end- and sent to Vietnam. The ingredients in less nights. The moments others remember the Agent Orange herbicide combination as terror in the jungle. were equal amounts of The instants of pleasure 2,4-dichlorophenoxytaken for granted by acetic acid (2-4-D) and others, I remember as 2,4,5-trichloropheforgotten hopes… Long noxyacetic acid (2,4,5,ago crushed by the reT) which contained ality of war. The unfultraces of 2,3,7,8-tetrafilled dreams of others chlorodibenzo-p-diare yet to be thought by oxin (TCDD). Dioxins me since I am in search are pollutants that are of my exclusive youth. released into the enviLooking for years lost ronment by burning in combat, which are no waste, diesel exhaust, more and never will be.” chemical manufacturMy grandpa Mike ing, and other process. Martinez, was three TCDD is the most toxic weeks out of high of the dioxins, and is school when he joined classified as human the army. He served in carcinogen by the Vietnam from 1969Environmental Pro1970. He signed up to tection Agency. There be a door gunner on a A barrel of Agent Orange, blend of herbicides to are many symptoms to helicopter, life expectan- remove trees and dense tropical foliage. Agent Orange and it can Photo Courtesy: Wanda Wolfe

October-December 2014

Mike Martinez today wearing his veterans hat proudly. Photo Courtesy: Wanda Wolfe

take months to years to show up. Health problems are: birth defects, skin diseases, transient peripheral neuropathy, may also be responsible for some instances of Parkinson’s and heart diseases, altered liver functions, immune system impairment and damage to the nervous, endocrine, reproductive system in developing fetuses, Hodgkin’s disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, type two diabetes, and also causes a neurological disorder known as acute and subacute transient peripheral neuropathy. My grandpa has joined a group to help him with everything that he has going on. The group is called Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 243, they are a non-profit organization. The group also has a helicopter that was shot down three times during the Vietnam war. Vietnam Veterans were not recognized when they returned home. They were known as “baby killers”, they were spit on and had things thrown at them. My grandpa didn’t wear his uniform through the airport. When he got to the airport before he was seen he had changed out of his uniform so he wouldn’t have things thrown at him. On Sept. 12, 2009, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver held a “Welcome Home Celebration” at the Truman Library, which was long over due.

by Wanda Wolfe

Bipartisan legislation introduced Wednesday, July 30, 2014 takes aim at sexual assault on college and university campuses by protecting and empowering students, and strengthening accountability and transparency for institutions. The legislation is intended to confront sexual violence against students, as available statistics show that approximately 19 percent of undergraduate women have been victims of sexual assaults. Several survivors and advocates joined the Senators and spoke in support of the legislation, including Annie Clark and Andrea Pino with “End Rape on Campus,” Anna a student survivor from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Scott Berkowitz, a president and founder of RAINN, “Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network,” the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization, and Wagatwe Wanjuki, an organizer with “Know Your IX,” a national survivor-run, student- driven campaign to end campus sexual violence, and a survivor from Tufts University. An American woman who attends college is more likely to become a victim of sexual

Rape Initiative on College Campuses

news

than 5 percent of victims of rape attending college report their attack. An investigative series from the non-profit, non-partisan Center for Public Integrity completed in 2010 found that in many cases, victims wishing to report sexual assault experienced confusion over how to report, confusion over acceptable standards of conduct and definitions of rape and sexual assault, and fear of punishment for activities preceding some assaults, Photo Credit: Google such as underage drinking. assault than a woman who doesn’t attend According to the most recent data availcollege. Institutions of higher education able from the U.S. Department of Eduacross the country have been unable, or un- cation, college campuses reported nearly willing, to adequately address the problem. 5,000 forcible sex offenses in 2012, putting The bipartisan Campus Accountability college women at a higher risk for sexual and Safety Act will make it in schools’ im- assault than their non-college bound peers. mediate best interest to take proactive steps The senators have been working together to protect their students and rid their cam- for months to examine federal, state, and puses of sexual predators. local policies, collect feedback from stakeThis bill represents a rare thing in holders, and craft bipartisan legislation to Washington a truly collaborative, biparbetter protect and empower students, and tisan effort and that bodes well for our hold both perpetrators and institutions shared fight to turn the tide against sexual accountable. violence on our campuses. A 2000 Justice Department report estimated that less

The Snappening by Melynda Robinson

Choosing how many seconds your picture will remain visible, you send a Snapchat to a couple of your friends. Thinking that after they view it, it will be gone forever. Due to the newly discovered third party apps like Snapsaved (the app the hacker hacked which is neither owned or authorized by Snapchat), allows users the option of saving pictures/videos from the app.Those photo’s might be anything but gone. In the latest report they could easily be floating around the web. With us, having no control over who sees it and where it might be posted. According to Kunocreative.com fifty percent of the apps users are between the age of 13 and 17. Since many of the users are minors, the legal question comes in that if authorities were to find the hacker, could he or she possibly face potential prison time for releasing child pornography? The

anonymous hacker from 4chan.org claimed he had a 14 gigabyte file containing over two hundred thousand explicit pictures. Announcing they could potentially be released and posted on the website Oct. 13. Although taken seriously, many online message boards claimed this was simply a hoax. In correlation to the gossip, the file of 13.6 gigabytes containing 85,000 photos and 9,000 videos was leaked on Viralpop.com- a website that since the alleged leak, has been shut down. Before the site responded to the file, it had sadly already been downloaded over 100 times. Many of these downloaded copies can now be found on online forums like the original platform it was supposed to be leaked onto 4Chan or Reddit. Warn-

ing potential downloaders an anonymous 4Chan user posted their opinion on the file. “I deleted as soon as I saw how much child pornography there was on it, don’t be a part of Photo Credit: Google The Snappening, don’t seed it, don’t share it, just get rid of it,” the user pleaded. In response to The Snappening, Snapchat claimed their servers were never breached and their app was never the source for the leak. Making a statement that the use of Third Party apps was prohibited in their Terms of Use. Therefore, they couldn’t be held responsible for any of the victims. To some, this will be a lesson very well learned as well as a warning that not everything that promises to vanish will just simply vanish.

October-December 2014

news

Radicalism

Tragic Seattle School Shooting by Wanda Wolfe

Photo Credit: Google

On Friday Oct. 24, 2014 Jaylen Fryberg opened fire in the cafeteria at Marysville Pilchuck High School. When he opened fire in the cafeteria he injured four people and killed himself. Before opening fire Friday he had sent his friends a text message asking his friends and cousins to have lunch with him a law enforcement official says. According to People.com, a Marysville Police Commander Robb Lamourex said the shooter was a student at Marysville Pilchuck High School, he couldn’t give any information including what had prompted the shooting, who the gun man was and who he shot. Four students were brought to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, a hospital spokesperson Heidi Amrine said. Students were later identified as Zoe Galasso, 14, who was shot in the head and died at the scene, Gia Soriano, 14, died Sunday, Oct. 26, from gunshot wounds, Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, 14, and Andrew Fryberg, 15, are in critical condition, Nate Hatch,1 4, was shot in the jaw and is in the intensive care unit, although his condition has improved from serious to satisfactory, according to the Seattle Times.

October-December 2014

Student Alan Perez told KING-TV he was eating lunch at a near by table when he heard gun shots. “He had a little gun in his hand. I saw the flash from the muzzle,” he said. Another student Austin Taylor, told the station the shooter “was just staring down everyone of his victims as he shot them.” Cedar Parker, 17 year old senior, told The Associated Press he was driving away from campus for lunch when he saw students running from the school and trying to jump a fence. Parker let several of them in his car, he heard other students yelling for their friends. If he would’ve chosen to eat in the cafeteria he would have been near where the shooting happened, he said, “leaving saved my life.” According to Washington Post, Trenary said that investigators are still sifting through the large numbers of text messages and phone records leading up to the incident. School has been suspended for at least a week, but students, community members and family have gathered at the chain-link fence that surrounds the school to build a makeshift memorial with flowers, teddy bears, candles and balloons.

Continued from page 1

Myriam Khalil, my grandmother explains her current situation and how she feels about ISIS. “I have been removed from my home. I don’t know where my husband or the rest of my family is. They have taken everything. Who has ever heard of that? Arab going against Arab? It breaks my heart. Iraq was once so beautiful. Their little planes and weapons might be striking us, above us. But they have forgotten Allah is above them. He is not pleased,” Khalil exclaims. Throughout all of this many still have hope. Hope that one day religion/race won’t divide us. That the desert sand will encounter many feet. With stories not of pain and suffrage, but love and unity. For many countless years it’s always been a feud between different groups over who was and who isn’t Arab. No matter if you’re: Iraqi, Moroccan, Kurdistani, Saudi, Lebanese, etc. We can’t go against each other just when we need each other now more than ever. The whole world is watching, to see what’s going to be the next move of the people. It’s time to put all differences aside and merge. Ask yourself, have you ever met a: Muslim Amish Christian Jehovah Witness Agnostic Atheist Buddhist Hinduism Druidism Wicca Mormon Catholic Paganism Judaism The second we lay eyes on someone, unless they’re wearing a symbolic piece of their religion, we have no perception of who they are, or who they represent. We as people put labels on ourselves. Which there is nothing wrong with that. What’s wrong is when you persecute someone because they do not express the same idealism you believe in. I think it’s safe to say at this point, that there’s no end to ISIS in sight. Before there is an end to ISIS, there definitely will be more bloodshed and war. There will always be a swinging pendulum for religion in the world. I think the whole world needs to come together on this. If we keep turning our heads it will soon be in our backyard.

Truman Band’s Big Accomplishment

news

by Wanda Wolfe

Truman High Schools Marching Patriots displayed their talents for the last time this fall in the competitive marching season Saturday, Oct. 18 in Shawnee Mission North’s Marching Festival finishing in first place. They also participated in the Ozarko Marching Festival on the campus of Missouri State University, Truman competed against more than thirty bands from four states. Truman placed second in the Open Class finals, which is the highest place that we have taken in that event. According to Todd Reinhardt, the band director this was one of the finest years in the history of the marching band. The Marching Patriots took seventh out of twenty four bands at the Pride of the Ozarks Marching Festival and eighth place in the Blue Springs Golden Regiment Festival out of thirty bands. At the Ozarko Marching Festival the band placed second

Truman Band Drumline: Ian Harmon, Josh Evans, Tanner Rosenberg, Matt Strauss, and James Cravens. Photo Credit: THS Media Amanda Newberry

in their class in preliminaries and finished less than a point out off from first in the finals. Senior Kelli Reinkemeyer was named the outstanding soloist in the finals and won bands outstanding drum major. The Truman High School Marching band

concluded their season with two performances, Oct. 25 at the Independence Halloween parade and during the football game against North Kansas City where 37 seniors were recognized for their accomplishments.

Cheers for State by Melynda Robinson

On Sunday, Oct. 5 the Truman Cheerleaders traveled down to Columbia, Mo. for the State Cheerleading competition. After months of hard work and preparation the team competed a fantastic routine and earned the third place award in the 5A Small division. This is the first time in several years that Truman has competed in this division and this is the highest place the Truman cheerleaders have earned at state in 12 years. That record is remembered by current cheerleaders. “Well my sister was the last team that made the record of third place 12 years ago,” senior Savannah Vinyard said. “Being able to live up to that expectation was pretty awesome.” Making history this year was another unforgettable moment for the squad. “It was an indescribable feeling that bonded are team even more,” senior Brittney Braxdale said.

Photo Courtesy: Natalie Pottier Seniors: Bree Neal, Brittney Braxdale, Carly Hall and Savannah Vinyard. Other members: Grayson James, Mia Stiers, Ashley Hicks, Montana Bunch, Jennifer Fadler, Emily Sanders, Madeline Cutshall, Maria White, Raquel Collier-Smith and Noah Sturgeon. Varsity Coached by Natalie Pottier and Sharon Slater. JV Coach - Jessica Mille

While the cheerleaders main focus throughout the year is cheering on the Patriots at sporting events, the cheerleaders as well as coaches were extremely proud to

represent Truman at this competition and even more proud to bring home third place.

October-December 2014

news Project Warmth & Beat The Bears Week B E A T

by Gregory Miranda

C’mon you’ve thought about, hey you may have even done it before, wake up on a Monday morning and not wanting to get ready to go to school, but now you have an excuse. During Truman’s Spirit Week with the theme of “Beat the Bears” Monday was “Get up n’ go” day, giving students an opportunity to be a bit more comfortable at school by wearing your pajamas all day, by no means is this a lazy day but you’ll find it that much easier to deal with the school week just beginning. “I actually kind of needed this, I looking forward to this week and also this day,” senior Lorenzo Dorman said. “I feel comfortable and knowing it’s all for this particular spirit week makes it that much better.” There’s two approaches you could take for the second day of Beat the Bears week, Tuesday was “Teddy Bear Tuesday/Hex day” you could either wear our arch rivals apparel, the William Chrisman Bears in hopes to throw our rivals off for our sports head to head clashes throughout week. Another way you could participate could also be to bring a teddy bear to school symbolizing that our rivals our not the intimidating Bears but merely just teddy bears and in a nutshell a taunt. No hard feelings right? Now Wednesday, they did the exact opposite. Wednesday was “Wild about Truman Wednesday” where students who are familiar with the spirit week shouldn’t have to think twice about supporting your school by wearing our school apparel and showing our patriot pride throughout the day and throughout the week. You do not Trevor Lickey, 11 have any Truman attire? Stop outside the cafeteria where they will be selling all Truman Apparel for just 10 dollars. This day might be tied for the most important day of this spirit week so we stressed that you participated because the Boys Soccer team will needed your support that night, as Truman took on the William Chrisman Bears in our first head to head match with them of the week. The Truman Soccer

T H E

T H S

October-December 2014

Patriots, both Varsity and JV won over our rivals with a final score of 3-0 with junior Christian Villa earning a brace of his own and Sophomore Mario Menjivar adding one to his name as well. JV won on a score of 2-0. Attention all Sailors, Thursday was Nautical Thursday as students and staff are encouraged to be a another tribute to our school and represent our colors again with a sailor and sea theme. Many people didn’t seem like they didn’t know what to wear which is understandable, but some did. “I know it was kind of confusing but when they said sailors I knew what I was going to wear,” senior Brenden Chandler said. “I don’t know what this spirit day was for but anything to beat the bears!” Thursday, many students were prepared for the final day of our spirit week leading up to Fridays late night game versus the William Chrisman Bears. To cap of the school and spirit week it Miah Stiers, 11 was “Beat the Bears Friday.” Appropriate title for an appropriate occasion and it seems as no-one can really focus straight, with this being one of the biggest days of the school year as yours truly, the Truman Patriots take on long-time rival the William Chrisman Bears at Chrisman. “I always get really hyped up for these games in good reason,” junior Joseph Quezada said. “This is for bragging rights until next year.” Truman played Chrisman at home and thrashed the rivaled Bears holding them to a shutout, 34-0 to regain the wagon wheel where it’s supposed to be. But till next time, we got the better of them this year. While it was a great week for Truman Patriots we also had a friendly school competition for Project Warmth which is an event where students are encouraged to donate money to pay for heating bills in the winter for those who can’t afford that as well as donating unused blankets to those who are in need. Truman was able to collect over 70 blankets and a large sum of money to benefit families.

B E A R S

Kelsey McGrath, 12

Photos by: THS Media Amanda Newberry

by: Jazzmin Matchette

news

Meeting with the Secretary

Responding to questions, Madeline Albright, first woman of Secretary of State, visits with Truman students from Mr. Jared Byrne and Mr. Andrew Plaster government classes. Seated on stage are seniors Zachary Rellihan and Emery Staton two of three students chosen to ask Albright questions on stage. Photo Credit: THS Media Amanda Newberry

Three students from Truman High School were selectively picked to attend Harry S. Truman Library to interview past Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on Dec. 4. Seniors Emery Staton, Zachary Rellihan and Caitlin Corteville were chosen for the opportunity. They demonstrated a good understanding of American government, public speaking, as well as many other attributes that showed they were ready for this important opportunity. Albright was the first woman in America to become Secretary of State and was the highest ranking woman in U.S. government. Throughout her life she worked through politics to reinforce America’s alliances, endorse democracy and human rights, promote American trade and business, and fight for environmental stan-

dards. Despite being born in Czechoslovakia, she lived in America majority of her life. Albright stated that she feels a special connection with Harry S. Truman because he was her first American president. Albright shared what it was like to become the first woman Secretary of State in America. “I never ever thought I would be secretary of state. When my name first came up, during the time before I was chosen people said, ‘Women can’t be secretary of state,’” Albright said. “The ambassadors of the United Nations got together and they issued a statement in which they said, ‘We’ve had no problem with dealing with Ambassador Albright, we won’t have any problems dealing with Secretary Albright.’” Staton and Rellihan were asked after meeting Albright how they felt during the interview: nervous, excited or anxious due to her high position in American government? “All of the above, she was the former secretary of state and I was nervous because she’s so important to our history and our current politics,” Rellihan said. “I didn’t want to mess up, because it was going to be on

Asking questions of Madeline Albright, first woman of Secretary of State, senior Caitlin Corteville was one of three Truman students asked to interview Albright. Photo Credit: THS Media Amanda Newberry

T.V.” All of the students seemed incredibly nervous to meet someone of her importance. “She’s such an important figure in politics, to be the first woman Secretary of State, I was definitely nervous to meet her because she’s so important and I wanted to make a good impression,” Staton said. The students had the opportunity to ask Albright many questions. “I asked her about the obstacles she’s had to face being a woman in politics, and she responded saying that the most issues she encountered being a woman came from people in our government, not from afar,” Staton said. “People were jealous because she got to be secretary of state. ‘Why is this woman secretary of state, I’m a man, why am I not secretary of state?’ So she was always having to fight against that.” Albright has been known for being someone of great aspirations and a great role model for both young women and men all around the world. Staton stated that Albright, “Really broke through the glass ceiling,” in both American and international affairs. Rellihan felt that Albright is a woman that all male and females should look up to as a role model. “I think she’s a great role model for anyone. She talked a lot about woman trying to get ahead and being equal but she had a lot of advice that kind of applied to both men and women ‘just work hard and strive for your goals, and don’t be afraid to say what you want to say because if you don’t say it it’s not gonna get said,” Rellihan said.

October-December 2014

feature

Through the Lens of Ferguson by: Jazzmin Matchette

Law enforcement move in on protester prior to detaining him during demonstrations in Ferguson, Mo. Photo Credit: Whitney Curtis Photography

Former Truman High School graduate Whitney Curtis, class of ‘96, has spent the last several months covering the events in Ferguson, Mo. since the death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. The events that unfolded on Aug. 9. initiated several protests all across the nation, originating in the St. Louis area. Curtis attended a Liberal Arts College as well as the University of Missouri to obtain an undergraduate degree in photojournalism. “While attending college I realized that photography had become more than just a hobby,” Curtis said. Since her start in photojournalism she has had the opportunity to photograph in major cities and areas such as, Kansas City, Chicago, Uganda, Haiti and now St. Louis. Although Curtis has done spot news in the past she’s recently found herself doing corporate and non-profit work, including

her recent work in St. Louis. Curtis, whose photographs were featured in New York Times, got the opportunity to cover the vigil where the family of Michael Brown was located. She said, it would be a good way to ensure she had pictures of the family as well as a sense of the story on the streets. Although the evening of that vigil started

out peaceful, as the people began to disperse Curtis went to leave and she couldn’t. “The police had blocked off the main road to Ferguson with barricades on each road,” Curtis said. The events that unfolded since the protest erupted throughout the country have left many journalist and other media crew frustrated at police officers. Difficul-

Click or scan here for the Whitney Curtis article in The New York Times

October-December 2014

Participating in a vigil for Michael Brown, Carissa McGraw also protested with others by turning their backs to the police. Photo Credit: Whitney Curtis Photography

feature

Vandalism broke out in Ferguson, Mo. and property was set on fire. Photo Credit: Whitney Curtis Photography

ties between law enforcement and the media have been common during the St. Louis protesting events. “It’s not uncommon for photojournalists to have difficult encounters with law enforcement officials,” Curtis said. “I’ve been kept from going into areas or from taking photographs of situations that the general public is allowed to witness.” During her time spent in Ferguson Curtis stated that she was surprised by how nice protesters and residents were, specifically in the early days of the protests. Many people approached her and thanked her for being there to cover the events that were unfolding on the streets of Ferguson. “It’s not often that members of the media are thanked for what we do,” Curtis said. The relationship between not only the police and residents but police and media has not been pleasant since the eruption of protests all across the U.S. Curtis witnessed Amendment rights being violated during her time spent in

Michael Brown,” Curtis said. “Journalists at times were forced into a holding area and were not allowed where members of the public were walking about freely. Protesters were sometimes not allowed to congregate on public sidewalks.” There were also rules setup for both police officers and journalist, such as the “five-second rule” meaning that you could not stand still on a public sidewalk for more than five seconds, people had to keep moving, Curtis said. These kind of rules are what has made the relationship between law enforcement and protesters and journalist tense.

Tear gas and smoke was launched by law enforcement into crowds of demonstrators including journalist. Photo Credit: Whitney Curtis Photography

Ferguson. “I do believe First Amendment rights were violated. Most of these violations I witnessed occurred in August within a couple weeks of the fatal shooting of

Although Curtis has covered many stories in the past, covering Ferguson has been the most memorable for her. “I’ve never had a news story take over my life like the events in Ferguson have over the past few months. It’s been surreal to It’s been an exhausting experience,” Curtis said. “But it’s been incredible meaningful to cover such a historic event. I’ve tried my best to cover this story as objectively as possible and let the public draw their own conclusions from my images.” For more visit www.whitneycurtis.com click or scan here

Protester raising his hands as police approach during demonstrations in Ferguson, Mo. Photo Credit: Whitney Curtis Photography

Click or scan here for more featured photos from Whitney Curtis in The New York Times

October-December 2014

advice

Melynda’s Makeup 101 by: Melynda Robinson

In preparation for this holiday season, finding the perfect holiday look can be crucial. The important things to remember are: Although high end makeup is luxurious and nice to have, don’t discriminate against the drugstore. You do not have to get the most expensive high end makeup. Especially if you don’t wear makeup on a regular basis. The amazing thing about drugstore makeup is, recently (especially in the last couple of years) they have stepped their game up tremendously. So many of the high end products have dupes in drugstore’s for a fraction of the price and sometimes drugstore products are better quality. The second is that what works for someone else, may very well not work for you. Finding makeup that corresponds and reacts with your skin well should always be the first priority.

Step 1: Cleaning your face. The first thing to always do before you put your hands on your face is to wash them. The second is to wash and moisturize your face. This seems like a no brainer but a lot of people skip this step. By washing your face you’re getting rid of all the dirt, bacteria, and early morning ugliness. In this case, prepping your face for your makeup to go smoothly on. I promise if you wash your face you will look and feel 100 percent better. A toner is optional, but basically the purpose of a toner is to re-balance your skin’s Ph balance after you have stripped your face of all oils. Regarding moisturizing, everyone should moisturize. This also goes for oily skinned people. Not moisturizing when you have oily and combination skin is a big no no. Since your skin produces more oil than average, by balancing it with a moisturizer you’re preventing your skin from purging. Purging is where it produces a very large

amount of oil, and if you’re acne prone, could initiate a breakout. For oily skin I recommend purchasing a moisturizer that’s oil-free and gel based (not lotion based). Gel based because, it easily absorbs into the skin very quickly and doesn’t sit on top of it. Since lotion based moisturizers usually have oils in them. Look for one that’s not over drying (could result in more oil and acne). Combination (oily and dry) skin can pretty much follow the same regimen as oily skin. For sensitive skin finding a moisturizer that again, is not to over drying is a good start. You also want one that doesn’t have any harsh chemicals in Photo Credit: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1069554/thumbs/h-NIGHTTIME-BEAUTYthem. That means benzoyl peroxide and TREATMENTS-640x640.jpg?5 sylphic acid or out. If you’re acne prone and dry, my best advice Dry skin typically needs a lotion based to you is have a separate acne treatment and moisturizer, but some gel formula’s are moisturizer to prevent your skin from furformulated for dry skin. Also, avoid any ther damage. Below are some recommendmoisturizer that also has any type of acne ed moisturizers from both high end stores medication. This will only dry out your and drugstores and their prices: skin additionally, since it more than likely contains benzoyl peroxide and sylphic acid.

Dry-High End: •Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ ($14.50-$38.00) •Josie Maran 100 percent Argan Oil ($16.00-$96.00) •Tarte Maracuja Oil (also works really well for all skin types if used correctly for your type of skin ($17.00-$46.00)

Drugstore:

•Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel Cream -dry skin formula ($6.39) •Aveeno Daily Moisturizer -dry skin formula ($10.00-$13.00) •Cetaphil Moisturizer ($9.00-$12.00)

Oily and Combo-High End: •Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel ($14.50-$38.00) •Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion-Blemish prone/oily skin ($35.00) •Josie Maran 100 percent Argan Oil Light ($16.00-$96.00)

Drugstore:

•Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel Cream-normal/combo skin formula ($6.39) •St. Ives Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer ($5.39)

October-December 2014

advice

Step 2: Dressing your face

This part is crucial. The first thing is a primer. A primer is your base before you put on a foundation. It acts as a layer of protectant for your skin, and also helps your makeup go on smoother, as well as longer. Having a primer is optional since you can use your moisturizer as a primer. Some primers I recommend are: Benefit POREfessional, Nyx Angel Veil, and L’oreal Miracle Blur. Next is finding a good foundation for your skin type and color. You also want to make sure that your foundation matches your skin’s undertone (yellow, red, pink, etc). By doing this, after your foundation sets and oxidizes, the hue will not look out of place on your face. Remember less is definitely more when it comes to foundation. The purpose of foundation is to create a flawless base and make your skin tone even. Not to dump a bunch of product on it. To avoid this, try and decide the coverage you want before you buy it. Foundations I recommend are: Kat Von D Tattoo Lock It Foundation, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Full Coverage Foundation, Maybelline Fit Me, Nars Sheer Glow, Makeup Forever HD Foundation, Estee Lauder Double Wear, Mac Face and Body, and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. If you do your eyebrows this is a good time to start. There’s not really much I can say about eyebrows, because everyone has their preference on how they do them. For brow products I really recommend the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, Brow Wiz, and Brow Powder. Then comes the contouring. This is one of my favorite parts because if done right, it really does compliment anyone’s face. The purpose of contouring and highlighting is, hiding and bringing out the parts of your face. Usually when highlighting, you

Photo Credit: http://sephora.com

highlight: your forehead, down the bridge of your nose, your cupids bow, chin, and under your eyes (in a triangular shape). For highlighting I recommend: LA Girl Pro concealer, Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer, Maybelline Age Rewind concealer, Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, and Ben Nye Luxury Banana Powder. When contouring, you contour: your forehead (to contrast the highlight), the sides of your nose (this elongates and slenders your nose), and under your cheekbones.

For contouring I recommend: Sunny NYC Bronzer, LA Girl Pro concealer, Too Faced Soleil, and Nars Bronzer. With bronzer you want to remember that for light skin tones, you do not want to get a bronzer that is orange. The key to contouring and highlighting is blending. A good tip, is after your done blending them in with your makeup brushes, take your foundation brush and blend them together again. This will make it look much more subtle and natural.

October-December 2014

advice

Now it’s time for blush and luminizer/ shimmer. This is one of my favorite parts because I think this really pulls any look together. But, at the same time you have to be careful because you can easily start looking like a clown, especially when it comes to blush. Something I do not recommend is putting blush only on the apples of your cheek. The problem with that is, your mainly keeping your face still. When you apply blush, the majority of people smile. What some don’t think about is after your stop smiling, the apples of your cheeks move back down, this means your blush moves down, which can be very unflattering. When applying blush, I always put it over my contour, and then smile and put very little on the apples of my cheeks. This gives your contour a more blended and natural look. Some blushes I recommend are: Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush, Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Sticks, and Nars. Luminizer is by far the most complimenting type of product you can use on your face. Luminizer to your face is like adding that extra glow. Adding it right on your cheekbones will really emphasize your contour and bring out your cheekbones even more. Some shimmer I recommend is: Hard Candy Tiki, Mac Soft n Gentle, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, and the Hourglass Ambient Light Palette.

Step 3: Eyes Eyes are the main focus, I think, for a holiday look because they are the most decorative part of your face. For eyelashes, again it’s an individual thing. For some people clumpy spider lashes are a must, and to others it’s an abomination. I can’t say a lot about false eyelashes since I barely wear

them. But Huda Lashes (singles) are my absolute favorite. She’s a genius and absolutely gorgeous. Plus the lashes last super long so I really think you can get plenty of wears out of them before you have to toss them. Regarding mascara, I recommend: L’oreal Telescopic Mascara (carbon black), L’oreal Voluminous Mascara (carbon black), Tarte Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara, and Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes. When it comes to eyeshadow, you can go two ways with this. Either a bold eye, or a soft supple eye. To ensure that the shadow stays on, I recommend you get an eyeshaodw primer. Basically what it does is takes the pigment out of your eyelids (so the color will be bolder) and also acts as a sticky base so the eyeshadow has something to stick onto (if you have really oily eyelids this will be a huge advantage) so it helps ensure the eyeshadow will stay on longer. For a bold eye, there are many looks you could go for. You could go for glitter on the lid with a wing, or even a very colorful eyelid with a neutral color on your lower lash line. For a soft eyelook you could do a neutral eye look and a pop of color/glitter on your lower lashline. There are endless possibilities. But the main part is to make sure you blend away. Lastly is eyeliner. In my opinion, eyeliner is the crown of your eyes. It can really bring any eyelook together. For me the brush you use determines the quality of the line. I suggest you use a thin brush like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Angled Brush. For eyeliner I recommend: L’oreal Infallible Lacquer Gel Liner, Maybelline Gel Liner, Mac Fluidline, and Motives Cosmetics ‘Little Black Dress’ Gel Liner. Below are a list of some really nice palettes for the holidays: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette (rose gold hued neutrals) -$54.00 Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Palette (it really does smell like chocolate!) -$49.00 Mac Holiday Collection Pigments 2014 -$35.00 Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette This holiday make a statement!

October-December 2014

reviews

Open for Gregâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Wish List Review an Trum TO: M: Greg FRO

October-December 2014

reviews

Greg’s Christmas by Gregory Miranda

AMAZON FIRE PHONE FLOP On June 18, 2014 Amazon Inc. and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced and debuted their first flagship smartphone in hopes to compete in an already crowded smartphone market. Fast forward to now, Amazon announced that they will have to pay a hefty amount for unsold inventory of the new phones around 80 million dollars, also had a quarterly net loss of 437 million dollars a massive change from last quarter which was only 40 million. With this being said what wrong with Amazon’s new flagship phone? Well… First, you could say it was late to the party. As previously stated, the smartphone market has always been dominated by the tech titans, Apple Inc and Samsung there are not many choices out their other then these two but why choose any other than these two when both are accomplished and proven while Amazon takes its first bite out of the smartphone market. iOS and Android are they most commonly known User Interfaces (UI) and with Amazon being new, wanted their own name creating Amazon creating the own Android spin off of their own UI with the much anticipated Perspective 3D. And thats it, really. The Amazon UI provides active widgets and one page home screen. Since there isn’t much to their new UI it seems puzzling to pay the same amount for less features. Leadway into the next topic, Price. While Amazon is new to the smartphone world its understandable that

October-December 2014

they have bad UI but its not comprehensible that will ever pay more for less. The Amazon Fire Phone sells for 650 off contract the same amount for the new iPhone 6 or the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 which are full of useful features and beautiful and proven user interfaces. Next with online application stores such as Google Play or the App Store, another reason why the Fire phone was

spots within the phones that could potentially be huge stepping stones in the near future if Amazon decides to take another crack at the smartphone market. First, FireFly. Firefly may be there most advertised feature of the phone it self, if you are unfamiliar with Fire Fly its is a stock application in Amazon devices that allows you to search thing by using the camera on your device and taking photos and comparing and search for matches within the Internet or for this case the Amazon shop. We’ve seen an application similar to this with Google goggles which allowed you to do the same thing just on a smaller scale. Google discontinued this application for an unknown reason. While as a whole the Perspective 3D UI is not the greatest the perspective 3D part is. Amazon installed 4 cameras on the front corner on the phone to detect your eyes to ultimately display and manipulate the icons Photo Credit: http://www.coolthings.com/ to appear 3D on the screen a flop was due to its limited applica- while Amazon claims this is the first tion market. Amazon made their own phone to have a full Perspective 3D UI App Store that has no Google applica- we’ve seen similar ideas from Apple in tions such as Docs, Gmail etc. making their Parallax movement debuted on it vulnerable to other smartphones that the iPhone 5s. allow third party applications. In difWhile this phone sounds like a bad ference on what the Amazon App store idea now, be patient, if Amazon cares has to the Google Play Store its around about their vision they will revise their a 700,000 difference in options with- ideas and go back to the drawing board in Google and Amazon making this with at least 2 great features to base it phone ultimately useless when it comes off of. to entertainment. Now all the bad is over heres some of the good, while some optimistic expected Amazons first phone to be rough there are a few gimmicks and bright

reviews

Wish List Review

iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3: Apple Pay. It allows customers to enter the credit card information on their phone to make purchases anywhere with any portable Apple device. This is a major change to the new iPads and with a lot more. Next the specs, with Apple usual

Photo Credit: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/

Like if Apple Inc. needed anymore help within the market, Apple Inc. on Thursday, Oct. 16 debuted their highly anticipated new products the Apple iPad 2 and the iPad Mini 3, which are now available for pre-order. Apple did not shock their consumers with anything unexpected but still it is something worth looking into. The biggest change coming to the home button, with now newly implemented Touch ID Sensor. With Apple Inc. introducing the Touch ID Sensor on the iPhone 5s in 2013. This allowed consumers to unlock their iPhone or to make purchases within the App Store with just the use of their fingerprint It could recognize up to five fingerprints all stored on the A7 chip inside your iPhone. Many people were amazed and intrigued with Apple’s bold new move with the change of the home button. Apple’s reasoning for introducing Touch ID was to secure all the important information you actually keep on your iPhone in a way that is seamless and unique. Apple is also implementing the use of the Touch ID on the new iPad not only for unlocking your device and making purchases on the App Store but to be compatible with Apple’s new virtual payment plan called

minor facelifts, the iPad Air 2 sits at 6.1 millimeters in width which is 18 percent thinner than its predecessor. Also the screen has a 56 percent anti reflective coating to help with distracting glare all this on a 9.7 inch screen containing an outstanding 3.1 million pix-

els. All this in a .96 pound body making this Apple’s lightest iPad Air to date. With the exact same dimensions as the iPad Mini 2 no changes came to the iPad Mini 3 when it came to screen size or the body weight, height etc. You can also enjoy the familiar 64 bit architecture with the not so familiar but pleasing 2.5 times faster graphics for 10 hours on the new iPad Air 2. While some may be disappointed with the camera staying at the same 8 megapixels, consumers will notice a new front FaceTime camera sensor as well as better low light performance. The iPad Mini 3 however is stocked with the last years version of the A chip which is the A7 chip but still with the 64 bit architecture as all the Apple products that have recently been released. While the iPad Mini 3 is rocking only a 5 megapixel camera that comes loaded with features such as autofocus as well as face detection and backside illumination. And last but certainly not least Apple also debuted both the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 3 in their new luxurious colorway of “Champagne Gold” first debuted by the iPhone 5s in 2013. In hopes of boosting sales of the somewhat struggling iPad sales.

Android L (Lollipop) and Nexus 6:

.com buffalo .techno ://www

: http Credit Photo

Nexus and Google is looking to bring out the big guns and try to be more competitive with the tech giants Apple Inc. and Samsung electronics. With this new update Android L, Google introduced at Google I/O that they will base all their new user interface on a new concept called Material Design. Material design is revolving around giving a your user interface a sense of touch feedback as well as simple design principles and real time shadows. Google stressed that they wanted to give you real feedback when using a android product by using animations that can

be seen and ultimately possible, which they seem is missing from other interfaces such as yes, Apple’s iOS. In Android L be expecting real time shadows and as well as bold yet as well simple vibrant icons and app interfaces. Also new touch animations and responsive feedbacks. Andriod L will come stock with Google’s very own version of Android L on their new “Phablet” the Nexus 6. The Nexus 6 specs have blown consumers expectations with major changes coming to the phone itself. The Nexus 6 is big time upgrade when it comes to the actual size of the phone, weighing 2 more ounces as its

predecessor and upgrading all the way to a massive 5.9 screen display size packing 493 pixels per inch all within a 1440 by 2560 pixel screen. Also the Nexus 6 upgraded its camera with a dual LED flash 13 megapixel camera a 6 megapixel difference from the Nexus 5. The Nexus will upgrade its storage to 64 Gigabytes as well as its RAM capacity to 3. Now with all this do you think it will still be the ole’ reliable, affordable smartphone we all know? Not quite the only bad reviews that are coming towards the Nexus 6 is coming towards the hefty price tag of $650 off contract. After Google’s big push how it will stand up to competitors remains to be seen.

October-December 2014

sports Tragic news for St. Louis Cardinals by Alana Campbell On Oct. 26, 2014 Oscar Taveras age 22 and his girlfriend Edilia Arvelo age 18 were killed in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in front of Coconut Palms Hotel Cabarete. He was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro. “He wasn’t carrying documents at the time of the accident, but his body was identified by family members,” said Col. Diego Pesqueira of the Metropolitan Transportation Agency said according to People magazine. National Police spokesman Jacobo Mateo Moquete was told that Taveras lost control of his vehicle and went off the road. Taveras was an Outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Taveras made his major league debut this year. He hit .239 with three homers and 22 RBIs in 80 games for the NL Central champions. “I simply can’t believe it,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. “I first met Oscar when he was 16-years old and will forever remember him as a wonderful young man who was gifted athlete with an infectious love for life who lived everyday

Photo Credit: http://www.justjared.com/

to the fullest.” Taveras was a teenager when he signed with St. Louis as an International free agent in 2008. Before this season, Taveras was

ranked No. 3 overall prospect by MLB.com and Baseball America, and had a .321 average over six minor leagues. Taveras was a split time right field, but he was expected to be given a full time assignment in the upcoming 2015 season. “ All of us throughout Major League Baseball are in morning this evening,” said Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. “Oscar, a young member of the baseball family, was full of promise and at the dawn of a wonderful career in our game, evident in his game-tying home run again the Giants exactly two weeks ago.” Many are grieving from the lose of their favorite baseball player, brother, and son. They are also thinking about so many good times they had with Oscar Taveras and Edilia Arvelo. This was a shock to friends, family, and even the St. Louis Cardinals players and staff. They were all looking forward to move him up for next season. Then everything changed from that point in time. Looking at all the news reports and hearing a tragedy had happened to one of their family members on the team. Oscar Taveras and Edilia Averlo will be missed.

Giancarlo Stanton Pay Day by Gregory Miranda If a payroll of 325 Million dollars for a whole MLB team sounds crazy to you, what do you think of 325 Million dollars for one player? The Miami Marlins and the star Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton agreed to 13 year, 325 Million dollar extension which shatters the previous record of most expensive MLB contract which was 275 Million over 10 years for Alex Rodriguez to move to the big apple and play for the notorious New York Yankees from the Texas Rangers. Now knowing the numbers, is he worth it? Well, Yes. Stanton is an upcoming star within the MLB only at the 25 years old and has been quietly putting up outrageous numbers. Stanton lead the MLB in Home Runs with 37 and has a impressive slugging percentage of .555. If you crunch the num-

October-December 2014

bers, Stanton alone provides 19 wins above replacement, very impressive if you consider his age at the highest level. Now the bad side, GM of the Miami Marlins,Jeffrey Loria has a reputation of not holding true to his word, take example Jose Reyes contract in 2011 worth 6 years for 107 million dollars, fast forwarding to the present, Reyes is spending his time with the Toronto Blue Jays. Only spending a year of his Marlins contract and getting traded, Reyes “Shocked” when he was traded up north after Loria vowed to honor his word by not trading him. What does this spell out for Stanton? Well, potentially the same thing but keep under consideration that Stanton is far more valuable than Reyes ever was in his time share in Miami. Photo Credit: http://www.csnphilly.com/

by Gregory Miranda

To avoid a 1-3 start to the season, the Kansas City Chiefs took on AFC Powerhouse, the New England Patriots in a Monday Night Football (MNF) home game at Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs off a gritty win in Miami in week three continued their rolling momentum in last nights game where they looked to be clicking on all cylinders. Fresh off a new contract extension worth 68 million over the next four years, Alex Smith is proving his worth to Chiefs fans everywhere as he caps off his night with three touchdowns for 248 yards and completing 20 out 26 attempts. The passing game was the only offense that was clicking Jamaal Charles had his fair share of fun as he bags three rushing touchdowns of his own with only reaching 92 yards rushing adding to the 41 points in total the Chiefs score that night. While this dominant AFC contender

sports Chiefs thrash New England in a historic home win

as Chiefs fans set a Guinness Book of World Records. The record set during the second quarter of the game when the decibels reached 142.2, taking the title from Seattles 12th Man by 5 points. To put this in perspective, a fighter jet engine 100 feet in the air is 140 decibels… While Kansas City in Photo Credit: http://www.foxsports.com usually dominates games the New England general seems red hot with the Royals win Patriots as well as Tom Brady looked un- their first playoff game in 23 years in walk comfortable on Monday Night as Brady off fashion by no other than your Kansas threw for only one touchdown and pair City savior Salvador Perez against A’s ace of interceptions and while the offense was Jon Lester in the AL Wild Card Game adshaky the defense was just as worst, giving vance to the ALS versus the offensive powup over 400+ yards in total offense making erhouse Anaheim Angels. Kansas City this the 2nd worst lost in the Brady-Beli- Chiefs have another tall task ahead of them chick era. taking on Colin Kaepernick and company While the Chiefs had their own momen- in San Francisco who are currently strugtum going into this game they couldn’t have gling with a record at .500 2-2. done it without now the official loudest fans in the National Football League (NFL)

Peyton Manning “H18TORY” by Gregory Miranda

There is not that many Denver Broncos fans in Kansas City, let alone Peyton Manning fans but there are football fans, regardless on what team you have to show respect and admire what Peyton Manning and company did on Sunday Night versus the streaking and hard-nosed San Francisco 49ers. The stage was set for a historic night. With offensive weapons always at Peyton’s disposal, Peyton needing only three touchdowns to break the All Time Touchdown record formerly held by Green Bay Packers great Brett Favre. Manning and the Broncos seemed to be clicking on all cylinders, with Manning personally throwing for not just the three touchdowns needed to break the record but to leave no doubt in anyones mind threw his fourth touchdown to put the dagger into San Francisco’s heart. Also the Broncos defense holding the dy-

Not only should everyone look at this piece of history, not that Peyton broke one of the most prestigious record there are in all of football and especially for a quarterback but taking consideration that Peyton was told that he’d probably never reach his old playing self after his not 1st or 2nd but 3rd neck surgery and now playing at an even higher level than hes ever done before. Peyton will definitely be in line, if not leading the NFL MVP Photo Credit: http://a.espncdn.com/ race for the 2014-2015 namic 49er’s offense to only 17 points and season but this may not matter unless the even 9ers weren’t surprised the knew some- MVP he wins has the phrase “SuperBowl” thing was in the air and they took the time behind it which eludes him in his career to appreciate and admire what was in front with Denver. of them. History.

October-December 2014

Photo Credit: THS Media Amanda Newberry

sports

Bringing the Wagon Wheel Home by Kane Mobley The Truman Patriots advanced to 5-3 after shutting out the William Chrisman Bears 34-0. The Patriots came out with momentum as they scored a touchdown on their opening drive, and also getting the 2-point conversion. Once the Bears got the ball for their first possession, they only had one play because Jordan Salima intercepted the pass which led to the Patriots’ second touchdown. “The momentum was very high the whole game. Especially after scoring our opening drive, forcing a turnover and then scoring

again,” said Salima. RB Jordan Salima also rushed for over 200 yards, helping lead the Pats to victory. “Losing the past two years to them really made this win better,” junior Joe Allen said. Allen also added a touchdown to the scoreboard. Arguably the happiest of all Patriots, was senior

Photo Credit: THS Media Amanda Newberry

Devion Hess who held on to the Wagon Wheel trophy for about 15 minutes after the game was over. “It felt great winning it my senior year, especially since it was a shutout,” said Hess. “I didn’t want to put that trophy down, but man it was heavy so I had to.” The Patriots faced Park Hill, who was undefeated, losing 42-7, North Kansas City wining 42-12 and Winnetonka, for districts, losing 52-25 to finish the season 6-5.

Photo Credit: THS Media Amanda Newberry

October-December 2014

sports

A Royal Season

Photo Credit Above: THS Media Carly Hall Below: Google

by Kane Mobley

The Kansas City Royals, a team who shocked baseball fans around the world as their fairy-tale season came to a disappointing end in Game 7 of the World Series. The Royals lost 3-2 to the San Francisco Giants to end the 2014 World Series. However, the season itself was unlike the ending. The Royals thrilled those who watched as they left everything they had out on the field. Kansas City finished their season just one victory shy of 90 wins, and earned the Wild Card spot. They played the Oakland Athletics (A’s) in the Wild Card Game that was added in just 2012. It’s a one game series, winner goes on to play the number one seeded team. This year, it just happened to be the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The A’s were out to a big lead as they were up 7-3 going into the bottom of 8th inning. The Royals managed to cut their deficit to just one run as they rallied with the help of Lorenzo Cain, Billy Butler, and Eric Hosmer each getting an

RBI. The bottom of the 9th inning soon followed, and the energy level escalated tremendously. Nori Aoki was Mr. Clutch as he hit a sacrifice fly to right field, and allowed Jarrod Dyson to score. Then it went to extra innings. And in the 12th inning, it looked as if it was over for the Royals. Alberto Callaspo singled to right, and scored Josh Reddick. But the Royals fought back, knowing their season was on the line. Christian Colon had an infield single that scored Eric Hosmer. And then, Salvador Perez was able to hit the walk-off single that scored Colon, and more importantly, won the game. Fans were ecstatic that their 29 year-old playoff drought had ended, but it didn’t stop there. Kansas City went on to play the top-seeded Angels. They would sweep them 3-0 and would then play in the ALCS against the Orioles; where the winner goes to the World Series. Fans were really pulled in now, with the thought of even playing in the World Series excited them. The Royals came out strong as they

took Game 1 away from Baltimore with the help of their strong bullpen. The Royals would remain unbeaten in the postseason as they swept the Orioles 4-0 and would return home to Kansas City for Game 1 of the World Series. The series would go to 7 games in favor of San Francisco. However, this

wouldn’t completely crush the spirits of fans. After the game had ended, a chant broke out. The fans changed their signature, “Lets go Royals” chant to, “Thank you Royals.” Despite not bringing home the gold, they brought back baseball in Kansas City.

October-December 2014

Comic Corner

comic With Eric