The Spirit of '16 October Issue

BE A PART OF HISTORY

Truman High School / 3301 S. Noland Rd. Independence, Mo. 64055 / Volume 52 Issue 1

Seniors Tyler Hickert, John “Jack” Knipp and Kane Mobley lead the Freedom Kingdom to cheer on the Varsity football team in a tough game against St. Joe Central. The Freedom Kingdom section was created by THS students to create Patriot Pride.

Photo Credit: Aubrey Payne / THS Media

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

August / September 2015

Table of Contents

THE

SPIRIT

of ‘16 STAFF

THS NEWS

Robyn King Adviser

Pg. 3-6

THS NEW STAFF

Pg. 7-11

THS SPORTS

Pg. 13-15

WORLD NEWS Pg. 17-26

Gregory Miranda Editor in Chief Jazzmin Matchette Managing Editor

Kane Mobley Sports Editor Melynda Robinson Fashion Editor

Abbie Pena Reporter Antonio Franklin Poet

ENTERTAINMENT Pg. 27-32

Kevin Losch Reporter Bri Savidge Reporter Walter Canady Reporter

BONUS Pg. 37

BE A PART OF HISTORY...

August / September 2015

Colin Sims Reporter Shawn Silver Reporter Taylor Simms Reporter

THE

SPIRIT

of ‘16

Editor’s Statement:

The theme for this year is Be a Part of History This 2015-2016 school year the THS Newspaper Staff is solely focused on giving our readers the best news reading experience through the most current headlines ranging from Truman to World News. We really hope our readers notice our attention to detail throughout every story and we hope you have a successful year with us.

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.

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.

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!

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

BE A PART OF HISTORY...

August / September 2015

TRUMAN NEWS

3 / SPIRIT / THS News

Schedule Change: Eight Hour Day Pro: Eighth Hour by: Gregory Miranda / Editor

What’s a new school year without a

few changes right? With the addition to our new Truman staff members, as well as the new, yet confusing lunch schedule, the biggest change comes to our courses and schedules. When you look at the white sheet that you got during enrollment with all your personal information at the top and your courses down below, you’ll see an newly added eighth hour to the school day.

Whether you’re a fan of any of the changes in the 2015-2016 school year, the Independence School District, and more importantly Truman High School all have good intentions in mind.

“The eight hour day was implemented to have students would have more chances to take more credits and more classes,” head principal Pamela

by: Abbie Pena / Reporter

Most of us feel completely over-

whelmed at school. Tim Elmore from “Psychology Today,” has written about his work with adolescents since 1979 and states “ I believe that students are more ‘stressed out’ today than at any other time I began working with them.”

Stress, in the simplest terms can be described as a condition in which an individual experiences challenges to physical or emotional well-being that overwhelm their coping capacity.

For many students school is a big trigger of stress. With grades, friends and extracurricular activities, it can often be too much for a lot of us and adding a extra class period cannot be helping alleviate the pain and suffering felt by the masses, eight

August / September 2015

Boatright said.

If you’re are a fan of any of the new classes such as Astronomy, Meteorology or bringing back beloved past courses such as Creative Writing, this gives students more academic freedom pursuing courses that are most interesting. If you enjoy the elective classes then it gives you that break throughout your day where you just relax and do what you love.

While the concept of an eight hour day is not completely ironed out the way that is time oriented for the students as we all acknowledge that you may be overwhelmed with what quite possibly means more homework and less time spent on the lesson, putting you in a tight spot. And having four minute passing periods turning you in the track star you never thought you’d be, running to every classes leaving you with a sigh of relief as you step into your next class.

I believe you’ll be thanking the school

Truman has added an eighth hour to the Patriots’ schedules to fulfill more learning experiences. With the new hour comes shorter class periods and passing periods.

Photo Credit: Aubrey Payne / THS Media

district and Truman later if you were ever in a pickle of having to take a course in high school or needing that extra practical or fine art under you belt to walk across the stage. Maybe we need more time to adjust and maybe the cons outweigh the negative but as the year goes on we’ll find something we like about it and move on.

Con: Eighth Hour periods is no opiate.

An additional class means a heavier workload which can be detrimental to students who are already having trouble with the old seven class block ruling making it hard for many to be prescribed to an adequate learning environment. Adding an additional class has changed the entire schedule and caused class times to become shorter.

A noble teacher of mine said something that stuck a cord in class, “ You cannot try to cut an extra piece of a pie and expect them to still remain the same size.” What he means by this that that we cannot add an additional class and expect the classes to stay the same length that they once were, this within itself has caused the passing times to be shorter, yet adding another stressful addendum.

How? That is the only question we can ask right now. Someone please feel free to explain to me how any student is willing and able to dart from the learning villas to the third floor and make it on time, such an incredible feat should not be required by any school.

The time crunch here at Truman High School is serious and approaching a danger zone. Lunch has been reduced to a mere 20 minutes and the traffic flow in the Scramble Area knocks almost half of that time out of our precious hands.

Answer me this? Can we as students learn to adapt to this new schedule change and use it as a tool for practicing time management? Or will practicality give way to comfort? The district shall decide.

TRUMAN NEWS

SPIRIT / THS News / 4

Patriot Pride

GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor

You’ve probably heard this one

before, there are some new changes in place this year at Truman High School. For the 2015-2016 school year the new staff members received a warm welcome, the new school renovations were acknowledged and the students complained about schedule changing,but there is something that Pamela Boatright, head principal made very clear even on the first day back to school assembly is that Truman has “P.R.I.D.E.” In almost every classroom, hallway and around every corner you’ll see a P.R.I.D.E rubric poster. On the first day teachers addressed their new students with this concept on how P.R.I.D.E works. Long story short, the ‘P’ stands for Personal Responsibility ‘R’ is for respect, ‘I’ is for Integrity , ‘D’ is Dependability and ‘E’ means Excellence.

This acronym is used for staff to remind students how to behave and what is expected in the classroom, common area and how all students can show pride and respect for their school.

You might ask yourself, “Did THS have a pride issue?” But some believe there was and it happens everyday. It may sound silly but it has to do with lunch. During lunch periods once students hear the bell they

The new Patriot Pride metrix highlights the expectations for student behavior around the building and is reienforced with Patriot Pride stamps throughout the building. Photo Credit Aubrey Payne / THS Media

switch on tunnel vision on whether how not to act and possible conseit’s to make it to the next class, talk quences. to friends or check phones to send Patriot Pride might not stick around a quick text or two as the concept is experimental and What’s left behind is trash that was implemented over the summer. students shamelessly leave behind “Throughout the year we will colto make the custodial staff work lect data and evaluate whether it’s extra hard and the administrators effective or not make the necessary found out to be a problem. adjustments,” said Boatright.

“To promote a positive actions and The PRIDE Rubric pushes for a behavior,” Boatright said, “as well as unified student body to take pride to reach a common language within in what we do and to respect the our student body and staff.” people and places around you and For those who exhibit Patriot Pride certainly a step in the right direction will be awarded with what is called in efforts to enhance our learning a ‘PAT on the back’. A PAT on the and social environment here at Truback is a card given by teachers to man High-school. students who display pride in their school whether that be on task in class or picking up trash around school. Earn 10 PAT’s and you get a free drink courtesy of the Truman concession and the prizes go up from there all the way to a potential day off school attending a field trip of your choice if you reach 100 PAT’s.

There is always a good and bad side to a new Patriots receive PAT on the back cards for showing their PRIDE. Each set of rules and that is PAT on the back earned is a chance to receive many prizes. Photo Credit: Aubrey Payne / THS Media addressed in a P.R.I.D.E disciplinary poster stating

August / September 2015

TRUMAN NEWS

5 / SPIRIT / THS News

Homecoming Preview: THS First

GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor

The stage is set, stakes are high.

As Truman High School is proud to announce that thanks to the new stadium renovations allowing triple the amount of seats, to hold the first ever “Friday Night Lights” homecoming game versus Marshall on Oct. 2.

It will be a busy Friday to say the least as the football game isn’t the only thing on the agenda as we plan to host a Truman Alumni reception starting at 6 p.m. in a tent at the Southwest corner of Truman Stadium as we encourage all to attend.

And as you’d expect during halftime, the Homecoming Court Coronation will take place as well teasing what’s to come during the actual homecoming dance.

And with many former alumni that will be in attendance, meaning more eyes than ever and higher expectations to make the night memorable to those who couldn’t experience this in their timeshare at Truman.

Leroy Brown, the first Truman principal will have the honor to flip the coin for the game and after a 27 year term. Brown’s feelings towards has not changed.

“I was prideful then and I’m still proud of it,” Brown said.

Truman Activities Director and Truman alumni in 1997, Eric Holm will

August / September 2015

Truman’s new ‘T’ shows Patriot Spirit at the homecoming game. New bleacher seating will continue to be added as part of Truman Spirit. Photo Credit: Jana Corrie

be in attendance eager than most to get the show on the road, “It’s special to think about the lights being on Truman on a Friday night,” Holm said.

This might be too much to take in just reading it but for those that wear the helmets and jersey they know this is one of the most important games of the season however, the work ethic and mindset will remain the same even if many of them may default to goosebumps as if it was their first game.

“It’s a pretty momentous event.

Showing that the program is heading in the right direction, and the community is on board,” said lead-

ing rusher and senior running back, Jordan Salima. “Just to know we’re a part of that is something special.”

As for the pressure, speaking for the team and himself, ‘unfazed’ as he puts it.

“We’re just going to play it like every other game, and expect to come out on top,” Salima said.

If you have never been to a sporting event or go on occasion it would be ideal to change. Circle this on your calendar as we already will be packed but we’ll need all the support and noise we can get as again this is our first ever ‘Friday Night Lights’ game and a chance to be apart of Truman history.

Truman also added guests bleachers across the field and the student section bleachers next to the new band bleachers on the end zone side for Truman. These bleachers are located to the left of the new scoreboard that will be brought in during the next few phases. Photo Credit: ISD Facilities Twitter

TRUMAN NEWS

SPIRIT / THS News / 6

Truman Face Lift: School Renovations GABE THOMAS

Not only did THS get new bleachers but thanks to Project Shine, Truman sports a fresh new look.

Reporter

T

ruman High School was quite busy this past summer as all-new bleachers were installed on both sides of now what is know as ‘Truman Stadium’. It seems that was time for a change, “They weren’t the originals, I’ve been here ten years and they were here long, long before me,” Sports Activities Director Eric Holm said. Adding that the previous bleachers did not fit the space and with the no renovations not only

Over the summer Patriots was repainted on home court. In additon a new floor was added. Photo Credit: ISD Facilities Twitter

The first phase of Truman’s field renovations includes adding new fan bleachers. These were added on the home side of the field. Photo Credit: ISD Facilities Twitter

bringing the desired symmetry as has no concerns on maintenance well as a Truman Student section as the enclosed siding makes pickwith blue and red custom seats ing it up a breeze and relies on our smack dab in the middle creating Patriot Pride to kick in. a red ‘T’ within a blue background And while it’s estimated that Truseats. man Stadium bleachers will not Many were on board with the need to be renovated again until decision to spend what would be 2040 we won’t have to wait that long a pretty penny on our now seats to see even more exciting changes as the total cost for the operation is as apart of a three phase plan to unknown. Some see the opportunity replace the bleachers than address to have more home games and to concession stand and locker rooms help accommodate the space for as well as upgrade the commentary the potential crowd outcome as box. the Patriot Athletics gain popularity.

Also, giving us the opportunity to host our first ever ‘Friday Night Lights’ Homecoming game against Marshall.

While some may question the decision to spend money on the stadium renovations, “It will save time from having to load trucks, and Over the summer, Truman had the pleasure of getting to renovate the auditotrailers and get rium. A new sound system and lighting functions were added into the Theatre. us to the games,” These changes came with many new handheld mics and repelling mics as Holm states and well as new light fixtures. Photo Credit: ISD Facilities Twitter

August / September 2015

FEATURE

7 / SPIRIT / THS News

MR. KEENEY

MR. KNOTTS

Mr. Keeney

by: Kevin Losch / Reporter

Becoming a teacher can be a crazy

experience for anyone. Mr. Josh Keeney starts his teaching career this year at Truman High School as a coach as well as a teacher.

Keeney grew up in Blue Springs, Mo. where he attended Blue Springs High School and graduated there with the class of 2011. There, Keeney developed a love for education and athletics that influenced him to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher and a coach.

After high school, Keeney attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He attended The University of Missouri his freshman year but transferred to UMKC for the rest of college. He quickly grew to love the feeling of being so close to home and the energy the school possessed.

“UMKC was a great experience. I attend Mizzou my freshmen year, and it was great, but it was too expensive and too much of a party school for me.

I was a little homesick. So I made the decision to transfer to UMKC and I love it,” Keeney said.

He starts his career at Truman this year where he teaches Math and is the junior varsity coach for the softball team.

Keeney coached a 18A softball team before he became a coach at Truman. He had previously coached some former Truman players on his team. As a team, they went on to win the USSSA World Series this past August.

August / September 2015

“We have some talented upperclassmen and a few young players with an enormous amount of ability. The future looks bright for the softball team,” Keeney said.

As a student in middle school, Keeney had to think about what he wanted to be when he grew up. He didn’t want just any job he wanted a job he could enjoy.

“I want a job that I will love. I have that job now. I want to make a difference in what I am doing,” Keeney said.

Keeney wants to advance his career and advance the lives and intellect of his students. He wants to help the softball team develop to be the best they can be and improve the mathematical understanding of students in the classroom. Keeney plans to grow at Truman High School and to leave an impact on his students lives, as they make an impact on his.

Mr. Knotts

by: Gregory Miranda / Editor

Randal Knotts was one of the many

new Patriot staff members joining us for the 2015-2016 school year. For Knotts he also joins a handful of former William Chrisman staff members making the switch to Truman as well as the handful the teachers who will be teased for a while for being from our rival schools.

However, all that matters is that he is in the right colors and in the right building.

Some background information about Knotts as he puts it, “I’m a Van Horn graduate with Chrisman teacher training

WELCOME NEW

2015-

and a Truman job.”

While this makes for a great quote obviously there is more to it as he goes on to explain that he received his bachelor’s degree in horticulture and agriculture leading as well as furthering his education and earning his Master’s degree in Education at UMKC. Turning to his timeshare at Chrisman, Knotts is certified to teach not only what he is teaching at THS, which is General Metals but he mainly worked with Special Education while integrating subjects such as Wood Shop, Biology, Geometry or any other science courses. He even taught an Integrated Science class last year. It’s safe to say he’s very well rounded in the teaching department.

We already know what brought Knotts to Truman but here’s how it happened.

It was during his last week at Chrisman, He expressed his interest in a metal shop job that did not have a vacancy but there was a available position here at Truman which sparked his interest

FEATURE

SPIRIT / THS News / 8

MR. HUBER MR. ARREGUIN

Photo Credit: Aubrey Payne and Hyuana Timley / THSMedia

THS STAFF

-2016 and ultimately landing him here.

If metals isn’t your thing, either way I believe you’ll enjoy your time with Knotts if you end up in his classroom. Knotts believes that his teaching style is more ‘personal’.

“I like doing the group instructions and then everybody work together to practice it,” Knotts said. “But if anyone needs help in the shop it’s not about just showing them, it’s not just about telling them, it’s the actual going through how to do things and operate machinery safely and being able to make the product you want.”

Outside of what Knotts does outside classroom, he still has a wood shop at home as you expect, or what he calls his ‘man cave’ as he admits to adding on to the house and building furniture, fixing things around the house to save a few bucks and even grading papers.

“It’s my retreat,” Knotts said.

While he believes all that is ‘enjoyable, relaxing and creative’ that’s not all what

his typical weekends entail. Stemming from his background in Horticulture Knotts also enjoys gardening and growing his own food such as salsa and pickles and more.

He wants all his to students to know and to follow the academy programs goals which he puts in his own words, “to understand how to use hand tools and operate machinery safely in case they (students) want that kind of career education,” he said. “To help them socialize and how they’re supposed to act around other people. To get the kids some certification that will help them right away and have an enough of an advantage over others with just a highschool diploma.”

It will be a joy having Knotts at Truman if you want to learn even more about him you can catch him talking to woods teacher Andy Shockley as they already are great friends and a wall apart.

Mr. Keuhn

by: Jazzmin Matchette / Managing Editor

Truman High School welcomed a

grand total of 24 brand new teachers and staff in the 2015-16 school year. This led to a variety of different teachers of all sorts of various backgrounds joining the Truman High School Patriots, including Special Education teacher Adrian Keuhn. This is his first year teaching not only at Truman High School but also his first time as a teacher.

Although Keuhn was nervous about

starting his job and coming to Truman in the beginning, he found himself feeling more at home as time progressed.

“Truman reminds me of my high school, so that makes me more comfortable,” Keuhn said.

Keuhn attended high school in South St.Louis where he helped assist Special Education kids in their school’s Special Olympics, this later led to him down the path of wanting to be a special education teacher in his career. He later attended college in Cape Giradeau.

“I enjoy working with any student (and) helping them become more interested in learning. I also really enjoy getting students prepared for life after high school,” Keuhn said.

Outside of Keuhn’s teaching career, he enjoys watching baseball, specifically the St.Louis Cardinals. He enjoys hanging out with friends and playing Call of Duty. He also likes playing volleyball and other sports.

So far Keuhn most looks forward to understanding how Truman works and getting further involved. The Truman Patriots are excited to see what the new teachers and staff have to bring to our education and our pride.

Mrs. George

by: Kevin Losch / Reporter

Mrs. Stephanie George is continuing

her teaching career at Truman this year as she looks to expand her teaching boundaries.

George grew up in DeSoto, Mo., a

August / September 2015

FEATURE

9 / SPIRIT / THS News

MR. GALL

MS. SKAKAL

small town that had it’s ups and downs.

It was a place where everyone knows who you are and what you’re doing. But it’s a town that really shows who you are.

“I am glad for how it shaped me. I became a better and stronger person from it,” George said.

George was influenced growing up coming from a family of educators.

Her parents were teachers as well as all of their friends. She had a calling to become an educator and as soon as she started her journey to becoming one, she knew she had made the right decision.

She attended college where she quickly grew a love for education.

Through college she grew and grew as she learned to work with her peers and became passionate about her work.

She wanted to assist others with their work because they would do the same for her. George became a leader as well as a team player which is very helpful in her career choice.

“As I grew as a student, I realized that with effort and motivation, I could achieve my dreams,” George said George came from teaching Special Education at Hickman Mills High School; before that she had come from St. Pius X in Kansas City, Mo. and Ritenour High School in St. Louis where she taught American History and Government. She now teaches Social Studies and English to the Special Education class here at Truman.

She wants to grow and develop as a

August / September 2015

teacher as well as connect with her students and prepare them for a good and successful life after high school. ”I will never be the best because I believe you can always learn more, “ George said. “I just want to always believe in the kids I am working with and do what I think is best for them.”

George impacts the lives of students through her teachings, and her personality shines through the halls. She helps her students plan for a better life, and a productive life. She provides the skills they need and they can apply it to their lives to become great adults.

Mrs. Skakal

by: Bri Savidge / Reporter

With the benefits of being closer to

her family and a district that puts emphasis on building positive relationships with students, the Independence School District has turned out to be the perfect place to continue Chelse Skakal’s teaching career. Skakal, an Emporia State graduate, previously taught at Arkansas City High School in Arkansas City, Kan. for five years before moving to Truman.

Entering her sixth year of teaching, Skakal is as excited as ever to begin the new year as both a biology and anatomy teacher.

“I’m really looking forward to building relationships with my students and colleagues,” Skakal said.

“In my previous district I had great relationships with everyone and I am

really looking forward to creating those here as well.”

Skakal describes her teaching style as “laid back” and attempts to make her lessons as fun as possible while still teaching the content effectively.

“My students frequently have referred to me as the crazy science teacher. I am the one who may randomly break out into song and dance,” Skakal said.

“Again I try to have fun in the classroom while teaching the content.”

This energetic approach to learning has already had a profound impact on many of her new students.

“I love the enthusiasm she brings to the classroom, “ senior Kylie Waterworth said. “It makes it fun to learn.”

Most importantly, Skakal wants her students to understand how their actions will affect their futures.

“My advice would be to try your hardest and do your best while you are here; understand that every decision made now will have an impact on the future,” Skakal said.

With an optimistic approach and students that already love her, there is no doubt that the new school year is off to a great start for Chelse Skakal and her students.

Mr. Gall

by: Shawn Silver / Reporter

During the 2015-2016 school year

Truman High School had 24 new arrivals in the educational department due

FEATURE

SPIRIT / THS News / 10

MR.WINDES

MS. ZEIBER

Photo Credit: Aubrey Payne and Hyuana Timley / THSMedia

to a large loss of teachers in the 20142015 school year. One of the many new teachers includes Zachary Gall, who teaches Composition and Reading.

Gall has his Bachelors in Education along with two master degrees in English, Creative Writing and Media Arts. He has spent most of his time as an educator in college education but has recently returned to Truman High School after his graduation in 2001.

Gall has taught at six different schools, including Bamberg American High School in Germany, University of Missouri Kansas City, University of Iowa, Avila University, William Jewell and Park University. He taught a broad amount of subject such as Literature, Linguistics, Composition and Fiction Writing.

Gall has been married to Beth Gall for five years and has twin daughters, Mary and Adeline Gall. He spends most of his time out of school enjoying family time, play board games such as Settlers of Cataan, Ticket to Ride and Power Grid or exploring the city trying to find it’s hidden treasures.

“I’ve really enjoyed my return to Truman High School,” Gall said. ” A lot has changed, but the students seem a lot like the people I knew when I went to school here, and it’s as inspiring now as it was then to hear the band playing down on the football field in the morning, I feel like I made the most of my time here as a student—some teachers here could probably attest to as much— and I plan to do the same as a teacher.”

Truman High School is excited to see

such a diverse new staff at our school this year. We can’t wait to see what each teacher will bring to our learning environment and our school pride.

Jamie Herraman (SRO)

by: Melynda Robinson / Fashion Editor

Pulling into the Truman parking lot,

SRO Officer Jamie Harraman, gets ready for his first day serving Truman.

Although this is Harraman’s first year working as an SRO Officer, Jamie is no stranger to the force. Jamie happens to be the fourth generation among Chicago policemen. Including his father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Police work is one of the only jobs in the world where you have one title, but can do many different things. After putting in a transfer in the Special Operation division, he was notified about openings at schools. When asked to pick between a middle school or a high school, he took the job at THS. The first day on the job was like his first day in high school again.

“I was trying to get oriented with the building. I did a lot of wandering around almost like a freshman would,” Harraman said. “I was just trying to figure out where I was.”

Harraman attended college at the University of Vermont, then continued on to the Kansas City Police Department. Being a policemen for almost 14

years, Harraman is always on the move.

Whether it’s with his job or his family.

When he’s not working he’s extremely busy with all three of his daughters and their sports. He is also an avid hockey and rugby player, playing hockey his entire life.

Recent uproar about police and police brutality has created a lot of friction between police and the citizens. Today many policemen and women get targeted not for their actions, but mainly for wearing a uniform. One officer’s actions are held accountable for the whole occupation and because of that, everyone in the force has to pay. Responding to this, Harraman describes his viewpoint on police brutality.

“I’ve never been heavy handed. I’ve always tried to de-escalate things,” Harraman said. “If I’m going in already amped up on a powertrip, being a jerk cop, I’m already going into that looking for a fight. It’s better to go into something looking for a way to calm things down.”

For Harraman, he’s carrying on a legacy, he has so much pride being a police officer. Whether it’s impacting someone’s life, or waving at a little kid and making them smile.

“Treat people the way they need to be treated and in return a lot of times, you get the same respect,” Harraman said.

August / September 2015

FEATURE

11 / SPIRIT / THS News

Mr. Vickers Revealing the Patriot inside

Photo Credit: Hyuana Timley / THSMedia

to a close, Truman High School said goodbye to a copious amount of teachers, and while this separation was difficult for many students and staff, we welcomed change and a grand total of 24 new staff members joined the Truman High School Patriots.

The first day consisted of an assembly that brought attention to all of our new members. Assistant Principal John Vickers came directly from Chrisman, which caused many students to boo him during the assembly, but happily welcomed him by cutting off his Chrisman Bears sweater and underneath lied a Truman Patriots “Beat the Bears” shirt.

“That was an experience I’ll never forget,” Vickers stated.

He decided to take this job after a new position opened up in the ISD as an Assistant Principal at Truman. It was difficult for him to leave Chrisman, he felt as if he left behind connections and a sense of Chris-

August / September 2015

man identity, especially changing positions to an assistant principal from an American Government teacher, but he welcomes the change. Vickers taught as a teacher for 26 years before taking this new job, and also coached basketball for 24 years.

“ It’s a really awe-

“

As the 2014-15 school year came

JAZZMIN MATCHETTE

some opportunity to establish new relationships and a new identity.

“This is part of the plan for my life, and it’s a really awesome opportunity to establish new relationships and a new identity,” Vickers said.

Vickers has always had a love of working with kids, and is excited to be able to do it in a new way.

Coming to Truman, he realized

Managing Editor how much kids have in common everywhere you go. He stated, all kids all have a mixture of faces and backgrounds but both students at Truman and Chrisman have a lot of similarities.

“I love helping young people on their path. Now I can do it in a different way, at a bigger capacity,” Vickers said. “Kids are kids wherever you go. Kids are dealing with all sorts of stuff, they’re walking the path of life. Dealing with things that teenagers deal with.”

Vickers looks forward to the upcoming school year, he hopes to take on the challenge and get accustomed to his new home.

“Everyday for me has been a huge learning experience,” Vickers said.

“Everyone wants to be liked and everyone wants to be accepted, and this comes with time and establishing relationships with people.”

FEATURE

SPIRIT / THS News / 12

Mrs. Scott Once a Patriot, always a Patriot

“When she told us she got the

job, the only thing we thought was that we were happy,” freshman Ainslee Scott said.

Having a principal for a mom could be cool or it could be painful, but according to junior T.J. Scott, it isn’t really that bad. T.J.Scott and Ainslee Scott are two kids of Truman high school’s new assistant principal, Rhonda Scott.

It isn’t all good though, because the home life of these two students are a bit different from other students with non-principal parents.

The dinner conversations are very different from other ones. The family can’t talk about how their day was because Rhonda Scott can’t mention anything confidential so she is always quiet about the day.

“Yes, it’s good to have her here because she’s closer but the conversation is limited and when we do talk it’s short and too the point,” Ainslee Scott said. “It’s better to have

“

Yes, it’s good to have her here

“

Photo Credit: Aubrey Payne / THSMedia

her here but when she was at Parkhill it was easier to talk about stuff.”

T.J. and Ainslee prefer her here over Parkhill because she’s closer.

“I enjoyed the community at Park Hill but it was always hard because I had to come home every night,” Rhonda Scott said, “but being in Independence I am already home.”

Ainslee enjoys her being here more because she will never be able to say that she was uninformed about the events. She also feels like her mom is better here because she knows everyone and she’s back with old friends.

Having your mom be a principal might make you feel like you need

TAYLOR SIMMS

Reporter to be the school’s role-model. Ainslee Scott has a different opinion.

“I don’t really think she expects anymore from me than she did when she was at Parkhill, “ Ainslee Scott said. “Just because she’s here doesn’t mean I should change what I do.”

T.J. and Ainslee are really good sports through this whole transition.

Their friends tease them about it all the time.

“When I get called down to the office everyone is like ‘Aw, does your mommy want you?’” T.J. Scott said.

Ainslee and T.J. know, not only because she is their mother, that their mom will be a great principal and know that she will be the best principal Truman’s ever had.

August / September 2015

SPORTS

13/ SPIRIT / THS Sports

After the ball went out of play, junior WIlder Mendez takes a throw in hopes to spark an offensive play. Truman won 1-0 against Fort Osage.

Photo Credit: Kendra Amos / THSMedia

Starting the Season Right Looking to live up to their expectations, Truman dominates on paper, resulting in only 1-0 victory over Fort Osage in season opener.

as senior Christian Villa with an ambitious strike just outside the penalty box bounce out of the keeper’s

SPIRIT Editor

While expectations are high for

Truman Soccer season this year, coming off a 3-1 record in the annual Raytown South Tournament they look to defend home turf in their season opener versus the Fort Osage Indians.

With this being Truman’s first regular season match while it’s exciting for the players the crowd endure a long and physical drawn out match. From the whistle the match seemed evenly matched as things didn’t turn until late in second half

August / September 2015

“

We can set the tone

“

GREGORY MIRANDA

season” Villa said.

With the match ending 1-0, Truman dominated the stat sheet in possession and passes completed. And Truman earring their first win of the regular season.

grasp and found its way into the back of the net giving him the first goal of the season and the only goal of the night in a lackluster game.

“Obviously it feels good to score but it’s more important that we grabbed this win early so we can set the tone later on throughout the

Junior Mario Menjivar chased down the ball in order to keep play alive. Truman took the win 1-0 against Fort Osage.

Photo Credit: Kendra Amos / THS Media

SPORTS

SPIRIT / THS Sports / 14

Senior OH Lexi Hart goes up to block a ball against an opposing Park Hill player. The play ended up resulting in a point for the Patriots as Hart got credited for another kill.

Photo Credit: Hyuana Timley / THSMedia

Sophomore Kasia Penyock sets up fellow teammate and senior Bri Savidge on the offensive play. Savidge had a total of 230 kills last season.

Photo Credit: Hyuana Timley / THSMedia

Junior Caty Dorries elevates to hit the the ball against the Trojans in the JV game. The ball ricocheted off the block, resulting in a kill for Dorries and a point for the Pats.

Photo Credit: Bri Savidge / THSMedia

Pats Defeat Jays and Trojans THS Weekly Volleyball Wrap Up

After winning a close game at Fort

Osage, the Truman girls volleyball team was in search of their first home victory on Tuesday, Aug. 24 against the Raytown Blue Jays. The Patriots notched another victory to their win column, beating Raytown 25-17 and 25-12. The Pats started the match off strong with tough serving from sophomore Kasia Penyock, who finished the match with four aces on nine serving attempts.

“My goal when I go back to serve is to always make it difficult for the opponent to get a clean pass. If I do serve well, it limits the other team’s offense; I feel like we did a pretty good of that tonight,” Penyock said.

The Patriots won set one 25-17, and did not let up in the second set, winning 25-12.

Coach Denise Craig was ecstatic with how her team competed.

“I think our team played very well tonight. I was impressed with their aggression and their poise in tough moments,” Craig said.

Senior Lexi Hart lead the Patriots with 15 kills, while Penyock chipped in 19 assists.

The Patriots’ next match came on Tuesday night, Sept. 1, against the Park Hill Trojans. It was the conference opener for the Pats, who were looking to win their first conference title in 24 years. Knowing that Park Hill would give them a competitive match, the Patriots played hard and earned a first set victory with the score 29-27.

However, the Trojans battled back in the second set to defeat the Pats 25-15. In the decisive third set, Tru-

BRI SAVIDGE

Reporter man was able to pull away late and finally defeat Park Hill 25-23.

“That match was absolutely amazing,” senior Bri Savidge said. “We knew that they were going to be a tough opponent and I’m so proud of how my teammates fought through the adversity tonight.”

The Patriots also added another win to their record with an emphatic 25-5 and 25-10 victory against their rival, the William Chrisman Bears on Monday.

August / September 2015

SPORTS

15 / SPIRIT / THS Sports

Patriots Win in Comeback Fashion Looking to pick up where they left off, Varsity Football picks up a narrow win in comeback fashion

RONELL TAYLOR

Reporter

Looking to pick up where they

ended last year, Truman’s Varsity Football team kicks off their regular season against St. Joseph Indians in what turned out to be a close one with a back and forth affair with many big plays involved.

With the kick-off not only riling up the team, Truman’s spirited student section dubbed the “Freedom Kingdom” looked to be not the only ones ready for the season to begin as the atmosphere was electric and on the field no different.

With the Indians receiving opening kick-off it ultimately ended with a quick 4 and out as Truman takes the field for their first drive of the season which the Patriots capitalize quickly off a string of big runs made by former Missouri leading Rusher

August / September 2015

Truman running back, Jordan Salima, dips and dodges through St. Joe Central’s defense. Salima received enough yardage for another first down. Photo Credit: Aubrey Payne / THS Media

and senior Jordan Salima finished off with a 68 yard touchdown courtesy of quarterback and senior, Dean Clemons finding yet another senior in wide out Joseph Allen. And that’s when the Patriots built steam as the went on to take a 21-7 lead. But Indians would not down as the a few successful series help the Indians take a 32-28 lead in the third quarter.

But the Patriots were not done themselves as Clemons lead the Patriots to what eventually would be the game winning touchdown and junior William Jenkins nailing the point after to put the game at a final score of 35-32.

In what turned out to be an exciting game for all.

“Started out great, the offense was very good, the defense wasn’t playing that well,” said varsity Head Coach Gregg Webb. “Second half was the same as the first half but we had three turnovers but they still couldn’t stop us.”

Jenkins, who got a lot of reps that evening knocking down many PAT’s (points after touchdown) “Before the game I thought we were going to win because we had a better chance of stopping them before they could stop us,” Jenkins said. “It went like I thought but we had a way better chance.”

Patriots in comeback effort secure their first win of the season and move on to Raytown South.

Lining up for the next play, Truman gets ready to get the ball back. Truman won 35-32.

Photo Credit: Katrena Smith / THS Media

OPINION

SPIRIT / Opinion / 16

STILL IN CHAINS Photo Credit: Thecatholictelegraph.com

WALTER CANADY

Photo Credit: Thecatholictelegraph.com

Reporter

“ The war is against the people that stand for something that represents the opression and death of the African American culture.”

In the year 1865 the 13th amendment was passed and

ratified by congress. This amendment would abolish slavery in the United States of America after four years of a civil war between the north and the south of the U.S. The war was over the freedom of black people who had been in slavery for well over 200 years. The flag that stood for slavery was the Confedrate flag which was also the South seperating themselves from the rest of the states in America that did not agree with slavery.

Many that agree with the flag would say that it is a symbolism of heritage and not hatred, the problem with this statement is that it’s a contradiction within itself because the heritage is hatred. So when I say black people are still in chains I mean mental slavery, the African American mind has been set to be comfortable and defenseless, because of what I like to call the illusion of inclusion. If you ever read the Willie Lynch letters you will see that he spoke these ways of black people before there ever was a mental seperation between them. He spoke of how the darker African Americans will dislike the lighter and how the family would one day be seperated, which is a war tactic called divide and conquer. And these things are being propagated in things like reality shows and almost all aspects of entertainment.

Mental slavery has so much to do with this topic because with the fear of independence the African Amer-

ican culture will not be willing to stand up and fight for themselves. What is the war you may ask? The war is against the people that stand for something that represents the opression and death of the African American culture. As I researched more about this topic I saw a lot of African American people trying to defend those who believed in this flag and stand for it as well.

The first thing I thought was this person has been Amercan brain washed. They stand in front of the camera and say things like “We’re all Americans , this is part of our heritage!“ Lets make this perfectly clear if you are an African American standing for something that was basically the face of your oppression that lets me know that you are trapped still in chains.

Not physically, but mentally, the same African Americans that are saying this are the same one that ran and told the slave master when people were trying to get freedom. The worst type of slavery is psychological slavery, the reason I say this is because bruises, burns and whip scars heal, but psychological slavery can last centuries in a family because you teach the same thoughts to your children and they do the same.

“By the skillful and sustained use of propaganda, one can make a people see even heaven as hell or an extremely wretched life as paradise,” a quote from Adolph Hitler.

August / September 2015

NATIONAL

17 / SPIRIT / World News

Photo Credit: Gannett-cdn.com

Photo Credit: News.nationalgeographic.com

Photo Credit: Assets.nydailynews.com

Disaster Strikes the Bay Area

MELYNDA ROBINSON

Fashion Editor

On Aug. 18 at 6:49 a.m. sharp an

earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 struck Piedmont, San Francisco.

Also hitting along the East Bay and parts of downtown San Francisco.

So far there has been no notable damage done. The reports only show the earthquake impacting a 3.14 mile radius. 15 minutes after, rolls of aftershock struck with a magnitude of 2.7.

California is one of the most notorious states for earthquakes, so of course industrial wise they can endure an earthquake. Although this earthquake wasn’t as high on the Richter Scale, there has been talk about how the inhabitants should

August / September 2015

be aware. Scientist at USGS, Tom Brocher, explains his thoughts in an interview with CBS San Francisco on the upcoming earthquakes.

“The past five major earthquakes on the fault have been about 140 years apart, and now we’re 147 years from that 1868 earthquake,” Brocher explains. “We definitely feel like that could happen any time.”

The earthquake in 1868, also known as, “The Great San Francisco Earthquake,” ranked high on the Richter Scale. Reaching a 7.0.

Following that, the next biggest was during April, 1906. Located in San Andreas. Both of these did major damage. Killing, injuring and putting the state in millions of dollars of debt for repairs.

Below are 7 steps on how to prepare and stay safe during an earthquake according to earthquakecountry.org: Step 1: Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.

Step 2: Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.

Step 3: Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.

Step 4: Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold On when the earth shakes.

Step 6: Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.

After the immediate threat of the

earthquake has passed, your level of preparedness will determine your quality of life in the weeks and months that follow: Step 7: Reconnect and Restore Restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.

OPINION

SPIRIT / World News / 18

Cecil the Lion: True Ambivalence

ABBIE PENA Reporter

Y

“ ou come at us with stone, with spear, with arrow, with knife, with gun, poison, traps of every deviously horrific form your minds can imagine and your opposable thumbs can help you to build. You come at us with bulldozers and other heavy equipment, explosives, and dams, scalpels and drugs, electrodes, prods and prongs and probes, hammers and captive bolt pistols, whips and chains and indifference.”

This poem was written by Barry Kent MacKay titled “We Are The Others” whose main purpose was to pay homage though a poetry piece in memory of Cecil the Lion and other voiceless creatures who are poached and wrongfully hunted while on the verge of extinction.

Cecil the Lion was a Southwest African lion who was held in captivity at Hwange National Park, but the reason Cecil was making headlines and ‘breaking’ social media with the #Cecilthelion was the wrongful poaching from American big game hunter Walter Palmer.

Cecil’s death included disturbing details, Palmer was said to have wounded Cecil with an arrow on July 1, 2015 and was later tracked and killed by the merciless hunter. Palmer reportedly skinned and decapitated Cecil leaving only his skeleton in the sanctuary. Palmer left Cecil for the vultures, and his death has made many of us think and made many of us pretend to think of the amassed cruelty of animals throughout the ages.

Although lion hunting does have a rich history.

The Maasai tribe which remains prominent in Kenya and Tanzania has

Photo Credit: Grindtv.com

a long and tumultuous relationship with lion hunting. The act of lion hunting is a coming of age tradition, meanwhile our western ideologies sees shaving or learning to drive as the most common right of passage for the Massai tribe there is no greater test of manhood. The tradition is meant to prove the manhood of the young men of the tribe testing bravery and personal achievement as a hunter or provider for the tribe. In previous years the young men of the tribe would partake in solo hunting but now that the lion population is on the decline communal hunting is now more commonplace.

For the Maasai tribe lion hunting is a journey, warriors from the village meet early in the morning by a landmark and decide amongst themselves who will actually go on the hunt. Usually there is conflict between the older warriors called Ilmorijo and the younger warriors who are referred to as Ilbarnot.

The conflicts stem from a deep seated power struggle between the younger and older warriors. After the younger warriors accept defeat and leave back to the village, the older warriors gather their weapons for the hunt. These weapons include a spear and shield whereas Palmer worked with a bow and arrow on an animal that was held in captivity.

While the Maasai tribe hunts lions on open plains instead of highly vegetated areas which are more dangerous for the warriors. The warrior who is the first to spear the lion is bestowed upon him the highest honor. Traditionally, the remains of the lion are used accord-

ingly; the meat is never eaten for it is believed to be sacred while the mane, tail and claws are the only parts of the lion actually used by the Maasai.This journey of the Maasai warrior lion hunt may seem like a bizarre foreign custom, but theses customs are founded upon time honored traditions by generations of Maasai warriors not by dentists from Minnesota trying to prove their virility by hunting big game.

For the Maasai Tribe the lion is a natural predator, a side of the story rarely shown. Goodwell Nzou: a doctoral student in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences attending Wake Forest University recently spoke out against the criticisms of lion hunting, being a native to the Maasai tribe gave Nzou interesting insight in his published New York Times Opinion Article titled “ In Zimbabwe, We Don’t Cry For Lions.” In this article Nzou speaks of the fear that actual Zimbabweans feel, when he heard about Cecil’s death on the news Nzou claims, “The village boy inside of me instinctively cheered: One lion fewer to menace families like mine.”

Throughout the article Nzou describes his “cultural contradiction” in speaking of the danger he and his village have had to deal with when dealing with predators out in the wild life. Understandably so, the hunting of lions and other dangerous predators started as a way to protect themselves. They are not a trophy of prowess in the line of danger. Dentists from Minnesota seem to have more to prove.

August / September 2015

NATIONAL

19 / SPIRIT / World News

Photo Credit: Trueactivist.com

Bernie Sanders Get to know one of the most intresting candidates to take over the White House in 2016, Demoractic Candidate: Bernie Sanders

W

hether you’re following the 2016 Presidential election or not, Bernie Sanders is definitely someone you need to know. Bernie Sanders is Vermont’s junior senator who is running for president in the democratic primary. He has many tasks on his agenda that he plans to go through with. Plans such as raising minimum wage, pay equity for women workers, real tax reform and gun control.

Sanders is set on raising the federal minimum wage. Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25.

Bernie Sanders is proposing that the government change that to $15.

Despite disapproval from the House and the Senate, a large amount of citizens, including economists and labor experts support raising minimum wage.

A Hart Research Associates survey

August / September 2015

in January found that 63 percent of the American people support increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. States and cities are acting on their own. Cities such as Washington D.C. and Kansas City are considering raising their minimum wage to $15, and 26 states have already introduced minimum wage increases. Sanders proposition for wage increase has also made him increase in the polls as well.

One of Sander’s biggest competitors is Hillary Clinton. They are both prospective candidates for the democratic candidate in the 2016 election. Compared to the two Sanders seems to be addressing issues and topics more aggressively than Clinton. However, Clinton seems to be just barely ahead in the polls. Sanders coming up close behind her.

BECKY TEBE Reporter Many democrats are having a hard time deciding between the two. Many want Clinton for her experience while others want Sanders for his straightforward liberalism.

While republicans have many candidates to choose from in their presidential primary, the democratic race seems to be a competition between Clinton and Sanders.

Immigration has been a huge topic in the presidential primary recently.

The topic arose when Republican candidate Donald Trump had some controversial comments and opinions about immigration. Throughout his campaign, Sanders has, for the most part, stayed away from the topic of immigration. However, Sanders does have an opinion of his own when it comes to immigration. Sanders is after legalization and citizenship for the unauthorized

OPINION

SPIRIT / World News / 20

Photo Credit: Jdennehy.com

LOVE WINS SHAWN SILVER Reporter

On June 26 our deeply split con-

gress voted five to four that the ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

After years and decades of litigation and activism, same-sex couples rejoiced all over the nation.

With such a divided nation, there was a variety of opinions thrown in the air.

“No longer may this liberty be denied,” Justice Anthony M. Kennedy said. “No union is more profound than marriage,

for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.”

While others were disgusted with the ruling.

“If you are among the many Americans — of whatever sexual orientation — who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision,” Chief Justice Roberts wrote. “Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.”

As the last two months have progressed there have been many issues with this topic, from the denial of licenses to the threat of a preacher to set himself on fire. The most significant issue that has arose is that some individuals believe they should not be forced to perform same-sex marriages due to their Christian faith.

President Barack Obama stated, “This ruling is a victory for America. This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts: When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.”

Needless to say there has been a vast array of reactions to this topic.

Alas same-sex couples still rejoice all across the nation.

raise wages and labor standards and will also stop the expansion of temporary foreign worker programs in the United States which allow employers to exploit and underpay guest workers. Sanders support on immigration has helped him gain support from other ethnic groups.

Sanders has made himself known during this election. Due to his straightforward and honest approach, he has appealed to many democrats and could very well be the next presidential candidate in the upcoming election.

Bernie Sanders Cont’d immigrant population. His father is a Jewish immigrant from Poland who fled to America after his parents were killed in the holocaust.

Sanders has agreed with President Obama that undocumented immigrants should be given a path to citizenship. He believes that this will

August / September 2015

OPINION

21 / SPIRIT / World News

Photo Credit: Dnaindia.com

This Dunya is Only Temporary ‫َةاَيَحْلا َنوُرْشَي َنيِذَّلا ِهَّللا ِليِبَس يِف ْلِتاَقُيْلَف‬ ‫ِهَّللا ِليِبَس يِف ْلِتاَقُي نَمَو ِةَرِخآْلاِب اَيْنُّدلا‬ ‫اًميِظَع اًرْجَأ ِهيِتْؤُن َفْوَسَف ْبِلْغَي ْوَأ ْلَتْقُيَف‬

L

“ et those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the other. Whoso fighteth in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, on him We shall bestow a vast reward,” (Quran 4:74 Surat An- Nisa).

The Syrian Civil War has been going on for over four years, but yet the American media has not cared to document it until recently. The conflict arose during “Arab Spring,” which started early Dec. 2010, when Tunisia started an uprising up against their now former dictator, El Abidine Ben Ali. Following suit in early 2011, the majority of the Middle Eastern, North African and African countries revolted against their current government. This went on for a little over a year until the following countries presidents were forced to resign: Iraq Morocco Saudi Arabia Syria Djibouti Egypt Sudan Kuwait Jordan Libya

August / September 2015

MELYNDA ROBINSON

Fashion Editor Mauritania Bahrain Yemen Palestine Since then, there has been political unrest in every single country listed, especially Syria. Every minute of the day, millions of refugees are immigrating to their neighboring countries including: Iraq, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, and a few countries in Europe. Including Greece, Great Britain, Germany and Hungary. Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan have managed to take in four million Syrians. Which calculates to be about a fifth of the country. The straining effect of trying to support the steadily increasing population has really put a toll on each country’s economy. Countries like Lebanon, has taken the hit hard with their population only being four million, but now has to endure the new one million Syrian refugees (which cost over one billion a year).

Killing all rumors, I’m just going to state that you should not listen to the American/European news media. The media like BBC, CNN, etc has made it clear that the Gulf (Arab Countries) have not taken in or helped the Syrian refugees. This is false, do not listen to any of this crap they are spewing out. They have failed to report the following:

OPINION

SPIRIT / World News / 22

Photo Credit: Dnaindia.com

• Qatar has let Syrian refugees enter through Lebanon • Lebanon is hosting 1.1 million refugees • Iraq is hosting 225,373 refugees • Jordan hosts 618,615 refugees • Egypt hosts 142,543 • Saudi Arabia has suspended all immigration laws dealing with Syrians no matter how they entered the country (during Umrah, Hajj, etc) • All Syrian residency permits and visas are valid and renewed till the war is over (this is not even a new rule but has not been stated in any news) • All Syrian children and adults are receiving free health care and free education • Syrian adults are allowed to work without the fear of Labor violations and penalties • Saudi Arabia has funded/established many refugee camps based in Turkey (yes they have even helped Europe fund refugee camps), Jordan, etc • Saudi Arabia pledged 10 billion to aid Syrian refugees in Jordan • The Saudi National Campaign is trying to work out a deal with its food program to provide food for the countries hosting Syrians, European or not.

• Saudi Arabia has been actively supporting “The Brothers of Syria” campaign • The Saudi prince Al Waleed Bin Talal pledged 32 billion to help with Syrian refugees CNN, along with a few other news media’s has failed to mention how much Saudi Arabia has helped. Only highlighting what Europe has done. It’s like they are pitting Arabs against each other. If you are constantly saying how the Middle East is turning their backs on each other during times of need and have yet to report the whole slew of positives, you are not reporting, you are creating a disunity between the countries. Although more definitely could be done regarding the Gulf, with the current state of these countries, and millions of money for aid

Photo Credit: www.dnaindia.com

Photo Credit: Dnaindia.com

August / September 2015

OPINION

23 / SPIRIT / World News

Photo Credit: www.dnaindia.com

they have given, they have helped out a bunch.

Looking at world map, you can easily see it’s easier for Syrians to cross into Europe than it is to cross over to Middle Eastern countries. If people think they are going to walk all the way Sinai desert just to get to another Arab country, you are in for a very rude awakening. The most successful stories heard about Syrians in Saudi Arabia (and other Gulf States) are those that are already there and extend their stay. Or, immigrating to one of the country’s because they already have family there. Inshallah, Syria keeps in mind that Allah knows what they’re going through. That he can see what’s happening, Allah does care. Please keep Syria in your daily duaa’s and keep Tawakkul in mind.

What is unbelievable is the uproar surrounded by the young three year old Syrian child, Aylan Kurdi. Kurdi was found on a Turkish beach, by the shore. America blew this up. It shouldn’t take a three year old child’s life to be taken away, for the country to become concerned. His brother, Galip Kurdi, died along with their mother.

If you’re going to share his nameless picture trying to spark an outrage off of something that should have been perfected from the start (regarding seeking refuge), to say you actually did “something” you are part of the problem. Instead of sharing a dehumanizing picture of a three year old, here’s how you can help:

Photo Credit: Darko Vojinovic

August / September 2015

Photo Credit: Dnaindia.com

OPINION

SPIRIT / World News / 24

Photo Credit: Laszlo Balogh

• Call this number: 1-888-392-0392 for “Doctors Without Borders” they provide medical aid around Syria. All proceeds go directly to Syria •

Call this number: 1-800-521-CARE for CARE they host many refugee camps. All funds go directly to them

• Go to the website: http://www.irusa.org/emergencies/syrian-humanitarian-relief/ they provide food, water and shelter for refugees •

Go to the website: http://www.wfp.org they provide food for refugees

• Call the number: 1-800-562-4453 for “World Vision’s” this company provides sanitized and clean water to refugees •

Go to the website: http://www.SavetheChildren.org For food, diapers and clothing

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioun. May those who have died be granted the highest place in Jannah. No one leaves home unless your home is telling you to run away from it now. That it can no longer be your home because it doesn’t know what it has become, but it knows that anywhere is safer than it. May peace stay upon the Syrian children.

Photo Credit: Tumblr.com

August / September 2015

NATIONAL

25 / SPIRIT / World News

Photo Credit: CNN.com

Ferguson: One Year Later JAZZMIN MATCHETTE

NOW : 2015 Edition

On Aug. 9, 2014 unarmed African

American teenager Michael Brown was unlawfully shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson. The event sparked a boom of national protests, most prominently in Ferguson, Mo. where Brown was killed.

As the one year anniversary of Brown’s death came, the day consisted of political leaders, national activist, and regular people peacefully protesting in Ferguson throughout the day. They all felt a personal connection with the death of Brown.

Beldon Lane, a 72-year-old white man, held a sign that read, “These are my sons too… dying in the streets.”

“I don’t have to worry about that, because my kids are white. So I’m here to witness to what needs to be changed,” Lane said. “It’s not just black men dying in the streets, but it’s white people losing beloved black men dying in the streets, and our need to stand together and say, ‘No.’” Demonstrators are calling for more action to be taken to release a report stating the racial bias amongst the St.Louis Police Department.

August / September 2015

The beginning of the of the year anniversary of Brown’s death began with a group of about three hundred protesters marching a mile and a half to Greater St. Mark Family Church for a service, where rows of teddy bears, flowers, balloons and other items lay in the street in memory of Brown. There was a four and a half minute silence to represent the four and a half hours that Brown’s body was left in the street after he was shot and killed by officer Darren Wilson.

Afterwards, Mr. Brown’s father, Michael Brown Sr., declared, “This moment was sponsored by Darren Wilson.”

There were several important speakers during the day’s protests. Yonasda Lonewolf, granddaughter of Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam exclaimed, “Mike Brown was murdered here. This was the epicenter of the movement of ‘black lives matter.’

We still cannot get justice,” she stated.

“It’s time for us to not seek justice but to demand justice.”

Bree Newson, who climbed the flagpole at the South Carolina Capital to remove the confederate flag in June spoke in Ferguson, a place she believed people thoroughly began to fight

Managing Editor back against a newly defined common enemy. “A lot of the movement has been reactionary – there is an event, someone is killed, there is a protest,” she said.

“These are reactionary things to bring attention, to create enough disruption that the problem can no longer be ignored.”

Another speaker included the daughter of Eric Garner whose killing by the New York police sparked protests there.

Ferguson’s police department has a history of discriminating against people of color due to a strong history of racial discrimination, economic inequality, along with a law enforcement that has been known for abusing its authority in inner city areas. This underlying systemic racism has been what’s caused a lot of tension amongst St. Louis Police and the citizens of the city.

Due to African American’s not being able to purchase property up until the late 1940s, many blacks were forced to reside in inner city areas. This was a result of citizens being kept out by restrictive covenant that the supreme court prohibited in 1948. Many blacks were forced to reside in lower income apartments as opposed to suburban

NATIONAL

SPIRIT / World News/ 26

Ferguson NOW : 2015 Edition

CONT.

Photo Credit: CNN.com

St.Louis county towns. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, whites began fleeing the city for the St. Louis county towns. The city used exclusionary zoning tactics which included large single family home lots to restricted apartment buildings to prevent people of color from moving in, as a result poverty grew, and continued on for the next several generations.

In the ‘70s many blacks began leaving St. Louis as well and resided in the suburb of Ferguson Mo., and as a result the whites fled. In 1980 the population of white’s was 85 percent white and 14 percent black. In 2010, the town consisted of 29 percent white and 69 percent black. Despite the African American’s growing population they did not gain political power within the city. In Ferguson today, the mayor and police chief are white, along with the five of the six city council members.

Colin Gordon, a professor at the University of Iowa stated that many black residents lacked the wealth to buy property so they had to move from apartment to apartment and did not get the opportunity to build themselves into a political power position.

The pastor of Greater St. Mark Family Church and state representative, Tommie Pierson, stated, “If we’re going to to change the system to work for us,

Photo Credit: Thenypost.files.wordpress.com

we need to run for office and vote for ourselves. Protesting is good, but it only brings attention to the problems. Solving the problem requires doing other things.”

As a result of this racial prejudice there has been a copious amount of racial tension between the black residents and the white police officers, leading to now, a full year of protests against the law enforcements abuse of power.

While the day’s events were peaceful and organized, the atmosphere changed when police officers and state troopers began making arrests when demonstrators did not clear West Florissant Avenue. A drive-by shooting occurred later that evening, along with two groups of people that exchanged gunfire shortly after 11 p.m, following another shooting that took place that night, when a man, identified as 18 year old Tyrone Harris Jr. shot at St.Louis County police.

Police Chief Jon Belmar stated the people doing the shootings were criminals, not protesters. Although, Harris’ father, Tyrone Harris, said that Michael Brown Jr., and Harris “were real close.”

After a day of protest, officers threatened to use “chemical munitions” against protesters if they did not disperse late in the night, despite that

Photo Credit: Images.dailykos.com

the protesters were heavily outnumbered by the media. Smoke bombs were fired by 2 a.m. This string of chaotic events caused Ferguson to go into a state of emergency later Monday morning.

Many protest leaders all agreed on the fact that many of the young people causing the protests to turn into looting, and more violence had no affiliation with the rest of the demonstrators.

“We continually talk and engage folks and try to help them understand what it is to actually be in confrontation, what resistance looks like, and what organized resistance looks like versus like some of what happened last night,” said Montague Simmons, the executive director of the Organization for Black Struggle.

Despite this, Simmons still did not agree with the county’s decision to declare a state of emergency. He warned that an overly aggressive police force might provoke new unrest.

Brown’s death provoked hundreds of protests against police violence across the country over the course of the last year, that is still continuing at full force one year later.

August / September 2015

SPORTS

27 / SPIRIT / Entertainment

Photo Credit: Usatftw.files.wordpress.com

Welcome Back, Eric Berry In Eric Berry’s frist game back after a near death experience with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

attending safety going into his sixth season with the Kansas City Chiefs whose career took a devastating hit when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in week 12 of the 2014 NFL season.

Berry had his season end after the diagnosis of his cancer and as a result began chemo treatment in hopes of recovery. Berry did the unthinkable once he was declared healthy and cancer-free by doctors and rejoined the team for their summer training camp in July.

History was broken by Berry when the safety played in the Aug. 15 pre-season game against the Arizona Cardinals. Less than a year after being diagnosed with cancer Berry was back and at it on the field.

The game made for a touching experience for Berry, the Chiefs and everyone watching the amazing

August / September 2015

moment. Even the Cardinals shared in on the excitement, when Berry walked onto the field he saw his name in bright lights.

The Arizona scoreboard read

“

I can get through anything

“

Eric Berry is a multiple pro-bowl

“Welcome back Eric Berry” and fans all over the crowd had posters congratulating him. The whole experience made for an exciting event but the thing that stood out to most to fans was the touching moment Berry shared with his mother. Berry

COLIN SIMS Reporter stood hugging his mother before the game started, both embracing each other and crying.

Berry has played in the Chief’s second and third pre-season games, taking place in more and more snaps as the regular season draws closer.

Berry has become a symbol of hope for many fans who have also been diagnosed with cancer. Many have reached out to him thanking him for giving them hope and the drive to get better.

“Eric Berry has motivated me to overcome both large and small challenges in life, because if he can get through that, I can get through anything,” senior Eric Haddock said.

SPORTS

SPIRIT / Entertainment / 28

GOLDEN GIRLS WIN

BRI SAVIDGE Reporter

Photo Credit: Worldsoccertalk.com

After a crushing defeat four years

ago against a solid Japanese squad, the U.S. women’s national soccer team finally reached the pinnacle in the sport of soccer; winning the 2015 World Cup. Ironically, the rematch with Japan, who had defeated the U.S. by the slimmest of margins four years ago, would turn out to be a rout this time.

Many fans would call it the most exciting, yet bizarre soccer match that they had ever witnessed. Within the first 16 minutes of the match the U.S. had already scored an astounding four goals, three by Carli Lloyd and one by Lauren Holiday, which gave the team a seemingly insurmountable lead.

However, after a goal by Japan’s Yuki Ogimi and an unfortunate own goal by the U.S.’s Julie Johnston, many were wondering if the United States would squander their colossal advantage and once again fall to the Japanese. However the United States continued to do what they had done all tournament long; they battled. With stifling defense and an additional goal by Tobin Heath, the final shriek of the referee’s whistle ended the match and the celebration began for the team and their

fans. The atmosphere was electric as the team claimed its first World Cup title in more than 16 years.

Perhaps the most poignant moment in the match came when veteran striker, Abby Wambach, entered the game in the 79th minute for the United States. Wambach, who announced in June that the 2015 World Cup would be her last, had taken a reserve role for most of the World Cup. In her final entrance into a World Cup game, the crowd roared to life with a standing ovation. As the stepped onto the field, Carli Lloyd reached for Wambach’s arm and transferred the captain’s armband from her own to Wambach’s; a sign of respect from one soccer great to another. Although Wambach didn’t play many minutes in the game, she was elated with the final result.

“I was sitting on the bench, watching my team win a World Cup,” Wambach said. “I’d choose that over World Player of the Year, scoring more goals than anybody in the world. I’d choose winning a World Cup as a team. Any. Day. Of. The. Week.”

That team-first mentality inspired Wambach’s teammates, especially younger players such as Morgan

Brian, who spoke of the encouragement Wambach had given her in difficult moments and how it had exponentially boosted her confidence.

“She’s been a legend to this sport, such an inspirational leader on and off the field. I’m proud to call her my teammate and my friend, and so glad that she got a World Cup win,” Lloyd said.

With a plethora of starters returning to the roster, and several upand-coming players looking to join the squad within the coming years, the future looks bright for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.

Big names like Alex Morgan, Julie Johnson, and Sydney Leroux are the next generation of soccer stars, not only for the U.S., but for the world. Soccer popularity is surging in the United States, especially for women. So who is to thank for the growth of the sport? The U.S. Women’s National Team. Specifically the players who have built the foundation for soccer to last for generations to come; Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, Christie Rampone.

U.S. women’s soccer has had a stellar past, but, as for its future….. the possibilities are infinite.

August / September 2015

SPORTS

29 / SPIRIT / Entertainment

GENO KO! KANE MOBLEY

The New York Jets who look to recover from a disappointing 2014 season will be without their starting Quarterback Geno Smith for six to 10 weeks. Smith suffered a fractured jaw after being punched by teammate IK Enemkpali. The punch occurred in the locker room at Jets training camp, and Smith will need surgery for his fractured jaw.

The Jets are reportedly planning to sign Quarterback Matt Flynn as a backup. Smith, who was knocked to the ground after being hit the jaw, got up and walked away from the situation.

Enemkpali says he punched Smith for not paying back $600 that was owed to him. Enemkpali payed for flight tickets and limo rentals for Smith to attend a football camp for kids in Enemkpali’s hometown.

August / September 2015

Photo Credit: Bleacherreport.com

Smith backed out just days before the camp due to a funeral that he had to attend. Along with not getting his $600 from Smith, Enemkpali will also not be getting the $510,000 he was set to earn this year from the Jets. The Jets have released LB Enemkpali, who has since been picked up by division-rival Buffalo Bills. Ironically, the coach of the Bills is Rex Ryan, the Jets former coach.

Enemkpali apologized by saying, “ I apologize to the Jets organization, coaches, teammates and fans.

Geno and I let our frustration get the best of us, but I should have just walked away from the situation,” he said.

“I deeply regret and apologize for my actions. It was never my intention to harm anyone. I appreciate the opportunity I had with the Jets.”

While this was supposed to be a season the Jets found out if Smith could get it done in the NFL or not.

Unfortunately, that is now on hold.

Smith has struggled in the past, last year between himself and

“

I deeply regret and apologize for my actions.

“

Sports Editor

Michael Vick the team went 4-12.

Fans hope to see Smith somewhere towards the middle of the season.

While the doctors fix Smith’s jaw, fans should hope doctors can fix his arm as well.

SPORTS

SPIRIT / Entertainment / 30

Photo Credit: S2.fssta.com

Photo Credit: Kansascity.com

ROYALS’ NEW PICKS he Kansas City Royals made some huge moves after the “All-Star” break, and these two players could help the team push on to postseason and eventually towards a World Series bid.

Kansas City made some big moves that were unexpected of the team to make. Just a few years back the Royals were only thought of as a farm team who would amount to nearly nothing.

That was quickly changed with the results of last year when the Royals went (89-73), which landed them in the “American League Wildcard” game. From there the Royals showed their colors and continued on the way to the World Series. They would eventually fall to the San Francisco Giants in Game 7.

This year Kansas City is coming back with the same force they had last year, maybe even stronger.The Royals as they stand are (77-49) with the closest contender the Minnesota Twins 12.5 games back.

The Royals made some big moves after the “break”, picking up the right-hander Johnny Cueto from the Cincinnati Reds, and outfielder/infielder Ben Zobrist from the Oakland A’s.

Johnny Cueto, otherwise known as “Johnny Beisbol” was a stellar pitcher in the time that he was with the Reds. He has a career record of (94-66), with a 3.23 ERA. Cueto has earned numerous awards such as the “Wilson

“

Cueto will be a key pitcher in the playoffs

“

T

Defensive Player of the Year Award” in 2014, and the “Reds Ernie Lombardi MVP Award” in 2014. He was also a Cy Young runner up in 2014. He could provide the kind of pitching the Royals need to continue their journey for another World Series bid. He has a dominating cut fastball that averages 93 to 95 but he can hit up to 97 in some cases. His slider is poised to go low to force a hitter to only have the option of popping out or striking out. With this arsenal Cueto is predetermined to be a success.

“Cueto will be a key pitcher in the playoffs.

He definitely has the potential to become the Royals ace,” senior Brayden Jensen said.

Ben Zobrist had a high regard coming from Oakland. He had came from Oakland after spending a short time with them, after he came from the Tampa Bay Rays. He was first drafted by the Houston Astros, but was traded to the Rays in 2006. In his career, he has .432 batting average and 577 R.B.I.’s. He has received the award of the “American League MVP” three times in his career. Once in 2009,

KEVIN LOSCH Reporter the second in 2011, and the third was in 2012.

He is known as a great utility player coming from Oakland. He plays second base, as well as the outfield. He may provide the Royals with a good trade in the future, because of his abilities, give the Royals a chance to trade Alex Rios for a high potential prospect.

“Zobrist is a better hitter than Rios; he might not have the speed of Rios but his fielding fundamentals are better all around,” senior Dustin Joiner said.

With these new pickups the Royals are headed toward a better future.

“We gained experience and it will definitely increase our value, “ senior Nolan Brooks said.

Not only does this mean better chances for a World Series, it means that they are finally being taken as a serious team with high opportunities. When the Royals used to be thought as a small town farm team. This has thus been proven in the past two years. With this new performance the Royals can expect to bring in high valued prospects and bring more championships to this town that has been searching for one for many years.

August / September 2015

MUSIC

31 / SPIRIT / Entertainment

KANE MOBLEY Sports Editor Photo Credit: Usatlife.files.wordpress.com

Rap Heavyweights Collide dropped his highly anticipated album, “Dreams Worth More Than Money” on June 29. The album was previously pushed back without a timetable for a new release date due to Meek Mill’s prison sentence. When Meek Mill was released fans were ecstatic about hearing new music. When the tracklist came out, the first thing that people perked up about was a Drake feature.

With Drake killing everybody’s songs, people wanted to see how the two would do on a track together. However this would not be their first song together, Drake appeared on Meek Mill’s previous album, on a song called “Amen” which peaked at number four on the US Rap Songs Billboard.

This song was called, “R.I.C.O.” and is the sixth track on Meek Mill’s most recent work to date. The album and the song both received good overall reviews from fans and music critics. But the climax of the hype came on July 21 when Meek Mill took to Twitter to say how he shouldn’t be compared to Drake because Drake doesn’t write his own lyrics and didn’t write his verse on their collaboration. Fans blew up and absolutely went crazy. Drake has been elite in the past few years and certainly has been a top dog, so for people to hear he didn’t write his award-winning rhymes, it

August / September 2015

was a big deal. “He ain’t even write that verse on my album and if I woulda knew I woulda took it off my album….. I don’t trick my fans! lol” Meek Mill tweeted on July 21.

So the question was, who is Drake’s alleged ghostwriter? The next day we found out. Meek Mill tweeted the name Quentin Miller. A track had leaked which would turn out to be Quentin Miller’s version of a song called, “10 Bands” which appeared on Drake’s mixtape, “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late”. The case is that Quentin Miller had made a reference track for Drake. So basically, Miller would take the beat and set the flow, mood, and even some of the lyrics up for Drake. And it wasn’t just that song, more tracks were leaked when Meek Mill dropped a diss track called, “Wanna Know” where in the middle of the song you can hear Miller rapping what appears to be another reference track for Toronto rapper Drake. This time, it’s a fan favorite of Drake’s recent releases, “Know Yourself”.

Meek Mill wasn’t the one who released a diss track first however. Drake came out with two songs, the first one titled, “Charged Up” and the second track titled, “Back To Back.” According to most fans and even some professional rappers, Drake killed Meek Mill.

Meek Mill had taken the ultimate L it

seemed like. It was as if nobody cared that Drake had someone majorly assisting his hits. But the interesting thing about this, is that this was brought to public before Meek Mill said anything, people just didn’t realize. Just four days after “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late,” came out, a twitter account by the name of OG Bluetooth who is a DJ tweeted, “‘If your reading this its too late’ by @Quentin__Miller interpreted by

“ I don’t

trick my fans!

“

Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill

Drake lol. The real truth to this lol,” which was said publicly via Twitter five months before Meek Mill ever did, which means there is most likely a lot of truth to this.

Meek Mill says he is moving away from the beef because it’s not doing anything positive for him, and not making him any money. Drake apparently has a third diss track called, “3 Peat,” that he won’t drop because it will literally ruin Meek Mill’s career, or so he says.

TELEVISION

SPIRIT / Entertainment / 32

Photo Credit: Usatlife.files.wordpress.com

EMPIRE

IS BACK The highly anticipated return of

the Empire was executed at an astounding level. The first episode will go along with the flawless episode performances the last season fulfilled. The show had appearances such as Swizz Beatz, Chris Rock, and Al Sharpton.

Swizz Beats played himself as well as Al Sharpton, Chris Rock played a feared gangster by the name of Frank Gathers that was an associate of Cookie and Lucious.

As far as the actual Empire was going, there was the usual jealousy in the family. Last season before Luscious went to jail he handed the Empire over to his son Jamaal who he had neglected most of Jamaal’s life because he was gay, because Luscious handed the Empire over to Jamaal over his other two sons they

Photo Credit: wikimedia.org

were jealous and disliking Jamaal because they didn’t get their father’s empire. So in the opening episode Hakeem, Trey and Cookie were trying to take Jamaal and Luscious out of the head positions of the Empire. The problem with that was that undisputed and always triumphant Lucious Lyon outsmarted his wife ex-wife and two kids by cutting a better deal with the investor that they had depended on to execute the plan. This was not the only boss move that Luscious did in the season opener. Chris Rock who as a stated played a feared and respected gangster by the name of Frank Gathers. Gathers believed Cookie “snitched” on him in order to get out of jail sooner, so he began to threaten Cookie and her family and by him doing that he was messing with Lucious as well. So when talking to

WALTER CANADY Reporter

Gathers about the situation, Gathers made it clear that he was after Cookie and the family...Let’s just say Luscious handled that. I can’t wait so see how Luscious handles the rest of the obstacles that are headed his way this season to maintain the greatness of the Empire. What a great season opener.

August / September 2015

REVIEW

33 / SPIRIT / Entertainment

Photo Credit: www.yahoo.com

iOS 9 VS. Android M Neither of them are in final form yet but with both of these two giants of the tech world, Apple and Google both plan to release their highly anticipated new operating systems this fall. Announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC’15) iOS 9 alongside their other operating systems for the Mac’s, OS X 10.11 code name ‘El Capitan’ and WatchOS 2 back in the beginning of June in San Francisco.

For Google at their equivalent to WWDC in what they call Google I/O which stands for ‘input’ and ‘output’ as well as ‘innovation’ and ‘open’.

Google I/O also was held in San Francisco back in May where they talk about what’s to come with their side of the Operating System world and others such as Android Wear, Support for USB type C as their go to charging language and app updates.

Starting with iOS 9 stretching out not only your iPhone this fall but with plummeting iPad sales numbers, with the new features on hand, iOS 9 just saved the iPad. With Apple having to play catch up with

August / September 2015

GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor Google in the multitasking department for generations now, new features to multitasking on the iPad with what Apple calls ‘Slide Over’ which allows you to swipe from the upper right bezel of the screen to open another app on the side with an adjustable cursor to either split the screen half way with say Twitter on one side and well as YouTube on the other, or Safari open on one while you’re taking Notes with the all new Notes app on the other. Able to do this will all the compatible apps your iPad just feels more capable even in beta form and leapfrogging what Google and Microsoft dominated in previous generations. iOS 9 also giving iPad users the

capability to take on an incoming notification while watching a video, as a movable rectangle with the video ongoing is still visible, playable and if needed easy to dismiss.

While these changes are only available on the iPad and a genius marketing strategy by Apple to get you to pick one up yourself if any of those features appealed to you. But let’s talk about the changes that are both visual on the iPhone and iPad as both feature what Google has done for years with the their Google Now Tab. Proactive Assist is located on the far left page on the iPhone which Apple dubs their own as Proactive Assistant which can also be found on the far left page on your screen as it displays recommend contacts, apps and tailored to you news stories, near by points of interest such as restaurants, movies and friendly reminder to leave the house to make it to your next appointment on time due to traffic conditions now all just a tap away.

Now to the ‘smarter’ Siri as Siri is building on what she does best, being a voice assistant. While

REVIEW

SPIRIT / Entertainment / 34

Photo Credit: Redmondpie.com

acknowledging that she’ll never be on par with Google Now but Siri is now more useful than ever as for instance she can remind you to pack an umbrella before you leave on a rainy day, or show photos from this time last year. With Siri focused to make your day run smoothly with friendly reminders to help you beat the traffic or to grab your coffee off the top of the car. Not only is Siri smarter she also got a facelift as a new multicolor wave animation is apparent in iOS 9.

And what would be a newspaper article without acknowledging Apple’s new ‘News’ app replacing ‘Newsstand’ which provides personalized news feed by selecting big name news companies and tailored topics before getting started and organized within what is called a ‘For You’ tab. Now Apple News is believed to be the ‘go to’ in News apps thanks to Apple’s News Format with rich typography, live animations, photo mosaics.

Staying on apps the new Notes app might just kill off that urge to download a third party notes app as it’s capable for free format, a new doodle feature to draw within you note and beautiful active links and options for adding multiple photos is finally here. As well as a facelift

to the old Passbook app as it now houses a new name and a simple design change.

With all the big features out of the way we now look to the cosmetic changes as you’ll notice a different yet familiar font first seen on the Apple Watch called ‘San Francisco’ implemented for better legibility on smaller screens with clear letter spacing format. As well as the newly redesigned Multitasking App Switcher with cards now cascading from the left keeping the same card orientation and same swipe up to dismissal action. As well typing on iOS devices got a lot easier with two finger precision cursor placement and a more user friendly copy, cut and paste mechanism along with smarter predictive text suggestions.

Now switching to the side of the spectrum as Google added a few of their own features. The most captivating one being what Google calls Google ‘On Tap’ which allows you to hold the home button of your device on say a message or website and Google quickly reads the page. It also gives back information such as links, automatic calendar additions and Internet suggestions which promises to be very useful.

Next with Google finally supporting native fingerprint reading as

you can unlock your device, pay for apps and even encourages developers to integrate this into their apps which could be mostly useful with store based apps.

And for the battery life enthusiasts and or wall huggers, Google presents ‘Doze’. Doze is program aimed to increase standby time of your phone and tablet by your device easing your gyroscope, ambient light sensors and accelerometer. It will use the information collected to check if your phone is idle or not and stops app refreshes, E-mail fetching and other background activity.

Moving to the cosmetic update coming to the app launcher. Gone are the days of the grid format as now it’s an alphabetized list with a search bar at the top to save you the time scrolling just to get to Twitter or Instagram. Lock Screen showcases a bigger text size for the time that won’t need for you to take a second look.

While both updates focus on stability and clarity, Apple playing its cards right and Google sticking to the status quo ,as the rich get richer, both updates look to bring an even better and user friendly experience to your device.

August / September 2015

REVIEW

35 / SPIRIT / Entertainment

Photo Credit: Arstechnica.net

Photo Credit: Christianpost.com

Decisons, Decisons If you own Samsung’s latest and great-

est the Samsung Galaxy S6, more than likely in the favorable Edge variant, as many opted not to settle for the regular S6 as they believed it was worth the pretty penny to upgrade to the unique edge. But if you own one or heard chatter about it than you’re familiar with the vivid and best in it’s class 5.7 inch quad HD super AMOLED display. Spectacular front facing and back cameras at 5 megapixels in the front and the party in the back at 16 megapixels to capture the moments just as you see them and fit all your friends with that notorious selfie with Samsung’s wide angle lens.

But maybe you’re a ‘phan’ of the ‘phablets’ and want to enjoy all the features listed above as well as the slimmed down TouchWiz, (Samsung’s skin of Android 5.0) but I’ll tell you this, the bigger screen is about it. You’ll still enjoy the same camera, software and same premium metals used such as the Corning Gorilla Glass 4 and metal as the edge the only changes coming to the display, battery life performance under the hood.

The display coming in at a 5.7 inches now on the Plus as well as a 400 mAh upgrade to from its predecessor putting

August / September 2015

it at 4000 mAh. Given Samsung’s inconsistent past in promised battery life, if that’s not good enough for you then if you opt to buy a wireless charger expect your phone to charge from zero to full in just two hours flat which is a tad bit faster than their previous model. You may notice it or you may not but Samsung generously added to the almost already lag free performance. Adding one more gigabytes of RAM putting their competitors in the dust and one up the first Edge.

While many are believe the Edge to be unique and enjoy its features like the Time Clock, Information Stream, Edge Lighting, People Edge but to add one more feature to the Edge you can find a place for your favorite apps similar to People Edge. Swiping once from a white tab in the upper right hand of your display brings your favorite contacts but swipe again you’ll see vacancies for your favorite apps.

If you want to get your hands on one, all we know that we can expect it in Samsung’s third quarter. While this upgrade doesn’t seem like much, Samsung thinks otherwise as you’ll end up paying $100 dollars more than the previous versions putting it near the $800

GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor dollar range unlocked and for 64GB. All the upgrades and specs above, can be found in the highly anticipated Note 5, minus the Edge and its gimmicks but the Note has a trick up it’s sleeve with the help of the redesigned S-Pen with an all new auto ejecting mechanism with just a push in, it pops back out. Be careful on how you put it back because you may have to pay for a whole new phone as some reports state when inserting the pen they’ve experienced a total shutdown. And with the S-Pen comes a redesigned air command center and a new feature. It allows you to eject the S-Pen when the display is off and on a black non idle screen. Just jot down a quick note whenever that moment comes and the note is saved when the S-Pen is placed back inside.

You can enjoy all these upgrades in the previously debuted colorways of Gold Platinum, White Pearl, Black Sapphire and now the all new, stunning Silver Titanium option for the Edge Plus but for the Note you can grab these colors too minus the new Silver Titanium. You can’t go wrong with both but it depends on if you value the beautiful curved edge display or that always handy stylus.

REVIEW

SPIRIT / Entertianment / 36

iPhone 6s and 6s Plus Preview

GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor

In Apple’s Keynote on Sept. 9, while

Apple loves surprises as the last shows, it’s that same past that’s made them predictable it’s just that time in the year where to think about what will be in your pocket for the next six months.

In the past, the new iOS version update always released alongside the new iPhone and if we follow the patterns of years past of we do not foresee any drastic changes coming to the hardware side as Apple keen on their design philosophy but upgrades coming to the specs.

Based on multiple reports, rumors and patent leak we can expect an usual upgrade to beef up performance as your iPhone will feel a bit more snappier thanks to Apple’s A9 chip and a long awaited upgrade to RAM as they catch up to their competitors at two gigabytes of RAM. With the buzz last year surrounding ‘Bendgate’, many will be able to sleep better at night knowing that Apple has addressed that problem too as the new iPhone is expected to be in cased in Apple Watch inspired Aluminum 7000 which is 60 percent stronger than previously used stainless steel and one third of the density.

Staying on features inspired by the Apple Watch that will make its way to the iPhone is the Apple Watch main selling point, Force Touch.

Force Touch is used anywhere on your screen and pressure sensitive

Photo Credit: Yahoo.com

where it is able to detect how hard one presses, if a lot of force is applied then a list of features are shown.

Example, while in the Messages app press and hold on the screen and your device prompts you to create a new message.

Also inspired by the Apple Watch and what makes it more personal and unique experience is how the watch notifies you using its Haptic Engine.

Giving Haptic Feedback gives a subtle pulse instead of a programmatic stilted vibration used in current phones but this will not only work on incoming notifications as you can enjoy this throughout daily usage with keyboard feedback, alarms and more.

As for the minor hardware update and for those who love to capture the moment, you can do so in even better quality as we can expect an overdue camera upgrade staying the same since the 4s moving to a Sony made, 12 megapixel camera with 4K capabilities in photo and video. Including minor improvements to Touch ID for quicker response time.

You’ll not see a change in display size for the two upcoming phones as the 6S and 6S Plus will continue to have a 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch display with also no upgrade coming to the resolution. But the change coming to the screen itself tailors to those who drop their phones constantly likely giving your phone cat lives as the new

iPhones are rumored to use the latest and greatest Corning Gorilla Glass 4 technology. Making this, on paper the most durable phone to date.

Also with great margins, sales and feedback from the beloved Gold color, you can enjoy all these new hardware and software updates in now a new Rose Gold colorway that is found on the Apple Watch and MacBook lineups and more than likely in storage options of 32, 64 and 128 gigabytes options.

Photo Credit: BGR.com

August / September 2015

Photo Credit: Straightouttasomewhere.com

Straight Outta Compton Movie Review: Poetic Edition

By: Antonio Franklin / Poet

They broke out on the scene

in 1988 The new rap group is in town its about to change How people think so listen to what im about to say This what i heard about N.W.A. & the reviews from the movie that just came out One person said the movie didn’t fit the mission how is that when they try recreate a moment in history we never seen so we read up on it On the individuals that we never got to see Ice Cube, MC Ren, Dre & Eazy-E Iconic names at the best as they brought back A whole new vibe to the game

what we call rap An energetic way a stories told if you fold Your blinds back to see you can see that they hold Everyone accountable & just to play a part Let the script be part of you and finally make your mark People said it’s well directed and powerful musically Great performance & presentation on it used to be Then another stated that it launched a conversation Skillfully written and directed plus a dedication The actors who embodied the characters they portraying Had to work hard for the part & that’s be laying Everything on the line if they really want to make it

the best movie possible and yeah I say they made it FBI had suspensions fans had adoration About the film itself and the critics will be hating The movie was like a love letter one reviewer said This influenced a generation and made a new bed For our generation just go and look upon They send it as message and we see it as a bond Thank You for your opinion and I had to give you mine The most dynamic rap group and best of all time I leave you with the message as well as the many options Of giving my review on the movie Straight Outta Compton.