BE A PART OF HISTORY
Truman High School / 3301 S. Noland Rd. Independence, Mo. 64055 / Volume 52 / Issue 2 / October - November ‘15
Senior star running back Jordan Salima receives the handoff from senior quarterback Dean Clemons. Salima rushed for two touchdowns versus school rival William Chrisman. Photo Credit: Aubrey Payne / THS Media
Click for THS Media website: www.thsmediaonline.weebly.
October / November 2015
Table of Contents
THE
SPIRIT
of ‘16 STAFF
THS NEWS
Robyn King Adviser
Pg. 3-7
Gregory Miranda Editor in Chief Jazzmin Matchette Managing Editor
THS SPORTS
Pg. 8-12
WORLD NEWS
Kane Mobley Sports Editor Melynda Robinson Fashion Editor
Abbie Pena Reporter
Pg. 13-18
ENTERTAINMENT
Antonio Franklin Poet Kevin Losch Reporter
Pg. 19-20
Bri Savidge Reporter Walter Canady Reporter
BONUS
Colin Sims Reporter
Pg. 21
BE A PART OF HISTORY... October / November 2015
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... October / November 2015
TRUMAN NEWS
3 / SPIRIT / THS News
Truman’s top athletes take part in signing day. Five Seniors was the largest group for sigining day. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media
THS NEWS
Signing on the College Line Truman’s top athletes commit to the next four years at Signing Day
KEVIN LOSCH Reporter Signing a National Letter of Intent is major accomplishment for anyone. These athletes will go on to compete on the next level in their sports and hope to grow while they are in college. Five seniors are looking forward to playing in college and advance their careers at their new schools. Senior Annika Kessler signed to play softball at Lindenwood University-Belleville in Belleville, Illinois. Lindenwood University-Belleville is in the American Midwest Confer-
October / November 2015
ence who went 35-25 overall, and 19-5 in conference play last season. “I am looking forward to playing with all my new teammates; getting help from coaches and making a new home for the next four years.” Kessler said. Seniors Van Oswald and Brayden Jensen signed their letters of intent to play at baseball at the University of Illinois-Springfield in Springfield, Illinois. The Prairie Stars, of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, went 2228 last season overall, and 16-20 in conference. “I am looking forward to the college experiences, and I’m ready for the new level of competition,” Oswald said. “I can’t wait to work with the great coaching staff, using the facilities,and all the opportunities that will come my way,” Jensen said. Senior Nathan Croner, signed to play baseball at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. The
Aces, of the Missouri Valley Conference went, 29-24 last season, and 8-13 in conference play. “I can’t wait to travel all over the country and getting to compete at one of the highest levels in college baseball,” Croner said. Lexi Hart, senior, signed to play at the University of Minnesota for volleyball. The “Golden Gophers” went 24-3 overall this previous season and went 16-1 in conference play. Lexi will have a good opportunity to contribute to the already great Gophers team. “I chose the University of Minnesota because I love the coaching staff and the players, but mainly, it feels like home sweet home to me,” Hart said. All of these student athletes are headed to a bright future and will have numerous opportunities to grow and perform at their top levels of competition.
TRUMAN NEWS
SPIRIT / THS News / 4
One of many simple cash exchange between student customer and Market Day employee to receive their food. Market Day netted $4,000 in profit making it the most successfull in Truman history. Photo Credit: Taylor Simms / THS Media THS NEWS
Market Day Supplies Lunch Demands
One of the most exciting days of the year, Market Day hosted by Youth Entrepreneurs.
E
very year students carry little bit more cash on them than usual. Due to the always highly anticipated two day event known as Market Day hosted by the Youth Entrepreneurs class lead by teacher Erica Hart. “Market Day is for the students to learn marketing strategies as well as terminology that they encounter throughout the day,” Hart said. “It’s a perfect time to gain experience if they ever persuaded a business by themselves.” The task at hand was for groups of students to create a business from the bottom up with a starting loan: this included what they choose to cover as a start up cost, then they evaluate how to price their product by student taken surveys. While taking under consideration of advertising and utilities as well as floor space or school real estate. “This is exciting! This is why I took this class,” junior Abdel Quasami said. “I put in a lot of research for
GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor this project and hopefully it pays off because this is something I actually see myself using.” From when Market Day kicks off at first lunch shift, until they’ve sold all of their products, the businesses find out how much they profit. The students minus the start up cost from their earnings which makes up the profit which is allocated between team members for theirs to keep. All this ultimately teaches students what it takes to run a business, what potential problems could arise and the potential pay off if you provide a desired product or service.
The two day event consisted of students’ favorite pizza and included other favorites such as Chipotle, Yogurtini, homemade nachos, baked goods and even a beverage stand. “Our decision to sell pizza was a no-brainer, it’s always the most popular and easy to do,” said Fetty Wap’s Pizza employee senior Ethan Crownover. “I expected us to do well but we did better than expected and we learned so much during it.” Market Day made close to $4,000 making it the highest profiting Market Day at Truman. “The groups worked well together and learned a lot about running a business,” Hart said. Which is fitting because of how extensive the project truly is for those involved and it’s because of this hard work during school hours and even off the clock that really makes Market Day such a success here at Truman and always a highlight of the year.
October / November 2015
TRUMAN NEWS
5 / SPIRIT / THS News
Taking their talents to UCM for their annual band festival, Truman placed second. This was their highest placement ever in this festival. Photo Credit: Taylor Hickman / THS Media
THS NEWS
THS Band takes Second Place Truman’s Band takes their talents to UCM taking their highest placing ever in the competition. each and four wild card nominees, Truman Band earned second place in the UCM Festival on Oct. 17, this placing being the highest in Truman Band history, and the band members are all in agreement that preparation and their chemistry sprang their placing this year. In preparation for their preliminary performance, during school hours, as a whole the focus is to review film of previous performance and critique as well as zone in on segments of their show that are not up to par. “We do not leave until it’s perfect,” sophomore Molly Whiting said. “Spending that extra time together really helps with our chemistry.” When arriving at UCM, it was then where the band got a feel for the space of the Audrey J. Walton Stadium where they focused on movement, musicality and structure. Once everything was in order, it was showtime. For the their preliminary performance the band would play the show titled “Forty Winks” including three songs,
October / November 2015
“Pure Imagination”, “Awake my Soul” and “Claire de Lune.” For this performance the judges were keeping a sharp eye on appearance, individual execution, the color guard, drum line and the overall effect just to name a few.
“
Results don’t lie
“
Out of four divisions, two winners
Based on these factors, the judges critiqued the performance and gave Truman the nod to move on to the finals with Blue Springs South (BSS) out of the gold division. In the finals performance, Truman’s task is to polish their first performance, and did just that. With the performance being second to only Blue Springs South. Many band members thought they deserved first place but Truman’s band is still one of the best in the state. “Results don’t lie,” senior Collin McClaran said. While some band members appre-
GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
ciate their placing, some were just happy to see growth, “In my freshman year we weren’t the best, but I love seeing us get better and better each year,” senior Blake Jones said. With band season coming to an end, emotions tend to run high for some, mostly the seniors. They look forward to their final hurrah with their fellow classman at their last big competition, Ozarko, at Missouri State University (MSU) and Senior Night during halftime of the districts football clash between rival William Chrisman on Friday, Oct. 30.
Part of the band kneels during their second movement. Truman placed second in the UCM festival, their highest place ever at this event. Photo Credit: Taylor Hickman / THS Media
TRUMAN NEWS
SPIRIT / THS News / 6
Homecoming court shows off their outfits at the dance. Homecoming King and Queen honors went to seniors Peter Rahm and Isabelle Rizi. Photo Credit: Katreana Smith / THS Media
THS NEWS
Perfect Picture: Homecoming 15’ After an eventful week of Spirit and the first ever home, Friday Night Lights homcoming game, Truman looks to cap off the weekend with the Homecoming Dance.
After an exciting night at Truman’s
first ever football game at the all new Truman Stadium and a very eventful morning at the annual Homecoming Parade, the students were ready for the main event: The dance. Students came directly from the game to the cafeteria to begin setting up for the dance. They worked tirelessly to make the dance as great as possible and did exactly that. The day of the dance, the fully decorated cafeteria sat in silence, the calm before the storm. Promptly, at 7 p.m., students began linking up at the door to attend the dance to began their night of excitement. Many popular songs and dances were being played throughout the night. Students were going absolutely insane, dancing their hearts out to their favorite songs. At about halfway through the dance, the
King’s Crowning began. First, the Queen candidates walked across the newly divided crowd. Following them were the King candidates along with their mothers. The candidiates lined up on stage and the winner was announced. To everyone’s surprise, it was Senior Peter Rahm who was crowned King. Rahm smiled with glee sharing the moment was Rahm’s mother who showed tears of joy during the announcement. Rahm enjoyed his court dance with the queen, senior Isabelle Rizi. “Everybody says they didn’t expect it but I truly didn’t,” Rahm said. “It’s awesome to think that the student body thinks highly of me it means a lot!” As the night began to die down, students continued to dance their hearts out. The lights finally turned on at exactly 10 p.m. and the DJ announced one more song would be played “All In This Together” by the
GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor High School Musical cast. It was a fitting song to end a night of much excitement. The people attending the dance began to make their way to a crowded parking lot while student council began to clean up. After an amazing first home football game and an outstanding parade, the dance was the perfect piece to top off the weekend. Students would agree that this was their most memorable and favorite Homecoming dance at Turman.
October / November 2015
TRUMAN NEWS
7 / SPIRIT / THS News THS NEWS
Parading the Square Homecoming Parade shows off the finalist for Homecoming King and Queen Honors before the dance and the big anncouncement.
GREGORY MIRANDA
W
SPIRIT Editor
ith Truman Football setting the tone from their 62-10 win over Marshall in the first ever “Friday Night” Homecoming game at Truman Stadium, now the focus is turned to the dance and parade as well as the candidates for Homecoming King and Queen. All eyes were on them early Saturday morning where the atmosphere was electric. The festivities were hosted by The Square and commenced at 10 a.m. Homecoming candidates included: Marcico Martinez and Isabelle Rizi Peter Rahm and Bri Savidge Josh Evans and Jessica Armstrong Nick Duchene and Kendra Amos. All met to put the finishing touches on their routines but it was not only the candidates that participated in the parade as many of the extra curricular
Homecoming King and Queen candidates seniors Peter Rahm and Bri Savidge waving to the crowd at the Independence Square during the Homecoming Parade. Rahm won Homecoming King honors. Photo Credit: Melanie Steffen / THS Media
clubs and activities were in attendance. NAHS, Spanish Club, our fall sports teams and a couple of sponsors such Chick-Fil-A, Dublins Donuts and The Square’s very own Yogurtini all had their very own floats. While the majority of the floats circled around the Square, all the attention followed the candidates as they greeted the crowd of fellow families with friendly waves and generous amounts of candy tossed around. But after circling around on the floats the attention did not stop there as the candidates took another
lap but in better fashion as they rode around and sat atop the seats of a convertible of their choice, being introduced and adored by the crowd once more. “It was definitely a special moment for me,” Rahm said. “I definitely enjoyed the attention we all got.” In what would be a busy night for Truman immediately following after the Parade the stage was set for Truman’s first ever Carnival to keep the energy high leading into the night of dancing and anticipation for those crossing their fingers for their name to be called.
THS NEWS
Carnival Delivers Fun W
ith all the attention shifting from the candidates to Truman’s clubs and extracurricular activities. The venue stays the same, at the Independence Square, but a totally different perspective as this is more for the families and children who came out to support. It’s Truman’s first ever carnival! The carnival was put in effort to past time until the actual homecoming dance and it worked out pretty well. Those in participation were any fall sports such as boys soccer, softball, girls golf as well as Leadership, FBLA and much more. In addition to their float they all had different activities with games such as a cake walk, penalty shootouts and pitching and tee ball. Those who came out had many options.
October / November 2015
“It’s a great feeling to see the enjoyment out of the families and kids it’s really what this was all about,” senior Collin McClaran said. Overall, it was a success and set the tone for what would be a unforgettable night for some. “I felt like it went extremely well, what we wanted to do was to past time in a enjoyable and interactive way and the feedback was great,” senior Jack Knipp said. “I Senior Dominic Duchene takes part in doughnut eating contest. Truman hosted their very first Homecoming Carnival at the Independence Square. think it’s something that can Photo Credit: Melanie Steffen / THS Media be done from here on out.”
SPORTS
SPIRIT / THS SPORTS / 8
Greeting the players, the crowd cheers at Truman’s first ever Friday Night Lights football game at the newly renovated Truman Stadium. The team rushed the Truman field before the game for the first time. Photo Credit: Katrena Smith / THS Media
THS SPORTS
Welcome Home After 52 years KANE MOBLEY Sports Editor
T
ruman High School has seen 51 classes graduate, and all classes have traveled to William Chrisman High School for their home football games. But this year, 52 was the lucky number. Truman was having their first home game in history, and it just happened to be homecoming. A real homecoming. The Truman Patriots were 5-1 coming into the game against the Marshall Owls, who were 2-4 coming into the game. The atmosphere set the stage for the game. Hours before the game even started, parking lots filled with students tailgating. Due to selling over thousands of tickets and not having enough parking, shuttles from Sycamore Hills Elementary and K-Mart brought fans to the game. “There is alot riding on this, its a once in a life time experience!” senior Trevor Lickey said. The coin toss was done by the first principal Truman ever had, Leroy Brown. When kickoff started, the
In Truman’s first Friday Night Lights game at the all new Truman Stadium, Truman beats Marshall 62-10.
energy could be felt through the air. The stadium contained the same type of energy that a game seven in the playoffs would. With the Freedom Kingdom, students and faculty making noise early let Marshall knew they never had a chance. Right out of the gate, Truman was up on the board 7-0. From that point on, the Patriots were rolling. Jordan Salima who rushed for 276 yards on just 18 carries couldn’t be stopped. Salima also rushed for 3 touchdowns. However it wasn’t just Salima that couldn’t be stopped. Truman as a team rushed for 606 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior quarterback Dean Clemons threw for 49 yards and a touchdown. By halftime, the life was taken out of the Marshall Owls. The Owls trailed tremendously by a score of 42-0. During halftime, the candidates for Truman Homecoming Queen were announced and came out on the field. Senior Isabelle Rizi was selected and was the first
queen crowned at Truman Stadium. “The moment when I heard my named called was truly overwhelming,” Rizi said. “I definitely didn’t expect it. Just glad I got to experience this once in a lifetime moment with the Truman’s student body and staff.” Marshall finally got on the board in the third quarter, making the score 55-7 going into the fourth quarter. The Patriots had a comfortable lead so they brought in their Junior Varsity squad to avoid any unnecessary injuries to their starters. After a couple of scores from Marshall, the final score was 62-21, Truman. The Patriots moved on to 6-1 on this historic night, extending their winning streak to six games. This will be a night that those who attended will forever remember, as well as one for coaches and players. “It’s just what I expected, it was loud,” senior Jack Knipp said. “But we definitely let everybody know whose house they were in.”
October / November 2015
SPORTS
9 / SPIRIT / THS Sports
Senior star running back Jordan Salima receives the handoff from senior quarterback Dean Clemons. Salima rushed for two touchdowns versus school rival William Chrisman. Photo Credit: Aubrey Payne / THS Media THS SPORTS
Rivals Compete for Wagon Wheel
Crossroad Rivals meet again in their Wagon Wheel matchup, Truman sneaks past Chrisman
I
n high school sports, not much is better than the rivalry game under the Friday night lights, and on Oct. 10, people were given a show. The Truman Patriots had a record of 6-1 coming into the game versus their longtime rival William Chrisman. The Bears had a 2-5 record coming into the game, and were definitely the underdog. Truman was coming into the game on a sixgame win streak after losing their first game of the season to Lee’s Summit. Both student sections were rowdy and eager for kickoff and the atmosphere was unlike anything else. The game started with a rushing touchdown from senior QB Dean Clemons to put the Patriots up 6-0. The rest of the half included only one more score a touchdown pass from Clemons. The Patriots led 12-0 at half, due to Chrisman’s special teams efforts. Truman denied any points after the touchdowns. After the third quarter, the score read 20-7. The fourth quarter is
October / November 2015
where Chrisman averaged most of their points of the season. With Chrisman down 13, they knew they needed to break out in the fourth quarter. The Truman defense seemed almost stumped on how to stop Chrisman running back D’Vontae Brown who added two touchdowns and 61 rushing yards to his name for the night. Another Chrisman touchdown made it 20-14 Patriots. Truman was looking to go back up two scores however they were forced to punt. Chrisman marched down the field and had their first lead of the game, 21-20. “I believed in our team,” said right guard and junior Kaine Williams. “But we knew we had to step up.” Pressure on Truman. With about five minutes left to go in the fourth quarter, senior running back Jordan Salima ran it in the endzone for a touchdown, and after a successful 2-point conversion the Patriots led 28-21. The Bears were set to get the ball back with a little over four
KANE MOBLEY Sports Editor minutes to go in the quarter. The atmosphere was intense. Both student sections cheering as loud as they could. Chrisman methodical in their way up to around the 15 yard line where they found themselves with a fourth and three situation. They need to get this first down or Patriots would line up in victory formation. Before Bears Quarterback Grady Ogle could snap the ball,
Wagon Wheel MVP: Jordan Salima
21 Carries 204 Yards Rushing 2 Touchdowns
SPORTS
SPIRIT / THS Sports / 10
Celebrating a touchdown run over William Chrisman in their first district matchup, senior quarterback Dean Clemons shows his fire in celebration. Truman thrashed school rivial to adavnce to the quarterfinals of district play. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media THS SPORTS
Same Rivalry, Same Result
BRI SAVIDGE
Reporter
It wouldn’t be the first time that Chris-
man and Truman had played each other this season. Back on Oct. 9, the teams squared off in the annual Wagon Wheel game, with Truman edging out a gritty victory, 28-27. The rivalry and outcome would be the same this time around, but in very different conditions and a much larger margin of victory for the Pats. With 30 degree temperatures, strong winds, and unrelenting rain, many were wondering if the district semi-final showdown between Chrisman and Truman would even take place. However, thanks to a lack of lightening in the area, the referees decided that the game would go on
Wagon Wheel Cont.
flag on the play, the call was encroachment on the defense which meant an automatic first down for the Bears. With about a minute to go, the Bears found their way into the endzone. The Bears just needed to kick the extra point to tie it up, but instead they went for two. Gutsy call that didn’t pay off as the Bears came up a half yard short, and the Patriots win, maintaining the Wagon Wheel for the second year in a row, this time by a score of 28-27. “It’s really just our attitude. In the past,
Truman handles business the second time around against rivals William Chrisman in district play. as scheduled. Unlike the previous matchup between the two rivals, this game wouldn’t even be close. The Patriots built a 14-0 lead going into halftime thanks to scores by seniors Dean Clemons and Jordan Salima, and never looked back, scoring three more times before the conclusion of the game. With a final score of 33-8. “We came out and proved we were the better team. It shows that our first win against them wasn’t luck, it wasn’t a fluke,” Salima said. Truman advanced into the next stage of the playoffs to face off against the top-ranked Fort Osage Indians. Lead by star quarterback and Kansas State recruit Skylar Thompson, the Pats knew that the Indians would be a tough test. In the end, the relentless Indians proved to be
too much for the Patriots, as Truman lost the hard-fought game 33-20. “This season was good, much better than previous years. However, I feel as a group we were capable of doing more than we did,” said senior defensive back Joe Allen. Although the season ended in disappointment, Truman football had its best season ever in program history. “I think the program is headed in the right direction but every year is a new and difficult year with new challenges and opportunities,” coach Gregg Webb said. Their 8-3 record and deep run into the state playoff not only proved a lot of doubters wrong, but also proved that a school could be united by the love of game.
Truman teams would just quit and whine about it. But we’ve been in that situation before, and took care of business. That’s how we were able to overcome their late comeback,” Salima said. Salima broke Truman history for the second year in a row with his big game against the Bears. He rushed for 204 yards on 21 carries, and had a couple of rushing touchdowns on the day. Salima’s 204 yards put him at 1,525 for the year, breaking his own rushing record he set last year
of 1508. “Thanks to God, and a special shout-out to my teammates, coaches, and trainers. They helped me get this again,” Salima said. With Salima being a senior, it was his last Truman vs. Chrisman game for the Wagon Wheel trophy. However, Truman might end up playing Chrisman again in the playoffs. “If that time comes, we’ll be ready,” Clemons said. A matchup that all of Chrisman would be itching to redo.
October / November 2015
SPORTS
11 / SPIRIT / THS Sports
At halftime, the soccer seniors were being acknowledged. Truman thrashed Ruskin 9-0. Led by senior David Medrano five goal performance, being a Turman single match record. Photo Credit: Kendra Amos / THSMedia
THS SPORTS
Truman Soccer: Senior Night Truman Soccer routs Ruskin 9-0 in their Senior Night matchup.
The Patriots continued their win
streak in a very big night for their team. Not only did they pick up another win of the season, it was also senior night, one of the biggest nights of the season. The night started as any other game did, minus the many pictures being taken with seniors and parents. The ceremony commenced immediately after the junior varsity game ended. The seniors walked with their families across the field as their bios were read. Then they took a big picture and were greeted by the coaching staff as they congratulated the seniors. The Patriots warmed up normally after the ceremony and then the players lined up. It was a largely modified lineup for the patriots, a senior filled makeshift team. But this did not matter to Truman. The action started early in the fifth minute when senior winger, Nick Cresswell paced down the wing and delivered a ball into fellow senior, Christian Villa’s feet. Villa dribbled past
October / November 2015
one, found the feet of yet another senior, David Medrano, who finished into the bottom right corner. Medrano found the net yet again in the 15th minute, scoring a goal that was a near carbon copy of his first. Medrano continued his demolition of the Eagles after converting a penalty in the 25th minute. Villa also converted a penalty in the 30th minute. Medrano scored a fourth goal for himself, again, an exact copy of his first and second goals. This massive score line held until halftime at 5-0. The Pats came out strong again in the second half with an even more modified starting lineup. Sophomore Andrew Ramirez found his first goal of the season from a counter attack in the 50th minute. “I’m not a senior and tonight wasn’t about me. I’m just glad I got to play and help the seniors get a win tonight,” Ramirez said. Medrano found his fifth goal of the match a few minutes after. Medrano
GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
took the ball past four or five defenders, rounded the goalkeeper and walked the ball into the net. This is the most goals Medrano scored in a single Truman game. Junior Mario Menjivar found the top corner after a deflected shot in the 60th minute and Nelson Aguilar finished off the game with a cool finish in the 78th minute. This is the Patriots biggest win of the season at 9-0 surely meant a lot to the seniors. “I really wanted to give the seniors and the players who usually don’t get the chance to play the opportunity tonight,” head coach Jared Byrne said. “After all tonight was about them and it turned out to work well,” Byrne said. The Patriots finish their span of four home games on Wednesday against their rivals, Chrisman.
SPORTS
SPIRIT / THS SPORTS / 12
Overviewing the field, senior Nick Cresswell is getting into position looking to capitalize on offensive opportunity. Truman defeated the Raytown Blue Jays 2-1 to move on to the district championship. Photo Credit: Kendra Amos / THS Media THS SPORTS
Soccer Defeats in Districts Round 1
Truman advances to District Championship to face Rockhurst Hawklets.
GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
I
t was a cold night at Rockhurst High School, and the stage was set for an enticing match between the Truman Patriots and the Raytown Blue Jays in the first round of their District campaign. Both teams were very hungry for a win. Truman, having won the previous two games against Raytown this season, were ready to win their third game in succession against the Blue Jays. Raytown, on the other hand, were desperate to make a statement against a well structured team. The players of both teams, suited up in long sleeves and gloves, were ready for a long and hard match. The referee blew the whistle and the players kicked off; Truman in white, Raytown in blue. To the Patriots surprise, Raytown came out much stronger than usual. Their main threat, number 23, a fast and powerful striker, nearly found the net within the first few minutes. The Blue Jays went through on the counter attack and
nearly pushed the ball beyond senior goalkeeper Carter Higgins, who eventually saved the ball. The Patriots surrendered two more shots on their goal within the first few minutes but, thanks to strong goalkeeping from Higgins, the game remained scoreless. “There was a few close calls,” Higgins said. “A big credit to our defense for keeping us in the game. Your are only as good as your defense.” The Patriots began to get into their stride later in the first half. Sophomore Austin Montoya delivered an expertly executed through ball down the wing to junior Mario Menjivar. Menjivar headed the ball down, dribbled to the byline, and squared the ball to senior Hans Azuara, who had his shot well saved. Azuara had two more shots in the first half that were well defended by the Blue Jays. The Patriots finally broke the deadlock after 25 minutes when freshman Korby Ring sent senior captain Christian Villa a through ball. Villa dribbled wide of the goal and delivered an impossible finish into the near post, beyond the Raytown ‘keeper.
“At first I didn’t think it went in but once I heard everybody cheer I ran back,” Villa said. “It could’ve been my last game as senior so I just wanted to win at all costs.” The Patriots finally led the contest. All they needed to do now was hold on to their lead. And they did exactly that. What started as a dominant attacking game from Truman turned into a defensive showdown against the dangerous Blue Jays attack. Head coach of Truman, Jared Byrne did not hesitate to make subs when needed. He wanted players with the freshest of legs on the team. For the remainder of the game, Truman sat back and defended well. After a long and hard battle, the referee blew the final whistle. The Patriots had done it, they had made it to the District Championships. Truman had to play the “uglier” side of soccer in a defensive battle against Raytown. “We did what we had to do to win,” Byrne said. The Patriots will battle the Rockhurst Hawklets on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in the District Championship.
October / November 2015
NATIONAL
13 / SPIRIT / World News
Photo Credit: diginomica.com OPINION
UBER Controversial Learn how ‘Everybody’s Private Driver’ has been ahead of the game as of late the taxi service.
Have you ever needed a ride but
had no one to call? That’s where Uber comes into play. Uber is a taxi or private car service that is gaining popularity worldwide. However, it’s also causing a lot of controversy. Many people have complained about Uber’s passenger safety and taxi override. Uber drivers are required to be 23 years old, have their own insurance and car in excellent condition. There are two levels of Uber drivers: UberX, which are your everyday citizen drivers, and UberBlack, which consists of certified chauffeurs who are certified by the city. While Uber drivers undergo background checks, recent incidents have left customers on edge. Customers have had recent incidents such as a Los Angeles driver throwing their customer on the street and an Atlanta driver pulling
October / November 2015
a gun on their customer. Stories like these have left certain customers apprehensive as the business has started to gain popularity. Uber has tried to deny these allegations and avoid bad media about their company. However, Uber has implemented new safety resources such as a response team to address safety issues, insurance for customers, and safe pickups. Despite these allegations, Uber is still thriving in the taxi business. Uber is a more modern version of taxis. You can get an Uber almost anywhere in the US and around the world. Certain cities, such as Kansas City, do not have a big taxi population so Uber is great for when someone needs a ride somewhere. However, Uber is no ordinary taxi. Customers can choose between what type of car they want such as taxi, SUV, luxury car, what driver
BECKY TEBE Guest Reporter
they want, Uber offers profiles on each driver, and where they want to be picked up. All of this info can be done with the tap of your finger. Uber has a very effective app, which ensures customers that they can be picked up wherever and whenever they want. Due to these reasons, regular taxis in big cities such as New York and Boston are losing popularity. Uber has been very controversial, but it has also been very successful. The company has been very ahead of the game when it comes to car services.
OPINION
SPIRIT / Opinion / 14
Photo Credit: pewforum.org OPINION
Muslim Perspective MELYNDA ROBINSON
Fashion Editor
W
“ hosever kills an innocent human being, it shall be as if they have killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if they have saved the life of all mankind…” (Quran 5:32). The majority of non-Arab or Muslim people will use the term ISIS. To Muslims, we call them Daesh. The term Daesh means “one who crushes something underfoot”.The Daesh hate being called Daesh. To Muslims, when people associate us with the Daesh, it’s an insult. Regarding this, I think dropping the first I in ISIS is the best solution, because nothing is Islamic about them. Just because a group of people claim to be doing these terrorists acts in the name of their religion, doesn’t mean this is actually true. Terrorism has no race or religion. Please do not turn to racism and Islamophobia. The night of Nov. 13
Opinion piece that gives the world an inside scoop on the “Muslim Perspective” consisted of the worldwide grief towards Paris. The Daesh had killed over 100 Parisians. Broadcast stations all across Europe and America occupied every station. I am not discrediting Paris at all. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, what happened there and I do not condone anything that happened that night. At the same time, starting Nov. 12, the Daesh had also attacked Lebanon, but very little news coverage took place. The same day, Baghdad, Beirut and Syria were attacked by them, not a single tear was shed. I am not saying the attacks in Paris were acceptable, but I think they got a taste of what we go through everyday. Muslim homeland is seized by war and hatred on a day to day basis. This isn’t a one time thing, this is reality. When the phone rings, the chance of yet another family member being killed during a missile
attack, bombing or shooting could happen at any moment. Living in America itself is an uphill battle. All extremists groups, rather they claim to be Islamic or Christian, strive towards the same goal- trying to push their extreme version and idealism of the religion onto everyone. Many are quick to blame all Muslims for the inhumane acts of the extremists, but are swift to differentiate the Westboro Baptist Church or the KKK from Christianity. Just like the KKK and the Westboro Baptist Church don’t represent Christianity, ISIS does not represent Islam. So, instead of pulling facts out of your butt, or getting your information from an anti-Islamic website, I suggest you talk to a actual Muslim, or read the actual Quran. If one cannot realize or say the truth, be quiet. If you talk to any Muslim anywhere in the world, we can guarantee no ISIS member is Muslim. With the simple
October / November 2015
OPINION
15 / SPIRIT / Opinion
Photo Credit: alarabiya.net
Photo Credit: forbiddensymbols.com
Photo Credit: clipartbest.com
Muslim Perspective Cont. idea that anyone who goes around killing innocent people do not have the right to call themselves Muslim. Remember, we are being attacked too. Everyday the Daesh kill Muslims who do not submit to them and their way of thinking. Everyday there is bloodshed from the Middle East, to Asia, to the northern tips of Africa. Everyday in America Muslims run the risk of being verbally and physically attacked. Rather it’s being called a “terrorist”, being told to go back to your own country, or an hijabi getting their hijab ripped off their head, we as a whole go through so much. The hostility we receive is
October / November 2015
unbelievable. I refuse to apologize for being Muslim. I refuse to stop my five daily prayers because it makes someone uncomfortable. I refuse to abandon my culture, my heritage. I refuse to back down. I refuse to be afraid of wearing hijab. Islam is a beautiful religion and I will continue to stay proud of being Muslim. Immigrant or nonimmigrant, we are Muslim. Many are quick to point out are broken English, but curse us in the same tongue. Some are quick to demonize a whole group of people, and tell us if we don’t like it here, go back. When we are constantly advocating and fighting for
not only ourselves, but for the future of our children. A future where our daughters won’t have to choose between wearing hijab and life. Many are quick to make fun of our food and culture. Commenting how smelly it is, or how weird we are, We are just trying to hold onto our culture. Without a fail, many adopt their own version of it and slap the word “authentic” on it. Some people call us “dirty” but look at us strangely when they walk in on us doing Wudu. We are Muslims and we are here to stay.
OPINION
SPIRIT / World News / 16
Photo Credit: justiceorelse.com
OPINION
Millions Celebrate 20th March WALTER CANADY Reporter
O
ct. 10 was the 20th year anniversary of the million march. This historical day was actually dated on Oct. 16, 1995, where there was a sea of black men, these men stood for 10 hours laughing, crying and interacting with each other. This gathering was organized and hosted by the Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Though organized by the Nation of Islam this occasion would gather all religions and classes of the black nation. This day was for reconciliation for the black culture. This day not only unified black men and the leaders of the the different communities but it also showed the world the strength and perseverance of a culture that has been debased. The theme for the 20th anniversary was “Justice or Else,“ this subject matter needed to be addressed at the rally with the many African Americans. Here in the last 5 years I feel that African American people have been persecuted the most and displayed publicly. We have been in numerous
20th Anniversary of the Million March, 20 years later it’s impact still influences today.
amounts of cases lately where a person is killed with no justice fulfilled. And the reason this convocation was needed is because the black culture is the only culture that has not been reimbursed for their maltreatment. According to NARF.org, “Some Indian tribes receive benefits from the federal government in fulfillment of treaty obligations for the extraction of tribal natural resources.” I’m not suggesting this is wrong for the government to do, my point is that the African Americans has been through the extraction of land, resources, justice, their native language and religion. Doesn’t this also deserve “benefits?” The worse thing that many have failed to realize is that even the media is supposed to give us news about us and even the black news has failed to do so. Who am I talking about? BET, yes Black Entertainment Television did not televise the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March. How can one of the most historic days in African
American history not be televised on Black Entertainment Television? Well, who owns BET, not the black founder Robert L. Johnson, but none other than Viacom. The company is a global mass media company, it is the world’s sixth largest broadcasting and cable company. Viacom owns stations such as VH1, Nickelodeon, MTV (1 and 2), CBS, and Paramount Pictures. The entertainment and media of the African American culture was sold to Viacom for 2.3 billion dollars. And because of that, historical moments like Oct. 10 was not broadcast. But do you want to know what is shown on BET and all the other news channels? The misconduct of black people, for example, Ferguson, Mo. or the reality shows showing us fighting over witless things. This day means so much to the African American history. The truth though is that this day will never enforce the meaning of itself until the people of its purpose fulfil their duties as individuals and show the meaning of “Justice or Else.”
October / November 2015
NATIONAL
17 / SPIRIT / World News
Photo Credit: abcnews.go.com OPINION
Mizzou Demands Change with Protest Recent threats down in Columbia, MO make the University a hot topic.
T
here lacks a significant amount of social change occurring from those who are unaffected by systematic oppression. With this being said, as a bystander it’s easy to justify the idea that racism ceases to exist in an era where there is a black president, or where black people can walk into the same bathroom as a white person. Yet, despite the fact that they are yet to witness first hand racism doesn’t mean that it suddenly dissipated since segregation was heavily enforced, which mind you was only half a century ago. A majority of the people who control the system that we have now, were white, alive and flourishing during segregation. So is it so hard to believe that those baby boomers didn’t completely forget their racist ideology from ‘back in the good ol’ days?’ The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, so with the next two generations to follow, (gen x and the millennials) racism has shown itself to be a generational curse. While racism has began to lack blatancy amongst the general public, it’s turned into the most commonly used and misunderstood term, systematic oppression. This is exactly what the University of Missouri students have been protesting over the course of the last several months. A university where racism exists in all forms. The timeline of events that led up to the outburst amongst the students is both a horrific and unsur-
October / November 2015
prising one. Yet, what better place for social change that amongst our youth, the same people capable of breaking the cycle of systematic oppression once and for all. The string of events that led up to the protest began in 2010 when two white students spread cotton balls outside of the University’s Black Cultural center, following a similar racial account several years later. According to the Columbia Daily Tribune, in April, white students used ashes to draw a swastika on campus, Oct 24. Another swastika was drawn but with human feces on the wall of a residence hall. Two weeks prior to that, a drunken white student disrupted a Black student group, the Legion of Black Collegians, while they were preparing for homecoming activities. When asked to leave, he shouted racial slurs. “Not only did this individual disrupt our rehearsal, but we were also made victims of blatant racism in a space that we should be made to feel safe,” Legion of Black Collegians said. Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin issued a statement the next day, saying, “Racism is clearly alive at Mizzou, what we have done is not enough. Every member of our community must help us change our culture,” Loftin said. Yet, it wasn’t an increase of hate crimes and prejudice that caused the students to speak up, but rather an increase in a call for social
JAZZMIN MATCHETTE Managing Editor justice from Payton Head, the student body president at Mizzou spoke to CNN saying, “We are not seeing more incidents, what we are seeing is students who are empowered to speak about these incidents on their campuses around the nation. The University of Missouri is by no means, a bad school. What we’re seeing right here is that students are empowered to speak up about what is happening here and empowering other students around the nation to speak up about what is happening on their campuses as well.” Due to the blatant accounts of prejudice not being enough for Mizzou’s system president, Tim Wolfe, to take initiative, Legion of Black Collegian made a list of demands for the school. “We demand that University of Missouri System President, Tim Wolfe, writes a handwritten apology to Concerned Student 1-9-5-0 demonstrators and holds a press conference in the Mizzou Student Center reading the letter. In the letter and at the press conference, Tim Wolfe must acknowledge his white privilege, recognize that systems of oppression exist, and provide a verbal commitment to fulfilling Concerned Student 1-9-5-0
WORLD NEWS
SPIRIT / World News / 18
Photo Credit: whio.com OPINION
Paris Under Attack BECKY TEBE
ISIS takes more victims in Paris attack. France responds with their own attack.
Guest Reporter
O
n Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, French president Francois Hollande declared the country of France in a state of emergency. The last time France was declared in a state of emergency was in November 2005 after a series of riots broke out. Nov. 13, Paris was attacked by multiple members of the militant extremist groups, ISIS and the ISIL. The attacks started around 9:20 p.m. with three teams launching six attacks. There were multiple suicide bombers and street shootings. There were three suicide bombers near the sports stadium Stade de France where a soccer game was in play, president Hollande was attending the game as well. After the first bomb went off, the crowd filtered into the streets where two other suicide bombers were lying in wait. The deadliest
Mizzou Protest Cont. demands. We want Tim Wolfe to admits his gross negligence, allowing his driver to hit one of the demonstrators, consenting to the physical violence of bystanders, and lastly refusing to intervene when Columbia Police Department used excessive force with demonstrators,” according to the first demand. After weeks of continuous protesting the students were able to get Wolf and the chancellor to resign, only to receive criticism from the general public about their removal. Presidential Republican candidate Ben Carson, said the resignations are a sign of the
attack was the massacre at the Bataclan theatre. The american band Eagles of Death Metal were playing for a group of approximately 1,500 people when multiple gunmen assault rifles began shooting and taking some concert-goers hostage. The attackers killed 130 and injured around 360 people. Nov. 14, the ISIL admitted that they were responsible for the attacks. President Hollande sent out a search for the perpetrators. Many of these raids and searches ended up in more suicide bombings and attacks. When authorities looked at the suicide bomber’s identification, most of them were Syrian or were in connection to Syria. Many people are not surprised that these attacks came after France decided to take in some refugees from Syria. With war in Syria, due to militant groups such as ISIS and the ISIL, many coun-
tries have taken in refugees from the country, but have been hesitant due to terrorism. After these attacks, many countries have changed their refugee policy leaving some Syrians to fend for themselves. Following the attacks, many countries have showed their support for France by using the hashtag #PrayforParis on social media and lighting up different landmarks such as the London Tower Bridge and the One World Trade center. France is determined to not be scared about these attacks. “We will lead the fight and we will be ruthless, and we had to be here among the people who were subject to these atrocities because when the terrorists are capable of doing such acts they must know that they will face a France very determined -- a France united,” President Hollande said.
“politically correct police” going too far. Donald Trump stated that he thinks their removal is “Disgusting. I think the two people who resigned are weak, ineffective people,” along with the belief that the students demands for change are, “crazy.” When asked what he thinks systematic oppression is during a protest amongst the Missouri students Wolf responded, “Systematic oppression is because you believe that you don’t have the equal opportunity for success.” Once again, dismissing the students concerns by indirectly blaming them for the
oppression that they face. This goes to show, that it’s not your color that demonstrates how blind you are to current systematic racism, oppression and institutionalization but your lack of first hand experience. While the bystander may not be racist, that doesn’t mean that racism disappeared within our country in it’s entirety. It’s a very black and white situation, that Missouri students and protesters all over the country have began to rise up against in hopes of educating those who are socially blind to today’s prejudice.
October / November 2015
SPORTS
19 / SPIRIT / Entertainment
Photo Credit: John Sleezer jsleezer@kcstar.com
Photo Credit: usatoday.com
Photo Credit: kansascity.com
October / November 2015
Photo Credit: Joe Ledford jledford@kcstar.com
SPORTS
SPIRIT / Entertainment /20
2015 World Series Champions: The Kansas City Royals Kansas City dominates the New York Mets in five games capping off their World Series bid.
T
he Kansas City Royals ‘Took the Crown,’ and won the World Series in five games against the New York Mets to win their first title in 30 years since 1985. The Royals came into the series off a high note after defeating the Houston Astros in the ALDS and the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS. They became known as the comeback team through those series and that continued to shine all the way through the playoffs. The Royals entered game one, hoping to jump out with an early lead in the series to relieve some of the pressure. The Royals had Edinson Volquez on the mound to try and rally the Royals toward success. The stadium crowd of 37,903 fans became electrified after an Alcides Escobar inside the park home run to center in the bottom of the first inning to put the Royals up 1-0. This was the first time an inside the park home run has ever been accomplished in a World Series throughout baseball history. The Mets fired back with a run in the fourth off of a Travis d’Arnaud single to left, tying the score at 1-1. Throughout the fifth and sixth inning the Mets took a lead over the Royals from a Curtis Granderson home run in the fifth and a Michael Conforto sacrifice fly, scoring Yoenis Cespedes, bringing the score to 3-1 Mets. In the bottom of the sixth, the Royals put up a few runs of their own when Eric Hosmer hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Ben Zobrist from third and a Mike Moustakas single to center scoring Lorenzo Cain. The Kansas City starter came out of the game after the sixth inning
KEVIN LOSCH Reporter where he later discovered that his father 63-year-old Daniel Volquez, died of heart failure hours before his son started. The family chose not to inform Volquez until after he was done pitching so he could pitch without distractions. The Mets put up a run in the eighth which brought the score to 4-3 Mets. In the ninth inning, The closer Jeurys Familia for the Mets came in looking to shut the Royals down and take game one but little did they know Kansas City wasn’t letting game one go so easily. This was a comeback team that has came back when it mattered the most in the past, why should that stop now? The Royals were two outs from losing game one when Alex Gordon came up to bat. Gordon had a 1-1 count when he got a pitch that he loved and drove it deep into center field and over the wall which tied the game at 4-4. “Gordon hit one about as good as he could hit it and we kept battling from there on,” manager Ned Yost said. The game would continue on to extra innings. In the fourteenth inning, tying the record for the most
innings of a world series game, the Royals had loaded up the bases and were in position to end the game and get the win. Eric Hosmer hit a sacrifice fly to right which brought in the speedy Escobar on third which ended the game at 5-4 Royals. Heading into game two of the series Kansas City was hungry for another win. The Royals showed that they could put together multiple runs and just break a team down with their play. After getting down 1-0 in the fourth, they came back and rallied in the fifth and scored four runs of their own. New York didn’t have an answer as Kansas City put up three more runs in the eighth and would continue on to win the game 7-1, taking game two of the World Series. In game three, the Royals jumped out to an early lead of 3-2 at Citi Field in New York. This was in vain as the Mets came back and put up run after run bringing the score 9-3 New York which resulted in the first Royals loss of the series. The ‘Boys in Blue’ demonstrated the will to never give up in game four, once again. New York took a lead in the game of 3-1 over the Royals. Tensions ran high in the early innings as the Mets starter Noah Syndergaard threw a 98 mph fastball at Alcides Escobar’s head to start the game. “No pitcher should throw a 98 mph pitch at the head of a batter in the first at-bat. If he wants to, he can throw it at my feet. He can throw it at any part of my body - but not at my head. That’s just wrong,” Alcides Escobar said.
October / November 2015
BONUS
21 / SPIRIT / Entertainment
Gregory’s Christmas Wishlist
October / November 2015
REVIEW
SPIRIT / Entertainment / 22
Photo Credit: phonearena.com
REVIEW
Samsung Gear S2 GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
S
amsung were the first to test the waters and with over half a dozen of their S Gear series long and gone, Samsung may finally be onto something this time. With more focus on design this time around, the new Galaxy Gear S2 sports a sleek finish with higher grade materials with stainless steel and Corning gorilla glass three to enclose the 1.2 inch OLED display. But there is two variants. One that stays true to classic watch vocabulary the Classic also has one geared to those who value modern and sleek design that’s capable of withstanding the toughest of environments being that it is dust and water resistant like you’d expect in a
Samsung, the first to test the smartwatch waters have not had success. The Gear S2 however, looks promising.
sport model. But what makes it different this time around is how you interact with the device. Such as the Apple Watch has the Digital Crown to navigate through the software, Samsung has introduced an all new rotating bezel around its rounded display that has a tactical feel and sound that will have you think why hasn’t anyone thought of it before. The Gear S2 by no means is the smart watch of the year or even in its class. We’re the cracks start to show is the software as Samsung relentlessly pushed its own software know as “Tizen” and with a low supply of compatible apps it hints at the fact that app developers are skep-
tical to even support this operating system. The price is competitive at $299.99 for the base sport model and an extra $100 dollars for the classic. Both models coming in black and silver variants. It’s a great deal of your willing to look pass Tizen but with this smartwatch it has potential and that’s a lot more that could be said than other android competitor.
October / November 2015
REVIEW
23 / SPIRIT / Bonus
Photo Credit: hoverboard360.com
REVIEW
Hoverboard Hoverboard360 doesn’t just sell you transportation but a coolness factor that is second to none.
GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
W
hile the idea comes from the 1985 science fiction blockbuster “Back to the Future” hinting in the film that we would have hoverboard by 2015. While we’re not there yet, at least we’re thinking and trying to make this concept a reality. Self-balancing two wheel electric scooter or more commonly known as the ‘hoverboard’ has caught fire as of late and while the idea stays true to get you from point A to point B in a different and fun way this machine is all about the cool factor
October / November 2015
which makes it one of the hottest things on everybody’s Christmas Wishlist. This product debuted from manufacturers Hoverboard360 sells you a two wheel self balancing board capable of speed of 12 MPH, ranging 8 to 12 miles on a single charge all in a lightweight (relativity speaking) 27 pound, sleek design in just about any exotic and vibrant color you can think of for a pretty penny at $250400 dollars. If you can’t get enough you’ll have to wait 2-3 hours in between charges to get back on but even Hoverboard360 guarantees everybody will be intrigue. How it works is using an innovative gyroscope technology, there are two pressure sensitive footpads on the board along with the self balancing aluminum wheels that can
then detect even the slightest movement. From those who have had it, they would describe it as mind blowing in the sense they believe the board reads your mind. Think about going forward, backwards, left or right and it responds. The key is to trust it. Put in the least amount of effort and let it do the work. The hoverboard doesn’t have the future in mind right now or at least that’s what it seems like. It’s selling a cool factor and no one would ditch a bike or a regular ordinary skateboard for it for actual transportation. But that’s not the point, the hoverboard empowers the user where they feel like they manipulate it and that’s what makes it one of the hottest products out.
REVIEW
SPIRIT / Bonus / 24
Photo Credit: technobuffalo.com
REVIEW
Apple TV GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
With tech companies running
into the same problem when considering the future of television, it would be Apple’s fourth crack at TV. Debuted at World Wide Developers Convention (WWDC) back in September the all new Apple TV surfaced and so did Apple’s vision on the future of television is. Apps. Apps are a big player in Apple’s new TV and in tvOS, the TVs operating system. It’s not to different from its predecessor you still have you default apps but now with the new tvOS, Apple has put in the App Store where users are free to download their favorite tv streaming services, Netflix, Hulu and HBO to name a few. tvOS also introduces the capability for gaming thanks to the App Store differentiating itself between similar competitors. The real story is in the all new redesigned Siri Remote. As the name implies, yes the remote does house its own dedicated Siri button for universal search. Siri is pretty smart.
Apple’s fourth crack at the TV streaming box game, 2015 and Apple believes they’ve found the future of television. You can ask it almost anything and get really specific. For examples, “Show me popular action movies from the 80’s,” and Siri will bring up an assorted list of films from that time period and genre. Also Siri can catch what you missed, simply saying “what did he/she say?” Siri rewinds 15 seconds, turns on the subtitles and resumes the movie. The remote also has a couple of upgrades in the hardware department as it includes a glass touchpad at the top where you can navigate fluidly through the main menu, your apps and music. The remote also encases a gyroscope and accelerometer to mimic a phone as a controller to take advantage gaming capabilities with the new Apple TV. This is all powered by a lightning cable like the majority of the Apple line. The Apple TV only supports 1080p which is fine. And it’s probably for the best since 4K content is hard to come by and not supported by all services. Apple TV is sort of like
every other TV streaming box, they think that will download all the tv streaming services, make a remote with universal search and pull your shows there. That’s what’s Apple does, Google and Roku but what makes Apple’s box different is what it potentially could do. Truth is that it’s tough to get support by all the big time channels and services and until carriers start putting forth more effort in television than the TV streaming business will stay the same but the Apple TV is not the future of television. Yet. But for now it’s a very entertaining experience, probably the best streaming box out there and one of the most exciting pieces of tech this year. It would make a perfect gift this holiday season starting at $150 for the 32GB base model and $200 for the top of the line 64 GB model.
October / November 2015
REVIEW
25 / SPIRIT / Bonus
Photo Credit: zdnet.com
REVIEW
iPad Pro
It’s new, it’s BIG, it’s the all new iPad Pro
GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
I
t’s new, it’s big, it’s the new iPad Pro. The iPad Pro is big, like really big. But there are a couple of questions we have about it, like who’s it for and is it capable of replacing say your MacBook as your daily driver? Apple thinks so and here’s why. With a massive 12.9 inch Retina LCD display, with a pixel density of 2732 x 2048, meaning this screen alone will make it an enjoyable experience for streaming videos and movies. Not to mention the four speaker stereo system found on each corner making every video, movie and even playing games a dream.
October / November 2015
Under the hood would be what Apple claims to be their best processor architecture they’ve ever put in any device. The new A9X chip promises double the CPU and graphics performance, in layman’s terms it’s fast. So fast in fact, lag is a thing of the past, bringing out the true beauty of iOS 9. iOS 9 is big for the iPad Pro, almost a lifesaver. With many long overdue multitasking features, Apple’s been playing catch up with Microsoft in multitasking department and almost leapfrogging it as well. New additions only exclusive to the new iPad Pro such as Slide Over allows the user to use more of that real estate and screen two applications simultaneously side by side. iOS 9 also introduces a feature to stream a video on screen without being in the application. That’s nice and all if you love big screens and have a $800 extra dollars to spend but for those who hold the new iPad to it’s name where you’ll get the most out of your experience is through their new accessories. Alongside the iPad they announced two new accessories to take advantage of the horsepower. An all and one smart cover/key-
board. It’s small and thin and the keys are covered in Apple woven cotton. What does that mean? It’s $169 dollars and for how it performs its just an average keyboard. I wouldn’t recommend you be first in line for it especially if you love keyboard shortcuts. And that’s the problem with this new keyboard, it has Apple’s attention to detail in the aesthetics but it seems like some capabilities are limited. Now the other one, it’s the Apple Pencil. It’s great and at $99 you definitely get the bang for your buck. By far the most accurate stylus on the market. The technology within the pencil is remarkable, it’s detects tilt, it’s pressure sensitive and thanks to palm rejection you won’t have to worry about having your hand on the screen among those unintentional sharp lines everywhere. It’s white, it’s expensive, it’s Apple but that’s okay because what you’re getting isn’t a laptop replacement with a couple of toys to go along with it. You’re getting the potential and that’s a lot more than I can say about any other tablet on the market.
POEM
SPIRIT / Bonus / 26
Photo Credit: msnbc.com POEM
STAND UP: MISSOURI PROTEST ANTONIO FRANKLIN
Poem Edition
Poet
Now let’s talk about what’s going on
As individuals they staying strong but as a team they falling apart because of a protest they bout to start One student began a hunger strike his name was Jonathan Butler & as he picked up the mic to say a few words then coach and his teammates say they won’t come to practice til they have them a clean slate November 2nd when this all begin lasted for 5 days you can call it a win November 3rd Mr. Wolfe made some policies that’s post to shift to the positive but students usin common sense so November 4th that’s when this started students leaving their mark also using their hearts and this goes back to 1950 it was an issue about the same thing you’ll notice when it hit you the students believe in equal opportunities this kind of problem really angered the community we just need to calm down or we’ll soon see another violent protest don’t end up on the scene
like the news when they told us the story Black football players said they won’t practice until Wolfe resign & as time unwinded November 9th came and that was all she wroted the students won the battle and a glimpse of hope to make school into a safer place just about who you are and not about race so I end this on good note hope one day that you can use my quotes one day they gon recognize in a hurry U can stand up around the world & in Missouri
October / November 2015
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS!
2015 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!
First basemen Eric Hosmer earns a base hit in Game 1 of the World Series. Photo Credit: Kyler Barnett / THS Media
Crowd looks on and cheers for the Royals as they win Game 1 of the World Series. Photo Credit: Kyler Barnett / THS Media
Left fielder Alex Gordan stays focused during Game 1 of the World Series. Photo Credit: Kyler Barnett / THS Media
Fans gather on the streets and wait for the Royals World Series parade to begin. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media
Thousands of fans stand at the Liberty Memorial and wait for the Royals World Series rally to begin. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media
Fans bring back memories of the Royals 1985 World Series win with a flag during the 2015 World Series Parade. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media
October / November 2015