The #FreeKesha Movement
By Alex Sosa
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Kesha began her singing career eleven years ago when she signed to Kemosabe Records, a branch of SONY. She was just eighteen years old at the time, barely an adult. Kemosabe Records is owned and managed by a man who goes by the name of Dr.Luke and who has recently had serious accusations made against him by Kesha. When she sued him in 2014, she was hoping to terminate her recording contract with Dr. Luke. To quote the legal documents, Kesha claimed that Dr. Luke had, “sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally abused [Kesha] to the point where [she] nearly lost her life.” Soon after, the producer countersued, claiming that her accusations had been “shocking”. By this time, Kesha fans had rallied behind her, along with other celebrity artists who have outwardly spoken in her support. Artists like Demi Lovato, Lorde, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Adele, and Taylor Swift have proven to be her most avid supporters. Additionally, according to those around Kesha and Dr. Luke, the abuse was not confined to the recent past. Apparently, over two years ago, he had criticized her weight and pressured her to be thinner. This pressure eventually led to Kesha spending a period of time in rehab for the treatment of an eating disorder.
Since Kesha has been signed with SONY, fans have been wondering why they haven’t been able to break her contract with Dr.Luke. However, because she signed directly with Dr. Luke, unless legal action was taken by a court, nothing could be done to free the singer from her contract. On February 19, a judge rejected the court injunction that would have allowed Kesha to break the contracts and create new music with other producers. Although the verdict was not in her favor, the judge stated that if further evidence was presented, Kesha’s case would not be dismissed. On May 5, a conference was held that uncovered additional evidence and, on May 16, the case was officially updated with the new information.
More recently, the news of a new track released by EDM Producer and Artist Zedd has had the media buzzing. Not only is Kesha, surprisingly, featured on the song, but it also seems to have Dr.Luke’s approval. Ironically, the title of the track is “True Colors.” Many listeners believe the title is supposed to represent the ongoing struggle Kesha has had in this legal battle. Over the past two years, the hashtag #freekesha has been trending occasionally on all forms of social media. The final verdict of the case has not yet been given, but hopefully, with the ongoing support of her family, friends, and fans, the outcome will be in her favor.
Since Kesha has been signed with SONY, fans have been wondering why they haven’t been able to break her contract with Dr.Luke. However, because she signed directly with Dr. Luke, unless legal action was taken by a court, nothing could be done to free the singer from her contract. On February 19, a judge rejected the court injunction that would have allowed Kesha to break the contracts and create new music with other producers. Although the verdict was not in her favor, the judge stated that if further evidence was presented, Kesha’s case would not be dismissed. On May 5, a conference was held that uncovered additional evidence and, on May 16, the case was officially updated with the new information.
More recently, the news of a new track released by EDM Producer and Artist Zedd has had the media buzzing. Not only is Kesha, surprisingly, featured on the song, but it also seems to have Dr.Luke’s approval. Ironically, the title of the track is “True Colors.” Many listeners believe the title is supposed to represent the ongoing struggle Kesha has had in this legal battle. Over the past two years, the hashtag #freekesha has been trending occasionally on all forms of social media. The final verdict of the case has not yet been given, but hopefully, with the ongoing support of her family, friends, and fans, the outcome will be in her favor.
The World Loses a Prince
By: Amy Cavallo
Hearts around the globe were broken on April 21 when word of Prince’s death emerged. As reported, Prince Rogers Nelson, also known as Prince, was found unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park home in Minnesota. When paramedics arrived, he was pronounced dead. However, the official cause of death is still under investigation, some people believe the cause was a drug overdose. That supposed theory is supported by the fact that when Prince’s personal plane made an emergency landing at a hospital recently, he was allegedly treated with Narcan, a drug commonly used to combat Heroin overdoses. But, if that is true, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that Prince was addicted to illegal substances, though Prince had previously been prescribed opioid medications for pain. An overdose of these prescription drugs could also be reversed with Narcan. Even so, Prince’s bodyguard, Chris Gaither, has recently declared that, since he began working for Prince from 2012, he had never seen the artist abuse any kind of drug, prescription or otherwise. Currently, his death is under investigation by multiple groups, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
As an artist, Prince was one of the most recognized and talented people in the business. On his first albums, Prince played almost all the instruments for his songs. Although some of the albums caused controversy, mostly because of their combination of religious and adult themes, and were even part of the reason that Parental Advisory notices were put on his albums, Prince gained major popularity. Songs like “When Doves Cry”, “Little Red Corvette”, and “Purple Rain” were absolute hits with his audience. Also, as an androgynous character in the 80’s, Prince was a fashion and cultural icon. During his time as an artist, Prince created two soundtracks for movies: one for the movie Purple Rain and another for Tim Burton’s Batman. Then, in the 90’s, Prince signed to Warner Brothers and began writing for artists like Chaka Khan, Alicia Keys, Sinead O’Connor, the Bangles, and Madonna.
Even though he was writing for others, Prince didn’t stop recording for his own albums. But, the Love Symbol Album was a bit of a flop and created issues between him and the record label. So, after feeling too restricted by the label, Prince changed his stage name to an unpronounceable symbol created by combining the male and female astrological symbols. Since his new name couldn’t be spoken aloud, he was referred to as “the artist formerly known as Prince”. After being released from his contract at Warner Brothers, he changed his name back to Prince and continued to release albums.
Prince had a very busy and successful last two decades: he performed with Beyoncé; got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; won two Grammys; was awarded a Golden Globe for Best Original Song; performed at the Superbowl XLI halftime show; was featured in TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World”; earned a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards; was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, He accomplished all this while continuing to put out award-winning music. Additionally, Prince was very active in the political community, regularly performing at and attending shows promoting peace, love, and spirituality.
Although he is gone, there are a few things his fans know for sure: he will live on in hearts all around the world, his music will never die, and he will be greatly missed.
As an artist, Prince was one of the most recognized and talented people in the business. On his first albums, Prince played almost all the instruments for his songs. Although some of the albums caused controversy, mostly because of their combination of religious and adult themes, and were even part of the reason that Parental Advisory notices were put on his albums, Prince gained major popularity. Songs like “When Doves Cry”, “Little Red Corvette”, and “Purple Rain” were absolute hits with his audience. Also, as an androgynous character in the 80’s, Prince was a fashion and cultural icon. During his time as an artist, Prince created two soundtracks for movies: one for the movie Purple Rain and another for Tim Burton’s Batman. Then, in the 90’s, Prince signed to Warner Brothers and began writing for artists like Chaka Khan, Alicia Keys, Sinead O’Connor, the Bangles, and Madonna.
Even though he was writing for others, Prince didn’t stop recording for his own albums. But, the Love Symbol Album was a bit of a flop and created issues between him and the record label. So, after feeling too restricted by the label, Prince changed his stage name to an unpronounceable symbol created by combining the male and female astrological symbols. Since his new name couldn’t be spoken aloud, he was referred to as “the artist formerly known as Prince”. After being released from his contract at Warner Brothers, he changed his name back to Prince and continued to release albums.
Prince had a very busy and successful last two decades: he performed with Beyoncé; got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; won two Grammys; was awarded a Golden Globe for Best Original Song; performed at the Superbowl XLI halftime show; was featured in TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World”; earned a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards; was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, He accomplished all this while continuing to put out award-winning music. Additionally, Prince was very active in the political community, regularly performing at and attending shows promoting peace, love, and spirituality.
Although he is gone, there are a few things his fans know for sure: he will live on in hearts all around the world, his music will never die, and he will be greatly missed.
March - April 2016
The Fashion Trends of Spring 2k16
by Sage DeSimone
Giana Apreza and Emma Gorry wearing some of the new trends this year: T-shirt Dresses!
We're rolling into the end of March now, the school year is coming to toward its conclusion and do you know what that means? Spring! Time for less layers and more time in the sun. Our favorite time of year as students.
Bright, pastels and neons that reflect the season are a must in your daily wardrobe. This Spring 2016’s colors of the season are Buttercup yellow, Lavender, Baby Blue, Peach, Rose and lastly, Royal Blue, according to Pantone Inc., who reported to InStyle, the popular, up-to-date magazine. These are great colors to compliment the tans everyone is soon to have.
Bright colors are not the only new rave. T-shirt dresses, strappy gladiator sandals, denim and all white sneakers are more closet necessities of the season. Teen Vogue’s “Top Ten Spring Fashion Trends” article reports pairing vibrant patterns with basics (such as a plain white tee or a pair of worn out jeans), for a “cool and refreshed” look.
So, as the weather gets warmer and the heavy apparel goes into storage, think about adding a touch of color, a pair of 90’s sunglasses, or maybe a jean jacket to your “OOTD.” All the while, remember your style and don’t be afraid to flaunt it!
Bright, pastels and neons that reflect the season are a must in your daily wardrobe. This Spring 2016’s colors of the season are Buttercup yellow, Lavender, Baby Blue, Peach, Rose and lastly, Royal Blue, according to Pantone Inc., who reported to InStyle, the popular, up-to-date magazine. These are great colors to compliment the tans everyone is soon to have.
Bright colors are not the only new rave. T-shirt dresses, strappy gladiator sandals, denim and all white sneakers are more closet necessities of the season. Teen Vogue’s “Top Ten Spring Fashion Trends” article reports pairing vibrant patterns with basics (such as a plain white tee or a pair of worn out jeans), for a “cool and refreshed” look.
So, as the weather gets warmer and the heavy apparel goes into storage, think about adding a touch of color, a pair of 90’s sunglasses, or maybe a jean jacket to your “OOTD.” All the while, remember your style and don’t be afraid to flaunt it!
Deadpool - A Movie Made for its Audience
By Phoebe Carr and Edith Torres
As long as you haven’t been living under a rock, chances are you’ve seen at least a few advertisements for the new Marvel movie, Deadpool. Deadpool has been making waves in the box office and in people’s hearts in the past weeks since its release, and deservingly so. The movie follows anti-hero Wade Wilson in his quest to cure his cancer and get back the girl of his dreams. All the while, he’s dealing with some bad, bad guys in an arguably inhumane way. Deadpool is the first R-Rated movie Marvel has ever put out, and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. The humor is vulgar, the kills are graphic, and Wade’s suit is spandex, but it’s still a heartwarming story and will keep you laughing even after the credits roll.
Typically, movie characters live their storylines unaware of an audience, but Deadpool makes you believe he can smell the crowd. He even criticizes the film in various moments of comedic relief. Being the only marvel character who can break the fourth wall, he takes full advantage of this, without the help of Wade Wilson.
Viewers must ready themselves to keep up with the fast-paced conversations and action scenes Wade and his friends endure. The characters are able to reference almost anything and create humor from it. This humor is what makes the film so successful. The characters are outlined to such depth that each personality is able to shine and pull their own weight. Fans of Deadpool can marvel (no pun intended) at the justice given to the anti-hero they know and love. It is a movie made for its audience, and a spectacular one at that.
Typically, movie characters live their storylines unaware of an audience, but Deadpool makes you believe he can smell the crowd. He even criticizes the film in various moments of comedic relief. Being the only marvel character who can break the fourth wall, he takes full advantage of this, without the help of Wade Wilson.
Viewers must ready themselves to keep up with the fast-paced conversations and action scenes Wade and his friends endure. The characters are able to reference almost anything and create humor from it. This humor is what makes the film so successful. The characters are outlined to such depth that each personality is able to shine and pull their own weight. Fans of Deadpool can marvel (no pun intended) at the justice given to the anti-hero they know and love. It is a movie made for its audience, and a spectacular one at that.
Culinary Corner: A Hearty Shepherd's Pie to Celebrate Classic Irish Cuisine
By: Seamus Cochrane
Shepherd’s Pie is an Irish classic home cooked meal. Cooked with beef, green peas, chopped carrots, a savory gravy, and covered with mashed potatoes this dish will have your guests licking their plates clean and coming back for seconds. This recipe is used by every true Irish Grandma, and will make any Saint Patrick’s Day party a hit.
Some Truth-telling About Saint Patrick and His Holiday
As everybody knows, Saint Patrick’s Day is held on March 17 every year, and is a day of festivities and everything green. It is one of the most celebrated holidays of the world, but also one of which little is actually known. At most they know the basics; the shamrock is the symbol of the holiday, green is the color associated with the holiday, and Saint Patrick is Irish. However, the truth about the origins of this holiday is surprising to say the least. First and foremost, Saint Patrick’s Day is actually a religious holiday. Anybody of the Christian faith, Irish in particular, are obliged to go to Church for a mass celebrating Saint Patrick and the work he did for Christianity. But who was he? And what did he do?
The saga of Saint Patrick begins sometime in the fourth century, when Patrick was born in Roman Britain. Yep, Saint Patrick isn’t even an Irish national; he’s technically British. He didn’t even see Ireland until he was 16… when he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to Gaelic Ireland as a slave. For six years, young Patrick worked day and night as a slave shepherd to an affluent Irish family. In that time, Patrick took solace in the teachings of Christianity with his faith providing his will to live. After six years enslaved, Patrick had a vision from God telling him to go to the coast where he would be delivered home. Sure enough, when Patrick found the coast, a ship was nearby retrieving fresh water for its return trip to Roman Britain.
When Patrick returned to his home, he became a priest and devoted himself to God who saved him. For years Patrick worked as a priest spreading the word of God, but he never felt as close to God in Roman territory as he did in Ireland. So he went back.
Patrick lived the rest of his days in Ireland working as a priest. Over the course of his life, Patrick converted thousands of Irish to Christianity from the native Pagan Irish, a group of polytheistic Gaelic. To honor his astounding deeds for Ireland and for the Church, Patrick was made a Saint and is now the foremost Saint of Ireland.
That clears up the whole “who the heck was this guy?” question, but there are still the questions of the shamrock and the color green. Well the shamrock is also a religious symbol to Christians in Ireland. As for the color green, Ireland has always been associated with the color. “The Emerald Isle,” the rolling green hills, and even the flag which was originally almost entirely green.
There you have it, the story of Saint Patrick and the truth of St. Patrick’s Day. But that's enough history for now. People don’t celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day for the history; they do it for the enjoyment. The parties, fairs, parades, and festivals of Saint Patrick’s Day are well known for their revelries. And everyone knows that if you want your dinner party to be a success, you need food. So try out this great recipe for Shepherd's Pie, a great compliment to the ubiquitous Irish Soda Bread.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Heat a large heavy pot over high. Cook beef, breaking up meat with a spoon, until no longer pink, 4 to 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add thyme, ketchup, and flour; stir until combined. Add 1/2 cup water and vegetables. Cook until vegetables are warmed through and liquid has thickened, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon beef mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Spread potatoes evenly over beef; using a fork, decorate potatoes with lines and peaks. Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until potatoes are lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve.
Some Truth-telling About Saint Patrick and His Holiday
As everybody knows, Saint Patrick’s Day is held on March 17 every year, and is a day of festivities and everything green. It is one of the most celebrated holidays of the world, but also one of which little is actually known. At most they know the basics; the shamrock is the symbol of the holiday, green is the color associated with the holiday, and Saint Patrick is Irish. However, the truth about the origins of this holiday is surprising to say the least. First and foremost, Saint Patrick’s Day is actually a religious holiday. Anybody of the Christian faith, Irish in particular, are obliged to go to Church for a mass celebrating Saint Patrick and the work he did for Christianity. But who was he? And what did he do?
The saga of Saint Patrick begins sometime in the fourth century, when Patrick was born in Roman Britain. Yep, Saint Patrick isn’t even an Irish national; he’s technically British. He didn’t even see Ireland until he was 16… when he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to Gaelic Ireland as a slave. For six years, young Patrick worked day and night as a slave shepherd to an affluent Irish family. In that time, Patrick took solace in the teachings of Christianity with his faith providing his will to live. After six years enslaved, Patrick had a vision from God telling him to go to the coast where he would be delivered home. Sure enough, when Patrick found the coast, a ship was nearby retrieving fresh water for its return trip to Roman Britain.
When Patrick returned to his home, he became a priest and devoted himself to God who saved him. For years Patrick worked as a priest spreading the word of God, but he never felt as close to God in Roman territory as he did in Ireland. So he went back.
Patrick lived the rest of his days in Ireland working as a priest. Over the course of his life, Patrick converted thousands of Irish to Christianity from the native Pagan Irish, a group of polytheistic Gaelic. To honor his astounding deeds for Ireland and for the Church, Patrick was made a Saint and is now the foremost Saint of Ireland.
That clears up the whole “who the heck was this guy?” question, but there are still the questions of the shamrock and the color green. Well the shamrock is also a religious symbol to Christians in Ireland. As for the color green, Ireland has always been associated with the color. “The Emerald Isle,” the rolling green hills, and even the flag which was originally almost entirely green.
There you have it, the story of Saint Patrick and the truth of St. Patrick’s Day. But that's enough history for now. People don’t celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day for the history; they do it for the enjoyment. The parties, fairs, parades, and festivals of Saint Patrick’s Day are well known for their revelries. And everyone knows that if you want your dinner party to be a success, you need food. So try out this great recipe for Shepherd's Pie, a great compliment to the ubiquitous Irish Soda Bread.
January - February 2016
An Ode to Rock Icons
By Phoebe Carr, Arts Editor
In the past few weeks, the world has lost three astounding, iconic rock and roll legends to age and illness. Lemmy Kilmister, David Bowie, and Glenn Frey all passed away within three weeks of one another, each a cardinal symbol of the genres they helped to create.
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Lemmy
Born December 24, 1945, Lemmy, or Ian Fraser Kilmister, died at age 70 of an undisclosed cancer in his home in Los Angeles. Lemmy was one of the founding members of the punk metal band Motorhead, which shaped the genre and the metal genre as a whole. He was the lead singer and bassist of the band and will be mourned by fans across the globe who have been affected so greatly by his music.
Born December 24, 1945, Lemmy, or Ian Fraser Kilmister, died at age 70 of an undisclosed cancer in his home in Los Angeles. Lemmy was one of the founding members of the punk metal band Motorhead, which shaped the genre and the metal genre as a whole. He was the lead singer and bassist of the band and will be mourned by fans across the globe who have been affected so greatly by his music.
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David Bowie
David Bowie, or David Robert Jones, passed away at age 69 on January 10 after an 18-month battle with cancer. Bowie is known to be an innovator in rock music, specifically in glam and experimental rock and was a popular symbol in the LBGTQ+ community. The singer/songwriter/producer released his final album Black Star just days before his death on his 69th birthday. As one of the most influential musicians of all time, Bowie will be greatly missed.
David Bowie, or David Robert Jones, passed away at age 69 on January 10 after an 18-month battle with cancer. Bowie is known to be an innovator in rock music, specifically in glam and experimental rock and was a popular symbol in the LBGTQ+ community. The singer/songwriter/producer released his final album Black Star just days before his death on his 69th birthday. As one of the most influential musicians of all time, Bowie will be greatly missed.
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Glenn Frey
Glenn Lewis Frey passed on January 16 at age 67 due to many health complications. Frey was best known as one of the founding members of classic rock band The Eagles. He played guitar, keys, and sang for the band before breaking into his successful solo career. He is a token founder of the classic rock genre and created the soundtracks to many of our lives.
Glenn Lewis Frey passed on January 16 at age 67 due to many health complications. Frey was best known as one of the founding members of classic rock band The Eagles. He played guitar, keys, and sang for the band before breaking into his successful solo career. He is a token founder of the classic rock genre and created the soundtracks to many of our lives.
Movie Review: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
By Phoebe Carr, Co-Arts Editor
After a long 12 years without an installment from the internationally loved franchise Star Wars, the impossibly large fan-base was finally able to see the seventh installation of the story, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, on December 18th. The tale follows two young heroes, Finn (or FN-2187) and Rey, and their journey across the galaxy to stop Kylo Ren, who is Darth Vader’s grandson, and find Luke Skywalker after his long disappearance. Finn and Rey (John Boyega and Daisy Ridley) are two very unlikely heroes, Finn being an escaped Stormtrooper and Rey a humble trash-picker, waiting for her family to return to her once again. They gain the help of long-beloved characters like Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Leia, and new characters all the same.
This film was built for the long-time fans of the franchise, bringing back a familiar father-son theme and even a different version of the Death Star, but the question surrounding the movie is if it’s too familiar. As there is a serious father-reveal in The Force Awakens, was the new movie simply trying to make the audience nostalgic, or were there really no more ideas to be had about the fate of the galaxy? The question may be why this new installment was not nominated for many Academy Awards this year, making it one of the biggest award snubs of the season.
This film was built for the long-time fans of the franchise, bringing back a familiar father-son theme and even a different version of the Death Star, but the question surrounding the movie is if it’s too familiar. As there is a serious father-reveal in The Force Awakens, was the new movie simply trying to make the audience nostalgic, or were there really no more ideas to be had about the fate of the galaxy? The question may be why this new installment was not nominated for many Academy Awards this year, making it one of the biggest award snubs of the season.
Culinary Corner: Hot and Hearty Beef Barley Soup
By Derrick Bradley
Great for a cold winter day, this is Culinary Student Derrick Bradley’s own recipe. Derrick will be attending the Culinary Institute in New Hyde Park in the fall to pursue his dream of becoming a Culinary Chef.
Ingredients
In a heavy stock pot, brown beef in oil in four equal patches; drain oil.
Stir in the broth, vegetables, barley, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for approximately 1- 1 ½ hours or until beef and barley are tender.
- 2 pounds beef round steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 gallon beef stock
- 1 pound bag pearl barley
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup frozen corn
In a heavy stock pot, brown beef in oil in four equal patches; drain oil.
Stir in the broth, vegetables, barley, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for approximately 1- 1 ½ hours or until beef and barley are tender.
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall: A Book Review
by Edith Torres
Have you ever wondered why humans are so different from other creatures, or what we're meant to do? Maybe you will find the answer to these questions in a book called Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. McDougall is a journalist who writes for Men’s Health and Esquire magazines and a runner who suffered frequent injury. One of his main goals as a journalist is to test out semi-extreme sports and report on them.
Since he wasn’t particularly enamored with running, McDougall searched for a way to find joy in that sport despite his injuries. His enlightenment came while he was in Mexico researching a missing popstar. He came across a picture of an odd looking man in a Spanish magazine and discovered that the man was a member of little-known tribe of exceptional athletes known as the Tarahumara.
His discovery grew into a full-fledged book set in the copper canyons of Mexico, home to the Tarahumara. He meets with a mysterious man named Caballo Blanco, Spanish for “white horse”. They discuss Caballo’s ultimate dream: to create a super race of the best ultrarunners of America to face off against the ancient Tarahumara in the Copper Canyons.
Throughout the book, McDougall tells several stories of runners who loved to run. He also visits biology specialists to learn the difference between human runners and animal runners. By the end of this book, the reader is left pondering what will make them the best runner they can be, whether as a dedicated athlete or as an everyday person. Ultimately, this leads to the conclusion, which is also a summary of the premise of the entire novel: humans were born to run.
Some chapters throughout the book open with an inspiring epigraph as the author brings the reader and himself closer to validating his thesis. And during his personal mission, McDougall works with many different inspiring individuals as he finds his path as a runner. He details the culture of “ultrarunners”, especially the Tarahumara. Mcdougall does not become a professional runner, but you could argue that he becomes a professional on the art of running. He develops what he believes are the key points of developing yourself as an enduring and strong person, just like the Tarahumara.
Runners are a sort of people that tend to complain a lot. I should know; I am one. Runners do undertake a lot of stress. In high school, for instance, we spend hours running miles, doing homework, dealing with other clubs, and spending time with our families. It takes a powerful mentality to overcome all this stress and still succeed. Running is almost the epitome of stress. If you have been a runner for an extended period of time, chances are you have a strong passion for running. This love for running is rare (well, at least a confession of it is). By reading this book you can learn how you too can acquire such a passion . Even if you don’t run yourself, you will be able to see through the eyes of a runner and observe how they enlighten their minds while physically bettering themselves. In addition to health and a love of competition, people also find relaxation, satisfaction, and higher levels of creativity through running.
Runner or not, everyone can take the idea from this book that anything is possible. For example, a runner could be in pain for three straight years of running and do just one thing to change their perception of it. It is often seen as impossible to transform terrible runners into amazing runners. However, throughout this book, several impossible seeming events occur. This includes the finale: the tough race between different types of people and personalities. Also, the novel conveys the idea that what you put into something, you will get out of it regardless of how long it takes for the results to show up.
If you are one of those people who loves to feel unstoppable, then I recommend this book. It is full of unexpected epiphanies and outstanding accomplishments. It may even inspire you to run yourself. Otherwise, you might pursue your passions knowing what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Since he wasn’t particularly enamored with running, McDougall searched for a way to find joy in that sport despite his injuries. His enlightenment came while he was in Mexico researching a missing popstar. He came across a picture of an odd looking man in a Spanish magazine and discovered that the man was a member of little-known tribe of exceptional athletes known as the Tarahumara.
His discovery grew into a full-fledged book set in the copper canyons of Mexico, home to the Tarahumara. He meets with a mysterious man named Caballo Blanco, Spanish for “white horse”. They discuss Caballo’s ultimate dream: to create a super race of the best ultrarunners of America to face off against the ancient Tarahumara in the Copper Canyons.
Throughout the book, McDougall tells several stories of runners who loved to run. He also visits biology specialists to learn the difference between human runners and animal runners. By the end of this book, the reader is left pondering what will make them the best runner they can be, whether as a dedicated athlete or as an everyday person. Ultimately, this leads to the conclusion, which is also a summary of the premise of the entire novel: humans were born to run.
Some chapters throughout the book open with an inspiring epigraph as the author brings the reader and himself closer to validating his thesis. And during his personal mission, McDougall works with many different inspiring individuals as he finds his path as a runner. He details the culture of “ultrarunners”, especially the Tarahumara. Mcdougall does not become a professional runner, but you could argue that he becomes a professional on the art of running. He develops what he believes are the key points of developing yourself as an enduring and strong person, just like the Tarahumara.
Runners are a sort of people that tend to complain a lot. I should know; I am one. Runners do undertake a lot of stress. In high school, for instance, we spend hours running miles, doing homework, dealing with other clubs, and spending time with our families. It takes a powerful mentality to overcome all this stress and still succeed. Running is almost the epitome of stress. If you have been a runner for an extended period of time, chances are you have a strong passion for running. This love for running is rare (well, at least a confession of it is). By reading this book you can learn how you too can acquire such a passion . Even if you don’t run yourself, you will be able to see through the eyes of a runner and observe how they enlighten their minds while physically bettering themselves. In addition to health and a love of competition, people also find relaxation, satisfaction, and higher levels of creativity through running.
Runner or not, everyone can take the idea from this book that anything is possible. For example, a runner could be in pain for three straight years of running and do just one thing to change their perception of it. It is often seen as impossible to transform terrible runners into amazing runners. However, throughout this book, several impossible seeming events occur. This includes the finale: the tough race between different types of people and personalities. Also, the novel conveys the idea that what you put into something, you will get out of it regardless of how long it takes for the results to show up.
If you are one of those people who loves to feel unstoppable, then I recommend this book. It is full of unexpected epiphanies and outstanding accomplishments. It may even inspire you to run yourself. Otherwise, you might pursue your passions knowing what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
November -December 2015
"Have You Heard...The Struts"
By: Amy Cavallo
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If you haven’t, you’re definitely missing out. With their anthemic choruses and never-ending charisma, The Struts have been exponentially gaining popularity in the U.S. Although they were formed back in 2012 in Derby, England, they’ve only begun touring the U.S. in the last year. The band, made up of lead singer Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies, released their four song EP “Have You Heard…The Struts” with their single “Could Have Been Me” in August of 2015. “Could Have Been Me”, with its catchy chorus, clap-along beat, and message about seizing the moment, reached #4 on the iTunes Rock Singles Chart. Other songs on the EP include “Put Your Money On Me”, “Kiss This”, and “Where Did She Go”.
The band has named some of their main influences as Queen, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and The Libertines. Spiller noted, in an interview with MTV, “There is such a lack of androgynous sexy rock n’ roll these days.There’s so many boring bands out there who are so self-conscious, who are worried about what people think about them…we’re just doing what we d. It’s connecting with people, which is the most important thing.”
Some music magazines have questioned if The Struts will be leading the next wave of the British Invasion. Others have commended the band for returning to the roots of Rock ‘N Roll with their music and have promised a successful future for the band in the recently untapped, but plentiful market of rock fans. And whether it’s their electric stage personas, their genuine talent and passion for music, or their carefree lyrics, there is no doubt that The Struts will be sticking around for a while and will only be gaining popularity.
The band has named some of their main influences as Queen, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and The Libertines. Spiller noted, in an interview with MTV, “There is such a lack of androgynous sexy rock n’ roll these days.There’s so many boring bands out there who are so self-conscious, who are worried about what people think about them…we’re just doing what we d. It’s connecting with people, which is the most important thing.”
Some music magazines have questioned if The Struts will be leading the next wave of the British Invasion. Others have commended the band for returning to the roots of Rock ‘N Roll with their music and have promised a successful future for the band in the recently untapped, but plentiful market of rock fans. And whether it’s their electric stage personas, their genuine talent and passion for music, or their carefree lyrics, there is no doubt that The Struts will be sticking around for a while and will only be gaining popularity.
Battle of the Idols
By; Phoebe Carr
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On November 13, 2015, a fierce battle was fought between two major groups of teenagers -- Justin Bieber fans and One Direction fans. On that day, both pop sensations released albums, Justin’s being Purpose and One Direction’s being Made In The A.M. Both albums have been hailed each artist’s greatest yet, which is fitting considering Purpose is Bieber’s “comeback album” and MITAM is the boyband’s last release before a year-long hiatus. In the end, Bieber’s album reached the top of the charts with One Direction’s at a close second, which is a first for the boy band. How are One Direction fans taking the news? Surprisingly for the previously hostile fan base, not too badly. Most fans still seem to be preoccupied with the departure of member Zayn Malik in March, and on top of that they have to prepare for the absence of their favorite band for the first time in five years. Too busy to worry too much about losing the top album status to rival teen idol Justin Bieber.
Do the statuses of the albums on the charts say anything of the content of the albums? Is Purpose better than Made In The A.M.? It’s all up to personal interpretation, but it looks like Bieber’s comeback has been pretty successful.
Do the statuses of the albums on the charts say anything of the content of the albums? Is Purpose better than Made In The A.M.? It’s all up to personal interpretation, but it looks like Bieber’s comeback has been pretty successful.
YOUR BUC DECEMBER HOROSCOPE!
by Emilie Weiner
SAGITTARIUS, if you have a project in the works, keep pushing at it! If you don't have one, start one! December is bound to be an amazing month for you as far as productivity goes. Get out and have fun. Enjoy your birthday. As a matter of fact, make your birthday last all month, you deserve a break.
CAPRICORN, the holidays and end-of-year workload is probably overwhelming you, but for a good reason. You have a lot going on, but now is time for success and socializing. Everything is going to come full circle, capricorn. Everything is going to pay off, including your bills. Relax, take a bubble bath. It will all work out.
buccaneer capricorns: Emma Wright
AQUARIUS, wake up, get out.. December is a month full of new friendships The moon in Libra means good things for you, that's for sure. People will be reaching out to you, so make sure you’ve got your phone handy. You deserve a little extra attention.
PISCES, make December yours. Everything is looking up for you: financially and socially. Now is the time to pursue whatever it is you’ve been wanting. The stars have aligned, quite literally, in your favor. Take this month to work on your goals and focus on yourself. Good things are coming left and right.
buccaneer pisces: Emilie Weiner
ARIES, the holidays are energizing you! The spirit of joy is gearing you up for a head start come the New Year. 2016 is looking bright for you; put hard work in before the year closes and take inspiration from whatever you can! It might bring some interesting people into your life. Better yet, money!
TAURUS, you might be feeling like nothing has been going your way lately. It’s time to put in some action. Being out here, asking questions, and making an effort will be your solution. Opportunities are waiting for you, but you’ve got to make the first move this time. Gifts are on their way this holiday season.
GEMINI, change is coming for you. The energy in the universe is going to benefit you. If you’re making art or music, an opportunity may be coming your way. This will bring you to the center of attention, where you like it. Collaboration might also be in your favor! Keep your eyes peeled for people on your side.
buccaneer geminis: Neil Villapiano and Advisor Mrs. Kligman
CANCER, there’s lots of commotion going on! Don't let the noise overwhelm you though. You’re in for a bumpy December but the New Year is going to be wonderful for you. Push through these next few weeks and it will all be worth it. On the other hand, your personal life is going to progress nicely.
LEO, get ready to reconnect! The holiday season may be bringing some old friends back into your life. They may be good or bad, but that’s all up to you! Don't hesitate to open up about the past year of your life; it’ll bring new things into your life. Network your way to 2016.
buccaneer leos: Amy Cavallo
VIRGO, Save save save! Even though that seems hard during the holiday season, it will be to your benefit! The New Year will bring you the thing you’ve beenwanting to splurge on the most. If you stay concentrated and focused, everything will work out exactly in your favor.
LIBRA, keep connected! Everyone wants a piece of you this holiday season, but make sure you remember who is really important to you. Even though gifts aren’t the most important thing in the world, sometimes it really means a lot to show someone you care. Use the energy in the air to your benefit and stay happy.
buccaneer libras: Phoebe Carr, Harry Jain, Alex Sosa
SCORPIO, December brings you peace. You will really be able to focus on where you are as a person and in your relationships. Enjoy the cool weather and the beautiful decor of the season. It will allow you to relax and grow as an individual in the New Year.
SUBJECT TO ERROR
CAPRICORN, the holidays and end-of-year workload is probably overwhelming you, but for a good reason. You have a lot going on, but now is time for success and socializing. Everything is going to come full circle, capricorn. Everything is going to pay off, including your bills. Relax, take a bubble bath. It will all work out.
buccaneer capricorns: Emma Wright
AQUARIUS, wake up, get out.. December is a month full of new friendships The moon in Libra means good things for you, that's for sure. People will be reaching out to you, so make sure you’ve got your phone handy. You deserve a little extra attention.
PISCES, make December yours. Everything is looking up for you: financially and socially. Now is the time to pursue whatever it is you’ve been wanting. The stars have aligned, quite literally, in your favor. Take this month to work on your goals and focus on yourself. Good things are coming left and right.
buccaneer pisces: Emilie Weiner
ARIES, the holidays are energizing you! The spirit of joy is gearing you up for a head start come the New Year. 2016 is looking bright for you; put hard work in before the year closes and take inspiration from whatever you can! It might bring some interesting people into your life. Better yet, money!
TAURUS, you might be feeling like nothing has been going your way lately. It’s time to put in some action. Being out here, asking questions, and making an effort will be your solution. Opportunities are waiting for you, but you’ve got to make the first move this time. Gifts are on their way this holiday season.
GEMINI, change is coming for you. The energy in the universe is going to benefit you. If you’re making art or music, an opportunity may be coming your way. This will bring you to the center of attention, where you like it. Collaboration might also be in your favor! Keep your eyes peeled for people on your side.
buccaneer geminis: Neil Villapiano and Advisor Mrs. Kligman
CANCER, there’s lots of commotion going on! Don't let the noise overwhelm you though. You’re in for a bumpy December but the New Year is going to be wonderful for you. Push through these next few weeks and it will all be worth it. On the other hand, your personal life is going to progress nicely.
LEO, get ready to reconnect! The holiday season may be bringing some old friends back into your life. They may be good or bad, but that’s all up to you! Don't hesitate to open up about the past year of your life; it’ll bring new things into your life. Network your way to 2016.
buccaneer leos: Amy Cavallo
VIRGO, Save save save! Even though that seems hard during the holiday season, it will be to your benefit! The New Year will bring you the thing you’ve beenwanting to splurge on the most. If you stay concentrated and focused, everything will work out exactly in your favor.
LIBRA, keep connected! Everyone wants a piece of you this holiday season, but make sure you remember who is really important to you. Even though gifts aren’t the most important thing in the world, sometimes it really means a lot to show someone you care. Use the energy in the air to your benefit and stay happy.
buccaneer libras: Phoebe Carr, Harry Jain, Alex Sosa
SCORPIO, December brings you peace. You will really be able to focus on where you are as a person and in your relationships. Enjoy the cool weather and the beautiful decor of the season. It will allow you to relax and grow as an individual in the New Year.
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Gingerbread Cookies Recipe!
By: Edith Torres
The holiday season has begun and that means more desserts! Being a fan of warm spices, during this season, I would like to introduce you to my gingerbread cookie recipe. Just as the name states, they have a bread-like texture with a gingersnap taste. The dough is sturdy enough to stand up to make sturdy houses or bite size gingerbread boys and girls. Either way the cookie recipe is the same.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
3 1/2 cups flour
1 stick or 8 teaspoons butter softened
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 large eggs
A pinch of salt
Preparation: preheat to 350 degrees F
Set the parchment paper on the cookie sheet, enough to cover the whole surface. If the paper does not lay flat, use a utensil to hold it down.
Supplies needed: parchment paper, cookie sheet, a large and small mixing bowl, plastic wrap to wrap the dough in, a mixer, a spatula, rolling pin, and cookie cutters.
Instructions:
First, cream the sugar and the butter together in the large bowl until it looks like cake frosting. Then, add two eggs, one at a time into the mixture. Next, pour the molasses and thoroughly combine in the mixture.
In the smaller bowl, combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to mix the flour mixture entirely. Take this dry mix and gradually combine it with wet ingredients in the larger bowl. Use your spatula to stir the ingredients together. The mixture should eventually begin to separate from the sides of the bowl. As soon as the dough turns into a large ball, you can remove it from the bowl and wrap it in plastic. The dough must sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight for the dough to become firm. Remove the dough from the fridge, and let it lay at room temperature until it can be molded and shaped.
If you plan to make gingerbread cookies, then break your dough into smaller pieces and roll it out. Flour the surface where you roll, and then use your cutters. The thinner the dough is rolled the crunchier the cookie. If you're feeling creative, you can mold faces with a toothpick into the cookies
Place you gingerbread onto the parchment paper and set to bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are brown. When your cookies are finished set them to cool. You can then frost your cookies if desired.
Gingerbread Holiday History:
Ingredients:
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
3 1/2 cups flour
1 stick or 8 teaspoons butter softened
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 large eggs
A pinch of salt
Preparation: preheat to 350 degrees F
Set the parchment paper on the cookie sheet, enough to cover the whole surface. If the paper does not lay flat, use a utensil to hold it down.
Supplies needed: parchment paper, cookie sheet, a large and small mixing bowl, plastic wrap to wrap the dough in, a mixer, a spatula, rolling pin, and cookie cutters.
Instructions:
First, cream the sugar and the butter together in the large bowl until it looks like cake frosting. Then, add two eggs, one at a time into the mixture. Next, pour the molasses and thoroughly combine in the mixture.
In the smaller bowl, combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to mix the flour mixture entirely. Take this dry mix and gradually combine it with wet ingredients in the larger bowl. Use your spatula to stir the ingredients together. The mixture should eventually begin to separate from the sides of the bowl. As soon as the dough turns into a large ball, you can remove it from the bowl and wrap it in plastic. The dough must sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight for the dough to become firm. Remove the dough from the fridge, and let it lay at room temperature until it can be molded and shaped.
If you plan to make gingerbread cookies, then break your dough into smaller pieces and roll it out. Flour the surface where you roll, and then use your cutters. The thinner the dough is rolled the crunchier the cookie. If you're feeling creative, you can mold faces with a toothpick into the cookies
Place you gingerbread onto the parchment paper and set to bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are brown. When your cookies are finished set them to cool. You can then frost your cookies if desired.
Gingerbread Holiday History:
- Ginger is a popular spice that Western civilization most likely acquired from Asia.
- Gingerbread cookies are most known for their people shapes; this originated in England when Queen Elizabeth I directed that the cookies be formed into replicas of her royal guests. Afterwards, the gingerbread confectionery gained popularity in the story of Hansel and Gretel. The brother and sister both followed the witch into a house made of gingerbread. Creating gingerbread houses became a trend in Germany.
- Most people know the popular story of the gingerbread man who jumps out of his oven and runs around town. Nobody in the town could catch him until he meets the clever fox. The fox tricks the gingerbread man into swimming across a river with him and ends up eating him. This fable spurred the famous jingle "Run, run as fast as you can. You can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man!"
- Another fact not widely known about ginger is its high health benefits. Ginger can help relieve such ailments as headaches, inflammation, stomach aches, and relieve stress. In some cases, these cookies were even used as good luck charm. Some women used to make gingerbread man cookies and eat them, in hopes that their one true husband would appear.
- Stories have been created about these scrumptious treats from the Brothers Grimm's "Hansel and Gretel" to Shakespeare's, "Love's Labor's Lost." One can imagine a whole new world with nothing but sweet candy people, in gingerbread houses replete with gumdrop and frosted adornments. So this unique flavor is sure to spice up your holidays this year and keep a keen eye out for the gingerbread man!
September - October 2015
Top Television Premieres (The Buc’s Guide of What to Binge Watch)
by: Lily Peña
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Do you need to dive into a new show? Have you watched the same three shows in your Netflix queue for months now? Luckily along with the changing leaves and apple picking season, fall brings a set of new series to television. Who needs corn mazes with friends when you can stay in and watch a marathon of Vampire Diaries before the new season comes on? This year is a thrilling year for TV! There are not only a number of popular shows renewing this fall, but a whole crop of entirely new shows!
Be sure to check into this hotel! The fifth season of American Horror Story begins this fall on FX with a hotel theme. Director Ryan Murphy once again brings his talent of creating a trippy yet gruesome plot into this season. Along with the usual cast including Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson, AHS Hotel will also star Lady Gaga in the role of The Countess. This season is said to be a quite thrilling, gorey and haunting one. Viewer discretion is definitely advised though, as the show contains graphic material and some mature situations. The first episode will air on October 7th and come on every Wednesday at 10pm.
Along the lines of Scream or other horror movie parodies, the comedic “murder mystery” show Scream Queens airs this fall on FOX. Because this show is from the same director as American Horror Story, there is a tremendous cast of actors and quite witty dialogue. The plot deals with a sorority, murder and the classic mystery of a “whodunnit” story. The first episode airs on September 22 and comes on every Tuesday at 9 pm. The show stars Emma Roberts, Abigail Breslin, Keke Palmer, Jamie Lee Curtis and a long list of talented guest stars.
Who would you trust in the apocalypse? The 6th season of the Walking Dead begins this fall and will take the group through more nail biting situations. It’s not too late to get caught up on this show and get wrapped up in the constantly changing ways of life after a zombie apocalypse. Along with the Walking Dead there is Fear the Walking Dead (which aired this August), a spin off about the untold story taking place at the beginning of the epidemic. The audience gets to see a new perspective on the apocalypse and how the average people reacted when it first began. Comic book writer and director Robert Kirkman will continue to shock audiences and keep everyone guessing in these upcoming seasons. The Walking Dead returns on October 11 to AMC and comes on every Sunday at 9pm.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s CBS new show Supergirl! This show follows the life of the 24 year old who arrived on Earth from Krypton when she was 12. She was adopted into a human family, very much like her wellknown cousin Superman. She attempts to hide her powers, but eventually she just has to let them fly. Get it? This actionpacked series will star Melissa Benoist as the leading female superhero. Supergirl will air on October 26 and continue every Monday at 8 pm
. Whip up some old childhood nostalgia with The Muppets! The classic muppet characters will play in a “mockumentary” sitcom (along the lines of The Office). This comedy is sure to appeal to many audiences for various reasons, and it’s safe to say that seeing Kermit look into the camera like Jim Halpert would be a very incredible sight. The Muppets will premiere on September 22 and will come on every Tuesday at 8 pm.
All in all, there is quite a lot of shows that will make big appearances this season. Make sure you are keeping up with the shows that people talk about, and expand your queue. There are so many great premieres of television series that everyone should be informed about. Alright now, time for you to go on and watch all your shows!
The Apple Never Falls Far from the Tree: A Synopsis of Apple’s September 2015 Event
By: Harry Jain
On September 9, the world held their breath as Apple, by far the most valuable company in the world, held their annual press conference to release the new iPhone, along with a variety of other devices. Recently valued at over $700 billion and generally viewed as one of the most innovative technology companies, everyone had their eyes on Apple. At the event, people were not disappointed. In addition to the new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, Apple released new bands and Watch OS 2 for the Apple Watch, a completely redesigned Apple TV, and the iPad Mini 4. Finally, Apple made the biggest release of them all, the iPad Pro.
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
The primary focus of the event was the iPhone. Every year, Apple releases a new version of the most popular phone in the world. Generally, every other year is a “number” upgrade, with the “s” upgrades coming in the years in between. As the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were released last year, the 6s and 6s Plus followed this year. Other than a new rose gold color option and a stronger grade of aluminum (no more Bendgate), the design appears identical to last year’s phone. However, that does not make it an unimportant upgrade. In fact, as with Siri in the iPhone 4s and the fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5s, some features of this upgrade may become powerful changes to the iPhone’s formula.
The most prominent new feature is “3D Touch,” a newly implemented pressure-sensitive screen. It can be used to bring up specialized menus, to draw lines of different thicknesses, to create a virtual trackpad, and to respond to different levels of pressure in games and music apps, just to name a few applications. While it may seem inconsequential at first, this feature has the potential to change how we interact with our phones, the way multitouch did with the introduction of the first iPhone.
After using the new iPhone 6s for a while, c|net editor Scott Stein said, “I've started 3D touching every icon, every menu; I want 3D Touch in all my apps, everywhere. It's weird when it isn't. I want smarter 3D Touch menus, smarter extra features. It's legitimately better to have it than not have it, but I don't expect its killer apps to emerge for at least a couple of months.”
This quote illustrates the monumental impact 3D touch can make, but also demonstrates that the software needed for it to truly blossom does not yet exist.
In addition to 3D Touch, the 6s also brings a host of improvements. First, Apple has included an upgraded 64-bit A9 processor, which Apple claims “delivers performance once found only in desktop computers.” To augment the new chip, Apple has upgraded the RAM from 1 gigabyte to 2 gigabytes. In short, the iPhone 6s will feel snappier than the 6 and will be able to take anything you throw at it. In addition, the 6s incorporates improved Wi-Fi antennas, access to faster LTE data networks, and a much faster Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
After 3D Touch and the performance upgrades, the biggest upgrade from the 6 comes in the camera quality. The rear camera has increased from 8 megapixels to 12 megapixels, which should give pictures much more detail upon zooming. Additionally, it can now record 4K video, a much higher resolution format. Live photos are another new addition, which create a flipbook-like animation when you take a picture; it works by taking a second and a half of video before and after taking the picture. In addition, the front-facing camera has received an even greater upgrade than the rear camera, going from 1.2 megapixels to 5 megapixels and adding a “Retina Flash,” which uses the screen to simulate a flash.
What about the gargantuan 6s Plus, you ask? Well, a year after its introduction, it’s not getting any smaller, nor is its price. However, in addition to the massive 5.5 inch screen and even larger frame, the 6s Plus includes optical image stabilization (OIS), which makes close up and action shots clearer, and longer battery life than the regular iPhone 6s (about 12 hours compared to about 10 hours). While these two features may not sound like a big deal, for a power user who needs to photograph for work and uses battery-draining apps frequently they can make a huge difference. However, for your average user, your choice should be based on the size you want. If you want a normal-sized phone, buy the 6s. If you want a large phone, buy the 6s plus.
Both phones are available for purchase now, with the option to pay in monthly installments or outright. For 16 gigabytes of storage, the iPhone 6s starts at $649 and the 6s Plus starts at $749 outright or $32.45 and $37.45 per month on an annual upgrade plan. However, I would strongly recommend purchasing at least the 64 gigabyte model, as you do not want to run out of storage on your brand new phone. Also, the new, higher resolution pictures occupy much more storage, making a high-capacity phone even more necessary. Ultimately, no matter what model you buy, you can be assured that you have one of the best phones available and that you will enjoy your purchase.
The iPad Pro
In addition to the iPhone 6s, Apple announced the long-rumored iPad Pro. A direct response to the success of the Microsoft Surface, Apple announced its own tablet with a keyboard and a stylus. The predominant feature of this iPad is its size. With a 12.9-inch screen, this tablet is 78 percent larger than the iPad Air 2. It will feel as large as a laptop. However, it will feel much lighter, at only 1.57 pounds and 6.9mm thick. Its pixel-rich 2,732⨯2,048 Retina display is perfect for viewing two apps side-by-side, a defining productivity feature of the iPad Pro. In addition to its excellent design, the iPad Pro comes with a brand new A9X processor which Apple claims will yield almost twice the performance of both the A8X processor and regular A9 processor. This is backed by 4 gigabytes of RAM, giving it laptop-like performance. It also includes a Touch-ID fingerprint sensor built into the home button and an 8-megapixel camera on the back.
After acknowledging its size, the first thing most people will notice is the physical keyboard. Called the “Smart Keyboard,” it is made from woven fabric and acts as a cover when closed. It connects using the trio of small circles on the side of the iPad Pro, called the Smart Connector; this connector can carry both power and data between the keyboard and the tablet. The other prominent accessory for the iPad Pro is the “Apple Pencil.” It is a stylus which has the ability to adjust the thickness of the drawing stroke based on the amount of pressure applied to the screen. Housing its own battery and charged using the lighting port at the bottom of the iPad, the Apple Pencil is an essential tool for creative professionals such as graphic designers and artists.
Who is the iPad Pro for? Well, since it runs iOS 9, the same mobile operating system as the iPhone, instead of OSX, the desktop operating system used by Macs, it can only act as a true laptop-replacement for a certain type of customer. For people who rely on full desktop applications to program or to edit audio, video, and pictures, the iPad Pro may not be worth the purchase. However, both Adobe and Microsoft Office suite apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have been upgraded with support for the Apple Pencil. Also, the aforementioned split-screen feature allows for real multi-tasking. Still, the iPad Pro is best for people who want some of a laptop’s basic productivity without the hassle, not for power users who want to replace their laptops for programming or complex graphic design.
The iPad Pro will release in November, starting at $799 for the 32 gigabyte model, $949 for the 128 gigabyte model, and $1,079 for the 128 gigabyte model with LTE data connection. Both the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard are sold separately, with prices of $99 and $169, respectively. This brings the total price of an iPad Pro with a keyboard and stylus to anywhere from about $1,070 to about $1,350, a hefty sum comparable to a high-end laptop.
Everything Else
The iPad Pro wasn’t the only tablet Apple announced. They also updated the iPad Mini, releasing the iPad Mini 4. While it maintains the same design as the previous iPad Mini, it greatly upgrades the specifications. It upgrades to an A8 processor and 2 gigabytes of RAM, which should raise performance substantially. Additionally, it receives the split-screen function of the iPad Pro to run to apps beside each other. The iPad Mini 4 is available now beginning at $400 for the 16 gigabyte Wi-Fi model and $530 for the version with LTE cellular support. The 64 gigabyte-model (a highly recommended upgrade), costs $100 dollars more, with the 128 gigabyte model coming in at $100 more than that. Overall, if you have been waiting to buy an iPad Mini, now is the time to buy one.
In addition, Apple announced an updated Apple TV. No, it is not a whole television set. Instead, it is a streaming device that allows you to play Netflix, HBO Go, Showtime, and Hulu, among other things. The new version creates a new operating system, TVOS, that allows for native applications, such as Gilt, MLB.com, Zillow, and AirBNB. This also opens up the possibility of using the Apple TV as a casual gaming device. Many popular games, including Guitar Hero, Disney Infinity, and Crossy Road have already been added to the store. It also adds a new remote that integrates motion-control (like the Nintendo Wii) and voice-control via Siri. The remote also includes a large, glass touchpad to aid with navigation of the interface. It is powered by the same A8 chip that powers the iPad Mini 4 and the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, making it much more powerful than its predecessor. The new Apple TV is coming soon and will cost $149 for the 32 gigabyte model and $199 for the 64 gigabyte model.
Finally, Apple announced Watch OS 2, the first major upgrade to the Apple Watch software. It includes the ability to run apps “natively” using its storage and processor instead of your phone’s. This is said to make apps such as Weather and Maps run much faster. Additionally, Apple added new watch faces that show pictures from your phone on the watchface. Also, Apple is offering new combinations of watch cases and bands for the Apple Watch, including gold and rose gold cases in the sport edition and a Hermès-branded version. While this, along with the other upgrades, may seem incremental, they add up to an overall better experience. Every upgrade builds on the last. After all, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
The primary focus of the event was the iPhone. Every year, Apple releases a new version of the most popular phone in the world. Generally, every other year is a “number” upgrade, with the “s” upgrades coming in the years in between. As the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were released last year, the 6s and 6s Plus followed this year. Other than a new rose gold color option and a stronger grade of aluminum (no more Bendgate), the design appears identical to last year’s phone. However, that does not make it an unimportant upgrade. In fact, as with Siri in the iPhone 4s and the fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5s, some features of this upgrade may become powerful changes to the iPhone’s formula.
The most prominent new feature is “3D Touch,” a newly implemented pressure-sensitive screen. It can be used to bring up specialized menus, to draw lines of different thicknesses, to create a virtual trackpad, and to respond to different levels of pressure in games and music apps, just to name a few applications. While it may seem inconsequential at first, this feature has the potential to change how we interact with our phones, the way multitouch did with the introduction of the first iPhone.
After using the new iPhone 6s for a while, c|net editor Scott Stein said, “I've started 3D touching every icon, every menu; I want 3D Touch in all my apps, everywhere. It's weird when it isn't. I want smarter 3D Touch menus, smarter extra features. It's legitimately better to have it than not have it, but I don't expect its killer apps to emerge for at least a couple of months.”
This quote illustrates the monumental impact 3D touch can make, but also demonstrates that the software needed for it to truly blossom does not yet exist.
In addition to 3D Touch, the 6s also brings a host of improvements. First, Apple has included an upgraded 64-bit A9 processor, which Apple claims “delivers performance once found only in desktop computers.” To augment the new chip, Apple has upgraded the RAM from 1 gigabyte to 2 gigabytes. In short, the iPhone 6s will feel snappier than the 6 and will be able to take anything you throw at it. In addition, the 6s incorporates improved Wi-Fi antennas, access to faster LTE data networks, and a much faster Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
After 3D Touch and the performance upgrades, the biggest upgrade from the 6 comes in the camera quality. The rear camera has increased from 8 megapixels to 12 megapixels, which should give pictures much more detail upon zooming. Additionally, it can now record 4K video, a much higher resolution format. Live photos are another new addition, which create a flipbook-like animation when you take a picture; it works by taking a second and a half of video before and after taking the picture. In addition, the front-facing camera has received an even greater upgrade than the rear camera, going from 1.2 megapixels to 5 megapixels and adding a “Retina Flash,” which uses the screen to simulate a flash.
What about the gargantuan 6s Plus, you ask? Well, a year after its introduction, it’s not getting any smaller, nor is its price. However, in addition to the massive 5.5 inch screen and even larger frame, the 6s Plus includes optical image stabilization (OIS), which makes close up and action shots clearer, and longer battery life than the regular iPhone 6s (about 12 hours compared to about 10 hours). While these two features may not sound like a big deal, for a power user who needs to photograph for work and uses battery-draining apps frequently they can make a huge difference. However, for your average user, your choice should be based on the size you want. If you want a normal-sized phone, buy the 6s. If you want a large phone, buy the 6s plus.
Both phones are available for purchase now, with the option to pay in monthly installments or outright. For 16 gigabytes of storage, the iPhone 6s starts at $649 and the 6s Plus starts at $749 outright or $32.45 and $37.45 per month on an annual upgrade plan. However, I would strongly recommend purchasing at least the 64 gigabyte model, as you do not want to run out of storage on your brand new phone. Also, the new, higher resolution pictures occupy much more storage, making a high-capacity phone even more necessary. Ultimately, no matter what model you buy, you can be assured that you have one of the best phones available and that you will enjoy your purchase.
The iPad Pro
In addition to the iPhone 6s, Apple announced the long-rumored iPad Pro. A direct response to the success of the Microsoft Surface, Apple announced its own tablet with a keyboard and a stylus. The predominant feature of this iPad is its size. With a 12.9-inch screen, this tablet is 78 percent larger than the iPad Air 2. It will feel as large as a laptop. However, it will feel much lighter, at only 1.57 pounds and 6.9mm thick. Its pixel-rich 2,732⨯2,048 Retina display is perfect for viewing two apps side-by-side, a defining productivity feature of the iPad Pro. In addition to its excellent design, the iPad Pro comes with a brand new A9X processor which Apple claims will yield almost twice the performance of both the A8X processor and regular A9 processor. This is backed by 4 gigabytes of RAM, giving it laptop-like performance. It also includes a Touch-ID fingerprint sensor built into the home button and an 8-megapixel camera on the back.
After acknowledging its size, the first thing most people will notice is the physical keyboard. Called the “Smart Keyboard,” it is made from woven fabric and acts as a cover when closed. It connects using the trio of small circles on the side of the iPad Pro, called the Smart Connector; this connector can carry both power and data between the keyboard and the tablet. The other prominent accessory for the iPad Pro is the “Apple Pencil.” It is a stylus which has the ability to adjust the thickness of the drawing stroke based on the amount of pressure applied to the screen. Housing its own battery and charged using the lighting port at the bottom of the iPad, the Apple Pencil is an essential tool for creative professionals such as graphic designers and artists.
Who is the iPad Pro for? Well, since it runs iOS 9, the same mobile operating system as the iPhone, instead of OSX, the desktop operating system used by Macs, it can only act as a true laptop-replacement for a certain type of customer. For people who rely on full desktop applications to program or to edit audio, video, and pictures, the iPad Pro may not be worth the purchase. However, both Adobe and Microsoft Office suite apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have been upgraded with support for the Apple Pencil. Also, the aforementioned split-screen feature allows for real multi-tasking. Still, the iPad Pro is best for people who want some of a laptop’s basic productivity without the hassle, not for power users who want to replace their laptops for programming or complex graphic design.
The iPad Pro will release in November, starting at $799 for the 32 gigabyte model, $949 for the 128 gigabyte model, and $1,079 for the 128 gigabyte model with LTE data connection. Both the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard are sold separately, with prices of $99 and $169, respectively. This brings the total price of an iPad Pro with a keyboard and stylus to anywhere from about $1,070 to about $1,350, a hefty sum comparable to a high-end laptop.
Everything Else
The iPad Pro wasn’t the only tablet Apple announced. They also updated the iPad Mini, releasing the iPad Mini 4. While it maintains the same design as the previous iPad Mini, it greatly upgrades the specifications. It upgrades to an A8 processor and 2 gigabytes of RAM, which should raise performance substantially. Additionally, it receives the split-screen function of the iPad Pro to run to apps beside each other. The iPad Mini 4 is available now beginning at $400 for the 16 gigabyte Wi-Fi model and $530 for the version with LTE cellular support. The 64 gigabyte-model (a highly recommended upgrade), costs $100 dollars more, with the 128 gigabyte model coming in at $100 more than that. Overall, if you have been waiting to buy an iPad Mini, now is the time to buy one.
In addition, Apple announced an updated Apple TV. No, it is not a whole television set. Instead, it is a streaming device that allows you to play Netflix, HBO Go, Showtime, and Hulu, among other things. The new version creates a new operating system, TVOS, that allows for native applications, such as Gilt, MLB.com, Zillow, and AirBNB. This also opens up the possibility of using the Apple TV as a casual gaming device. Many popular games, including Guitar Hero, Disney Infinity, and Crossy Road have already been added to the store. It also adds a new remote that integrates motion-control (like the Nintendo Wii) and voice-control via Siri. The remote also includes a large, glass touchpad to aid with navigation of the interface. It is powered by the same A8 chip that powers the iPad Mini 4 and the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, making it much more powerful than its predecessor. The new Apple TV is coming soon and will cost $149 for the 32 gigabyte model and $199 for the 64 gigabyte model.
Finally, Apple announced Watch OS 2, the first major upgrade to the Apple Watch software. It includes the ability to run apps “natively” using its storage and processor instead of your phone’s. This is said to make apps such as Weather and Maps run much faster. Additionally, Apple added new watch faces that show pictures from your phone on the watchface. Also, Apple is offering new combinations of watch cases and bands for the Apple Watch, including gold and rose gold cases in the sport edition and a Hermès-branded version. While this, along with the other upgrades, may seem incremental, they add up to an overall better experience. Every upgrade builds on the last. After all, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
YOUR BUC OCTOBER HOROSCOPE!
LIBRA, your birthday season is upon us and you’re loving it. The showered attention feels good, but it’s not gonna stick around forever! Try to stay focused on your goals and what you want – but be careful how you affect others. Don’t be out of line or selfish. Eat some pumpkin pie, homie.
Buccaneer Libras: Phoebe Carr, Harry Jain, Alex Sosa
SCORPIO, remember that you’re valued! You tend to forget that. Try to get out of your own head, enjoy a PSL, and do some of that exploring that you’re good at. Spread the love you know so well, it’ll benefit you soon. Trust me, take the advice.
SAGITTARIUS, slow down! The school year has only just started, but you’re already spreading yourself thin. You’re prone to constant change and excitement, but you’re bound to dig yourself a hole. Chill. Work on yourself. Feel that nice October breeze. You’ll benefit.
CAPRICORN, hold your own, but don’t push others down at the same time. You forget the difference between mean and individualistic, Capricorn. Keep standing up for yourself; it’ll help you grow. But don’t judge others for when they do the same. People can be basic and like uggs if they want.
Buccaneer Capricorns: Emma Wright
AQUARIUS, get it together, bro! Apply yourself! Now more than ever you have the opportunity to show off how much you have to offer, so own it. You’re good at brushing things off and staying collected, so use that to your advantage. Don’t be so consumed by your own silence. Try stepping on some crunchy leaves.
PISCES, be mindful this month. I know you like fall, but don’t always let beauty distract you. Now is not the time to be taken advantage of. Stay focused – there are some good people in your life who deserve lots of attention, not the rotten pumpkin haters! Harness your sensitivity for positivity in your life, not the toxic energy that tends to take a toll on you.
Buccaneer Pisces: Emilie Weiner
ARIES, take a hold of your ambition and hone in on it! Sometimes you get a little ahead of yourself, so stay humble and use your intelligence to your benefit. With all of your thoughts aligned, you’ll be able to achieve whatever you want, no matter what obstacles may stand in your way. Even if you don’t like the fact that summer’s in the past and it’s getting cold, with some patience, you’ll be able to start an autumn fire.
TAURUS, you love to relax. If downtime is what you need right now, take it! Put on your favorite sweater, listen to your favorite person tell you a story – a distraction might be your remedy. The change of the new school year may still be affecting you, but everything will settle soon.
GEMINI, quit picking fights! Your talkative and curious nature tends to be beneficial, but sometimes you get in over your head, starting battles you don’t intend. Embrace the spooky October vibes, relax into yourself, try to make amends with old friends and start some new ones. Getting to know all sorts of people is one of your many talents.
Buccaneer Geminis: Neil Villlapiano and Advisor Mrs. Kligman
CANCER, the deep connections that you so crave are waiting for you. You feel deeply, and you’re lacking some reciprocation right now. This month will bring you some new and unexpected relationships, and people will most certainly be attracted to your supportive and mature nature. Maybe try talking to a Pisces on one of these beautiful fall nights.
LEO, while you are a good leader, don’t be overdramatic when things don’t go your way. You’re a bright character with integral motives, but your ego and emotion often try to outshine your true purpose. Your natural leadership skills are going to take you places, but only if you let them. The new school year brings new horizons!
Buccaneer Leos: Amy Cavallo
VIRGO, although you’re a person of reason, don’t let your own indecision hold you back. You have some important decisions approaching, and choosing to let them pass by won’t benefit you in the long run. The world is waiting you! And so are its rewards, for instance, an apple cider donut.
SUBJECT TO ERROR
Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie Recipe
By: Edith Torres
Why is it that when someone thinks of an October vegetable, the pumpkin is the first that comes to mind? Everything in October seems to have pumpkin involved. Most people tend to take the pumpkin for granted without considering its past. We make jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pie, and even skin care products from the gourd. Still, baking is the most common way pumpkins are used in the fall season. They give any sweet treat a moist and fluffy texture. What more could you ask for？
Whether it's Thanksgiving day, Halloween, or any other Autumn day, the aroma of cinnamon and ginger can be detected leaving my kitchen oven. This delicious scent usually means a pumpkin pie is baking and preparing for my family to sink their teeth into it. Having trouble baking? Or just don't know how to make pumpkin pie? It's alright because I've got a great recipe for you.
Ingredients:
1 can of 100% pure pumpkin (29 oz each)
2 cans evaporated milk (12 oz each)
2 unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie shells
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
4 large eggs
Prep: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Materials: Two separate mixing bowls ( one large one smaller), a whisk or other type of mixing tool, measuring tools, and your oven.
Directions:
Bake for 60 minutes, or so, and adjust as you check it and make sure the middle is firm and cooked. When it's all done, you may take it out and set to cool.
A Bit of Pumpkin and Halloween History
Today, the pumpkin is used more as a decoration then a significant food source. Children enjoy pumpkins as halloween decorations and sweet artificial candy treats. Less often do they consider it as important for our ancestors’ survival. In America’s earliest history, pumpkins were used for eating. It was important for Native Americans to have pumpkins to survive the winter. For soups, seeds, puddings, tarts, and pies, pumpkins could be made into anything.
The Irish Celtics set gourds out on October 31, a night they called Hallow's Eve. They hollowed the gourds and placed candles in them to both ward off evil spirits and light their way. After emigrating to North America, they found the pumpkin’s flesh was sturdier than gourds. Thus the pumpkin assumed the gourd’s job.
An interesting anecdote, the name Jack o' lantern originated from an Irish folktale of a man called Stingy Jack. An unsavory character, he encountered the devil and even tricked him. After Jack died, he was not permitted into heaven or hell having angered both God and the Devil. He was left to carry around a turnip lantern with a lit piece of coal to light his way as he wandered the earth..The Irish called him Stingy Jack of the lantern" and this turned into the modern term we now know.
With all this history of the pumpkin, one might consider to cherish the vegetable. When you see the next lantern outside or carve your own remember the tradition’s origins. It may make your Halloween more interesting.
Whether it's Thanksgiving day, Halloween, or any other Autumn day, the aroma of cinnamon and ginger can be detected leaving my kitchen oven. This delicious scent usually means a pumpkin pie is baking and preparing for my family to sink their teeth into it. Having trouble baking? Or just don't know how to make pumpkin pie? It's alright because I've got a great recipe for you.
Ingredients:
1 can of 100% pure pumpkin (29 oz each)
2 cans evaporated milk (12 oz each)
2 unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie shells
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
4 large eggs
Prep: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Materials: Two separate mixing bowls ( one large one smaller), a whisk or other type of mixing tool, measuring tools, and your oven.
Directions:
- Mix the dry ingredients in the smaller bowl.
- Sift the sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves all together.
- In the larger bowl, mix the eggs one at a time; when well-combined pour in dry mix little by little while mixing.
- The evaporated milk can be mixed in when all other ingredients are well-incorporated. Make sure the cans are mixed one at a time.
- When you feel all of the mixture is whole, you may pour it into the pie crust.
- Following these instructions carefully will ensure the most delicious pumpkin pie.
Bake for 60 minutes, or so, and adjust as you check it and make sure the middle is firm and cooked. When it's all done, you may take it out and set to cool.
A Bit of Pumpkin and Halloween History
Today, the pumpkin is used more as a decoration then a significant food source. Children enjoy pumpkins as halloween decorations and sweet artificial candy treats. Less often do they consider it as important for our ancestors’ survival. In America’s earliest history, pumpkins were used for eating. It was important for Native Americans to have pumpkins to survive the winter. For soups, seeds, puddings, tarts, and pies, pumpkins could be made into anything.
The Irish Celtics set gourds out on October 31, a night they called Hallow's Eve. They hollowed the gourds and placed candles in them to both ward off evil spirits and light their way. After emigrating to North America, they found the pumpkin’s flesh was sturdier than gourds. Thus the pumpkin assumed the gourd’s job.
An interesting anecdote, the name Jack o' lantern originated from an Irish folktale of a man called Stingy Jack. An unsavory character, he encountered the devil and even tricked him. After Jack died, he was not permitted into heaven or hell having angered both God and the Devil. He was left to carry around a turnip lantern with a lit piece of coal to light his way as he wandered the earth..The Irish called him Stingy Jack of the lantern" and this turned into the modern term we now know.
With all this history of the pumpkin, one might consider to cherish the vegetable. When you see the next lantern outside or carve your own remember the tradition’s origins. It may make your Halloween more interesting.
