The Phantom Voice
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the phantom voice
Jenn Smith On a typical school day at Windfern High School in Houston, Landry, a student, was sitting in the Main Office when the National Anthem came on. As everyone in the room stood up with respect, Landry decided to stay seated. This small act of protest turned into a huge mishap as Landry was later told to leave the school for not standing for her country. This act of protest has not been the first as athletes, mainly from the NFL, have been kneeling during the National Anthem as a way to showcase their feelings towards racial inequality. These athletes are holding a grudge as they kneel in a way to show that our country needs to do a better job in respecting others. People feel that issues including disrespect towards different races is the main conflict, and Trump is not helping the situation. With Trump wanting to remove immigrants from the country and making remarks about racism, people are beginning to stand up for their beliefs in equality. Some believe that Trump is the cause of the controversy, but the NFL may be the cause of the spread of these new ideas. With Landry as an example of this conflict, kids all around the world who look up to these athletes believe that what they are doing is okay because NFL stars are doing it. Although some teams have stopped protesting, others still do it. With the continuation of the madness, people all over the world will start to believe that they have ultimate power to break what the flag really stands for: liberty and unity. These characteristics may have already been broken as Landry states,“I don’t think that the flag is what it says it’s for, for liberty and justice and all that,” Landry told KHOU. “It's not obviously what’s going on in America today.” She is not the only one who believes this issue. Many people of all colors and genders are going against our country by not standing for the anthem. Will this controversial issue come to a peaceful resolution? Or will the issue continue until changes within the government resolve?
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Rayan Alam After 6 ½ seasons (February 2011-June 2017) with the Knicks, the 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony has been traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a 2018 2nd round draft pick. In the 2003 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony out of Syracuse University. He played with the Nuggets for 8 seasons (2003-2011). On February 22nd, 2011, the Denver Nuggets traded Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks in a 3-team deal. Enes Kanter is a 22-year old Forward and he is also a 6-year NBA Veteran who holds career averages of 11.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 445 games when he played for the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder. In the 2011 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz has selected him in the 1st round, 3rd pick out of University of Kentucky. Doug McDermott has been in the NBA for 3 years and he holds career averages of 8.0 points in 183 games when he played for the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder. In the 2014 NBA Draft, Doug McDermott got drafted out of Creighton University by the Denver Nuggets and then later that night he got traded to the Chicago Bulls. The Knicks had been talking talking to multiple teams about trading Carmelo Anthony for several months when Phil Jackson was still the President of the Knicks. Both the Knicks and Carmelo Anthony had hoped to finalize a trade prior to Media Day to avoid any distractions. Anthony now joins 2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook and NBA All Star Paul George. Since the Knicks are trying to rebuild a team with young players, General Manager Scott Perry said that Kanter and McDermott fit the profile of young players the club hopes to acquire. It won’t be long for Carmelo Anthony to see his former teammates because on Thursday, October 19th, 2017, the Knicks will open their 2017-2018 NBA Season at Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma City. For more information visit https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/23/sports/basketball/carmelo-thunder-trade.html Megan Alden Many wonder why there is no such thing as a Girls football team. Many also wonder why men are allowed to play women’s sports but not vice versa. This all just shows how men and women do not have equal rights in a modern society where it is supposed to be equal. There are two sides to the debate as to whether there should be a girls football team, or if girls should be allowed to play with the boys. In some cases there are girls that are on their school's (boy’s) football team. The girls that take part in their varsity football team argue that they are just as strong, or even stronger, than their teammates. They believe it is a understatement to say that women are not physically fit to play as an excuse. On the other hand, others argue that girls are too emotional, and that girls could die from the impact of getting tackled because boys are physically superior to girls. Some even say that girls being part of football teams would destroy the sport entirely due to the fact that boys would fear of being “beat” by a girl, or just the fear of tackling a girl in the first place without facing charges. Boys forget the fact that girls are completely aware that this is a physical sport, and play at their own risk, as do boys. Boys are not immortal; they can get seriously injured playing football and so can girls. On top of that, it is a given fact that boys tend to be more “emotional” than girls, but they just tend to hide it better. I think there is nothing wrong with being emotional, we are all human, sometimes we just have to let it out. Personally, I do not think girls being emotional is a logical reason for them to be discouraged to play football. Also, girls do not live under a rock! I am sure the majority of girls who wish to play football are aware that playing football means getting tackled by boys. So, they play at their own risk. The fear that men have of getting “beat” by a girl is absurd because girls are and can be just as strong as guys are. Not to mention that is completely sexist in the first place considering how they would be embarrassed getting “beat” by a girl, but not a boy. In my personal opinion, I believe if a girl successfully completes the boys fitnessgram, she should be allowed to be on the football team, or any boy’s team. Now us females must wait for the close-minded Americans to realize that we were guaranteed equal rights, but they’ve never got put into action. Vincent Orlando Christopher French, a professor of psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, explains: Although conspiracy beliefs can occasionally be based on a rational analysis of the evidence, most of the time they are not. As a species, one of our greatest strengths is our ability to find meaningful patterns in the world around us and to make causal inferences. We sometimes, however, see patterns and causal connections that are not there, especially when we feel that events are beyond our control. The attractiveness of conspiracy theories may arise from a number of cognitive biases that characterize the way we process information. “Confirmation bias” is the most pervasive cognitive bias and a powerful driver of belief in conspiracies. We all have a natural inclination to give more weight to evidence that supports what we already believe and ignore evidence that contradicts our beliefs. The real-world events that often become the subject of conspiracy theories tend to be intrinsically complex and unclear. Early reports may contain errors, contradictions and ambiguities, and those wishing to find evidence of a cover-up will focus on such inconsistencies to bolster their claims. “Proportionality bias,” our innate tendency to assume that big events have big causes, may also explain our tendency to accept conspiracies. This is one reason many people were uncomfortable with the idea that President John F. Kennedy was the victim of a deranged lone gunman and found it easier to accept the theory that he was the victim of a large-scale conspiracy. Another relevant cognitive bias is “projection.” People who endorse conspiracy theories may be more likely to engage in conspiratorial behaviors themselves, such as spreading rumors or tending to be suspicious of others' motives. If you would engage in such behavior, it may seem natural that other people would as well, making conspiracies appear more plausible and widespread. Furthermore, people who are strongly inclined toward conspiratorial thinking will be more likely to endorse mutually contradictory theories. For example, if you believe that Osama bin Laden was killed many years before the American government officially announced his death, you are also more likely to believe that he is still alive. None of the above should indicate that all conspiracy theories are false. Some may indeed turn out to be true. The point is that some individuals may have a tendency to find such theories attractive. The crux of the matter is that conspiracists are not really sure what the true explanation of an event is—they are simply certain that the “official story” is a cover-up. For more information visit: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-some-people-believe-in-conspiracy-theories/ By Chris Bacalla
“We did our waiting, nine years, in Azkaban!” Was the cry of Potterheads everywhere as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child released in July of 2016, having endured nearly a decade outside the walls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft Wizardry. At the conclusion of The Harry Potter Series in 2007, several types of fans emerged in regard to the continuation or ceasing of the series. Hopeful ones foresaw a Marauders book, or even series. “Cynics” (who were typically the more informed fans keeping up with Rowling’s input) figured the “Nineteen Years Later” epilogue was the closest we’d ever come to an extension of the Potter timeline. Some hoped to see this epilogue built on in another novel. Such a hope was the closest to the truth, save its platform. In cooperation with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Rowling welcomed fans back to Platform Nine and Three Quarters in form of play at West End’s Palace in London. It being a rather long play (the first act has a run time of 2:40, the second 2:35), viewers had the option of a full or split-act viewing. These details are now, at last, relevant to Americans, for it is coming to Broadway at the Lyric Theatre in Spring of 2018. The process of obtaining a ticket is not easy, though. Prospective viewers first had (yes, had, because the cutoff date has passed) to apply for an access code by giving their email, phone number and other basic information. This week, a select number of fans will be sent said access code and then have the ability to buy a ticket. Those not lucky enough to be sent the code are not left in the dark, though, regarding the story. Acts One and Two have been available in print since its London premiere date in 2016. Some have deemed the Cursed Child to be a publicized fanfiction. Others claim it simply doesn’t have the same “feel” as the Original Seven. Many are disgusted with the revival of the Time Turner and its use in the plot, as time travel inevitably creates many holes and/or paradoxes. Those who enjoyed the story appreciated the shift in focus on house Gryffindor to house Slytherin, and Harry’s son, Albus, and his insecurity as consequence of being The Chosen One’s son and a Slytherin. Additionally, any stroll through the castle or the Hogwarts Express was sure to be enough for avid fans who have yearned for such an experience. Another interesting aspect of the play is that its main characters, Albus and Scorpius (the beloved Draco Malfoy’s son), are rather quirky, and compliment each other in a beautifully awkward way. The old trio were outcasts, but more as a result of their preoccupation with saving the wizarding world and steadfastly backing Dumbledore even when in the minority. Albus and Severus are outcasts for reasons more commonly seen in the middle school/high school era: being labeled as “weird” because they don’t like Quidditch (or the muggle equivalent) or for being socially awkward. Also, their endeavor to assist heartbroken Amos Diggory is also quite misguided, more for parent recognition and self defining rather than the noble, selfless reasons we saw Harry have. All of these variations let us see the same, wondrous wizarding world—just through a different lens. For some, this is off-putting and undesirable, which is understandable. However, I appreciate it while maintaining my preference of the original series. I also think, for now, that the play as a whole would be better told through novel, but I will have to view the story via its intended platform before confirming such a stance. Fans interested in furthering their immersion in Rowling’s Wizarding World also have four additional films of the Fantastic Beasts franchise to look forward to, the latest installment coming to theaters November 16th, 2018. Harry Potter and Star Wars fans alike are relishing in the continuation of their respective universes which have both introduced new plots and characters and sealed the proverbial deal with their overwhelming nostalgia. Luca Gross One of a more popular tv shows today is a dark comedy on FX that centers around a rather dysfunctional group of lifelong friends that call themselves “The Gang” and the wacky situations they get themselves into and out of. It has a small main cast with Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly, Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds, Rob McElhenney as Ronald "Mac" McDonald, Kaitlin Olson as Deandra "Sweet Dee" Reynolds, and Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds. There are several side characters that pop in and out throughout the series. The show combines classic sit-com elements from big inspiration Seinfeld and mixes it with their own dark humor. The show has been airing for over a decade, with the first episode airing way back in August 4, 2005, 12 years ago. They have 2 more seasons scheduled but here’s the catch. Season 13 is planned to air after an “extended hiatus” according to Howerton due to all being busy. Many of the actors are doing other work. Kaitlin Olson starring in a new show The Mick, which is finishing up it’s premier season. Rob McElhenney is directing a movie based on the popular kid game Minecraft. Danny Devito is starring in the play “The Price” on Broadway. Howerton himself is working on a pilot for an NBC series. He said he may not return to season 13, depending on how that project goes. Nothing has been said about his presence in season 14. A fun little side note, with the scheduled seasons it will become the longest running comedy on TV. An FXX representative said production dates and airdates for Season 13 of Sunny are still to be determined. Pushing the next scheduled seasons back a little longer than usual is probably for the best in my opinion. Although it is one of my favorite shows to date, the recent seasons have been close to lackluster. The show has been on and written by the three (Howerton, Day, and McElhenney) for over a decade, and they are bound to become jaded. The show might not be the same, but it certainly won't go anywhere anytime soon. Jonathan Kelly Happy Death Day was about Tree Gelbman, a stuck up, spoiled, party sorority girl who is trapped in a seamlessly endless death cycle on her birthday. She is forced to try and find out who her killer is and why she is stuck in the viscous cycle. It never specifies how many times she really dies but she seems to get very used to dying over and over again. The only was she could survive was to kill her killer but first she has to figure out who it was first. She first had to make a list of everyone who might want her dead which was quite a long list. Day after day she would go through the list and figure out who her killer was. Eventually in the end it was her roommate who she was very mean to. The movie itself was very predictable and not very entertaining. It added in a small twist towards the end but it was very obvious and not very surprising. The main character was not very likable to quite frankly it wasn’t heartbreaking to see her restart her day over and over again. As she evolves throughout the film she gets kinder and nicer and she learns to appreciate the things that she has. Eventually she figured out that her roommate was her killer and puts an end to her. She survives the day and finally wakes up the next day. Overall the movie was a little slow and predictable, i would give the movie a 4/10. Maine In 1901, the Kennebec Arsenal in Augusta was turned into a psychiatric hospital where thousands were buried in unmarked graves, after horrific treatments. The facility closed in 2004, however there have been many reports of hearing cries and screams coming from inside and stories of spirits roaming around. New Hampshire Although the NH state hospital in Concord is abandoned, explorers have ventured into the brutal asylum reported feeling cold spots, heard screams, and saw objects being pushed off tables. Vermont The High Life Ski Club in Chittenden was home to a William and Horatio Zephaniah, who claimed to be mediums and would hold sitting sessions to connect with the dead after they transformed the farm into an inn. Massachusets In Fall River, MA, you can spend the night a Lizzie Borden’s house, where she allegedly brutally murdered her father and stepmother. If you stay here, you can expect to hear weeping, see shoes moving across the floor, and witness a ghost tucking you into bed at night. Connecticut Union Cemetery, in Easton CT is haunting to the next level. There have been reports of seeing a lady in a white nightgown, with red eyes, roaming the cemetery. In addition to the spooky lady, mists, light rods, and orbs have been seen in pictures that were taken here. Rhode Island The Biltmore Hotel in Providence was named America’s most haunted hotel in 2000, and was said to be the inspiration for the show Bates Motel. Many satanic rituals were conducted here and guests say they still hear chatter from other rooms. One report says that sometimes guests will simply vanish during the night. New York Heard of the movie, Amityville Horror? That was based off a real house on 103 Ocean Ave Amityville, New york. In 1974, Ronald DeFeo shot and killed 6 of his family members in that home. A year later when a new family moved in, they were haunted by paranormal activity for the whole 28 days they lived there. Alexander Gaglio Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platformer Video game. It puts the player in the role as Mario as he travels across worlds of his hat shaped ship named Odyssey to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. -Produced by Nintendo, Platform Nintendo Switch, Release date 10/27/17 Sonic Forces is a fast paced action Platform game where the player goes through a world destroyed by Dr.Eggman and a new villain in Sonic Forces. -Developed by the Sonic team, Composed by Tomoya Ohtani, Release date November 7, 2017, Platforms xbox one, Playstation 4, microsoft., Nintendo Switch Need for Speed Payback is a single player racing video game that follows the former street racer Tyler Morgan. Their are 5 different types of cars race, drift, Off-Road, drag and Runner. -Developed by Ghost Games, Published by electronic Arts, Release date November 10, 2017, Platforms xbox one, Playstation 4, microsoft. Middle Earth Shadow Of War is a Action Role playing game in the Lord of the Rings Universe.The player can control a massive army and take on Sauron's Fortresses where nothing is forgotten. -Developed by Monolith Productions, Publishers Warner Bros, Engine LithTech, Release Date 10/10/17, Platforms Playstation 4, Xbox one, and Microsoft. Assassin’s Creed Origins is a action-adventure video game. It is set in Egypt where players will find Great Pyramids and hidden tombs, to discover the origin of the Assassin’s Brotherhood. -Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Published by Ubisoft, Engine Anvil, Release Date 10/27/17, Platforms Playstation 4, Xbox one, Microsoft Call of Duty WWII Is a fast paced first person shooter that puts the player in World War 2 in a Single player campaign and a multiplayer mode. -Developed by Sledgehammer Games, Published by Activision, Release Date November 3 2017, Platforms Playstation 4, Xbox one, Microsoft Far Cry 5 is a Open World First Person Shooter it puts the player in a country taken over by Anti-Government Militia Group. -Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Published by Ubisoft, Release Date February 27 2018, Platforms Playstation 4, Xbox one, Microsoft Red Dead Redemption 2 is a open world western action adventure game. It is about the epic tale of tale of life in America’s unforgiving heartland. -Developed by Rockstar Games, Published by Rockstar Games, Release date is unknown, Platforms Playstation 4 and Xbox One |
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