the
archbishop hoban high school one holy cross boulevard october 29, 2015 // issue 4
visor
HIGHLAND SQUARE
HANGOUTS Highland Square offers some of Akron’s finest and most eclectic local businesses. The Visor checked out the Square to report on a few great spots there. MORE ON PAGE 10
Student shares her story about the pressure of choosing a college major. page three
The Visor highlights the cultural impact of pop star Taylor Swift.
Siblings in girls’ soccer talk about what it is like to play with their sister.
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page fourteen
two
Kim Davis misinterprets religion
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he saga of Kim Davis gripped the American public’s attention and clung on for months. The county clerk refused to issue any marriage licenses after the June 26, 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage. “God’s moral law convicts me and conflicts with my duties,” said Davis. Many conservatives across the nation have risen to Davis’s defense, such as Senator and Presidential candidate Ted Cruz who declared that he “stands with Kim Davis” and calls for an end to what he perceives to be “judicial tyranny,” which in reality, is the Supreme Court functioning correctly. Davis not only outright ignored the verdict from the Supreme Court of the United States, she also failed to act when the Kentucky Governor Steven L. Beshear issued a direct statement to Davis ordering her to deliver the licenses. On Aug. 12, the U.S. District Judge David Bunning declared Davis must issue the licenses. Davis attempted to obtain stays from every level the courts, only to be met with the appropriate rejection. Finally, on Sept. 3, Davis was arrested for contempt and taken into custody, only to be released after six days, and to be back at work on Sept. 14, still refusing to authorize the licenses but allowing her deputies to perform these tasks. Even those who have been paying close attention to this outright mockery of the Supreme Court’s power might not know Davis as well as they believe. Davis has been married four times and divorced three; she has a set of twin sons who were born after her divorce with her first husband, their biological father being her third husband. The public is left to assume that it is her plentiful experience with joyous marriages that allows her to dictate to the rest of Rowan County how sacred the sacrament of marriage is. Davis inspired scandal when she revealed her meeting with Pope Francis on his recent trip to America, claiming Francis had told her to “stay
strong” and that he supported her cause. The Vatican has since released several statements refuting the implications of the meeting. Davis was one of several dozen people who met with Francis at the time, and what Davis claimed to be a sign of support was quickly shot down. “The Pope did not enter into the details of the situation of Mrs. Davis, and his meeting with her should not be considered a form of support of her position,” the Vatican stated. It would seem that Davis had not counted on the Vatican to care about what was said, and thought that no problems would arise in the aftermath of her lies. Davis’s flouting of the Supreme Court’s verdict harkens back to another time in American history, when a man by the name of Governor George Wallace of Alabama used his power to keep the racial integration of schools from becoming a reality in the 1960s. Kevin Holloway, who tried to obtain a marriage license from Davis to marry his girlfriend Jody Hernandez, stated, “Our Pledge of Allegiance says ‘With liberty and justice for all.’ She doesn’t get to decide who all is.” What Davis and likeminded people seem to forget is that the same Constitution that protects the American people’s right to practice their own religion prohibits anyone from forcing their personal beliefs onto the rest of the country. This ruling is not a violation of freedom of religion and it is most certainly not an attack on Christians or any other religion. The persecution that Davis feels is not because of her religious beliefs: it is because she refuses to perform her job and uphold the law, a job that she was voted into by the people of her county, and the law that she is bound to as a public servant. To compare Davis to the Christians who actually are tormented daily for their beliefs is an injustice and an insult to those Christians. The ruling of June 26 honors the very principle this nation was founded on: equal rights for all.
Letter from Student Council Dear Hoban, The first quarter has set the tone for an unforgettable year. Mum Day and Spirit Week were incredible, with an unmatched amount of spirit contributing to our sweep of St. Vincent Saint Mary. The Blue Crew, lead by the Knightmares, landed us on the front page of a September issue of the Akron Beacon Journal with the title “Spirit Gone Wild”. Additionally we made it to the semi-finals in the “Best Student Section in Northeast Ohio” poll on Cleveland.com, defeating schools three times our size. So we would like to thank you, for your overwhelming support in these first months, and we encourage you to stay engaged as the year continues. As we look forward to making this year go
down in Hoban’s history as one of the best, Student Council is working hard to figure out what’s next. The student body’s passion and support for the Hoban family does not end at Mum Day There is much more coming up, including the Canned Food Drive, a revamped Banglabash, the return of Rent-A-Junior, the annual fundraiser for Ghana, and of course, the return of the Knightmares when the winter sports season begins! Student Council is here to serve you. So if you have an idea, reach out to a class representative or committee member so we can continue to make this year great. Thank you, Student Council
editorial
the
visor
archbishop hoban high school mailing address: one holy cross blvd. akron, ohio 44316 online: www.hobanvisor.com email: visor@hoban.org
awards
CSPA Gold Medalist NSPA First Class Award Quill & Scroll Int’l First Place OSMA First Place The Visor subsribes to the ASNE/ MCT Campus news service and to the APStylebook.com Signed letters for publication are welcome. Mailbox is in the main ofifice. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus of the editorial board. Signed opinion represents the views of the writer only.
staff
editors-in-chief marilyn icsman joseph santucci managing editor julie ciotola opinion editor gabriella wittbrod news editor angelina sapp features editor brian rozumny sports editor kara marshall design editors lucas lauterjung elizabeth stitzel webmaster joseph brennan staff reporters mara bahmer, madeline grosklos, alexander lynch, shamael muhammad, andrew ross, julia susany, bridget wiedt, victoria woodburn, kameryn zingale adviser katharina cerny
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opinion
Athletics should not determine college choice
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s they make their way through high school, student-athletes must decide how seriously they will take their sport. Even if they love to compete at the high school level, many feel stressed by the underlying question of whether or not they will play in college. As early as freshman year, some athletes commit to an athletic career at a university that they love. However, most students struggle to find this opportunity, and many are unsure whether playing a college sport is the right choice. Throughout the decision making process, it is imperative that students are reminded what college is really about, an education. As a four-year starter on Hoban’s varsity girls’ soccer team, I have firsthand experience with the stress of determining whether to play collegiate sports. After a lot of frustrating indecision, I have chosen not to further my athletic career beyond high school. Ultimately, I had to approach my plans for college from both a realistic and a constructive point of view. I have always wanted to attend a large university and I know I should prioritize academics. These factors, compounded with my athletic profile (5’ 1” 108 lb. defender), marred my chances of serious playing time at any of my preferred schools. As a result, I will proudly choose my college for the sake of my education. Distracted by the prospect of collegiate athletics, some
high school students cannot say the same. A very small minority of college athletes continue on to play their sport at the professional level. For this reason, it is vital that they graduate from college with a degree in a field of study that they enjoy and will be interested in for the rest of their life. When high schoolers make their big college decision based on athletics alone, they put themselves at risk of struggling post-graduation. Four years of college education means nothing if a useful degree does not result. Some argue that college decisions are so heavily based on sports due to the student’s need of financial aid. The reality of the matter is that very few individuals land themselves true full rides through athletics, and the monetary savings acquired from partial scholarships is quickly overridden if a student-athlete graduates without a steady form of income. Aside from this, numerous factors can result in the termination of a studentathlete’s involvement in athletics while they are still in school. Career-ending injuries, coaching changes or disciplinary action are all cause for a loss of a spot on the team. If this happens to an athlete at a college they do not love, they are stuck there for the remainder of their education, unless they are willing to transfer schools, a process
Look at me I’m
Maddie g
by madeline grosklos that could have been avoided altogether had the individual originally chose a college that they had genuine interest in. External pressures cause too many high school student athletes to forget the purpose of higher education. They rush into a college decision for a sport which will not benefit them after graduation. For those lucky few who carry on their athletic passions at a university they love, the experience is bound to be a great one. However, students who disregard the most important aspect of college–their education–set themselves up to struggle in the real world. These poorly thought out decisions become more frequent as pressures to pursue athletics at a collegiate level rise. The college experience is tarnished for countless athletes, and a potentially enjoyable four years at university deteriorates into a stressful time of possible regret.
Students often too quick to judge cheerleaders
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ver the past four years, I have devoted my time and money to cheerleading. I don’t think that everyone understands the extent of this commitment. The cheerleaders recently were blessed with a new coach. She works us hard and we have made great strides as a team in our skills and unity. Because of her, our practices are never a waste of time, our money appears to go towards something and we are more disciplined and organized team. We feel that cheerleading is no longer being treated as a joke. However, I have yet to hear students acknowledge this great change in our team. Whenever Hoban cheer is brought up, all I ever hear are comments like “Why do you do cheers while the student section is cheering?” or “Dance team has a different dance every week, why don’t you?” No matter what we do, we will be criticized by someone, and I’m definitely open to constructive criticism. If anyone has a suggestion on how our team might improve, I am always willing to listen. However, I feel as though most of the suggestions thus far have been uninformed. Cheerleading is not just a dance every week. We also do chants, stunts, tumbling, jumps and conditioning. This may not seem like much, but it is a lot when we only
practice twice per week for, at most, four and a half hours. There are weeks when practice gets canceled or when we do not practice at all because of unplanned conflicts. Our warm-up alone takes around twenty minutes, followed by lifting for at least twenty-five. We stunt for a good two hours, then spend twenty minutes as a team reviewing each game and discussing potential improvements. After adding it together, there is not much time to learn a dance. Even when we do learn dances, someone has to choreograph it, teach it, and make a mix. It is not an easy process, given the other responsibilities. It is upsetting to hear that even though my team puts in four and a half hours of solid effort each week and has improved, all people care about is that we do not perform new dances. When we aren’t dancing at halftime, we are putting our skills to work on the sidelines each quarter. We do our best to do chants and lead crowd cheers as well as stunt, tumble and jump. Unfortunately, there are only around twenty cheerleaders and at least six or seven times that in the student section. We also have to fight to be heard among the highway traffic, the football game and everyone talking in the stands. This is something we are well aware of, and amidst that noise there are times we don’t hear the students
Fab libs by elizabeth stitzel planning to do a cheer and we happen to be planning to do one as well. These incidents are accidental. There are also other times when the cheerleaders need to do one of our chants because we’ve been doing too many crowd cheers. We aren’t trying to compete with the student section, there are just times when we can’t cheer with it. I understand that cheer is not the most intense or committed activity. However, my team and I work with the time we have and have made vast improvements as a team this year thanks to our new coach. We aren’t asking to be praised constantly for everything we do. All we ask for is respect. We want affirmation that our time isn’t wasted, and that our hard work isn’t for nothing.
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opinion
What’s the
Problem?
by mara bahmer
design by joseph santucci
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ver since I was four years old, when my parents first started teaching me how to read and write, I have had an affinity for English. Throughout my childhood I read books constantly, tearing through them like they were sweet desserts rather than stacks of paper. I also spent much of my time writing: creating makeshift books of my own with crayons and thick sheets of construction paper, writing essays for varying subject matters at school, and writing freelance stories and poems in my spare time. As I have grown older, I have kept this passion, and as I steadily progress through my junior year of high school I have begun to consider career paths that involve English. However, my desire to study English in college has been met with great apprehension by many of the adults and peers whom I have made privy to this goal. At first, when teachers, fellow students, relatives or people of authority in my life expressed distaste with my career aspirations, I tried to find a career in English that would appease them. However, this approach proved futile. Whether I told them I wanted to be an English teacher, a journalist, an editor or a writer, their reactions were always "disappointed". I am always disheartened when people react in this way. Oftentimes they will suggest that I make writing, my true passion, a backup plan, and instead pursue a career they deem more important or successful, usually involving math or science.
Why do people dismiss English careers so quickly? One reason may be that the first job that comes to mind is that of a teacher, a word typically indicative of low salaries. Personally, I do not believe that my salary should be the deciding factor in my search for a career. Yes, a decent salary is important, but I would not feel content or fulfilled if I were doing my job strictly for the money. I would rather make a living doing something that is important to me than pursue a career that someone else thinks would make me more successful. In my opinion, education is one of the most fulfilling careers a person can strive for. Teachers make a direct impact on society, touching the lives and influencing the developing minds of children. They foster the intelligence and the talent that they identify in all of their students, and their dedication leads children to success later in life. Along with other careers in English, I have seriously considered a career in education. Shockingly, this is the most widely discouraged of all of the careers which I have attempted to suggest. Another reason why people discourage me from pursuing a career in English is because they do not think jobs for English majors are in high demand. Fortunately, this is not always the case. One MetLife survey found that 97 percent of business executives rated writing skills as highly important in the workplace. English majors are trained to write well, more so than any other major. Whether it involves advertising, creating
a strong social media presence or writing a positive article for a business, English majors are coveted in major corporations. Many people are deceived by the widespread belief that the only job writers can have is that of a novelist. Though my greatest aspiration is to one day be a novelist, I recognize that this is a very difficult level of success to attain. Therefore, in my search for an English career, I have set my sights on a career that is just as important, but far more achievable: journalism. Unsurprisingly, this career is met with almost as much disdain as a career in education. People often view journalists as strictly newspaper reporters. However, the job opportunities for journalists are widespread. Whether it's writing online articles and blogs, reporting on television or interviewing people of importance, journalists have a variety of career options. From the time we are young, certain talents are ingrained and nurtured in us. These talents include math and science, but they also include writing. I think too often people forget how important writing is in our society. Without it, we would not have television shows, movies, books, magazines, websites, popular music and numerous other forms of media in our daily lives. If the people who discouraged me from pursuing a career in writing had taken the time to research where English majors end up, they would have discovered that the possibilities are truly limitless.
THe
news
five
in
by kameryn zingale
Hoban prepares to present fall play
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his fall, the Hoban Troubadours will present the play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, an inspirational play about the transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. The play demonstrates Thoreau’s most famous message of civil disobedience. Through a series of flashbacks, the show tells the story of how Henry David Thoreau finds himself in jail for a night after publicly voicing his opposition of the Mexican War and refusing to pay the taxes that funded it. The show stars senior Luke Lauterjung as Thoreau, junior Mackenzie Deighen as Thoreau’s love interest Ellen Sewell, sophomore Jerome Hume as Thoreau’s mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson and senior Allyson Bachmann as Lydian Emerson. Tickets are on sale now and are $7 for adults and students and $5 for seniors. Showtimes for The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail are Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or online at hobantheatre.org. All performances will be held in Barry Gymnasium.
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I’m excited for the visual aspect of the play. Mr. k has brought technology into it which mixes the classic play with a modern appeal.
Meeting in Akron promotes education
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I think it’s great that LeBron is using his wealth and inluence to promote a good cause! Michelle has also done some incredibly laudable work. Luke Armao, ‘18
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Syrian and Russian leaders meet
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yrian President Bashar al-Assad left his unstable country for the first time in over four years to meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. It was a surprise visit to Kremlin patrons who are now backing the Syrian government with military might as they fight in their civil war. This unexpected trip demonstrates the growing support Russia is providing to Syria’s beleaguered government as they continue to fight rebels within the country. Russian warplanes have attacked rebel targets throughout the country, which has allowed Assad’s forces to go on the offensive after an extended period of being on the defensive. Russia claims to be in alignment with Assad’s alleged goal of fighting the extreme Islamic State, but rebels have refuted this claim, saying Russian strikes have rarely hit the jihadists. Unfortunately, Russian involvement in Syria has deepened tensions with the United States. The Pentagon and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are concerned that American and Russian aircrafts may inadvertently encounter one another over Syria. Putin announced that Russia is determined to play a key role in Syria’s future in order to maintain its foothold within the country. Very little information from the meeting has been revealed, but it is reported that Assad thanked Putin for his help and that Putin, in turn, inexplicitly challenged the United States to take a larger role in the quest for peace.
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Normally your enemy’s enemy is your friend, but the meeting between Assad and Putin has completely turned that saying on its head.
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Amanda Witschy, ‘17
design by joseph santucci
wo famous people met in Akron last week to join forces in support of the higher education initiative announced by first lady Michelle Obama. Aided by the influential basketball star, Lebron James, Obama traveled to Akron to promote the importance of post- secondary education to Akron public school children and their families. The two gave an energetic speech in front of an audience of nearly 2500 people at the University of Akron. Obama has recently launched the new program “Better Make Room” as a supplement to her “Reach Higher” initiative, which inspires every student to strive for education after high school. The first lady decided to acquire even further inspiration by teaming up with James, who her advisers identified as a revered hero for the generation present in the audience. James, too, has made efforts to urge students to continue their education after high school by helping young people through his Lebron James Family Foundation and “I Promise” programs in which he provides financial support to underprivileged families to help pay for college tuitions. His goal for the “I Promise” program is to provide a “sense of relief” to parents who may not be able to afford to send their children to college. Together, the two celebrities explained that it takes more than a high school degree to be successful in today’s competitive market. Obama told the crowd that most of them will need a four-year degree, two-year degree or professional training program for their dream careers. Students and families left the event hopefully feeling inspired to continue their education and supported towards their goals.
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Allyson Bachman, ‘16
six Biden announces he will not run by andrew ross
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ice President Joseph Biden came forward last Wednesday to end the speculation surrounding the future of his political career. Prior to his announcement, a CNN/ORC poll has shown that Biden was polling at 18 percent support compared to that of Clinton’s 45 percent and Sander’s 29 percent. After months of discussion and predictions by analysts and hosts, Biden eliminated any remaining doubt, explaining his decision to not run for the presidency. “I’ve said all along what I’ve said time and again to others: that it may very well be that that process, by the time we get through it, closes the window on mounting a realistic campaign for president: that it might close,” Biden said. “I’ve concluded that it has closed.” Rather than devoting time and energy to his own presidential campaign, Biden will commit all of his focus to fulfilling the duty of vice president for the remainder of his term. Although many supporters were taken aback by this statement, Biden’s choice is not as surprising as it may seem. Biden, 72, remarked in early September that he questioned whether he and his family had the “emotional energy” to campaign so quickly after the loss of their son, Beau. Beau Biden had been battling with brain cancer for several months before passing recently. To many, it makes sense that a grieving father and his family would abstain from the gruesome work of a 2016 presidential campaign. Had Biden ultimately chosen to run, he would not have been smooth-sailing to the democratic ticket next November. The Vice President would have been forced to take a stance on the
Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade deal, unpopular amongst many democrats. Biden would have been forced either to stand by the Obama administration, in turn losing party support, or to oppose the president and remain popular. For now, it is still not entirely clear how this will affect the race for the Democratic nomination. The same poll mentioned earlier from CNN/ORC claims that most of Biden’s support has migrated towards the mainstream Clinton campaign, as Clinton’s support has increased to 56 percent compared to Bernie Sander’s slight increase to 33 percent after Biden’s announcement. However, the Senator from Vermont has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. While Clinton’s support dominates the mainstream media with her connections and Super- PAC relations, Sanders has been able to gather followers through the Internet-- specifically targeting the a young demographic. His success has continued to upset predictions, and it will be interesting to see if he will be able to attract the lost Biden supporters into his campaign. Until then, Biden has promised that his decision to run will not silence him. Biden particularly criticized Hillary Clinton for identifying Republicans as her “favorite enemy” in the recent Democratic debate. Though an ardent liberal, Biden has worked with the opposition in the past, both during his four terms serving in the senate and as the VP. “They are our opposition, not our enemies,” Biden said. “And for the sake of the country, we have to work together.”
Hillary Clinton combats scrutiny by julia susany
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he killings of US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Information Management officer Sean Smith, and CIA contractors Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty on Sept. 11, 2012, in Benghazi, Libya marked the first time a US Ambassador was killed in the line of duty since 1979. The investigation of former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton’s actions, has continued on for three years. On Thurs. Oct. 22, Clinton defended her actions (and inactions) preceding and in the wake of the attack to the House Benghazi Committee. The panel was made up of seven House Representatives, mainly Republican, trying to prove that Clinton ignored pleas from Stevens for extra security. Throughout the eleven-hour hearing Clinton remained cool and measured. Her calm demeanor lasted throughout the day, enduring longer than Democrat Elijah Cummings’, who snapped at the panel for the endless questions on Clinton’s email server. When asked if she had spoken with Stevens before his death, Clinton said she believed she did but could not recall. She continued
on saying that there are many diplomatic personnel working in dangerous situations around the world. “We have diplomatic facilities in war zones. We have ambassadors that we sent to places that have been bombed and attacked all the time,” said Clinton. Through her email releases, it was revealed that Clinton told a family member as well as the former Egyptian Prime Minister that the attack was definitely premeditated and carried out by an organization akin to al-Qaeda. These statements were made in the immediate aftermath of the assault, and do not fit with the official story released later. Clinton claims this is due to the chaotic time and relaying of information. Clinton wrapped up the hearing by a bold proclamation. “I really don’t care what you say about me, it doesn’t bother me a bit,” said Clinton. The general consensus seems to be that earlier findings have only been supported by this most recent hearing. No solid evidence has been presented to indicate that there was administrative negligence surrounding the Benghazi attack.
news
Paul Ryan steps up in dreaded run for Speaker of the House by julia susany
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n the wake of current Speaker of the House John Boehner’s announcement to resign, Representative Paul Ryan has agreed to step up for the ballot on one condition: that he run as a unifying force for the Republican Party. Ryan publicly stated that the only possible way he would run for the office was if the fractured Republican Party united behind him, and the results of the caucuses indicated that they were willing to compromise for Ryan. He will be inheriting a divided House that has been plagued by ruptures since 2010. The Republicans of the House are sorely divided, a problem that the 2016 presidential campaign has done nothing to solve. Although Ryan won majority support from the caucasus, it was a far cry from total unification. The problems will only multiply for Ryan as time wears on. Though Ryan is receiving the most attention, several other candidates are vying for the position. Representative Daniel Webster and Representative Jason Chaffetz are both desperately trying to battle the Ryan machine. Representative Kevin McCarthy of California tried to steal the coveted spot, but after a serious gaffe regarding the Benghazi investigations and the several committees formed to look into presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, retired from the race. Though Ryan has vocalized his reluctance towards taking the office, he is highly favored to win under his promises of unity. In fact, Ryan has already named the future Chief of Staff, Dave Hoppe. Hoppe has numerous experiences as chief of staff in varying positions, as well as a lobbyist. The House will be voting on Thurs. Oct. 29 to elect the next Speaker, and unless a major upset occurs, be ready to welcome Speaker Paul Ryan.
centerspread
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aylor Swift is one of the most recognized people in pop culture today. From her platinum records to sold out shows to philanthropic efforts, Swift has made herself remarkably influential at a young age. Bolstered by a strong fanbase, her cultural impact spans nations, age and gender.
design by brian rozumny
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centerspread
TAKEOVER
by marilyn icsman
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aylor Swift. Love her or hate her, you know the name. Recent years have invariably seen Swift’s singles soaring and her tours selling out. Once a wide-eyed country sweetheart, she has transformed into a pop music and popular culture icon with her switch from country to contemporary. Swift is the most followed person on Instagram, the richest entertainer under 30 and one of the most awarded singers alive today. She has built not just a body of work for herself, but a brand. The media is obsessed with Swift, her relationships, her clothes. This widespread coverage makes her more than a household name and forces her to assume a position of publicity that most cannot imagine. Constantly under scrutiny, Swift faces pressure as a role model and generally lives up to these expectations. She has matured greatly throughout her career, much like similar young stars such as Miley Cyrus, somewhat abandoning her “good girl” image. However, unlike them, her transformation was not sudden, extreme or inappropriate, keeping her public image strong. Taylor Swift first burst onto the music scene with a self-titled album in 2006, at just 16 years old. The record topped the country charts and was certified platinum, establishing the first of her many successes to come. Swift’s latest album, 1989, followed a hugely successful tour for her previous album, Red, which featured more pop components than ever before. 1989, however, marked her final shift from country to pop, a transition she had been inching towards for several albums. She has been met with both critical and popular acclaim for her new sound and image. One of Swift's trademarks is the way she treats her fans. Most pop stars certainly pay special attention to fans, but she goes above and beyond the norm. Swift has had cookie-eating parties with fans, donated to fans in need, written blog posts of support for a fan going through boy troubles and performed a surprise concert at a fan's wedding. It is probably safe to say that Swift does not rely on her music alone to grow her fan base, and that she knows exactly how to keep herself favorable among them. Swift made headlines over the summer by taking her music off of the new streaming service Apple Music. She claimed that though she has plenty of money, she does not support the platform because it does not allow a way for struggling artists to receive the compensation they deserve. Apple provided the feature free for three months and declined to pay the artists whose music was played
during these months. Swift wrote a post on her tumblr explaining her position, garnering both support and backlash. She also pulled her music from the popular streaming service Spotify. Though faced with a substantial amount of outrage for these decisions, they have yet to make a real impact on her popularity. In the end, Apple rescinded their original plan and decided to pay the artists whose music was streamed. Swift’s ability to influence the most valuable corporation in the world says something about her unique position of power, and many debated whether this influence was justified or appropriate. Among recent attention she has received, Taylor Swift’s feminism is at the forefront. Her friendship with outspoken feminist Lena Dunham has often been publicized, and her music’s message has fundamentally shifted. One of Swift’s breakout hits, “Teardrops on my Guitar,” features the lyrics, “[you’re] the only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.” These words carry no specific harm, but many current female artists work to emphasize more independence. Rather than abandoning relationships altogether, however, she chose to approach her subject matter from a more empowered standpoint. A few years later, in “Fifteen,” she sang, “I swore I was gonna marry him someday, but I’ve realized some bigger dreams of mine.” Now, in the wake of her involvement with the third wave feminist movement, songs include lyrics like “Got a long list of ex-lovers, they'll tell you I'm insane. Cause you know I love the players and you love the game.” This iconic track from 1989 was written as a satire of the media’s portrayal of the famous singer-songwriter. Swift uses the lyrics to draw attention to the skewed criticisms of women for their dating habits compared to men. She has spoken out about how harmful the media can be and publicly identified herself as a feminist, joining the ranks of stars such as Dunham and Emma Watson. This too has brought barrages of both support and criticism, but serves as a marking point for her newer, more mature sound. What do all of these varied moments of Swift in the spotlight mean? Quite simply, they mean that she is remarkably influential. Her opinion on anything and everything can be found broadcasted from Twitter to the nightly news. As one of the driving forces of current popular culture, her words and actions are nearly sacred to that part of the world. There are people that love her and people that hate her, but no one can deny Taylor Swift’s relevance or the fact that when she talks, the world listens.
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FUN FACTS ABOUT SWIFT Taylor Swift was the first host of Saturday Night Live to write her own monologue. Taylor Swift’s grandmother inspired the Wildest Dreams music video. Taylor Swift has a net worth of more than 80 million dollars, according to Forbes.
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Taylor Swift waving to fans as she closes the Pittsburgh show of the highly successful 1989 World Tour
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She writes from her heart and is very inspirational to many people. She leaves everything on the stage during her sold out stadium shows. My favorite Taylor Swift song is Bad Blood because it is a powerful song. Brady Rowan, ‘1 9
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Swift looking into a crowd of 50,000 Admiring fans sing along to the at her sold out concert in Heinz 25 year olds classic hits, including Stadium. Blank Space and Out of the Woods.
design by joseph santucci
Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour was by far the best concert of her’s I have been to. The use of light up wrist bands that everyone got was iconic. Her performance of Clean brought tears to my eyes. Jacqueline Krim, ‘16
ten
features
HIGHLAND
SQUARE by angelina sapp
Angel Falls Coffee Co.
Angel Falls is a locally owned roaster and retailer of premium coffees and teas. Known for specializing in high quality brews, this quaint coffeeshop offers shade grown, Fair Trade, USDA Organic and rainforest alliance coffees. Also, they provide a full lunch Monday- Saturday as well as a variety of pastries. During its summer months, Angel Falls’ outdoor garden area is great, but the atmosphere inside still remains cozy. Perfect for studying and coffee dates, this gem has become a staple of Highland Square.
Mr. Zubs Deli
Mr. Zubs Deli at the Matinee, more commonly known as Mr. Zubs, is an immensely popular, out of the ordinary sandwich shop that has, in many ways, become the heart of Highland Square. As you enter through its memorable yellow storefront, you are met with the smells of any sandwich you could imagine. Though the shop is known for its grilled sandwiches, you can order any item cold, or pretty much any way you like. The delightful atmosphere and delicious food has made Mr. Zubs a beloved sandwich spot.
Highland Theater
design by brian rozumny
The Highland Theatre is a neighborhood theater in an area of shops, bars and restaurants. Established in 1938, the eclectic theater seats over 600 patrons. Though older than many of the surrounding attractions, the Highland theater offers a variety of recent and popular movies for its visitors to enjoy. With a big screen and updated digital sound and projector, your visit is sure to be delightful as you experience the decor of a classic theater while watching a high quality film.
Square Records
Tucked inbetween Mr. Zubs and the Highland Theater, Square Records opened its doors in 2003. They specialize in new music from independent artists and labels but focus on rock. They continue to extend the selection into experimental/noise/hip-hop/jazz/classic r&b/soul music, music DVDs and magazines. Square is also the best place in Akron to find vinyl in all genres. Carrying any genre and era, Square records is sure to please a variety of music connoisseurs.
features
eleven
NO MORE
NUDE
Playboy’s choice to eliminate nude photos in its magazine, and the struggle for traditional publications to stay afloat in an increasingly digital world
design by gabriella wittbrod
by marilyn icsman
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layboy shocked the public with their recent announcement to stop featuring nude photos in the famous magazine. The change will come into effect for the first time in the March 2015 issue. “That battle has been fought and won,” Playboy CEO Scott Flanders told the New York Times. “You’re now one click away from every sex act imaginable for free.” He added that the company will now use different tactics to draw readers. There has been plenty of noise in the media about Playboy’s decision, but it begs the question of whether this noise is a resurgence or a cry for help. Playboy once had a circulation of over six million, which has dwindled to just 800,000. Much like every other print publication, they have had to face the challenges of the digital age. There was a time when people joked that they bought Playboy for the articles. Now, it is no longer a joke, but a reality, and not one that many are likely to buy into. The magazine once had an edge over every other, something exclusive that they could offer. Now, as Flanders stated, they have to find another way to attract customers. They are shoved into the same fierce competition as the rest, struggling to stay afloat, let alone distinguish themselves. Playboy began a national dialogue about sexuality and women’s ideals. They opened a door that had always been closed before and, despite whether viewed in a negative or positive way, affected the nation. But if they were once the biggest force in American sexuality, they are now astonishingly irrelevant, with nothing but a legacy to show for their innovation. The industry has evolved whether Playboy-- or anyone else-- likes it or not. Thousands of words can and have been written that debate the why and how of this evolution and its harmful side effects. However, beyond that, Playboy epitomizes the fast and often cruel world of print media. In the past several years, a technological revolution has left once notable magazines and newspapers almost obsolete. With the ability to access news on a device at one’s fingertips, any time of day and often for free, the sale of paper copies has gone down. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that there are an uncountable number of places on the Internet to read exactly what interests or affirms someone. Does this problem sound familiar? It is the same as what caused Playboy’s irrel
evance in the porn industry, but is happening on a much larger scale. Some publications have learned to conquer the system; The New York Times recently announced that it had reached over one million digital subscribers, proof that primarily physical entities can also have a meaningful and lucrative online presence. However, this cannot always be easy to attain. The process requires extra staff and money, resources that most struggling magazines simply do not have. For example, The New York Times has a main Twitter account as well as several accounts for specific sections. They also maintain an updated and aesthetically pleasing website, along with their smartphone or tablet app. One major factor holding publications like Playboy back may be the restrictions that certain platforms place on content. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook all have conditions about what can be posted or guidelines that limit sensitive material. In order for content to reach new readers, social media savvy is a necessity; circulation on the Internet can make or break the continued success of magazines and newspapers. Though Playboy launched a PG-13 website, audience may still be limited. Online media today has truly proven itself to be survival of the fittest. A range of free sources for content that was once only available at newsstands has escalated the competition and the stakes. Publications are constantly being forced to evaluate their brand and image, and adjust to fit the heightening rivalry. Playboy seems to have recognized this, and now the question is simply whether their tactics will work.
twelve
The
features
Murphy / Falchuk Dynasty
by lucas lauterjung and shamael muhammad
S
creenwriters Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s careers launched with the success of the musical comedy, Glee. Since then, they have produced other shows on the opposite end of the spectrum-- the horror anthology series, American Horror Story, its upcoming sister, American Crime Story, and the new dark comedy, Scream Queens.
American horror story american horror story
The typical, everyday life of the average American takes on a wicked twist with American Horror Story. So far, the sinister show has run 52 episodes and five seasons, every season a different theme with all-new characters and unique murder mishaps. Murder House, the first season, premiered in 2011, and was followed by three successful seasons: Asylum, Coven and Freak Show. The current fifth season, Hotel, has so far brought a thrilling sense of terror and curiosity to a worldwide audience.
WEDNESDAYS AT 10:00pm ON FX
SCR EAM
Scream queens
s
een
qu
Anyone who looks through recent trending topics on Twitter or Tumblr has seen Scream Queens highlighted in blue. Though the program is still in infancy, the outrageous and hilarious contrast to ongoing series American Horror Story is loved by many fans. Scream Queens has aired less than ten episodes, and already the show has erupted across social media and television charts. With several celebrity guests, including Ariana Grande and Nick Jonas, Scream Queens has hit the ground running with its comically horrid events and raunchy approach to modern society.
TUESDAYS AT 9:00pm ON FOX
g ee
Glee
William McKinley High School's Glee Club was born to television in May of 2009, and 121 episodes and six seasons later, came to a heartbreaking close with the death of cast member Cory Monteith in early 2015. During its run, Glee caught its fair share of flak with a record of 77 percent favorable reviews, but later went on to be nominated for more than 57 awards, including the Emmys and the Golden Globes. The musical also filled the coveted spot for FOX television's ad in Super Bowl XLV. Despite its start on a rocky road, Glee remains an all-time favorite in the hearts of many.
design by luke lauterjung and joseph santucci
NOW ON NETFLIX
Starbucks PUMPKIN SPICE DRINK
REVIEWS
"Pumpkin Spice Everything" is a phrase known by many in reference to the fall season, and several beverage companies jump proudly on this business bandwagon to appeal to both younger and older generations who buy their coffee and or smoothies. I took the initiative to visit four different establishments to see what all the fuss is about over the seasonal flavor— and I was far from disappointed.
The Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is perhaps the most well known among its competitors, and this is for a good reason. Though the most expensive, the latte blends very satisfyingly with the taste of pumpkin with supporting ingredients to give the drink a nice kick that keeps loyal Starbucks customers waiting for the fall season every year.
RATE 9.5/10
features
Halloween
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Movies
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rom classic horror films to 90’s Disney releases, the range of favorite Halloween Movies has no limit. When asked in a recent survey what their top five favorite Halloween movies are, classmates who chose to participate in the survey voted:
Halloweentown
Twitches
The Haunted Mansion
Monster House
Ghost Busters
18% 12% 11%
The Nightmare Before Christmas
11% 10% 10%
design by gabriella wittbrod
Hocus Pocus
Casper the Friendly Ghost Addams Family
10% 10% 8% Dunkin donuts
NErvous dog
robeks
Almost like the never ending war between Coke and Pepsi, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts seem to be at each other's throats on a regular basis in the coffee industry, DD's pumpkin spice coffee drink is quite comparable to Starbucks', but with its own unique taste—it is more like the homey taste of coffee than Starbucks, which some may take comfort in.
Nervous Dog coffee, to me, has always been just like home, and their pumpkin spice blend is no exception to this philosophy of mine. The taste isn’t as flavorful as Starbucks or DD, but it is nothing short of enjoyable, if one might prefer a more mature, fresh off the pot taste for their coffee. All in all, it was good coffee, which is all that matters to me.
The tiny smoothie shop is well known for its homemade fruit blends (though pumpkin is a vegetable), and their pumpkin smoothie is of no less quality. Though I personally couldn’t drink it in any other season but fall, but others may find it to be a year-round treat. Either way, it is limited edition, and I would give it a thumbs up for it’s natural and sweet flavor.
RATE 9/10
RATE 7/10
RATE 8.5/10
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dynamic duos by julie ciotola
What have you learned by playing and practicing alongside your sibling?
sports This year, the girls soccer team welcomes three pairs of siblings. The Visor highlights the three senior/ freshman sister duos here, as the team looks toward another successful season.
Emma Grosklos, ‘19 left defense
Maddie Grosklos: I’ve learned that keeping our home life off the field is important, and I’ve also realized that if I am willing to help my sister, she will be willing to listen and learn from me. This is something I have really come to value, because she doesn’t need or want my advice or assistance with much else. Emma Grosklos: Playing with Maddie has been great, because we play the same position and I really learn a lot from the way-
Maddie Grosklos, ‘16 left defense
she plays, which I think has improved my game.
What challenges have you faced as a team and how have you overcome them?
design by luke lauterjung
Ashley Dobbins, ‘16 center midfield
Emily Dobbins, ‘19 center midfield
Ashley: As a team, we have faced challenges in communication and fluidity. Being together for such a long period of time throughout a day prompts irritation, and we get snippy and rude with each other sometimes. However, we overcome this by reminding ourselves that what is said on the field, stays on the field. It has been a struggle to mix the many personalities on our team together to become one, but I can confidently say that we have accomplished it. Emily: A challenge we have faced this season is losing the Jackson game and not letting it cause panic. We overcame it by remaining positive and learning from our mistakes.
Jess Sheldon, ‘19 left midfield
Have you grown closer to your sibling by playing on the same team? Alex Sheldon: I have definitely grown closer to Jess. We joke around a lot at practice and get pumped up before games by listening to trap music. Everyone loves it when we are matched up against one another during scrimmages because we fight to the death for the ball and 90% of the time end up on the ground. Most of all, I like being able to watch her grow and develop as as a player and am proud of her accomplishments this year. Jess: Yes I definitely have grown closer to Alex over this season.
Alex Sheldon, ‘16 right midfield
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sports
First women’s hockey league established by victoria woodburn
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or the two teams that stepped onto the ice, it was a chance to create history. For the hundreds of spectators at the Aviator Sports and Event Center in Brooklyn, it was the opportunity to witness history being made. Oct. 11 marked the first game of the season for the National Women’s Hockey League, the first professional hockey league for women in the United States and the first North American professional women’s hockey league ever to pay its players. For years, ice hockey has been a sport dominated by males. Women who played had no opportunities, aside from the Olympics, to further their hockey careers past college. Forward Madison Packer said, “For me, to have this opportunity when I thought my career was over, it’s definitely a humbling experience and it’s something we’re really excited about.” The idea of a professional hockey league for women had been circulating for years, but it was former collegiate hockey player and current commissioner of the league Dani Rylan’s actions that helped to turn the dream into a reality. Initially, Rylan sought to create a New
York City expansion team to play in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL). However, the plan quickly spiraled into a completely new league, something much greater than Rylan originally imagined. “It all transpired faster than I ever imagined,” Rylan told ThinkProgress. For its inaugural season, the NWHL has only four teams: the Boston Pride, the Buffalo Beauts, the Connecticut Whale and the New York Riveters. Two games into the season, both Boston and Connecticut are undefeated. While the NWHL may still be in its infancy, the people in the league have big hopes to expand it in the future. Rylan hopes to have up to ten teams in the league in the upcoming seasons and is currently looking at recruiting several teams from the Midwest. The NWHL is also making history due to the fact that it is the first and only North American professional women’s hockey league to pay its players. Even the highly respected CWHL neither pays its players nor supplies all of the necessary equipment for its teams. Still, the salaries of the women in the NWHL pale in comparison to their
male counterparts. In 2011, the average salary of a player in the NHL was $2.4 million, while the women make just $25,000. Although its players may be lacking the glamorous salaries of those in the NHL, Rylan insists that the league has more than enough support to be successful. Rylan is confident in her league’s ability to draw in sponsors. “We want to focus on making year one as successful as possible, so in year two sponsors are approaching us. The companies that wanted us to get our bumps and bruises and learn through Year 1, we’ll circle back with them, and it will be a no-brainer,” she told ESPN. The founding of the National Women’s Hockey League is yet another example of heightening women’s sports in 2015. Both the world champion United States Women’s National Soccer team and undefeated UFC fighter Ronda Rousey have made headlines this year by being women that excel in athletics. The women of NWHL are prepared to follow in their footsteps by demonstrating to people throughout the world what it takes to be champions on the ice.
Lack of talent leads to struggles for Browns
W
hen Jimmy Haslam bought the Browns for one billion dollars on Oct. 16, 2012, he promised a commitment to change within the organization and a desire to lead the historic Browns franchise back to its winning ways of the late 40's and 50's. His first major transformation within the organization was the hiring of new general manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine in early 2014. Since this point, a series of failed free agent signings, trades and draft picks have led fans to feel the optimism of hope lead to the pain of failure. This past Sunday failure was again evident in the 24-6 loss to the St. Louis Rams which dropped the Browns to an abysmal 2-5. Before the year started, the Browns believed that their defense, along with their running game, would allow for the team to remain competitive and potentially compete for a playoff spot. However, what no one foresaw was the Browns defense, the highest paid in the NFL, falling apart as quickly as they did. Karlos Dansby, whom the Browns just signed on a four year $24 million contract, has appeared a step slower in what is now his twelfth season. Barkevious Mingo has turned into a glorified special teams player after being drafted with the six overall selection in the 2013 draft. Even Pro-Bowler Joe Haden, who has missed significant time this year due to various
injuries, has struggled mightily when asked to guard opponent's top wide receivers. Even as late round pick Pierre Desir and rookie Danny Shelton show potential they are overshadowed by mistakes such as bust Justin Gilbert and the decision to let pro bowl safety T.J. Ward leave in free agency. The personnel blunders, however, have occurred on both sides of the ball in these past two years. The beginning of which was the drafting of quarterback Johnny Manziel and running back Terrence West. While both picks were highly praised by media and fans alike, reality hit quickly as both players showed immaturity in their first season in Cleveland. Struggles on the field as well as missed meetings and responsibilities plagued each of them, resulting in Manziel entering into a drug and alcohol treatment facility and West being traded to Tennessee. While many fans still clamor for the Browns to start Manziel, no quarterback will be able to succeed with a supporting cast filled with has beens and so many players failing to reach their potential. Ray Farmer has continued to fail the organization by failing to draft playmakers, especially at the wide receiver position. Instead of compiling a group full of tall and fast receivers, as many around the league have done, Farmer continues to stick with an undersized group that continues to fail against tough and aggressive defenses. The Browns only
JACK ATTACK by jack griffith have one receiver over six feet tall with a catch this season (Brian Hartline, 6'2). Rather than try to improve the group with young talented college players in the past two drafts, Farmer signed Dwayne Bowe from Kansas City for twelve million dollars over two seasons. Bowe, a former game changing wide receiver, known for his height and ability to soar above defenses, has turned into what may be Ray Farmer's worst decision yet. Farmer signed Dwayne as a 31 year old who struggled with injuries in recent years, a man past his prime, and he has now turned into the highest paid practice player in the league. So rather than blame coach Mike Pettine or quarterback Josh McCown, Brown fans must place the blame on Ray Farmer, and with his firing the Browns will have a chance to reclaim the glory that fans covet.
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sports
Fall Sports Round-up by kara marshall
A
s the fall sports season comes to an end, some teams look to participate in post-season tournaments while others have already concluded their 2015 play. From the nine varsity teams-- football, boys’ and girls’ cross country, volleyball, boys’ and girls’ soccer, girls tennis and boys’ and girls’ golf-- only four continue to compete, as the golf, cross country and tennis teams have finished for the year. With each team left hoping to win a championship for their school, the intensity of fall sports has only just begun. Football has secured their spot in the post-season with a standing record of 9-0. They look to improve their record this week as they fight for an undefeated record against Benedictine on October 31st. Beating rivals STVM and Walsh Jesuit, capturing the attention of local news/media stations and leading the team to play-offs for the first time in a number of years are just some of the team’s highlights from the 2015 season. As fourteen seniors strive to make their lasting impression on the program, there is no doubt this post-season run will be one to remember. Head cross country coach, Connie Gardner, enjoyed her first year at Hoban as her team members competed fiercely in large invitationals. With the boys’ and girls’ teams placing first and third, respectively, of the seven teams competing at the first meet of the year, the program was destined for success. Beating STVM 40-15, the two teams once again proved their worth mid-way through the season after running at Goodyear Metro Park. Their final race on October 24th concluded the season for both the boys’ and girls’ teams as they ran at the District meet in Goodyear Metro Park.
design by gabriella wittbrod
Season Records:
Girls’ volleyball aims to repeat their post-season run last year as five seniors lead the team to victory. Enduring an exciting 3-2 win against Hathaway Brown and beating STVM 3-0 served as season highlights for the team. Play-offs are the time for teams to make big runs and this year could be the year. Boys’ soccer, with a regular season record of 8-4-4, looks to extend their play as they battle against local Division 1 teams. Managing to stay undefeated against teams like STVM and Walsh Jesuit, the boys have demonstrated hard work throughout their season. With so many accomplishments throughout the year, the team is hoping to continue their winning streak. Girls’ soccer finished the regular season with a record of 122-1 and have already beaten teams such as Northwest and Norton in the post-season. The group of girls extended a 6 game winning streak in the midst of their season, including wins against STVM and CVCA. With last year’s appearance at the state level as an incentive to win, the team will continue to strive for victories during play-offs. Both Boys’ and Girls’ golf have ended their seasons after already competing in tournament play. With a total of 10 seniors leading the programs, both teams improved throughout the season. The boys finished the year with a team low of 308 while the girls team finished with a low score of 333. Girls’ tennis has also concluded their 2015 season. The team finished their season with a record of 11-5 and also placed first out of eight teams at the Triway Invitational. The team will have 16 returning members next year and look to have yet another successful season.
Football
Girls Volleyball
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
8-4-4
12-2-1
Boys Golf
Girls Golf
Cross Country
Girls tennis
9-0
7-3
8-14 8-1
Girls: 4-7 Boys: 9-2
12-5