SEE FULL STORY PAGE 7
SEE THIS VIDEO AND MORE AT SPARTANDAILY ON YOUTUBE THE LIFE OF A MUSIC STUDENT SJSU JIU-JITSU
Volume 147. Issue 41 www.sjsunews.com/spartandaily Thursday, December 8, 2016 BrennanSJSU FOOTBALL has no room for error
Brennan is from the Bay Area and is a former UCLA player. He has been a well known recruiter and developer of wide receivers. He has seen and helped develop names such as Brandin Cooks
THE MISTRY SPOT from the New Orleans Saints and Markus Wheaton from the KAVIN MISTRY Pittsburgh Steelers. The ties to SJSU for Brennan San Jose State has found its man stretch beyond his fi ve-year to take over as head coach of the coaching stint. His father and Spartans. Wide receivers coach mother both went to SJSU. from Oregon State Brent Brennan His father Steve Brennan played will take over the head coaching football here and when Brent left duties and fi ll in the void left by SJSU to Oregon State, both his the fi ring of Ron Caragher. parents stayed and helped out Brennan was at Oregon State with the program. since 2011 and before that was Brent will be taking over a an assistant coach at San Jose football program in dire need of State from 2005 to 2010. At a re-build and will have to start SJSU, he held the positions of his recruiting process right away PHOTO COURTESY OF SJSU ATHLETICS wide receivers coach, offensive to get the team back on top. coordinator and tight ends coach. “We are thrilled to have Brent MEET BRENT BRENNAN “We want to recruit high- back at San Jose State,” said 43 YEARS-OLD character young men that are Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier UCLA GRADUATE tough and love to play football in yesterday’s release. “He is HOMETOWN and also take their academics an exceptional football coach REDWOOD CITY, CA seriously,” Brennan said in a and one of the most respected COACH AT SJSU FROM 2005-10 release yesterday. “We’re going recruiters in the country. His COACH AT OSU FROM 2011-16 to help them grow from young coaching background and ties BOWL HISTORY men into men and put a product to San Jose State make Brent a 2006 NEW MEXICO BOWL PHOTO COURTESY OF SJSU ATHLETICS on the fi eld that anybody who perfect fi t.” 2012 HAWAII BOWL San Jose State University’s new head coach Brent Brennan will take over the Spartans’ has a connection with Spartan 2013 ALAMO BOWL football team after fi ve years at Oregon State. football can be proud of.” See COACH page 2 INFOGRAPHIC BY KAVIN MISTRY COMMUNITY GROWTH INSIDE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Staying strong at Standing Rock
the cold wind was blowing knew it was right to be here. it’s ideas. It is everyone’s through but the wind was Danny was talking to me souls fi ghting against money, making the fi re stronger. I’ve earlier. He said everything this imaginary wealth. This learned a lot these past few we ever needed was there wealth, is imaginary, it’s a days, about myself, about for us, it was in the earth, it lie and it gets between us everyone around me, about was in those four elements. and the real wealth is in the world and about God. We never needed the the ground, it’s in the air, God is all around us, people railroads, we never needed it’s in the water we drink. are right about that. God is in the internet, we never needed We can’t stop it, this fi ght JEREMY CUMMINGS the earth, in the fi re, in the anything and we forgot that that we were all brought here water and in the air. Everyone because people made us for. It will never stop. It can’t COLUMNIST in this camp recognizes that forget. The capitalism, the because the love is there and and that is why everyone colonialism, the violence, the the power is there. And it can So I’m sitting here, in a tent in this camp is fi ghting so greed. It got in the way of what only keep going. The fi re is right now. My new brother hard through all of this. really matters for us to stay going wherever. The fi re is in Danny, he just talked to me for Nothing can stop that alive, for us to stay together, my heart now, it’s in Danny’s BENJAMIN SIEPAK | SPARTAN DAILY a while and taught me a lot. It because God took people. and that’s what this fi ght is. It’s heart, it’s in your heart. is cold outside but it’s warm God took me from San Jose more than just an oil pipeline. That’s going to keep us warm Cubamex mixes in here because we got fi re. and brought me here. People That matters a lot and their through this cold winter. Out earlier, I was sitting from Palestine, people from pipeline needs to stop, but two cultures at the sacred prayer fi re, all over because we all this is a fi ght, it’s a struggle, See NODAPL page 2 MERCY MOBILE BY BENJAMIN SIEPAK STAFF WRITER
After moving to the United States from People help restock stolen donations Cuba 18 years ago and working as a dental assistant, Iliana Moreno decided BY LUKE JOHNSON which has a partnership with to trade the scrubs for an apron and open STAFF WRITER CHAM, has received 20 to 30 up a sandwich shop with her husband. times more donations than usual Iliana Moreno has integrated her Cuban South Bay Area residents since the theft occurred. These heritage with her husband’s Mexican more than refurbished the contributions consist of clothes, heritage to open a shop offering a tasty Mercy Mobile’s loss last blankets, toiletries and food. fusion of both cultures, Cubamex. Thursday after donations for Wagers said he has been “We always wanted to open a new homeless people were hijacked working with the homeless for business,” Moreno said. “My husband has out of the recreational vehicle. 25 years and has been a pastor over 30 years of experience in the food The Mercy Mobile is a for 19 yea rs. He was i nspi red a nd industry and we got the opportunity to get deliverance ministry affi liated motivated to create the Mercy mon ey f r om t h e ba n k t o m a ke t h i s p o s sible.” with the Community Homeless Mobile after the city of San Cubamex opened on Aug. 22 of this Alliance Ministry (CHAM) Jose dismantled “The Jungle” year. It is located on First Street and that was founded by San Jose — the city’s largest homeless San Carlos in downtown. Business has State University alum and encampment — in 2014 LUKE JOHNSON | SPARTAN DAILY Nallely Carrillo (left), Erica Tutton (middle) and Joe Hill (right) carry donations been steadily increasing every month. full-time pastor Scott Wagers. and released approximately at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in San Jose. Moreno said they are becoming a “It’s awesome,” said Joe 400 homeless people. popular downtown lunch destination as Hill, the director of Youth “San Jose is a city in this only 2,000 of them in shelters. many people as possible because and Family Ministries at St. country with one of the worst This is more than the San he said the homeless usually See CUISINE page 4 Timothy’s Lutheran Church. homeless problems,” Wagers Jose’s 2015 homeless census do not have enough mobility “With a problem as big as said. “I think it [The Jungle] which counted 4,063 people to go where they can fi nd help. WANT MORE NEWS? SPORTS? A&E? homelessness here in San was an embarrassment to with 69 percent unsheltered. Ten 4 to 5 square feet plastic FOLLOW US: Jose [it’s good] to know that the city and they wanted He invested in the 1985 RV bins fi lled with goods for the @SPARTANDAILY there really are people who to do something about it.” in order to travel to thousands homeless were stolen out of the are compassionate about According to Wagers’s of homeless people recently Mercy Mobile. St. Timothy’s what’s going on in the streets.” estimations, San Jose has about scattered across the city. This Hill added that his church, 7,000 homeless citizens with enables him to connect with as See LOSS page 2 Thursday, December 8, 2016 NODAPL ACCOLADE Continued from page 1 It’s cold, it’s night time now and it’s Steinbeck fellowship program gives awards only going to get colder. The ice is out there, the water is frozen and it’s BY BENJAMIN SIEPAK John Steinbeck. program receives 100 backgrounds and are researching and writing blowing in the wind. Long night of STAFF WRITER The fellowship was to 200 applications a not required to have a biography of San Jose’s the soul, all of that love and all of that originally funded by year before selecting any connection with most well-known painter, energy that has brought us together San Jose State Martha Heasley Cox two to four fellows. As Steinbeck’s works. Astley David Middleton here is going to fl are up stronger than University recipients and was created to of now, the program However, Bermejo Cooper. “It was great to any glacier, any fl are on top of an oil of the Steinbeck help writers who have only offers fellowships has an obvious bond be here as the recipient refi nery, that doesn’t matter because we Fellowship Program published promising in creative writing and with Steinbeck as she of the literary fellowship are here and we can’t stop. were welcomed to the work but nothing that’s Steinbeck studies. is using her fellowship that is in my hometown,” “2016-2017 Steinbeck had extensive success. Those who are chosen year to fi nish “Dear Singh said. “And I get to Fellows Reading” Nick Taylor, English to receive the year- Lupe,” a novel about write about something as they discussed professor and director long fellowship are a girl who goes on to in my hometown, so ... this is a fi ght, it’s the projects they of the Center of eligible to receive offi ce become the character that’s pretty darn cool.” a struggle, it’s ideas. will be working on Steinbeck Studies says space and housing known as Curley’s wife He received the during their year-long the program brings assistance provided by in Steinbeck’s “Of Mice fellowship honor after It is everyone’s souls $10,000 stipends. emerging writers to the Center of Steinbeck and Men.” publishing his book fi ghting against money, Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo campus for a year-long Studies and the As a former high on the entire history of “ and Gary Singh were residency so that they Department of English school teacher, soccer in San Jose, “The this imaginary wealth. this year’s recipients can work on completing and Comparative Bermejo says she San Jose Earthquakes: A of the program named a book project. Language. Applicants taught the book for Seismic Soccer Legacy.” after famous author Each year, the come from all ages and many years to her “It took me forty years students. It upset her to write it because I Nothing could’ve stopped me from that Curley’s wife lived the entire story coming here because this was the place didn’t have a name from when I was a little for me to be. Something told me that and was often “slut- kid all the way through and I listened to it. ” shamed” throughout the 1970’s in San Jose,” This is hard, a lot of things are the novel. Singh said. breaking because of the cold. The She wanted to know After both recipients cameras, people’s cars, the cold hurts, more about her and fi nished their readings, things break but one thing that does decided to take it upon they opened up for not break in the cold is this community herself to publish the questions before that’s grown here. imaginary story she meeting with students It’s grown stronger together and that had been thinking and autographing copies community is going to keep growing about for years. of their published work. with the support here in the camp and At the Steinbeck The next Steinbeck with the support from all of you people Fellows reading Fellowship application outside of the camp. Wednesday night, deadline is Jan. 4. Any love you send us helps, any food, Bermejo recited Writers who’ve begun any tools, fi rewood, that keeps this excerpts from the to publish but have yet community growing. That keeps this novel she’s been to publish a major work fi re burning. And that’s what it’s about. working on since the are invited to apply. This fi re, the earth, the wind, and the summer of 2015. water. Water is life. Singh, who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s BENJAMIN SIEPAK | SPARTAN DAILY degrees at SJSU in the Follow Jeremy on Twitter The 2016-2017 Steinbeck Fellowship recipients, Gary Singh and Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo autograph ‘90’s, will be spending Follow Benjamin on Twitter @jeremycummings3 their published work Wednesday night at Martin Luther King Jr. Library. his fellowship year @benjaminsiepak COACH Continued from page 1
San Jose State fi nished a fresh crop of recruits to this past season 4-8 (3-5) fi ll the voids on offense and fourth in the Mountain and defense, while hiring West Conference. a staff to help support his In his time at SJSU, vision for the team. Caragher led his team to Brennan’s track record as two bowl games, one at 5-7 a coach speaks for itself. because of the team’s GPA He is able to help develop throughout the year. wide receivers well, Caragher’s best season at something that will help the helm of the Spartans’ freshman quarterback Josh was his fi rst season in Love, who will be looked at the program when the to take over the team next fi nished 6-6. year with the departure of Brennan will be under Kenny Potter. tremendous pressure here He will be offi cially to produce a winning team. introduced as the Spartans Bleymaier was already head coach today at 3:30 under fi re by fans and p.m. in the Student Union. writers for hiring Caragher to replace one of the most successful coaches in SJSU history, Mike MacIntyre. Follow Kavin on Twitter KAVIN MISTRY | SPARTAN DAILY He will need to bring in @kavinm95 The Spartans look to turn their luck around with new head coach Brent Brennan after struggling from multiple losses this season under Ron Caragher.
work, and earned his master’s LOSS degree in 1994. He became Continued from page 1 passionate about aiding the homeless during a project his Lutheran Church held a senior year. clothing drive Wednesday Branham High School in an effort to restock the seniors Erica Tutton lost items, but Wagers and Nallely Carrillo and Hill said volunteers volunteered at the drive to had already provided help collect donations. more supplies throughout “I think that it’s really the week than what was sad that someone would robbed. After the event, impose that on the Hill estimated that CHAM homeless,” Tutton said. obtained double the number “People donate their stuff of items it originally had. to give to them. I think it’s “At the time it was very nice of people to give back heartbreaking hearing that to what was taken.” what had been previously Wagers said mobile donated had been stolen,” ministry is starting to Hill said. “To see the become a trend, and PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT WAGERS showing of support that’s expects more religious Members of the surrounding community line up to receive meals provided by St. Timothy’s Mercy Mobile at St. James Park in downtown San Jose. come out since then…my groups to use this method heart’s just full.” in the near future. Wagers graduated from SJSU in 1992 with a Follow Luke on Twitter bachelor’s degree in social @scoop_johnson
FOLLOW THE SPARTAN DAILY ON TWITTER @spartandaily A&E Thursday, December 8, 2016 3 VIDEO GAME REVIEW Storyline helps Final Fantasy XV clobber complications
BY JASON DUNHAM charged up by doing damage in battles. STAFF WRITER Spell casting also returns but largely seems ineffective and poorly implemented. Final Fantasy XV is a game ten years Altogether it is hard to not get some and multiple delays in the making. It enjoyment out of the combat once the overcomes its shortcomings through a player gets a feel for “warp-striking” strong deception of friendship and an and dodging. The player feels like a impressive world. badass teleporting around the battlefi eld Final Fantasy XV is an open-world striking down enemies and countering Japanese role playing game that stars their attacks. Prince Noctis, heir to the kingdom of On the other hand, some of the games Lucis, the kingdom which holds the last odd mechanics manage to drag down the crystal in the world of Eos. The crystal package as a whole. The game has some grants Lucis great magical prowess and strange design choices, for example. societal advancements. Instead of leveling up after every battle the By possessing the crystal, Lucis fi nds player instead banks their experience and itself at odds with other nations who seek does not level up until resting at a camp its power. or hotel. The empire of Nifl heim specifi cally serves What makes this really odd is that staying as the main antagonist, since it managed to at hotels grants an experience bonus based conquer the entirety of Eos except for Lucis on how expensive they are. These are not through great technological advancement. small bonuses either, maxing out at three Final Fantasy XV is a strange and unique times the experience for the most expensive game that manages to overcome a struggle SCREEN GRAB FROM “FINAL FANTASY XV “ hotel. This mechanic encourages the player between its strengths and weaknesses to The game has a large variety of environments here the team, heads towards a hunting mission which challenges to stockpile their experience and not rest you to slay certain monsters. ultimately be an enjoyable experience. for as long as possible in order to get large For most of the game’s narrative Noctis boosts from the hotels. is traveling across the world to gain power and Final Fantasy XV embraces this perfectly with what is happening on screen Another negative is the side quests from the tombs of his ancestors and to meet feeling wholeheartedly. and some of the tracks are references to which can be extremely repetitive. Often up with his soon-to-be-bride Lunafreya. Ignis and Noctis can take turns driving other Final Fantasy games or remixes. the player will receive a new quest every Lunafreya is an oracle with the power to and the group can stay at hotels or camp in The combat system is somewhat time they fi nish one. The same person communicate with the gods; as an oracle the wilderness, eat at a restaurant or simply restrictive but does manage to offer fun tells the player to do the same thing in a one of her duties is to help Noctis in his take in the sights. Each member of the if players are willing to deal with the higher level location. transition from prince to king. group also has a skill related to this road restrictiveness of playing effi ciently. Final Fantasy XV is defi nitely not for Noctis is not alone in his quest to trip theme. Noctis has the ability to summon weapons everyone, as the game will largely only meet his bride, three longtime friends Noctis is a fi sherman who catches fi sh in at will and teleport; these elements make appeal to role-playing game and Final accompany him. a fun mini game, Ignis is the group’s cook up the bulk of the game’s combat. He can Fantasy fans willing to accept something a Prompto is a ranged weapons specialist whose meals provide buffs and Prompto is zip between enemies with teleports and bit different than the past. who provides the comic relief, Gladiolus the group’s photographer who takes photos land a few hits before teleporting again, A game that spends as long as Final serves as the prince’s shield wielding a you can save throughout your adventure. which gives the game a fast paced feel. Fantasy XV did in development is not often giant two-handed sword, and Ignis is the Gladiolus fi nds potions and other items His teleport skill can also be used able to come out strong. I question if this group’s strategist, driver and chef armed while wandering the world. defensively. Holding the dodge button long development time is responsible for with daggers. Players will often fi nd themselves taking makes him automatically dodge everything some of the game’s issues. Through the game’s premise and Noctis’ detours with their companions to see new until he runs out of MP, a refi llable For the fi rst ten hours I struggled with close relationship with his friends, the areas and take in sights outside of the main resource he uses for teleporting. Certain Final Fantasy XV, but ultimately the game excels and manages to feel different story. There is a lot to see and do in Eos enemy attacks also give Noctis the chance game’s tale of friendship and amazing from other role-playing games. as the world looks fantastic. From the open to dodge and counter the attack and deal world was able to win me over. I was glad I During the game the player travels the fi elds to lush forests the land of Eos is vast massive damage to the enemy. stuck with it in the end. land in style in Noctis’s convertible, the and varied. Only Noctis is controlled by the player, Regalia. His trip across the world of The game also excels in its excellent but he is able to call upon his allies to Follow Jason on Twitter Eos feels like a road trip with the bros orchestral soundtrack. Each track fi ts unleash devastating attacks that must be @Judgmented1 A&E 4 Thursday, December 8, 2016 SJSU student Michael White takes center stage
BY TAYLOR JONES was given an opportunity to put his STAFF WRITER production skills to the test. “The club board came to me and asked Imagine being a senior in college with a if I would be interested in creating my screenplay and a production of that play 15-minute musical into a full length under your belt. Most people at that age musical,” White said. “I accepted cannot say that they have made those kinds the challenge and was in line to start of accomplishments, but San Jose State production in the Spring of 2014.” hospitality senior Michael White can. With a cast of eight and a 90-minute White has been in love with the arts showtime, White produced his first play since his days in high school. titled “Stage Kiss.” He wanted the play “I first came up with an idea for a to be both light hearted and comical, but musical my senior year of high school,” also have a twist. White said. “ I ended up making it “Stage Kiss” is all about a boy who into a 15-minute musical which I then gets his first kiss through a school play. produced as a theatre class project.” He becomes infatuated with the girl that White went on to go to SJSU in fall he shares the stage kiss with, hence the 2013 where he joined the SPOTLITE title of the play. The play goes through ERIC GREIG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Stage Company. The student-based twists and turns and ends in a way that Hospitality senior Michael White addresses the crowd last Saturday before the showing of his production of “Stage Kiss.” theatre company was a perfect outlet White predicts none of the audience for students to get their creative juices will expect. fellow senior hospitality student. “He many other young adults his age lack. flowing within the world of theatre. White has come a long way since high knows exactly what he wants and also “ I told Michael to follow his dreams, White recalls that at the beginning of school and continues to shine on his knows how to get it. He is an all around always,” said Jennifer Tickson, a family the semester with the company, he gave theatrical journey. Last Saturday, he held great person.” friend of Michaels’. “He is a very them copies of his 15-minute musical. a viewing party for friends and family. For his future endeavors, White plans compassionate and outspoken individual He later forgot about them and decided The event was to showcase the finished to create a new musical and finish a and I hope he never loses that.” to move onto other things, such as school play while having fun with loved ones. novel that he has been working on. If he and work. “Michael is a very organized and driven can be described as anything, it would be Follow Taylor on Twitter In December 2013, however, White individual,” said Jennifer Tickson, a hardworking. White holds a passion that @tayj95_jones
version of the classic Cuban a fi nalized menu. increasing,” Moreno said. “We CUISINE sandwich. The signature sandwich, To this day they have not been are planning to open some more Continued from page 1 listed as the “Cubamex Sandwich” approved to cook food at the restaurants, full-kitchen ones.” on the menu, contains four shop. All of their meat is already Other than the “Cubamex different kinds of meat, two types cooked upon purchase, so Moreno Sandwich,” they offer a tuna salad of cheese and Cuban herbs served just prepares the food with her sandwich and a canned soda or on a warm 7-inch soft bread that ingredients, warms them up and water bottle, paired with chips they get from the Roma Bakery in the food is ready to be served. and a house pico de gallo for an downtown San Jose. After quitting her stable job as a additional $2. “You can’t go wrong with the dental assistant, Moreno said she The Morenos pride themselves in Cubamex,” said frequent Cubamex and her husband were getting very their signature spread with Cuban customer Errick Earl. “It has so nervous and worried that their herbs that gives the sandwiches a much fl avor and is like no other attempt at fulfi lling their dream distinct taste that you won’t fi nd sandwich I’ve had before.” was not panning out smoothly. elsewhere. They also sell Goya The sandwich is loaded with However, Moreno was quick plantain chips — or banana chips ham, canadian bacon, salami, to deny that giving up was ever — a popular snack in Cuba. pulled pork, cheddar cheese and an option. “I found this spot last month havarti cheese. “No, no, no. We are here and we through Yelp and now it’s my Leading up to the opening of knew we were going to continue, go-to lunch spot to eat between the shop was quite the roller whatever it takes,” Moreno said. classes,” said Cubamex customer coaster. Moreno said it took Her mind was set on opening and SJSU psychology senior eight months of paying rent Cubamex in San Jose as it’s Moshfeq Shahrani. before they could legally open been her home since the day she Cubamex offers SJSU students because of the pending of left Cuba. a free soda or water bottle with permits and certifi cates. It’s been nearly four months the purchase of a sandwich by The city health department of working long hours with no presenting their Tower ID. initially denied their original employees to get their business plan to serve the sandwiches on launched, but it’s been a successful BENJAMIN SIEPAK | SPARTAN DAILY panini bread and it took months four months to say the least. Follow Benjamin on Twitter Iliana Moreno, co-owner of Cubamex, prepares her signature sandwich during Tuesday’s lunch rush. before they received approval for “Every month sales are @benjaminsiepak
ALBUM REVIEW Common tries to make sense of a racially tense country
BY RYAN BARNHART ‘Love Star’ sees the rapper gracefully It’s not all bad either, as Common is able to able to believe. STAFF WRITER blending the theme of religion that has been shine a light on a possible future where men prevalent in the album, while weaving in and women are all seen as equal. sensual passion. While there is no way of ever knowing if that Times of political unrest can lead many “God’s most beautiful creation, let me mold future will ever come, when he is able to put Follow Ryan on Twitter musicians to use their artistic skills to their you,” Common said to his lover in the song. out albums like this, his fans will always be @ryan_barnhart advantage — either as a way to vent their “You already in shape, that’s more love to frustrations or to give their listeners hope for make.” a brighter future. It’s not just all baby-making music. “Black America Again,” Common’s 11th Common uses the track ‘The Day Women album in his illustrious 20-year career, fi nds Took Over’ to preach of gender equality and the rapper both angry at himself and the racial the benefi ts that could become of it. tension that has been boiling over the last few “Imagine it, a world more compassionate years. Common uses that fi re to fuel his vision the balance of the feminine and masculine,” of a country where all can get along together. Common said at the end of the song. Common has always been his most The track also features BJ The Chicago focused lyrically when there is consistency Kid, who repeats throughout the chorus in his production. about the positives that can come from a Ever since his fi rst set of records in the mid- world where women are treated as equals to 90’s — when he originally went under the their male counterparts. pseudonym Common Sense — his politically- Despite the hope that Common alludes to in charged music hit its hardest under the much of the album, it all derives from anger production of either one or two beat-makers; his of unjust actions that have befallen many in oldest collaborator No I.D. or the late J Dilla. the country. wwwRight from the get-go listeners are given In ‘Black America Again,’ he talks about a sense of the tone and feel of the album with how Trayvon Martin and many other young the opening track ‘Joy and Peace.’ Black lives have been swiftly taken away The song, which is one of many on the in the recent years. He also compares mass album to feature neo-soul crooner Bilal, is a incarceration to slavery. strong opener. The fi nal song on the album, ‘Letter to the With an off-kilter guitar riff, Common is able Free,’ is the most harrowing track on the album. to stretch his lyrical prowess — seemingly Originally written for Ava DuVernay’s weaving through a series of rhymes about documentary “13th”, ‘Letter to the Free’ religion and hope at a rapid-fi re pace, without dissects the racial history of the United States, ever fumbling between his words. ending it with a prediction of a presidency that Much of the erratic pacing of his rapping is could parallel the ‘80s. thanks to equally hectic beats. “Sweet land of liberty, incarcerated country. The drums in ‘Home’ pound like the heart Shot me with your ray-gun and now you want after a long sprint. The sped-up sampling of to trump me,” Common said. horns elicit frenetic chaos that sticks into the The events that Common lays out in “Black listener’s bones. America Again” are undoubtedly disturbing. In between searching for peace and Yet when he is able to voice his issues like he love from all in the world, Common adds does throughout the album, he is able to hone moments of political levity with songs about in on his lyricism in a way that helps him to love for the opposite sex. stand out from his peers. INFOGRAPHIC BY RYAN BARNHART | SPARTAN DAILY OPINION Thursday, December 8, 2016 5 Millennial Christmas made of less religion
of $929 for gifts this holiday season, up from $882 last year,” according to the 32 annual survey on holiday spending from the American Research Group. I grew up celebrating Christmas and the birth of baby Jesus. As long as I can recall I saw Christmas as a religious holiday because in catechism I would read religious Christmas stories and sing Christmas songs. ESTEPHANY HARO However, as a millennial, I do see myself drifting from my religious Christmas celebration. I don’t think it’s STAFF WRITER on purpose; it just happens when you surround yourself with different people A recent Pew Research article shows with different beliefs. You start forgetting that many millennials see Christmas as the meaning behind this holy holiday. more of a cultural than religious holiday. I see Christmas as a cultural holiday According to the article, millennials because it has become a tradition for our are less religious than older Americans family to gather, eat dinner and exchange and less likely to identify with a religious gifts. We are also religious though group. How they celebrate Christmas because we don’t forget the defi nition refl ects those traits. and the reason why we celebrate it. I do think that millennials see Christmas I think most people including myself in a cultural way, as I feel that this study are more worried about consumerism and also applies to me. the gift giving of Christmas. Some focus In the survey, 40 percent of millennials on choosing the perfect gifts for loved said that they celebrate Christmas and ones and are more worried about being see it as a religious holiday. Meanwhile, the fi rst ones in line for Black Friday. All INFOGRAPHIC BY LUKE JOHNSON | SPARTAN DAILY 56 percent of the Baby Boomers see of that makes us forget the real meaning Christmas as a religious holiday. of this holiday: the birth of Jesus. However, this new research can apply to Freshman student Leila Cruz said she anyone because we see Christmas as a sees Christmas as cultural holiday. holiday to give and receive instead of for “We’ve been doing this since I can FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA what it is. remember … it’s a tradition, we [family] According to the dictionary, Christmas all gather and we share and exchange is the annual festival of the Christian gifts with each other,” Cruz said. @SPARTANDAILY church commemorating the birth of It could also be that millennials have Jesus. Celebrated on Dec. 25, it is now less time to stop and think about the generally observed as a legal holiday and religious side of Christmas. The fact an occasion for exchanging gifts. is that most of our families have been However, the modern Christmas seems gathering for decades. That makes us to celebrate more than the birth of think that the gathering is a must and Jesus; it’s also a day where most people that’s why we might see Christmas as a exchange gifts. cultural holiday. “Shoppers around the country say Follow Estephany on Twitter they are planning to spend an average @haroestephany Classifieds Sudoku Puzzle Crossword Puzzle Jokin’ Around `
:KDW·VWKHGHÀQLWLRQRIDQ
RSWLPLVW"
H[SHFWVWRÀQGPRQH\
who opens his wallet and and wallet his opens who Answer: A college student student college A Answer:
+RZGR\RXFRXQWFRZV"
FRZFXODWRU Answer: With a a With Answer:
&RPSOHWHWKHJULGVRWKDWHYHU\URZFROXPQ DQG[ER[FRQWDLQVHYHU\GLJLWIURPWR LQFOXVLYHO\ Place Your Ad
Previous Solutions ACROSS 57 6HHLQJWKLQJV 24&HUWDLQPDWKVXEMHFW 1 ,QGLFDWLRQRIKDUG WKURXJKDIDFWXDOOHQV LQIRUPDOO\ 3ODFH\RXU$GV2QOLQHDW PDQXDOODERU 61 6FKRRORUJIRXQGHG 27 :KHUHPDQ\XQLRQV 6 6WRUPGUDLQFRYHU LQ DUHIRUPHG 6SDUWDQ'DLO\&DPSXV$YH 11 'ULYHO 62 )HDWXUHRIDSDQ 29 %DOWLPRUH FRP 14 5HDOO\FKHDSOLTXRU FDNHDGRIWHQ LVRQH 15 *DGJHWXVHGRQ 66 :RUGEHIRUH´XSµ 31 /HYHOLQJWRRO to the slurs. confi scated by her principal. else’s children aren’t capable of “There is so [many] racial slurs in there comprehending the fact that the reason and offensive wording that you can’t get these books are taught in schools (aside past that, and right now we are a nation It also does not help from being incredible literature) is to divided as it is,” Rothstein-Williams said them in getting to point out that this is what America is.” SAJA MOHAMMAD at the high school’s board meeting. the root of racism One can argue that sheltering these kids Her main struggle with “To Kill a and bigotry that we from these books and the history behind Mockingbird” and “Huckleberry Finn” “ them hinders students more than helps STAFF WRITER is that she thinks they will teach her are seeing today them. They will grow up thinking that child and other teenagers that using these “ bigotry and racism was not a normalized with the Black Lives When you have the n-word in a book terms is tolerable. habit and that White people were peachy —especially a book intended for all ages, Matter movement “We’re validating that these words are and the Islamophobia keen with Black people as well as anyone you may question whether or not to let acceptable. They are not acceptable,” of a different race at the time. minors read said books. However, when Rothstein-Williams said. “We will lose craze that is It also does not help them in getting to the writers are Mark Twain and Harper our children if we continue to say that sweeping the nation.on. the root of racism and bigotry that we are Lee, the reason behind that word being this is okay, that we validate these words seeing today with the Black Lives Matter in their books becomes unquestionable. when we should not.” movement and the Islamophobia craze In Virginia, a mother of a high school I’m sorry, I didn’t know that big bad “This is important, because censorship that is sweeping the nation. student in the Accomack County district books that teach students about bigotry blinds us,” Sadye said to the Los Angeles These books will open students’ eyes to was concerned about her son reading the and anti-blackness were such a threat to Times. “These books are important, the fact that America’s history is not all book “To Kill a Mockingbird” because it your child. because they are not condoning this rainbows and sunshine. Racial slurs and had racial slurs in it. What the hell does “lose our children” word, this racial slur ... they’re showing derogatory terms used in these nationally- The school unfortunately listened to her even mean? Is saying the n-word or any the ignorance of using that word and read books won’t teach kids to use them, and removed them at her behest. What? racial term the gateway to drug-use and having this bigotry.” but the opposite, which is to keep them This piece of literature, which deals terrorism? Is your son going to join a London musician Murdock Swales saw from using them in the fi rst place. with racial discrimination and other gang because of this book? Get over the report of the ban in The Telegraph important factors in American history, yourself lady. UK and had some choice words for Follow Saja on Twitter teaches young minds to not take these Luckily, there are many who are Rothstein-Williams. @sajamohammad17 WRITE TO US Letters to the Editor may be placed in the letters to the editor box in the Spartan Daily offi ce in Dwight Bentel Hall, Room 209, sent by fax to (408) 942-3282, emailed to [email protected] or written to the Spartan Daily Opinion Editor at 1 Washington Square, San Jose, CA, 95192-0149. Letters must contain the author’s name, address, phone number, signature and major. Please make letters 300 words or less. Letters may be edited for spelling and clarity by Spartan Daily editors. Highlighting your social media pics, TIZ THE statuses, and tweets at San Jose State University! SZN To be jolly! Good luck with Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-inals! Thursday, December 8, 2016 PINNED IN PRACTICE Spartans’ defense falls fl at on the road in Montana INFOGRAPHIC BY KAVIN MISTRY ESTEPHANY HARO | SPARTAN DAILY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club president Jorge Soto works an armbar on a fellow club member who struggles to recover. JumpJump Jiu-Jitsu returns to SJSU StartStart BY ESTEPHANY HARO we didn’t have enough him,” said senior student STAFF WRITER members and it just died off and vice president Anand and Jorge started off again.” Zala. “I just got into it in YourYour A group of San Jose In addition to continuing the beginning of the year.” State University students an unfi nished legacy, After the club recruits is trying to bring Brazilian passion for Brazilian Jiu- enough people, it plans Future.Future. Jiu-Jitsu to campus. The Jitsu was the main reason to compete against other problem is, Brazilian Jorge Soto, sophomore schools’ club teams. Jiu-Jitsu doesn't meet student and club “We got an invite the requirements to be president, took over the from University of San San Jose State University considered a club sport. club. However, the club Francisco, they have a jiu- SJSU has more than 15 continues to struggle to jitsu club and they’ll have a different club sports that fi nd loyal members. tournament in February,” Students, Faculty & Staff compete against other “We usually get around Hernandez-Sanchez said. schools’ club teams or fi ve people for practice “So we might compete have their own events and in total they have 11 against them depending Are All Eligible To Join! where they practice. members,” Soto said. if we have anyone at their One of their requirements That is a problem for the level to compete.” Show us your SJSU Student I.D. is to compete as a group club since busy schedules The club said students against other school club and commutes are two of don't want to join because at our City Centre Branch and teams or schools. the reasons people don’t Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not a * Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is show up. national sport in the U.S. RECEIVE A FREE GIFT! known to be a martial Club members practice and the students expect arts and combat sport on their own because something else when Free Rewards Checking; that teaches a smaller they don’t have a coach. attending practice. Santa Clara County person how to be able to No minimum balance or Their previous coach is The same students also Federal Credit Union defend themselves against Direct Deposit requirement. graduating soon and will fear competitions will City Centre Branch & ATM a larger adversary by not have time to commit be limited as not many Free Online and Mobile Banking 140 E. San Fernando Street using leverage and proper to the club. schools have a jiu-jitsu Free, unlimited ATM use at San Jose, CA 95112 technique, according to Although a coach could club on campus. CO-OP network, 7-Eleven Stores 408.282.0700 Black Belt Magazine. draw more students to “It’s a very diffi cult and County Federal ATM Locations. www.sccfcu.org The club is fairly new to join the club, its ultimate process, especially campus, as it was started goal is to recruit members because not many know Free Car Buying Service http://sccfcu.org/mobile www.facebook.com/SCCFCU just two years ago, but by spreading the word, what jiu-jitsu is,” Soto and Auto Loans. www.twitter.com/sccfcu died off due to lack of being more active in its said. “They’re expecting Free Financial Education Seminars. commitment and the need social media platforms something else and once Multiple Branch Locations, many of club members. and having shirts and they get a taste of how conveniently open on Saturdays! *Redeemable only at the City Centre Branch “I was part of the club sweatshirts with their physical it really is, it kind when it fi rst started like club’s logo. of intimidates them and two years ago,” said senior “Earlier this year I just they stop showing up.” student and treasurer of the overheard one of the …It’s About club, Johnny Hernandez- members talking about Building Relationships Sanchez. “It went off for in the locker room and Follow Estephany on Twitter For Life like a semester and then just went over and asked @haroestephany SPORTS 8 Thursday, December 8, 2016 BALLIN’ IS A HABIT PHOTOS BY KAVIN MISTRY | SPARTAN DAILY BY ESTEPHANY HARO great fi t for this program and from home has also helped STAFF WRITER the way they play,” Ramos Ramos see things differently. said. “[It’s] also a great She said she has matured DEZZ Competitive, tenacious and location being in California and grown as a person since big hearted are three ways and being in Silicon Valley moving to the Bay Area. to describe San Jose State as well.” Craighead said that senior point guard Dezz Her teammates also think Ramos leads by example Ramos, according to SJSU’s that Ramos is a great asset as she doesn’t tell her women’s basketball head to the team because she teammates what to do but coach Jamie Craighead. pushes them and supports rather shows them. A West Valley, Utah them. Senior forward Paris Craighead believes native, Ramos transferred Baird sees Ramos as a role Ramos’ attributes will help from Weber State to San model, too. her reach her goal of playing Jose State her sophomore “I defi nitely look up to in the WNBA. year and has since received her basketball wise,” Baird “She defi nitely has multiple honors for her play said. “She’s always letting the potential to play on the court. me know different things I professionally,” Craighead Although Ramos stands can work on. She’s always said. “She has the talent and out and has a promising the person I can come and skill and we’ll continue to basketball career, she went ask for different parts of my work. She would probably through a lot to achieve her game that I need help with.” have to prove herself RAMOS goals. She struggled to get to Ramos is a family- overseas fi rst, but she the Bay Area as she did not oriented person and said defi nitely has the ability to have the resources to have a her family has played a big play professionally.” smooth transition. role in her success at SJSU. Ramos said she still “It was hard because I had She is the fi rst of 30-plus needs to connect with her to redshirt my fi rst year,” grandchildren to attend teammates more off the court Ramos said. “Also I had to college and will be the fi rst but Baird said otherwise. walk on because there were to get a degree. “As a person, I know no scholarships available, “My family is everything she’s really positive and so it was diffi cult trying and a big reason why I do she always has everybody’s to balance my studies and want to be successful here in backs no matter what,” trying to pay for my tuition college, so me playing this Baird said. “As an athlete, and stuff like that.” game is not only for me but she’s a very hard worker. She Ramos’s love for the game for them too,” Ramos said. does not only want to get helped her overcome adversity Craighead said that everybody involved, but she since she was willing to do Ramos’s family background has everybody’s best interest anything to be part of the has a lot to do with her on and off the court.” program. She said one of personality and her goals. the reasons she chose SJSU “She comes from humble is because of its basketball beginnings and I think program, which she believed that she has a great spirit,” was meant for her. Craighead said. Follow Estephany on Twitter “I thought I would be a However, moving away @haroestephany KAVIN MISTRY | SPARTAN DAILY Dezz Ramos dribbles past a defender in San Jose State’s Saturday night matchup against the Saint Mary’s Gaels.