UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Michael Tracey

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter

Michael is finishing his last semester and intends on using his degree in communication to continue his work as a writer, host, and podcaster. His passion for entertainment and the video game industry fuels his goals of moving out west to join a media outlet that spreads positivity and excitement. Michael will take what he’s learned from college and his work at Spinnaker to further excel in his career.

All content by Michael Tracey
Exploring the importance of stretching

Exploring the importance of stretching

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter February 2, 2022

One of the most beneficial and straightforward exercises you can do is stretching. However, many people don’t do it in their daily lives. Understanding the importance of stretching will assist in creating...

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

“A Man Named Scott” movie review

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter December 7, 2021

Since the 2008 MySpace debut of “Day n Nite,’” Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi has transcended the hip hop industry with his music.  Kid Cudi’s unconventional style and lyrics flow elegantly with...

Photo courtesy of The Game Awards.

The Game Awards 2021: How to watch & what to expect

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter December 6, 2021

83 million people worldwide tuned in to watch The Game Awards last year, an annual celebration of video games and creative talent. That number will surely rise again this year as host and creator Geoff...

Photo courtesy of Square Enix.

“Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy” game review

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter November 23, 2021

After being absent from published stories for over a decade, the Guardians of the Galaxy weren’t at the top of Marvel’s success since debuting in 1969’s “Marvel Super-Heroes #18.” Yet, the ragtag...

Photo by Caleb Fisher via Unsplash.

Veterans Day: background and UNF celebrations

Hayley Simonson and Michael Tracey November 8, 2021

Veterans Day is right around the corner, and the UNF Military and Veterans Resource Center (MRVC) will be commemorating those who fight for our freedom.  What is Veterans Day? On Nov. 11 of each year,...

Photo courtesy of Unsplash via Maddy Baker.

Plants, tacos & canines; UNF Ogier Gardens hosts 9th Annual Harvest Fest

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter November 3, 2021

Grab a friend and get ready to embrace the cool fall weather at UNF Ogier Gardens Harvest Festival this Friday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will feature live music, lunch from a local...

UNF logo

UNF Department of Diversity Initiatives dissolved, an update

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter October 29, 2021

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion has recently undergone two major changes: Vice President Whitney Meyer resigned, and the Department of Diversity Initiatives disbanded. Spinnaker asked Sheila Spivey,...

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.

“Halloween Kills” movie review

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter October 28, 2021

In 2018, director David Gordon Green took a stab at rebooting the popular horror franchise “Halloween.” His first film of a planned trilogy and the return of the iconic babysitter Laurie Strode, played...

Photo courtesy of EA, DICE.

“Battlefield 2042” first impressions

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter October 22, 2021

Three months ago, if you asked me what my most anticipated shooter of the year would be, I would have said “Battlefield 2042” in an instant. However, after playing the open beta event, I have canceled...

Photo courtesy of Unsplash via. Pro Church Media.

‘Tis the season of giving; UNF accepting donations for the annual Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter October 21, 2021

The holiday season is about more than receiving presents wrapped elegantly with a bow or finishing that last bite of pumpkin pie. The year's final months are also a moment to give back to those who aren't...

Photo courtesy of DC

DC FanDome 2021: How to watch, start time, & what to expect

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter October 14, 2021

It's time to light the bat signal, because the second annual DC FanDome event arrives Sat. Oct. 16. DC FanDome is a celebration bringing together fans and the creative minds behind all things DC Entertainment:...

Photo courtesy of Twitch.

Twitch admits massive data breach

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter October 8, 2021

On Wednesday, Oct. 6, Twitch admitted to a massive data breach containing source code, streamer payout information, and business practices. Shortly before the Amazon-owned streaming platform sent out the...

Photo courtesy of Halo Insider.

“Halo Infinite” multiplayer first impressions

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter October 7, 2021

As the holiday season quickly approaches, gamers feel the pressure of choosing between a mountain of major AAA titles. With many new-gen releases increasing to a price tag of 70 dollars or more, it’s...

Photo courtesy of Tokyo Game Show.

Tokyo Game Show 2021: How to watch and what to expect

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 29, 2021

The Tokyo Game Show is an annual event in Japan celebrating video games, and the next edition is about to arrive. The Tokyo Game Show is similar to E3 Expo in California and Gamescom in Germany. The event...

Photo courtesy of UNF Osprey Life & Productions.

Watch Ospreys test their might at UNF’s Battle of the Bands

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 29, 2021

If you want to rock and roll it might be a long way to the top, but the first step to greatness is winning UNF’s Battle of the Bands at the UNF Coxwell Amphitheater this Thursday. Battle of the Bands...

How to expand the PlayStation 5 storage with an internal M.2 SSD

How to expand the PlayStation 5 storage with an internal M.2 SSD

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 28, 2021

As a console owner, there is no denying that newly released video games are taking up large amounts of storage space. The PlayStation 5 has an internal storage capacity that may be sufficient for many,...

Experience art through UNF’s gallery exhibitions and showcases this fall

Experience art through UNF’s gallery exhibitions and showcases this fall

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 23, 2021

It’s easy to peer through the windows of the UNF Gallery of Art and Lufrano Intercultural Gallery on campus without opening the doors. But the faculty, students, and local artists responsible for the...

UNF Coggin College of Business. Courtesy of Google

Back in the saddle again; Coggin College of Business hosts their first study abroad fair in two years

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 17, 2021

The Coggin College of Business is hosting a study abroad fair to feature its reinstated programs for students after a two-year absence from the pandemic. The event kicks off on-campus in front of building...

Top ten anticipated games from the latest PlayStation showcase

Top ten anticipated games from the latest PlayStation showcase

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 17, 2021

Sony Interactive Entertainment gave fans a glimpse into the future of PlayStation last week by featuring games releasing this holiday season and beyond. The showcase shined in its first-look gameplay footage...

Photo by Carter Mudgett.

Spinnaker staff reflects on the 20th anniversary of 9/11

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 10, 2021

The 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001, is just around the corner. It’s a horrific day in our nation’s history and represents true evil. As the date inches closer, it’s time to turn our attention...

All the new 9/11 documentaries released on streaming services for the 20th anniversary

All the new 9/11 documentaries released on streaming services for the 20th anniversary

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 8, 2021

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, is one of the darkest days in our nation’s recent history. For the 20th anniversary, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Apple TV+ have released gripping documentaries...

Osprey’s from Louisiana express thoughts and concerns following Hurricane Ida

Osprey’s from Louisiana express thoughts and concerns following Hurricane Ida

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 4, 2021

Before the remnants of Hurricane Ida shut down the New York City subway system due to historic flooding, it slammed through the Louisiana coast on Sunday as a category four storm with winds up to 150 mph. The...

“Call of Duty: Vanguard” first impressions and breakdown

“Call of Duty: Vanguard” first impressions and breakdown

Michael Tracey, General Assignment Reporter September 1, 2021

The fall semester is here, and Starbucks is already selling pumpkin products, which means the holiday season is right around the corner, and with it comes another “Call of Duty” game.  This year,...

Forgotten PlayStation franchises Sony should revive on the PS5

Forgotten PlayStation franchises Sony should revive on the PS5

Michael Tracey, Reporter July 23, 2021

There’s no question the PlayStation is the home to some of the most iconic video game franchises of all time since its debut in 1994. Since then, Sony has established itself as a pillar within the video...

Clash of the new gaming handhelds: Nintendo Switch (OLED model) vs. Steam Deck

Clash of the new gaming handhelds: Nintendo Switch (OLED model) vs. Steam Deck

Michael Tracey, Reporter July 23, 2021

The major Japanese gaming company, Nintendo, announced the newest edition of the Nintendo Switch console this month, Nintendo Switch (OLED model). Within a week afterward, another significant gaming company,...

Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson carries crew member Sirisha Bandla on his shoulders while celebrating their flight to space at Spaceport America near Truth or Consequences, N.M., Sunday, July 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)

To infinity & beyond; The billionaire space race

Michael Tracey, Reporter July 19, 2021

It feels like only yesterday the world was in a full-fledged pandemic. Now, billionaires Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and Elon Musk spend millions of dollars to cash in on space travel while putting forth...

Photo Courtesy of Netflix

‘Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’ anime series review

Michael Tracey, Reporter July 16, 2021

I was filled with joy when I heard that the Japanese video game company, Capcom, collaborated with Netflix to develop a new anime series based on the Resident Evil video games. I experienced another level...

Photo courtesy of Disney.

Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’ movie spoiler-free review

The long wait for the next Marvel film is finally over! On July 9, “Black Widow” arrived in theaters and is streaming on Disney+ for Premier Access. Fans worldwide have been eagerly anticipating a...

Microsoft brings cloud gaming to iOS & Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft brings cloud gaming to iOS & Windows 10 PCs

Michael Tracey, Reporter July 8, 2021

The dream of having the freedom to play a video game without a console or an expensive PC is now a reality for more Xbox gamers, thanks to Microsoft. Last week, the American technology company announced...

Photo courtesy of Stephanie McCabe via Unsplash.

Fireworks & fun: Local Fourth of July celebrations to enjoy in Jacksonville

Michael Tracey, Reporter July 2, 2021

Put some sunscreen on and ice the coolers because Independence Day celebrations are just around the corner. The city of Jacksonville plans to entertain residents this weekend with live music, games, and...

Photo courtesy of PlayStation.

‘Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart’ game review

Michael Tracey, Reporter June 29, 2021

The beloved video game characters Ratchet and Clank are back for their exclusive debut on the newest PlayStation console. “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” is the 16th installment in Sony Interactive’s...

Photo courtesy of Shashank Sahay via Unsplash.

Hurricane season is in full swing; here’s what you need to know

Michael Tracey, Reporter June 29, 2021

Last week Tropical Storm Claudette made its way over the southeastern United States, causing death and destruction in Alabama. The fourth tropical depression of the hurricane season has also recently formed...

Photo courtesy of Glenn Carstens-Peters via Unsplash.

Cutting the cable?; A guide to the top five streaming services

Michael Tracey, Reporter June 28, 2021

It’s overwhelming to think that hundreds of streaming services exist in 2021. That’s a lot of content to watch but even more daunting to consider which one is right for you. It seems like a new service...

Photo courtesy of Marvel.

The most exciting games from E3 2021 & Summer Game Fest

Michael Tracey, Reporter June 18, 2021

Summer Game Fest continues, but the end of the electronic expo E3 is here. Some of the most relevant developers and publishers from the game industry joined together in Los Angeles to give fans a glimpse...

Photo courtesy of CU Denver.

Juneteenth: What it is and why it’s important

Michael Tracey, Reporter June 18, 2021

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 415-15 on Wednesday to officially make Juneteenth (June 19) the 12th federal holiday commemorating the end of African-American slavery within the United States. President...

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Netflix’s ‘Sweet Tooth’ season one review

Michael Tracey, Reporter June 15, 2021

When I first saw advertisements for Netflix’s “Sweet Tooth,” I was reluctant to give it a try. There’s an abundance of Netflix originals and my list isn’t getting any shorter. Why invest time...

Photo courtesy of the creative services department.

An overview of the E3 2021 & Summer Game Fest schedules

Michael Tracey, Reporter June 14, 2021

Magic is in the air. The best week of gaming is finally here. E3 2021 gaming expo and Summer Game Fest are about to begin. A mountain of video game news is about to flood entertainment media outlets. The...

Photo courtesy of Apple.

Why Apple TV+ is worth adding to your streaming subscriptions

Michael Tracey, Reporter June 4, 2021

I am not writing an opinion piece on what is the best streaming service to have, nor am I working for Apple and attempting to market their product to audiences. I adore the craft of storytelling and appreciate...

E3 2021 & Summer Game Fest kick-off virtually next week

E3 2021 & Summer Game Fest kick-off virtually next week

Michael Tracey, Reporter June 3, 2021

Featured Image: E3 The month of June is massive for the video game industry. Two of the most significant gaming events of the year start next week: E3 2021 and Summer Game Fest. Software developers...

Photo courtesy of Electronic Arts.

‘Knockout City’ game review

Michael Tracey, Reporter May 28, 2021

In a sea of free-to-play games and competitive sports titles, it’s easy to let another one pass by without a glance. After my time spent with EA’s “Knockout City,” I’m glad that I paid attention....

Photo by Charles Sims on Unsplash

Want the new PlayStation 5? Here are some tips on how to score a new generation console

Michael Tracey, Reporter May 27, 2021

The video game industry boomed during the pandemic — people working remotely from home and searching for indoor entertainment options excelled the industry to new heights. However, supply chains for...

Photo courtesy of Capcom

‘Resident Evil Village’ game review

Michael Tracey, Reporter May 25, 2021

The major Japanese gaming company, Capcom, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the “Resident Evil” franchise this year. I could not think of a better way to commemorate the occasion than to release...

All release dates for the upcoming action-packed Marvel movies

All release dates for the upcoming action-packed Marvel movies

Michael Tracey, Reporter May 24, 2021

There is something special about the shared experience in the theater during the opening night of a new Marvel Cinematic Universe film. As I’m writing this article, there are precisely 687 days since...

‘Army of the Dead’ movie review 

‘Army of the Dead’ movie review 

Michael Tracey, Reporter May 14, 2021

Audiences have one week to catch Zack Snyder’s zombie heist “Army of the Dead” in select theaters before it releases on Netflix, May 21. But is it worthwhile to see on the silver screen? I wouldn’t...

(Photo Courtesy of PlayStation).

Five games to still look forward to this year

Michael Tracey, Reporter May 13, 2021

It’s mind-boggling to think that the summer is already here. The first half of the year had a few great video games: “Hitman 3,” “Returnal,” the new “Pokémon Snap,” “Resident Evil: Village.”...

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