Odyssey

T H E O D Y SS EY May 31, 2013

My Broken Brain

Pg. 07-09

As mental illness becomes a larger problem in the United States, specifically in high schoolers, The Odyssey takes a look at West High’s growing concern.

Table of Contents {DESIGN BY JAEHO LEE} COVER ART BY/JAEHO LEE

Internet Crisis Gone Viral (pages 4-5)

Jaycie Weathers Abby Burgess Anna Mondanaro Jaeho Lee

Staff

The new frontier of easy communication raises problems concerning the safety of the public.

Internet Crisis Gone {DESIGN BY JAYCIE WEATHERS}

Viral

{DESIGN BY JAYCIE WEATHERS} PHOTO BY//ANNA MONDANARO

Fake Bake

staffs

POP CULTURE REVOLVES AROUND HAVING PERFECTLY SUN-KISSED SKIN CAUSING AN EPIDEMIC OF TEENS RUSHING TO GET IT - NO MATTER WHAT THE COST

The new frontier of easy communication raises problems concerning the safety of the public.

By Jaycie Weathers

weathers.jaycie@gmail.com

Fake Bake (page 6)

Pop culture revolves around having perfectly sun-kissed skin causing an epidemic of teens rushing to get it - no matter what the cost

My Broken Brain (pages 7-9)

As mental illness becomes a larger in the United States, specifically in high schoolers, The Odyssey takes a look at West High’s growing concern.

You’ve all heard of the risks of tanning, about 20 cases. They are not all tanning bed whether it be from health class, your doc- related, but they can be a major contributor, or your parents. Despite all the horror tor. He expresses concern about younger and stories of skin cancer to the extreme, more younger people visiting tanning salons.

Many don’t realize skin cancer can affect and more people, most of them teenagers, flock to tanning salons in order to soak up them sooner than they may think. “Unfortunately, I think people have the UVA and UVB rays. to experience the risks for Anna Hausler ’14 visited themselves before they the tanning salon once bestop,” Lipman said. fore her spring vacation to Parents are criticized get a head start on her tan for letting younger and to avoid burning. “I went younger children go to sathree times a week for three lons. The focus on having weeks... I don’t think I did the ideal tan in the media enough tanning seriously is a big factor for teens and to affect my skin in the fuyoung adults. Shows such ture,” Hausler said. Hausler does, however, think there -Molly Lipman ‘15 as Toddlers and Tiaras, have felt the heat of negashould be an age restriction tive attention for objectifor tanning.

In Iowa, there is a parental consent require- fying young children to tanning.

A common mentality among young people ment for minors. This bill hasn’t stopped teens from going to tanning beds complete- is they would rather be tan and pretty now ly. It has helped cut the numbers of people and deal with consequences, like skin canunder 18 from visiting the salons, but not cer and premature aging, later. Some say the nearly as many as expected by the public. power lies in parents’ hands to change the “The age should be 16 because before that, tanning laws and restrictions, while others argue teens are independent enough to make there is no reason,” Molly Lipman ’15 said.

Spray tans are another fad among the high a decision that is best for them. “My parents hate tanning and strongly school crowd, but can go encourage sunscreen and bad very easily resulting in shade,” Hausler said. streaky orange skin. This is Some parents may be a main reason why many 1 MILLION people visit tanning oblivious to the immedipeople forgo the “fake salons each day in America ate risks their children bake” and go for the ultra- 2.3 MILLION teenagers use encounter when they give violet waves. Some tanning tanning beds annually permission to visit a tanbeds advertise “safe” rays, 3,000 EMERGENCY room ning salon. People in Iowa but the bottom line, acvisits are from tanning bed are working to pass bills to cording to dermatologist accidents ensure more precautions to Dave Boysen, is that there 70% OF TANNING bed users be taken against letting miis no such thing. are white women between nors use tanning beds. TanBoysen says the risks for 16 and 29 ones future are very great Source: American Academy of Dermatology ning salons are digging in and any type of ultraviolet radiation from a their heels because it would greatly hurt their tanning bed is dangerous. As a dermatolo- business since teens are their main custom“Apps” are usedgist, everyday accross the world to make life a little easier. during special event Dave Boysen sees many patients about ers. Salons offer deals But the question still remains.. which areout the download” like prom,on toour further lure teenagers suspicious moles, which later turn to “must be seasons, by:how Anna Mondanaro skinsmartphones? cancer. When asked many pro- in. “I think it is acceptable [to tan] for special cedures he does a week to get rid of skin occasions like prom or homecoming,” Lipcancer, he hesitated before answering with man said. “There isn’t any reason otherwise.”

“

FAST FACTS

DAT

GIRL’S BEST

“Snapchat, because it’s As mental illness becomes a larger proba more interesting way to communicate than lem in the United States, specifically in high texting. I send seductive schoolers, The Odyssey takes a look at West snapchats.”

Similar to Pinterest, All Women Stalk is a great time-killer. Their many categories and different articles, ranging from perfumes to paranormal, never fail to generate interest. AWS is a double bladed sword: an interesting find, but a guaranteed way to procrastinate. I gave AWS 4 stars because, as most of the articles are interesting and helpful, some seem to be a little fabricated.

The climbing number of twin births in the United States is being proven in the halls of West High. The Odyssey sits down with a few of them to see what they think.

High’s growing concern.We interviewed a West High student and faculty member to get the inside story.

By:Anna Mondanaro

-Billy Jensen ‘14

BOY’S BEST

For me, Twitter has always been good for posting pictures off Instagram and other social networking sites. But why not videos, too? Vine is an app that gives you the power to capture six seconds of footage to link to Twitter for people to watch. I love this app, and I think it’s the perfect supplement to the ever-so-popular “twitpic.” I gave it a 4 star rating, because there were some glitches when my video “couldn’t upload” or others when the app simply wouldn’t respond.

FAD

“Drisk Lite game because I love that it’s a strategy game. It’s not an obsession, just a game I play once a day with friends.”

-Ha Lim Jeong ‘13

“Wanelo because it gives me something to do and it makes it so much easier than going on a random website because it sorts everything out for you.”

“I’M LIVING ON A BOAT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.” -SAM RYKEN ‘13 } MAY 2013 COVER STORY 07

-Grace Tafolla ‘15

“Vine, because it brings out my ccreative side.”

-Olivia Ewing ‘14

We all remember the week where everyone’s Instagram had a small picture of them with the caption “Find me on path.” That being said, whether you “found” the person or not was up to you. Path was an app that worked to incorporate Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram all into one. While it was cool for a few minutes, the constant notifications got annoying and it occasionally died down in the popularity category.

“Tumblr, because I like looking at the things the bands post that I follow.”

-Nick Deerberg ‘16

SEEING DOUBLE

COMPILED BY//ANNA MONDANARO

10 ENTERTAINMENT MAY 31, 2013 {“WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?”

{DESIGN BY ABBY BURGESS}

The climbing numbers of twin births in the United States is being proven in the halls of West High.

The Odyssey sits down with a few of them to see what they think.

Show Stopping Style (page 11)

A style spotlight on Daniel Lin ‘13, his evolving fashion is eye catching and refined.

MY BROKEN BRAIN

THE FAVORITES

06 FEATURE MAY 31, 2013 { “WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER PLANS?”

NEWEST OBSESSION

As technology develops, our daily lives are ever-changing. Applications are used everyday across the world to make life with a smartphone a little easier. Our editors decided which Apps were the best.

Seeing Double (pages 12-13)

APP

We all know the feeling... as summer winds down and the school year begins, there is one obvious thing to look forward to: Football season.

ESPN’s Fantasy Football app is a great way to set up a draft for the real teams and see how far you can go. It’s not as dangerous as gambling, but it has the same feel as March Madness.

DAT APP (page 10)

04 FEATURE MAY 31, 2013 { WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

Unfortunately, I think people have to experience the risks for themselves.”

Brock and Cole Hatzky ‘14

{DESIGN BY JAYCIE WEATHERS} COMPILED BY//ANNA MONDANARO, ABBY BURGESS, AND JAYCIE WEATHERS

About one in 30 babies born in the United States is born a twin. As a result, many fertility drugs are being taken to increase the chances of having twins, the number has increased drastically. This number doesn’t seem quite as astonishing when you think of all the twins, even triplets, you see during passing time.

Whether they look alike or not, Grant and Olivia Ewing ‘14 say they often have the same thoughts. “Sometimes we think the same thing, or we’re going to say the same thing and we just do this little thing.” Olivia said, wiggling her fingers at Grat; their secret handshake when they think the same thing.

Unlike the Ewings, Brock and Cole Hatzky don’t ever think the same thing. Brock said “No, [telepathy] is 100% fake.” said Brock. Most people who know Brock and Cole would say they are complete opposites. As fraternal twins they look nothing alike, other than their curly hair.

They are individuals, different heights, different personalities and different interests. When you think of twins as young children, you think of parents having them do the same things and wearing the same clothes. Grant and Olivia would also say they are nothing alike. “People always expect him to look like me,” says Olivia. Being a boy and girl set of twins, they are obviously fraternal. “[We have] opposite personalities, like two worlds collide,” Grant said.

Grant and Olivia Ewing ‘14

3

the year in

PHOTOS BY//ABBY BURGESS

12 PHOTO ESSAY MAY 31, 2013 { WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY?

words

WE ASKED STUDENTS, “WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAND?” READ ON TO SEE THEIR ANSWERS.} MAY 31, 2013 TOC 02 13 BACK PAGE MAY 31, 2013

ESS

BY ABBY BURG O LEE ART BY//JAEH

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Road trip e s i r n u s e h t h c t a W Camp out -n-slide p i l s e d a m Make a home s s e n d n i k f o t c a Do a random Skinny dip n o s e h t o l c r u o y l l a h t i w l o o p a o Jump int “IMAGINE DRAGONS, BUT IT’S ALWAYS CHANGING” -WILL CODE ‘13} MAY 31, 2013 EDITORIAL 03

Internet Crisis Gone {DESIGN BY JAYCIE WEATHERS}

Viral

The new frontier of easy communication raises problems concerning the safety of the public.

04 FEATURE MAY 31, 2013 { WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

S

BY JAYCIE WEATHERS

weathers.jaycie@gmail.com

ocial networks are great for connecting with friends or finding cute pictures of animals, but when does the ease of the internet cross the line into the realm of negativity for already sensitive topics? With recent events, such as the Boston Marathon bombing and the Sandy Hook school shooting, rumors run rampant and the facts and truth get mixed up, causing confusion across the nation.

During the Boston Marathon bombing crisis, there was a story about a picture of a completely unrelated child running in another event that was actually a classmate of the students of Sandy Hook victims running on their behalf. In the West High Twitter community, this picture, with a “RT to show respect” tacked on the end, was retweeted which resulted in heightened chatter in the hallways about the validity of the image.

Victims of one tragedy were taken advantage of in another tragedy creating confusion.

Sites like Twitter make sharing newsworthy events as simple as pressing send, without verification.

It’s like a game of telephone: facts slowly turn into lies, intentionally or not, and it’s as simple as a retweet to spread news like wildfire.

Regular Twitter user, Zane Larson ’15, thinks the ability to spread news fast is both a curse and a blessing. “I think that it is nice to know what happened and get the latest news, but it really angers me when people take advantage of the situation for a favorite or retweet,” -Kasra said Larson. Within three hours of the Boston Marathon bombing, there were 500,000 tweets with the hashtag “#bostonmarathon.” It created an easy way for citizens of Boston to figure out what was going on and how to stay safe.

“If you look at the global events in the past

“

few years, social media has been both benefi- stance to take on a topic.

“Honestly, sometimes I don’t know if its true or cial and harmful in these situations,” said Kasra Zarei ’13. “Take Egypt for example, one big part not so I have to go round asking people. Someof the revolution there was the spread of videos times it’s not even worth the trouble,” Larson via Facebook and other forms of social media. said. Eckman doesn’t let the opinions of others In these radical circumstances, I would say it is change her mind, but it helps her see both viewpoints when she wouldn’t not beneficial because it threatens otherwise. “I think the the stability of so many groups and areas. Besides that, I would say it fact that it is so easy to is beneficial because it does draw post something does positive attention and moves many make me more skeptical. People need to see to help.”

During search for the perpetrabeyond what is spam and tors of the bombing, Twitter played assess all the claims tara big part in helping maintain as geted towards the group much organization of the city as or organization, for instance Kony,” Zarei said. possible with the police department’s twitter accounts give live Zarei is referencing the updates that were verified true. the call-to-action video -Jody Eckman ‘14 that went viral about chilCitizens got information as soon as the major television broadcastdren soldiers in Africa. ers did. The authorities also used the suspect’s The video took the internet by storm but soon Twitter activity to gather more information after, the founder was involved in some controand expedite the search process as well as find versy, which made the public question the vapeople who might know more. lidity. The event eventually lost steam and faded There were many graphic, uncen- away. The internet played an undeniably large sored photos circulating soon after part of the rise and fall of this organization. the Boston bombing, which raised The talk of censorship is a touchy subject for a discussion of ethics. “I believe many people. “I think there should be some that people can become insensi- limits of what people say online because some tive because social media is used so things that are said are not always true and often to raise awareness, but at the can be hurtful to many people. However, there same time, there are also the band- shouldn’t be a lot of restrictions because people waggoners that side with anything should still have the freedom to say what they they see, if on the surface, it seems want, but some things are best left unsaid,” Metrue,” Zarei said. gan Donahoe ’15 said. If Twitter was censored, For some students, networking there would no doubt be arguments against it. sites offer a more realistic glimpse, “[Censoring the internet] would infringe on in real time, of what is going on in freedom of speech,” Eckman said. the world. “I think social networks In future events, it will be interesting to see if make the event more real, but re- this trend continues without intervention, or if Zarei ‘13 ality isn’t always what is best,” Jody it is just that, a trend. Donahoe believes there Eckman ’14 said. “When the event might be a good reason reporters are reporters is highly publicized I feel like people are more rather than the public broadcasting events for sensitive because they have access to more infor- themselves.“I think that social networks give the mation and details,” she said. The internet isn’t public a good view of what is going on in the censored like the media is, so anyone can post world, but I think some images, left uncensored, whatever they want. This is an issue for many are not appropriate to be out online, uncenpeople when deciding what to believe or what sored,” she said.

“

I think social networks make the event more real, but reality isn’t always what is best.”

People need to see beyond what is spam and assess all the claims targeted towards the group or organization, for instance Kony.”

“TWILIGHT” -TONI MARTINS ‘14} MAY 31, 2013 FEATURE 05

{DESIGN BY JAYCIE WEATHERS} PHOTO BY//ANNA MONDANARO

Fake Bake POP CULTURE REVOLVES AROUND HAVING PERFECTLY SUN-KISSED SKIN CAUSING AN EPIDEMIC OF TEENS RUSHING TO GET IT - NO MATTER WHAT THE COST

By Jaycie Weathers

weathers.jaycie@gmail.com

You’ve all heard of the risks of tanning, about 20 cases. They are not all tanning bed whether it be from health class, your doc- related, but they can be a major contributor, or your parents. Despite all the horror tor. He expresses concern about younger and stories of skin cancer to the extreme, more younger people visiting tanning salons. and more people, most of them teenagers, Many don’t realize skin cancer can affect flock to tanning salons in order to soak up them sooner than they may think. “Unfortuthe UVA and UVB rays. nately, I think people have Anna Hausler ’14 visited to experience the risks for the tanning salon once bethemselves before they fore her spring vacation to stop,” Lipman said. get a head start on her tan Parents are criticized to avoid burning. “I went for letting younger and three times a week for three younger children go to saweeks... I don’t think I did lons. The focus on having enough tanning seriously the ideal tan in the media to affect my skin in the fuis a big factor for teens and ture,” Hausler said. Hausler young adults. Shows such does, however, think there -Molly Lipman ‘15 as Toddlers and Tiaras, should be an age restriction have felt the heat of negafor tanning. tive attention for objectiIn Iowa, there is a parental consent require- fying young children to tanning. ment for minors. This bill hasn’t stopped A common mentality among young people teens from going to tanning beds complete- is they would rather be tan and pretty now ly. It has helped cut the numbers of people and deal with consequences, like skin canunder 18 from visiting the salons, but not cer and premature aging, later. Some say the nearly as many as expected by the public. power lies in parents’ hands to change the “The age should be 16 because before that, tanning laws and restrictions, while others there is no reason,” Molly Lipman ’15 said. argue teens are independent enough to make Spray tans are another fad among the high a decision that is best for them. “My parents school crowd, but can go hate tanning and strongly bad very easily resulting in encourage sunscreen and streaky orange skin. This is shade,” Hausler said. a main reason why many 1 MILLION people visit tanning Some parents may be people forgo the “fake salons each day in America oblivious to the immedibake” and go for the ultra- 2.3 MILLION teenagers use ate risks their children violet waves. Some tanning encounter when they give tanning beds annually beds advertise “safe” rays, 3,000 EMERGENCY room permission to visit a tanbut the bottom line, acning salon. People in Iowa visits are from tanning bed cording to dermatologist are working to pass bills to accidents Dave Boysen, is that there 70% OF TANNING bed users ensure more precautions to is no such thing. be taken against letting miare white women between Boysen says the risks for nors use tanning beds. Tan16 and 29 ones future are very great Source: American Academy of Dermatology ning salons are digging in and any type of ultraviolet radiation from a their heels because it would greatly hurt their tanning bed is dangerous. As a dermatolo- business since teens are their main customgist, Dave Boysen sees many patients about ers. Salons offer deals during special event suspicious moles, which later turn out to be seasons, like prom, to further lure teenagers skin cancer. When asked how many pro- in. “I think it is acceptable [to tan] for special cedures he does a week to get rid of skin occasions like prom or homecoming,” Lipcancer, he hesitated before answering with man said. “There isn’t any reason otherwise.”

“

Unfortunately, I think people have to experience the risks for themselves.”

FAST FACTS

06 FEATURE MAY 31, 2013 { “WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER PLANS?”

MY BROKEN BRAIN As mental illness becomes a larger problem in the United States, specifically in high schoolers, The Odyssey takes a look at West High’s growing concern.We interviewed a West High student and faculty member to get the inside story.

By:Anna Mondanaro

“I’M LIVING ON A BOAT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.” -SAM RYKEN ‘13 } MAY 2013 COVER STORY 07

08 COVER STORY MAY 2013 { WHAT IS YOUR FAVORTIE MOVIE?

B

ad days are universal. A failed math test, a broken down car...sometimes, getting upset is inevitable. That being said, mental illness has progressed throughout medicine and has become more popular in recent years. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that approximately 57.7 million Americans experience a mental health disorder in any given year. While it can seem like somewhat of a foreign concept, mental illness walks through the hallways of West every day.

being like ‘I’m depressed’ because you got a bad grade on a test or broke up with your boyfriend and actually being depressed for a long period of time.” Madden said.

“It’s a struggle everyday to get out of bed, to eat breakfast, to breathe. It hinders everything that I do... pretty much my motivation. I think people definitely treat me differently … but most people are understanding. It’s not like they’re going to strike me out of group.”

“I think I was twelve,” Eva Madden ’13 said, “I had been bullied about being overweight since I started school in Iowa when I was seven, and I just thought it was typical to come home from school crying. I found myself dreading waking up every morning, and not looking forward to any part of the day. I knew that hurting myself was bad, but I never thought it would become a problem.”

Although having a mental illness can seem like the end of the world, it can actually be just the beginning. Mental illness in high schools students is actually somewhat common. That being said, in 2012 NAMI reported that over fifty percent of students with a mental disorder age 14 and older dropout of high school--the highest dropout rate of any disability group. So how do we stop it?

Mental illness is just as threatening as any physical illness. Suicide is the eleventhleading cause of death in the United States annually, yet among high school students only, it is the third. But the question still remains, is a mental illness something you are born with, or a disorder that progresses over time?

“I think one of the biggest things is jsut early detection. The students I see the most are anxiety based. It’s overwhelming to be in high school, but to have anxiety on top of that is a struggle. I think the district has done a really good job of inplementing my position, and that’s a really big step,” Schnieder said.

“It’s definitely a combination, not fully either nurture or nature. I am just lacking serotonin in my brain and there’s nothing I can do about that.” Madden said. “Daily things like laughing and watching funny TV shows can definitely improve your mood...but there isn’t necessarily a cure for mental illness,” Madden said.

Technology is ever-changing, and as new medicine develops, cures for common illnesses become clearer.

The stigma surrounding mental illness can be extremely upsetting to those who are sick. Especially in high school, it is easy to brush something extremely serious off as “not a big deal”.

“It really can be a part of their daily lives without them being defined by it. There shouldn’t be a stigma surrounding mental illness because we all have bad days, we all have struggles,” West High Mental Health Counselor Jamie Schneider said.

“The biggest problem is early detection and wanting help. Until you reach a certain age, you don’t understand what’s going on in your body and life in general.

The bigest thing is recognizing it, and sayiing ‘I need help’ and not being embarrassed by it,” Schnieder said.

Until a cure is found, some simple words of advice can help. “Take it one day at a time. Don’t stress yourself out by thinking about your future or tomorrow if you don’t have to. Remember that nothing lasts forever … no matter how it feels today, tomorrow might be the best day of your life and you’ll want to wake up for that.”

Madden said.

“There’s definitely a difference between

“DEFINITELY INCEPTION.” -BROCK HATZKY ’14 } MAY 2013 COVER STORY 09

DAT

APP

“Apps” are used everyday accross the world to make life a little easier.

But the question still remains.. which are the “must download” on our smartphones? by: Anna Mondanaro

GIRL’S BEST Similar to Pinterest, All Women Stalk is a great time-killer. Their many categories and different articles, ranging from perfumes to paranormal, never fail to generate interest. AWS is a double bladed sword: an interesting find, but a guaranteed way to procrastinate. I gave AWS 4 stars because, as most of the articles are interesting and helpful, some seem to be a little fabricated.

BOY’S BEST We all know the feeling... as summer winds down and the school year begins, there is one obvious thing to look forward to: Football season.

ESPN’s Fantasy Football app is a great way to set up a draft for the real teams and see how far you can go. It’s not as dangerous as gambling, but it has the same feel as March Madness.

NEWEST OBSESSION

For me, Twitter has always been good for posting pictures off Instagram and other social networking sites. But why not videos, too? Vine is an app that gives you the power to capture six seconds of footage to link to Twitter for people to watch. I love this app, and I think it’s the perfect supplement to the ever-so-popular “twitpic.” I gave it a 4 star rating, because there were some glitches when my video “couldn’t upload” or others when the app simply wouldn’t respond.

FAD

THE FAVORITES “Snapchat, because it’s a more interesting way to communicate than texting. I send seductive snapchats.”

-Billy Jensen ‘14 “Drisk Lite game because I love that it’s a strategy game. It’s not an obsession, just a game I play once a day with friends.”

-Ha Lim Jeong ‘13

“Wanelo because it gives me something to do and it makes it so much easier than going on a random website because it sorts everything out for you.”

-Grace Tafolla ‘15

“Vine, because it brings out my ccreative side.”

-Olivia Ewing ‘14

We all remember the week where everyone’s Instagram had a small picture of them with the caption “Find me on path.” That being said, whether you “found” the person or not was up to you. Path was an app that worked to incorporate Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram all into one. While it was cool for a few minutes, the constant notifications got annoying and it occasionally died down in the popularity category.

“Tumblr, because I like looking at the things the bands post that I follow.”

-Nick Deerberg ‘16

COMPILED BY//ANNA MONDANARO

10 ENTERTAINMENT MAY 31, 2013 {“WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?”

G N I P P O SHOW ST E L Y ST

{DESIGN BY ABBY BURGESS}

Entertainment Reviews

CHECK OUT MORE FASHION STYLE PHOTOS ON WSSPAPER.COM

Looking For Alaska

This novel by John Greene is exactly what you need to read in high school.

It tells a story of a boy named Miles “Pudge” who goes leaves his home in Florida for a boarding school in Alabama. He meets Chip “The Colonel”, Alaska, Takumi, and Lara; they get into lots of trouble together.

When a shocking accidnent happens that shakes these friends to the core.

Throughout this novel you watch Miles grow up and learn to deal with what life throws at him. It’s a heartfelt novel that is easily relatable. It’s the perfect summer read, just be sure to keep keep tissues near by.

The Great Gatsby

Turning a beloved and classic tale into a modern blockbuster sounds like a feat no one can conquer but I’m proud to say the makers of The Great Gatsby have pulled it off.

Keeping the integrity of the story is a necessary qualification for anyone attempting to adapt a book, revered by students and teachers alike, into a film. The portrayal of the carefree 1920s vibe was amped up with a contemporary soundtrack and extravagant sets. The soundtrack featured big names such as Kanye West, Lana Del Rey, Florence + the Machine, The xx, and many others.

At times, the camera angles and constant zooming was a bit troublesome to me and took away from the movie slightly. However, the acting was spot on. Leonardo DiCaprio brought Jay Gatsby to life in all the right ways; overly people pleasing with a hint of a darkside. This film definitely lived up to its hype and is worth a trip to the theaters.

After being voted Best Dressed male of the class of 2013, Daniel Lin has a lot to prove. Over the years his style has become more refined and classy. This past school year he has stepped up his style game and is now considered the best dressed. His friends agree that his style choices have really taken off. Daniel’s style is classic and preppy. The color pops and patterns he uses (like the floral tie) add another dimensoin to his outfits.

ART BY//JAEHO LEE

Daniel Lin ‘13

Raw denim jacket from Levi’s Vintage Clothing Club Collar shirt from Hentsch Man Floral tie from Topman Red jeans from Gap Brogue boots from Grenson

COMPILED BY//JAYCIE WEATHERS & ABBY BURGESS PHOTO BY//ABBY BURGESS

“COOKIES AND CREAM.” -HANNAH ABRAM ‘14 } MAY 31, 2013 ENTERTAINMENT 11

SEEING DOUBLE

{DESIGN BY ABBY BURGESS}

The climbing numbers of twin births in the United States is being proven in the halls of West High.

The Odyssey sits down with a few of them to see what they think.

Brock and Cole Hatzky ‘14 About one in 30 babies born in the United States is born a twin. As a result, many fertility drugs are being taken to increase the chances of having twins, the number has increased drastically. This number doesn’t seem quite as astonishing when you think of all the twins, even triplets, you see during passing time.

Whether they look alike or not, Grant and Olivia Ewing ‘14 say they often have the same thoughts. “Sometimes we think the same thing, or we’re going to say the same thing and we just do this little thing.” Olivia said, wiggling her fingers at Grat; their secret handshake when they think the same thing.

Unlike the Ewings, Brock and Cole Hatzky don’t ever think the same thing. Brock said “No, [telepathy] is 100% fake.” said Brock. Most people who know Brock and Cole would say they are complete opposites. As fraternal twins they look nothing alike, other than their curly hair.

They are individuals, different heights, different personalities and different interests. When you think of twins as young children, you think of parents having them do the same things and wearing the same clothes. Grant and Olivia would also say they are nothing alike. “People always expect him to look like me,” says Olivia. Being a boy and girl set of twins, they are obviously fraternal. “[We have] opposite personalities, like two worlds collide,” Grant said.

Grant and Olivia Ewing ‘14

12 PHOTO ESSAY MAY 31, 2013 { WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY?

PHOTOS BY//ABBY BURGESS

Kate and Alex Miller ‘14

Sam and Keanan Tinkey ‘15 Not only does West High have twins, but triplets. Freshman Idan, Zohar and Hilah Nadler ‘16 are all too familiar with the telepathy questions. “We do, we just don’t like to tell people about it,” Idan said while his sisters deny having the connection. Twins are usually thought to share everything, but imagine being a triplet and sharing your birthday with two other people. “We share everything, even our car. We all use to share a room when we were little,” said Hilah. “We’re use to it by now,” she said. Although Hilah and Zohar look a lot alike, with Idan sharing many of their qualities, they all are individuals.

Hilah plays soccer, Zohar is the complete opposite. “I’m really girly,” she says. Idan is the music man, he’s a DJ.

Emma and Jack Ables ‘15

Although many twins walk the halls of West, you wouldn’t think how different they are. Even though they might look alike, they do have many differences.

Zohar, Idan and Hilah Nadler ‘16

“DIRT BIKING”-CORBIN COUNTRYMAN } MAY 31, 2013 PHOTO ESSAY 13

{DESIGN BY JAYCIE WEATHERS} COMPILED BY//ANNA MONDANARO, ABBY BURGESS, AND JAYCIE WEATHERS

3

the year in words

13 BACK PAGE MAY 31, 2013