CRA E THE INTERNET ISSUE vol 4 | issue 4 | february 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERNET ISSUE
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 4 / FEB 2013 CLICK THIS ICON FOUND THROUGHOUT THE ISSUE 8tracks.com/crazemag
FOR PLAYLISTS DESIGNED TO BETTER YOUR READING EXPERIENCE
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CONTENTS
04
DIY: FROM FOOD TO FASHION
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MEDIA: TOP INSTAGRAMS
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CYBERCULTURES: LIFE ON THE WEB
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STYLE: BLOGS THAT INSPIRE
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OPINION: DESTRUCTIVE
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PRACTICAL APPS THAT PLEASE
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MEDIA: TALENTED TWEETERS
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SOUNDS: REMIX MASTERS
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EVENTS: CALENDAR
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QUIZ YOURSELF: SOCIAL MEDIA
http://8tracks. com/crazemag FACEBOOK facebook.com CRAZEMAGAZINE
TWITTER twitter.com/craze_magazine @CRAZE_MAGAZINE
PINTEREST CRAZEMAG
http://pinterest.com/crazexanadu/
INSTAGRAM @CRAZEMAG
8TRACKS 8tracks.com/crazemag @CRAZEMAG
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR... Winter in Nebraska can be quite boring. Snow and bone-chilling wind make the winter weather difficult for many to bear. Most end up snuggled up on the couch with their dog taking a nap. While this can be nice, as February approaches, cabin fever is sure to set in. When that happens, flipping through the latest issue of Craze is sure to give you many ideas of how to fight boredom while staying in the warm comforts of your bedroom. This issue is all about the Internet, technology, and how it influences our daily lives. The internet has many perks: it allows us to keep in constant contact with our friends and relatives, have instant news at the touch of our fingertips, and we even look online for fashion tips and inspiration. We decided to explore the multi-faceted web that infiltrates our daily lives. Turn to page 18 to check out fashions that went from the street to the web. The top voted Westside instagramers are on page 06, and tweeters on page 30.
CRAZE VOL 4 | ISSUE 4 | JAN. 2013 OMAHA WESTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL 8701 PACIFIC STREET OMAHA, NE 68114
DIY
FROM FOOD TO FASHION
DO IT YOURSELF EVERYTHING WEBSITES AND BLOGS FEATURING THE BEST DIY CRAFTS RECIPES AND FASHION
http://8tracks.com/crazemag/get-motivated
story by laurel oetken, design by samie steed
Are you stuck inside because of the snow? Has a math problem finally gotten on your last nerve and you need something else to do? It might be time for the creativity inside of you to come alive. With the help of do-it-yourself (DIY) blogs and websites, you will be out of your funk in no time. There are many websites and blogs just waiting for someone who holds that hint of artistry to uncover their secrets. With seven of the webs finest, we have found not only unique projects to try, but also the best sites to check out when the weather puts a damper on your plans.
TRASH TO COUTURE http://www.trashtocouture.com/2012/03/diy-crochet-trim-seam.html
Fashion, fashion, fashion. Trash-to-Couture is a blog that has clever ways to give your clothes new life. Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest statements. This truly is a trash to treasure site. These clothing quick fixes are sure to earn you compliments for days.
PROJECT An old t-shirt, a crochet tablecloth, scissors, and a sewing machine are the ingredients needed to bring new life to something that was laying in your closet gathering dust. With just a little effort you can create a unique look. The best part is: it’s free.
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LOTTIE AND DOOF http://www.lottieanddoof.com/2009/04/mac-cheese-lottie-doof-style/
With a name like Lottie and Doof, it has to be good. This site may real you in by how appetizing the food looks from the pictures on the opening page. Focusing primarily on cooking or baking, the blog puts a twist on old recipes that anyone will love. There are also visible comments from other viewers sharing their thoughts on the outcome of the recipes. But regardless of the comments, these recipes will leave you drooling.
PROJECT Mac and cheese from a box can get old fast. A new take on an old favorite can become the perfect dinner for a date, a warm meal for a night in, or a snack to munch on when you need something warm when doing homework. With recipes given, the meal only takes about 30 minutes to cook. In a short time you will have a new mouthwatering meal that no one will be able to refuse trying.
BUTTER ME UP BROOKLYN http://buttermeupbrooklyn.com/2012/12/cocoa-peppermint-cookies-melted-candy-cane-frosting/
Have you ever had the feeling that you need something sweet to eat, and fast? If you have, then Butter Me Up Brooklyn is the blog for your. This blog will get your mouth watering at first glance. This blog features photos and recipes, with step by step instructions, of baked goods. This website will fight your urge and leave you satisfied in no time.
PROJECT It’s something similar to an Oreo, but better; cocoa peppermint cookies with melted candy cane frosting! These cookies are a quick bake, taking only about a half an hour and the frosting takes seconds to whip up. These cookies also have great reviews on the website making them a must try baked good. Keep in mind that they are perfect for the winter season and also during the summer.
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DIY
FROM FOOD TO FASHION
HONESTLY WTF http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-gold-tube-bracelets/
The name is striking, but this blog’s uniqueness and charisma are what really stand out. D.I.Y. – Honestly WTF focuses mainly on DIY projects for women and girls, from making unique bracelets to separate you from the crowd, to sewing heart shaped elbow patches onto a sweater. Also, this site provides links to websites where you can purchase at the materials needed for the fun-filled projects.
PROJECT Rustic bracelets are popular in recent fashion trends, showing up in countless stores. Rather then spending money to buy these overpriced bracelets, investing a little time to make them yourself can leave you with the look you want and extra cash in your pocket, in addition to the fulfillment of doing something on your own.
DIY FASHION
http://diyfashion.com/skincare/video/how-make-aroma-honey-mask
This website has plenty of DIY projects from fashion to home. It distinguishes itself, though, with its inspiring beauty ideas. From face creams to ways to care for your hair naturally, this site has simple, cheap and fun beauty ideas. This site features celebrity trends in beauty and fashion for both men and women and also numerous video tutorials on projects if you are more of a visual learner.
PROJECT Dry, winter skin is not something to be ashamed of, getting rid of it can become a new DIY project! On the website, there is a helpful tutorial on how to get started making your very own cinnamon honey mask, great for winter dry skin. One trip to the grocery store and you will have the essential products to make this mask and have soft skin again. 06
DESIGN SPONGE http://www.designsponge.com/2012/12/iowa-city-ia-city-guide.html
This blog serves as an idea hub to visit if you want to add a little creative flare to your living space. This blog separates itself from the rest of the pack thanks to its “places” section. This section contains photos and guides to cities across the country. These guides can be very helpful when planning a vacation or a college visit.
PROJECT One city highlighted by Design Sponge is Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa. This town offers character, and can transpire as a good weekend trip for anyone who wants to combine a college visit with a fun time. The City Guide on this college town offers some of the best places to eat and shop while there.
A BEAUTIFUL MESS http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2011/11/modern-wall-art-with-paint-swatches.html
PROJECT
Organized by category consisting of crafts, recipes, décor, fashion, beauty and photography is A Beautiful Mess. Each DIY comes with large, detailed photos of the steps you should take to completing the project. Underneath the photos there are steps written out; it’s a two-in-one deal to make the most of your time and help you to succeed with your DIY project. In addition, the website has tutorials with photography, so pick up a camera and try something new.
PROJECT One DIY project found on the website was jeans that have hearts painted on the knees for Valentine’s Day. You can any type or color of jeans you wish. This is an ingenious idea to add detailing to jeans and its extremely low cost; the only things you will need are jeans, red fabric paint, a sponge and either adhesive paper or tape. 07
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TOP ACCOUNTS
#INSTA-CRAZE: BEST ACCOUNTS THE BEST INSTAGRAM PROFILES PICKED BY WESTSIDE STUDENTS
http://8tracks.com/crazemag/culture-carols
story by allie laing and rebecca booker, design by allie laing, photos courtesy of instagramers
In the past few years, the iPhone market has multiplied to a great extent. Ever since then, you rarely see someone that doesn’t own an iPhone, let alone a smart phone. One of the best things about an iPhone are the avaliable apps. One of the most popular social networking apps is Instagram. Instagram is a social networking app that is used to share all asortments of pictures. Instagram has recently gained over 80 million users and continues to grow. We took a poll from WHS students to find the top three instagramers from our school. These include freshman Krissy Hosman, whose photos demonstrate her friendly personality, sophomore Chris Rothe, who is known for his unique pictures of California scenery, and senior Olivia Baker whose pictures are taken from a more artistic point of view. Check out these Instagram users for a variation of amazing photos!
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TOP ACCOUNTS
KRISSY HOSMAN GRADE: FRESHMAN USERNAME: KRISSY4153 FOLLOWERS: 429
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“I THINK MY PHOTOS REFLECT HOW MUCH I CHERISH BEING WITH MY FRIENDS, MY SILLY SIDE, AND HOW MUCH I AM ENJOYING FRESHMAN YEAR.” -KRISSY HOSMAN
Krissy Hosman is a freshman at Westside High School. Her Instagram pictures are best known for incorporating her friendly personality with pictures of her, her friends, and her favorite places. Most of the pictures Krissy takes are when she is with her friends, when she is on vacation or at school activities like show choir and cheer. 11
TOP ACCOUNTS
CHRIS ROTHE GRADE: SOPHOMORE USERNAME: CHRISROTHE FOLLOWERS: 436
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“NOW THAT I HAVE A BETTER CAMERA AND MORE FREEDOM, TAKING PICTURES HAS BECOME MORE ENJOYABLE AND REWARDING FOR ME.” -CHRIS ROTHE
Chris Rothe is a sophomore at Westside High School. He loves photography and takes some of the most eye drawing photos out of the students at our school. Chris is mostly passionate about taking photos of landscapes and nature. He recently traveled to L.A. and San Fransisco, which is where a majority of his photos that he has posted within the past few weeks have been from. Check out his account if you want to see amazing pictures of landscapes, nature, etc.
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OLIVIA BAKER
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TOP ACCOUNTS
GRADE: SENIOR USERNAME: OLIVIABAKER3 FOLLOWERS: 402
“WE ARE SURROUNDED BY AMAZING THINGS, SIGHTS, FORMS- AND THAT IS WHAT I LIKE TO CAPTURE. IN TERMS OF MY PERSONALITY, I THINK MY PICTURES CONVEY THAT I AM AN OBSERVER.“ -OLIVIA BAKER Olivia Baker is a senior at Westside. The photos found on her Instagram are taken at more of an artistic point of view. Objects that you see everyday that you look at and think nothing more of, Olivia takes a new twist on them and turns them into a unique, fanstatic picture. Check out her instagram to see pictures that consist of scenery, artwork, plants, buildings, and so many more.
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FEATURE
CYBER CULTURE
THE WEB WAY OF LIFE EXPLORING THE CULTURES OF THREE OF THE MOST POPULAR SITES ON THE INTERNET story, design and graphics by lia hagen
As computers become more and more involved in our everyday life, many people have began to build a life on the internet. Communities have developed over the complex lines of binary codes that operate our computers. These communities all have their own languages, customs, and projects. They’ve taken advantage of an “artificial” world and created their own cultures. These cultures are huge, spanning across many countries and affecting the lives of people all throughout the “real” world. This article takes a look at the distinct cultures of four specific websites: Reddit, Tumblr, and Twitter, and the people who live inside of those virtual worlds.
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www.reddit.com/ REDDIT Most people wouldn’t associate a site filled to the brim with confusing categories, eccentric private jokes, and cats with having what we’d call a culture, but the surprising community of Reddit could undoubtedly change the vast majority of those minds. This user-driven website engages in many of the things that we traditionally think of when we think of the internet. They love memes, zany photos, and hilarious personal stories. However, it also engages in many activities that make it clear that this is more than just an entertaining website- it’s a community, a culture, a united group. One example of this is the “Random Acts of Pizza” subreddit. In this particular Reddit category, users in need of a meal can post a request, and other users will purchase them a pizza and have it delivered to their home. This shows
how Reddit users care for each other. While other social networking sites have based their layout and style on the sort of content they themselves promote, Reddit truly allows for the people to choose what they want to highlight and display with their up and down voting system. They reward what they want to see, and they punish what they don’t. They can post the content they want, where they want, and it will always have a place within the website. In this way, the average person is what has truly developed the culture of Reddit. Like most popular social networking sites, Reddit has also developed its own language of sorts. Once on the website, it’s not uncommon to hear some very strange and specific phrases thrown around. However, most of Reddit’s seemingly confusing vocabulary is extremely easy to understand.
A subreddit is simply a category. These categories are catered to specific areas of interest and usually referred to with an “r/” in front of their primary name. For example, r/IAmA is a subreddit where everyday Redditors and celebrities alike come to be interviewed about their everyday lives. Subreddits often have their own forms of culture that don’t spread across the rest of the site. The term “redditors” merely refers to the users of reddit. It’s short for “Reddit Editors.” While Reddit tends to share many “generic Internet” ideas, such as memes, the unique way that information is shared and spread on Reddit shouldn’t be ignored. The website allows for user-driven content, the development of a common language and interests, and a tight-knit community. This is what makes the website’s culture so fascinating and appealing. 17
FEATURE
CYBER CULTURE
https://twitter.com/ TWITTER
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In a world where even the least tech-savvy of us can have a complete conversation using nothing hashtags, it is impossible to deny the size and scope of Twitter’s culture. It’s a fairly unique one too. Unlike the other websites discussed here, Twitter is primarily text based; users dedicate their Twitter time to sharing their thoughts, feelings, and interests in 140 characters or less. For many people, Twitter’s become a sort of a “second life.” Whatever happens in their real life will immediately be transferred onto Twitter. Because of this, Twitter is fairly timesensitive. The site will become fixated on one thing for a few hours and quickly move onto the next (hence constantly changing trends). However, there are many benefits that come as a result of
Twitter operating the way it does. When Twitter is used like a second life, its users can interact with friends and the community in essentially the same way that they would in their real life. The people that you may talk to or see online feel much more fleshed out and realistic when you are seeing their every action or thought. (Although that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like the fleshed-out person that you see). Many people who don’t enjoy sharing themselves on Twitter tend to use Twitter as a place to make fun of those who do. Because of this and the sheer volume of corporations, celebrities, and everyday people who use Twitter simply to promote themselves or boost their reputation, the site can be a hotbed of insincerity. Fortunately, it’s also managed to become
much more than that. Twitter is often used for communication purposes, and the language of Twitter has begun to permeate our every day conversations. Hashtags (#), which began as a simple organizational tool, have become a very specific and interesting way of communicating your thoughts and feelings. The most popular tags will trend. These trends show what Twitter is into at the moment- which topics have captured the community’s interest. These trends also tend to define the vocabulary of Twitter at the moment. The phrases that are trending are always important to know and understand. Lately, Twitter has become a fascinating and all-encompassing entity. As any user of the site knows, it has a culture to match.
www.tumblr.com/ TUMBLR As any Tumblr user knows, this image-based social networking site is one of warring worlds. On one side of the spectrum, there are the “indie” blogs. It’s a dangerous place, a world of gratuitous selfies and inspirational quotes written on landscape photography. These blogs tend to use their Tumblr in much of the same way that they use their other social networking sites; they talk about their lives, reblog images that they’re interested in, and enjoy funny text posts. Then there are the geekier blogs. In addition to being a hipster paradise, Tumblr tends to be a home for even the strangest, most obsessive of nerds. The website remains one of the only places on the web where you can
spend hours of your day posting about Disney movies and still be popular. In fact, it’ll probably make you more popular. Despite the huge differences in clientele, Tumblr as a whole still manages to maintain its own fairly distinct culture. The two sides tend to use the same jargon and operate in essentially the same way. The expanse of vocabulary used specifically on Tumblr would be enough to fill a dictionary, but there are a handful of terms that every user needs. To reblog is essentially to share a post from someone else’s blog on your own; the like button on Tumblr operates in a very similar way to the Facebook like button. The notes on a post show you the amount of people who have liked or reblogged that post. The tags on Tumblr help
to organize the site and get your blog more attention, but they are also used to communicate. Users can “track” tags that they find particularly interesting so that they can be alerted every time that tag updates. Unlike the other social networking platforms out there, blogs on Tumblr tend to be primarily unoriginal content. Users reblog images that they like far more often than they create their own, although both are very popular. Image posts tend to be more liked than text-posed. In addition, posts on Tumblr are rarely time-sensitive; a post can still be in circulation months after its conception. Although Tumblr has a larger divide than any other website, in the end its culture manages to be fairly welcoming and fascinating. 19
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STYLE
GOES
VIRAL
THE LATEST FASHION TRENDS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM ON THE INTERNET story by cassie mccormick, rebecca boocker and eva phillips, design by eva phillips, photos by ally stark
http://8tracks.com/crazemag/trend-setter
Over the past decade, the growing popularity of the Internet has sparked numerous worldwide trends. Online shopping is no exception. For many people going on a shopping spree doesn’t even consist of leaving the house. Fashion inspiration most commonly comes from the hundreds of blogs solely dedicated to fashion of all styles. While there are a wide variety of fashionable students at Westside, we’ve decided to show off a handful of students that showcase their unique styles every day. Check out the provided sites and blogs for more inspiration.
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FASHION
INSPIRATION ON THE WEB
VINTAGE/THRIFTY:
JUNIOR CHARIE PAYNE Many vintage blogs and stores are emerging as styles from the 70’s and 80’s find their way back into the fashion scene. Shop owners are taking advantage of the revived thrifting trend by scouting out vintage clothing, furniture and accessories at garage sales and stores like Goodwill and then reselling the pieces. This trend has hit big on the Internet. Sites such as Etsy are based upon the compilation of unique vintage collections. Here are a few of our favorite Etsy shops and fashion blogs featuring vintage items both for sale and simply for inspiration: MEN’S SITES: anchordivision.com/shop/ etsy.com/shop/CairoVintage etsy.com/shop/VintageMensGoods WOMEN’S SITES: vintage-fashion.com etsy.com/shop/nemres etsy.com/shop/ThisVintageGirl
“MY STYLE INSPIRATIONS ARE CORRINNE BAILEY RAE, JANELLE MONAÉ, AND ERYKAH BADU.” - junior charie paine
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RUSTIC PREP:
SENIOR GRANT GLAZER “MY STYLE IS A HYBRID OF TREE-HUGGING GRANOLA AND 20TH CENTURY ACADEMIC RENEWAL.” - senior grant glazer
Lumberjack meets Harvard schoolboy with this new eclectic style. Rustic prep features patterns from the great outdoors mixed with elements from classic preppy styles. This unusual pairing can make for some great outfits, and the Internet agrees. Preppy blogs and rustic Pinterest boards have been going strong, and now their offspring, the rustic prep style, is also emerging. To get the look try mixing plaid shirts with cardigans and look to stores like Banana Republic and Canfields for some unique combinations. RUSTIC INSPIRATION: blog.mountainliving.com/tags/rustichttp://blog.mountainliving.com/tags/rustic-style/ style/ PREPPY INSPIRATION: unabashedlyprep.com
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FASHION
INSPIRATION ON THE WEB
SPORTY:
SOPHOMORE ARIEL LARIOS Today, sportswear doesn’t stop at Nike shorts and Air Jordan’s. Athletic inspired clothing has made its way into the fashion world as designers are reinterpreting sportswear. Not only are many designers creating clothes that can easily transition from sportswear to street wear, but many have begun taking elements from sportswear and integrating them into clothing lines in whole new ways. From wedged trainers to trendy letterman jackets, athletic wear has become a style sported by anyone, not just athletes. INSPIRATION VIA THE WEB: gameofstyle.wordpress.com afashionablesport.com/ blog.aglamslam.com
“I REALLY ADMIRE ATHLETES’ STYLE, ESPECIALLY MY TEAMMATES FROM THE NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM.” - sophomore ariel larios
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COMFY CUTE:
JUNIOR JULIA NGUYEN Denim is becoming a thing of the past as jeans are being replaced with comfier alternatives. Leggings, jeggings and yoga pants, while they may be somewhat controversial, provide an option that is relaxed, cute, and quick. Instead of the typical sweatpants-Ugg boot combo, people have begun mixing yoga pants and leggings with cute tops, sweaters, and boots creating a look that is comfy yet fashionable. On days where you’re running late or are simply too tired to put together an outfit, try one of these looks for an easy outfit that won’t make you look like you just rolled out of bed. INSPIRATION VIA THE WEB: etsy.com/shop/purushapeople
“IT TAKES ME 15 MINUTES TOPS TO GET READY IN THE MORNING. I PLAN MY OUTFITS MENTALLY THE NIGHT BEFORE” - junior julia nguyen
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OPINION
STRANGER DANGER
HELLO, MY NAME IS __________ (YET ANOTHER) LECTURE ON THE DANGERS OF STRANGERS ON THE INTERNET
story, design and graphic by lia hagen
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staff writer, lia hagen We’ve all heard the trite platitudes, the silly, cliche warnings. “Don’t talk to strangers,” your mother crooned as she zipped your jacket. “And don’t make friends with people on the Internet!” I mean, we’re not idiots. We’ve heard the cautionary tales; we’ve watched the after school specials. For every childhood episode of Arthur that discussed internet lies, we have a Catfish- a “cool and relatable” teenaged equivalent. Websites slip the hints into their terms of service, their rules, and their recommendations. Every children’s site owner with half a brain will offer chat restrictions or simple blocks to prevent its users from sharing their addresses or phone numbers. We’ve literally been raised with knowledge about the Internet’s dangers, lectured about it at every opportunity. It’s been instilled in us for years; we learn it along with all of our other basic social skills. Internet people are dangerous, and sharing is caring.” We all know that the Internet isn’t a safe place to meet people. We know how easy it is to tell lies. We all know not to spread information. We’ve been told too many times for us to just not know it. So why is it that we just ignore all of that information? How is it that we can sit, listen to the stories, oooing and awwing at the right places, and still not absorb the message that it’s
screaming at us? According to a study from Cox Communications and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 69% of teenagers regularly receive emails from people they don’t know. Of those 69%, approximately one-third will chat and share personal information with the stranger. Those teens aren’t special cases. They don’t just have poor parents. They’ve heard all the same warnings we have. You may be one of them. And I know what you’re all thinking. Yeah, yeah, roll your eyes. Ignore the warnings. You know
I mean, I respect you, reader. I’m sure you’re great. I’m sure you’re crazy unique and a great judge of character in real life, but there are some things that we just can’t afford to ignore. Unfortunately, one of those things is the credibility and quality of the people we know from the Internet. In a world built from ones and zeroes, we can never really be sure who our friends are. They may not be lying about their age, and they may seem perfectly nice whenever you talk to him. That doesn’t take away the inherent danger that comes with interacting with strangers online.
NEARLY 75% OF VICTIMS MET THEM MORE THAN ONCE, AND ONLY 5% OF OFFENDERS PRETENDED TO BE TEENAGERS - American pyschological association
it happens, but there’s no way it’d happen to you. Your Internet friends are different. You’re different. You would know.... except when you wouldn’t. The fact is, there’s no real way to tell. The people that we know them as is entirely defined by what they themselves put up online. We get the brief summary from the profile they wrote, formulate our opinions based on what they say to us, and never once do we fact check them. Kids Live Safe says that virtually all of the victims met the predators willingly. A study done by the American Psychological Association found that nearly 75% of victims met them more than once, and only 5% of offenders pretended to be teenagers.
And here’s the thing. You don’t have to listen to me. Heck, you’ve probably stopped reading by now. Maybe you’ve gone to text your Internet girlfriend about the stupid article in this dumb magazine about the “dangers of Internet people. Real scary, right?” However, if you have not yet abandoned this bossy, vaguely obnoxious story, you should take a moment to think, to consider giving all of those silly sayings a second chance. Give a hard thought to what you actually know about the people you’ve never met. Ask yourself if it’s really that impossible for you to be friends with a liar or a crook or a 47 year old man with a weird foot fetish. You may not be too happy with the answers you find.
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TECH
ELECTRONIC BEATS
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT SIX PRACTICAL APPS THAT PLEASE story by jill hoppe, design by samie steed *ratings according to the apple store
As the number of Westside students owning a smart phone skyrockets, so does the number of apps available. Sure, we all have Angry Birds, Twitter, and Pandora downloaded onto our phones, but there are also a lot of other apps out there that can do more for you than keep you entertained between classes. From to-do lists to music identifying apps, there’s bound to be something to keep you interested. The entire list covers apps that are available for both Android and iOS devices, so there’s no worrying about whether or not these apps are compatible with your smart phone. 28
SHAZAM COST: FREE RATING: CATEGORY: MUSIC REQUIRES: IOS 6.0 Have you ever been in the car and the radio plays a song that you hear all the time, but you never know the name of it? Instead of memorizing a line of lyrics, typing it into Google, and hoping you get the right song, you can use this app. Just open Shazam, press “listen”, and your device will find the song title and the artist. Not only will it find the song for you, but Shazam will even save tags so that you don’t have to remember the name of the song later.
GOOGLE GOGGLES COST: FREE RATING: CATEGORY: REFERENCE REQUIRES: IOS 4.3
With this nifty app, you’re able to take a picture of an object and based on your surroundings, Google will figure out what it is and any relevant information about it. For example, if you take a picture of a statue, it will explain who it is and why they’re significant. A picture of a building will get you a company’s history. It can also be used for a number of impressive other things, such as translating a picture of a foreign language, or even solving that Soduku puzzle you still haven’t been able to figure out. 29
FEATURE
ELECTRONIC BEATS
QUICK GRAPH COST: FREE RATING: CATEGORY: EDUCATION REQUIRES: IOS 4.3
A free graphing calculator app sounds much better than buying a hundred dollar one. The downside on this app is that most teachers will not let you use your phone when taking tests, but it’s good for a quick fix when you need one for homework. There also are some more advanced versions of which you can purchase on either app store if you’re looking for something more specific. At a fraction of the cost, it really can’t be beat when you’re tight on money.
SONGZA COST: FREE RATING: CATEGORY: MUSIC REQUIRES: IOS 5.0
We all know and love Pandora, but lets face it: after a while, it seems to know your preferences and sometimes you end up hearing the same songs over and over again. With Songza, you’re bound to find something you’ve never heard of before. When you get to the main site, or use the app, it prompts you for what you’re doing and music to fit your activities such as studying, dancing, cleaning, or sleeping, or to match your moods.
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ANY.DO COST: FREE RATING: CATEGORY: PRODUCTIVITY REQUIRES: IOS 5.0 Any.DO offers a full list making experience, complete with schedules, reminders, and tabs to organize your different tasks. It has the simplicity of a basic note taking app, but takes it to the next level with it’s ability to sync to all of your devices that you have registered with a free Any.DO account. You can access Any.DO on a computer, tablet, or smart phone even if it’s not your own. This allows you to seamlessly update your list of things to do and constantly stay on top of things. It’s truly an organizational freak’s best friend.
STRAVA COST: FREE RATING: CATEGORY: HEALTH & FITNESS REQUIRES: IOS 4.3
Say goodbye to boring, routine workouts and hello to competitive, interesting ones with Strava Run. With Strava, each of your runs is saved so over time you can see how you’ve improved. It counts the calories you’ve burned and tracks the routes you take. However, one of the biggest perks of this app is that you can follow your friends and compare your runs with them. If you have trouble staying motivated, working out with the encouragement of friends can make it easier. The app allows you to set personal goals for yourself. Strava also offers a biking app, offering a great workout experience that stands out from many of the other fitness apps. 31
TOP TWEETERS
WESTSIDE’S TOP PIC ACCOUNTS FOLLOW WESTSIDE’S TOP TRENDING TWEETERS story by allie laing and rebecca boocker, design by allie laing, photos courtesy of tweeters
Throughout the years, social networking sites have flourished. People move from site to site based on what’s popular at the time. It started with MySpace, then moved to Facebook, and now, Twitter is one of the most popular social networking sites. Twitter has over 500,250,000 active users, and 150,000 new members sign up daily. Found within those half a billion users, there are a few unique people active on twitter that go to Westside. The Craze magazine staff took a poll from everyday students to find the top tweeters from WHS. We have come up with individual titles in order to reward the best tweeters within those categories. These consist of the most upflifting, motivational, basketball updater, tells it like it is, wittiest, deep thinker, sassiest, funniest, best male and female subtweeters, and yes, even the best twitter picture. Turn the page to find out which Westside students were chosen in these categories.
http://8tracks.com/crazemag/culture-carols
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CKED TWITTER
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TOP ACCOUNTS
MOST UPLIFTING SOPHOMORE: USERNAME:
SKYLAR RICCERRI
@_SKY_FALL_
“Someday, someone’s going to look at you like you’re the best thing in the world so #KeepYourHeadUp” “Perfect=Boring” “We met for a reason, either you’re a blessing or a lesson”
MOTIVATIONAL JUNIOR:
QUINN NELSON
USERNAME:
@QUINN_NELSON1
“Don’t take anything in like for granted #realtalk” “What’s better, a rollercoaster with a bunch of highs and lows? Or a rollercoaster that stays the same leven throughout the ride? #life” “It’s amazing what #incredible things people can do in life. #nevergiveup”
TELLS IT LIKE IT IS SOPHOMORE: USERNAME:
CHELSEA KAVICH
@PBANDCHELLY
“Does making someone feel horrible about themselves make you feel accomplished?” “I’ve hit myself in the face about 20 times watching these girls in the bachelor” 34
“Overthinking kills happiness”
BASKETBALL UPDATER SOPHOMORE: USERNAME:
TOM SELINE
@OMAHASSWEETEST
“Wisconsin with the win vs Minnesota! But I still feel bad for the Gophers but anyway, #onwisconsin” “Sick Alley oop! Now can we please BOX OUT!!!” “Drake can’t miss and we can’t hit and the refs are on their side. I’m bound to punch someone directly in the face at school tomorrow”
WITTIEST SENIOR:
SIERRA HANSEN
USERNAME:
@SIERUUUKA
“Each Sunday night I find myself thinking that I’d rather enter the Hunger Gamess than get up at 7 and go to school the next morning.” “Drizzly out today. Expect a Lil Wayne.” “Convincing my dog that I’ve actually thrown the ball is the closest that I will ever get to being a magician.”
DEEP THINKER SENIOR:
NOAH GOULD
USERNAME:
@THE_GOLDEN_PUN
“Redundant is my middle name, Noah Redundant Gould.” “We are all just tweets in the timeline that is life.” “Life is just like twitter, it’s only as good as the people you follow.”
35
TOP ACCOUNTS
SASSIEST SOPHOMORE: USERNAME:
MATT GAGNE
@MATT_GAGNE
“Like I can’t even count how many tweets I’ve seen that say “lol <insert name here> is just irrelevant now” “Coming home to all my non-perishable food items” “Single best way to piss me off: play Bruno Mars.”
FUNNIEST
SENIOR:
ANNIE TORSON
USERNAME:
@ANNIETORSON
“I just read a fb post that said “I’m ugly. Like if you disagree.” I then proceeded to deactivate my account and throw my computer outside.” “Nobody told me that it was illegal to borrow somebody’s car to go grocery shopping. I fully intended on giving it back when I was done.” “What should I do? I really like him.” “Just do what feels right.” *Leaves and comes home 4 hours later with 23 cats in back seat*
MALE SUBTWEETER SENIOR:
ZACH GRIFFITH
USERNAME:
@ZACHGRIFFFITH
“JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE UGLY AND UNDESIRABLE DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN HATE ON EVERYONE ELSE.” “I’ve decided I don’t hate you, I hate your parents for raising you the way they did. It was out of your control then but you can change now.”
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“Just because you’re less fortunate looking doesn’t give you the right to hate on my selfies.”
FEMALE SUBTWEETER SOPHOMORE: USERNAME:
SAM ALLEN
@SAMANTHAALLEN29
“You think you are so above everyone else.” “Don’t think I don’t know that you’re trying to be sneaky here” “You’re definitely one of the rudest guys I know. This is why we have never gotten along.”
BEST TWITTER PICTURE SENIOR:
JACK DICKERSON
USERNAME:
@SIZPACKSTONE
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ELECTRONIC
SOUNDS
BEST REMIX & ELECT SITES story by ellie anderson-smith, design by allie laing, photos by ally stark
No matter what you listen to (hip hop, indie, pop), there is a genre that fits your taste in music. Remixes, though not the most popular of genres, encompasses everyone’s musical preferences by giving new life to an already existing song or beat. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t like the house-music impression commonly associated with remixes, the genre covers every musical pace you can think of. Turn the page to discover this generation’s remix masters and where to find the best of this unique music genre.
38
TRONIC
39
ELECTRONIC
SOUNDS
MASHUP REMIX
LISTEN TO:
http://www.thehoodinternet.com/
THE HOOD INTERNET MIXES CONVENTIONAL FAVORITES TO CREATE A WHOLE NEW GENRE OF MUSIC One of the web’s best kept musical secrets is The Hood Internet, a duo of Chicagobased twentysomethings who run a blog through which they showcase their remixed tracks. The group, made up of Aaron Brink (aka ABX) and Steve Reidell (aka STV SLV), specialize in mashup remixes, where two pieces of music that compliment each other are put together to make a new song. The pair successfully combines hip-hop (from all levels of popularity) and alternative rock into fluid, dance worthy tracks. When they were beginning their partnership, the group released some of their mashups merely as entertainment for themselves and their 40
friends. Despite their laidback attitude, their gift for transforming music has gotten them noticed from music bloggers and electronic genre enthusiasts from around the world. During the 2009 BRIT Awards, The Ting Tings performed a remix version of their song “Shut Up and Let Me Go” that featured vocals from Estselle’s “American Boy”. The mashup was first released by The Hood Internet the year before. In late 2012, the duo released their first compilation of original music. The album “FEAT”, released October 2nd, still crosses the boundaries of musical genre, representing pieces from electronic, hiphop, and indie rock styles.
A.C. Newman (of The New Pornographers), Tobaxxo, Psalm One, Class Actress, and Show You Suck are among the different artists that appear on the CD. Despite their wide range of music, however, the tracks are as unified and compatible as one of the group’s popular mixtapes. The Hood Internet, though inadvertently, has become a prominent leader in the mashup movement. Check them out by visiting their website, www.thehoodinternet. com. Their songs are also available on Soundcloud and Raptorhideout. Listen to some of The Hood Internet’s most noteworthy tracks by clicking the link.
CONVENTIONAL REMIX HYPEMACHINE’S COMPLIATION OF REMIXES STANDS
http://8tracks.com/crazemag/lives-up-to-the-hype
OUT AGAINST THE OTHERS Hypemachine, a site that gathers all types of remixed music, is for those who are stuck in a music rut. The independent company follows what music bloggers are listening to and provides easy access to the public. Though you need a membership to listen to these tracks, it doesn’t cost money and is worth the extra 10 minutes to set up an account. The site encourages its users to step outside their comfort zone and listen to something new. Hypemachine offers its users a vast collection of
remixed and original music, thousands of profiles featuring an individual’s favorite tracks, and music blogs that give details on the next great mix or trend. It even has a “Spy” feature that allows you to monitor what other users are listening to. You can make the search worldwide, or narrow it down to your home state. The site compiled a convenient list of the best music within the last year called “Zeitgeist 2012”. Here, you can view the best tracks, mixes, and artists. The best album compilation was voted
on by the Tumblr community by reblogging and liking animated GIFs. It’s definitely worth a look if you find yourself listening to the same song on repeat and are looking for something new. The site’s unique blend of blogging and sharing good music is what makes it stand out against the others. Visit www.hypem.com/popular to create an account. Check out some standout remixes found on Hypemachine by clicking the link above.
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EVENTS
CALENDAR
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY 7
JEFF DUNHAM @ CENTURYLINK CENTER
11
13
14
TIME CAT @ THE WAITING ROOM
THE OUTSIDERS @ WHS
THE OUTSIDERS @ WHS
VALENTINE’S DAY
PRESIDENT’S DAY
19
BALLYHOO! @ THE WAITING ROOM
20
21
25
26
27
28
18
OMAHA FASHION WEEK BEGINS START OF SPRING SPORTS 42
12
WESTSIDE ORCHESTRA CONCERT
SWIMMING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS @ UNL
FEBRUARY FRIDAY FRIDAY 8
OPEN MIC NIGHT @ A TO Z BOOKS
SATURDAY SATURDAY 9
UUVVWWZ @ THE WAITING ROOM http://www.waitingroomlounge.com/index.php?id=1385
SWIMMING METROS @ MILLARD WEST
WOMEN WHO ROCK EXHIBIT
15
16
THE OUTSIDERS @ WHS
22
1
WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS @ CENTURY LINK CENTER
SUNDAY 10
TY SEGALL @ SOKOL
http://sokolunderground.intuitwebsites.com/shows.html
ON YOUR COMPUTER CHECK OUT
17
VARSITY WRESTLING @ CENTURY LINK
THESE EVENTS INSTEAD.
WINTER FORMAL
24
2
3
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS @ UNL
SITTING
ALL DAY?
23
EDGE OF ARBOR @ THE WAITING ROOM
TIRED OF
MAROON 5 @ CENTURY LINK
http://www.centurylinkcenter.com/index.php?src=directory&view=UpcomingEvents
43
QUIZ
SOCIAL MEDIA
ONLINE GURU, OR STILL LIVING IN A CAVE? WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA SITE BEST FITS YOUR PERSONALITY?
story by ally stark, design by jordan meradith
1. YOU FIND ONE DAY THAT THE POWER IS OUT. HOW MUCH ARE YOU NEEDING THE INTERNET? A.
B. C. D.
Okay, what if someone says something about Becky and Becky goes and tells Jeremy and Jeremy is like freaking out and he, like, goes and tell Martha and Martha goes and tells her grandma. I mean I can’t miss that. I suppose I could do without for just a moment. I literally only go on one website though. So, how am supposed to confirm that the power is out? Honestly, I don’t even know what to do when the power is on.
2. YOU MEET A NEW PERSON. A. B.
WHAT ARE THE FIRST THINGS YOU NEED TO DO TO BECOME ACQUAINTED?
Look from afar and gather every detail you possibly can. Then nonchalantly bring up something you two have in common (which you discovered from your lurking) Do absolutely nothing. Then whine and complain about how you have no friends and no one understands your humor.
C.
Mumble only a 140 characters to them until they say something.
D.
I don’t know. I really don’t know how to interact with people.
3. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR FASHION INSPIRATIONS? A.
People I see roaming the streets or halls.
B.
Websites where you can only see 1/3 of a person’s outfit and half of it is covered with dip-dyed hair.
C. D. 44
I am my own inspiration. I prefer more comfort clothing. Something that doesn’t take too much brain power to think of. I like jeans.
4.
5.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR HAIR STYLE?
A. B.
I mean it looks super casual, but in reality, it’s really hard to maintain.
C.
Just-woke-up kinda look. Mostly because I just did, and all my friends know.
D.
I usually comb it, I don’t know.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE?
A.
Tea; loose leaf., most likely from Starbucks, but shhhh.
C.
Juice Stop
A.
Go and do things with my BFFs and take like 339,845,798,734 pictures.
B.
Take pictures of birds and edit them until they don’t look much like birds anymore.
C.
Lay in bed, complain. I guess, I just hang out at home. I’m not really sure.
WHAT BOTHERS YOU THE MOST?
A.
Creepers talking to me, like ew go away.
B.
People copying my pictures. style, etc.
C.
Hashtags on Facebook.
D.
8.
Milk.
WHAT KIND OF THINGS YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
D.
7.
“I lyk pop, but I h8 the bubbly feeling u get in ur nose. lyk if u agree” *likes*
B.
D.
6.
LONG HAIR. DON’T CARE.
I don’t know, when we are out of milk. I guess.
MOST OF YOUR FRIENDS/ FOLLOWERS ON YOUR SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES CONSIST OF...
A.
Every single person that has made eye contact with me longer than 2 seconds.
B.
Actually, a lot of random people. I don’t know half of them.
C.
My social networking posse is my real life posse.
D.
My mother and chemistry teacher. How he found me, I will never know. 45
QUIZ
9.
SOCIAL MEDIA
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
A.
Online predators.
B.
Having my quality, 30 page long, opinions go unnoticed.
C.
Being the last to know.
D.
Tornadoes.
10. WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE? A.
I’m socializing! Kinda... not really...
B.
What life?
C.
I am currently eat chips and guac. #sohungry
D.
Homework, probably.
THE RESULTS... MOSTLY A: Your social networking site is Facebook!
You’ve got to be honest with yourself, you can’t go one day without Facebook. Either online or on your phone, you’ve just got to see what everyone is doing at all times. It’s not all that bad though, you are very peopleorientated, which is something a lot of people do appreciate. Well actually, maybe not so much when you find yourself liking every one of their pictures. Stalk with moderation, children!
MOSTLY B: Your social networking site is Tumblr!
You are one of a kind, you really are. I mean, opposed to the 500 other blogs that are somewhat similar, but those don’t count! You established your tumblr for one soul purpose; to show how artistic you are. Whether that is the poetic manner you talk about a cute person and how you go on to say that you’ll never talk to them. Or maybe just the fact that you reblogged a cool up close picture of a cat. Your photo blog is a national treasure. As are you. You’re welcome.
MOSTLY C: Your social networking site is Twitter!
I’m gonna try and make this 140 characters. There’s no messin’ around with you, you’re very straight to the point. Your main concern is getting what you need when you need it and just surviving. No if ’s, and’s, or but’s. No fancy frilly words, or fancy decorations. Just straight information so you can just keep moving with your life. #morethan140words #idc #IDoWhatIWant
MOSTLY D: Your social networking site is Google+!
Okay. This is just embarrassing. Welcome to the Internet. Do you have any idea what is going on? Google+ is pretty much just for the staff of Google. It’s probably better that you haven’t delved too deep into the computergenerated world we live in. But don’t despair, you blossoming anti-socialite. There is hope for you. The Internet will shape you. Right now, you are just the average Joe, Google+ can’t do much to stimulate your true virtual self. One must find oneself within the deep black hole that is the social networking world. You have barely scratched the surface, Young Padawan. Good luck out there. 46
SURFING THE WEB WEBSITES THAT ARE SURE TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED
story by ally stark, design by jordan meradith
ONE QUESTION CONNECTING THE WHOLE WORLD: beforeidieiwantto.org A CREATIVE PHOTO BLOG, DESCRIBING A PERSON’S STORY: theburninghouse.com INTERESTING ART BLOG AND NEWS SOURCE: lostateminor.com THE FUNNIEST AND LAMEST OF FACEBOOK: lamebook.com QUIRKY SELF HELP: helpineedhelp.com SARCASTIC NEWS SOURCE: buzzfeed.com TIPS FOR THE AVERAGE BRO: brotips.com VIRTUAL, INTERACTIVE MUSIC SIMULATOR: jamwithchrome.com *must use Google Chrome
CONTRIBUTERS FOR THE ISSUE EDITOR IN CHIEF: jordan meradith
SUBMISSIONS EDITOR: laurel oetken
MANAGING EDITOR: samie steed
ADVISOR: nathan moseley
DESIGN EDITOR: eva phillips
WRITERS THIS ISSUE: jill hoppe, lia hagen, ellie anderson-smith, cassie mccormick, rebecca boocker, laurel oetken
COPY EDITOR: jill hoppe PHOTO EDITOR: ally stark BUSNIESS MANAGER: ellie andersonsmith
DESIGNERS THIS ISSUE: samie steed, jordan meradith, eva phillips, allie laing, lia hagen 47