Craze Issue 2: Muse by Craze Magazine

CRA

ZE ISSUE 2 // VOL 7 // NOV 2015

THE MUSE ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS 08

A BATTLE BRAVELY FOUGHT

INSOMNIA

UNION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

DEAR ME

20 26

Junior’s Diagnosis Doesn’t Change Who She Is Never Really Awake--Never Really Asleep Strengthening the Community Through Creativity Letter To Past Self HIT UP THESE MASHUPS Songs to Unify Angsty Teens Everywhere I’VE BEEN CAUGHT Student Copes With the Struggles of Anorexia

CLOSED QUARTERS

BLOCK 16 RESTAURANT

MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS

FALL FASHION

The Hidden Gems Within Our Four Walls Omaha’s Premier Sandwich Shop Musical Scores Ignite Feelings Within Us All Rosy Tones and Fresh Kicks

HAIR TUTORIALS

CULTURE SHOCK Exchange Students Come to America From Far, Far Away

BE YOURSELF And Let Others Do The Same

SWEATY PITS AND ALL

Get the Look You’ve Been Dreaming Of

The Human Reaction to Sweating Your Butt Off

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG? How Your Bag Represents Who You Are

LOCKSCREENS

PRIVY TO PUBLIC

BREAKING IT IN How to Add Years of Wear to Your Favorite Shirts

CAKE BOSS

WHAT’S HAPPENING... Events in November/December

What Does Your Screensaver Say About You? Secrets Written on Stall Walls

Senior’s Talents Take the Cake

contributors

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE...

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Jenna Hynek and Kirsten McCormack PHOTO EDITOR: Abegale Headlee DESIGN EDITOR: Claire Wilson MANAGING EDITORS: Audrey McCann and Lauren Chesire COPY EDITORS: Grace Wolfe and Bridget Mizener STAFF: Stephanie Dong Lilli Marvin Sabrina Severin Nikki Saner Monica Jansky Megan Murray Madeline Look

Kyndall Goodwin Kati Stanzel Harper Newell Erin Kruger Emma Molden

Elise Tucker Emma Kopplin Collin Koory Anne Stepanek Abby Hack Aaron Casey NP: Carly Chesterman

intro

MUSE [MYOOZ] 1. (n.) an inspiration for an artist e.g. kim kardashian to kanye west 2. (v.) thinking about anything other than math in math class

PLAYLIST LISTEN HERE

anenome // the brian jonestown massacre the less i know the better // tame impala jigsaw falling into place // radiohead snow (hey oh) // red hot chili peppers the look // metronomy sugar water // cibo matto stolen dance // milky chance these days // nico

A LETTER FROM THE EDITORS... Every day we’re pulled in a million different directions. Parents want us to do the dishes, teachers plead to see us during our open mods, and for our poor Craze staff, we’re a couple of editors who consistently seem to wheedle and nag. Through the past five weeks (in no small part due to us), our staff has been through hell and back. We’ve fought off angry jogger moms flipping us off during pictures and staying up until 3 a.m. editing stories. But we do it all for one reason. We want to produce the highest quality content possible for high school journalists, and here on Craze we can’t think of a better way to excel than to work on what we care about. This issue, we dove deep inside ourselves to find our passion—our muse. We went on a search for what inspired each of us, what makes us tick, and what we want to bring to the table, before finally realizing it was right under our noses all along—you. Our muse, the reason we stay up until 3 a.m., is you. We strive to produce pieces not for our own amusement (excuse the pun), but to tell the untold stories of Westside. We believe that every voice should be heard and we’re proud to bring them to you in Craze, so throughout this issue, find your muse along with us—we definitely did.

-JENNA AND KIRSTEN

feature: ryleigh kaiser

“SHE’S ONE OF THE TOUGHEST PEOPLE I KNOW AND SHE’S MY HERO.” - Ryleigh’s father, Ryan Stutzman

A BATTLE BRAVELY FOUGHT JUNIOR’S DIAGNOSIS DOESN’T CHANGE WHO SHE IS story by elise tucker, design by kirsten mccormack, photos by claire wilson

“Y

our daughter has cancer.” Over the phone, the doctor spoke to junior Ryleigh Kaiser’s dad, Ryan Stutzman, on that August morning. His heart began to fall deeper into his chest as the doctor continued to talk about his daughter’s disease. “We had no idea how to tell her,” Ryan said. “So we decided with the ‘don’t beat around the bush, but laughter heals everything’ method and just tell her what was going on.” When it was time to break the news to her, her dad was surprised that she took the news even better than he had. Her face was focused and ready to take the situation full on. Ryleigh’s mind was in her thoughts were different than her actions. Images of tests and surgeries swarmed her head. She knew her parents and friends worried for her and want to help. Ryleigh was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). The doctors found it on her head. It’s so rare that there’s typically 1,000 cases diagnosed per million people every year in the U.S. The cancer causes a tumor on the dermis, the layer of the skin that contains nerve endings and blood capillaries. With palms sweating and a “let’s get this done” expression on her face, Ryleigh’s eyes focused on the wall ahead of her like she was about to race against her cancer. The doctors immediately swept her into a series of tests and surgeries. A couple days after getting her diagnosis call, she visited Dr.

Perry Johnson, a plastic surgeon. Her mind drifted away from the thought of what could happen to her as she sat in that waiting room. “The only option that was really discussed was surgery,” Ryleigh’s mom, Amanda Auberry said. “Radiation was discussed but only as an option if the surgery didn’t remove all the cancerous tissue.” “We were also advised we would have to have two surgeries a week apart,” Amanda said. “Typically the removal and reconstruction is done at the same time. However, the doctor wanted to test the removed tissue first to ensure the margins were clear of cancer.” A CAT scan and skin graft came after her first surgery. She visited doctors and surgeons, and waiting in the pre-op room for hours on end made it seem like white walls and latex smell of the hospital had become her new home. In her second surgery, the surgeons removed all of the cancerous tissue and help heal the wounded head. The doctors patched her head with a wrap soaked in antibiotics to prevent infections. They took skin from her stomach and placed a drainage tube across her abdomen. For three days after the final surgery she was immobile. “A week after my second surgery I had the third, which was basically a reconstruction surgery,” Ryleigh said. “I had to wait a week so they had time to do the pathology and make sure they got all of the cancerous tissue out of my head.” The drugs in her system numbed the pain of her numerous procedures and long doctor visits,

and now she’s cancer free. She still has physical and emotional scars from the traumatic events that took place during those excruciating August weeks. “I wear a hat around usually, but that’s more for the benefit of other people because I know it looks pretty gross and people can get kind of uncomfortable,” Ryleigh said. Ryleigh hasn’t been fazed by her diagnosis after her last surgery. She wants to be known as the girl who has Netflix playing on her laptop, eating Chinese from her favorite place, and texting her friends. After everything, she’s just a normal teenage girl who wants to be herself. Ryleigh’s battle with cancer was short, but that doesn’t mean it was easy. She dealt with the medical problems only to come back to school, where people harassed her with questions that made her feel like an outsider. Her father once asked her how she felt about school and how the kids there might react to her wound. Ryleigh told her father that she didn’t care about what other people thought of her. If they didn’t want to look, they could just look away. From getting the call about the diagnosis to the surgeries and endless hospital visits, her parents have been more proud of her than ever. Ryleigh proved that anyone can push through the worst of times and reminds us to be grateful for what we have. “She’s one of the toughest people I know and she’s my hero,” Ryan said. “The way she handled herself was noting short of inspiring and I am proud to call her my daughter.”

photo essay: insomnia

top: junior christian hanus, bottom: sophomore quinn weidemann, right: senior savana nawojski

INSOMNIA NEVER REALLY AWAKE—NEVER REALLY ASLEEP story by bridget mizener, design and photos by lauren chesire

“Y

ou look terrible.” I suppress a sound in the back of my throat, some guttural thing that’s part snort, part sigh, part chuckle, and all exasperation. Having stayed up until 5 a.m. the night (or maybe morning?) prior, I’m perfectly aware of my appearance. Heavy-lidded eyes. Dark circles. Ghostly pallor. Unresponsive, glazed-over stare. “Believe me, I know.” Like your average high schooler, I’m no stranger to being up all night. Sometimes it’s too much homework. Sometimes it’s too much Netflix. Often times, it’s both. But there are some nights when it’s dark and quiet and my eyes stay open. Some switch just refuses to click off. Thinking too much is one surefire way to keep yourself up, whether it’s by rehearsing imaginary

conversations in your head or playing out hypothetical scenarios with absurdly improbable endings. Worry, stress, anticipation, excitement—all can trigger pointless musings on what may be in the future or might have been in the past. And then there’s the nights where there’s nothing going on in your head. Writer’s block—lack of thought—is just as bad a torment as too much thinking. Have a big essay to write or art project to complete and can’t seem to write a single word or complete one brushstroke? I’ve fidgeted in bed for hours by the glow of my laptop, trying to produce a single worthwhile idea to no avail. Whatever the cause, sleeplessness’s symptoms

are just as miserable as the diagnosis. Whether it’s caused by too much musing or lack of a muse, it’s hard to find insomnia amusing.

photo essay: insomnia

top: junior chritian hanus, bottom: senior maya solarana

top left: senior maya solarana, bottom: senior savana nawojski

feature: union for contemporary art

UNION FOR

CONTEMPORARY

ART

STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH CREATIVITY story by emma kopplin, design by claire wilson, photos by abegale headlee

feature: union for contemporary art

he sound of children’s laughter emanates from the little, square shaped, brick building, making everyone who walks by smile. A small kiln for firing pots sits outside near the huge mural painted on the side of the building. Under this gigantic mural sits glistening black, teal, and blue pots cooling in the fall breeze. The Union for Contemporary Arts

Eck, said. “But I think they are very important to community and experiencing beauty, thought and looking deeper at things.” But they don’t only have art classes. They also have Kith meals, which are large gatherings or potlucks in the community, where anyone is welcome. They have a tool library where people can check out different tools, such as drills or a ceramics wheel, instead “IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE of buying them on A CHILD, AND A COMMUNITY their own. They offer TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” affordable - local artist, Bethany Kalk is a unique and creative organization that has made it their mission to support artists who have a hard time financially sustaining their craft, while also bringing the community closer together by using all sorts of different types of art and children’s programs. “The arts are often not given a lot of attention,” marketing agent for the organization Daphne

memberships to use art supplies such as a ceramics wheel, print shop and other things. But along with these amazing programs they have some they’re still developing as well. One of the programs that is continuously changing is the painting of murals that depict the neighborhood. The art brings a sense of sharing and community. At the time of their first opening, the Union was

able to hold about twelve kids per program. Ever since the demand for children to be exposed to the arts has only grown. The Union has now began to move into a new building about 4 times the size of their current one. Soon, they will be able to accommodate up to seventy kids. “A woman said to me, when people went for walks they would walk out[side] of the neighborhood where it [might be] safer,” program manager of the Union, Paige Reitz said. “But now they walk to our murals which are in the heart of the neighborhood. There’s trust.” This new communal trust is what The Union for Contemporary tries to achieve. They show us that artist aren’t people who will “never make it,” but they use art to heal the village of their neighborhood. As said on one of their newest murals, designed by local artist Bethany Kalk, “It takes a village to raise a child, and a community to make a difference.”

opinion: letter to my past self

DEAR ME

A LETTER TO MY PAST SELF story by nikki saner, design by megan murray, photo by abegale headlee

ear seven-year-old self, I want you to know that as you stand among all of your classmates in your red plaid shirt and jean skirt feeling like you don’t belong here or anywhere, one day it will all make sense. I know trying to figure out why you’re so different is tough, but just hang in there. Prepare yourself now—the life you’re going to live will not be accepted by society or your family. I can promise you this, though: one day, you will feel confident enough to hold the hand of the person you want to be with and not worry about the judgmental looks from people passing by. I want you to know that after years of constantly filling your mind with negativity and considering what could be wrong with you, you will come to understand that nothing is. Being able to have feelings for boys, girls, or anyone in between isn’t a disease, and no one needs to cure you. Mom and Dad aren’t going to cast you off as a freak, and your friends will love you exactly the same. You should never be afraid of trying to be someone new because you might just find yourself in the process. Coming out is a strange

concept; there isn’t some metaphorical closet that you step out of with immediate relief and acceptance waiting outside the door. Your friends will spend countless nights assuring you that you’re still the same person you were before—because you are. One day you’ll sit in your room, take a deep breath, and life will start to feel peaceful again. I also want you to know that after you find out what the word “pansexual” means and realize how well it describes you, you will be overwhelmed with self-acceptance and love. You’ll discover that being in love is more than the gender of your partner; you’re in love with who a person is. In essence, that’s exactly what pansexual means. By definition, the partners you choose are not limited by assigned sex, gender, or gender identity. Being a member of the queer community and loving yourself may seem like one of the hardest things you’ll ever accomplish. Try to remember, it won’t be long before you will want to strut down the street with this newfound self-love on display, and people will smile at you as you walk by. Follow your heart wherever it wants to take you, whether it is to the cute boy at the concert or the girl serving you a

latte in a coffee shop. I promise that loving yourself is the best decision you will ever make. I also need to apologize to you. I don’t know how to gently break it to you that you’re not going to be a world-famous pop star who also finds the cure for cancer. You’re not going to keep all your best friends. Out of all the promises you make to yourself, I can only assure you that one will hold true. You are going to continue to discover who you are and love every part of yourself. So, stand tall and proud in your first grade class. Despite your confusion, let your ambition take you wherever you want to go. Know that in 10 short years, you’ll love and accept yourself more than you thought possible. The most important thing to remember through all of this is that you’re not alone. Everywhere, there are little boys and girls (and even adults) trying to figure out who they are, just like you. There’s nothing in this world that’s too big for you to handle. Just make sure your eyes stay bright and there’s love in your heart for every person that you meet. Love, Nikki

music: mashups

HIT UP THESE MASHUPS SONGS TO UNIFY ANGSTY TEENS EVERYWHERE story, design, and photo illustrations by lilli marvin

etâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be real. As high schoolers, we want to challenge everything in our lives. Which political candidate is better, whose Yeezys are more fly. One of the biggest controversial points amongst rebellious teens everywhere is music. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearly impossible to find two similar playlists; no two tastes in music the same. However, one thing that can unite the divided and inspire the unwilling is the power of the mashups. In the following reviews, artists across the globe carefully cultivate songs and skillfully mash them together in a super-track of talent. These songs have pioneered new genres and brought together dueling fanbases across the country. Although they may have started off as songs exclusive to their respective genres, the final product is one with the ability to unite clashing high schoolers across the nation.

BLENDED TRENDS LET IT HAPPEN // TAME IMPALA BLUE ORCHID // WHITE STRIPES HEARBREAKER // LED ZEPPELIN HIGHER GROUND // STEVIE WONDER DEMON DAYS // GORILLAZ BLACK SKINHEAD // KANYE WEST SAY IT AIN’T SO // WEEZER AVE, LUCIFER // OS MUTANTES

TAME IMPALA + STEVIE WONDER

music: mashups

Remember Me/Supersition // Allegro “Superstition” is iconic, maybe even legendary; Allegro pushed the envelope when attempting to tackle it in this mashup. When any artist reworks famous songs, they automatically put themselves under a hypercritical microscope. Since everyone knows and loves the original, it’s obvious to the listener what works and what doesn’t. Allegro executes this nearly impossible task by seamlessly weaving records released decades apart into a funky, electronic-yet-old-school song.

This mashup combines Stevie Wonder’s iconic funk style with a modern day psychedelic electronic rock sound that would’ve been considered treasonous back in the original age of Wonder. Tame Impala’s progressive tempo gives “Superstition” a new fresh, trippy ambience. When combined, “Remember Me” adds another layer of dynamics to “Superstition.” A welcome supplement to the generally flat song, the combination of Tame Impala and Stevie Wonder sets a precedent for an upcoming new funky genre guaranteed to please.

LED ZEPPELIN + WHITE STRIPES

Icky Kinky Love // DJ Zebra The White Stripes and Led Zeppelin have cultivated their respective fan bases across the globe based on sheer talent. Jack White, frontman of the White Stripes, is infamous for his sloppy, intense guitar licks that always command the attention of fans. With his confrontational riffs and instrumentals, he has created a following that encompasses the globe. Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” released on their iconic album, “II,” has captivated generations of classic rock worshipers. Brought together, the two powerhouses of artists can only produce something legendary.

Accompanied by the intense, sturdy bassline and drumbeat of “Icky Thump,” “Whole Lotta Love”’s guitar riffs set the stage for what’s to come. The combination gives listeners a hint of each respective artist while introducing a fusion of decades worth of rock, creating a track that transcends time and exceeds expectations. As the song progresses, DJ Zebra layers the instrumentals so each phrase entices the listener, constantly leaving us wondering what will come next. Lyrics, choruses, stanzas all intertwine into a symphony of head-banging rock and roll.

Kanye West + Weezer

music: mashups

Yeezer // Alex Hodowance Kanye West, Yeezus himself, electrified citizens and Twitter feeds across the nation during the VMAs with his Video Vanguard acceptance speech, announcing his presidential campaign in 2020. Yeezus also made other headlines that month, being one of the two artists featured in the viral hit “Weezer.” After spending a cumulative three years mixing tracks of Weezer and Kanye West between college courses, University of Ohio student Alex Hodowance’s mixtape “Yeezer” was ready to drop. Weezer, alt-rock super-band, are best known for their chart topping hits “Beverly Hills” and “Buddy Holly.” Yet, despite their cult following, Weezer’s fan base pales in comparison to the global empire Kanye West has established for

himself. Magnitude of fan bases aside, “Yeezer” presents a comprehensive album of smash hits from each artist’s collection. For three years, Hodowance meticulously listened to thousands of instrumental and vocal tracks by the two artists, finding which tracks, beats, and lyrics best complimented each other. The result was a nine-track album highlighting the individual characteristics of each artist. “American Island” may be most representative of this technique; mashing up Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” and Kanye West’s “American Girl.” Whether you are a die-hard fan of Yeezus, have followed Weezer since the beginning, or simply are in for a unique new genre combining rap and alt rock, Yeezer is guaranteed to satisfy.

Gorillaz + Os Mutantes Not Really Good Inc. // Raphael Bertazi “Feel Good Inc.” is a staple on every high schooler’s playlist. Everyone’s familiar with the devilish laugh murmuring at you between vocals and the bass line that always seems to worm its way into your head for the rest of the day. However, the Os Mutantes are completely foreign to most teens in the modern age of pop. A Brazilian rock band from the ‘70s, the Mutantes not only bring foreign language to the table, but the eclectic sound of the Brazilian ‘70s. Despite the sharp contrast of the genres, DJ Raphael Bertazi manages to mash these opposing

sounds into a soulful track so flawless it could be an original release. Known for his skillful mixes between not only genres but also languages, Bertazi combines the tracks flawlessly, allowing each artist to take the mic throughout the track. Bertazi structures “Not Really Good Inc.” with a call and response between the Mutantes’s soulful hums and the Gorillaz’s electronic, alternative raps. It takes true talent to merge music genres decades apart from cultures across the globe into a universal track that promises to please listeners of any country.

anonymous column

I’VE BEEN CAUGHT STUDENT COPES WITH THE STRUGGLES OF ANOREXIA story by an anonymous student

ighter. Sharper. Thinner. Voices filled my head with made-up lies about my body. My head told me to be thinner. To be prettier. To be better. The voices were lying to me. They told me things that tore my insides apart. Things I couldn’t wrap my head around. I believed the things the voices told me, and why wouldn’t I? I believed myself because I trusted myself for the longest time. In the eleventh grade I struggled with who I wanted to be. What I wanted to look like. Who I wanted to be friends with. I wanted to be pretty for “who I was” inside, and to be the person my friends thought I was. Being thin in my eyes was equal to being beautiful. My thighs were chunky, my cheeks were shaped like potatoes, and my stomach hung out of every pair of pants I owned. I was uncomfortable in my own skin. I wanted out of the body I had—I did just that—I got out.

My mom scheduled an annual doctor’s check-up. The doctor goes through the same checklist year after year—arches in your feet, straight spine, and any other thing a doctor can do to you in an hour’s visit. I weighed 94.3 pounds. My doctor got nervous, making this normal trip to the doctor into something much more than that. She ran her hand down my spine and noticed how my ribs jabbed out of my sides like daggers. She noticed how my pants were secured with safety pins and my belt was on the smallest loop. I felt the sting of her eyes on me like a little kid anticipating a spank from her parents. My stomach flipped in circles. I’d been caught. Their eyes watched me, making sure that every last bite of food was chewed and swallowed. The thoughts and feelings never stopped. Even after getting medical help I fell back into the same routine. My mind filling my head with, “You aren’t thin enough.

100 pounds? How could you. You’re disgusting. If you keep eating you’ll feel a different kind of pain.” My mind threatened myself. That’s when I started cutting. No one would ever know. The blood that oozed down my sides made up for the snack I had eaten that day. Then it stopped. It all stopped. The thoughts, the hate, even the drive for a new pain. I talked to people about what I had been doing and wrote myself encouraging notes and letters to read when I was struggling. Every once in a while, I still fall apart into a mascara-stained puddle. I soak into my bed and stay there until I can feel the corners of my lips turn up. That’s when it’s gone. I forgot all about it. I’m waiting for my life to be free from the bad days. Free from my own hurtful thoughts. When I leave for college next year, I’ll be given a new start. I plan to grow from the tears. To grow into a person I’d be proud to say I know.

feature: bedroom tours

CLOSED QUARTERS THE HIDDEN GEMS WITHIN OUR FOUR WALLS

story by sabrina severin, design and photos by kyndall goodwin

t was there when we moved in. A meaningless corkboard on the wall above where my bed would eventually go. But over time, this corkboard became home to my most fond memories. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve pinned old, faded tickets from movies, concerts, and sporting events on the board. Posters of my favorite artwork from the Museo Nacional del Prado in Spain that I once visited hang next to pictures with friends and my boyfriend capturing my favorite moments. The only medal Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever received also hangs on the board. I won it from placing first in a soccer tournament. It was the only tournament my team and I ever competed in. Not only did we all walk away with medals, but

also tomato colored faces thanks to the sun. The medal hangs to remind me that I can accomplish something if I try my hardest. These faded tickets and old post cards are more than pieces of paper. Not only does this part of my room make me feel nostalgic, it also makes my room mine. My corkboard holds some of my most cherished memories from traveling, loved ones, and friends. It represents me. Everyone has their own unique room that represents who they are. Craze wanted to feature these rooms. Craze is featuring sophomore Ellie Hellman and senior Levi DeVries to show what makes their rooms unique. Open the door and take a look for yourself.

ELLIE HELLMAN SOPHOMORE

“I LIKE TO HAVE A LOT OF STUFF THAT SAYS MY NAME SO IT FEELS LIKE MY CRIB.” -sophomore Ellie Hellman

feature: bedroom tours

LEVI DEVRIES SENIOR

“I USED TO WORK AT THE MOVIE THEATRE, SO OVER THE 2 YEARS I WORKED THERE I GRABBED LEFT OVER POSTERS THAT THEY HAD AND PUT THEM ON THE THE BOOK ROOM OF MY WALL” - senior Levi DeVries

feature: block 16

SWEET (AND SAVORY) 16 OMAHA’S PREMIER SANDWICH SHOP story, design and photos by audrey mccann

1611 FARMAN ST.

andwiches are a staple for everyone. We all grew up with a classic peanut butter and jelly, but as time passed, we grew, and so did our taste. Our moms’ homemade sandwiches were tossed in the trash and we all moved on to what we thought were bigger and better things. I myself had abandonded the sandwich completely, but after visiting Block 16, I am back on the bandwagon. As I walked into Block 16, I was immediately cast under the same yelloworange light in which the rest of the restaurant was bathing. There were happy customers sitting at the large oak tables, chatting, dipping fries in sauce. There was a line quickly forming so I grabbed a spot. I bobbed my head along to the Counting Crows playing along softly in the background as I mulled over my options. The packed chalkboard menu was overwhelming. I stepped up to the counter

and looked at the waitress Community College, who was waiting patiently originally planned to for my order. On an use their skills to open impulse, I settled on the a gourmet restaurant, Croque Garcon. but after finding the The sandwich was a far perfect location that cry from my elementary just happened to have school PB&J, built with a previously been a generous heap of gourmet sandwich shop, they toppings—a farm fresh changed their plan and over-easy egg, a one-third pound ground beef patty, ham, cheese, mustard, and truffle mayo— piled on a fresh ciabatta -Server Alex Shaddy bun. It was heaven, and the signature Block 16 was born. side, spicy “dragon This restaurant is a fries,” complimented it hidden gem, featuring effortlessly. Hand-cut and incredible sandwiches and fried to perfection, they an even better staff. were also drizzled with Three-year employee Block 16’s specialty sauce, Alex Shaddy said it best: a house favorite developed “The only thing I know by co-owner and chef about this place is we all Paul Urban. Urban and love the food and each his wife Jessica, both other...not a crew like this trained at Metropolitan anywhere else.”

“THE ONLY THING I KNOW ABOUT THIS PLACE IS WE ALL LOVE THE FOOD AND EACH OTHER—[THERE’S] NOT A CREW LIKE THIS ANYWHERE ELSE”

review: music in movies

SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE MUSICAL SCORES IGNITE FEELINGS WITHIN US ALL story by erin kruger, design by abby hack, photos by lilli marvin

magine the opening credits of “Star Wars” missing the John Williams theme song or “Titanic” without Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” It’s safe to say that without music, movies would be lame. Movie soundtracks, not the superheroes starring in them, are the real heroes of all great movies. Playing in the background, many people don’t realize that the music has to complement the story to heighten the magic. In all of cinemas greatest masterpiece’s, music helps tell the story in a way that dialogue can’t. Song placement helps carry the plot and give the viewers intimate details about the characters and their moods. While the purpose of a soundtrack is to be a background for the film, it can be so much more. The soundtrack to a movie has the potential to make or break it.

THE GRADUATE // Simon & Garfunkel and Dave Grusin

his soundtrack creates the perfect atmosphere for the 1967 dramedy, “The Graduate.” Originally, composer Dave Grusin was lined up to write the film score, but director Mike Nichols made a bold decision at the last minute. He asked folkrock duo Simon & Garfunkel to include their own music along with Grusin’s compositions. At the time, movie soundtracks were solely composed of an original score written for the film, and pop and rock musicians were rarely featured in movies. Nichols’s decision changed everything and resulted in a groundbreaking soundtrack for the film industry. Paul Simon’s intricately crafted lyrics are every bit as sarcastic and poignant as the film and were smash hits

in their own right, as well as earning critical acclaim on the big screen. Standout tracks include “April Come She Will” and “Mrs. Robinson.” “April Come She Will” focuses on the progression of a romantic relationship through several months. The song’s changing tone matches the shifting dynamic between the film’s main characters, Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson. Simon wrote the most iconic song of the soundtrack, “Mrs. Robinson,” to compliment Ben’s sardonic wit. Although Simon & Garfunkel blew their listeners away, the tracks by Grusin clashed with the folk-rock tunes. Grusin’s pieces are fine on their own, but they don’t mix well with Simon & Garfunkel. This soundtrack would’ve been better off with just the folk music alone.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY // Various Artists

his is the movie soundtrack everyone has been raving about for over a year. Its importance is apparent because of its large impact on the characters’ backstory. As a child, protagonist Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is given the “Awesome Mix Vol. 1” by his dying mother (on a cassette tape!). The mixtape becomes a larger part of the scenes and the plot throughout the film. The mix is extremely eclectic, ranging from ‘60s soul to ‘70s girl punk and rock. When watching “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the soundtrack is really what sets the film apart from most action movies by occasionally giving it a comedic, lighthearted feel. There are a lot of great songs like “O-o-h Child” by Five Stairsteps, “Moonage Daydream” by David

Bowie, and “Cherry Bomb” by The Runaways. However, I don’t think the soundtrack is extremely impressive. The soul music like “O-o-h Child” does a good job of supplementing the happy and comforting moments in the film, while the girl punk music brings viewers the edgy vibes of Peter Quill and his unique crew about to go fight for the galaxy. But aside from a few gems, the soundtrack’s collection of hits is underwhelming. These songs made the movie feel unintentionally corny at times. For this kind of movie, different songs or artists could’ve expressed the feel of the film better, like Journey or David Bowie (e.g. Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars). These musicians are more electrifying, like the movie was.

review: music in movies

ROMEO + JULIET // Various Artists

movie soundtrack can really set the time period for the story. As we all know from English class, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a tragic story of love and death during the Italian Renaissance. However, in director Baz Luhrmann’s interpretation, Romeo and Juliet are trendy Californian teenagers in the 1990s. So, the soundtrack exemplifies what the kids of that time listened to. It’s full of angst and confusion, just like the protagonists. Luhrmann, who also directed films such as “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Great Gatsby,” is known for his extremely colorful, vibrant, and hyper films. “Romeo + Juliet” is no exception to this rule. In the more fast-paced moments of the movie,

the soundtrack doesn’t do the scenes justice. It feels misplaced and the music doesn’t always stay consistent with the film; perhaps that was Luhrmann’s vision. At softer, sweeter moments, we hear songs like “Angel” by Gavin Friday, giving a youthful and intimate feel to the romantic scene it accompanies. The slower and mushier songs during the intimate scenes only make it easier for teenage girls to fall in love with Leonardo DiCaprio all over again. Other great tracks are “Lovefool” by The Cardigans and “Talk Show Host” by Radiohead. These tunes enhance the fast-paced vibe of the plotline. The songs can be just as rambunctious and mystifying as the story of the star-crossed lovers, but it doesn’t always work out well in the movie.

RUSHMORE // Mark Mothersbaugh

’m a little bit biased, but I think Wes Anderson is a genius. His films are elaborate, vivacious, and thought provoking. He blends pleasant color schemes, clever characters, and creative plots to construct unique films. His soundtracks don’t fall short either; they’re outstanding. This especially applies to Anderson’s sophomoric film, “Rushmore.” Mark Mouthersbaugh, the lead singer of the American rock band Devo, composed the film score selections. The scored pieces work well in the movie because they never distract from the scene. The score features a nylon-stringed guitar and an occasional harpsichord with a “hipster” vibe. Most importantly, Anderson chooses great pop and

rock music from the ‘60s and ‘70s. The highlights of the soundtrack include “Ooh La La” by Faces, which is played during a slow motion dance scene at the end after the main character, Max, has redeemed himself. In addition, “The Wind” by Cat Stevens and “Making Time” by the Creation work in tandem to show the duality of Max’s personality. While he tries to be rebellious—as the Creation would be—he’s truly sensitive like the ever-peaceful Cat Stevens. There are also selections from jazz musicians like Yves Montand and Zoot Sims. The popular music on the soundtrack really evokes the feelings of the characters in a unique and smart way, and makes Anderson’s film soundtracks better than those of any other director.

“MRS. ROBINSON” BY SIMON & GARFUNKEL “SOUNDS OF SILENCE” BY SIMON & GARFUNKEL “#1 CRUSH” BY GARBAGE “LOVEFOOL” BY THE CARDIGANS “MOONAGE DAYDREAM” BY DAVID BOWIE “CHERRY BOMB” BY THE RUNAWAYS “MAKING TIME” BY THE CREATION “OOH LA LA” BY FACES

feature: fall fashion

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR ROSY TONES AND FRESH KICKS story by erin kruger, design by kirsten mccormack, photos by kirsten mccormack and collin koory ATTENTION CALIFORNIA: You’re really missing out. You may get to strut around on hot, sandy beaches all year long, clad in your bikinis and sunglasses. You may get to lounge by vineyards and oceanic views, drinking iced tea. During any month of the year, you may enjoy spending time in the sun with your feet on the warm pavement. You have the skin-kissed bodies, bro-tanks, and flip flops that we can show off for only a few brief months. For you… Summer. Never. Ends. But I guess I’ll let it slide. Autumn is the cool transitional period for the fashion world. There’s something about fall that us teens just love. We post pictures on Instagram with our boots, sweaters, and seasonal pumpkin beverages. Going to a football game or the pumpkin patch, we wear our toasty jackets and sweatshirts. Cute boots are always appropriate for trips to the apple orchard, and sweaters are practically required at Thanksgiving. We love fall weather because we don’t sweat through our clothes and embarrass ourselves like all of those sweaty, tie-dyed Californian hippies. On the other hand, we also won’t freeze to death. Plus, pretty much everyone looks cool in autumnal hues. W

KAMAL AHMED SOPHOMORE

PAIGE MODLIN JUNIOR

TOM HOGLUND SENIOR

diy: hair tutorials

HAIR TUTORIALS

GET THE LOOK YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF story by anne stepanek, pictures by abegale headlee, design by claire wilson

ophomore Abby Yerkes’s features stand bold against her ivory skin. Her dark maroon lips frame a gleaming smile and her brown eyes shine. The journey to figuring out how to do her hair has been a struggle. Since starting high school, Yerkes has been trying to find her true identity. During the process Yerkes discovered some of the things she liked about vintage style. “Last year I was in the phase where you don’t really know who you are or what you want to dress like,” Yerkes said. “During the summer and over the past few years I really liked vintage clothing, hairstyles, and how they dressed and did their makeup and stuff so I looked into it more.” One of Yerkes’s signature styles are victory rolls, a classic ‘40s style. Yerkes

hasn’t been doing them for long but they’re one of her favorite hairstyles. While victory rolls might look easy to do, they can be a challenge when you’re first learning them. The first couple times I kind of did it but I kind of didn’t. It took me a while to actually learn how to roll it, but it’s so easy now,” Yerkes said. “It takes like five minutes for me to do it.” Having an individual look that differs from everyone else is something that Yerkes takes pride in. She finally realized she doesn’t have to be identical to all of her friends. “Last year I tried to be like all be like all my other friends but this year I began to realize that I’m my own person,” Yerkes said. “I can do whatever I want and I just wanted to be different.”

diy: hair tutorials

COTTON CANDY BUN

WHAT YOU NEED: brush headband clips (optional)

DIRECTIONS: Put a ponytail near the center of your head. Tease your pony to add volume and texture. Once you have the desired volume, wrap your hair around the center of the ponytail to shape the bun. Pin it down to secure it. The bun should be large and have quite a bit of texture. Your bun should look something like Tinker Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hair. Add a headband or a clip to your cute new hairstyle.

VICTORY ROLLS WHAT YOU NEED: bobby pins hair spray clips (optional)

DIRECTIONS: Decide how much hair you want to use in your victory roll. Using your hairspray, coat a medium-sized chunk of your hair to keep it from frizzing while you work on it. Brush your hair out to get rid of any knots. Take two fingers and curl the hair around them to make a circle. Once itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rolled up, pin it down where you want it to go and cover it with hairspray it so that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come undone or get frizzy. The rest of your hair can then be put it in a bun, a ponytail or leave it down. You do you.

feature: foreign exchange students

CULTURE SHOCK COMING TO AMERICA FROM FAR, FAR AWAY story by kati stanzel, design by abby hack photos by abegale headlee

here’s that girl again, walking into history class, making a beeline for her chair. When she raises her hand to answer a question, her voice carries a hint of an accent. She’s intriguing. Suddenly, students surround her—her bright smile fades as the questions pour in. “Why does your voice sound weird?” “Do you hate foreigners?” Too many questions, too little time. There’s another boy in chemistry class who walks with poise and grace, smiling at everybody who walks by. But his confidence is broken when people run up to interrogate him about his clothes, his

face, why he’s so different. Both are foreign exchange students These teenagers have interesting stories to tell, but we often don’t listen. People bombard them with inappropriate questions and judgmental stares. We fail to realize that these students aren’t just accessories to the school, but actual human beings with captivating stories to tell. To truly understand and learn from them, we have to ask the questions that tell us the more important things—things that make them who they are. These students are more than the country they represent; this is who they really are.

MIRA YARKOVA, UKRAINE

HER FAVORITE... AMERICAN FOOD: HAMBURGERS UKRAINIAN FOOD: BORSCHT AMERICAN BAND: GUNS AND ROSES UKRAINIAN SINGER: OKEAN ELZY

ira Yarkova is a girl filled with hope. She walks the halls with confidence in her step, always sporting her unique sense of style. Her eclectic wardrobe consists of muted colors and knee-high boots. Her words are spoken carefully and kindly; it’s natural for her to be compassionate and empathetic towards others. Yarkova has lived in a country mired in conflict, but that hasn’t deterred her dreams of going to college one day. “Nobody cares that you paid a lot of money for college,” Yarkova said. “The war doesn’t care.” Despite difficulty in her life, Yarkova’s life mission has always been to help others. She’s a teacher wherever she goes, helping people learn about Ukraine and its culture. She wants to start her own business dedicated to building rehabilitation centers and finding qualified workers to help disabled Ukrainian children get a quality education. “In [Ukrainian] boarding schools and hospitals, [handicapped] children are treated very poorly,” Yarkova said. “I want to make it better because these kids are the next generation of Ukrainians.”

feature: foreign exchange students

DENISE KOECKE GERMANY

enise Koecke’s a girl who will tell you how it is— she’s spunky and gets right to the point in conversation. She is confident in who she is and what she’s here for. Koecke came to America on a mission. “I’m trying to reduce some stereotypes, which increases tolerance, and then that leads to world peace,” she said. Many things that people say to Koecke are inappropriate and out of place, but the questions don’t really bother her. “Some people even ask me if I liked Hitler, but I don’t think it’s a real question,” she said. “Why would I be here if I hated foreigners?” Despite this, it doesn’t stop her from having a good attitude; these questions are ridiculous to her and she usually ends up just laughing them off. Koecke also made the junior varsity volleyball team, which helped her build new friendships in America. Her time on the team let her truly experience what it’s like to have school spirit. “I’ve met some incredible people here, and I feel that Americans are really open to making new relationships,” she said. Koeke’s participation on the junior varsity team was a unique experience that she’ll never forget. The kind people she’s met motivates her to fulfill her mission while meeting new, exciting people along the way.

HER FAVORITE... AMERICAN FOOD: FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES GERMAN FOOD: GRANDMA’S HOMEMADE PASTA GERMAN BAND: RAMMSTEIN ENGLISH WORD: SHMUCK

JASON CHAN CHINA

HIS FAVORITE... AMERICAN FOOD: STEAK CHINESE FOOD: SUSHI AMERICAN BAND: MAROON 5 CHINESE BAND: NONE

ason Chan is hard to miss; his 6-foot-4 frame towers over everybody in the hallway. But people know him better for his kindness—his gentle and reserved personality shines through despite his quiet nature. To Chan, the different mannerisms and traditions Americans hold closest to our hearts are strange. He’s fascinated by America and is comfortable living here because it is so much like Hong Kong, but he recognizes the differences between the two as well. “Something interesting I see is people saying ‘hi’ to each other when they are walking down the street,” Chan said. “It’s different because in Hong Kong, there are so many more people.” Chan still gets homesick but it doesn’t bother him as much as it used to. He is used to life in Omaha, but New York is more like his hometown in Hong Kong. Without having access to as much public transportation as he’s used to, it’s hard for Chan to get out and do the things he wants to. “It’s very hard for me, but the people here are very sincere,” he said. “It’s easier for me to get to know more about American culture with kind people to talk to.”

feature: foreign exchange students

AMY URICK JAPAN

ancing is a way of life for Amy Urick. Music has introduced the petite Japanese student to a number of wonderful people ready to welcome her into American society. Her involvement with Westside’s theatre program made her realize how kind American people really are—they’re very easy to talk to and greet her with smiles on their faces. Urick played a dancer in Westside’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” “I’ve done many musicals in Japan, but “Fiddler” was different because everybody was so talented,” Urick said. “It was a good experience for me.” Urick dances ballet, hip-hop, and is currently learning jazz. She loves to try new things and it’s easy for her to make friends; it’s made it easier for her to adapt to American society. “I’m kind of shy, but ever since I started the musical and show choir people come and talk to me now,” Urick said. “It made me feel like I belong here.” Being away from home was hard at first, but Urick has become more comfortable with it. She frequently stays in contact with her family and loves it when seeing her brothers and sisters over FaceTime. “They’re supporting me even though we aren’t living together and that’s what makes me feel so strong,” Urick said.

HER FAVORITE... AMERICAN FOOD: SCOTCHEROOS JAPANESE FOOD: MISO SOUP AMERICAN SINGER: ADELE

playlist: hibernate

HIBERNATE playlist, design, and photo by harper newell

Moody // Best Coast Turn Me Well // Micachu & The Shapes Hello // Stary Cat Never Meant // American Football Border Line // King Krule

17 // Youth Lagoon Remember // Alex G Renee // SALES

opinion: stereotypes

BE YOURSELF AND LET OTHERS DO THE SAME story by collin koory, design and photo illustration by kirsten mccormack

hen I signed up for classes at the end of last school year, I was surprisingly excited for what was in store. Fashion and Craze Magazine were both on my schedule. I’ve always been passionate about fashion, and Craze was something new and interesting. These classes are typically viewed as feminine, but that didn’t cross my mind. It also didn’t occur to me that my friends would be judgmental and non-supportive. I soon found that these classes would change my perspective of myself and of the people I thought were my friends. On the first day of school, an upperclassman in my homeroom asked about my classes. He asked why I wasn’t taking engineering or other electives “boys usually take.” I calmly told him I wanted to do something I enjoy. While trying to suppress my anger, we talked more about Craze, and he began to hint that he thought I was gay several times before outwardly asking it. My jaw dropped. Initially, my instinct was to yell at him, to call him out for being so ignorant. He said Craze was only for “extremist liberals” with “hardcore feminist views.” Just because these

classes are generally taken by girls, it doesn’t mean they have genders. Stereotyping has always been an issue. Whether a victim or a perpetrator, people are victimized by the way they look, the way they dress, and for dozens of other reasons. The new global culture and mainstream media perpetuates stereotypes constantly through news, television, and other types of propaganda. This has caused certain stereotypes to be accepted by the majority of the population. I’ve had my fair share of being labeled, and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t stereotyped before. Take it from me: before you stereotype someone, get to know them—maybe you’ll like them. And even if you don’t, it’s not that hard to treat them with respect. Just because you enjoy things that they don’t doesn’t mean you have to make fun of somebody for it. If someone is rude; kill them with kindness. It will eventually come back to them. So to all the people that are reading this: be passionate about what you like to do. Give it your all, whether it’s a sport, singing, or anything else. Be the best you can be and let the haters motivate you. Prove them wrong and break those stereotypes.

photo essay: sweaty people

SWEATY PITS AND ALL THE HUMAN REACTION OF WORKING YOUR BUTT OFF story and photos by grace wolfe, design by kirsten mccormack Sweat is beautiful. A sweaty forehead is glaring proof that we’ve worked to hard to accomplish a goal. If you’ve ever stared at a person after they’ve worked out (it’s not weird, I swear), it’s hard not to acknowledge the simple beauty of a flushed face. It’s when we’re most raw; no makeup is worn, hair isn’t coifed to perfection. It’s a natural state of being that goes unappreciated, and that’s why it’s the muse of this photo essay, sweaty pits and all.

STUDENTS FEATURED: (FIRST PAGE, TOP LEFT): YASMIN TARUI (FIRST PAGE, TOP RIGHT): JOWE TOMBI (FIRST PAGE, BOTTOM LEFT): KESLIE WATSON (SECOND PAGE, TOP): JACK CONNELLY (SECOND PAGE, BOTTOM): DEJA MOSS

a&e: what’s in your bag?

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?

HOW YOUR BAG REPRESNTS WHO YOU ARE story by kyndall goodwin, design by stephanie dong, photos by abegale headlee

veryone lugs around a bag, whether it be a smelly gym bag or backpack. We carry purses to keep Chapstick, pencils, and gum wrappers all in one place. The things in your bag may seem like meaningless stuff, but among the trash there are things we value. These random objects can tell stories about you; no backpack is exactly the same. The majority of us carry Northface backpacks, including me. While the exteriors are similar, the contents vary. My backpack is pretty organized in comparison to the average teenager. I have all my pencils in one spot, gum in one pocket, and pear scented hand sanitizer in a different compartment. Most of the contents in my backpack are ordinary school necessities. There are some things in my backpack are unique to me. For example, I have a mini, blue dream catcher I

bought from the Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota. It’s worn, the feathers and beads have been ripped off, but it has hung on my backpack for over a year. Dangling next to my dream catcher I have a Taylor Swift keychain so I could add it to my collection of memories. All of these things remind me of where I’ve been and who I am. The small details are what distinguish you from everyone else. Sophomore Autumn Muller has multiple Spiderman knick-knacks hanging from her backpack. There are a few with broken chains floating at the bottom of her backpack. Other than the few-fractured Spiderman key chains, everything in her backpack has a place. There are notebooks and folders in one pocket, a collection of multicolored pens in the small front pouch. From this you can tell she’s a well-organized person. Tucked in between her notebooks is a

small sketchbook that Muller uses to practice drawing. Her creativity is shown through her realistic sketches of people posing. Even the most basic backpacks have things that make them different from the rest. Sophomore Lily Parizek has a typical black Northface, but the red cheer bow is the first thing to stand out. Other than the little red ribbon, there’s nothing else that really stands out on the surface, but when we dive inside you see otherwise. Parizek has a photo of her cats to keep her motivated during the day. On the surface people may blend in with the crowd but on the inside, their values differ them from the rest. Many of us try to hide our differences when we should actually appreciate them because our differences separate us from the crowd. They affect everything, even what’s in your backpack.

AVA BOWMAN JUNIOR

SLIDE TO UNLOCK WHAT DOES YOUR SCREENSAVER SAY ABOUT YOU?

story by megan murray, design by abby hack, photos found by abby hack and carly chesterman

t all started in middle school with One Direction greeting me every time I opened my iPod touch. Every time my screen lit up, the smiles on those boys’ faces sent me into a swooning trance. I wasted hours scrolling through pictures of Harry Styles with adoring fans wishing I were one of them. This was a time when I was willing to put my interests and passions on display, not caring who saw. Then there was my girl power phase. I was a freshman ready to take on the challenges of high school with only the support of my homegirls. I didn’t have a boyfriend, and I didn’t see one coming my way any time soon. This left me to spend all my time with my five best friends. Candid BFF pictures with layer after

“MY LOCKSCREEN HAS EVOLVED ALONG WITH ME”

layer of filters occupied my lockscreen for months. Eventually the friendships vanished, and so did my background. Now, my lock screen is a simple, solid lavender. Nothing eye-catching, nothing unique. Not to say that I’m boring, but I now have this background to comfort me. I chose this soft purple because it’s the exact color of my room. Every time I check my phone, I’m reminded of my safe place. It provides me with a sense of warmth and comfort. I’m taking pleasure in the little things in life, like my home screen. Over the years, my lockscreen has evolved along with me. I’ve gone from fangirling over a British boy band to choosing a simple lockscreen with a deeper meaning. It takes me hours of flipping back and forth between pictures to decide which one to be my screensaver. We put in effort—whether we mean to or not—on deciding what will be our background, and this means that the lockscreens that keep us out of others’ phones actually might give us a pretty good idea about what’s going on in their lives.

STUDENTS FEATURED FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT trevor mumford // 11 william larson // 10 max goldberg // 11

dylan van hill // 11 sophie knudson // tess secora // 11

nick trude // 12 nick gross // 12 broc richardson // 10

photo essay: bathroom graffiti

PRIVY TO PUBLIC SECRETS WRITTEN ON STALL WALLS design and photos by harper newell

photo essay: bathroom graffiti

diy: breaking in shirts

BREAKING IT IN HOW TO ADD YEARS OF WEAR TO YOUR FAVORITE SHIRTS story by emma molden, design by jenna hynek, photos by abegale headlee There’s nothing that compares to putting on that old, broken-in camp t-shirt—one that, over the years, has softened to a material money can’t buy and has holes in all the right places. Sometimes, though, the feel of the shirt is not as imoortant as the story behind it. When a shirt is passed down from a family member, it seems more important than any other. For sophomore Ellie Hellman, the background of the white button-down short sleeve t-shirt is more than the fabric, and it all started when her parents were in college. “The shirt started as my dad’s, he gave it to

my mom, and now it’s mine,” Hellman said. “When my mom went to visit my dad once freshman year, he gave her one of his fraternity shirts. It’s actually super cute and makes me happy thinking about all the history it has.” The Beta Theta Pi shirt has a vintage look. By followling these simple steps you can make any of your favorite t-shirts look and feel wellloved. We all have our favorite t-shirts, but each and every one of them would be better if they had that perfect comfortable feel. Here’s a little cheat to achieve that look and feel in minutes.

DIRECTIONS all your materials—you’ll need salt, sandpaper, and 1. Grab washing soda (also called “soda ash” or “soda crystals”).

2. Combine all your materials into your washing machine. the washer three times on high heat to allow the 3.Run salt and soda mixture to break down the shirt and add softness. After, toss the shirt in the dryer on high heat for one cycle.

wish, take sandpaper and scrub until you get 4. Iftheyoudesired amount of holes and the shirt appears to

be worn in. To finish off the shirt, throw it back in the washer and dry normally. Finally, when you’re done, admire your newly old t-shirt.

feature: cora kroeger

CAKE BOSS SENIOR’S TALENTS TAKE THE CAKE

story by monica jansky, design by jenna hynek, photo illustration by abegale headlee

f you’re anything like me, sifting flour, scrambling eggs, and kneading dough are skills that don’t suit your character. If you’re even more like me, attempting to play chef may have resulted in a few kitchen fires. It’s safe to say that not everyone has the typical homemade baking skills like their grandmother. Senior Cora Kroeger holds a hidden talent that not everyone can master—she bakes. Ever since she was little, Kroeger has navigated her way around a kitchen. From baking fresh homemade cookies to devoting half a day making cakes, Kroeger makes sure that every baked good contains perfectly measured ingredients and a

well-balanced, appealing taste. Kroeger has considered opening up her own bakery one day in the future to make and sell her treats for everyone to enjoy. As a step towards that goal, her Senior Project proposal is to publish her very own cookbook called “The Young Chef ’s Guide To Hosting, Cookery, and Everything In Between.” Let’s face it: not everyone has the amazing baking skills that Kroeger was gifted with. Baking homemade cookies or detailing outstanding pastries is a hard thing to successfully do. But as Kroeger says, “Everyone has their own hidden talents. Sometimes you just have to take the time to find yours.”

Q & A WITH CORA KROEGER Q: When did you first start baking? been helping my mom in the kitchen for a long time, A: IbuthaveI didn’t really get into baking until I started high school. Q: How did you learn all of your skills? A:

I am 100% self taught. I just follow the recipes and things work out well for me.

Q: Why do you love baking? is] such a wonderful thing to do to make other people A: [Baking happy. I love seeing the smiles on a person’s face when I give them the things I cook.

calendar

WHAT’S HAPPENING... EVENTS IN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

NOV.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Mid America Center, 7:30 p.m.

NOV.

HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD Sokol Auditorium, 7 p.m.

NOV.

26 70

MR. WHS Westside High School, 7 p.m.

THANKSGIVING Your Grandmother’s dining room, seated next to your weird uncle. Meal served at 3 p.m.

NOV.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Saturdays Nov 28- Dec 26, 7 - 8 p.m., check holidayfestival.org for each performance location.

DEC.

HOLIDAY UNDER GLASS Located in the ConAgra Foods Atrium at the Joslyn Art Museum, 12 - 12:45 p.m., free admission, followed by 1 pm gallery tour.

DEC.

11 DEC.

19 DEC.

CONAGRA ICE RINK OPENING 10th & Harney, opens at 1 p.m.

FROSTIVAL 2015 Slow Down Rock Club & Bar, 7 p.m., all proceeds are donated to open door mission

WINTER BREAK You did it, slip on your favorite sweats and pick a TV show to binge watch. Classes wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resume until Jan. 4