Issue%204 by Fawn Canady

Volume 3 Issue 4

May 31, 2013

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Mr. Bay Says Goodbye By Haddar Ben-Shimon Features Editor There are many things needed to make a school: great staff, the proper educational environment, and most importantly of all, an amazing principal. Monte Bay has been working in the school district for 25 years. “I’ve worked since I was 15 years old,” said Bay. Unfortunately for West CTA, he is retiring, and we will have a new principal next year. “I’ll still do something, but I’m not sure yet. We’re not sure who the new principal will be yet - but it will be someone good!” said Bay. “I am going to wait to see what might interest me. I want to continue serving people some way. I don’t care about the money aspect, just doing something I enjoy and that adds to society in some way.” continued on page 8

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First ever graduates! By Chevaya Silaski Entertainment Editor

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West Career and Technical Academy has reached a monumentous moment in its history – the very first graduating senior class. Not only is this the start of a new chapter in the schools monolog but also a turning point for the students that have spent their last three years of school dedicated to this amazing campus. “I really can’t wait to graduate,” said senior Alex. J. Arriola. “I really want to start a new part of my life, in Las Vegas Arts Institute, and to achieve my goal of being a chef.” Graduation is like a right of passage in every young adult’s life. You get to walk down the stage in your cap and gown to accept your diploma and with that comes a thought of if you have made it this far that you can keep going. This marks a moment in these students lives where they can hold their heads high and know with confidence that they are going out into the world prepared to make a difference. After three amazing years at WCTA a group of the very first students to set foot on to our campus those students who set the bar for all future wranglers will be waving good bye on June 10th, 2013, at the New Orleans Arena.

Opinion

Apple will not die out

Apple will not survive

By Chevaya Silaski Entertainment Editor

By Brett Bialik Assistant EIC

In the year of 2011, there were many ups and downs and within the downs a wonderful man passed away. On Oct. 5, 2011, Steve Jobs died leaving the question “What is going to happen to his towering empire of Apple items?” Some would say that because he was the man behind the curtains, the empire will crumble and fall, however I say that he placed a forever standing foundation for his geekified army of electronic appliances. Apple has made many pretty, shiny and user-friendly products, all the way from the first iPhone to the newest version of Apple T.V.s. The makers of Apple even have thought about your entertainment: when the products become slow or stop working an enjoyable rainbow wheel shows up to keep you entranced while the magical technology fairies work on resolving your problems. People would argue that because no actual “NEW” advancements have been made and that they are only getting new versions of old products that Apple it losing its touch on the future endeavors. However, Apple is perfecting the products that people with an over extenuation of money so desperately want. Electronic objects such as iPhone, iPods, and iPads are such an amazing part of today’s world that consumers thrive on. In fact, if you look around any public area I bet you most of the people have at least one of these items on them at that exact moment this should be enough to show you that if anything the Apple empire dictatorship is only growing stronger. On top of that let’s not forget its amazing upgrade potential. With the warranty on all Apple productions you are guaranteed to get a new appliance within the first year because they are so amazingly fragile! Whether you drop it down the stairs on the plush carpeted floor, or if a rogue dodge ball attacks it, you can guarantee it will break. This brings to mind the magically amazing Otter Boxes. In all my experience they work like a charm unless you are that magical person that manages to break it and never know how. The Otter Box is great at protecting your phone, and also making a new creative sport on how and where to put your phone away. Also, think of the universe of apps out there, if you have a problem there is an app for that! Anywhere from useful ones such as Google and the new WCTA school app to the ones meant for entertainment purposes such as Temple Run and Fruit Ninja. All in all even with the death of their ever faithful leader, Apple will continue to shine and rule over the world in its iron grip of “user friendly” and amazingly expensive crusade of electronic equipment.

News

Who will BOOM: Fertilizer rise to the Plant turns deadly top in NFL? By Mike Ghazar Reporter

By Lon Halverson Reporter The 2012-2013 NFL season has officially ended. This season was full of highly action- packed games and exciting results as the 20122013 NFL champions were the Baltimore Ravens. Who will rise and become number one this year? Each of the 32 teams in the NFL had a chance to improve their team in the 2013 NFL draft, trading players, or picking up free agents. One team that stood out more than the other teams in the offseason was the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle added incredible contributions to offense and defense with great additions such as Wide Receiver Percy Harvin and Defensive End Cliff Avril to their roster. Many of NFL experts predict that the San Francisco 49ers or the Seattle Seahawks will go to the Super Bowl. San Francisco had a taste of what being NFL champions is like but lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl. This year, there is no question that they will come out hungry for the Super bowl trophy and the NFL’s highest award of being league champions. San Francisco isn’t the only team hungry for a Super Bowl win though, their are multiple teams who have not even won a Super Bowl, yet. Questionably, the best team currently without a Super Bowl victory is the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta has made a huge franchise change in the past couple of years and have built one of the best teams currently in the NFL. Many NFL fans and expert analysis predict that Atlanta will become Super Bowl victors very soon. In fact, many people are surprised that they have not won the Super Bowl yet. They have not yet overcome their issue of not winning in the playoffs yet. The 2013-2014 NFL season will be a very exciting one to watch. Every year great players come and go, and every team has high points, and low points. Some teams will be more favored to win the Super Bowl than others, but each team will try their best to become NFL champions.

A fertilizer plant in the city of West, TX blew up on Wed., April, 17, killing 15 people and injuring 40. The Explosion happened on 7:50 pm in the West Fertilizer Company in West, Texas 18 miles north of Waco, Texas. Ammonium nitrate is used in explosives. Meaning it is HIGHLY explosive. Ammonium nitrate is also used in fertilizer and fuel. The fire caused almost 28 tons of ammonium nitrate to blow up. The magnitude of the explosion was equal to that of a 2.1 magnitude earthquake. The Fertilizer Company is known for supplying chemicals to farmers, and as of 2013, it is owned by Adrian Grain Incorporated. The last time the plant was inspected was 28 years ago. In that inspection, dated Feb. 13, 1985, the agency found five serious' violations, including ones involving improper storage and handling of ammonia and improper respiratory protection for workers. This is not the first case where ammonium nitrate has caused an explosion. In 1994, ammonium nitrate was used to make the bomb that killed 168 people at a federal office building in Oklahoma City. As a result of the bombing, the sale of ammonium nitrate in the United States is now heavily regulated and only used for agricultural usage; even then agricultural usage has decreased. Ever since the Oklahoma City bombing back in the 1990s, most ammonium nitrate has ceased production and is no longer produced, so it's not as readily available as it used to be. The fire that led to the explosion started in fertilizer and seed building. The LA times reported that the possible causes of the explosion are arson, electrical failure, and a compromised battery on a golf cart. Although many other speculations came up including the weather, some sort of spontaneous ignition, failure of the facility's second electrical system, two ammonium compounds used in the fertilizer-making process and smoking. Investigators said all of those had been ruled out. The explosion damaged the nearby West Rest Haven nursing home and many residents were evacuated, some of the nursing home residents received cuts from flying glass, but emergency personnel on scene judged that most of these injuries were not life threatening. Over 160 people were injured in the blast and were originally transported to a triage center set up at West High School's football field. It was later moved to a community center due to its proximity to the still-burning facility. Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco received over 40 injured for treatment. Patients were also admitted to Waco's Providence Healthcare Network, Dallas's Parkland Memorial Hospital, and Temple's Scott and White Memorial Hospital. There were 15 confirmed deaths, 12 of which were people fighting the fire. Photo Credit: National Geographic

On Wed. Apr. 17, 2013 a Texas Fertilizer Plant exploded 18 miles away from Waco, TX. The explosion resulted in 15 fatalities and 40 injuries.

News

Gender roles are switching

Features

Dancing away the night at prom By: Carmelle Wasch Reporter

By Carmelle Wasch Reporter Women are making headlines because of a rise in them being primary breadwinners in households, and no longer adhering to stereotypes about being homemakers. Modern families are seeing a significant change in who is really bringing home the money and who is in charge of the household. Four out of every ten households with children has a woman as the “top earner” in the family, while many men are making the change to stay-at-home dads. Experts say that these changes are irreversible and the change in gender roles will continue to rise in the future. In all, 13.7 million U.S. households with children under age 18 now include mothers who are the main breadwinners. Of those, 5.1 million, or 37 percent, are married, while 8.6 million, or 63 percent, are single. Economic changes need to be made to our government system, as a lot of workplaces still have policies in place that favor male workers. This may include family leave, and no exceptions for single mothers. The average income for a married couple is around $80,000, while for single mothers the number is close to $23,000. Even though 79% of adults say that women should revert back to their stereotypical places in the home, it will most likely not happen. About 75% of working people say that the rise in women workers makes raising a child harder. “This change is just another milestone in the dramatic transformation we have seen in family structure and family dynamics over the past 50 years or so,” said Kim Parker, associate director with the Pew Social & Demographic Trends Project. The family looks different than it used to, with falling marriage rates and the economic downturn. More women than men hold bachelors degrees, and make up about half of the workforce. The vast majority of couples include spouses with similar educational backgrounds, at 61 percent. Although this may be true, there are higher rates of education and labor force participation by women. Women are seeing more success and almost no discrimination in the workplace. American schools are raising children to think equally about the other sex, instead of with gender roles. Some interesting facts are that About 45 percent of women say children are better off if their mother is at home, and 38 percent say children are just as well off if the mother works. Among men, 57 percent say children are better off if their mother is at home, while 29 percent say they are just as well off if she works.

Responibilites are no longer limited to one gender in modern families.

According to analysts in recent years, newer marriages are seeing more wives as the top earners in the household.

A large group of juniors and seniors smile in their elegant gowns and tuxes, anticipating their night on Sat., Apr. 27, before going to prom.

Tornado ravages Oklahoma town By Tess Harms EIC

President Barack Obama declared a federal disaster in five Oklahoma counties after a devastating tornado hit. It is unknown as to how many fatalities there have been from the tornado at this time. The tornado that lasted around 40 minutes, according to The National Weather Service, ravaged the Tornado Alley Town-Moore, Oklahoma. There were 24 fatalities and 237 injuries caused from the destructive tornado that struck Moore on Monday, May 20, 2013. Ten of the 24 deaths that resulted from the tornado were children.

The town of Moore, Oklahoma was devastated by a horendous tornado on May 20, 2013. Over 10,000 homes were left as piles of rubble. This massive tornado is estimated to cost up to $2 billion in damage claims.

Towers Plaza Elementary School was torn to shreds, along with around 13,000 homes.

Keating, head of Student Council. This was also the first ever prom hosted at Bears Best Golf Course. “My friends made the experience worth it” said junior Micheline Ghanem Announcing our West CTA prom princess, prince, king, and queen in the middle of the dance, Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” played, the only slow dance of the night to allow them the spotlight. The junior class was in charge of planning prom, with presidents Katherine Gore and Katie Gorczyca making sure things ran smoothly. “I thought our prom was perfect!” said Gorczyca. “Out of all the proms in the valley on April 27, WCTA sold the most tickets by a landslide. Obviously we chose a great venue and everyone had a great time!” Prom Princess: Chyna Allen Prom Prince: Rauwshan Abdul-Hamid Prom Queen: Krystal Parra Prom King: Gary Furtado

Disclaimer:

Staff:

The WCTA Newspaper is a student-run newspaper. Students research, collect information, and write the stories that are published. All opinions and views published in the newspaper are based on the writer’s own personal opinions. These opinions are not of the staff, student body or community. If you have any complaints please email Tess Harms, Editor-inChief, at tessh327@westcta.ccsd.net or Fawn Canady, advisor, at fcanady@westcta.ccsd.net. If you would like to submit a comment, suggestion, question, or inquire about placing an ad in the paper you can email tessh327@westcta.ccsd. net or fcanady@westcta.ccsd.net. We value your input.

Parents, neighbors, and first responders helped to locate the children and rescue them from the rubble of the demolished school. “You have your own kids, and you want to find other people’s kids and for it all to be ok,” firefighter Russ Locke told USA Today, “and sometimes it doesn’t work out like that.” The tornado covered 17 miles while on the ground and was the worst tornado this year. It is estimated that there will be up to $2 billion disclaimers for damages caused by this tornado.

Mission Statement:

According to The National Weather Service the tornado was the worst tornado possible at a EF5. Tornadoes range from EF0 to EF5. An EF0 tornado causes little damage whereas an EF5 can blow your house away. This is the first EF5 tornado of the year. Only one in every 1,000 tornado reaches EF5 on the scale. As of Wednesday, May 22, rescue and search efforts were winding down. The town is already started to move forward and start to rebuild what this natural disaster has taken away.

Party busses and cars full of West CTA students arrived at Bears Best Golf Course on Sat., Apr. 27, to drop off kids for a night to remember – prom. Through the sea of dresses and tuxedos, a DJ played dance music in the background that everyone could have a blast to. Tables set up on either side of the entryway provided food for students, and teacher chaperones lined the sides to watch the night unfold. The night sky was perfectly clear, the smell of freshly watered grass wafted off the golf course, and the venue was perfectly put together. As students handed their tickets to teachers at the front of the dance, they entered right to the dance floor, or left to go inside. Although the inside was open to everyone (and a good place to get away from any inclement weather) most stayed outside and danced the night away. Photos were being taken of couples and friends just outside the dance floor. Cushioned chairs provided a comfortable place to sit. A staggering 352 students had tickets to attend prom, and only 6 students did not show up to the venue. West CTA had one of the most highly attended proms in the valley. “It was very original with indoor and outdoor parts of the venue”, says Mr.

The elementary school was ravaged by the tornado. The EF5 tornado covered around 17 miles while on the ground.

The purpose of the WCTA Newspaper is to keep students updated on current events that are happening around the school, community, country, and world. The goal is to promote academic and extracurricular activities, student achievements, and the experience of going to WCTA. A key part of Wrangler Roundup is upholding and exemplifying the West CTA core values. It is important that Wrangler Roundup sets an example for the entire student body of WCTA and the community of Las Vegas, Nevada. That is the mission of Wrangler Roundup.

Editor-in-Chief Sebastian Labadie Ethan Lee Brett Bialik Assistant Editor-in-Chief Sydney Moral Braxton Pendleton Haddar Ben-Shimon Features Editor Martin Renteria Carmelle Wasch Chevaya Silaski Entertainment Editor Minnie Malazarte Bridget Mijares Alyssa Stewart Opinion Editor Ryan Munoz Nic Taylor Aleigh Blake Reporter Randy Thammavongsa Kenny Choi Reporter Mike Ghazar Reporter Fawn Canady Lon Halverson Reporter Alexis Harris Reporter Tess Harms

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Design Design Design Design Design Advisor

Features

School’s out for summer

Farewell Mr. Bay!!!

By Lon Halverson Reporter

continued from front page Before opening West CTA, Bay was the principal of Coronado High School. After that, he was an Assistant Superintendent and Academic Manager for about five years. He opened up West CTA, and was principal for three years. “My favorite thing about working in the school district was being a principal for sure. It is the best job you could have. It’s hard, but fun; it keeps you young, being around energetic students,” said Bay. “I’m happy and sad about retiring. I’m happy that I can retire at a younger age than most - I am very thankful for that - but I am sad to leave this incredible staff and their amazing students.” Mr. Bay loves so many things about West CTA and is really going to miss it. “Some of my favorite things about West CTA are the amazing staff and students. The building is just beautiful. and the location by Red Rock is great. I really like all the advanced technology we have here,” said Monte. He has worked with many of the staff members before he opened West CTA. “I worked with Ms. Zeidler and Mr. Clemens all the way back from my Silverado High School days in the mid 1900’s. I also worked with them at Coronado High School,” said Bay. “Ms. Canady, Mr. Cotton, Ms. Heckman, Mr. Branham, Ms. Pavesich, Ms. Rossiter, Ms.

The end of the 2012-2013 school year has finally come. Students are entering a new stage in their lives and are taking on more responsibility as a sophomore, junior, senior, and young adult. This school year was a great learning experience, and I now understand what a privilege it is to be at a 5 star school. I experienced a better education, better learning environment, and overall, a better school. Although this school year was one of my toughest in my educational career so far, I am glad I chose to go to West Career and Technical Academy. I had the chance to speak to one student in each grade and these were their responses to the school year. Freshman Martin Renteria said, “I had a great year and accomplished most of my goals, I love my program class and I like most of my teachers. The school year was difficult, but I am glad I went to WCTA.“ Out of all of his classes, Renteria will miss Spanish with Jason Spendlove. Sophomore Kyle Saca was one student that didn’t enjoy the school year and was, disappointed. Kyle said he disliked some of his classes but one that stood out the most was Algebra II. Kyle said he likes the teacher, but doesn’t like the class work. “It was miserable,” said Kyle. Junior Masyn From Hart said, “The school year was cool and the PBL’s were fun. I’m going to miss the seniors we had this year.” This is the first graduating class that West Tech has ever had. Senior Emily Liles said, “ I loved this school year because of all the activities for seniors. Although it was a great school year, I will miss my friends.” Because most of the seniors are moving on to bigger and better things next year, I wanted to interview them and ask what their favorite memory at WCTA was. Emily Liles said, “ My favorite memory at WCTA was Prom. It was a great experience and I had a lot of fun.” Some seniors’ most memorable experiences didn’t even come from their final year in high school. Senior Erik Halverson said, “My favorite memory was in sophomore year when we went to Six Flags. It was a lot of fun.”

Seniors Emily Liles and Erik Halverson smile as they go to WCTA’s prom on Sat, Apr 27, 2013. Next year we will all be moving on, starting new things, and learning. This year has been one to remember as we add memories to our high school experience. Most students I interviewed had a positive outcome on the school year and are happy to attend WCTA. From what I can see in the students this year is that everyone always had a smile on their face and were happy with their school. This school provides us with the all the tools we need to achieve our best inside, and outside of school. What I like most about WCTA is the overall learning environment it brings to students. All equipment we need to accomplish our tasks are located in the school, and all teachers and staff are happy to be there. I hope to attend WCTA next year because I feel like it will prepare me for the later stages in life. WCTA has been like a second home to me and many other students, and I hope they will continue this way of teaching next year.

WCTA biological field station presents to people from Red Rock By Alyssa Stewart Opinion Editor On Saturday, April 27, students of the West Tech Biological Field Station presented to visitors at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Visitor Center. The WCTA Biological Field Station, advised by Mr. Lund, is a cooperative program of the West Career & Technical Academy, which provides classrooms and members, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, providing the “field station”, and the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association, which provides the funding, equipment, and instructors for the field station. “What we do is catalog insects of the red rock area because they’re largely uncatalogued to say the least,” said member Sabrina Pinero. “ So when we catalog these species we discover new ones and it kind of puts together the whole food chain for other scientists to work in the same field.” For five hours straight the club members interacted with many different visitors, showing off their hard work during the presentation at the visitor center. Also known as Insect Interpretation Day, guests were introduced to several

different types of insects native to the Red Rock Canyon such as butterflies, spiders, and scorpions. Some subjects were placed under microscopes, so people could observe them closely. Other subjects were alive, letting the visitors watch how the insect acted. Mini field trips outside let them see how the field station used traps to obtain their insects and young children got to catch butterflies using nets. “The most interesting part was just getting to talk to people from all around the world,” said Victoria Flemming, “I know I talked to a lady who was from Holland, which is crazy. I mean who ever thought I’d be talking with a person from Holland.

Semmler, Ms. Lombardo, Mr. Gonzalez, and Mr. Holmes also worked with me at Coronado High School.” Ms. Loveland and Ms. Myers worked with Bay all the way back in 1992 at Grant Sawyer Middle School where he was Dean of students. His secretary at West, Roario Schultz, was his secretary when he was Assistant Superintendent and Academic Manager at Coronado High School. She has worked with him for about six years now. “They are awesome people, as well as the others I have worked with at West CTA these past three years,” said Bay. Mr. Bay has some very good advice to the students at West. “Be yourself. Each person has something different to give. I love that about life. Our differences make us interesting and allow us to move into different interests and careers. Never let your past hold you back. Each day is a new day with new opportunities. Take the time to enjoy the simple things in life - the outdoors, helping others, caring for animals, laughing. The one thing I have learned is that life is not about money and possessions - and happiness from these things is temporary and fleeting.” After the touching advice above, Bay had one more thing to tell the students of West CTA, “Thank you for allowing me to serve as your principal; it has been an awesome experience.”

Thank you Mr. Bay By Haddar Ben-Shimon Features Editor Mr. Bay’s news on his upcoming retirement has affected many people; especially us on the newspaper staff! “Thank you Mr.Bay for keeping this school a five star school and supporting our efforts in journalism; without you we wouldn’t have a paper at all,” said writer Ethan Lee. “Mr. Bay is, was, and always will be an amazing principal. He opened an amazing school and helped it grow. Not only is he leaving us with assurance that we will all succeed, but he is leaving some pretty big shoes for the next person to fill,” said writer and entertainment editor Chevaya Silaski. “I believe our school is a five star school and like a family because of Mr. Bay. We all couldn’t have made it through these three years (for me two) without him and his guidance. The school will definitely feel his leaving for a long time to come,” said writer Carmelle Louise. “Mr. Bay was a great principal. One could tell that he enjoyed every bit of his job. He made our school immensely awesome and important. He shall be missed, and hopefully his predecessor will be just as awesome,” said writer Sebastian Labadie. “Mr. Bay isn't like any other principal. He was a leader, an inspiration, and a role-model. West CTA was a five star school because of him. He believed in the administration, students, etc. Mr. Bay was the perfect principal in every way, and many cannot ask for more than that,” said writer Braxton Pendleton. “Thank you so much for all of your hard work Mr. Bay! I couldn’t ask for a better principal. All of the dedication and love you have for WCTA really shows, and we all appreciate it. I’m glad I was lucky enough to have you as my principal for my final year of high school,” said writer Kenny Choi. “Although I didn't know Mr. Bay very well, I could tell that he really loved what he did. He was very close to many of the students here at WCTA and really made this school feel like a home to many of the students. From the one school year I had with him, I was very pleased with

how he runs this school. He gives students more freedom and the tools we need to complete our tasks, which makes this school seem more like a home,” said writer Lon Halverson. “I transferred this year to WCTA from Palo Verde High School and I was so surprised and impressed with how involved and supportive Mr. Bay was with student activities. You can tell that he really cares about the school, the staff, and the students. I really appreciate how much he cares and how devoted he is. Even though I’ve only gone to West one year, I know that I will miss Mr. Bay. He is the perfect example of what all principals should be,” said writer and newspaper editor Tess Harms. “Even though I did not get a chance to get to know Mr. Bay, I can tell he was a very good principal. Whenever I would see him he always seemed to be in a great mood and was always saying ‘hello’ to everyone. I was very surprised on how he ran this school; he was very supportive with the activities that had gone on and seemed very devoted to his job. I hope we can find a principal that is exactly like him,” said writer Martin Renteria. “This is my first year at WCTA and I appreciate everything you have done for this school. I never really met you, but you are a wonderful principal and it is sad to hear that you won’t be our principal next year. Thank you for giving me a great experience at my first year at WCTA,” said writer Alexandra Blake. “I enjoyed these past two years with Mr. Bay. I’ve never had a principal as cool as him. He’s just so dedicated to his school and students, and you can tell he really cares. I'm grateful for all the support he’s given to the newspaper; we couldn’t have done it without him. Thank you Mr. Bay,” said writer and opinions editor Alyssa Stewart. Before this article I’m writing comes to an end, I have a few words for Mr. Bay. I would like to thank you for supporting our newspaper and making our school the amazing place it is today. I am so honored that I go to West, and because you started the school, I am, along with all the students here, getting the best education ever. You will truly be missed.

Entertainment

Iron Man 3

Oblivion

By Carmelle Wasch Reporter

By Martin Renteria Reporter

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and Guy Pearce Director: Shane Black Rating: PG-13

Director: Joseph Kosinski Actors: Tom Cruise, Andrea Riseborough, Morgan Freeman Rating: PG-13

Released May 3, 2013, this explosion filled and action packed movie went above and beyond the expectations of fans. Period. There were gasps and screams in the crowd as Tony Stark and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) faced his foes and unexpected twists emerged in the story. In the middle of the movie, all hope seemed lost and Iron Man struggled with his enemies and inner demons. The movie turned from hopeless to riveting as the rest played out, and kept the audience captivated from the first moment. Bringing in information and flashbacks from Iron Man 1 and 2, as well as from the Avengers, it nicely brought together the whole series and everything that has to do with Iron Man. Downey plays the role of Iron Man and Tony Stark so charismatically that it is inconceivable to any die-

In the year 2077, Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is a drone repairman that is stationed on Earth. Earth was nearly destroyed 60 years earlier by the destruction of the Earth’s moon, and an invasion of aliens known as “Scavs”. The other survivors were relocated to the moon Titan. Jack and his love interest Victoria (Andrea Riseborough) are on Earth to help send Earth’s remaining resources to a space station that is supposedly humanity’s space vessel. Their boss, Sally (Melissa Leo), assigns them jobs to do on Earth. Jack usually spends his day fixing drones, and going to the places he dreamt about during his past life. During the movie, Jack runs into trouble and discovers that he and Victoria are not the only humans that are left on Earth. Jack learns that the people he has been working for may have been lying to him, and soon discovers all his memories weren’t just dreams.

hard fan that another actor would be able to pull off the snarky and sarcastic role needed to complete the film. At the end, Stark finds what he was looking for, and the audience is left satisfied, without a “cliffhanger” looming over them for a sequel. With the perfect ending to the Iron Man trilogy, the third movie is easily the best directed, and the overall most interesting installment.

Great Gatsby flops at the box office By Ethan Lee Reporter Rating: PG-13 Main Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Toby Macguire, Carey Mulligan Director: Baz Lurmann Despite it’s colossal budget and rich source material, Gatsby seems to be all bells and whistles with what it brings to the table in stylized art and flashy VFX, while lacking in actual substance. The movie has been marketed heavily with the promise of being new and modern, but this also seems to be its undoing. The lines are delivered well by all the actors, but they seem to lack real feeling and immersion in their roles, with the exception of Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). When the script does turn dramatic it seems spectacularly over-acted, though one might argue that this is intentional, considering that subtlety isn’t exactly Gatsby’s charm. I saw this movie in 3D and found

it to be incredibly overwhelming to try and see what was actually happening because there’s so much motion blur and constant movement in some scenes that, at least in 3D, it becomes too much to watch. It would be unfair though to say that it’s damaged completely by its looks; it’s very, very nice to look at: the visuals are exciting and the color scheme is vibrant. So yes, it’s very nice to watch, but a constant visual bombardment for a dragging two and a half hours is just exhausting. Gatsby can serve as a cautionary tale for anyone who wants to stylize their movie: maybe make sure that your movie is solid before you turn everything up to eleven.

Cruise does an amazing job playing a repairman that is trying to find the truth about the planet he once lived on. This Sci-Fi thriller delivers action, adventure, and a bit of suspense. Anyone who likes action and adventure should watch this film.

42 By Tess Harms EIC Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni Director: Brian Helgeland Rated: Pg-13 The face of baseball was changed the day that Jackie Robinson took the field for the Montreals. He was the first black major league baseball player ever. This year, his glory and fame is rekindled in the new movie 42, which highlights Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman) and his pathway to the Dodgers. Boseman does an amazing job at emanating the struggles and emotions that Robinson had as he was belittled, scoffed at, and berated because of the color of his skin. This classic story is perfectly captured by director Brian Helgeland. The powerful feeling of racism is so strong that it’s like actually stepping t

hrough time into that very moment. The acting was sublime. Every emotion radiates finesse and elegance. Harrison Ford gives an excellent performance. The remarkable story of how a black man rose to fame against all odds and became one of the greatest baseball players in history is told again with great detail and incredible diplomacy.