April
Vol. 1, Issue 5
Traverse City, Michigan
Underclassmen receive laptops Taylor Reese Staff Writer Last month all 9th and 10th graders received free netbooks. Netbooks are something new to lower class men at West Senior High. Enough were purchased for those two grades only. The netbooks were distributed from the One2World TCAPS program. Each year after 2011-2012, every student will have a netbook. “I think that it’s nice to have them but [they] didn’t need to [buy them],” Scott Zimmerman ‘11, said. “They could have put the money to use somewhere else.” The netbook itself has a battery that lasts six to seven hours. Teachers expect students to come to school with their netbooks fully charged everyday. There will be a $20 annual fee charged each year to offset the cost of anti-virus and filter software that the netbooks have along with other operational costs of the program. “They get the job done, and they have a camera for photos and videos,” Michael Hastie ‘13, said. Students surveyed said some positive
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features of the netbooks are the camera, the small size, portablility, and easy use. They also help in get online textbooks in class if the student forgets his or her book. The last major attribute is being able to finish online school assignments more quickly. “On one side it’s easier to use, but very easy to lose or damage,” Travis Bishop ‘14, said. After questioning students, two common dislikes were that the netbooks are slow and the mouse pad is a little too sensitive. With an accidental tap on the pad it could reload the page a student is on or take them to an entirely different one. Another complaint was that they were easy to lose. In the WSH library there are students who can help with netbooks if needed. They are called the Greek Squad, and their assistance ranges from helping log on to more technical issues. Just stop by the LMC and the Greek Squad can help.
A student utilizes her laptop during class. Photo: M. Sheehan.
On one side it’s easier to use, but very easy to lose or damage.
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-Travis Bishop ‘14
“We fix problems in general, battery issues, hard drive issues,” Rory Straubel ‘13, a member of the Greek Squad said. “We’re an all service netbook area.” They can only fix minor issues, but netbooks should still be brought by to fix any problems. If they can’t, they will contact TCAPS technology for further assistance with the netbook. The teachers have their own opinion on the netbooks. They have multiple praises for the netbook that include student engagement, better learning, different approaches and access to more resources. “[There is] more student engagement, and it helps the students be independent learners,” Charlie Maxbauer, a U.S. History teacher said. The netbooks are small in size, with a 10 inch screen, and run off of Microsoft. The netbooks have a more advanced Open Office program and also include a faster internet server. “They don’t do much, but they’re probably better for you for online books, and they’re good for underclassmen,” Sydney Denoyer ‘12, said. Since the 11th and 12th graders did not get netbooks this year, they will still have to use the laptop carts and library to use the internet and finish online projects. The netbooks will hopefully counteract laptop cart shortages and library crowding. Students in all grades can save paper and help the environment by doing assignments online.
2 US allies relieved by bin Laden’s death By Tim Johnson McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) MEXICO CITY _ Congratulations poured in from around the globe. From London and Paris, to Nairobi and New Delhi, nations touched by the scourge of terrorism hailed the news of Osama bin Laden’s elimination. But some nations remained silent Monday, unnerved by the U.S. demonstration of its ability to project power with stealth and deadly force against its foes. Middle Eastern leaders reacted with caution, fearful of retaliation, and the Palestinian Hamas movement in Gaza condemned the killing. Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, a conservative organization with links around the Islamic world, rejected the outcome of the U.S. raid in Pakistan, saying it prefers putting accused radicals on trial. In Western Europe, leaders voiced relief, satisfaction and even elation that a U.S. commando action on a military garrison town in Pakistan had rid the world of the al-Qaida mastermind. “I’m overjoyed at the news,” French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe told state radio, according to the Agence France-Presse news agency. French President Nicolas Sarkozy called the death of bin Laden “a historic defeat” for terrorism, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised it as “good news.” Nations touched more brutally by Islamic terrorism were particularly effusive. Spain,
where 191 people died in the al-Qaida bombings of four passenger trains in 2004, called bin Laden’s demise “a decisive step in the fight against international terrorism.” Britain, too, suffered alQaida attacks on underground trains and a bus in 2005 that killed 52 people. Prime Minister David Cameron said bin Laden’s death will “bring great relief to people across the world.” “Of course, nothing will bring back those loved ones that families have lost to terror,” Cameron added, “but at least they know the man who was responsible for these appalling acts is no more.” Even Russia, which finds little common ground with the U.S. these days, offered enthusiastic congratulations and compared bin Laden’s capture to its own hunt for Chechen terrorists. “Russia was one of the first to come up against the threat of global terrorism, and unfortunately, knows firsthand what al-Qaida is,” the Kremlin said in an official statement posted on its website. Joy over bin Laden’s killing largely bypassed Somalia, a haven for pirates and Islamic radicals, but surged in Kenya, a nation that saw scores of fatalities when al-Qaida bombed the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi in 1998. Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said the killing of bin Laden is an “act of justice” for the victims of the 1998
embassy bombing. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the elimination of bin Laden as a “watershed moment in our common global fight against terrorism.” Several Middle Eastern nations offered cautious praise _ but none with the unabashed happiness of Israel. “The state of Israel joins together in the joy of the American people after the liquidation of Bin Laden,” said a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “This is a resounding victory for justice, for freedom, and for the shared values of all democratic countries fighting shoulder to shoulder with determination against terror.” Bin Laden was born in Saudi Arabia as one of some 54 children born to Mohammad bin Laden, and the Saudi government offered a cautious statement that his death is “a step towards supporting international efforts to combat terrorism and to dismantle its cells.” Words of approval also came in from parts of Asia and Latin America. In Colombia, a staunch U.S. ally, President Juan Manuel Santos called bin Laden’s death “an important and powerful blow against global terrorism.” “This shows, once again, that sooner or later, terrorists always fall,” Santos said. Mexico noted that its own citizens were among those killed
in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and said that bin Laden’s death “is an event of great transcendence in the efforts to free the world of the curse of terrorism.”
Dress code policy is in effect Sarah Gilland Staff Writer Dress codes don’t have to be hard to follow. Here at west, the dress code is starting to be enforced more with summer on its way. Short-shorts, shirts that show your stomach, and hats are some of the items that are not allowed. Any piece of clothing that can be considered distracting isn’t allowed either, such as Low cut shirts and shorts that barely cover your behind. Shorts and skirts have to be two-thirds down the thigh, and tank-tops can’t be less than two fingers in width. If you are wearing something that is ‘forbidden’, you will be sent to your wing office and be asked to change into more appropriate clothes. Clothing encouraging illegal activities, or with profanities are forbidden as well. Keep your clothes school appropriate, and you won’t be nagged by the staff!
The Phantomreturns Cheyanne Marshall Staff Writer
Traverse City West Senior High was the first high school in Michigan to perform the Broadway musical, Phantom of the Opera. They exceeded in making it extremely realistic and breathtaking, from the falling of the chandelier to the twosided mirror, Everything needed to be perfect. “It almost didn’t come together because it’s such a complicated play,” Catherine Conners ‘14, said. For a group of teenagers and volunteers it was definitely a lot of work. Not only in costumes, make up, and props, but also for the performers. They had to memorize their lines and remember them for all of the performances. The Phantom was so popular, six shows were added to the originally planned amount of 10 showings. They even added shows after spring break just to meet the demand, giving students a break between performances. Some students, though, didn’t seem to mind the added shows. “It’s a lot of fun and I’m glad they added more,” Katie McCall ‘12, said. Even though they had to give up their time, students knew it all went to a good cause. The amount of money made from the musical goes towards the Eurochorale trip for next year. Not only were the students excited for the play, but the locals who came to see the show were as well. “It’s fun to do a show that everyone is fired up for,” Russ Larimer said. Because The Phantom of the
Opera is a famously popular musical, it attracted a lot of people and drew in publicity from local TV and print news reports. A main concern was the students’ grades and their ability to function during both school and the musical at their highest standards. However, the students seemed to enjoy themselves and did well in school. “Progressively, my performance has gotten better,” Maikel RagelWilson ‘12, said. The students were constantly pushing themselves to be better with every performance, even for the added shows. They stayed after school to practice and showed up even when they were sick or absent from school. “I always feel I can do better,” Kaitlyn Pettinato ‘11, said. The students weren’t the only ones who were working hard
either. The make-up moms were busy at work to make sure everyone on set looked perfect. “It was the hardest makeup show I have ever undertaken,” Laura Mather, said. Aside from the basic makeup, there was the Phantom’s famous white mask. Another mask under the white one, which showed the disfigured face of the Phantom was made of latex, paint and fake hair, all blended together to make it authentic and realistic. There were many aspects to the musical, but for the students to come together to make a success like this year’s performance was the best part in the eyes of many students and audience members. Together, the students and volunteers reintroduced an older musical people loved and brought attention all of the talented students at TC West.
Nicole F. ‘11, patiently waits as her hair and makeup is applied before a performance. Photo: C. Marshall.
Cody D. ‘12, gets his stage makeup pu ton before performing The Phantom of the Opera. Photo: C. Marshall.
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West students wave goodbye to their Netherland friends as they depart. Photo: T. Ready.
Sarah V. ‘11, points out Traverse City to Netherland students. Photo: T. Ready.
While in the Netherlands, Tim D. ‘12, plays around in Heerensberg Castle. Photo: T. Ready.
changeprogram
For many high school students, foreign exchange trips are part of the high school experience. They provide the opportunity for students to experience a different culture and way of life, and many times supplement the student’s studies of foreign language. This year, two groups of students from West have this opportunity. One group of students went to the Netherlands for spring break, and another group of students will be going to Germany this summer. This past fall, a group of students came from the Netherlands to West Senior High as exchange students. The students went to our school, and learned about the United State’s culture and ways of life. While they were here, they stayed with the families of sixteen West students. Over spring break, those sixteen West students traveled to the Netherlands, went to their schools, and learned about their culture and ways of life. This was a unique exchange trip. Typically, exchange students just stay in a hotel and see tourist sites. However, since our students stayed with Dutch families, ate with them, and went to their schools, they were able to learn about the culture. In addition, since they knew the students beforehand from when they visited the United States, friendships were formed and deepened. “They got to really understand the
dutch families,” said Tak Ready, a West Civics teacher who Chaperoned the trip along with Mr. Durbin. “Most times, it’s only tourist sites. This was much more powerful because of the cultural experience,” said Ready. As a student who attended, Levi Gourdie ‘12, agreed that the trip was a big hit. “It was all so awesome,” said Gourdie. The Netherlands trip was only one exchange trip happening at West. This upcoming summer, a group of West Students are going to Germany. The group of sixteen students will be staying in the village of Kronach. While in Kronach, the students will be staying with German families, going to their school, and seeing the surrounding area. After spending two weeks in Kronach, the students will be spending a week in Berlin. This fall, the German students will be visiting Traverse City, and will be hosted by the West students who visited Germany over the summer, making it a double exchange program, just like the the Netherlands trip. According to Ready, the trip was far more economical than most foreign exchange trips because our students stayed with native families, which eliminated food and hotel costs. The major cost was air fare, but students participated in fund raising to help pay for the trip, and what was not raised by fund raising they
Chase Schelling Staff Writer
paid for themselves. Both the trip to the Netherlands and the upcoming trip to Germany are being completely funded by the students, there will be no costs to the school. Students that go have different reasons for participating. One of the common reasons is that it supplements the study of foreign language. One of those students is Luke Piotrowski ‘13, who is going to Germany this summer. “I have been speaking German for 3 years and am really interested in their culture,” said Piotrowski. Another student, Rachel Fernandez ‘13, is going for the same reason. “I would like to better my German skills, it’s a lot easier to pick up on because they speak all German,” said Fernandez. Other students would like to go to learn a different way of life, or a different perspective on the world. Some students came upon the trip by chance. One of those students was Levi Gourdie. “My AP World teacher told us about the trip and it sounded really cool,” said Gourdie. It is fair to say that this is a remarkable experience for students. “I would recommend that everybody do it,” said Gourdie. One thing is for sure, no matter why the students are participating or what the weather, it will be an experience that they will remember for a long time.
5 Who’s behind your next meal? A look at some of the faces preparing your food Samantha Wells Staff Writer
Kirt Grow
Wendy Lang
Kirt loves to cook, and loves his work because time goes by so fast. “It’s crazy,” Kirt said. He is one of the newer staff and has been working here and in TCAPS since December. His favorite activities are going outside in the woods, grilling, hunting and cooking.
Wendy’s favorite thing to do is work in her yard and grow her flowers. She has worked at West for five years and still loves it here. The best part of her job is working with the kids and how it keeps her busy. Wendy said, “West is best.”
Trish Hackett
Jill Johnson
Carol Kobza
Paula Lorenz
Trish has been working at West since the school opened. She is well loved by everyone here. “Trish brightens my day and brings joy to me, that woman absolutely makes my day,”said Valerie Hernandez ‘13, said. Trish loves her job because she loves the kids. “Where else could we work with these fashionable hairnets?,” Trish said. Trish loves to hang out with her friends and listen to her husband who is a musician that plays around Traverse City. She is also a fan of reading walking and biking. “The kids keep me young, [West] makes me feel alive.”
Jill is the head cook at West. That means she helps Paula plan the menus and she cooks all the hot meals. She’s been here since the day West opened and before that she was employed by TCAPS for one and a half years. Jill loves her job because it’s different every day and it’s such a fast moving job. In her free time Jill plays with her grand kids and loves going to the beach.
“Kids say the darnedest things,” Carol said. Carol works behind the taco bar counter. She has worked at West for 10 years, 26 years in the TCAPS school district, and plans to retire at the end of the year. She really enjoyed volunteering with young teen moms. “I like the different things I do and the people I work with. There’s something different everyday,” Carol said, “It’s not a drag, that’s for sure.”
Paula is the official cafeteria manager. She has worked at West since 2000, but she has worked in the TCAPS school district for seventeen years. Paula has fun working with the food classes, learning about food safety and nutrition, and loves how her job keeps her busy. In her spare time she likes riding her motorcycle and playing with her seven grand kids. “I like my job a lot,” said Paula.
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2011 HOTTEST MOVIES
Sam Livengood Staff Writer
2011 has been a great year for movies so far, but there are still some new ones coming out. There is an X-Men prequel, a Hangover sequel and a new super hero movie, Thor. A new installment in the Transformers series will debut this summer along with the final chapter in the Harry Potter series. “I am really excited for the Thor movie,” said Jordan Warren ‘13. “I read the comic books when I was little and the movie looks pretty cool.” Thor will portray the story of a god from the realm of Asgard who disobeys his father, Odin. As punishment, he is condemned to Earth. On Earth he fights evil with his godly powers and learns what is to be a true hero. The film stars Natalie Portman and Chris Hensworth as Thor. It is set to release on May 6th. The new Hangover movie will appear in theaters in May. Instead of Las Vegas, the guys find themselves in Thailand to see Stu (Ed Helms) get married. Due to the outcome of the
last bachelor party they embarked on, Stu decides to go with a safer pre-wedding brunch. However, they seem to find themselves in trouble once again when one character decides to get a tattoo. “I think the movie looks great and I can’t wait to see the new jokes,” said Nolan King ‘13. The Hangover Part Two stars Bradley Cooper, Ed helms, Justin Bartha and Zach Galifianakis. The new X-Men prequel will show the characters from the first films as teenagers before Xavier’s school has started. It will take us back to when Magneto and Xavier were great friends. The film will tell the story of how, as their opinions began to differ, an internal war began among the mutants. This epic addition to the XMen series will debut on June 3rd. X Men: First Class will have a character played by Kevin Bacon and Charles McAvoy will play Professor X. The last movie in the Harry Potter series will come to the big screen in July. The film will complete all eight
Jaap Buitendijk/Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures/MCT
movies. In the new movie, the wizarding world has become a complete war zone, and Harry will be forced to find the rest of the Horcruxes. The whole series has boiled down to this and the the film is going to be exciting. Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon will premier in theaters in early July. The film features a new villain named Shockwave. In the movie, Sam Whitwicki is once again a reluctant human ally to Optimus Prime and the Autobots. The United States is engaged in a space race against the U.S.S.R., but they find an unexpected surprise in space. The movie is directed by Michael Bay and will star Shia Labeouf. Despite her appearances in the previous films, Megan Fox will not star in this movie. 2011 looks like it will be an amazing year for movies. Great movies have already been made this year made and there are plenty of new ones on the way.
Melinda Sue Gordon/Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures/MCT
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 and the Hangover Part 2 are both highly anticipated sequels to their earlier counterparts, which raked in the dough at the box office. HP7: Part 1 made $952,241,070, and the Hangover made $469,553,471 both internationally.
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Classy trash at West High School
The annual Trashion Fashion show was held on April 16, and student designers from around Traverse City came to strut their stuff. Photos: C. Foster.
8 Recalling another princess Carla Hall Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, Ca.) (MCT) I wish Diana, the Princess of Wales, were around to see the royal wedding of her son, Prince William, to Kate Middleton. Mostly because I just wish Diana were still around. Those of us who are of her generation already went through this ritual once _ the early rising or late-staying-up to watch her wedding 30 years ago, the one that turned out to be a fairy tale without a happy ending. We saw the signs but, like Diana herself, tried to ignore them. We remember the way she smiled so expectantly and hopefully at Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the wedding. And we watched as he looked away, choosing instead to be amused by the throngs below. When they kissed _ because the crowd demanded it _ it was quick, efficient and passionless, a harbinger of the doom that would come to their marriage. But Diana was not a static figure. We watched as she evolved from sedate, eager-to-please royal cipher to press-savvy pop culture icon. She was the desperate housewife of Buckingham Palace, complete with an eating disorder and a husband who had lost interest in her. Her life became tabloid and TV entertainment that she learned to manipulate long before Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian got their first lipstick. She mirrored the mood of the passing decades. She trussed herself up in pearlencrusted evening gowns in the glam ‘80s. She dressed down in the minimalist mid’90s and took on the issue of combating landmines before it was mandatory that every actor and musician have a cause. And she auctioned off all her big-shouldered, jewel-colored dresses from the ‘80s for charity just months before she died in August 1997 at the age of 36. The catalogue of that Christie’s auction, which features her modeling a few of the
items, includes several close-ups revealing a vertical furrow etched between her brows. Had she lived, could a dose of Botox have been far off? I was looking forward to watching her grow older. Sure, she had questionable taste in men, and she wasn’t a woman you’d want your daughter to emulate. But there was an engaging elegance about Di-
Prince William and his new bride, Kate Middleton, ride in a carriage after their wedding in London, England, on Friday, April 29, 2011. (Abaca Press/MCT)
ana that was never remote, and she might well have become a model of graceful aging for the middle-aged. She would never have given up the fight and turned frumpy. But I also don’t believe she would have slavishly carved her flesh trying to stay firm and wrinklefree. And what else? Would she be doing yoga or Pilates? Wearing low-rise jeans?
Over-the-knee boots? Would she have been a celebrity dancer on “Dancing with the Stars”? (She took ballet as a child.) Or would she have devoted herself increasingly to refugees in Darfur and helping people rebuild in New Orleans? And what of the rest of her life after her royal marriage? Would she and Camilla, Charles’ second wife, the woman he never quite gave up, have become _ gasp _ friends? Would they have been seen lunching every now and then at some tony Kensington eatery, Diana allowing herself to be photographed afterward as she stepped out into the street with a serene “I am so over Charles she can have him” smile? Would she have advised Kate to keep her day job and not turn the position of royal wife into a full-time burden? I wonder how she would have felt about William passing her ring on to Kate? Would she have liked that, or seen it as symbol of her own dashed hopes and wedded misery? She surely would have been driven crazy by his carrying it around in his knapsack for three weeks before popping the question. And let’s hope she would have urged him to wear a wedding ring as well. Whatever else she did after watching her children grow up and plotting out her own interests, whatever clothes she tossed for being too youthful, whatever boyfriends she banished as too silly, she would not, ever, have shown up at her son’s wedding in a matronly mother-ofthe-bride outfit. If she had been there in Westminster Abbey on Friday morning, while the rest of the global TV audience was scrutinizing every inch of Kate’s wedding dress as she walked down the aisle, I would have been looking at what Kate’s mother-in-law was wearing.
Do you have
wedding fever?
{ { { { { { { { ”
I didn’t care about them getting married, I just wanted to see the dress.
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-Katie Holmes ‘11
Abaca Press/MCT
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Personally, I would love to marry a prince, but all the hype is overrated.
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-Korie Wilson ‘13
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Abaca Press/MCT
I had gone to London the summer before, and it was great to see places I’ve been.
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-Veronica Cozad ‘12
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I woke up at 5 and just watched it on T.V. -Becky Meyer ‘11
Abaca Press/MCT
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10
Light shed upon the age old question:
What is a Hipster? Meg Sheehan Editor
hip-stur\n. One who possesses tastes, social attitudes, and opinions deemed cool by the cool. (Note: it is no longer recommended that one use the term “cool”; a Hipster would instead say “deck.”) The Hipster walks among the masses in daily life but is not a part of them and shuns or reduces to kitsch anything held dear by the mainstream.* The original Hipster developed with the “Beatnik” generation. Beatnik is a term created by San Francisco columnist Herb Caen in the 1950s to describe a sub-group of young people from the “Beat” era; an influential generation of writers that transpired after the flappers but before the hippies. Much like the Hipster today, Beatniks lurked in coffee shops, were rarely employed, and enjoyed wearing clothing for both genders. To understand the Hipster, one must first have a basic knowledge of it’s customs and traditions.
Transportation: To get most places, Hipsters rely on their fixed-gear bikes, or better known in their community as “fixies”. True Hipsters may even remove the brake mechanism. Hipsters that live in places where riding Fixies isn’t possible are forced to choose a more mainstream mode of transportation: the automobile. Any car that is at least 10+ years old, breaks down at every stop light and is shaped like a box will do. Volvos are most preffered, but foreign beaters from the 90s are also acceptable. Hipsters do not ride longboards. This common error is extremely offensive to the Hipster. Fashion: Over the years, Hipsters have developed a sense of style quite unlike anything else. The typical Hipster’s closet will most likely contain these staple clothing items: 000 size skinny jeans, uni-sex t-shirts, preferably Tri-blend v-
Are you a Hipster? Take this quiz and find out! If you were When you go to get a tatout you... too it would be...
Chloe Foster Editor
necks purchased at American Apparel, a wide array of high-waisted skirts for the lady-Hipsters, and plenty of cardigans and striped shirts for the male-Hipsters. Strangely enough, the Hipster is willing to shell out big bucks to look as though they just woke up from their van down by the river. Urban Outfitters and American Apparel as mentioned above are prime areas for viewing the Hipster’s spending habits, as well as thrift stores hidden in the shady district of town. Lingo: As with any species, the Hipster has developed it’s own means of communication, derived from current English. Common phrases thrown into the Hipster’s daily dialect include: Deck - a key word for most Hipsters, similar in meaning to the antiquated fresh. To be deck is to be up on the latest trends, cutting edge, and/or hip. Fin - the opposite of deck, similar to
Pick one answer in each column. Then add up how many times you picked each color and match it with the results at the end!
Your favorite Your favorYour favorite social netite brand of store is... working site shoes is... is...
go downtown
ed hardy
M22
tumblr
nike
the open space
geometric shape
american apparel
sperry’s
the mall
tribal art
American Eagle
youtube
(for your parkour and dubstep videos)
toms
11 outdated terms like “wack” and “lame.” Something that is fin is bad or undesirable. Kale - money. Midtown - uncultured or unhip. Piece - cell phone.* It is thought that Hipsters communicate in this manner to exclude others from their tight and hostile social cliques. Hipsters pride themselves in being the best, the smartest and the most cultured without doing any means of work whatsoever. Music: One of the defining factors of a Hipster is their taste in music. Artists like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry are strictly forbidden from the Hipster’s iPod. Listening to any artist played on a mainstream music radiostation has the potential of making their ears bleed severely. Depending on the tribe of Hipsters one has stumbled across, Ke$ha and Kanye
West are occasionally tolerated. Obscure bands such as the Arctic Monkeys, Cut Copy, Of Montreal, Bright Eyes or the Arcade Fire are favorites of the Hipster, as well as anything nu rave, minimalist techno, independent rap or nerdcore. Trends: Hipsters take great pride in their rejection of the mainstream. This includes anything from stores in the mall to T.V. channels such as...well, T.V. itself is too mainstream for the Hipster, as well as the internet. Possibly the number one rule for Hipsters is never ever declaring oneself one aloud. Doing so is to commit social suicide in this tightly-knit group. The same goes for pointing a Hipster out on the street. If this careless remark is heard by the Hipster, they can be greatly offended and emotionally scarred. Knowing that you’re a hipster or calling someone else a
In your spare One of your Your mode of favorite musi- transport is... time you... cal artists is...
surf or sail
mgmt
longboard
take artsy photos
eminem
car
partake in pretty lights school spirit
bike
Hipster is totally fin. If while reading this you thought, “I might be a Hipster!”... you’re not. In other words, this article is the finnest thing in the universe. Habitat: The largest population of Hipsters in Traverse City can be found on the East side of town, where they travel in hoards on their Fixies and in their Volvos, either migrating towards Oryana or any other abstruse part of town. Nationally, Hipsters gather in young, artsy neighborhoods such as Wicker Park of Chicago, Greenwich Village in Manhattan, or Williamsburg in Brooklyn. It is nearly impossible to encompass every aspect of the Hipster’s lifestyle in a single report, but to learn more please visit www.hipsterhandbook.com. *Definition from www.hipsterhandbook. com
Mostly green: You are such a Hipster, sorry for exposing you. You try extra hard to be unique and don’t enjoy being labeled.
Mostly blue: You’re more of a Bro. You like parkouring with your friends and enjoy the simpler things in life and you just go with the flow. Mostly pink: You’re not a hipster... You enjoy mainstream things, and participate in mainstream activities. And there is nothing wrong with that, you are perfectly normal.
Brett Dennen Chloe Foster Editor
rocks my socks
Popular artist these days all seem to be the same: conceited, “picture perfect,” and incredibly autotuned. It would appear that those are the must-have qualities for an “artist” to be popular amongst teens. I mean, sure, the songs are catchy and fun to sing
appear to be just an ordinary lanky redhead, but There Is So Much More to him than that. Brett Dennen Makes The Most of his musical talent and fame and uses it for good causes. As he puts it on his website, Dennen is the “Resident Rock Star” for the Mosaic Project. The Mosaic Project is a nonprofit organization dedialong to, but what cated to empowering children happens when they and showing them that peace is have to do a live show? possible. “The Mosaic Project It doesn’t end well for most. To embodies the most important me, live shows are the real test work to be done today,” said of a true musical artistry and tal- Dennen on his Mosaic Project ent. People who can only sound webpage. “Too often we burden good in the studio aren’t true our youth with the responsibilartists to me. It seems that All ity of fixing our mistakes. The We Have these days are people Mosaic Project empowers chillike Justin Bieber, but it’s people dren to create peace now, build like Brett Dennen who are the communities across differences, true artists of the world. Wheth- and break down stereotyping, er he is in the studio, in concert prejudice, and discrimination.” or “singing from the bus stop,” Dennen works with the organias said in his song Ain’t Gonna zation by writing the songs for Lose You, Dennen is consisnearly every subject in their mutently amazing. After listening to sical curriculum, some including the songs on the radio day after empathy and conflict resolution. day, Brett Dennen is a breath of Dennen has four albums fresh air. currently: a self titled album, I have been to two Brett Den- Brett Dennen, So Much More, nen concers, both of them in Hope for the Hopeless, and Traverse City. Each time was a most recently, Loverboy. By fantastic and unique experience. and By, with each album, DenA Brett Dennen concert, like nen experiments with different the man himself, is completely genres and develops musically one of a kind. Standing on stage more and more. What makes with bare feet, Dennen shakes Brett Dennen truly amazing in his hips to the music pouring my eyes is how unique he is in from his lips and fingertips. Brett every respect. From his appearDennen’s music is uplifting and ance to his voice and lyrics, inspiring. He is a lyrical genius, musical style, and dance moves, as each song is filled with origiBrett Dennen is like no other nal verses and clever, yet subtle performer I have ever heard rhymes. and I love him for it. At a glance, Dennen would
Photo: C. Foster.
There are five Brett Dennen song titles hidden within the text, see if you can find them all!
aren’t just for hipsters Chloe Foster Editor
Photos: C. Foster.
Toms. A trend that has been sweeping not only the nation, but the entire world. Toms Shoes were designed by Blake Mycoskie in 2006. While traveling in Argentina, he came across some children who were without shoes. Mycoskie decided he wanted to help and, as a result, Toms Shoes was born. The name “Toms” is derived from the word “tomorrow” or, more specifically from the Tomorrow Project. At the start, Toms were called Shoes for the Tomorrow Project based on the idea that the shoes could help spark a better tomorrow, because for each pair of Toms sold, one is given to a child in need. The name was later shortened to Tomorrows Shoes, but when the word “tomorrow” wouldn’t fit on the label, it was shortened again to just “Toms.” “I like them, but they look kind of cheap, not the price tag, but the materials look like they wouldn’t last long,” Katie Holmes ‘11, said. The shoes themselves were inspired by an Argentinian shoe similar to the espadrille, the alpargata. Toms are made of a variety of lightweight materials and, despite a fragile appearance, several materials are used, including a rubber sole, to enhance the durability and longevity of the shoes. The price ranges depending on the different fabrics and styles of the shoes. The
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most basic Classic Toms are $44, whereas the more detailed and durable Cordones are $69. Although they carry from toddler size two to a men’s 14 and every size in between, Toms aren’t for everyone. “I don’t really care for them,” said Rebecca LaFleur ‘13. “I don’t think they’re worth the money.” However, for Bailey Swogger ‘14, the positive attributions outweigh the negatives. “I like them because when you buy a pair they give a pair to someone who needs shoes,” Swogger said. Toms currently gives shoes in 23 countries and, according to the Toms Giving Report for 2010, as of September 2010, Toms gave away 1,000,000 shoes to children in need. With each year, Toms’ popularity seems to grow immensely within West Senior High. But the spread of this recent fashion trend isn’t only on a local level. There are now Campus Clubs dedicated specifically for Toms. The Clubs are dedicated to spreading the Toms story and the One for One movement, and they’re not only for college campuses, high schools are also welcomed and encouraged to participate. To start a Toms Campus Club, or join one already in existence, visit http://www.toms. com/our-movement/campus-clubs.
14 Rugby gets rowdy in Traverse City Keri Beaudrie Editor Many People think that rugby is a combination between soccer and football, but it’s not. It’s a whole different sport on its own. Rugby is a sport in which many different decisions must be made. “One of the hardest things about rugby is making decisions,” said Lane Wagner ’11. “No matter what you’re doing in rugby you have to make decisions that could ultimately be really good decisions or really bad decisions.” Even as the coach, many choices have to be made about when to tackle, when to make the score, what plays to call, and many others. They just have to give it their all. “When I am out there coaching I have to make so many different choices for the players to do,” said Coach Stephanie Sepell-Kehrer. “Whether it’s making the good or bad choices, I just have to be there to help them and show them what’s right.” Playing on the rugby team can be
Meet the staff! Kerri Wosek - Adviser Keri Beaudrie - Editor Chloe Foster - Editor Meg Sheehan - Editor Paige Breithaupt - Staff Writer Angelika Diehl - Staff Writer Sarah Gilland - Staff Writer Sam Livengood - Staff Writer Gabby Morey - Staff Writer Taylor Reese - Staff Writer Brianna Sanderson - Staff Writer Chase Schelling - Staff Writer Christina Taylor - Staff Writer Samantha Wells - Staff Writer
dangerous; at times players can get hurt by all the tackling. That is mainly why the Traverse City Bay Blues get pumped up for the big games, and practices. “I like tackling because it’s a lot of fun,” said Alicia Igo ‘11. “You can take your anger out without anyone knowing what you are feeling inside, whether it’s happy or mad, or if you’re feeling sad nobody knows. You just go with it and do your part. It’s a great feeling when you just get out there and tackle someone even if you don’t know them.” Many of the girls have been on the team for three or four years now, but they try to help out the girls who have just started. They try to be as friendly as possible to the newcomers no matter what. “I have been on the team for three years now and I am always cheering everyone on,” said Eden Grenchik ‘11. “Whether you’re a newcomer or not, I give everyone the same support as everyone gives me.”
Many people that cheer on the Bay Blues team say that they love to be there, helping bring the team to victory. So far, they have won two of the three games they have played. “Being one of the coaches, I am at every game and every practice, so I am always there to support everyone on the team and help them when they need it,” said Coach Jim Kehrer. Many of the girls say that other members of the team are not just team mates, they are like a second family. They never like the end of the season because they have to say goodbye, and seniors are especially sad. “One of the hardest things about rugby is when the end of the season comes and you have to say goodbye to all the team mates,” said Marie Mariani ‘12. “Me being a senior means that this is my last year to be on the team, so I know that it’s going to be hard to say bye to everyone.”
Quidditch comes to West Meg Sheehan Editor
The magical wizarding game of Quidditch is making it’s first debut at West this spring/summer. “I wanted to bring the magic of the Harry Potter series to West,” said Chloe Foster ‘13, President of the Quidditch Club. Foster was inspired by the MSU team, which her sister, Eliza Foster ‘10, covered in the college’s student magazine, Ing. With the help of Foster’s other sister, Savannah ‘11, Laura Muzarelli ‘11, and Andy Wares, the group has managed to spark an interest in the students.
“So far on the Facebook group we have 144 interested students,” C. Foster said. The game will be very similar to J.K. Rowling’s original version, but with a few tweaks. Players will obviously be running instead of flying, and softer balls will be used in place of the Quaffle and Bludgers. A cross-country runner will act as the Snitch, who will be able to run free in a restricted range of the game. “It’s going to be an intramural sport, and set up like a tournament,” S. Foster said.
Thank you to our gracious sponsors for donating goods to our carnival!
Photos from the carnival! Photos: A. Wosek.