Editor’s Note: Journalism I students who have published on the Hyphen website this school year were given the opportunity to write and publish a final message to readers on a topic and with a style of their choice.
by Ayianna Maddox
To be naive once again.
The world out here is cruel.
To not see crystal clear, but to see a cartoon.
To see the world bright and colorful again, instead of bland and dull.
How I miss hearing the ice cream truck’s tune.
Now I wake to a snooze alarm.
To not have a care in the world.
To yearn for the newest toy, not an extra 5 minutes.
The years passed by, believing they’d last forever.
The memories slip away, but small fragments of nostalgia remain.
Excavated memories and treasures.
Innocence to reality.
The world has never looked the same.
Looking back is realizing that every day that naive child is still present.
That naive child lives in my heart, where she’s always been since the start.
AI has had an ever increasing prevalence since OpenAI’s introduction of DALL-E in January of 2021, and ChatGPT in November of 2022. It has been a popular addition to company websites, search engines, and social media platforms.
The presence of artificial intelligence is nothing new, for Tik Toks “For You” page is able to be what it is due to the use of AI to personalize recommendations for each user. This is similar to X, formally known as Twitter, that also uses this same type of algorithm-based timeline, starting all the way back in 2016.
Yet the current use of generative AI, now not just relying on analyzing existing data, but instead using this data to “create” text or images, is more invasive than it has ever been.
Art by Sam Ottinger.
It’s hard to go onto any major platform without running into generative AI being implemented within it. Search engines like Google have Gemini, website creators like Squarespace have Squarespace AI, and social media companies like Meta have Meta AI.
Many of these inclusions come with a lesser known contract to those that use it. For some companies, this use of AI features gives them permission to use the users data to train their AI models.
Even those that don’t use these tools, or specifically opt out of this use, can still have their work used against their will.
This has been a major problem for many creatives, especially with the presence of popular generative AI websites like DALL-E 2, Midjourney, Craiyon, and recently ChatGPT. Each using datasets, often scrapping images and artworks from artists and photographers all over the internet, in order to produce images that try to replicate their human creation.
Generative AI isn’t just used by a subset of individuals; it’s also found its home through different social media trends.
Some have participated in generating turnarounds from an image, also known as the microwave trend, while others have used it to turn themselves into dolls, mimicking the style and packaging of Barbies or classic action figures. Yet most recently there has been a trend of turning images into the style of Studio Ghibli, using ChatGPT.
This latest trend has caused the most controversy. Hayao Miyazaki, a co-founder of the aforementioned studio, has been outspoken of his dislike of AI since all the way back in 2016. In a documentary called “Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki,” he comments on an AI-generated demo shown to him, stating that AI’s use is “an insult to life itself.”
This dislike of the technology producing these images has caused many Ghibli fans to be concerned about the disrespect of using AI to copy the hand drawn and intricate style of the real Studio Ghibli – only producing a cheap soulless copy.
The hate on generative AI isn’t only for the stealing from others’ works; it’s also the way its presence has been used to put down the creatives that made it. Many who swear by AI-generated images boast about the quick generating speeds and how it puts out near “perfect” products in that shorter time frame, ignoring the true meaning of creating something through your own living hands.
Without genuine human creation in the world, there would be no data for these AI models to rely on, showing the hypocrisy of this belief that generative AI will somehow ever replace the value in handmade media.
Before the release of the first album, way before the legacy and creation that The Doors became, no one, not even the band themselves, would realize the lasting impact they would have on the music industry and rock and roll as we know it today.
The Doors first got their kicks of being a band in 1965, playing small venues, with nervous frontman Jim Morrison turning his back on the audience as he sang to avoid stage fright. Also included were Ray Manzarek at the helm of keyboard bass and organ, Robby Krieger laying down chords and bluesy solos, and John Densmore putting down rhythms unmatched and unheard of at the time. This lineup would stick together until the eventual breakup of the band.
When 1967 struck, it was time to record the first record. For 10 thousand dollars a 4- track recorder was purchased. With the help of Paul A. Rothchild, the band began their sessions for their self-titled debut. Rehearsal outtakes were recorded of songs that would appear on later records, but the first actual songs recorded were “I Looked at You” and “Take It as It Comes.”
Graphic by Tyler Conley.
With the combined power and input of all band members, the band completed recording. “Light My Fire” became an instant success, reaching #1 on Billboard charts, along with “Break on Through (To the Other Side.)” At the time The Doors arrived, rock was in absolute infancy, especially when compared to today’s standards for what “rock” is. With a mixture of blues, soul, rock, and everything in between, this album is a gem for anyone a fan of those genres.
Morrison’s lyricism is a big factor in what makes the music magical. His outlook on life, his expressions of feelings and ideas are perfect. The final song on the record, an 11-minute epic, details fighting past trauma and getting over the past. Most of the love songs the Doors would write on this record and many more are about Morrison’s longtime girlfriend, Pamela.
Over Morrison’s life, controversy has played a big part in how people perceive him. People label the singer as a drunk, and stupid. But behind those bad, vulnerable moments is a person who was caring and compassionate. Back in the 60s, mental help wasn’t as easily accessible as it is now.
This album changed my life when I first heard it. The beautifulness of “The Crystal Ship” And “End of The Night,” and the killer tunes of “Break on through (To the Other Side)” and “Twentieth Century Fox.” These songs, and much more, make up one of the best debut albums of all time.
And if that alone isn’t enough to pique your interest, artists like Jay-Z and Lauryn Hill have sampled The Doors’ music in their works. The Doors are respected by every genre, and heavily influential.
The Doors are engraved into the heart of rock and roll, and the music industry as a whole. Jim Morrison, and all members respectively, are like cosmic brothers, and their music is there for the listener whenever they need it. When people are strange, music will always be waiting with open arms, and this album is no exception. Top to bottom, perfection.
From the rhythm of a heartbeat to the melodies of a symphony, music is fed into the very souls of human existence. Music impacts our language, culture, emotions, shaping memories and influencing our behavior in ways we often don’t realize.
But how exactly does this seemingly art have such a profound influence on us?
“Music is my life. I listen to music everywhere I go no matter how I feel. I never thought about how the lyrics can affect me as a student. I tend to listen to rap and the words aren’t the best, but they are very catchy,” said sophomore Josiah Whisenat.
These catchy beats and rhythms in music can overpower lyrics.
“As a person who loves music and even got into playing an instrument myself, it does have an influence on my everyday life. I’m constantly listening to music, whether it be while working during class, in the car on my way home, or just while practicing playing the guitar. Music is all around the world and one of the most popular forms of entertainment and escape. Music has always been my favorite hobby to do,” said junior Ubaldo Pille Jaremillo.
Music is a part of people’s lives and has a hold on them.
“As a teen, I usually listen to worship. Not many people, let alone teenagers, listen to worship, but it gives me peace. The words are always so powerful and meaningful. It makes me better as a whole,” said freshman Chelsie Jean.
Listening to music with meaningful lyrics can impact people as a whole, especially since music taps into people’s memories.
“Music is a memory reminder for me. There have always been songs that remind me of special times of life. My family loves to listen to music everyday in our house. Music transports me back to specific times and places in my life. It rekindles memories and emotions that might otherwise be lost,” said junior Ashly West.
Music has always been art in some way; it just depends on how the artist makes it.
“I listen to Rap and RnB on a daily basis. I don’t really listen to the lyrics, but the way it sounds is what I like about it. Now that I think about it, when I sing my music it’s not so good,” said freshman Marcus Baker.
Paying attention to the lyrics in the music we listen to could change our perspectives. So, the next time you listen to your favorite song, take a moment to appreciate the profound impact it’s having on your mind, body, and soul.
Music is more than just entertainment; it’s the soundtrack of our lives, shaping who we are and how we experience the world.
Every artist has demons that they fight. Billie Eilish is no exception. Her music captures her raw emotion as she is feeling it. Her songs “bad guy,” “Happier Than Ever” and “Bury a Friend” are all examples of such songs.
Billie Eilish has been an inspiration all my life. Ever since I was little, her song ”bad guy” played in the background. My mom found it and became obsessed with it. Some lyrics that stood out to me the most are “I’m the bad guy, Duh” and “I got bad thoughts, I got bad vibes.” These stick out to me because I grew up with mental illnesses in the family, so I could relate to the lyrics specifically.
Musically, Eilish blurs the lines between pop, alternative, and electronic, often favoring whispery vocals over minimalist, sometimes eerie productions. Her debut album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” (2019) was a cultural reset in the music industry. Eilish was fearless when it came to singing about topics of mental health, fame, and identity. Songs like “bad guy” and “Bury A Friend” showcased her versatility, while tracks like “i love you” highlighted her emotional depth.
What sets Eilish apart is her authenticity. She doesn’t chase trends—she sets them. From her distinct fashion sense to her refusal to conform to traditional pop aesthetics, she brings a punk emotion to mainstream music. Her 2021 follow-up album Happier Than Ever showcased her growth, trading some of the earlier darkness for reflective ballads and a more mature sound, while still maintaining that signature Eilish vitality.
Billie Eilish is the voice of the anxious, the sensitive, the misunderstood. She’s reshaping what it means to be a pop star in the 21st century—providing that quiet can be as powerful as loud, and being true to yourself is the boldest move of all.
Studio Albums
Popular Songs
When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go
xanny, all the good girls go to hell, bad guy, you should see me in a crown
Creating a book is a tall task, from coming up with an original idea, making a draft, editing through the draft, making a cover, and then the actual publishing process. Despite how long the process can take, an estimated 2.2 million books are published yearly.
Joining these 2.2 million books is The Band, a book being published by English teacher and club Creative Writing Club adviser David Kummer.
Kummer has been writing since he was a kid – he recounted writing his own stories as young as the age of 9. He would fill notebooks with his own stories, showing them to his father, with youthful drive.
It shouldn’t be shocking then that Kummer started publishing as young as 15 with his first novel She. Kummer has continued to self-publish a number of original stories. Inspired by authors like Mark Edwards, Kummer’s books “leans towards horror, mystery, thriller, and young adult fiction.” This leads to his books often being filled with twists and turns and morally in-depth characters.
The specific inspiration for The Band was Kummer’s visit to West Virginia where he went and saw a musical festival, which is a direct connection to the plot, as the main characters in the book are a traveling cover band.
Another large part of inspiration for the book is Kummer’s wife, who drew illustrations for the book, as well as helping him throughout the writing process.
However, unlike Kummer’s fun summer trip to West Virginia, the book goes in a more tragic direction. following a main character who feels in the shadows, falling in love with a bandmate, while dealing with a possible murderous end. For those who are lovers of thrillers, this book is handcrafted for them.
When Kummer isn’t working diligently on his books, he works as an English teacher and as the Creative Writing Club adviser, a club meant to help students self-publish and grow confidence in their writing and put it out there. Many young people aspire to become authors, producing stories for the world to read and enjoy but are shackled by fear to put their work out there actively.
“The best way to grow confidence is to start by showing your work to friends, family, or even teachers,” he said.
He also advised starting with something small and writing shorter stories before doing a larger project. Kummer talked about how experimentation with short stories is a great way to try to figure out your “core writer voice.
“Throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks,” he stated.
Kummer stated that a large part of writing is for writers to throw themselves into it and find their wings as they go. He said writers can’t be scared of being good or bad; they simply have to try if they wish to improve.
“Don’t be afraid of the first draft,” Kummer stated. He said that most first drafts are rough – they won’t be the best, but something is better than nothing.
To conclude, Kummer’s book is available for preorder on his website, davidkummer.com, and on Amazon. For those who want to read it, the first two chapters are also free on his website.
English teacher David Kummer presents his newest book, The Band. Photo by Ifrah Daber.
Adele has been a positive influence on me for my entire life. Ever since I was little, her music was all over the place. My mom would play Adele’s music when she was cleaning, cooking, sewing, pretty much anytime that there was a chore to do. Of course, there was other music, too. Adele stuck out the most.
Adele is an inspiration to people all around the world. She encourages individuality, finding our voices, and staying true to ourselves. She has been a trailblazer in promoting body positivity and self acceptance.
Adele is a 36-year-old English singer-songwriter who is known for her soulful vocals and sentimental songs. She has one son, Angelo, whomich she and her ex-husband share joint custody over. They even live across the street from each other in LA to do “what is best for Angelo.”
I appreciate her music so much and\ there are some songs that just put me in a trance-like state. They make me forget about things even if it’s for three and a half minutes. So many of her songs are playful and catchy and enlightening. And some are slower and have a deeper meaning.
Some songs that stick out to me the most are “Rolling In The Deep,” “Hello,” and “Oh My God.”
“Rolling In The Deep” sticks out to me for the reason that she sings about the displeasure and heartbreak of a past relationship. Adele sings about her anger and feelings of betrayal in the lyrics: “There’s a fire starting in my heart, reaching a fever pitch and it’s bringing me out the dark.” She creates a feeling of realization when she sees him “crystal clear,” as she doesn’t see him how she did previously. I believe that “the dark” she refers to is the disillusionment of the relationship.
Adele’s “Hello” broke the record of most views in 24 hours. At 27.7 million views, she even surpassed Taylor Sswift’s “Bad Blood” at only 20.1 million views.
“Hello” speaks about regret and guilt. Adele admits her wrongdoings when she sings, “I must have called a thousand times, To tell you I’m sorry for everything that I’ve done.” She speaks up to honesty and boldness.
Adele sings about feeling dismissed or ignored when she sings, “To tell you I’m sorry for breaking your heart, But it don’t matter, it clearly doesn’t tear you apart anymore.”
When I first heard “Oh My God,” I imagined Adele in a room full of mirrors, walking around and searching for an escape from herself. The lyrics “I’m a fool, but they all think I’m blind, I’d rather be a fool than leave myself behind-,” reveal an internal struggle of whether or not her choices are selfish or if it’s okay to put herself first. She has the same effect when she sings, “I am a grown woman and I do what I want to do.” It’s another unfolding of her journey, a part where uncertainty pervades everything.
Adele has had a great impact on me and countless others. Her soul and jazz music captivates many audiences all around the world.
Albums
Popular Songs
19
“Day Dreamer,” “Chasing Pavements,” Make You Feel My Love”
1988
“Chasing 1988: The Intro,” “First Love (Remot remix),” “Melt My Heart To Stone (kickdrums remix)”
21
“Rolling In The Deep,” “Rumor Has It,” “Turning Tables”
JHS Theatre brings nightmares to the stage in the next two weekends.
The Nightmare Story is the tale of a boy who ventures into the unknown to find a cure for his mother’s rare disease before it’s too late.
The one-hour performance features inspiration from Eastern European folklore and old world cautionary fables, as the audience is guided by storytellers under lamplight.
Boy sets off across the countryside seeking a cure for his mother while encountering frightening nightmares in a musical that includes action and folk-style adventure.
The Nightmare Story features live instrumentation through ukulele and percussion, along with a variety of puppetry, foley work, and theatrical sequences.
Please be advised that this production contains loud noises and flashing lights.
The show runs this weekend and next: March 7, 8, 14 , and 15 at 7 p.m.; and March 9 at 2 p.m.
A monster, a beast, Dragon Ball Z’s devil, Broly the legendary super Saiyan.
Even if you’re not a Dragon Ball fan, chances are you’ve heard of Broly. He was first introduced on March 6, 1993, in the movie: “Dragon Ball Z: Broly the legendary super Saiyan.” He was introduced as this huge, menacing villain that was a threat to even the likes of Goku. However, his character was rewritten to fit a new movie that released Jan. 16, 2019, titled: “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.” In this review, I’ll go over both the change with this new Broly, and how he contrasts the old one.
When the movie starts, we’re placed on Planet Vegeta. We meet many characters — King Vegeta, Frieza, Bardock — but who we want to focus on is Broly. He was only an infant, but displayed immense power. To protect both his planet and his pride, King Vegeta sends Broly off to another planet, Vampa. Broly’s father, Paragus, steals a spaceship and flies after him, finding and training his son for 40 years due to them being stranded.
After Frieza makes a move and steals 6 of the 7 dragon balls from Goku and the others, they track the last one down to intercept Frieza and his soldiers. However, that’s when they meet Broly, and Paragus immediately recognizes Vegeta as Prince Vegeta’s son. He sends Broly after him, and there’s a huge fight with Vegeta and Goku versus Broly, each of them pushing their limits and going through multiple forms. The fight eventually ends with Goku and Vegeta fusing into Gogeta, defeating Broly before he is ultimately teleported back to Vampa. Goku befriends a calmed down Broly and that’s where the movie ends.
This movie is beautifully written. The visuals are stunning, the characters are extremely well written, and I can never stop admiring the story in this film — it always makes me smile.
Another nod to an old Dragon Ball Z movie, the fusion Gogeta was first introduced in the 1995 movie: “Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn,” where Gogeta was made to defeat Janemba. They both share similar characteristics, despite Gogeta being more serious in his first appearance, so I won’t stay on him.
The differences between Z Broly and Super Broly are obvious. Z Broly is more one dimensional and flat, while Super Broly is much more developed and characterized. Z Broly was made purely for the instance of having a villain stronger than Goku, and that’s evident in his size and muscle mass. However, Super Broly was made to turn Broly into a more deep and sympathetic character. He is soft spoken, honest, kind, and only fights with Goku and Vegeta because his father wants (and forces) him to. There’s a moment near the middle of the movie that really shows Broly’s difference in the two versions of him.
After Broly and Paragus are found and rescued by Cheelai and Lemo, Frieza Force soldiers, Cheelai offers Broly proper food. Broly takes it and scarfs it down, but after which he is reminded by his father to use his manners. He thanks Cheelai, and even tries to replicate her little thank-you gesture she does. It’s also shown at the end when Goku befriends Broly. Broly doesn’t attack Goku at all, letting him speak and even smiling as he leaves.
This movie is a beautiful representation of the difference between two versions of one character that can be made. It also shows the symbolism between Dragon Ball characters. The world of Dragon Ball is met by two kinds of characters, good and evil. Without the good, the evil takes over and tips the scale, and if there’s no evil, vise versa. Broly perfectly shows this, because good and evil of him exist, both movies showing what could happen if he is good or evil. What I’m trying to say is, Broly perfectly encapsulates the path characters in Dragon Ball can go — they’re either Goku’s friend, like Vegeta, or his enemy, like Frieza.
This movie is beautifully written. The visuals are stunning, the characters are extremely well written, and I can never stop admiring the story in this film — it always makes me smile.
Movie title: Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Starring: Christopher Sabat, Vic Mignogna, and Sean Schemmel
Regarding family-style dining, Buca di Beppo is a name that often stands out. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and hearty Italian-American dishes, this restaurant promises a ballad of flavor nostalgia, and communal dining. But does it truly deliver on its reputation? I visited Buca de Beppo, and here’s what I discovered.
Buca di Beppo: A Taste of Italy with a Side of Nostalgia
Buca di Beppo is a restaurant that knows how to make an impression from the moment you walk through the door. With its warm, inviting ambiance and quirky décor that celebrates Italian-American culture, it’s the kind of place that feels like stepping into the home of a big, boisterous Italian family.
Ambiance
The décor is over-the-top, with walls covered in vintage photographs, posters, and eclectic knickknacks. Strings of lights and checkered tablecloths create a fun, nostalgic vibe. The layout features family-style dining rooms and even a “kitchen table” for those who want a behind-the-scenes experience. While the atmosphere is lively and vibrant, it may feel noisy for those seeking an intimate or quiet dinner.
Service
The service is friendly and accommodating, with staff members eager to explain the family-style menu concept. They are attentive without being overbearing, ensuring drinks are refilled and dishes arrive promptly.
Food
Buca di Beppo specializes in Italian-American classics, and their portions are designed for sharing. Here’s a breakdown of some highlights:
• Appetizers: The Fried Mozzarella and Bruschetta are crowd-pleasers. The mozzarella is perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and paired with a robust marinara sauce.
• Pasta Dishes: Their Spaghetti with Meatballs is a signature dish, and it doesn’t disappoint. The marinara sauce is tangy and fresh, while the meatballs are tender and flavorful. The Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy and indulgent, though it can be a bit heavy for some palates.
• Entrées: The Chicken Parmigiana is a standout, with its crispy breading and generous layer of melted cheese. The Eggplant Parmigiana is also a great vegetarian option, though it leans on the richer side.
• Desserts: The Tiramisu and Chocolate Chip Cannoli are decadent and satisfying, making for a perfect sweet ending.
Family-Style Concept
The family-style dining experience is both a strength and a potential drawback, depending on your party size and preferences. Large groups will love the communal feel, but smaller parties may find it challenging to justify ordering multiple large dishes.
Price
While the portions are large, the pricing can feel a bit steep, especially if you’re dining with a smaller group. However, for the quantity and quality, it’s a reasonable value for those looking to indulge.
Overall Experience
Buca di Beppo is a fantastic choice for celebrations, family gatherings, or casual dinners where you want to enjoy hearty Italian comfort food in a fun, lively setting. While the noise level and portion sizes may not suit every diner, the restaurant’s charm and bold flavors make it a memorable dining experience.
The 2024 Game of the Year Awards was a tough contest. Three of the best games I’ve played in a long time were nominated for the prestigious title, but one stood above the rest: Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Although it didn’t win Game Of The Year 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio won multiple awards at The Game Awards 2024, including Best Narrative, Best RPG, and Best Art Direction. It is critically acclaimed for its beautiful art style and story.
The king’s assassination is causing anxiety in the kingdom because he is assumed to have no heir. Unbeknownst to the public, the prince was put under a curse many years ago. He is alive, but he has been unconscious since the curse was cast. A good friend of the prince, Will, and his closest confidant, Gallica, are tasked with finding a way to reverse the curse and return the prince to the throne. At the royal funeral, the late king’s magic manifests as a stone island large enough to block out the sun bearing his face. He announces that the people will decide on the next king. Will decides to win the throne in the prince’s place.
Characters and their arcs are handled beautifully by this game’s narrative. The world feels expansive, and it’s easy to get invested in the problems facing this world.
It won Best Art Direction at The Game Awards 2024, and it earned that title. The menus take on a painted style. The art and character designs are visually stunning. The mix of 3D and 2D makes the visuals compelling throughout the entire experience.
The cast is easily one of the most likable. The party includes characters from a variety of fantasy races, and their race and upbringing play an obvious role in how they see and interact with the world.
The voice acting in this game is one of the most impressive aspects of the game. The English voice cast features largely unknown actors, each of whom excellently brings the characters to life. The variety of accents creates the impression of a vast world.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a step above its competition in the JRPG genre. Few other games have gripped me in the same way. I highly recommend anyone who is a fan of JRPGs check it out.
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