In high school, most people need a way to let off steam. Some play sports or musical instruments. Others abuse drugs and have unprotected sex. Still, others spend their time guiding a magical whale through the skies. Surprisingly, there is very little crossover between these people and the folks who take hallucinogens. Yes, technology has finally advanced to the point where flying whales can be a pastime for all ages and creeds. It’s a game called Whale Trail , and you can play it on your Ipod. Playing Whale Trail is as simple as tapping the screen in order to guide a flying whale. You must pick up coins while avoiding storm clouds, which will fatally injure you. The game is simple to learn, but soon grows extremely complicated with violent action and knee-jarring stunts. The inherent metaphor of Whale Trail is obvious. The inevitability of death, and the meaninglessness of life, are themes clearly shown throughout the game. Once you realize that every game ends with your death, you realize how precious your time on ‘The Trail’ is, and you realize that you can only try and whale the trail as long and hard as you can. The game’s messages are an obvious impact on the people who play it. Junior Nate Hanson, an avid ‘whaler,’ can vividly describe how Whale Trail has affected him. “It’s given me a whole new outlook. My mother told me it’s made me a changed man. The feel good music plays in my head all day,” Hanson said. There are widespread reports of students playing Whale Trail and then immediately having their lives be immensely bettered. One student played Whale Trail for the first time and then solved a Rubik’s Cube, blindfolded, without looking at it beforehand, while still playing Whale Trai l. Another began to lift weights and listen to house music frequently. Another turned into a dolphin and promptly began to expel Skittles from each and every orifice of his body. The game features the insanely catchy theme song Whale Trail by musical genius Gruff Rhys. The song’s lyrics are almost as thought provoking as the game itself when it suggests utopian advancements for the betterment of mankind. “No armored cars, / just time and stars, / and universal suffrage, / for everyone forever.” Remember to have tissues when playing in case of a tearful breakdown.