2016 December issue

Donald Trump becomes President-Elect pg. 5

Creek students make impact on ISS pg. 11

Doctor Strange Review pg. 13

Volleyball takes Creek 289 miles to State tournament

By Sierra Dickey Photo Editor The end of the volleyball season is here and the Clear Creek Varsity girls have achieved 47 wins with minimal losses.

The history of Creek’s varsity volleyball includes winning ten district championships over the last 16 years and advancing to the playoffs 24 times in the past 25 years. This year, Creek has made an unforgettable impact, reaching state.

Going to state this year is an accomplishment. The last time the team went to State was eight years ago. The varsity girls have beaten the majority of their rivals and lost against only five other schools with a record of 47 to 5.

Reaching state was a very difficult yet amazing achievement, especially since the school did not have as many students playing volleyball as in previous years.

“It has been so hard to get back here; it was so difficult,” Coach Scott Simonds said. “In that time, my school has been split twice. Our enrollment went down from over 4,000 kids down to 2,300. We did not even have enough kids to have a freshman B team this year. But if you have enough kids who are willing to work this can happen,” Coach Simonds said.

Simonds noted that the team advanced to State not only because the team was talented, but because their dedication and hard work motivated them to play hard and never give up. “I feel like I’m in a dream,” Coach Simonds said.

On the way to Garland, about four hours away and 289 miles north, Coach Simonds motivated the varsity girls by playing the movie Hoosiers. Hoosiers is about a high school basketball team located in a small town that reached nationals. The coach in the movie, played

by Gene Hackman, gave motivation, shared with the team throughout the week.

“I’m stealing a lot of quotes from the movie – trying to do my best to be Gene Hackman this weekend,” Simonds said.

The first game in the championships was against Reagan High School.

In the beginning neither side knew what the other team’s tactics were so the game was a bit spontaneous.

“I told them, you can’t treat this differently,” Coach Simonds said to help calm the varsity team’s nerves and get them focused. “The net is still seven foot four here. The court is still 30 by 60 [feet]. There are a lot of people here, but you have to block that out and play.”

The Creek varsity girls, with a close

score of 25-23, took the first match. In the second match the girls realized their competition had skill and they needed to up their game. Taking another win of the game, they dominated Reagan 25-14. The last match, the one that determined whether Creek won the first game and moved on was played with great strategy from both sides.

the first match 20 to 25. The second match was better in the performance of Creek.

They started to learn their ways and how they hit which lead them to start leading in the beginning of the second match. Hebron caught up to Creek in the end and yet again took the win 20 to 25. The third match was again starting out good, looking like

Photo by Sierra Dickey Creek ultimately won Creek might actually the match, letting the varsity have a chance and have girls move to the second game against to play another match until Hebron caught Hebron High School the following day. up again and won the third match 20 to 25.

The team won, in part thanks to Hannah “Hebron is really good, again, to steal Froeschl, contributing 13 kills, Kelsey a line from Hoosiers, we have to be the Childers, contributing 39 sets and 13 digs giant killers,” Simonds said. “We have and Maddie Flora, contributing 18 digs and to be David versus Goliath. We have to their phenomenal performance. After the go against a school that is one and a half match was over, the girls ran towards the times our size. The thing is, we just have center and raised their fingers to represent to be aggressive. We can’t be tentative. their goal to achieve number one in state. We have to go out there and play and “We stayed pretty close in the just let the chips fall where they may.” first and the third, but they were While the Hebron varsity girls were just able to continuously bring an cheering and laying on the floor hugging attack,” Coach G. Michael Carter for their victory, Creek was crying and from Reagan High School said. hugging the loss out. In the end the two “Their serves were a little more teams shock it off and were awarded their aggressive tonight and we struggled with medals for making it to state. Hebron High it a little bit. Other than that, I think both School Varsity girls took first in the state teams played hard. Coach Simonds did a and moved on to nationals and Creek varsity great job and they got the win tonight.” girls were given the title second in state.

The Hebron game was the most While these games were going on, intense and competitive game the Creek the motivation was not only from the girls varsity girls have gone against because themselves but the crowd, as well as support Hebron High School were defending state from the cheerleaders, students and families champions. The first match of the game was that came and watched. The students were very intense. Creek from the beginning was screaming when the other team was serving down and Hebron was leading. Until the to distract them and help Creek. They middle when Creek was starting to catch nevertheless showed their sportsmanship back up, sadly not enough and Creek lost by clapping and cheering even when

a point was given to the other team.

“The support and cheering makes the games all the more intense and fun, it really brings out the competitive side of the girls because we really want to win for our school.” Maddie Flora and Caitlyn Burroway said.

Not only did the crowd help motivate them but Coach Simonds and Assistant Coach Molly Ullman as well.

Coach Simonds shared many quotes from the movie Hoosiers to help motivate the girls and keep them focused.

“The key to winning at state is doing whatever it is that got you there.

But it’s also a matter of who can make the plays when it is 20 all? Who can make the plays in game five?

There are going to be so many sets that are close because all these teams are good,” Simonds restated the Coach of Austin Westlake, Al Bennet, several years before.

“We made the plays at the end and I can’t believe we are in the state championship.”

Coach Simonds noted that while the team did not win the state championships and move on to nationals, they still achieved amazing things including going to state for the first time in eight years.

The 2016- 2017 varsity girls volleyball made the year as unforgettable as possible.

The 2016- 2017 varsity girls include Miranda Phelps, Sarah Adams, Sydney O’Dell, and Alyssa Irvine as defensive specialists. Riley Brantley, Allie Garland and Hannah Froeschl as middle blockers.

Emma Wagenknecht, Caitlyn Burroway, Melissa McNeil and Jenna Metzinger as outside hitters, Maddie Flora as the liberio and Kelsey Childers as the setter. The four seniors on the team include Hannah Froeschl, Caitlyn Burroway, Melissa McNeil, Sarah Adams and Maddie Flora.

Four out of five girls got full ride scholarships for volleyball to their chosen college.

With these exceptional players leaving Creek this year the roles of the other girls will need to step up. Not only will they have to step up their own individual game but as a team as well. With new players comes a new bond that is needed to form in order to work together. With the help of the coaches and dedication and communication many think that next year will be tough and outstanding as a team.

2

Opinion What are you looking forward to as the year comes to a close?

Going to prom w friends. ith It is one last thing to -Lindsey Asdhoo. r (12th) n

Christmas e break, becaus there is lots of time out of school.

-Jimmy Haas (9th)

I can’t waitthto graduate eris Decemb n. and have fuerrez - Aaron Guti) (12th

Getting a job and tons of money. I want money.

-Aleena Stamness (11th)

The winter show and mus becauseicIaal m in th -MarilyenatCrreu. z (11th)

Hunting and fishing because it is that season.

-CJ Hudson (9th)

Getting a truck. My noeldw one is breakin g down.

-Ryan Billings e (12th) y

because it My birthday e is closer to th r. a end of the ye lar -Lauren Sinc (10th)

I’m looking forward to graduating from Texas Tech on December 17th.

-Mrs. Geise Becoming a senior because I can get out of highschool.

-Zach Daniels (11th)

and go Time to sleep s the on vacation a weather is amazing! nis -Maddie McGin

e Spendingmtyim with cause I girlfrienvde bheer. lo enez -Miguel9Jthim ( )

2016-2017

HiLife Staff Principal: Advisor: Editors-in-Chief: Managing Editor: Photo Editor: Teen Interest Editor: Sports Editor: Around Creek Editor: News Editor: Advertising Manager: Design Editors: Online Editor: Photographers: Alyssa Hutchison Jose Mares Jr. Dakota Wingard Skylar Threadgill Veronica Brown Hannah Pearson

Jamey Majewski Wynette Jameson Emily Ruthven Troylon Griffin II Issac Villarreal Sierra Dickey Catherine Irvine Troylon Griffin II Emily Ruthven Fizza Gilani Issac Villarreal Issac Villarreal Brittney Melanson Hayley Johnson Reporters: Lilo Shelley Joana Mancia Minha Siddiqui DeAundrea Edwards

Published at Mirror Publishers in Texas City Visit us at: www.creekhilife.com or http://clearcreekhs.ccisd.net For ad rates call: (281)284-1889 Fax: (281)316-0587

3

Editorial

Troylon’s Talks:Fighting fake news

Troylon Griffin II Editor-In-Chief The creation of the Internet has put us in an age of practically unlimited information, and it is no wonder why many like to call the twenty first century the “Information Age.” Unfortunately, the internet has in many ways been the best and worst thing tool for learning and obtaining information, or news for that matter. In a world where any and everything can be published and posted for everyone to see, it is easy to see that readers would be exposed to a plethora of fair and reliable information, as well as millions of unreliable information that will only spread ignorance among the masses. This is perfectly exemplified in the the news and media of today’s day and age.

Over the past few decades, it was originally the tabloids that readers and audiences had to worry about in terms of spreading rumors, false

information and overall ignorance. But now, thanks to the internet and social media, we have more and more people who are uninformed and misled by their sources of news. Fake news has taken the twenty-first century by storm and has led to many coming to believe info that is made for the sake of entertainment, shock and to down right propaganda that isn’t even true.

So we know the problem, but how can we solve it? What can be done so that the masses are not influenced by the sensational headlines and lies that are advertised for the sake of sales and attention?

The key is in the minds of the people and readers. We need to be more critical and investigative readers who are able to tell a good argument from

another, and a good source from a bad one. the human minds and experience, but It is sad how in today’s day and age, we our curiosity is not killing the cat, it is killing us and killing what true news and journalism itself stands for. We need to have a balanced and well rounded ability to investigate and learn about news before letting ourselves just instantly believe whatever we hear or see. Do not just instantly spread information about which you are unsure. Help others to distinguish feed into what these writers of ignorance want you to do.

But beyond that, even not liking or retweeting certain information can help to not spread ignorant information that sensational writers want to fool you with. Do your own research and do not just rely on social media for information because it is through retweeting and reposting false information that can truly lead to the masses being affected by lies and ignorance.

I encourage you all to think for yourselves as humans and do not feed into what sensationalists want you to believe. With the had a pizza store attacked by a mad gunman right amount of logic, and critical because he read as fake news article about and investigative thinking, hopefully pizza store employees sexually abusing we can all stop this horrible trend children. Curiosity is a natural element of of fakr news misleading the masses.

“We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media. The question is how well we do it.”

-Erik Qualman

Emily’s Editorial:DAPL controversy

By Emily Ruthven Editor-in-Chief The Dakota Access Pipeline project was recently shut down thanks to profuse amounts of protesting. In theory, the Dakota Access Pipeline sounded like a good idea. It was supposed to allow, “light sweet crude oil from North Dakota to reach major refining markets in a more direct, costeffective, safer and environmentally responsible manner,” according to Energy Transfer Website.

Also, the pipeline would have, “increased domestic crude oil production translates into greater energy independence for the United States.” However, all of that must be set aside when considering the fact that the pipeline was set to run through the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation located in North Dakota, and could possibly contaminate the reservation’s

only water source with crude oil.

“These water protectors are fighting not just for clean water. They are fighting a system that abuses them for profit. They are fighting a government that is alltoo-ready to use violence to defend the property rights of massive corporations,” J o r g e Newberry of The Huffington Post said.

While I am thankful that the Dakota Access Pipeline project was shut down, there are still many people who consider the pipeline to have been a good idea, There is the cliché, “history repeats itself.” Unfortunately, like most clichés, it is true. It was not too long ago when America pushed Native American tribes onto reservations. Also, we tried to Americanize the Native American’s culture by white washing it. We forced them to dress like us, learn the English language, and send the children to our white-culture schools. We

wanted to kill off their culture. The Native American way of life became forbidden.

And while some may argue that we repaid them with our “gift” of reservations,

westward. Along the way, at least a quarter of all the Cherokee died.

Is it not evident that history is blatantly repeating itself? America was presented the same opportunity as they were nearly two hundred years ago: disrupt the Native American’s way of life for supposed economic growth. “‘The news that the US federal government has refused to issue the permit needed to run a pipeline under the Missouri river means many things including that indigenous a c t i v i s t s have won a smashing victory, one that shows what nonviolent unity can accomplish,” Bill McKibben, founder of the advocacy group 350.org, wrote in The Guardian,” according to The Huffington Post.

The rights of Native Americans have been violated countlessly throughout history. It is nice to see a change for the better.

If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.

-George Bernard Shaw what many people do not realize is that, quite often, these reservations are barren wastelands, devoid of food and water and supplied with mediocre soil.

In addition, let us not forget the Trail of Tears. In 1838, President Andrew Jackson initiated one of America’s most shameful moments: The Trail of Tears.

Over 20,000 Cherokee Native Americans were forced out of their homes to march

4

NEWS

US female Muslim legislator goes to Washington

By Fizza Gilani News Editor lhan Omar has made history in becoming the United States of America’s first female Muslim state legislator. She followed in the footsteps of another history-maker, Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to be appointed to Congress.

Both policymakers show promise in a country that is growing increasingly hostile toward minority communities.

It became official on Tuesday, November 15th that Omar is the first female Muslim representative of the Minnesota state legislative. Omar lived in a refugee camp in Kenya for four years after fleeing from civil war in her home country of Somalia. Since she immigrated here in 1995, she has noticed “rampant racial and economic inequality and religious intolerance in the U.S.” Having been a constant witness to the inequality in the U.S. convinced her to become a political leader. Her interest in politics was also sparked after she interpreted for her grandfather at caucuses.

It wasn’t an easy journey, however.

Omar faced a host of difficulties – from learning English in just three months to battling resistance as a political leader. Just two years ago, she suffered a concussion from a beating by seven or eight people during a caucus session. However, despite the friction she experienced, Omar continued to fight for what she believed in: the process of democracy. “Our democracy is great, but it’s fragile,” she said. “It’s come through a lot of progress, and we need to continue that progress to make it actually ‘justice for all.’” She was a

community organizer and now serves as the director of policy of the Women

“Our campaign has been about more than just uniting a district, more than winning

Ilhan Omar speaking on behalf of Hillary Clinton.

Organizing Women network, “a group which helps empower and propel east African women into civic leadership roles.”

Omar ran as part of the Democratic party, and her platform included policies covering economic equality, closing the opportunity gap, and education reform.

back the House, more than making history,” she said. “Our campaign has been about shifting narratives, restoring hope and reestablishing access in our democracy.”

The biggest challenge Omar faced in winning her seat was defeating Mohamud Noor, another Somali American, and

incumbent Phyllis Kahn, the House’s longest-serving member. She beat Kahn in the primary contest, and Noor backed out of the race for personal reasons. She won the seat with 80 percent of the vote.

“Minneapolis said no tonight, said no to hatred,” Habon Abdulle, executive director of Women Organizing Women Network said, in commentary to Omar’s win.

Omar stood out as a candidate, being a former refugee, a Muslim, a woman, an immigrant, and a mother. Of her own candidacy, she said, “Often times, you are told to be everything but bold, but I think that was important for me in running as a young person and running as someone who is Muslim, a refugee, an immigrant.

To believe in the possibility that all of my identities and otherness would fade into the background, and that my voice as a strong progressive would emerge if I was bold and believed in that – that made a huge difference for me and my candidacy.” She believed her diversity as a candidate is part of what helped her win. “I think I bring the voice of young people,” she said. “I think I bring the voice of women in the East African community. I bring the voice of Muslims. I bring the voice of young mothers looking for opportunity.” She credits the other part of her victory to the dedication of people to policy and the future. “One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the narrative that if you are a minority person running for office, you can only win a seat in a district that is demographically in your favor. We were making the case that the electorate is actually interested in policy. It’s interested in a vision.”

Ilhan Omar now serves as the Minnesota state representative of District 60B.

Historic Galveston chapel to undergo restoration

By Catherine Irvine Teen Interest Editor The 134- year- old Eaton Memorial Chapel in Galveston, Texas is currently undergoing a process of restoration. The restoration projects will be led by the well known architect Grahm Luhn. Luhn is also known in the area for taking part in restoring the Houston Cotton Exchange building and the U.S. Customs House. When Luhn restores the Chapel, the rotten wood from water and termite damage will be replaced.

Repairs will also be done to the plaster sheathings and artists will replicate the paintings on the wall that were originally on top of the plaster. The chapel’s roof will also be replaced with a lead-coated copper roof to prevent leaks. The Capel is built in as a part of the Trinity Episcopal Church.

The Trinity Episcopal Church named the chapel after Reverend Benjamin Eaton.

The Trinity church was designed by John DeYoung. The Eaton Chapel was originally designed by Nicholas Clayton in 1882.

Clayton is also known for designing “Old Red” and Bishops Palace in Galveston.

The Texas State Historical Association said “Clayton was responsible for so many of the major public, commercial, and residential buildings constructed in Galveston during the 1870’s, 1880’s, and 1890s that Howard Barnstone described this period in the city’s history as the “Clayton Era.” Clayton was a High Victorian architect. His buildings were exuberant in shape, color, texture, and detail.”

Clayton is known for deeply influencing the style of Galveston and its historical

buildings by designing and constructing a large amount of the Galveston area’s most significant buildings such as large tourist sights like Bishops Palace.

The Moody Foundation gave the chapel a $1.5 million grant for the multiple rejuvenations that the Chapel desperately needed. The church and its community also raised funds in addition to the grant given

by The Moody Foundation. The Chapel has gone through damage from storms such as the 1900 storm, and termites in the wood work. After Hurricane Ike in 2008 damaged several other buildings of the Galveston area including the Chapel, the kitchen was blandly restored. After Ike damaged the church, new electrical and mechanical systems were placed throughout the church as well. The Second floor went through considerable amount of abuse especially to the ceiling, floors and windows, being used as a gym for the church’s school. The main goal of going through will all the restorations is to be able to use the Chapel for sermons and more than for jus the school.

Reverend Benjamin Eaton arrived in Galveston in 1841. Once he arrived, he founded the Trinity Episcopal Church and served there until his death in 1871.

Throughout his life he managed to escape from a falling rectory inside the Trinity Church that collapsed during a storm, being gored by a wild deer, being thrown under a train and also found himself in a knife fight with a Mexican Soldier, but he eventually died in the pulpit of the church after collapsing on Palm Sunday while delivering a sermon about death. His body

is now placed in a crypt under the alter of the Trinity Episcopal Church. The Eaton Chapel was built and paid for years later by Henry Rosenberg and the Ladies Parochial Society.

The Chapel serves as a memorial for Reverend Eaton and his service to the Galveston community.

When the restorations to the chapel

have been concluded, there is going to be a new stage in place towards the front of the chapel and the chapel will be open for public events such as weddings and sermons. The Eaton Memorial Chapel’s repairs are projected to be completed by Palm Sunday 2017 and open to the public.

NEWS

5

Donald J. Trump to become President in January

By Emily Ruthven Editor-in-Chief On November 8, America became a torn nation. Republican nominee Donald J. Trump became president elect, a close victory against Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton.

Many Americans were shocked at the outcome due to the media. Shows such as Saturday Night Live never gave Trump a fighting chance in their predictions. Such large quantities of people were in major opposition to Trump and his policies.

This resulted in numerous riots following the results of election night. Riots were especially severe in cities such as Chicago.

The night of the election was one that was initially marked with true unpredictability. The early hours of voting showed Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton’s voting percentages go back in forth in terms of majority. However, towards the end of the night, despite Clinton winning the popular vote, Trump’s electoral votes exceeded Clinton’s by a long shot, with Trump having 306 electoral votes, and Clinton having 232.

It was reported by one channel that Clinton’s associates had called her and declared, “It’s done. He is the president.” This was said before the votes were even finalized.

With him being elected, Donald Trump has also made history as the oldest person to be elected president at age 70.

Ronald Reagan initially held this record, as he was 69 when he was elected in 1981.

Hillary Clinton delivered a concession speech days later regarding her loss.

“I know how disappointed you feel because I feel it too, and so do tens of millions of Americans who invested their hopes and dreams in this effort,” Clinton said. “This is painful and it will be for a long time, but I want you to remember this. Our campaign was never about one person or even one election, it was about the country we love and about building an America that’s hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted.”

Clinton went on to thank and give gratitude to President Barack Obama and his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, her vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine and Anne Holton for their contributions to her candidacy.

Donald Trump delivered a gratuitious victory speech, starting by thanking his voters and audiences and then showing gratitude to his competitor Hillary Clinton.

“I’ve just received a call from Secretary Clinton,” He began. “She congratulated us. It’s about us. On our victory, and I congratulated her and her family on a very, very hard-fought campaign. I mean, she fought very hard. Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country.”

Trump went on to restate some of goals as president and among his administration. He highlighted that “we have a great economic plan” and that “we are going to fix our inner cities and rebuild our highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, schools, hospitals.”

Trump went on to declare and ask for nothing but unity and prosperity for Americans and the future of the United States of America.

“Now it is time for America to bind

so well. Tremendous potential. It is going to be a beautiful thing. Every single American will have the opportunity to realize his or her fullest potential. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer,” Trump said.

Regardless if people support Trump and his administration, Trump’s victory was, at least in 2015, nearly unpredictable.

Many failed to take Trump seriously, assuming at some point, some other Republican candidate would become more

Donald Trump speaking at a rally in Phoenix, Arizona

the wounds of division, have to get together,” Trump declared. “To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It is time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be President for all of Americans, and this is so important to me,” Trump said.

“For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people, I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our great country.

As I’ve said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign but rather an incredible and great movement, made up of millions of hard-working men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and for their family..”

Trump said. “It is a movement comprised of Americans from all races, religions, backgrounds, and beliefs, who want and expect our government to serve the people -- and serve the people it will. Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream. I’ve spent my entire life in business, looking at the untapped potential in projects and in people all over the world.”

Trump continued, “That is now what I want to do for our country. Tremendous potential. I’ve gotten to know our country

popular and would subsequently become the nominee.

However, when Trump became the official nominee for the Republican Party, the mood of America shifted.

“Trump had flirted with running for president many times and in 2000, he briefly ran for the Reform Party nomination. Few took him seriously in 2015 when he began talking about running for the Republican Party nomination until he actually announced and began seriously campaigning,” according to NBC News.

Several states have issued recounts.

“Our effort to recount votes in those states is not intended to help Hillary Clinton,” Stein wrote on her fundraising site for the recount, which received nearly $7.2 million by Tuesday. “These recounts are part of an election integrity movement to attempt to shine a light on just how untrustworthy the U.S. election system is,” according to Chris Riotta of International Business Times.

Many have begun to question the validity of a voting system that involves an Electoral College. The logic behind this is that, with the current system of an electoral college, it does not make sense to some people that a nominee could become president even though the majority of the country did not vote for that candidate.

“It creates the possibility for the

loser of the popular vote to win the electoral vote,” according to Eric Black of The Minn Post. Black continued, “The Electoral College system further distorts the presidential campaign by causing the candidates to grant extra weight to the parochial needs of the swing states.”

However, there are a significant amount of voters who prefer the current method of using an Electoral College.

“Abolishing the current system will strongly tilt elections in favor of candidates who can win huge electoral margins in the country’s major metropolitan areas,” according to Gary Gregg of Politico.

During his campaign, Trump called the current voting system “rigged” several times. However, that very same system granted him a presidency. “‘[Trump’s] mentioned he wants to fix the rigged system,” Clint Curtis, the lawyer representing the three Florida voters, told Tallahassee Democrat’s Jeff Burlew. “This will give the opportunity to do that. If it were a normal politician, I’d say our chances are very slim.

But it’s not a normal politician — it’s Donald Trump,’” according to Riotta.

Since Trump’s victory, he has taken a few steps backward, in the less radical direction, regarding some of his policies.

Prior to the election, his stance on Obamacare was to completely “repeal” it.

Now, after the President-Elect met with President Obama, Trump was recorded saying, “he was open to keeping two of Obamacare’s key provisions, coverage of adult children through age 26 and guaranteed coverage of pre-existing conditions,” Geoff Colvin of Fortune said. This sudden change of heart may be attributable to the fact that, “full repeal won’t happen; that would require 60 votes in the Senate, which the Republicans don’t have,” Colvin continued.

The entire course of the election, it was no secret that Trump and Obama did not think highly of each other. However, all personal notions had to be set aside when the two met in the Oval Office two days after the election, on November tenth.

“I want to emphasize to you, Mr. President-elect, that we now are going to want to do everything we can to help you succeed because if you succeed, then the country succeeds,” Obama said to the President-Elect. According to the New York Times, Trump appeared “nervous,” as well as “uncharacteristically subdued.”

Obama continued with kind, professional words, “We want to make sure that they feel welcome as they prepare to make this transition.”

“We’re going to do some absolutely spectacular things for the American people,” Trump said. He continued, “We’re going to lower taxes, as you know, we’re going to fix health care and make it more affordable and better. We’re

6

Features

Dave Ward leaves ABC13 after 50 years prominent Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I am very proud of this television On June 22, The Guinness Book of station. I am very proud of the people who World Records awarded Dave as the “longest work on Eyewitness News and the product Longtime running news anchor, Dave career as a television news broadcaster.” we put on the air,” Ward said about his team.

Ward, celebrated his 50th anniversary by retiring from the local news station ABC13 KTRK. On August 4, Ward announced his departure at Houston’s Annual Gala, and his final episode was December 9.

Ward, born in Dallas, first joined the station KTRK-TV in November of 1966 as a street photographer/reporter.

A year later in 1967, Ward was assigned as ABC13’s morning weekday newscast anchor. Later in the year, Dave was promoted to weekday evening co-anchor.

Since then he has been seen as one of Houston’s best professional news anchors.

Before joining station KTRK, Dave started his broadcast radio station with KGKB while attending Tyler Junior College. A few years later, he began working as a staff announcer at WACOFM. Late in the year 1963, Dave became KNJZ radio’s first full-time reporter.

In his years of co-anchoring with former co-anchor Gina Gaston, he has played an active role in launching Houston Crime Stoppers and serving as the local Dave Ward to leave ABC13 president of Easter Seals Society. Easter Dave was thrilled when T h e Seals Society, founded in 1919, was he received the award.

Dave Ward established to support children and adults “I did not set out a career out of one building, build to keep Ward’s legacy with special needs and disabilities offering a television station, but that has how it evolved alive, is headquarters for those who will be variety if services to meet individual needs. and the strides we have made here parallel the serving to prevent crimes in the community.

This organization has helped more than industry as a whole,” Ward told Eyewitness On November 27, Sunday afternoon one million children and adults throughout news, adding with “I did not have to go Ward attended the Texans game. While the year. Dave also had the opportunity to anywhere. I could stay here and experience the second quarter was going on, the work with the American Cancer Society. everything there is in broadcast television.” Texans honored Dave by presenting clips Since then, Ward has accumulated During his career, Ward has been able of his career on the NRG screen. Fans many awards. In 2007, Dave has bestowed to air many memories during his times around gave him a standing ovation. an Emmy for his remarkable work on at the station. Dave had the opportunity “We are very proud of Dave and the news station for his outstanding to cover an exclusive individual his long tenure at our station. Fifty work. Afterward, in 2011, he gained the interview with President, Barack Obama. years is a milestone, and we want to

By Joana Mancia Reporter

thank him for many contributions to our station and our community.” said Henry Florsheim, President and General manager of KTRK-TV. Many are proud of Ward’s work, especially his wife Laura Ward who is an executive director of Houston’s Children’s Charity. “Dave has not taken time in his lifetime to have any hobbies,” Laura had said along with “His hobby is staying connected with his viewers; he has done that for 50 years.”

Most of all, Houston is grateful for Ward’s past work of achievement. Since the beginning of his anchoring career he always started off saying “Good evening, friends” and many are just thankful for his contribution to the community. Some of his last remarks regarding his retirement were, “I was always the type who wanted to know what was happening.

I wanted to find out what was going on and tell everybody I know what I had found out. And that’s what I have done in this news business over the past fifty years. I wouldn’t take a million dollars for it. It’s been an amazing 50 years here at KTRK-TV in Houston. If I leave a legacy, I would really like it to be, ‘He really tried to do it right.’”

Features

7

Leonard Cohen leaves a lasting musical legacy

By Minha Siddiqui Reporter Famous singer/song-writer Leonard Cohen passed away on November 7th, 2016. Cohen was a musician whose works are known all around the world. Cohen was also a poet, novelist and painter.

Cohen’s son Adam Cohen paid tribute to his father on Facebook saying, “My sister and I just buried my father in Montreal, Cohen said. “With only immediate family and a few lifelong friends present, he was lowered into the ground in an unadorned pine box, next to his mother and father. Exactly as he’d asked. As I write this I’m thinking of my father’s unique blend of self-deprecation and dignity, his approachable elegance, his charisma without audacity, his oldworld gentlemanliness and the hand-forged tower of his work. There’s so much I wish I could thank him for, just one last time.”

Cohen was a very important person in the music industry. He began his music career in 1967. He had previously pursued a career as a poet and novelist during the 1950s, and 1960s. Cohen stopped making music for few years because he had gained a lot more interest in poetry. He started making music again in 2001 starting with the album Ten New Songs.

Leonard Cohen started writing songs, poetry, music and Jewish theology and the stories of Testament, due to his parents. He began playing guitar because of his main

interests, that he had w h i c h formed was out of c a l l e d romance, a Buckskin prominent B o y s . theme in his Their gigs music.

It involved turned out performing to be a great tremendous success. amounts Later of square on he began dances. But to focus on poetry was other topics what had besides consumed romance and him the continued most. His g e t t i n g two favorite d e e p e r poets were and more Federico interested G a r c i a into music.

L o r c a He started and Jack composing Kerouac. his own H e music when j o i n e d he turned McGill 13 years University old. At first to study he started English and playing graduated in local Leonard Cohen performs at the Montreux Jazz Festival, in Montreux, Switzer- in 1955 land on June 7, 2008. cafes, later and in the he started following playing more country music with a band year, published his first collection Let

Us Compare Mythologies.

The collection was not a very big hit so he stopped attending the university and briefly joined Columbia University before he returned to Montreal.

He had published his first book, The Spice-Box of Earth, in 1961.

This book was the cause of the most fruitful periods of his lifetime. With the amount of money that Cohen had earned, he went on to buy a modest house on the Greek island of Hydra.

Since his passing, his fans have been listening to one of his greatest hit which was called Hallelujah. During his funeral, people were playing this song to remind others of all the happy moments and how Cohen can be alive in our hearts.

His famous hits form the 1960s is what keeps him alive in our hearts today. His biggest hit song of the 60s was Suzanne. He wrote and sang this song for his sweetheart Suzanne Verdal, who met Cohen in the winter time during Christmas.

Cohen was always a fan of Christmas.

“Christmas is where love and bonds are created,” Cohen said.

Leonard Cohen made his way into the hearts of many and shall continue to live on in the hearts and ears of fans and music lovers.

Journalist Gwen Ifill dies after an impactful life

By Minha Siddiqui Reporter Journalist Gwen Ifill passed away on November 14, 2016. Ifill was one of the most prominent African American journalist of the 20th century. She was born on September 29, 1955. Ifill was the first African-American woman to host a nationally televised U.S public affairs program with Washington Week in Review.

She was also the moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and coanchor and co-managing editor with Judy Woodruff of PBS News Hour. President Obama gave Ifill a massive tribute at a Monday afternoon news conference.

“Gwen was a friend of ours,” President Obama said. “She was an extraordinary journalist. She always kept faith with the fundamental responsibilities of her profession, asking tough questions, holding people in power accountable and defending a strong and free press that makes our democracy work. Gwen did her country a great service. Michelle and I join her family and her colleagues and everybody else who loved her in remembering her fondly today.”

NBC made a similar

response to her passing away.

“She was a newspaper reporter through and through,” Pete Williams, an emotional NBC News correspondent, said as he reported on Ifill’s death on MSNBC. “She had so many rewards and awards in her office you could barely see out the window. She was one of the most successful women in journalism.”

Ifill faced many obstacles while making her way into being a journalist, including racial discrimination from coworkers. While Ifill was getting her degree in Simmons College she discovered a note on her desk saying a deragatory racial slur. She showed that note to the newspaper editors, who were quite “horrified.” Her editors offered a job when she graduated from college.

Ifill accepted the offer but noted the only reason she accepted was because she didn’t want to let that note or any of the racist people in her college slow her pace down.

After she graduated, she had went to the college job offer and started working for the Baltimore Evening Sun from 1981 to 1984. After 1984, she started working for the Washington Post until 1991. She went on to be hired by The New York Times. Her

first job in television was with NBC, where she was the network’s Capitol Hill reporter.

Ifill eventually made her way into being the moderator of the PBS program Washington Week in Review. She was the first African American woman to host a national political talk show on television.

Ifill won many awards for her work and experiences in journalism. She won the John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism in October 2016, Women in Film and Video Women of Vision Award, Peabody Award, Gracie Allen Tribute Award, Women’s Media Central,

Goldsmith Career Award for Excellence, First Amendment Award, Nomination for Outstanding Host in a Talk, Reality, News/ information and the Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in Journalism. In 2012, Ifill was inducted in to the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame.

These awards helped build her reputation among journalists. Gwen Ifiil’s work is the reason she is not forgotten today. She had nothing ever stop her from doing what she did best, which was writing stories, interviewing and working hard to deliver news to audiences.

10

AROUND CREEK

Seniors are granted choice in reading Shakespeare

By Troylon Griffin II Editor-in-Chief English students of all levels have begun to get their first taste of CCISD’s new plan to make English classes more personalized and about choice. This includes new assigned readings in AP senior English class and on-level sophomore English classes.

This new attempt at bettering the learning of students in English classes goes back to the d i s t r i c t ’s four year old plan to implement m o r e choice into language arts courses and allow for more personalized learning.

The plan was described by new Language a r t s curriculum coordinator William Eastman as a way to make students m o r e interested in reading.

“What researchers had told us for years now, when it comes to what works best in literary practices, is that a reading life is developed when we can hook a student based on their interests and motivation for reading,” Eastman said. “So choice in the ELA classroom gives students the change to see what connects with them.

Seniors in AP English Literature and Composition got their first taste of the new and experimental experience by being given the ability to choose from a selection of works by one of the literature’s most famous writers: William Shakespeare.

Shortly after finishing Tim O’Brien’s war novel The Things They Carried as a class, senior teachers Mrs. Megan Thompson and Mrs. Danielle Antley began to implement the district’s new plan to give student’s choice in their reading. Seniors of AP English Literature were given the ability to choose from many of Shakespeare’s most famous works. These works consisted of Hamlet, Othello, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, King Lear and The Taming of the Shrew. Students were asked to give their top five choices, leaving Thompson and Antley to do their best to give everyone’s top choice and also ensure each play had a fair amount of readers.

When asked on why she and Antley decided to move on to Shakespeare, Mrs. Thompson explained that Shakespeare was simply essential to the student’s learning as readers and that it would be good literature

to use for the AP English Literature test.

“Shakespeare appears on the AP test every year, and his plays are universal in terms of themes, so anything the test might ask will allow the students to be able to refer back to Shakespeare.” Thompson said.

Thompson’s co-worker and senior AP English literature teacher Mrs. Danyale Antley went further into why Shakespeare was chosen, and how it related to student

three options the students could choose from. This included creating a newspaper that analyzes elements of the play, a “body biography” that explores elements of one of the characters in the play and a “life map” which would be a visual and written panel illustrating all significant elements of the play. After turning in their project on December 5, students then had to present their projects, which was

Scout Dusty presents her Shakespeare project to her English classmates. Photo by Hannah Pearson choice.

Antley noted that while the implementation of a major part of their grade in the class. student choice meant choosing more Mrs. Antley gave her thoughts moderate books, it was still essential that on the project and the anticipation a classic such as Shakespeare be taught. at seeing how they turned out.

“We knew we had to incorporate “I felt excitement in seeing their choice, but we cannot remove creativity flourish and hope that their passion Shakespeare,” Antley said. “He is a would be reignited in being given choice.” notorious classic from five centuries ago Nevertheless, she noted the fear both that should not be denied in education, she, Thompson and even the students because so many forms of entertainment had regarding the freedom of the project. and literature have been inspired by him.”

“There was fear in not having Antley also provided specificity in a rubric but we intentionally insight into why those particular chose not to box them in.” she said.

Shakespeare plays were chosen.

Both teachers observed that the “We wanted to provide a students’reaction to the project was similar to variety in genres among Shakespeare,” theirs, in that there was fear and excitement.

Antley said. “The choice was mine “I think it brought on questions that and Mrs. Thompson’s preferences.” helped tune their evolution as students, Antley also noted the parameters but it also brought such unique products that needed to be placed, despite the rather than just seeing the same thing every element of choice being implemented. time someone presented,” Antley said.

“The other side of that, as with any Overall, student reception to the project academic course, is that there has to be and assigned reading was generally positive. parameters,” Antley said. “So we chose to Senior Gregory Edmunds gave thoughts on place that parameter with genre and choice the experience that showed the new method with genre and chose Shakespeare for was working in the way its’ creators hoped. seniors because it’s dense and collegiate.”

“I enjoyed the liberty of it, and the Students were given several weeks to generality that we had some choice in read their assigned play and rather than the matter,” Edmunds said. “That way have to take a test over their assigned work, we could enjoy what we’re doing rather they were given a project. The project itself than feeling forced. I preferred this had the element of choice, as there were way of doing it rather than just being

assigned several pages and having to look forward to a quiz the next day.”

Edmunds went on to say how he felt about the project.

“I had an issue with the project initially but I liked that the project gave us a choice to choose based on our interests,” Edmunds said. “If you liked newspaper you could make the newspaper, if you liked drawing you could do the life map and body biography.”

Edmund’s senior associate Alissa Bearden also had positive feelings towards the new reading approach.

“I quite enjoyed being able to choose a play from the variety of Shakespeare works,” Bearden said.

“It made the reading more interesting since students had to make a definite choice between works and became invested in the play’s characters and reading more so than they would have without the choice. At first it was difficult to make time in my schedule to read, but as soon as I truly invested myself into the reading, it became difficult to tear myself away and finish other homework.”

Nevertheless, Bearden did have some criticism regarding the project.

“I personally prefer to simply read a book rather than read a book for a project because I tend to read differently for each scenario,” Bearden said. “For a project, I stop and make note of details that I might need as I go, which often breaks the flow of the story. If it were just reading for a multiple choice test, I would tend to read more continuously and as a result would enjoy the book as a whole more. Because of this I can soundly claim that I might have learned more about the play with this format, but some enjoyment was lost in the process,” Bearden said.

Rhea Evans felt that the being able to choose which project was the best part of the experience.

“That was my favorite part of the project,” Evans said. “I was able to do a major grade project with very vague guidelines and be creative and free. I liked the freedom of choosing which Shakespeare play I could read. I don’t usually enjoy Shakespeare’s work, and letting me choose gave me the ability to determine which play I liked the best. I actually ended up enjoying the dramatics of the play, and would honestly read another Shakespeare play after dissecting the one I had the pleasure of reading,” Evans said.

With second semester coming to a close, the students will continue to be the first of many to experience the new personalized learning even in the second semester.

AROUND CREEK

11

Theatre department debuts fall production Macbeth

By Fizza Gilani News Editor On October 29, Creek did its last showing of Shakespeare’s most well-known play Macbeth left its audience members in awe of the talent of both the playwright and the cast. The story is about Macbeth, the Scottish general who is told by three witches that he will one day be king. After learning that Malcolm, the prince, will be taking the throne instead, Macbeth is driven to kill Malcolm. As news of the prince’s death spreads, people start to speculate, Macbeth kills more and more people in an attempt to keep the identity of the murderer hidden, all the while struggling internally between glory and morality. The madness escalates, until Macbeth is finally killed

by Macduff, the thane of Fife. It is a gory story about ambition, murder, and ruin.

While most theatre programs do not even dare to say the name Macbeth near the stage, Creek’s theatre department genderswapped all the roles. In this Macbeth, Macbeth was a woman. In fact, all the women were men, and all the men were women, bringing new light to the play.

The highlight of the play was definitely watching Macbeth go crazy with ambition.

The hysteric nature that was required of Zoie Ellis was demanding, but she fulfilled the role flawlessly, never once leaving any doubt that she was, indeed, queen of Scotland. Other notable performances were Macduff, played by Mia Carter, and the Weird Men, or the Three Witches. Played

by Pershaun Haynes, Ethan Maldonado, and Connor Campbell, the Weird Men

stole through the audience towards the Overall, the play was well-rehearsed, and stage in the first everything scene, bringing the f l o w e d play to life. These s m o o t h l y. characters chanted Much like lines in perfect how Macbeth synchronization was unaware and harmony, of his/her making the approaching audience feel as if royal rule, they were amongst the cast did something, not know the o t h e r w o r l d y. show would be S h a k e s p e a r e ’s as successful works are notable when starting for their difficult rehearsals. language and Zoie Ellis said vast vocabulary, “It was a little but the actors all daunting at performed them first”, putting effortlessly and on such an nearly perfectly. iconic play, Credit must be but “[she] given to the crew [eventually] backstage, whose got into the choice of simplistic Shakespeare sets made the groove”. setting elegant and Plays with seamless. Lighting such a high and sound was reputation are excellent, with challenging, transitional music especially that matched the being the vengeful mood of lead, and the play and the Ellis said the Poster from CCHS Theatre anticipation in the hardest part air. Costumes were true to the time period was “Trying to commit to such a dark and the culture, looking very realistic, character and portray Macbeth honestly.” and makeup was simple yet convincing. The play brought more meaning to Ellis, as

it was her second time playing a lead, and it showed her the beauty of Shakespeare.

The entire cast, both on-stage and off, highlighted the beauty and brilliance that people have so greatly admired in Shakespeare’s work throughout history.

Gender-swapping the roles gave Shakespeare’s play a quality it is not typically given: the opportunity for females to be the lead. Most of the playwright’s compositions feature male main characters, such as Othello and Hamlet.

Gender-swapping the roles gave the play a new significance, furhter illuminated by the violent nature of the play: it portrayed women as fierce and honorable leaders.

However, one thing made this show more meaningful to one actor than any other show she had ever done. Senior Victoria Blackburn’s father, Chad Blackburn, was a DPS trooper injured in a car crash by a drunk driver. He was given special clearance by doctors so he could attend closing night and see his daughter in the play.

“I did not want to miss something that she’s worked so hard to accomplish,” he told ABC 13, who covered the story.

Victoria said she thought she did “pretty well” playing the “noble character” of Banquo, a friend of Macbeth’s. She was “really grateful that the ambulance was able to bring him to see the play.”

She continued, “I [knew] that he would hopefully be able to see the show, and he was able to see it, so I was very happy.”

She said, “My dad really enjoyed it. He was glad that he was able to come see the show.” .

Astronauts dine on table constructed by metal shop

By Catherine Irvine Teen Interest Editor This Thanksgiving, six astronauts in the International Space Station dined around a table designed by Clear Creek High School students.

A special few students in William Gibbs’ metal shop class are included in the program, High Schools United with NASA to create Hardware- also called HUNCH. These students are the best in the class and need to be intuitive and possess the capability to start and complete complicated projects. For these students it is very important to get exact measurements and make the equipment perfect for the astronauts or else they have to restart the project. Approximately ten students were able to get their hands on this very special opportunity.

Creek was one of the first schools to launch the HUNCH program approximately fifteen years ago. Now Creek is joined by 85 other schools in the United States

and Canada, including Clear Springs and

metal shop as a place for building and

Photo courtesty of CCISD

Clear Lake High Schools. The main idea behind this program is to help NASA employees at Johnson Space Center design mission training hardware. By using this program, NASA is also able to save money on the projects.

Four NASA employees also use Creek’s

designing projects themselves.

The table that the astronauts used in the International Space Station would have usually cost $1.7 million, but with the help of the students designs and work, it only cost $30,000 to make the Thanksgiving table.

The students taking part in HUNCH designed, then sent a prototype of the table to NASA so it could be used at the International Space Station.

Creek has gone from creating training hardware to also being included in the making of Spacecraft hardware.

The next project the Metal Shop class has planned is putting together 150 mid- deck storage units. They have already sent a group of 15 lockers to NASA and are continuing to work on the next sets. This project is projected to be finished in five years although it’s possible it could take less time. By Using HUNCH, NASA has saved about seven million dollars on the storage units.

The HUNCH program greatly benefits NASA and its staff as well as the students who participate. NASA is provided with cost-efficient hardware and designs. The students who have taken part in this program are able to experience the craft under the guidance of Gibbs and be introduced to a new career field.

12

teen interest

The Hamilton Mixtape captivates many Hamilton fans

By Emily Ruthven Editor-in-Chief Approximately a year after its debut on Broadway, Hamilton has revolutionized musical theater and its conventional parameters. Incorporating rap and hiphop into the traditionally sing-song nature of classical Broadway productions has attracted a whole new audience to it and it has engaged millions in the story of America’s beginnings, and, more specifically, the passionate and impulsive life of Alexander Hamilton.

Hamilton’s soundtrack has proven to be beyond successful.

Now, after the original Broadway cast has exited the stage and Hamilton is about to embark on its national tour, creator Lin-Manuel Miranda reinvents theatre and stretches the boundaries once more with the release of The Hamilton Mixtape.

Much like its predecessor, it is advisable to listen to the album from start to finish, in the order intended. The album’s 23 tracks are quite dynamic, including soulful ballads, jazzy transpositions, and illustrious raps.

The album begins with No John Trumbull (Intro) and then quickly escalates into a flawless rebirth of one of Hamilton’s most popular tracks, My Shot. The Tonight Show’s feature band, The Roots, definitely star on this track.

However, featured artists Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz and Fun’s Nate Ruess give My Shot a layered complexity incomparable to any other track on The Hamilton Mixtape.

Next, Wrote My Way Out, takes a play on the lyrics from Hamilton’s original, Hurricane, “I wrote my way out.” Nas, Dave East, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Aloe Blacc all contributed vocally to the song.

Overall, this song is a success considering its solid baseline and quality lyrics. It does not try to reinvent Hurricane too much, letting its listeners enjoy something almost completely new and fresh.

An Open Letter delivers an extended attack on the corruption of John Adams that originally appeared in Hamilton’s The Adams Administration. The breathy, fastpaced rap feels genuine, with its ditch to the overused, modern, computer-generated beats and loyalty to good, old-fashioned beat-boxing. Its is apparent that Miranda took full creative freedom with this new album and severly insulted John Adams.

Dear Theodosia is relatively mild in comparison to all the other tracks on the album. However, Regina Spektor’s interpretive vocals fail to impress, as they’re weak in comparison to those of Leslie Odom Jr. and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

It is safe to say this track is a dud and it would not be a crime to skip over it.

In a complete 180, Valley Forge is an ominous mixture of raw vocals, messy beat-boxing and spoken word, which, in combination result in chill-inducing ballad in minor. Valley Forge alludes to the letter written by Hamilton to Congress in Hamilton’s Stay Alive. The whole

song reads like a poem and is even more successful than its’ original in encapsulating the hopelessness and depression surrounding the camp of Valley Forge.

Kelly Clarkson’s rendition of It’s Quiet Uptown is a beautiful reinvention of the original. The synthetic beats and chords

on the track, and while its entertaining at first, it quickly loses its novelty.

Helpless by Ashanti takes a much more sassy approach than the original, as it includes pronouns such as “shorty” instead of “she.” At this point in the album however, there have already been

Hamilton’s marquis at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City

add a modern twist to the theatrical ballad. The entanglement of its Broadway roots and pop-based instrumentation work together flawlessly. And none other than the talented Kelly Clarkson could deliver so much emotion through her vocals.

The next track on the album, That Would Be Enough, performed by Alicia Keys, tries too hard to exactly recreate the original.

Immigrants is an entirely new song that delves into the hard life for immigrants and the misconceptions of what the word immigrant entails. The track hits the ground running with iIts really astonishing that in a country founded by immigrants, immigrant has become a bad word.” New York City-born Miranda is of Puerto Rican descent and is known for publically advocating the hard work of immigrants.

While Miranda includes slivers of his political beliefs regarding immigrants into Hamilton, as Alexander Hamilton himself was an immigrant, it is exciting to see a full track on immigration in the mixtape. Excerpts from the original track, The Battle of Yorktown are also included.

“Black and white soldiers wonder alike if this really means freedom. Not yet.”

The haunting and echoing nature of “not yet” is quite successful in establishing a point. The American revolution, and more specifically the Battle of Yorktown occurred ended in 1781. For 235 years America has been a country, and racism, sexism and immigrant discrimination still exists today. Entertainment Weekly noted that “the pro-immigrant message is increasingly relevant postelection.”

The track that differs from the theme of the album is You’ll Be Back. Jimmy Fallon and The Roots put a comedic spin

all-star tracks.

The Hamilton Mixtape’s version of Helpless feels bland and unexciting.

Take a Break acts as an interlude and is reinvented with an EDM-style baseline and is quite enjoyable, with an open mind. However, the next track, Say Yes to This, pails in comparison to its original counterpart, Say No to This.

For those who listened to the original soundtrack religiously, Say Yes to This, doesn’t sit well, even with an open mind.

Somethings are best left untouched.

On the contrary, a completely new song Congratulations immerses the listener further into the thoughts of Angelica Schuyler after the Reynolds Pamphlet’s release, a fool-proof plan, as Angelica Schuyler is one of the most intriguing characters in the musical. The song is sure to satisfy invested listeners, as its exposes Alexander Hamilton and his seemingly endless faults regarding his romances and speaks what listeners have been thinking since the original album’s release.

It cannot be expected that The Hamilton Mixtape will be as nearly as popular as the original soundtrack, due to its intense hip-hop and rap roots. Some songs such as Usher’s reinvention of Wait For It, and Andra Day’s Burn fall flat, simply because the originals are chill-inducing and it almost feels wrong to listen to some other rendition to an already beyond-perfect song.

However, many of the tracks are refreshing and quite entertaining to listen to. Songs such as Cabinet Battle 3 (Demo), feel like a direct extension of the original production. This additional cabinet battle stays true to the Hamilton’s rap-battle nature and touches on the issue

of slave trade. The track features minimal instrumentation, creating an irresistible focus on the cut-throat lyrics. Miranda spits the truth bomb “slavery’s a sin; its growing like a cancer.” Cabinet Battle 3 (Demo) is especially delightful because the only artist on the track is Lin-Manuel Miranda. “I totally wrestled with this rap battle and spent months writing it,” Miranda said to Entertainment Weekly.

Released prior to the official Mixtape release date as a single, Satisfied was reinvented with Sia’s signature vocals and an interlude of rap from Queen Latifah. The instrumentals were rejuvenated with dashes of dubstep and EDM stylings, creating a new, modern sound that is more easily digestible to the general pop-conditioned public. Sia’s vocals are haunting and dynamic, with moments of quiet whispers to crescendos to chill-inducing moments. Sia’s raspy voice perfectly conveys the emotional torment established in the context of the original Broadway recording of Satisfied, in which Angelica Schuyler delivers a painful wedding toast for her sister Eliza and Alexander Hamilton, with whom she has become infatuated. Yet tragically, her analytical tendencies and habitual over-thinking drove Angelica to introduce the pair instead of marrying Alexander herself.

Angelica sings the depressing lyrics, “He’s after me ‘cause I’m Schuyler sister. That elevates his status. I’d have to be naïve to set that aside, maybe that is why I introduce him to Eliza now that’s his bride. Nice going Angelica. He was right. You will never be satisfied.”

Sia’s tremulous and breathy singing style add to the melancholic and disharmonious nature of the song, especially with the lyric, “I romanticize what might have been if I hadn’t sized him up so quickly. At least my dear Eliza’s his wife. At least I keep his eyes in my life.”

Washingtons By Your Side by Wiz Khalifa takes a fresh-look at the original Washington By Your Side and is enjoyable if it is taken for what it is and not what it could be. John Legend’s version of History Has Its Eyes On You is extremely soulful and simply cannot compare to its original.

The original takes its time, building and featuring a company that provides some of the most beautiful chords in the whole production. The mixtape version neglects all of this, causing it to become a dud.

Who Tells Your Story by The Roots stays true to the theme of “legacy” yet takes more beat-driven approach than its original. While still enjoyable, the original trumps the mixtape version in all facets.

The Hamilton Mixtape, while not essentially flawless, delivers more Hamilton-style entertainment to hold fans over until they themselves can witness Hamilton live. From a business standpoint, the concept of a mixtape is genius. It keeps fans engaged and rekindles the Hamilton hype.

teen interest 13 Star Wars fans eagerly anticipate Rogue One

By Troylon Griffin II Editor-In-Cheif The highly anticipated and partially shrouded film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is set to premiere on December 16, 2016. The film is the first of many Star Wars anthology films that are to be released in the upcoming years.

The film is set between the third film Revenge of the Sith and the original Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The film takes place right before Episode IV and focuses on the origins of how members of the rebel alliance steal the plans to destroy the powerful Death Star. during this peace and freedom is at risk as the evil Galactic Empire is forcing heir reign upon the galaxy, and are planning on expanding their power by developing the Death Star. The Death Star was notable for being one of the major opposing forces in the first original Star Wars film, in that it was a powerful planet sized machine capable of destroying entire planets. The film stars Felicity Jones as main protagonist Jyn Erso, a girl with a checkered past who decides to join the group of rebels plotting to steal the Death Star’s design schematics.

The film is notable as it sees the return of Darth Vader to the big screen, the first time in over eleven years since his brief appearance in Revenge of the Sith. Vader will continue to be voiced by veteran actor James Earl Jones, who has voiced Vader since his first cinematic appearance in 1977 while several “large framed performers”, including Spencer Wilding will be portraying Vader in his iconic

suit. The film also stars Mads Mikkelsen, who is known for his portrayal of Hannibal Lector on the show Hannibal, as well as Forest Whitaker and Alan Tudyk.

While the film has come to be one of the most anticipated films of 2016, there

the Star Wars Anthology. The anthology films are meant to be stand-alone films that will not focus or crossover with the films of the new sequel trilogy.

Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm and brand manager of the Star

A scene from the film “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” (Lucasfilm Ltd.)

has been a mixed reaction amongst fans and movie goers regarding the premise of the film. Many feel that the story has no true purpose due to how its premise is based around the origins of something that many consider to be unimportant. Others however have high hopes that the film will possibly be even better than 2015’s The Force Awakens.

Rogue One is the first of many films being developed to be part of

Wars series, explained how the films would fit into the Star Wars universe, as well as how they were utilizing the blueprints that Star Wars creator George Lucas left for her and her company after selling the rights to his series in 2012.

“George was so clear as to how that works,” Kennedy said. “The canon that he created was the Star Wars saga. Right now, Episode VII falls within that canon. The spin-off movies, or we may come up with

some other way to call those films, they exist within that vast universe that he created. There is no attempt being made to carry characters from the stand-alone films in and out of the saga episodes.

Consequently, from the creative standpoint, it’s a roadmap that George made pretty clear.”

John Knoll, who worked as the visual effects supervisor for the Star Wars prequels, initially pitched the idea for the film ten years ago. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, Knoll felt he had to pitch the idea again. It was announced that Gareth Edwards, the director of 2014’s Godzilla and 2010’s Monsters, would direct the film. Chris Weitz, who is best known for writing the American Pie films and directing The Golden Compass and Twilight: New Moon, was announced as the writer for the film.

Many fans have noted the gritty and realistic look of the film, something that may have been director Gareth Edwards’ intention.

Edwards explained that the style of the film will be similar to a war film.

“It’s the reality of war,” Edwards said. “Good guys are bad. Bad guys are good. It’s complicated, layered; a very rich scenario I which to set a movie.”

The film is set to premiere in North America on December 16, and will premiere in certain European countries on December 14.

Doctor Strange delivers new story to Marvel Universe

By Joana Mancia Reporter The Marvel superhero film Doctor Strange was released on November 4, 2016, and has since gained a score of 7.9/10 stars from IMDb. The movie, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton, has attained many positive reviews since then.

“It is fun to have a new version of an old Marvel favorite, and a storyline which adds purer mysticism to this everexpanding franchise” Stephen Whitty, of the New York Daily News, said.

The film is based on the character Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange, a superhero of Marvel Comics created by Steve Ditko.

In the American comic book, Strange is identified as a neurosurgeon who works with the Sorcerer Supreme, as a primary protector against magical and mystical threats. The character has gone on to join Marvel superhero groups such as the Avengers and his comic book has gained many awards since his first appearance in July 1963. In 2012 the character ranked 33rd on IGN’s list of ‘Top 50 Avengers’. Doctor Strange also placed 83rd in Wizard’s list of ‘200 Greatest Comic Book Characters of all Time.’

The film, directed by Scott Derrickson, follows its comic book source material by being mainly about the neurosurgeon Stephen Strange, who loses the use of his hands after an awful accident. While Strange is in the middle of his healing treatment,

he goes to find a friend who strangely was able to walk again, but he is led all the way to Mordo, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor and The Ancient One, Tilda Swinton.

Mordo trains Strange, teaching him how

viewers thought the film was too intense for younger viewers, even though it was PG-13.

Jeffrey M. Anderson of Common Sense Media notes that the film “includes large-scale destruction, a brutal car crash

Doctor Strange (Walt Disney Motion Pictures)

to use the power of astral plane and other dimensions and overall manipulate the forces of nature and powers of magic. Strange begins to read ancient books, and he learns that Earth is protected by spell-formed dimensions of three buildings called Sanctums.

Although many have thought well of the movie, there are others who also believe that the film could have been better. Many

(the result of t e x t i n g and driving), bloody wounds and scenes at an operating table, and a terrible fall from a height crashing through glass. There’s also martial arts fighting, fighting with “magical” weapons, a beheading, and other brief, scary stuff.”

The Washington Post had similar criticisms, talking about how intense the film was but also taking note of the “the

movie’s eye-popping special effects – which render a ‘multiverse of parallel dimensions, all connected by fire-rimmed wormholes, as a kaleidoscopic and topography is quite literally, out of this world.”

Rotten Tomatoes rated the film a 91% approval, saying that “Doctor Strange artfully balances its outré source material against the blockbuster constraints of the MCU, delivering a thoroughly entertaining superhero origin story in the bargain.”

Meanwhile, the late Roger Ebert’s website rated it 2.5/4 stars and said the movie was new and bold. “Doctor Strange pushes the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a bold new direction. By eschewing the usual stories of technologicallygifted playboys and noble super soldiers for the world ruled by magic, “Doctor Strange” feels fresh. It crackles with energy, moving from one plot point to the next, not wasting any moment.”

British film magazine Empire also responded well to the film. As said by Empire critic, James Dyer, the film is “a bizarre and beautiful detour on the Marvel journey, which culminates in a mindbending, expectation-inverting final act.

Not to be watched under the influence” This Marvel film has grossed a worldwide total amount of 617.7 million dollars and has since become the biggest IMAX opening. Overall the film was able to portray the Marvel Comics story of Doctor Strange well, possibly being one of the best Marvel films since Spiderman 2.

14

MCT Campus Clear Creek HiLife

15 Athlete of the Month:

Nick Shipley Nick Shipley plays basketball because he feels he is good at it. He began playing when he was young thanks to his family. He considers his greatest accomplishment to be making it to regional finals with his Wildcat teammates. He thanks his parents for his success and hopes to attend Texas State.

Hannah Zajac Hannah Zajac has been playing basketball since she was a child. She considers her greatest accomplishment at Creek to be working her way up to varsity and improving as both an individual and team player, both on and off the court.

She hopes to attend Syracuse University in New York and thanks her coaches and mother for where she is today.

SPORTS Four-team playoffs contribute to controversy it has resulted in a push to expand the college football playoffs to eight teams.

Brian Goff of Forbes said, “there As college football season comes are 5 “power” conferences but only four to a close, four teams have advanced playoff slots. Conference championships to the playoffs. are not automatic and These four teams the best conferences include Alabama, are penalized,” he Wa s h i n g t o n , continued, “An Ohio State and eight team setup is Clemson.

The a simple fix to these Alabama Crimson problems. Yes, there Tide is currently will still be dispute the number one about the eighth team ranked team in included and the the nation, thanks first couple of teams to an undefeated excluded, but these season. are less substantive The second than the exclusion of ranked team in an entire conference, the nation is the champions from the Clemson Tigers Power five, or strong from South Carolina second place teams in with a record of of the best conferences.” twelve wins and one Adam Rittenburg loss. Third in the of ESPN agreed, nation is The Ohio “Eight is the State Buckeyes with sweet spot for the Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) a record of 11 wins and one loss to Penn college football playoff: more State. The fourth ranked team is the dives for a first down during the College Football Playoff national representation but National Championship game between the Alabama University of Washington Huskies with not too much, and only one a record of twelve wins and one loss. Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at the University more round of competition.”

The semi-final games, the Peach of Phoenix Stadium on Jan. 11, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz.

However, not everyone Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl will both Alabama won 45-40. (Tim Warner/CSM/Zuma Press/TNS) is in unanimous agreement. be played on December 31. The “We are confident that four is winner of each bowl will then advance outcomes of the final four teams that could the right number,” college football to the National Championship held in advances to the collegiate playoffs. Since executive director Bill Hancock said.

Tampa, Florida on January ninth. At the most of these projections were wrong,

By Emily Ruthven Editor-in-Chief

Peach Bowl, Washington and Alabama will compete and at the Fiesta Bowl, Ohio State and Clemson will play.

This particular year, many fans and sports analysts predicted multiple

PHOTOFINISH 16