December 14 issue

ORACLE

the

Stratford High School • Friday, December 14, 2018 • Vol. 46 • Issue 4

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Don’t miss the Memorial construction update. Is there an end to this nightmare in sight?

.08-09

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Relive the biggest moments of Can you spot the five differences 2018 that took politics, the news, between the pictures on this and pop culture by storm. page?

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The Oracle • December 14, 2018

News in Brief Can Money Buy Safety?

COMPILED BY MCKENNA TANNER

• Dec. 14: The Making Peace

NATIONAL LOCAL STRATFORD

Club offers a presentation on the effects of the Syrian Civil War on children there.

• Dec. 18: Semester finals for first and seventh period classes take place.

• Dec. 19: Semester finals for sixth and eighth period classes take place.

• Dec. 20: Semester finals for third and fifth period classes take place.

• Dec. 21: Semester finals for second and fourth period classes take place.

• Dec. 19 to Dec. 21: School lets out at noon.

• Dec. 21 to Jan. 8:

Students have no school for the winter holidays.

• Jan. 11: The Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing visits Stratford.

• Nov. 23: Texans owner Bob

McNair passed away at age 81.

• Nov. 28: Police officers seized secret archives from the Galveston-Houston archdiocese as part of their investigation into accusations of mishandling sexual abuse.

• Nov. 28: A bomb threat received by Houston police led to Texas Southern University evacuating campus because the threat mentioned TSU.

• Nov. 23: Chinese scientist

He Jiunkai announced he is responsible for the world’s first gene-edited babies, a practice considered unethical in the science community.

• Nov. 26: NASA’s InSight lander reached the surface of Mars safely and began its mission to study the conditions deep inside Mars.

• Nov. 28: California Democrat Nancy Pelosi was nominated for Speaker of the House.

• Nov. 30: Former president George H.W. Bush passed away in Houston at age 94.

PHOTOS BY MADDIE DAWSON

Holiday Spirit in the Air

English teacher Courtney Carter reads “A Christmas Carol” to her class, and freshmen Spartan Times held a gingerbread house competition as the holidays approach.

news

Will the new bond make students more safe?

WRITTEN BY RACHEL DIETERT GRAPHIC BY EAMONN FITZPATRICK To the students, it was recess as usual outside. filled with laughter, tag and hopscotch.

While it may seem weird that the But Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri wasn’t superintendent would spend time doing sharing in that lighthearted feeling. His such a thing, Muri was contemplating mind was somewhere else. much more important topics than it During the month of May, right after appeared. the shooting at Santa Fe High School, “I kind of sat there and watched them Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri sat in and I thought about safety,” Muri said. his truck in an elementary school During the Santa Fe shooting, 10 parking people died 49 miles away from our own

lot and watched campus, bringing school shootings close students play to home for many people in the Spring Branch community.

“It affected how we think about school.

It affected our own feeling of safety,” Muri said.

One of the ways that the district hopes to make students feel more safe is through the security improvements funded by the new bond. The bond will pay for bullet proof glass at the front of every school, new securities cameras, and LED lighting around poorly lit places such as parking lots.

However, even with these new improvements, safety can never be a guarantee for the kids that play tag and hopscotch during recess.

“If a parent asked me, are those kids absolutely safe Dr. Muri, my answer would be there as safe as we can make them,”

Muri said.

While these new bond measures will improve safety, there is one aspect of safety that the bond can’t pay for: emotional safety.

“Yes extra police officers, bullet proof glass there are some things from a facility perspective that we can do, but the most important thing that we do is make sure that we are taking care of you as human beings,” Muri said.

One of the way that schools take care of students as human beings is through connectedness.

“We need to make sure that you have the right supports at school to help you out. We want to make sure as an organization that you feel connected to your school,” Muri said.

While human connectedness is important, those elementary school students are still playing outside, but we have a choice to make.

“We could eliminate recess and keep them inside” Muri said. “We could keep you inside a building all day long. We could board up all the windows. We could, but at what point do you stop?

Do we let fear be the driver of our behaviors?”

The Boys are Back

Upperclassmen spirit group Senior Men excited for second chance WRITTEN BY MCKENNA TANNER PHOTO BY MILES HARPER Make room, Tri Theta—there’s a new to underclassmen and help the school said. “Senior Men was disbanded several spirit group in town. In the hopes and community,” Robinson said. years ago for good reason, and I seriously of raising school spirit through skits, In the past, Senior Men fell short of this doubt the issues that made Senior Men a fundraisers, giveaways, and more, Senior mark. It was disbanded eight years ago problem in the past have been resolved.”

Men has returned to Stratford. after some of its actions, “went a little bit Schwartz believes the group’s current Social studies teacher and football too far,” according to Schwartz. members can accomplish their goals coach Cody Schwartz, who is a without the errors of their sponsor of Senior Men, said the predecessors. organization could be the solution “We’re going to try to keep to the school’s dwindling Spartan it under wraps now that we’ve pride. brought it back,” Schwartz said.

“We needed a group that would “Having people invest in this fine help Stratford realize its traditions institution is important to me. It’s and past history, so bringing back important to the community that Senior Men was the idea that we advertise Stratford as one of was brought up,” Schwartz said. the best in the state of Texas, “We ran with it, and hopefully we and I think Senior Men have the continue to run with it.” opportunity to do that.”

Senior Men member Cullen To some students, like junior Hannigan said, unlike some spirit Milly Stephenson, the organization organizations, the group won’t focus has already begun bolstering Best Buds solely on football in its efforts to school spirit. promote the schoolwide enthusiasm Some members of Senior Men stand together, “I think they bring a lot of school it feels is key. spirit to pep rallies and games,” proud to be back. After an eight year hiatus, “School spirit is vital to have on a Stephenson said of Senior Men. campus because it makes the high the spirit organization has been reinstated and “I’ve seen a boost in attendance is ready to improve school spirit. school experience much better,” to both, and as a cheerleader, we Hannigan said. “It is important to really appreciate it.” have a student-led spirit organization “It was an interesting group,” Schwartz Robinson said the group’s successes beyond competing teams such as said of the old Senior Men. “There was could form a legacy for the senior class. cheerleaders and band to help bring this a lot of PG humor, lot of pranks between “This is important because it’s essential vital school spirit back.”

Memorial and Stratford.” to our school bringing back school spirit Senior Men president Blake Robinson This checkered past has some students, and having the seniors leave a lasting believes the group’s impact extends including senior Andrew Walker, mark,” Robinson said. “This organization beyond Stratford’s fields and gyms. questioning the group’s value. has the potential to impact the entire “Senior men is an organization for “I don’t feel that it brings any intrinsic school and community in a very positive dedicated seniors that want to be leaders value or merit to the school,” Walker way.”

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

news

Playing it Safe on New Year’s

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As we prepare to welcome 2019, it’s important to plan ahead for a safe celebration WRITTEN BY MCKENNA TANNER

GRAPHICS BY RACHEL DIETERT

As Winter Break approaches, so do opportunities to celebrate with friends.

One of the most popular nights to be festive is New Year’s Eve as many people will gather to ring in 2019. Unfortunately, this night can also be one of the more dangerous. According to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Christmas and New Year’s have 12% more drunk driving fatalities than the rest of the month of December.

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration states that from 2001 to 2005, on average, there were 54 fatalities per day over the three-day New Year’s period that involved a drunk driver.

The average daily number for the entire year during this period is 36 deaths. Drunk drivers aren’t the only dangers New Year’s carries with it, but you can have a safe and fun celebration if you keep safety in mind.

To that end, here are a few New Year’s tips: • Stay in one place: On New Year’s Eve, many drivers will take to the roads while under the influence. This makes the roads dangerous for even the safest drivers.

To avoid these hazardous drivers, pick a place to celebrate the new year and stay there, rather than risking injury by hopping from place to place.

car crashes that are deadly for teenagers are caused by drunk drivers

• Make a plan and share it with others:

Sharing a plan with your family decreases their worry and gives you a sure backup should anything go wrong while you’re out.

• Check out community events for New Year’s:

You don’t have to limit your New Year’s celebration to indoor parties. There are several festive options around town where you can join other Houstonians in ringing in 2019. CityCentre is holding an outdoor countdown to the new year starting at 9:30 p.m. The event will feature live music and culminate in a short firework show. Also, Kemah Boardwalk is celebrating with deals on entrance passes and will have a firework show Dec. 31 starting at 10 p.m. If house parties aren’t for you, community events can be a good alternative.

• Bring a charger to make sure your phone doesn’t die: You don’t want to

be caught with a dead phone when you want to leave, so give it a charge before you head out and bring a portable charger along. Even if you don’t use it, you may be able to save someone’s night by lending them a charge.

• Stay with a group: There really is safety in numbers, and sticking together means you and your friends can have each others’ backs as you celebrate. Go with

people who share your goals for the night so you can resist peer pressure together.

• Have an out: If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation on New Year’s Eve, make sure you aren’t stuck there by planning ahead. Talk with your parents about a way for you to get an automatic ride home when you don’t like a situation.

Hopefully, you won’t need it, but having a plan gives you and your parents peace of mind.

• Host a party yourself: If you’re concerned about you and your friends staying safe on New Year’s Eve, hosting a party yourself is a way to ensure a fun and safe holiday for you and your friends. You can skip the crowds and noise and scale a party to your and your friend group’s tastes.

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news

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

How The Internet Stole Christmas E-commerce changes the holiday shopping season

WRITTEN BY AMANDA YOUNGJOHN

PHOTO BY: ALEX NICA

For years it has been American tradition to rush the malls on Black One of the more well known ads is the John Lewis Friday. However in recent years, Cyber Monday, the Black Friday ManOnTheMoon commercial. According to a BBC article How the of the online world, is slowly beginning to take over. Originally Internet is Reinventing the Christmas Commercial, the aim of the coined in 2005 to help online stores hold their own against their ad was to not to spark interest in the brand, but in the ad itself. brick-and-mortar competitors, Cyber Monday has created an John Lewis created excitement about the ad by releasing a 10 entire culture of online shoppers. second teaser, and creating the #ManOnTheMoon hashtag. Mere With online sales growing at a higher rate than total retail sales, hours after the teaser aired, the hashtag had already received many local retailers are concerned for their businesses. Last year, 40,000 tweets.

Cyber Monday accumulated $6.6 billion in revenue, creeping “The key to the John Lewis ad is that people are no longer ahead of Black Friday by $1.6 billion. However, a survey taken in watching real-time television,” Jacques de Cock of the London 2015 suggested that local retailers may have an advantage to the School of Marketing explains. “They defer their watching to Netflix online tycoon. Fifty four percent of people surveyed preferred the and Youtube, and to capitalize on this market advertisers have to one-of-a-kind products offered at local make their ads into social phenomena.” retailers over the products made for mass Another way marketers are selling distribution available online. merchandise is by using targeted Although the Internet is doing well in the advertisements. The way targeted ads work sense of total revenue, individual online is by tracking the searches of people either stores are lacking competition. Amazon, on a certain device or through the same wifi the world’s largest online store, is slowly providers. Which means that if you were the monopolizing online business. In the year last person to use the internet in your home, 2016, Amazon alone accounted for 38 your parents could see that One Direction percent of all online holiday shopping. body pillow you were coveting last night.

This year, to further increase revenue, It also means that if you pay attention to Amazon is offering free shipping on all what new advertisements pop up around holiday orders. Prime members are even Christmas time, you could gain a fairly good entitled to same day shipping on over Cyber Monday’s slow takeover has idea as to what your presents will be this three million products. caused Amazon to become a major year.

Another potential threat Amazon Founder of the Marketing Land Blog player in the Christmas shopping poses to Christmas shopping is its famed Danny Sullivan wrote about his wife’s game. ‘wishlist’. Amazon, and many other online experience with targeting advertisements. stores, allows shoppers to create wishlists “‘Everything I’m buying for Christmas, it’s and send them to family and friends. By allowing consumers showing up in ads’” Sullivan said. “That’s a problem because our to pick and choose their own gifts, online retailers are ensuring kids are often using her [my wife’s] computer. You don’t want them customer satisfaction. But are they ensuring satisfaction at the cost seeing what might end up under the tree.” of Christmas magic?

The way people shop for Christmas is evolving. As shopping With the internet becoming so popular, and Netflix taking over habits change, so do business strategies, advertisements and the world of cable, marketers are having to change the way they marketing. Although the internet is taking over Christmas are advertising their products. shopping, it is not changing the giving spirit of the holiday. The “The message goes off onto social media, where there is less internet did not steal Christmas this year. Just like Dr. Seuss’s How cost and the reach can be phenomenal, far greater than TV” the Grinch Stole Christmas, it comes without ribbons. It comes managing director of retail research agency Conlumino Neil without tags. It comes without packages, boxes or bags. Christmas Saunders explains. doesn’t come from a store. Christmas means a little bit more.

Construction Update

Cooling Weather

Houston’s always changing weather dynamics reach new highs.

WRITTEN BY: YASMIN TALBI Wooly sweaters, reference guide hats, and scarves and published have become a periodical, new commonality has predicted amongst our for a“teethclothing. It isn’t chattering” winter. a surprise that While they have Houstonians predicted colderfind themselves than-normal wrapping up in temperatures multiple layers in the winter, to face the cold especially in breeze that has the South and arrived.

Southwest, With recent high they have also temperatures predicted milderof 58 degrees than-normal Fahrenheit to temperatures in low temperatures general due to the stooping to arrival of a weak El 31 degrees Nino.

Fahrenheit, Additionally, the weather in there is supposed Houston seems to to be less snowfall be going through but higher some mood precipitation swings. In the past levels. month, we’ve had However, sweltering highs regardless of all ans freezing lows. the predictions This cold front is made about the said to come from weather, it can a northern breeze always change. So that has swept by. make sure to stay Farmer’s updated with the Almanac, weather reports. a popular

Will the traffic on Memorial ever end?

WRITTEN BY JOHN GRAHAM It’s 7:40 a.m. and you are once again stuck in traffic on Memorial, stressing about that tardy slip you might get.

Just about all of us have been in this situation due to the long-winded traffic that lines Memorial from Eldridge to Kirkwood. Throughout the past couple of years, the construction sites have changed, but what has remained the same is the amount of traffic caused by it. Whether you live across the street from Stratford, or you

have a 20 minute drive, these awkward line changes, single lane roads, or angry drivers have been something you’ve encountered.

As the year progresses, we should see improvement specifically with Dairy Ashford and more opened up lanes going southbound. Memorial and Eldridge will continue to be in construction for quite a bit longer and remain as a two lane road going east.

There’s no way to know for sure if Kirkwood will stay finished because it has been before and then redone, but for now the construction

in all four directions has been cleared up, heavily reducing post-work and school traffic. Although progress can be seen, students are still “fed up” and “just want it to be done already” because it has been in progress for most of our time at Stratford according to senior Jake Makiyama.

In addition to the new traffic that is created, now pockets of Memorial have changed. From Bateswood to Kirkwood, the entire shopping centre has been isolated

unless you are turning in from Kirkwood or going west on Memorial.

This has been an inconvenience for many because the option to turn in or u-turn, is no longer there. When the construction had first started, the company responsible for fixing the road predicted it to be finished by 2018, but now, as more time passes, it’s hard to predict when Memorial will once again be a viable road to use throughout the Greater-Memorial area.

life

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

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Spartan Spotlight: Miles Harper His inside look at the Houston rap scene

WRITTEN BY HANNAH TIMMRECK PHOTOS COURTESY OF MILES HARPER No other student at Stratford High School can say they’ve been on stage with Migos, been on the set of a Travis Scott music video, and made a multitude of connections in the hip-hop industry by the age of 18.

Senior Miles Harper practices freelance photography at major events as a way of networking throughout the industry. He’s taken pictures on stage with artists such as, Yfn Lucci, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Lil baby, Chief Keef, J Cole, Lil Uzi Vert, Rich Homie Quan, and many more.

Harper has reached this stage by having a likable personality and diligence in any situation.

“You never know what kind of social environment you’re about to walk into, so you have to treat everybody like they’re somebody,” Harper said.

It took a lot of hard work for Harper to get where he is. During his sophomore year of high school, he met a rapper at the opening act of a concert he was attending.

The artist asked him if he was a photographer, and despite never having taken professional photos before, Harper said yes. He took a chance and went backstage.

That was the beginning of his networking.

Since sophomore year, Harper has been building his reputation in the hip hop industry.

He’s been to around 100 concerts without spending a second in the crowd. He became friends with other artists and his circle of connections grew bigger each day.

“They like me because I’m a hard worker. When I have a task I’m extremely focused on doing it with the best of my ability until it’s done,” he said.

Harper is the current Networking Director for 713 Rapper D Flower s (left) with Harp Magazine, an online magazine that focuses er at Studio 713, taking a break fr on current music, sports, and style. He om ha rd work. does write-ups, networks, and promotes the magazine.

He also works as the creative consultant for Sad Frosty, a rapper with over 100,000 followers on Instagram. Harper is in charge of maintaining “After high school I want a the rapper’s image and influencing viewers. He creates college education so I can rise up in the ranks,” Harper social media marketing plans and also has a great deal of said. “At this point I have internships set up for when experience working in crisis PR implementation.

I get to college. I have everything ready, I just need to Harper works hard every day while simultaneously keep doing what I’m doing.” managing his school work. It’s clear that with his His everyday life is surrounded by his role in the photography experience, exposure to networking industry. There are times when it’s difficult to find time and connections, he has accomplished much more to be social, which is vital in high school. The busy than the average high school student. environment of high school combined with the weight of “I have a white board that I label each day, color a real job is a lot to handle, but Harper stays motivated coding everything for school and for my work,” by reminding himself of how much fun his job is.

Harper said. At times it’s hard to manage it all, but at the end of the day it’s very fulfilling.”

Harper is currently spending his time planning an undisclosed event due to happen after Christmas. Numerous aspects are considered when planning these events.

“I’m given a budget from investors that covers a bunch of small details,” Harper said. “I have to book a venue, security, hotel and transportation for artists, and DJ speakers.”

He then decides how much tickets will cost and how the event should be promoted. One important part of planning is deciding if partnerships will be included. Partnerships are deals in which businesses pay him to display their brand at the event in order to gain a following.

“Everything that I deal with when planning these events is considered to handle every possible situation that could occur,” Harper said.

Day after day, Harper proves to , r e t i r gw n o be a hard worker as he puts a s , r Harper poses with rappe g n great deal of effort into doublei n Gunna, American n wi d . r e rapper a n w checking that everything is o an l a d a so ng o t w M ri te t r, at the Astroworld st ex o n P s , r d perfect.

He’s thriving in the hip e fe n c st ival. odu r sta hop industry at a young age and Harpe and pr working towards his future simultaneously.

“The hip hop industry is my passion and I know one way or another I will be in this industry for the rest of my life.”

-Miles Harper

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life

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

IHOb

June 4, 2018 - July 9, 2018

RIP In loving memory of the fads that died in 2018 WRITTEN AND GRAPHIC BY CHARLOTTE BENES

The International House of Burgers went out with a bang via twitter on July 9th, 2018 when the company that had previously been known as International House of PANCAKES thankfully returned to its own lane and left the burger flipping to the big boys. This PR stunt enjoyed life’s more savory pleasures, the sizzle of a fresh patty on the grill, the unsettling texture of a thinly sliced tomato, the crunch of romaine lettuce (too soon?), and it’s legacy of sassy tweets from outraged customers will live on. IHOb reminded us of more than just the need for corporations to stay in their lane, it reminded us not to venture too far out of our own as well, and the world just might be a better place for that jarring reminder. IHOb is survived by its lame burgers, superior pancakes, Twitter hashtag, and sluggish service. In lieu of flowers, please consider dining at IHOP so that they can stay in business without having to rely on dumb PR gimmicks for attention.

The Tide Pod Challenge January 2018 -February 2018

The Tide Pod Challenge passed away at an undetermined date in February of this year after a short-lived run with a long-lasting impact that has severely impaired the opinion the rest of the world holds of our generation. Following predecessors like the cinnamon challenge, the gallon challenge, the deodorant challenge, the eraser challenge, and other stupid and dangerous internet fads, this life-threatening trend topped the list of dumbest things teenagers have done.

Disposable Drinking Straws 1888 -2018

Disposable Drinking Straws passed away this year after a long and fulfilling 130 year life, prompting mixed reactions from the beverage-consuming community. Straws have dedicated their life to making it easier for even the laziest of people to move liquid from any cup to their mouth without having to go to the immense trouble of lifting their arm.

Though straws have faced some criticism in their life for being almost entirely unnecessary, wasteful, and dangerous to wildlife, they will be missed by those who have difficulty drinking regularly from a cup without spilling its contents upon themself.

My Big Fat Jewish Christmas The Jews celebrate Christmas in a unique but known way WRITTEN BY BLAKE TODES GRAPHICS BY BEN SICILIANO It’s Christmas time for the Jews. From Chinese food to going to the movies, Jews have developed many Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditions over the past decades and even the past centuries.

The tradition of Jews eating Chinese food on Christmas goes back to the late 19th century. By the 1890s, many Chinese immigrants moved to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where many of the Jews had arrived in New York City years before.

The Jews also felt comfort in eating at Chinese restaurants on Christmas because both the Chinese and Jews were two of the most marginalized groups at the time in America. Both the Jews and Chinese immigrants were the two largest non-Christian groups in America at the time, and Chinese restaurants were one of the few restaurants open on Sundays and during the holidays, so they were often where Jewish people ate while the Christians were at church. Even prominent Jews, such as Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, have admitted to keeping the Jewish tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas.

The Jewish tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas also originates from keeping kosher, the Jewish food laws.

Chinese food virtually has no dairy, so the Jews did not have to worry about

mixing meat with milk. However, because of the vast prevalence of pork in Chinese food, kosher Chinese food has been created due to the high popularity of Chinese food among the Jewish American population.

Even though Chinese food contains a lot of pork, some Jews forgo the kosher law of not eating pork because they believe that Chinese food is “close enough” to kosher. Other cuisines, such as Mexican and Italian food, have both pork and meat with milk, so the Jews believed Chinese food was the “most kosher” cuisine. Also, it may just be that Chinese food has such deep roots in Jewish culture that they will ignore the laws of kosher to eat Chinese food.

The two groups also share similar flavors in their respective cuisines, both containing sweet and sour elements, as well

The Fortune of Christmas Past

Chinese food has been a Jewish Christmas tradition for over a century. These restaurants have become especially busy in past years, due to popularity from Christians who do not want to cook Christmas dinner and an increasing number of people who do not identify with any religion.

as many egg-based dishes.

The Jews even have their own version of a wonton called a kreplach, which is also a meat filled dumpling.

However, in recent years, Jews are not the only people eating Chinese food on Christmas. Millennials and Christians have started eating Chinese food as well; in fact, according to GrubHub, Chinese food orders spike around 152 percent on Christmas, the most out of any day in the year. The most popular Chinese food item on Christmas is General Tso’s Chicken.

In my experience, I have noticed Chinese restaurants have been getting more and more crowded each Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Five years ago, you could walk into a Chinese restaurant on Christmas Eve without having to wait; however, today, due to Christians catching on to the Chinese food tradition, you have to make reservations if you want eat Chinese food.

Another Jewish Christmas tradition is going to the movies. The tradition of this goes back to the beginning of movie theaters, when theater owners wanted to stay open on Christmas to make some extra money. The Jews decided to go to the movies because nowhere else was open and they wanted something to do on Christmas. Movie theaters have also been adding discounts to ticket prices on Christmas and Christmas Eve to incentivize people going to the movies during in the past years.

The “Christmas time for the Jews” is well known by various TV shows and pop culture outlets, shown by Saturday Night

Live’s 2005 holiday song parodying singer Darlene Love with puppets.

These Christmas time traditions are even recognized by the New York Times, the Atlantic, and NPR. I personally recommend Fu’s Garden for Chinese food on Christmas; however, as I stated before, you will have to make a reservation due to high demand.

These Christmas traditions for the Jews may be stereotypical, but there is no doubt there is some truth to them. I will be proud to eat my Chinese food this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year.

Christmas Time for the Jews

Christmas has a different, yet special meaning for the Jewish American population. The Jews’ Christmas Eve traditions dates back centuries to their own cultural assimilation into American society.

life

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

Music

The Best of the Best

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13 Christmas Songs you need on your Playlist this Season The Oracle Staff Photos Courtesy of Apple Music

ChristmasList

The movies, lights, and songs that you can not miss out on this Holiday Season Movies The Classics

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas Everyone knows and loves Charlie Brown, this timeless classic is at number one because of its history as it resonates with many generations.

2. It’s a Wonderful Life 3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 4. Santa Claus is Coning to Town The Comedies 5. The Polar Express 1. Elf Will Ferrell never disappoints in the movie, Elf. This charming tale is filled with hilarious moments as Buddy tries to figure out where he really comes from.

2. Home Alone 3. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation 4. A Muppet’s Christmas Carol 5. Die Hard

The Feel Goods

Holly Jolly Christmas Michael Bublé

Mistletoe

Justin Bieber

Mary, Did You Know?

Pentatonix

Santa Tell Me Cold December Night Michael Bublé

Last Christmas Taylor Swift

My Song For You

Lights

Bridget Mendler

Zoo Lights

The Heights

PHOTO BY MILES HARPER

The area of the Heights is known for its abundance of lights during the holiday season. “Lights in the Heights” is an event being held on December 8th, but the lights are up all season for everyone to drive by and enjoy. Many walk the streets and enjoy the lit up houses and musical performers on front porches.

This event has been a tradition for 20 years and continues to be a party for all of Houston to enjoy.

Memorial

Mariah Carrey

Ariana Grande

1. The Holiday This movie will make you want to swap houses and try to find love in a new place. Our hearts stay with Iris and Amanda as they find love in unexpected places.

2. It’s a Wonderful Life 3. Love Actually 4. A Christmas Story 5. Miracle on 34th Street

Zoo Lights is an annual holiday event held at the Houston Zoo. The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland that features LED versions of the animals, attracting hundreds of visitors each year.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

This Christmas lights display spreads across many vacant lots and is owned by the owner of Memorial City Mall. This display consists of a life size candy land board game, Hershey kisses on trees, a gingerbread house, and much more.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF houstononthecheap.com MOVIES BY CAROLINE DINA LIGHTS BY HANNAH TIMMERECK MUSIC BY MADDIE SUERTH

It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas Michael Bublé

Let it Snow Dean Martin

O Tannenbaum

Vince Guaraldi Trio

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) Michael Bublé

Christmas Time is Here Vince Gauraldi Trio

13 Songs, 43 minutes

CLOSING THE CURTAINS ON 2018

8 in•depth

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

#neveragain

POLITICS

#Never Again is a student-led movement to curb gun violence that has taken social media and politics by storm this past year. On Valentine’s day, Nikolas Cruz, a former student of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. opened fire in 4 classrooms in the freshman building; 17 students and teachers were murdered. In the aftermath of the shooting, students from MSD formed a political action committee to lobby for stricter gun regulations in an effort to reduce gun violence. They organized a nationwide walkout on March 14 in honor of the MSD victims and had 17 minutes of silence- a minute in honor of each life lost. Ten days later, “March For Our Lives” took place in Washington, D.C. and sister marches around the country. On May 18, just weeks after the walkout and rallies, 10 students died in another shooting at Santa Fe High School. Students at Santa Fe had participated in the walkout just weeks before they were struck by the very tragedy they were fighting against. Gun violence took center stage in the media this year and with the push for Congress to pass more common

sense gun laws. Hopefully, change is on the horizon.

Brett Kavanaugh Sworn In

#metoo

The anti-sexual harassment movement, coined as “Me Too” has opened the conversation about sexual harassment. The original phrase was coined back in 2006 by activist Tarana Burke and was used to help support survivors of sexual assault. It has grown into the slogan for the anti-sexual harassment movement. The presence of the Me Too movement grew rapidly after sexual assault allegations were made against Harvey Weinstein (he later turned himself in to police). The movement has exposed and many highprofile men and a few women in Hollywood and politics. On Jan. 24 Dr. Larry Nassar, the former U.S. Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor, was sentenced to life in prison after he was found guilty of molesting over 150 women, some as young as six. Bill Cosby was the first celebrity to be jailed in the Me Too era in April for a 2004 sexual assault. After the movement went viral, nine members of congress did not return to congress after facing credible charges of sexual assault. However, this change was not found evenly across politics. Trump’s nominee for Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh was accused of sexual assault by four women and a very public trial senate hearing was held. He ended up being appointed with the support of Trump and the Republican party. With the rise of #MeToo, victims of sexual assault have a platform and community of support that listens to their voice. The movement includes survivors from all different walks of life and was intended to show the widespread occurrence of sexual assault. With each person that speaks out against sexual assault, a social transformation is pushed forward.

NEWS

A Royal Wedding

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wedded one another at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19. Markle obtained the title of Duchess of Sussex upon her marriage, while Prince Harry obtained the titles of Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel.

On Jan. 13 at 8:06 a.m. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency meant to initiate an ballistic missile alert drill, but an employee accidentally issued the “realworld” alert code. The alert notified thousands across the islands, and panic ensued. A false alarm was issued 38 minutes later. The agency took steps to apologize for the incident and even continued to fire the employee.

Thai Boys Trapped In Cave

The 2018 Winter Olympics were held in PyeongChang, with the United States taking home several wins, including gold from 17-year-old, Chloe Kim. The young snowboarder took home the half pipe gold medal with nearly a perfect score.

Pipe Bombs Sent to Democrats

Philanthropist, George Soros, was the first to receive a string of 12 pipe bombs that was sent to Democrats the week of October 24. The pipe bombs were sent in suspicious packages to others including the Clintons, CNN Offices, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Robert De Niro. Authorities arrested Florida resident, Cesar Sayoc, with a maximum of 48 years prison sentence.

California Wildfires

A series of deadly fires erupted in A soccer team and their coach were California mid-July, resulting in stuck in a cave in Thailand for almost millions of dollars spent on the 17 days. Slowly, the boys were all recovery effort. Hundreds have died rescued from the cave and brought and thousands have been reported to safety. Unfortunately, a Navy SEAL missing. Researchers say that died during the process delivering atmospheric conditions led to the break oxygen. The team all made it out out, and the fires are only going to get of the cave safely and had steady worse. recoveries.

Trump’s Top News Moments

In an interview with Axois, Trump said that he was preparing an executive order to end the birthright citizenship in the US. Some critics raged after the interview, pointing out that the only way Trump could make it happen is by finding a way around the 14th amendment and an overwhelming majority vote. Even if he did that, he would need overwhelming majorities of Congress or state legislatures.

The Midterm elections brought a record number of voters and ended with a dramatic conclusion.

The Democrats took back the House, while the Republicans continued to hold the Senate.

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

TOP TEN

Here’s a quick glimpse at the top ten trends from this year. 2018 brought bigger entertainment, high intensity sports, and exciting new trends. This has been a roller coaster of a year, the changes brought on in the last twelve months foreshadow an interesting 2019.

US Missile Attack on Syria

On April 14, the U.S., France, and the UK all launched military strikes against Syria. This was in response to the Douma chemical attack carried out by the Syrian government. The Syrian government denied their involvement and accused the strikes of being against international law.

Black Panther

POP CULTURE Demi Lovato Hospitalized

Chloe Kim Wins Gold

Hawaii False Missile Alert

Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in as Supreme Court Justice after a controversial investigation he was accused of sexual assault by Christine Blassey Ford from back when they were in high school, leading to a dramatic hearing with testimonies from Kavanaugh and Ford. After a one-week investigation, the Senate viewed the FBI’s findings and then voted. On October 6, Kavanaugh was sworn in as Supreme Court justice.

Midterm Elections

in•depth 9

First responders rushed to the house of Demi Lovato when they were called about an apparent drug overdose.

Lovato was rushed to the hospital and received treatment to reverse the effects. Lovato was 6 years sober, until a recent relapse earlier this year.

Missionary Brutally Murdered

John Allen Chau was on a mission to spread Christianity on an remote Indian island when he was murdered by tribespeople.

The missionary charity that sent Chau to the island has defended his actions saying that Chau was thinking of other people. Police have stopped attempts to retrieve his body, in order to preserve the natives lifestyle.

Caravan Advances Towards the U.S.

A Central American migrant caravan that crossed into Mexico prompted President Trump to send over 5,000 troops towards the border.

Once the group approached the border, they were faced with tear gas, including many women and children.

Kanye West criticized after interview

In an interview with TMZ, Kanye West, a supporter of Donald Trump, said that slavery is “a choice”. This comment was followed by a lot of backlash including Will.i.am saying that the comments made my West were “ignorant” and broke his heart.

Logan Paul Films Dead Body

Controversy exploded over Logan Paul’s Youtube channel after a video was uploaded, featuring Logan in Japan’s “suicide forest”.

Paul received extreme backlash, prompting him to release an apology on twitter. Youtube took a step further and chose to put a pause on many of his upcoming projects and removed his channel from their premium advertising service.

Mason Ramsey goes viral

When a video surfaced of 11-year-old, Mason Ramsey, singing a cover of one of his favorite songs in Walmart, he went viral.

Ramsey went on to sign with “Big Loud Records” and even to hit the charts with his single, “Famous”.

Kim K Meets with President Trump

VOTE

WRITTEN AND Reality star, Kim Kardashian, met with COMPILED BY ALEXIS GARZA AND Donald Trump after ISABELLA WALTZ she advocated for a Information through the following sources: The drug offender to be New York Times, WJLA, New York Magazine, pardoned. The meeting The Washington Post, Flickr, Refinery 29, was held to discuss Instagram, Twitter, Glamour, The Seattle Times, controversial prison myKhel, wccftech, Freepix, and ABC News reform and sentencing.

10

life

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

school

spirit great tastes

James Coney Island

701 Town and Country Way #1700, 77024 4320 W. Sam Houston Parkway N, 77043 2020 Hwy 6 South 77077

supports the stratford spartans

coneyman.com

sports

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

New Beginnings for Girls Basketball

Varsity Basketball Schedule

Interim head coach Darryl Hill gives the inside scoop.

WRITTEN BY ANA SOFIA MEYER PHOTO BY IVY MARTINEZ For the third time in the past six months, “Being a JV coach is just about the girls basketball team is getting coaching,” Hill said. “Being a varsity adjusted to a new coach. Offensive line coach is about coaching and about fifteen coach, Darryl million other things, Hill, assumed it’s about making sure the role of that the program is interim head on the right track, it’s coach for the about making sure girls basketball that everybody in the team. He was program supports originally the each other, it’s about Junior Varsity building the right coach at the atmosphere.” beginning of the But things may be season. looking up for the girls “[I’d like] to as people become see everybody more optimistic. come together “It’s tough because of as a team, to the timing, especially represent our with Coach [Alex] Reed, school the way because as of Monday “Being a varsity coach is I think it should morning, he had no about coaching and about be represented, idea he was going to be fifteen million other things.” coaching basketball in the and fight for a playoff spot,” Hill afternoon,” Hill said. said, when asked “[I know] we can’t have about his end-ofa new beginning, but we season goals. can start new right now and create a new The girls, who were projected to lose by ending,” he said.

25 points to a strong Cy-Falls team, lost Even after a difficult offseason and a by only 8, shocked Cy-Falls into coming uncertain preseason, the girls have started back in the fourth quarter and winning, 1-1 in district play. after a close back-and-forth game.

They face Cy-Creek, a strong team in Hill was appointed head coach a day playoff contention, on Friday, Dec. 14 and before district play officially started, which Jersey Village on Tuesday, Dec. 18. was a difficult move for him, even with countless years of experience.

11

Friday, Dec. 14: Cy-Creek

Tuesday, Jan. 15: Cy-Falls

Boys: Away

Boys: Home Girls: Away

Varsity: 7 p.m.

Girls: Home

Tuesday, Dec. 18: Jersey Village

Friday, Jan. 18: Memorial

Varsity: 7 p.m.

Boys: Home Girls: Away

Friday, Dec. 21: Cy-Fair Varsity: 7 p.m.

Boys: Away

Girls: Home

Friday, Jan. 2: Spring Woods Varsity: 7 p.m.

Boys: Home Girls: Away

Tuesday, Jan. 8: Northbrook Girls: Home

Friday, Jan. 11: Cy-Ridge Varsity: 7 p.m.

Boys: Home Girls: Away

Boys & Girls: DCC

Tuesday, Jan. 22: Cy-Creek Varsity: 7 p.m.

Boys: Home Girls: Away

Friday, Jan. 25: Jersey Village Varsity: 7 p.m.

Girls: Home

Tuesday, Jan. 29: Cy-Fair Varsity: 7 p.m.

Boys: Home Girls: Away

Friday, Feb. 5: Spring Woods Varsity: 7 p.m.

Boys: Away Girls: Home (Senior Night)

Shootin’ Around

Slam Town

Senior Ondreus Patterson, slams it down during a layup drill, showing off his impressive vertical and dunking talent.

Girls Varsity: 5:30 Boys Varsity: 7 p.m.

Boys: Away

Varsity: 7 p.m.

Boys: Away

Varsity: 7 p.m.

Varsity basketball prepare for their first district game.

PHOTOS BY NATHAN SICILIANO CAPTIONS BY ANA SOFIA MEYER

Split the Defense Pass it Off

Catch and Shoot

Senior power forward, Wes Waitkus, takes a pull-up jumper in practice, working on his stroke.

Senior small forward, Ondreus Patterson, dribbles through the drill, making a good pass off to junior, John Troutman, in the corner, who easily knocks down the threepointer.

Senior starting point guard, Stephen Cho, dribbles down the floor and cuts easily through the defense.

Nice and Easy Sophomore shooting guard, Mark Perkins, lays it up nice and easy.

Close Out

Senior, Theo Huang, works on his close-out against Senior Mac Lindahl who hits the shot.

For Three

Junior point guard, Tomas Meyer, pulls up for an uncontested corner three, and knocks it down.

12

sports

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

Comeback Season

The boys’ varsity soccer team aims to overcome the adversity and bounce back from last season WRITTEN BY JACKSON ALLRED

PHOTO BY AMARIS SMITH

The boys’ soccer team finished up in becoming leaders. the 2017-18 season on a 7-3-3 run “Some returners have taken on to complete the season with a 8-8-7 leadership roles off the field and others record. The Spartans came up short to have taken on the leadership roles on the the Eisenhower Eagles in the first round field. Many of the guys are excited about of the playoffs, the opportunities eliminating that have opened them from the up, and I look postseason. forward to seeing In addition, who steps up,” the team lost 7 Coach Wallace important and teamsaid. leading seniors that With new players had been 3 and 4 and leadership year starters. It’s fair comes new goals. to say the Spartans’ According to soccer team has sophomore Nathan had their fair share Siciliano, some of Kickin’ It of adversity in these goals have recent months. But Junior Francies Galdino scans the stayed the same: field while scrimmaging during this difficulty has “To win. Same as morning soccer practice. Galdino has always. We have a not slowed down the soccer team, it played two seasons as a forward with tough preseason only focused their and a difficult the varsity soccer team. attention more on district. We had a leadership skills and fundamentals. good season last year and we are looking “We went back to the basics,” Coach to expand on that and continue being Mark Wallace stated. “We put a strong positive.” emphasis on doing the simple things Coach Wallace also noted, “My goal well.” with this year’s team is going to be to Sophomore Nathan Siciliano added that, grind out wins with solid defense and “We’re a lot more conscious of each hard work.” other and I have a sense of a stronger The boys’ soccer tryouts are just behind team moving forward.” us and the preseason practices are A number of the seniors that moved beginning to start. The Stratford boys’ on left a void that was crucial to fill. As a soccer team kicks off on Jan. 3 against result, some of the players have stepped Cypress Springs at Morton Ranch HS.

ONE ON

ONE Q: How has the transition into

with Coach Kent

becoming a Stratford basketball coach been thus far?

WRITTEN BY JACKSON ALLRED PHOTO BY BOWEN JACKSON

Q: How do you prepare your players the days before a very competitive, highintensity game of basketball?

A: The transition for me has been A: One thing I like to do is watch seamless. I have known Coach Tim film from our previous game and then Johnson for 3 years now so we were able watch our upcoming opponent’s game to skip the getting to know each other’s film. Watching our recent film allows me style period. to evaluate and From the very address things beginning, we we did well and worked out the things we did roles that each not do so well. of us would Then I start have. Also, being coming up with embraced by a scouting report the team made for our next it easier. I came opponent. While in with a lot of watching their energy, which film, I observe the helped warm team’s strategy everyone up to and determine me. I constantly ways we can Preparing the Team talk in the gym, exploit it. I also “Throughout our practices, I am constantly whether it is make notes on talking to our guys about what our opponents each player’s getting hyped will do, preparing them the best I can.” when someone tendencies on makes a good play the opponent’s or it can be as simple as just clapping for team. Throughout our practices, I am someone. Energy and excitement have constantly talking to our guys about helped make it a smooth transition. what our opponents will do, preparing them the best I can. Finally, we watch the Q: What are some pieces of coaching opponent’s film together as a team and that you have brought over from CyI hand out our scouting report to every Ranch? player so they can start thinking about A: I brought over some drills and skill what to expect in the game. development that we used to do at CyQ: What are some unique things you Ranch. The coaches over there do a great have learned about the culture here at job of developing their players for all 4 Stratford? years. I took that and put my own spin on it with how I want us to play. Cy-Ranch A: The biggest thing that has stood also has a very competitive atmosphere. out to me about Stratford is the feeling I’ve brought that mentality with me to of a community. You look at other schools Stratford. Creating competition brings and they just gather a strong following the most out of your players in practice around a sports team. But this school and during games. When the guys know does not only support their sports teams, something is on the line, they tend to but they also support all areas of the fight a little harder through a screen, school. Students are actively coming up make the extra pass, and talk a little more with new clubs for people to join. I was on the floor. If they know they’re going asked to sponsor a club called “Hacky to have to run after practice for losing in Sack for Humanity” and they told me our 3-on-3 games, they’re going to work the purpose of the club was to play harder to get the win. Earlier this season hacky sack with their friends and then go I told a player if he would take a charge volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and in a game, I would bring donuts for the that is just something you do not see at whole team. He has since taken 3 charges every school. in 3 different games.

Defensive Linebacker Recognized WRITTEN AND PHOTO BY ANA SOFIA MEYER Senior Sam Habel is the winner of the Houston Touchdown Club “Scholar Athlete” award. Habel was the athlete chosen to represent the Stratford football program, leading the team in defense and academic accomplishments.

puzzles

Sudoku

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

13

Christmas Crossword

Across

1. Warm chocolaty drink typically enjoyed with marshmallows 2. Cold, soft, and white 3. Frosty the _______ is a classic winter character

Down

1. The coldest time of the year 2. A time to relax with your family 3. Cozy sweaters for your feet 4. What you wear outside to keep you cozy and warm 5. Wear on your hands to them nice and toasty

Spot the

Difference 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Check your answers to all puzzles online at shsoracle.org!

14

perspectives

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

WHERE TO HIT THE BOOKS

WRITTEN BY CHARLOTTE BENES PHOTOS BY DAN TATULESCU, BOWEN JACKSON, AND CHARLOTTE BENES

My review of the best places to study this finals season and why.

Whole Foods on Post Oak

The Whole Foods on Post Oak is without a doubt my favorite place to study. Yes, it is a bit of a drive, but if natural light helps you think, and you need to hunker down for a few hours this is the place for you to focus and get stuff done. The upstairs Mezzanine looks down over the store and is walled in on one side by floor to ceiling windows. If you prefer moderate noise level to dead silence, the muted sounds of customers bustling about below is just the right volume to keep you awake and alert without distracting you from your work. One of the most important aspects of healthy study habits is taking regular breaks, and where better a place to take a break, perhaps pick up a healthy snack or two, than a grocery store like Whole Foods?

Need to stretch your legs? Take a walk up and down the aisles. Need a pick-me-up? Head downstairs for a coffee, freshly squeezed juice, or smoothie. Though the space may appear small at first glance, there is always enough seating to go around. If you are working on a laptop or anything else that may need to be plugged in, I would recommend making sure that it is charged up before you go, because, though there are outlets at seats nearest the window-wall, not all seats have this option and those ones tend to be the first to go. This mostly depends on the time of day that you go, but even when it seems as though all of the outlet-seats are occupied, chances are that one of them will free up soon enough so you can snatch it up if you are keeping an eye out.

Despite this slight inconvenience, the Whole Foods on Post Oak still tops the list.

Fellini

I like Fellini for the same reason as Whole Foods: the Mezzanine. Though this Italian inspired coffee and gelato shop has ample natural lighting, delicious gelato, and rich coffee, its top draw for me is the opportunity to hide away upstairs where it is quiet. The only problem with the Mezzanine is lighting, it tends to get a bit dark up there sometimes, but if you need more ample natural light and are willing to put up with somewhat heightened noise and distraction levels, the seating downstairs offers both, and on a nice day the outdoor seating can be pleasant as well. As the shop is in City Center, parking can be a bit of a nightmare, but overall, the extra effort is worth the payoff in productivity.

Cafe Express

Cafe express always has plenty of wide open space, available plugs, natural light, and good food. Though it isn’t necessarily the most interesting vibe, it is always pretty quiet and the perfect place to really focus and get work done.

Starbucks on Wycliffe

Don’t get me wrong, I love Starbucks as much as the next typical white girl, and the new one on Wycliffe does have a pretty neat vibe, but there is just a bit too much going on for me to really focus. If you’re a fan of studying in groups and of the pleasantly chilly weather we’ve been having the outdoor patio might actually be a great spot to suit your studying habits.

Barnes & Noble

Barnes and Noble is a classic study spot, but somewhat overrated in my opinion.

The food is decent, as is the lighting and outlet accessibility, and if you are good at tuning out distraction this spot may work for you, but overall I have found the spot to be just a bit too busy for my preference and no more than average on all accounts. If you really have to study there, I would recommend studying in a quiet corner in one of the genre sections that typically gets less foot traffic.

At Home In Bed

You’re either the kind of person who can actually be productive in their own home or, if you’re anything like me, you find yourself far too distracted by all of your belingings and the responsibilities that come to mind that are associated with home (or you’re far too susceptible to the temptation of taking a nap rather than studying.) The upside to styding at home though is you have pretty good control over your environment and noise levels.

Do you disagree with one of our ratings or know of a better study spot we missed? Send us an email with your opinion to thestratfordoracle@gmail.com

How much is too much?

WRITTEN BY ELEANORE WILLIAMS PHOTO BY ELEANORE WILLIAMS For those who like Christmas music, the most wonderful time of the year becomes even better. But not everyone likes to be bombarded with fifty renditions of “White Christmas” every holiday season. Christmas music has been around for centuries, but unfortunately most of the Christmas music we hear today are covers of the same twenty songs. For casual listeners, this may not seem like a problem. But a constant stream of Christmas music can actually cause mental health problems for some.

Christmas Music and Retail If you have ever been shopping in the months of November and December, you have probably noticed that every store plays constant Christmas music. Stores intend to put shoppers in a festive mood and trigger a psychological reaction that causes them to buy more merchandise. But this seemingly cheery music turns sour for those who work long hours in retail. According to neuropsychologist Dr. Rhonda Freeman, “If you don’t want to hear a song, or are hearing it on repeat for hours, your prefrontal cortex is working hard to filter it out so you can focus”. In addition to long hours and crazy customers, distracting Christmas music can make the holidays much more stressful for employees. So next time you visit a store during the holidays, remember to treat them with respect.

Mental Health Many people associate the holiday season with family time, presents, and childhood. When these people hear Christmas music, the brain releases dopamine, and happy memories come flooding back. But just as the brain lights up with happiness for someone with a positive association to Christmas, it can release feelings of sadness for people with a negative association to the holiday. Music impacts the amygdala, a part of the brain that involves emotions.

When someone who experienced traumatic events around the holidays hears Christmas music, the amygdala triggers a flood of bad memories and emotions. It is important for these people to have control over how much Christmas music they hear.

Christmas music was designed to evoke an emotional response. Whether that response is happiness, sadness, or anywhere between depends on the person. So remember to listen to Christmas music in moderation, and be courteous to those who can’t.

perspectives

The Good of 2018 WRITTEN BY RACHEL DIETERT AND AMALIA KNOTTEN PHOTO COURTESEY OF LISA POETZL As bad as 2018 may have seemed at students compassionate donations. also earned ourselves an early start to times, we must remember that it wasn’t Not only did we show Memorial exactly Thanksgiving break with an early release all bad. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively how charitable our school is, but we thanks to Building Principal Chad celebrated their 6-year-anniversary with Crowson. their two beautiful girls by their side.

Senior men had a major comeback.

Black Panther hit the box office and They made a big entrance at their first brought new iconic characters into the pep rally by dancing to Single Ladies Marvel universe. Beyonce performed

by Beyonce in Hawaiian shirts. They at Coachella for the first time, and showed up to volleyball games with new the Beehive couldn’t have been more cheers and new spirit. They even made excited. hot cocoa for Food Truck Friday, true to But when you put pop culture aside, form in a crawfish boiler.

Stratford had some pretty great But possibly most importantly, moments itself. everyone’s favorite Stats teacher, Karl In 2018, we once again showed that no Poetzl, had his first baby. one beats us when it comes to lending Eyra Poetzl was born June 28, a helping hand. This year, we collected 2018. Since then, she has become a Like Father Like Daughter 17,555 cans during the Stratford vs. welcoming face for students during Eyra Poetzl follows her father’s Memorial food drive. Through the food class and even at sporting events. Now drive, Stratford has made an incredible when Mr. Poetzl tells his made up math footsteps by always supporting contribution to the community through stories, he can finally use the name of the Spartans at sports events.

Hallmark Movie Review WRITTEN BY MADDIE SUERTH PHOTOS COURTESY OF hallmarkchannel.com

Do you like hallmark movies? SHS said...

43.9% no

1.The Nine Lives of Christmas

Yes, Hallmark movies are completely predictable and yes, they are extremely cheesy, but it wouldn’t be Christmas without them. Not all of them are great, but those that are really capture the Christmas spirit. From little towns that host big Christmas festivals to an office that forces its staff to in a secret Santa, these 56.1% participate movies have anything and everything.

And with Hallmark producing more yes and more each year, you are bound to find something that you like. If you don’t feel like searching however, here are my top three favorite Hallmark Christmas movies.

Overall rank: 5.2/5 Plot: Zachary is a firefighter that also happens to flip houses when he isn’t at the station.

He takes in an orange tabby named Ambrose after finding out his owner has recently passed away. Marilee is a veterinarian student and is secretly keeping a cat in her strictly “no pets building.” They have a meet cute in the pet isle of the grocery store and keep running into each other after that, and eventually become friends. When Marilee’s landlord finds her cat and she forced to find a new place to live, luckily Zachary is flipping a house, so she stays with him.

Thoughts: If you are a cat person, this movie is the one for you. Merilee is quirky but not in an annoying way, and the firefighter looks like superman. This movie is filled with small funny moments that set it apart from the rest.

2.

A Royal Christmas

Overall rank: 4.9 Lacey Chabert’s character, Emily, has been dating a british prince named Leo, for a year and they are about to spend their first Christmas together. The only issue is, Emily was not previously aware that Leo was a prince. When duty calls and Prince Leopold is forced to return home for the holidays, Emily joins him in the hopes that she will find he is still the same guy she once knew. There she befriends the staff and tries to impress Leo’s mother, the queen (played by Jane Seymour), although it turns out to be a tougher challenge than she had anticipated.

The staff in the castle are really sweet and help her out with all the things she doesn’t know.

There is a scene where the butler teachers her how to waltz. Very Princess Diaries feel.

3.

ORACLE

the

Looking back with a smile

Are they worth the watch? Here are my top 3 Hallmark movies (so far)

15

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

Christmas Next Door Overall rank: 4.7/5 Jesse Metcalfe plays Eric, an unmarried bachelor who writes books about how great it is to be single. He is not a fan of Christmas. His mother was supposed to have his niece and nephew over for the holidays, but she becomes “sick,” so he is forced to take them in,though he is lost on how to do anything related to Christmas. His next door neighbor, April, just so happens to love Christmas and helps him make his niece and nephew’s Christmases great. With the impending deadline of his next book coming up, he may be reconsidering how great his overall topic is.

Thoughts: I have seen this one so many times but I still enjoy it.The Christmas decorations in this movie are 10/10.

staff

Editors-in-Chief *Charlotte Benes *Maddie Suerth

Associate Editors *Isabella Waltz *Rachel Dietert

Photo Editors *Dan Tatulescu *Maddie Dawson

News Editors Yasmin Talbi McKenna Tanner

Life Editors Blake Todes Amora Flores

Sports Editors Ana Sofia Meyer Jackson Allred

Perspectives Editors Alexis Garza Libby Grizzell

Reporter Amaris Smith

Photographers Ashley Calahan Eamonn Fitzpatrick Bowen Jackson Meghan Martinez Makowski Alex Nica The Oracle newspaper is the official, schoolsponsored student media of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-2513454. The Oracle is published monthly by the Journalism Department and is also available online at shsoracle. org. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

The Oracle serves as a public forum of student expression

Ivy Martinez Miles Harper Becca Dawson Nathan Siciliano Jeanie Sidler Eleanore Williams Ally Weidman

Photography Managers Caroline Dina Lauren White

Ads Editors Samantha Wagner Joy Meyers

Ads Staff Hagen Bach Sara Duvall Isabella Moreno Hannah Timmreck Hannah Tyler Mary Claire Vatterott Kaitlyn White

Design Editors Andrew Tyler Benjamin Siciliano

Building Principal Chad Crowson

Advisor Janice Cummons *Editorial Board

Members

and is open to contributions submitted by the readers.

Readers may submit material via e-mail to info@ shsoracle.org.

All letters to the editors must be typed and contain the author’s full name, grade and signature.

Submitted material is subject to editing based on space and/ or content.

The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration or the school district.

Publication costs are covered through advertisements.

For more information, contact thestratfordoracle@gmail.com OR call at 713-251-3454

16

photos

The Oracle • December 14, 2018

Deck the Halls

Stratford shows its Christmas spirit PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS BY BECCA DAWSON, LAUREN WHITE, DAN TATULESCU, AND KENDALL KOSTER

Totally Sleighed It Journalism teacher, Mrs. Janice Cummons, never fails to deck out her room. This year, she decorated a Christmas tree made out of yearbooks, Christmas lights, paper snowflakes, presents, a wreath, a little reindeer, and more fun decorations.

Spreading Cheer

Season of Sparkle Mrs. Charlotte McHale, an English teacher, decorated her room with a fun decorative wreath to celebrate the holiday season. She loves to make her students smile in class.

It’s Book-ening to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

The book room clerk Ms. Julia Makin, works hard to create a calm, quiet, and festive environment for the students.

They come into the book room to either take tests or pick up essential textbooks for their classes. While the students are there, they love to see fun decorations as we get closer to the holidays. Ms. Makin loves to see students happy, so she made an exciting Christmas tree out of various types of out of adoption textbooks.

Our very own Student Council did an amazing job decorating the tree in the front office to give all of the students, visitors, and faculty holiday cheer.

Senior Executive Board representatives Cole Oliphant, Annie Goss, Charlotte Benes and Tala Salek are pictured decorating the tree with golden tinsel to add some sparkle.

Elf Yourself English teacher Ms. Megan Wolf’s beloved elf on the Shelf, Trixie McJingles, is back this year. Trixie hides in new places daily to watch over her amazing students. Mrs. Wolf’s students get to find Trixie in a new, fun spot every day when they walk into her class.