2019 September/October

Imelda causes “Harvey-like” flooding

LExI premires new season successfully

pg. 5

pg. 9

Third Democratic debate gives insite into potential canidates pg 13

Friday Night Lights hero Chad Lindberg commits to UGA Photo courtesy of Earth Obvervatory NASA

Photo taken by Analei Berger

By Mark Gidden Sports Editor

“The offensive line coach is easily the best in the nation, he does the best job with his guys and cares for them the most, and just campus wise, it’s somewhere I would want Number 78, starting varsity tackle, senior to be if I didn’t play football.” Lindberg said.

Chad Lindberg, will body anybody in his The game of football to Lindberg is path. By hitting opponents so hard, Lindberg has made a name for himself not just around Creek, but around the entire country. Being one of the top 15 players in the state, he has over 30 offers from Division I schools to play football. Lindberg has many accolades under his belt, such as playing in the Under Armour All-America game and the Polynesian Bowl.

Lindberg has performed tests football players usually go through, such as the fortyyard dash, shuttle run and vertical jump.

Lindberg’s forty-yard dash was five point twenty-seven seconds and his shuttle were four-point-ninety-six seconds, and his vertical jump was 25.50 inches. These challenges were all done on February 25, 2018 so he has more than likely improved since then.

In his junior year, he earned first team All-District Honors and as a sophomore, he was first-team all-district selection.

Lindberg was evaluated by Gabe Brooks on September 2, 2018. Brooks is from Midlands Region football as a recruiting analyst.

Brooks said that Lindberg is a physical tackle who is flexible enough to play guard not the only thing Photo courtesy of as well. Lindberg is also a top student he wants for his academically. His SAT scores were higher future, especially than 1250, which is above average by far. since his academic level is so high.

Lindberg made a decision about what “If I wasn’t a football player, I school he will commit to out of the 36 would probably try to make it big in offers he received. The college Lindberg the business industry,” Lindberg said. will be attending the fall of 2020 is The With Lindberg’s intelligence, his University of Georgia. Media around future is very bright and he can excel and League City were surprised by his decision command many opportunities for his career. because he had offers from colleges “I think its pretty mutual between such as, The University of Alabama, The me and the team, I think we have a pretty University of Clemson, University of good team with a good mentality this Texas and the University of Texas A&M, year, we have a lot of people that have which are major colleges for football, but been on Varsity for a while and this year he has a reason for committing to Georgia. it’s all coming together,” Lindberg said.

His teammates have been here as long as he has, just in different positions, but they come into the game with the same mindset, to get their business done.

“Coach David Morgan, he’s my position coach and also coaches me for

shot put, but he’s coached me on the way I should lift, offensive line, and every sport I do,” Lindberg said.

Coach Morgan is the varsity lineman coach for Creek and works with Lindberg on his other sports such as sarsity shot put.

“I’ve been very blessed to be able to coach a kid like Chad, and to be honest may never again, but I hope not. Chad is a quiet, humble young man. You never hear him brag or tell anybody how good he is.

I think he’s very shy until he gets to know you. Chad is the model student athlete.

Chad is the only kid that I’ve ever coached that has never been late or missed a practice

Chad Lindberg

Photo taken by Anna Alves

without giving us a reason ahead of time.

I think the only practice he has missed was in spring when he was on an official visit.

I know for a fact, Chad will be successful in life, whether it’s on the biggest stage in football, or in whatever career path he chooses,” Coach Morgan said.

The connection between Coach Morgan and Lindberg is very strong and for Coach Morgan to be there for Lindberg, with every sport he plays and in the classroom, that is something special, because coaches do not get kids all the time like Lindberg. He really is a great young man and coaches are looking forward to seeing all the things he will accomplish in the future, but will miss such an essential asset to the team.

“My parents make me do a lot in the classroom, taking hard classes and doing well, because they force school over football,” Lindberg said.

His first three years of high school, Lindberg was not allowed to have his phone after nine pm and that was every week day.

“He really is a special young man and am looking forward to see his future successes, but am in no hurry to see him leave Clear Creek High School. That starts with him coming from a great family that instills the values in Chad that make him very successful in the classroom as well as in athletics. Chad loves football, but I believe Chad takes academics, which he should, more important than football,” Coach Morgan said.

Lindberg’s last year of high school is this year, and nobody, especially Coach Morgan, is wanting to see him graduate and leave to go off to college. On May 30, 2020, graduation will come and Lindberg will be out in college, all the way in Georgia, away from the place where it all started, Clear Creek High School.

School spirit goes wild: Creek Homecoming 2019

By Aivry Zamora Entertainment Editor

Stores are filling with mum decorations, band members and Cavaliers prepare to blow away the stands with their half-time performances, while the football players are practicing harder every day to achieve victory at the biggest game of the season. Homecoming at Creek is a tradition that has always brought lasting memories for every student and staff member participating in the festivities, with the carnival being one of the most beloved activities of the year. The PAL’s program, along with the numerous clubs, organizations and electives have yet to break their streak of producing an exciting event filled with food, games and spirit. Each organization works hard to prepare a booth open to all students in hopes of exciting the student body and increasing school spirit before the big game on Friday, October 18.

Overflowing with food, every Homecoming is a feast of baked sweets, homemade treats and fast food favorites, making it impossible to only visit one booth. With

Raising Cane’s provided by the men’s soccer team, Rudy’s BBQ by Creek baseball, Chick-fil-a by the PTSA and Domino’s Pizza offered by the senior class officers, the fast food choices are endless.

Staple drive-through meals, traditional carnival snacks such as the corn dogs offered by the boys and girl’s golf teams, decadent funnel cake by the band or fresh popcorn by the Cavaliers add to the options. Additionally, Kool-Aid pickles by the girl’s basketball team, nachos offered by the men’s basketball booster club, tamales by the Spanish club or fries served by the FFA booster club, create a substantial menu for all students to enjoy. The refreshments do not end with savory carnival treats, but sweets such as the cakeballs offered by Rho Kappa, macarons by the French Honor Society, homemade baked goods by the Theatre department and Kona Ice offered by the girl’s soccer team add sugary deserts to the selection.

Despite a wide array of snacks being provided, the highlight of the carnival is always the deep-fried Oreos booth run by the choir booster club. As students wait in line for the delicious fried cookies, the

members of the choir perform acapella on a mini stage, producing a show that never fails to be the hit of the carnival.

The carnival provides the most entertaining attractions of the day as the festivities and games spread around the courtyard, are what make homecoming at Creek one-of-a-kind. With unique booths where students can take a selfie with a goat, smash through a car windshield, play with puppies from the League City Animal Shelter or even catapult a whipped cream pie into the face of their teachers, every booth brings amusement to all who participate. The student volunteers who represent their organizations are what create the atmosphere for the carnival and add enthusiasm to the event, spreading the spirit throughout the student body.

“Volunteering at the HOSA booth is my favorite part of homecoming because I love to support the organizations I am passionate about,” Michelle Rabosa, junior, said.

The mum contest run by the cheer team is one of the main features of the carnival, as every year

the mums and garters created by students get progressively more extravagant, surrounding the theme of the game.

“Mums are always my favorite part of Homecoming because of how big and crazy they can get,” Hana Jones, senior, said.

This year, playing against Lake for the big game, students are encouraged to dress in safari attire to “hunt down the falcons” and secure another win for Creek.

While seniors plan for their last Homecoming as a student, freshman are surrounded by the anticipation of experiencing Homecoming for the first time. Traditions such as making mums, spirit days and attending the most anticipated football game of the season, create valuable memories that follow alumni long after graduation. Despite leaving Creek with a diploma, graduates consistently return during Homecoming season to cheer on the football team and reminisce on their time as students. Though every year is different, the character of homecoming remains unchanging as it is not only a major of highlight every school year, but one of the essential parts of every high school experience.

2

OPINION

What is your favorite part about Homecoming?

“Watching people make signs to ask people to Hoco and seeing couples form.”

- Carter Hewett (1 0th)

t orite par “My fav liness in e v o l e h t is the air.” illiam - Garret G (9th)

ing in the e b e k i l I “ ng game i m o c e m t Ho just abou t o n s ’ t i because football.” 0th) castle (1 d r a H m a -S

“The costumes that everyone dresses up in are always a hoot!”

- Mr. Mitchell Hoffman (English II)

“It has to be the carnival! The amount of work each and everyone of the clubs and groups put into their booths makes for an extremely fun day!”

- Daniel Lam (12th)

“I’m mostly looking forward to the game, because I can hang out with friends and also because it’s when the whole school unites and shares Wildcat spirit.”

- Brisa Garza (11th) “I love the carnival and the game because there is d so much school spirit an I love embracing Creek’s culture.”

- Jordan Seybert (11th)

Homef o t r a p e rit “My favo ball game t o o f e h t coming is rings everyone tb because i night to e h t r o f r togethe ds and n e i r f h t i hangout w ones.” make new z (11th) aldame -Borys G

“I am excited to se e the Homecoming king and queen get crowned, but I wis h we had a dance.”

- Kennedy Plunket t (9th)

“The smell of the popcorn and the roar of the crowd.”

- Mr. Thomas Dion (English I and II)

“Homecoming is th e best game of the year b ecause it brings every friend group together as one.”

- Kameron Thomas (12th)

“The Homecoming pep rally is my favorite part because it pumps everyone up for the game and the weekend.”

- Chloe Martin (12th)

rt of Home“My favorite pa rnival, coming is the ca a happier because it brings e school.” atmosphere to th rd (12th) - Bethany Howa

2019-2020

HiLife Staff

Principal: Jamey Majewski

Advisor: Wynette Jameson

Editors-in-Chief: Arrington Linder Morgan Severson Assistant Editor: Leah Burnam

Managing Editor: Anabella Cooper

News Editor: Alex Martinez

Online Editor: Leah Burnam

Features Editor: Andrew Stell

Entertainment Editor: Aivry Zamora

Sports Editor: Mark Gidden Around Creek Editor: Analei Berger

Advertising Manager: Anabella Cooper

Photo-Editor: Danielle Dunavant

Assistant Photo-Editors: Carson Faulkner Chloe Tankink Reporters: Jordan Johnson Misbah Rajan Anna Martinez Rolando Rios

Photographers: Jessica McDermand Lexin Cumby Jacob McBroom

Published at Galveston Daily News in Texas City Visit us at: www.creekhilife.com or http://clearcreekhs.ccisd.net For ad rates call: (281)-284-1889

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

3

EDITORIAL

Severson Speaks: Preventing shootings

By Morgan Severson Editor-in-Chief From El Paso, Texas to Dayton, Ohio, the United States (US) is undergoing a deadly epidemic of mass shootings that easily could have been prevented if the right measures were taken and the right laws were in place. It is disturbing that on average, 40,000 lives are lost to gun violence each year, yet the government has done little to nothing when it comes to gun control. This year alone, there have been 22 shootings that have occurred on a school’s property and 283 shootings that occurred across the nation that were considered mass shootings. There have been more mass shootings this year than there have been days in this year. Let that sink in. How many more students’, concertgoers’, minorities’, shoppers’ and drivers’ lives will be lost before legitimate action is taken by our government to put a stop to these tragedies? The US is in

By Arrington Linder Editor-in-Chief

I have always had a love for animals from a young age, but I never really thought about the harm I was doing to them until I got older. As I have become more aware of what is happening in the world right now, I have thought more about the choices I make, including something as simple as what I eat.

While some of the world’s problems could be solved or helped by decreasing meat consumption, I am not trying to convince you to give up eating meat.

I have been vegetarian for over a year now and it has impacted me in more ways than one. Ever since ‘quitting’ meat, I have overall felt healthier and better about the food I am consuming. Sticking to plantbased foods has expanded my horizons, allowing myself to find more and new ways to help the environment other than not eating meat, such as bringing my own cup every time I go somewhere and switching to a bamboo toothbrush.

dire need for gun control, and while lawmakers are the ones that make the rules, it is up to the people, the voters, to elect people into office that are going to take action.

The US is one of the easiest countries to own a gun in, as many citizens are so adamant about their second amendment right to bear arms.

And while I am fully supportive of the idea of being able to defend yourself in bad situations, how many guns does one person really need? The zip code 77573, has more registered concealed guns than any other city in Texas, and the US has the highest amount of guns per capita, 89-100 guns for every 100 people. While Americans make up only five percent of the world’s population, they own half of the world’s guns. Clearly there is a correlation between how many guns Americans own and how often mass shootings occur. Having multiple weapons and new accessories for weapons that make them even deadlier (like silencers that make guns quieter and higher capacity magazines that allow for more ammo to be fired before reloading) are both components that have helped aid mass shootings. There are also multiple loop-

holes that make it quicker and easier to get your hands on a gun, like private gun sales.

Guns can be purchased online or in gun shows without background checks because the government does not require private

“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country and this world.”

-Sharon Salzberg

sellers to do them. In fact, the Odessa gun man had failed a government background check to own a gun and ended up buying his gun from a private seller. The government knows this is a problem, but they have failed to do anything about it. This is because so many of our politicians are lobbied by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

This year, three mass shootings have occurred in Texas alone, while Texas is one of the number one states with politicians backed by the NRA, with a total $700,000 worth of lobbying throughout the last several years. Former Governor Rick Perry has earned roughly $25,000 from NRA lobby-

ing and Governor Greg Abbott has received roughly $13,000. These large sums of money can be very persuasive, influencing law makers to pass laws (or not pass laws) that are in the best interests of their pockets and not the people. Since the El Paso shooting that occurred in a Walmart killed 22 people, the company decided to stop nearly all firearm sales and banned bringing guns into their stores, while on the other hand, the government has not taken any action. No matter how many letters are written, protests are held, lives are lost, no real change is going to occur before we vote for lawmakers that will actually do something.

Democratic presidential nominee, Beto O’Rourke, from El Paso, is one of the only nominees so far to express an aggressive plan to put an end to mass shootings. O’Rourke is calling for a mandatory buy-back of AR-15s and AK-47s, if he were to be elected president.

This is because automatic rifles are the ones most commonly used in mass shootings. The former Texas House Representative is also making promises to close all the loopholes for purchasing a gun and imposing tighter background checks. He has an “F” rating from the NRA and has accepted zero dollars from them.

When we educate ourselves about who our politicians are, what they stand for and what they promise to do for our country, when we do not just vote for someone simply because of a promising TV ad or the fact that they were a reality TV star, or that they make a lot of money, then we will truly be electing politicians that put the people first. The problem of mass shootings is a very complex one, many components are involved like gun laws, mental health and corrupt politicians. But I believe the problem can be solved at the root of its source; voters making the right decisions.

Linder’s Lessons: Becoming vegetarian

While being vegetarian is overall healthier, according to Blue Cross, “vegetarians also have a lower risk of obesity, hypertension, and of developing diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.”

Knowing that I am positively affecting my health in the long run eases my mind. Being vegetarian is not just cutting meat out of my daily life, it also opens up more opportunities for me to be more aware about other things going on around myself and the world.

Although becoming more self-aware is a good thing, at times, it can also be a bad thing. I have gotten so used to eating a certain way that when I see someone doing something different, I start to think, ‘oh, they should be doing this, not that.’ I am my own person, as is everyone else. If I see myself starting to judge someone for their food choices, I stop myself. I do not want to become someone who judges other people if they do not do exactly what I do. While certain things

can influence your decisions, the only person who can make decisions for you, is yourself.

As a vegetarian in Texas, I have gotten a lot of comments such as, “why do you think we have canine teeth if you do not

am trying to force my beliefs onto them, when they are actually the ones forcing their beliefs onto me. Even some of my close family and friends will make jokes about me being a vegetarian and while it may be amusing to them, it is not amusing to me.

Although it could seem like I am preaching about how I am a better person than you because I do not consume meat, I am simply explaining how cutting meat out of my life has impacted me and my experiences with it. While I have cut out meat for almost a year and a half, I still consume some animal products. I have switched my typical coffee creamer to almond milk. By doing this, I have significantly reduced my dairy intake, in turn reducing the amount of animal products I consume.

Since becoming vegetarian, I have felt like a better person, mentally and physically. Knowing I am doing something to help not only the environment and animals, but also my health, has made me feel not as ‘sluggish’ as when I ate meat or dairy.

Granted, I am still consuming dairy, but only in small quantities.

Cutting out dairy coffee creamer eliminated the majority of my dairy intake and I am now only eating it in small portions of things like chocolate and ice cream.

Vegetarianism has changed me for the better and while I still continue to consume some animal products, I know I am helping the world, even if just by a little bit. I am not perfect, no one is, but I do believe that everything each and every one of us does impacts the world in some way.

“Understand: the task of an activist is not to negotiate systems of power with as much personal integrity as possible-it’s to dismantle those systems.”

-Lierre Keith eat meat?” I get many of these comments if I am out with family that I rarely see, or people that are partially against my morals and while I want to stick up for myself and what I believe in, I do not. By sticking up for myself, some people might think that I

4

CORE VALUES

Trustworthiness is acting with honesty in all that a student does, according to CCISD. Taytum Bullock, sophomore, shows trustwothiness by making sure other students get their work done. “I can trust her when I am not here,” Ms. Kelly McPhail, English II teacher, said.

Bullock says that her mom has influenced her to be trustworthy. “I’m a person who will help around, making sure everyone is understanding the material,” Bullock said.

Trustworthiness Respect is valuing yourself and others, according to CCISD. Payton Wooley, freshman, shows the core value of respect by “working hard in baseball and [being] respectful to players, coaches and umpires,” Coach Chris Beck, baseball coach, said. Wooley says that he shows respect by being nice to everyone in the hallways and doing his best to help others have a great day. His friends are his biggest inspiration for being respectful. Wooley says he wants to, “spread the kindness.”

Respect

Responsibility is owning your choices, according to CCISD. Abby Jardina, junior, shows responsibility by taking, “the responsibility of her course work very seriously. When she has the opportunity to just do the bare minimum, she pushes herself to extend her learning so that she gets the maximum benefit out of her class time,” Mrs. Jennifer Humphrey, AP Language teacher, said. Jardina says that her father has influenced her to be responsible. She says that she organizes her time to make sure she gets the most important assignments done in a timely manner.

Responsibility Fairness is playing by the rules and considering the needs of others, according to CCISD. Maria Buendia, senior, shows fairness by trying to help those around the world as co-president of Days for Girls, according to Mrs. Crystal Jez, AP English Literature teacher. Her parents inspire her to be fair because”they’re teachers so they treat their students and myself fairly, so I want to do the same for other people,” Buendia said.

Fairness

Caring is being kind to others, according to CCISD. Maddie Mathews, freshman, exemplifies the core value of caring by checking in with her peers to make sure they understand the course material, according to Ms. Amanda Penney, English I teacher. Mathews is caring at home by helping her parents, due to their work load. Mathews says her mom has influenced her to be caring.

Caring Citizenship is working to improve your school, community and country, according to CCISD. Alejandra Tijerina shows citizenship by “going above and beyond in class,” Mr. Austin Darrow, English Literature teacher, said. “Teachers [have influced her] because of their passion and how the help students. Being a teacher is not fit for everyone and I love how they are able to show citizenship,” Tijerina said.

Citizenship

NEWS

5

Tropical Storm Imelda tears through the Houston area

By Andrew Stell Features Editor

After more than two years since Hurricane Harvey, Houston and surrounding areas are still recovering from the terrential rainfall brought by Harvey. Tropical Storm Imelda poured up to 40 inches of rain in some areas. While Imelda did not cover nearly the area covered by Harvey, Imelda affected areas not previously flooded during Harvey. What is most alarming is the frequency of these two major storms, as storms of this size and level begin to occur more frequently. At this point, Imelda has accounted for a total of five deaths, and up to three feet of flooding in Southeast Texas.

Almost all school districts were forced to close, and Interstate 10, one of the largest interstates in the United States was shut down for a period of at least 10 hours. This serves not only as a wakeup call to the changing climate of our earth, but a shock to the previous classification system of hurricanes.

Many are faulting news sources and weather reporters for making this size tropical depression seem to be a light rainfall, as not many were prepared for the 40 inches of rain brought by Imelda.

“Stunning how many people NOT aware of what is going on in SE Texas/Houston/Beaumont right now w/ remnants of #Imelda. Approaching Harvey scale event, but probably doesn’t have the national attention because not a major hurricane.

‘Just a tropical depression,’” Marshall Shepherd, meteorologist via twitter.

These storms are a constant reminder of the more than good Samaritans that live in Texas, as stories such as that

of Satchel Smith, a hotel employee in on land, Imelda was declared a tropical they had no vehicle or their vehicle was Beaumont. Smith was the only remain- storm. Tropical Storm Imelda has left an damaged in the rainfall. The heavy rain ing employee of the Homewood Suites impact that levels thousands without ve- of Imelda caused a total of five to perish, including an unidentified male van driver in his approximate 50’s, Mark Dukaj, Jason Spencer and an unidentified 19-year-old male in Jefferson County and two other unidentified bodies.

Malcom Foster was driving his 2008 Toyota Prius, trying to escape the rising waters of the canal near his home when the water levels began to rise past the height of his car. Rescue teams only found Foster after days when the water began to recede. The high anxiety of the situation in which over 900 flights were cancelled at both Hobby Airport and Houston Intercontinental Airport; families were separated for days and many braved the high waters to rescue their family trapped at the airport. Broadcasters were advising the public to stay off the roads, as cars would be quickly submerged in most areas of Houston.

In one story, a delivery 18-wheeler was threatened for his job by employers if he did not go to retrieve his assigned package. He later had to be rescued and had to move to the top of the vehicle to stay above water. The message is quite clear: Stay off the roads, yet people proceed to drive and not only endanger their lives, but the first responders who then have to rescue them.

Imelda has left a legacy not only in the bodies and wreckage behind it, Photo courtesy of Beaumont ISD employee hicles, and hun- but also in the thousands of cattle and in Beaumont, dreds of home- farm animals unable to be rescued. Land tending to the care of all maintenance, and rescuing less Houstonians forced to move to owners had to secure their home and around 90 people trapped in the road unsafe high ground. Large event centers, family, then the animals on their land. into the hotel. Imelda rapidly switched hospitals, schools, and other places that Tropical Storm Imelda reminds us of the between the classification of tropical would were able to provide sheltered cit- protocol and procedure required for the storm and tropical depression, but while izens. For some this was not enough as increasing danger of storms like these.

SpaceX Starhopper prototype to be retired after test flights

By Analei Berger Around Creek Editor

After the launch was aborted, Elon held a flight permit until SpaceX bought $100 million in liability insurance. Musk, the company’s founder and chief At around 7:00 pm local time on executive officer, promptly tweeted an exStanding at around 20 meters tall, the evening of August 26, SpaceX start- planation for the delay, which read, “Rapthe starship prototype, Starhopper, could ed to count down to the Starhopper tor uses dual redundant torch ignitors. one day lead to the landing of some of the first humans on Mars. At first glance, Starhopper might remind an observer of iconic droid R2D2 from the movie Star Wars, or it might just look like a plain old water tower. But unlike the droid or a water tower, this funny looking vehicle was supposed to fly. So, shortly before sunset on the evening of August 27, the rocket company SpaceX launched Starhopper.

This was not its first flight. During a short test back in July, Starhopper managed to lift off and fly little ways above the ground while SpaceX was controlling the flight.

This was to be a much more ambitious flight, up to 150 meters above the Texas coast. Over the weekend of August 24, Cameron County officials notified residents living near the Boca Chica flight test. While Better long-term, Photo courtesy of Flickr launch sight in South Texas that SpaceX rocket-like noises but more finicky would be doing the test launch August burst into the air, in development.”

26. Residents were instructed to go out- the Raptor engine did not ignite. The Engineers for the company spent side during the launch in case of a mal- Raptor engine is Space X’s new engine the next day assessing the problem and function, because an overpressure event that is a methane-fueled, full flow-com- seemed to have identified a fix because on could occur and possibly break the win- bustion engine. An engine like this, August 27, local residents again received a dows in their homes. Consequently, the so large, powerful and operating on notice about a likely test that afternoon or Federal Aviation Administration with- methane fuel, has never flown before. evening. A police siren gave them ten min-

utes of warning to evacuate their homes.

On the evening of August 27, as dusk was growing over the Gulf of Mexico, SpaceX started a countdown for the second time in the past 24 hours. Soon, smoke started billowing out of the bottom of the engine and gold and deep blue flames started to ignite. Then, the water tower-looking ship took flight.

Just one month after its first test flight in July, the company succeeded in flying much higher, to about 150 meters above the ground. Compared to its flight back in July, Starhopper only went up about 20 meters off of the ground. The flying Starship prototype rose up into the sky. Being the first time that a large rocket engine propelled by liquid-methane took off, this was truly a noteworthy flight. The test flight was almost entirely successful as the spacecraft controlled its flight down to a nearby landing pad.

Though the flight was impressive, Musk still plans on retiring the Starhopper model. Musk is always looking ahead to the future and finding new ways to help advance spaceflight. Starhopper is just a prototype and will be cannibalized into the Starship program and some modifications will be made to help humans get closer to Mars.

6

NEWS

Greenpeace protests over Houston Ship Channel

charged with a state felony, as well as a do not affect the well-being of the city misdemeanor charge, but were released around them, bleeding the city of Bayon PR bond, meaning no money is re- town dry of their revenue for that day quired for release. Of the 22 members, and causing a three-vehicle car accident.

While the spectacle of the democrat- 11 were dangling off the bridge, each “We’re in Houston shutting down ic debate settles, the Houston Ship Chan- with a “spotter.” The Baytown police the largest oil export channel in the nel is only now recovering after the protest on the Fred Hartman Bridge. A total of 22 protesters formed a blockade on the most highly trafficked area in the ship channel. Protesters were hanging for up to 12 hours, stopping about 700 million dollars of revenue influx. Houston Pilots were unable to navigate barges without hitting those repelling off the bridge.

In past protests, Greenpeace has been a leader in fighting the melting of the polar ice caps, as well as the preservation of a family of whales off the coast of Barrow, Alaska, a rescue that attracted the attention of America. This rescue popularized Greenpeace to become one of the most prominent environmental non-profit organizations in the world. Greenpeace’s latest project is popularizing and reversing the effects of climate change, leading to their latest protest, in which 22 representatives rappelled off the side of the Fred Hartman Bridge in Baytown, Texas. Their mission was to stop the shipment of the largest petroleum cargo ship for 24 hours and challenge the participants of the Democratic debate to ac- were forced to proPhoto courtesy of Wikimedia Commons country to resist knowledge the effects of climate change tect the protesters Trump and the and state their plan to start preventing as it was dangerous to throw them to oil industry for fueling this #Climatefurther damage to the earth’s atmosphere. the mob of Baytown citizens. It quickly Crisis. It’s to end the age of oil. #Peo“We challenge every candidate turned into a traffic hazard, as Green- pleVsOil,” Greenpeace, Twitter, said. on stage tonight to promise to hold peace brought their own large vans to While Greenpeace has been often the fossil fuel industry accountable block the roads on the bridge. This pre- commended for their acts to stand up for if they become president,” Green- vented many from getting to their job and the things they believe in, many are penalpeace’s statement on Twitter, said. some were forced to recover or skip din- izing their actions taken to stop this barge The group of activists has been ner that night. Peaceful protests usually from leaving the Houston Ship Channel.

By Andrew Stell Features Editor

“They stopped 700 million dollars of revenue for Texas that day. They prevented two ships carrying windmill parts to build 20 windmills in Texas that day. They drove there in big vans with a support team wearing a plastic helmet and wearing other plastic gear. They hung for hours in the Texas heat for hours with another person watching over their rope to help it not be cut.

This was not a ‘novel idea’ either. They did it in San Francisco for a month. The ships started to go through them after a while there,” Travis Parker, Houston Pilot, said.

The leader of the protest, Brianna Gibson, stated that Greenpeace chose the Fred Hartman Bridge to draw attention to the unfair disadvantages of the surrounding area in East Houston. Though the group is facing 180 days in Harris County Jail, Gibson still believes the protest was worth it, bringing attention to the mission of Greenpeace. Political officials have made it unclear whether the message Greenpeace sends outweighs the poor execution, but other flaws have been brought up such as the choice to use plastic equipment and ropes coated in latex. Shortly before this protest, a new Texas statute came into effect prohibiting protest on critical infrastructure like the Fred Hartman Bridge.

These Greenpeace protestors are the first to be charged with this third-degree felony, bringing many to the conclusion that this protest was much more of a detriment to the economy than a wakeup call for climate change. While most of the dust has settled from this protest, Greenpeace has created a call to action as well as an economic spotlight on the effects of petroleum and gas importation and exportation.

NEWS

7

NBC’s streaming service predicted to overthrow Netflix

By Rolando Rios Reporter Streaming services, a relatively new form of consuming entertainment, has become the go-to for many, as instead of relying on cable packages, more people are “cutting the cord.” This has not gone unnoticed by major entertainment companies with the Walt Disney Company’s Disney Plus launching on November 12, Warnermedia’s HBO Max speculated to launch sometime in April 2020 and CBS All Access already being present as of October 28, 2014. All three are meant to compete with already established names in the space like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon’s Prime Video. Another contender in what many news outlets are calling the “streaming wars,” has been officially been named: NBCUniversal’s Peacock.

This is not exactly new information, rumors about NBC’s plans to enter the market have been public since June when The Office was announced to leave Netflix in 2020. At the time, the supposed service was unnamed and news outlets were given very limited information pertaining to other programs that would be available, until now.

Series on the platform will include a revival of Battlestar Galactica with Mr. Robot executive producer, Sam Esmail, onboard, an adaptation of the dystopian novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley with highly-acclaimed comic writer Grant Morrison and director Brian Taylor as executive producers and the true-crime series Dr. Death starring Jamie Dornan and Alec Baldwin. For more family-friendly content, continu-

ations of 80’s sitcoms Saved by the Bell and Punky Brewster will be offered, both having the original cast reprising their roles. More recent shows like A.P. Bio, will become exclusives. These are meant to compliment NBCUniversal’s existing content library which includes Parks

The DreamWorks Animation catalog will also be on Peacock and they will also make animated features for the service. Content from Syfy, USA Network, Telemundo and other NBCUniversal divisions are confirmed for Peacock.

“We are looking for loud, buzzy

originals that can Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Recreation, 30 make a name for Rock and Frasier. ourselves.

We’re On the film side, the Universal Pictures will pro- drawing on every platform and the duce and develop original films, as things we know how to do well and well as having pre-existing movies like the ways we know how to market conBack to the Future, Jaws, The Break- tent,” Bill McGoldrick, President of fast Club and E.T. The Extraterrestrial. Original Content for Entertainment

Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, said.

An ad-supported version of the service will be offered to customers already subscribed to Comcast (NBCUniversal’s corporate parent). Those who do not already have a subscription or do not want ads included can subscribe for a version of Peacock more in-line with a traditional streaming service.

“We want a name or a concept that gets our audience excited…there may be some decisions that are based on library acquisitions that we’ll build off of. It’s not any one thing that we’re looking at…it’s a combination of a lot of factors,” McGoldrick said.

While many people are interested in the programming Peacock will offer, that has not stopped the name itself from receiving a fair bit of ridicule.

“Overlooking the regrettable hilarity of the designation for a brief moment, let’s point out that a peacock is, of course, the official corporate logo of NBC and has been for decades. But imagine for a moment what it must have been like being in the room when this decision was made.

In an increasingly competitive streaming space, NBC’s chosen fighter is Peacock.

A self-own if ever I’ve seen one,” Catie Keck, staff reporter for Gizmodo, said.

Comcast and NBCUniversal plan to launch Peacock in April 2020. It seems like both have put a tremendous amount of faith in this new project and assumes it will pay off for them in the long-term Whether Peacock will be considered a legitimate threat to Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and other similar services or if it will fail to make the impact, it seeks is something that can not be predicted until more information is released.

8

NEWS

Saudia Arabia oil company destroyed after drone attacks

By Aivry Zamora Entertainment Editor

to take a circulated route directly to Donald Trump announced military their arranged target from launch. retaliation against Iran ordering the “These weapons systems had Pentagon to deploy hundreds of troops, After Aramco, one of the most vital ranges that could not have come from as well as missile systems to Saudi producers of oil on the globe went up in the Houthis. It is crazy for anyone to Arabia despite Iran’s involvement in flames, effects of the recent drone attack on the facility are leading America into conflict against the Middle East and a long-term oil tax raise that may not see termination for months. Being damaged severely and losing five percent of the population’s oil supply in the attack, the production of oil from Aramco has been obstructed completely setting back global exportation by five million barrels a day. The facility was critically hit in 17 different locations creating predictions that oil production will be delayed further as the company struggles to make up the lost supply. A high tax on oil was instated immediately after the attack causing a massive spike in price that is already having effects on countries that trade with the company. Areas with larger populations are being taxed higher as the price of gas in California immediately escalated from a 75-cent, to two-dollar increase becoming the largest single-day price spike since July 2015.

Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a political crossfire shifting blame for the initiation of the attack from Yemen to Iran. After government investigation, the attack was determined to be a planned assault as the areas demolished by drones were key infrastructure to the site. Two days after the crisis occurred, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to be the perpetrators of the attack yet their statements did not align with the timeline or severity of the conflict. Despite an extensive history with violence against Saudi Arabia, the Houthi do not currently have the technological capacity to deploy Photo courtesy of WIkimedia Commons the attack being such a sophisticated assault and their assert that they unconfirmed. location in proximity to the oil facility did. I mean, it is “This was does not align with the direction where literally nuts on its the missiles were allegedly launched. face to make an assertion that this Iran true and true, and the United Though the location that missile impact was an attack by the Houthis.” Mike States will respond in a way that occurs in does not necessarily indicate Pompeo, Secretary of State, said. reflects that act of war by this Iranian the exact launch point, the specific After reports of the demolition on revolutionary regime”. Donald Trump, drones used in the attack are programmed Aramco reached America, President President of the United States, said.

Though the drones targeting the corporation were a distinctly Iranian weapon, the kingdom denies responsibility or connection to the operation, blaming the damage entirely on Houthi rebels. With over a decade of cyberwarfare between Iranians and Yemeni, the shifting blame for the attack on Aramco could be a precursor to largescale war between the kingdoms.

After being responsible for the strike on Saudi’s East-West pipeline in May 2019 and on Shaybah oil field in August, Houthi rebels have a history in abusing petroleum facilities in the Middle East. The anarchists have recently stepped up retaliation efforts against Saudi Arabia after the Saudi government started a devastating bombing campaign against Yemen in 2015.

Though it has been nearly five years and the war receded into an uncomfortable stand still, action is clearly continuing as government officials in Yemen stated in years past that they will target every country involved in assisting Saudi Arabia during the time of active war.

Aramco is currently scrambling to compensate for the loss of critical equipment while striving to reconcile the amount of demolished product to countries struggling with the substantial tax. The United Arab Emirates are providing the corporation with funding and materials necessary to return to the facility’s regular exportation schedule though public and government prediction implies that the price of oil word-wide is likely to remain expensive for a long period of time. This brutality against Aramco has become the most severe strike to the petroleum industry in history, leading to low public debt that is guaranteed to increase with every lost oil barrel.

Seven killed and 22 injured in shooting in Odessa, Texas Once Ator was under investigation not have a dad because somebody has a gun and decides to kill people. He’s after the shooting, court records had gone. We wake up every day hoping it’s shown that Ator was arrested back in A shooting in West Texas recently just a bad dream, and realize it’s your 2001 for a misdemeanor, but this would occurred which involved 15 different reality. It’s the first thing I think about. not have prevented him from purchasing crime scenes and multiple cars. The shooting took place in Odessa, Texas on August 31 and left 22 injured and seven killed. Seth Ator, a former truck driver, had been pulled over by troopers for not using his signal. Ator began shooting at them with an “AR-type” weapon he kept in his vehicle and drove off. He continued driving throughout different streets and highways shooting at residents, pedestrians and even motorists.

In a statement made by the Odessa Police Chief, Michael Gerke explained that Ator had been fired from Journey Oil Services, a rental equipment provider, just hours before he was pulled over and the shootings occurred. Both Ator and Journey Oil Services had called 911 regarding each party’s actions during the time of termination. However, whenever police had arrived to Ator’s place of previous employment, he had already left.

Ator was originally driving a gold Honda, but eventually hijacked a postal truck and drove for about 20 miles while shooting. Those that had been killed were between the ages of 15 and 57. Among that age range, Edwin Peregrino (25) was shot after he tried running out of his home to see what all the commotion in the streets was about, Mary Granados (29) was a mail carrier Photo courtesy of Unsplash a firearm such as who was shot in her postal truck and And I think we the “AR style” Leilah Hernandez (15) was shot after all agree that in walking out of an automotive dealership. everything we do, we think of him weapon. Texas Governor Greg Abbott “He didn’t deserve the way that he in one way or another,” Bari Arco, tweeted on September second about how die[d]. And my kids don’t deserve to the wife of one of the victims, said. guns must be kept “out of criminals’

By Leah Burnam Online Editor

hands.” Governor Abbott also mentioned that Ator had failed a gun background check and had not gone through one for the weapon that had been used during the time of the shooting. Ator had also supposedly purchased the gun from a private seller, which did not require a background check.

Journey Oil Services released a statement regarding the shooting on their website’s homepage, stating that although they are “troubled” by the occurrence, they are in no way affiliated with Ator or the “horrible tragedy.” They also said that Ator was never officially employed by their company, contrary to Ator being fired prior to the shootout.

Due to recent mass shootings and other gun misusages, places such as Walmart have recently announced that they will no longer be selling handguns and military-style rifles. CEO Doug McMillon made a statement on September third saying Walmart is trying to reduce possible risks and explained that “the status quo is unacceptable.”

“This is a major move. This is not some left-leaning, coastal CEO sending a tweet or two. This is Walmart saying, ‘this is how we’re going to do business going forward. Take note,’” Chris Allieri, a crisis management expert and founder of Mulberry & Astor, said.

During a press conference with the local police, Ator was not publicly named because officials did not want to give any “notoriety for what he did.” The MidlandOdessa shooting has been considered a “killing spree” and mass drive-by attack.

In addition to the numerous amount of injures, three police officers were also hurt. Ator was later killed in a shootout with the police and authorities are still working to figure out a possible motive.

AROUND CREEK

9

LExI introduces two new hosts to kick off the season

By Analei Berger Around Creek Editor

Creek’s own troupe of League of the Extraordinary Improvisors, informally known as LExI, is kicking the 2019 - 2020 school year off right with an all new improv season. The LExI group has been putting on the comedy improvisational production for the past 15 years.

The group will be performing intelligent and family-friendly comedy that is a long-standing tradition for the LExI performance. The show could end up going any way LExI wants it to. Their limit is the actor’s imagination, besides the stuff that is not school appropriate of course.

On September 14, the Clear Creek Theatre Department selected who would have the honor of performing in the improv show.

When the cast list was released, there ended up being two hosts; Jessica Ruckstuhl, senior, and Silas Massey, junior. Also posted was that there would be 11 Game Players; Alex Harrington, junior, Angela Jardina, senior, Dalton Volkmer, senior, Dillain Daggy, senior, William May, junior, Corynne Baccigalopi, senior, Fatinah Al- Hmound, senior, Jimmy Haas, senior, Chris Walker, senior, Yadir Hannon, senior, and Michael Jez, junior. Lastly, there are four Game Coordinators; Lucia Brown, junior, Gabriel Ismail, junior, Chris Griffin, junior, and Jonas Massey, freshman, who is in training.

LExI made arrangements to perform in the auditorium on Saturday, September 28. The show was scheduled to start at seven o’clock on the dot and is set to end sometime around nine o’clock that night.

When entering the auditorium and paying for a ticket, they have different types of tickets with the cast members on them. Along with the ticket booth there

thirds of the way. Most of the audience sat in closer to the stage in the middle seats.

Some students were with their parents, others went to the show with their friends.

was a snack bar filled A few Photo taken by Analei Berger with popcorn, candy minutes after and various drinks. seven the two Walking up the stairs and seeing the the- game hosts came out onstage and inatre, on stage the screen is down and pro- troduced each of the game players. The jecting a LExI slideshow with each slide players were at each top corner at the aucontaining a picture of a cast member ditorium and ran down the aisles as they and a funny quote. The theatre started to were being introduced. Once the LExI slowly fill and by about six forty-five, the group was on stage the first game the theatre was about half way filled and by game coordinators decided to play a game seven the theatre had filled to about two of Dialogue Freeze. The game starts out

with two improvisors, which were Jardina and Daggy. The two players start out with a scene and then another player says freeze and then a new scene starts that is based on the last line said before “freeze.” This particular game was all over the place with a variety of topics like PTA moms, brain surgery and single parents.

Another one of the games that they played was Oscar Winning Moment with Volkmer, Al-Hmound and May. In this game the players get an object they had to base the scene on, the object they were assigned was comic books. Al-Hmound, May and Volkmer took this and ran with it. Al-Hmound was the owner of a comic book store, she was also German woman who was left in the hospital bathroom by her mother. The two boys walked into the store and she gave them a comic book of her life that was about three feet thick. Volkmer and May then said that she was an alien and then they went back and forth and the scene ended. At the end of the game, the audience silently votes on who wins the Oscar. Most of the crowd voted for Al-Hmound so she won the ‘Oscar’.

About ten minutes before eight o’clock the cast called intermission. In the second half of the show they played several more games like Bartender, Party Quirks and Sounds Like a Song. The last game of the night that the game coordinators decided to play was Battle Drum, a game that killed off every player to where there was only one left. Ruckstuhl banged on a drum and by the time the drum stopped one of the players had to die. Eventually, the whole cast died and Silas Massey was the last one standing. The LExI show ended at around nine-fifteen, with the cast dismissing the audience until their next show.

Creek Choir invited to perform at the TASA convention

By Jessica McDermand Photographer

of my life. Being able to sing with a full The day that Chamber Choir was due orchestra was amazing and so empower- to leave the school and go to Dallas did not ing. I’m so honored to have been part of work out the way it was supposed to. Due Creek is known for having an amazing something that is bigger than myself,” to the rain and flooding in Houston caused choir program but being invited to perform in Dallas presentation to represent the entirety of CCISD was very exciting for many involved. They had practically no idea that the convention was going to happen until a few weeks before school had started, which believe it or not, is not a long time to prepare music. Especially since many of the chamber members that were going to attend the Texas Association School Administrators (TASA) Dallas convention we already practicing other music to audition on for the All State region competition. The choir was confident in their ability to both learn and enjoy singing the music at the convention no matter how stressful the situation. Which was definitely put to the test.

On September 20, Creek Chamber Choir performed at the Dallas TASA convention from the Imelda in front of the superintendent and were Ellie Erdberg, JuPhoto courtesy of Jacob Bulseco storm, no busbroadcasted online over Facebook live. nior chambers choir es could make it The convention centered around a cen- member, said. Many tral theme of learning and progress over of the chamber singers commented sim- to the school to pick them up until the next decades that CCISD has existed. Going ilarly, saying that it was amongst one of morning. This cut their two-day trip into less through the years from the space race in the the best experiences of their lives. The rest than 24 hours long. All of this resulted in sixties to the more modern discoveries. We of the convention showcased all different being pressed for time and little sleep. The watched the evolution of a school district be- aspects of the school district and their im- Chamber members then had to arrive at the ing built up over time. Showing generations pact on both student and community lives. school at three am, take a five-hour trip to growing through song, dance and music. The choir also performed many different Dallas, go rehearse for the remainder of time “It was one of the best experiences medleys and songs throughout the show. before the performance - then finally per-

form. Leaving right after the convention ended in order to make it back in time for those students who had Region and District tryouts the next day. Many of the singers also commented about how tired they were after the long trip, but still enjoyed it.

The Dallas convention performance was a short performance only lasting about 30 minutes in length. The 30-minute time span managed to pack lots experiences and education into it. Especially since CCISD grew up with NASA nearby. This links the district to NASA in a unique way, that not many other school districts get to have.

The Clear Creek Choir expresses their joy of being invited to such a prestigious event, and were very honored to have been asked to perform amongst some of the most talented groups from all across the district.

Although they lost some sleep, the choir was grateful and happy to perform at the TASA Dallas convention and show off the district in the best possible way. The showcase of all the different talents possessed by the students of the district are both the product of hard work and fun.

Without a good balance of both the choir and other groups, there would not have had as great of an experience because ultimately that is why they enjoy singing and waking up at three am. You have to love what you do in order to keep doing it and the Creek choir is both a strong believer and practitioner of that belief.

12

AROUND CREEK

Creek Debate places second at Team Sweepstakes

By Alex Martinez News Editor

Debaters of all grade levels worked hard at Team Sweepstakes to secure victory at one of the biggest events of the year. Achieving second place over the entire district at the competition, Creek’s debate performance was exemplary and debate Coach Brain Darby deserves recognition for his relentless work for Creek’s debate team.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how well they all did,” Darby said.

Despite only being in their first year of debate, the freshman class succeeded immensely. Zamira Cabrera placed fifth in duo, Sydney Carrington qualified as a quarterfinalist in the Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Olivia Johnson placed fourth in Informative Speaking, earning two state points, while Emily Wang and Fatima Younus placed second in the Novice Public Forum Debate.

Sophomore Kabir Bajaj qualified as a quarterfinalist in the Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Jonathan “JT” Dawson, who placed third in the Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate, became the top overall novice speaker for the entire event.

Anyia Jones-Shankle placed third in Poetry Interpretation and sixth in Prose Interpretation, coming out four for four on all of her events. Junior Alexander Harrington and Cabrera also placed fifth in duo, receiving one state point. Wang and Younus placed second in Novice Public Forum Debate, overall making high-performing novice performance this year.

Additionally, Sophomore Trista Nunez finished as a semi-finalist in Poetry Interpretation. Nunez won the tournament championship in Duet Acting, receiving six state points for Creek, greatly improving the team’s performance.

Nunez and her duo partner, Meghan Lindquist, junior, also placed second

only placing sixth in Dramatic Interpretation and earning one state point, she earned the title of tournament champion in Prose Interpretation, while placing fifth in Poetry Interpretation.

Lindquist and Nunez were tournament champions in Duet Acting, once again earning Creek six state points and great-

in Duo Interpretaly contributPhoto courtesy of Meghan Lindquist tion and received ing to Creek’s four state points. overall score.

The Junior class led in points by Lindquist and Nunez placed second Lindquist, who was the individual per- in Duo Interpretation, receiving four formance sweepstakes champion, won state points, creating no doubt that six for six finals and events performance this dynamic duo contributed greatplacing second in Humorous Interpreta- ly in bringing Creek closer to victory. tion, earning her four state points. Not Among the juniors, Hayden Rine-

hart also performed exceedingly well, working hard to earn the title of tournament champion and finishing state qualification in just three tournaments. The only high placing senior, Ayan Sarkar, was a semi-finalist in Domestic Extemp.

Creek Debate’s performance this year in team sweepstakes was one of their highest performing, with multiple students earning the title of tournament champions and second place for the entire district sweepstakes. Students of all ages worked well together to perform extremely well in one of the years largest competitive scenes, bringing great pride to the Clear Creek community.

As important and impressive as our debate team’s achievements are, there is far more to report about the debate team. Regardless of how well debate performs, these virtues will always be important. Any program in high school that can prepare students for some of the hardest aspects of adult life is valuable and deserves nothing but positivity. Many celebrities took debate in high school or college and often attribute a large part of their success to the program. It teaches students at a young age what it means to be a good citizen, shaping future generations into becoming the most successful versions of themselves possible.

13 FEATURES Democratic Presidential Debate hosted in Houston

By Morgan Severson Editor-in-Chief

The third Democratic Presidential Debate took place in Houston, as ten candidates took the stage at Texas Southern University to discuss hot topics in front of potential voters in the 2020 election. It was “the first time the leading candidates were onstage together,” according to The New York Times.

The debate, which took place on Thursday, September 12, lasted three hours and is the longest debate in the Democratic race so far.

The ten candidates included former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, Senator Kamala Harris of California, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, former Texas House Representative Beto O’Rourke, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. The debate was crucial for candidates as primary elections are less than six months away, starting in February 2020.

Candidates spent a total time of 20:47 (minutes:seconds) discussing health care, 12:42 on foreign policy, 12:10 on education, 12:10 on gun control, 12:01 on civil rights, 9:48 on trade, 8:52 on immigration and 5:07 on climate change. According to AJ Plus (a political social media account on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram) some of the topics not discussed at the debate that are on potential voters’ minds include abortion rights, the gender pay gap, the Israel/Palestine conflict, foreign policy concerning Syria and voter suppression. Among the potential voters in the audience were members of the League City High School Democrats Chapter; President Anna Alves and members Baxter Wright, Nick Dunphey and Caleb Kidwell.

“My favorite moment from the debate was probably the Biden versus Castro face off on fulfilling the intentions of Obamacare.

I think Andrew Yang stood out the most, he’s super interesting and gaining a lot of traction. Amy Klobuchar the least, I still feel like I don’t know much about her. The debate hasn’t really effected who I plan on supporting! There wasn’t anything said that really surprised me,” Wright, senior at Falls, said.

Biden, front-runner of the Democratic Party, was the candidate that had the longest talk time at 17:22. He spent the majority of that time talking about foreign policy and he was

the candidate that spent the most time discussing health care. One of the biggest moments of the debate was Castro’s attack on Biden for “forgetting what he said two minutes ago,” that citizens would have to “buy in” to government health care under his plan, when in fact, Biden did not say this. Castro was slashed by the media because his comments on Biden’s memory came off as an attack on his older age. However, Castro denied that his comments were an attack on Biden’s age and that they were simply disagreeing on health care policy. Despite the roars from the audience, Castro said that he does not regret what he said to Biden.

Warren had the second greatest talk time at 16:37, which consisted of discussion about health care, foreign policy and trade (Warren being the candidate that talked about trade the most.) Warren seemed to be trying to appeal to families and middle-class Americans. The senator talked about decreasing the out-of-pocket costs families will have to pay for health care.

She discussed working as a waitress and paying her way through college as a single mother at The University of Houston. She made a lot of promises regarding childcare, like free day care for all zero through five-year-olds and free Pre-K for all three and four-year-olds.

She also said that under her presidency, the Secretary of Education will be a former public-school teacher, so that they have firsthand experience with the public education system.

Booker, with a talk time of 14:46, lead in all the categories of gun control, civil rights and education. A pivotal moment in Booker’s discussion was his comparison of today’s criminal justice system to slavery, which received a huge reaction from the crowd. While his assertion that there are more African Americans incarcerated today than there were slaves in 1850, was showstopping, CNN fact checked that the statement was not true. However, Booker was one of the only candidates to talk about the disproportionate amount of colored people locked up compared to the amount of white people. For being one of three minorities on the debate stage, Booker was a cardinal voice for discussing the topic of racism.

“This is not just an issue that started yesterday, it’s not just an issue that we have a president that can’t condemn white supremacy. We have systemic racism that’s eroding our nation from health care to the criminal justice system,” Booker said.

Sanders spent the most of his 13:55 talk time discussing his infamous health care for all plan, promising quality health care to every

American citizen. The majority of his time was spent feuding with Biden on health care policy, with Biden telling Sanders that his health care policy was not feasible. One of Sanders’ biggest talking points was on how Americans are paying more for health care per capita than in Canada and in other countries.

Harris, with her 13:36 talk time, was the candidate that talked the most about climate change. She noted on how under her time as California’s senator, The Clean Air Act cleared the smoggy skyline of Los Angeles. Out of all the candidates, Harris had the longest opening speech, in which she called out President Donald Trump, causing a huge uproar from the crowd.

“President Trump, you spent the last two and a half years, full-time, trying to sew hate a division among us, and that is why [the government] has got nothing done. You have used hate, intimidation, fear and over twelve thousand lies as a way to distract from your failed policies and your broken promises.

The reason you’ve not been indicted is because there was a memo in the Department of Justice that says a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime…and now President Trump you can go back to watching Fox News,” Harris, in her opening statement said.

Buttigieg had a talk time of 11:35. One of his biggest moments at the debate was when he interjected in a dispute between Castro and Biden, in which he said, “this is why presidential debates are becoming unwatchable.

This reminds everybody of what they cannot stand about Washington; scoring points against each other, poking at each other…look we all have different visons for what is better.” While Castro cut off Buttigieg’s speech by saying, “yeah, that’s called an election,” the crowd went up in cheers and roars, but it was unclear if they were cheering for Castro, Buttigieg, or both candidates. However, after Buttigieg’s interjection, the tone of the debate seemed to decrease in intensity and the candidates seemed to be getting along better.

Klobuchar spoke the third shortest amount of time at 10:26. CNN reporter, Chris Cillizza, rated the senator’s performance at the debate as losing. Klobuchar, being behind front-runners, Biden, Warren and Sanders in the polls, an outstanding, memorable performance at the debate is what Klobuchar need to gain more support for her campaign.

“She didn’t get [a moment] tonight and candidly, she didn’t really come close,” Cillizza, on Klobu-

char’s memorability at the debate, said.

After the debate, O’Rourke gained an eight-point-six percent change in favorability from before the debate, which was calculated

by Nate Silver, Statistician and Editor-in-Chief of FiveThirtyEight. The Texan undoubtedly had one of the most memorable moments at the debate with his speech on gun control. After grieving the shooting in his hometown, El Paso, O’Rourke proposed a mandatory buyback program for assault weapons, weapons used to carry out the majority of the recent mass shootings.

“If it is a weapon that was designed to kill people on a battlefield, if the high impact, high velocity round, when it hits your body, shreds everything inside of your body because it was designed to do that so you will bleed to death, on a battlefield…when we see that being used against children, and in Odessa… there weren’t enough ambulance to get to them in time. H*ll yes, we’re gonna take your AR15, your AK-47, we’re not going to allow for it to be used against fellow Americans anymore!” O’Rourke, in an emotional speech, said.

O’Rourke’s statement on mandatory buybacks received a lot criticism with his opponents, saying that having mandatory buybacks as opposed to voluntary buybacks could hurt his chances as president and cause him to lose supporters. Additionally, Texas Lawmaker, Briscoe Cain, made what seemed to be a threat to O’Rourke in a tweet that read, “My AR is ready for you Robert Francis.” The tweet was taken down by Twitter.

Yang, with the shortest talk time of 7:58, had his most memorable moment at the debate when he offered ten families $1,000 a month until the end of the Democratic race in November of next year. The money use to supply the ten families is coming out of his donations as a campaign expense. Yang is doing this to example a policy he proposes (every American citizen over the age of 18 will receive $1,000 a month) if he is elected president.

To participate in the November debate, candidates will need a minimum of 165,000 individual donations and receive either three percent support in specific national polls or five percent support in two of the four “early” state polls (Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina,) as determined by the Democratic National Committee or DNC. As the stakes get higher and the next debate gets closer, the qualifications set by the DNC will weed out less popular candidates, leaving only the most popular to battle it out for the spot to run against President Trump and his re-election.

14

FEATURES Hong Kong citizens protest over anti-extradition bill

By Alex Martinez News Editor

Beginning on March 31, 2019, the people of Hong Kong started openly protesting their government after they tried to pass an anti-extradition bill that would mean anyone suspected of a crime can be tried in Communist China. The people of Hong Kong consider this a serious infringement of their rights, considering Hong Kong was separated from China purely for more democratic freedoms.

The political system of Hong Kong mimics England’s in that it prizes due process, or the right to receive a fair trial and be charged in accordance with fairness. The general public responded by protesting by the millions, flooding the city streets, ransacking government legislative buildings, and vandalizing public places.

Protestors managed to put up a banner in the seat of government that said, “There’s no rioters, only tyranny.” The Hong Kong airport, the world’s 8th busiest airport, had to be closed for a few days due to the huge number of protestors inside. They chose the airport to protest because it was seen as a safe place to peacefully protest, whereas the streets are crowded and altercations between police and protestors are commonplace.

Nearly 1,000 flights were affected due to the protests, and measures have been taken since then to ensure less disruptions to the airport. At the airport, leaflets in Chinese, English, Korean, French and other languages were made available to everyone there in or-

der to explain the obvious civil unrest.

The general public’s reaction to the restriction of democratic rights was almost explosive. There are five deaths recorded as a reaction to the proposed bill, all of which are suicides by Hong Kongers, devastated by the state of

beating protestors and firing high-pressure water hoses on them from the many skyscrapers in downtown. Incidents of police brutality only gave the protestors more reason to rebel against their government, strengthening their cause.

Despite the protest movement having

the government and no leader, they all share Photo courtesy of Flickr their home. Among the the same goals in mind crowded streets, over and collectively demand2,100 people have been injured during ed five things from their government. the process of protesting. Hong Kong The first being to withdraw the anti-expolice has reacted to the widespread vio- tradition bill, a resignation from Hong lence and protesting by creating barriers Kong’s current leader Carrie Lam, an in the streets, using tear gas on civilians, inquiry to the police brutality happening

in the city streets and for those that were arrested during protests to be released.

The last demand stems from the fact that hundreds of protestors have been arrested and it likely won’t stop for a while.

Carrie Lam reacted to the demands by withdrawing the anti-extradition bill that sparked the most resistance but refused to step down from her position as Chief Executive of Hong Kong. Lam said in a video released to the public that if she had the option to step down, she would take it. She did not however, address any of the other demands.

The Hong Kong government has antagonized the protestors, calling them “violent mobs” and “criminals”.

The police in Hong Kong share this belief and make it expressly clear by beating protestors who get too close and even spraying crowds with fire hoses from the tops of skyscrapers.

In mainland China, media coverage of the events portrays the protestors as unruly, misguided people attacking and destroying the city. By doing this, China is hiding their citizens from the truth and antagonizing the protestors to ensure no Chinese began protesting. Yang Guang, a spokesperson for Hong Kong in charge of public affairs, publicly said that the protestors were showing acts of terrorism and a very real threat to the law.

He also said that the protestors repeatedly attacked Hong Kong police with deadly weapons, committed violent crimes and pose a serious threat to the lives of Hong Kong civilians. Government officials in Hong Kong and China alike agree that the protests are a serious issue that will require a lot of work to resolve.

ENTERTAINMENT15

Two new categories introduced into the VMAS

By Aivry Zamora Entertainment Editor

With comebacks, a fresh location and the introduction of two new awards on the lineup, the 2019 Video Music Awards (VMAS) brought memorable celebrity performances and set the standard for future music and video production. The return of past award winners added an element of nostalgia to the event along with the revival of popular artists from the early 2000s, the Jonas Brothers and Missy Elliot, both winning their nominated category and performing center stage 11 years since their last time attending the VMAS. Not only did the victory of reminiscent artists make the recent edition of the ceremony unique, but for the first time since the event debuted, two new categories, Video for Good and Best K-Pop were added to the award listings.

Taylor Swift’s music video for her single, You Need to Calm Down, was the first recipient of the honored Video for Good award as the song quickly became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community with its video featuring countless icons standing against homophobia. The single was immensely popular with voters as Swift’s hit song walked out of the arena with two awards, along with 12 separate nominations, making Swift the most nominated performer at the VMAS tied only with Ariana Grande.

The global phenomenon of K-Pop has earned itself a category in nearly

every award ceremony in the past year with the VMAS awarding the highly acclaimed group BTS for their single, Boy with Luv, with the moon-person for Best K-Pop Song. Not only was BTS awarded with Best K-Pop but additionally the band won Best Group, being the first non-American band to be presented with the award. With

of Los Angeles or New York City. New Jersey hosted the event for the first time at the largest venue in Newark, the Prudential Center where the city’s native, Queen Latifah closed out the ceremony with her show stopping medley performance throwing back to her performances at the theatre in previous concerts.

Despite Latifah’s amazing spectacle,

the way that K-Pop the undeniable highlight Photo courtesy of Flickr continues to expand was Missy Elliot’s career at such a rapid rate it is unsurprising spanning performance bringing back the that BTS was another one of the high- original dancer from her 2002 hit, Work est nominated attendees of the event. It, to the stage to replicate the iconic Breaking tradition for the first time dance she caught fame with at 10 years in over a decade, 2019 marked the first old. Alyson Stoner, now 26, stole the year that the VMAS were held outside show with the near exact duplication of

her choreography from Elliot’s video nearly 15 years prior. Audiences were not surprised that after her amazing set, Elliot won the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, making her the first female rapper to be awarded the highest honor on the lineup.

In the past, the VMAS have been an event packed with anticipation from consistent viewers but over the course of the past four years, the hype behind the ceremony has dwindled. With the introduction of social media highlights, every year the viewership of the event declines slightly as those interested in the results can easily find what they are looking for, days after the premier of the show. Not only are the winners posted onto social media almost instantaneously, the performances and a recording of the ceremony in its entirety are put onto the MTV website.

The advertising of the event becomes less relevant every year with 2019 being the lowest viewed, rated and reviewed edition of the VMAS since its first showing. Not only is the show struggling to maintain exposure with only a snapshot every year, the celebrities that attend the event each have many nominations and most celebrities walk out of the arena with more than one trophy to their name for lack of performer attendance. With the amount of exposure that social media receives over traditional award shows, the relevancy of the MTV VMAS is predicted to decline even further in the near future.

2019 Emmy’s full of momentous moments for minorities

By Leah Burnam Online Editor

Everyone’s favorite time of year for all things TV shows recently occurred this past month; the 71 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. On September 14, actors and actresses gathered at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, for the Emmy’s, which is an award ceremony for TV shows and those involved in the making of it.

This year’s Emmy Awards went on without a host for the fourth year in a row, much like the Academy Awards did earlier this year after news about Kevin Hart’s controversy broke. However, there were still presenters who announced the nominees and winners for each category such as, Angela Bassett, Stephen Colbert, Viola Davis, Michael Douglas, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Jimmy Kimmel, Peter Krause, Seth Meyers, Billy Porter, Zendaya and the main cast of Game of Thrones.

The Emmy’s has many categories and only a select few are actually broadcasted. Some of the winners include Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, which was awarded to Jharrel Jerome from When They See Us and lead actress went to Michelle Williams from Fosse/Verdon. Best Actor in a Comedy Series was Bill Hader from Barry and

best actress was Phoebe Waller-Bridge from Fleabag. Lead Actor in a Drama Series was Billy Porter from Pose and lead actress was Jodie Comer from Killing Eve. The winner for Best Reality-Competition Program was RuPaul’s Drag Race and the winner for Variety Talk Series was Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Best Outstanding Limited Series was Chernobyl and best television movie was Bandersnatch. Best Comedy Series was Fleabag and Best Drama Series was Game of Thrones.

Waller-Bridge, one of the actresses awarded, swept the Emmy’s as she won three out of the four categories she was nominated for. Her TV show Fleabag, has received 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and recently ended the comedy series after just two seasons. Waller-Bridge spoke out in an interview explaining that there will not be a third series as she feels like “the story is complete.”

Another big and seemingly more historical win went to Porter, who made history as the first gay man to win in the category of Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Porter gave a heart-warming speech to the audience explaining that “I have the right, you have the right, we all have the right [to be here on earth].”

Porter also came one step closer to receiving an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Os-

car, and Tony), only needing an Oscar.

“I am so overwhelmed and I am so overjoyed to have lived long enough to see this day. It took many years of throwing up all the filth that I had been taught about myself and halfway believed, before I could walk around this earth like I had the right to be here.

We, as artists, are the people that get to change the molecular structure of the hearts and minds of the people who live on this planet. Please don’t ever stop doing that. Please don’t ever stop telling the truth. I love y’all,” Porter said.

Many other acceptance speeches were given and gave chills to those watching as actors and actresses discussed mourning loved ones, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.

“My grandmother was in line to be shot into a pit. She said, ‘What happens if I step out of line?’ He said, ‘I don’t have the heart to shoot you, but somebody will,’ and she stepped out of line. For that, I am here and my children are here. So step out of line, ladies. Step out of line,” Alex Borstein, while accepting her Emmy and discussing her family history, said.

The annual 71 Emmy awards brought fun and exciting moments for viewers and audiences. It also brought beautiful and photograph

worthy red carpet looks, that kept those watching “Live from the red carpet,” on their toes. Many are excited for next year’s nominations and the groundbreaking historical moments that will happen.

16 ENTERTAINMENT

Apple introduces two separate cameras with the iPhone 11

By Analei Berger Around Creek Editor

Every year fans flock to their computers around mid-September to see what Apple has to offer. This year the company set the date for the Apple Event on September 10. Rumors and leaks about the new devices have been circulating around the tech community since early January of this year. One of the first rumors that circulated was that a third camera lens was going to be added to the upcoming iPhone. While nothing has been confirmed by apple, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg is pretty certain this is true. And why would it not be? Apple’s competitors like Samsung, Pixel and LG already have the three camera lenses, and have had them for a few years now.

Another rumor that was circulating was that Apple Pencil would now be compatible with the iPhone, and not exclusively the iPad and MacBook. While this would be pretty innovative, the Apple Pencil looks like it would only be compatible with the iPhone Pro Plus, what the phone is rumored to be called. Along with the iPhone Pro Plus, there will be two other phones released called the iPhone 11R and the iPhone Pro. The iPhone 11R, supposedly the updated version of the iPhone XR, is also known as “the iPhone for everyone.” The iPhone 11R was leaked to have two lenses instead of what the iPhone XR already has which is one lens.

Around two weeks before the Apple Event, Apple sent out invitations to the 2019 Apple Event. On the invitations, the Apple logo was a rainbow with five colors; green, blue, yellow, pink and purple. Some people think that it is a clue as to what Apple has planned for upcoming iPhone colors. When the rainbow logo first appeared in 1977, they were exclusively selling the original bulky and complicated computers in these colors.

On the morning of September 10, at 10 am pdt (12 pm CST) Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Apple announced its new line of technology live from the Steve Jobs, theatre located in California. During the event Ap-

ple, announced Apple Arcade, Apple TV, iPad seventh generation, Apple Watch Series five, iPhone 11, and the iPhone 11 pro.

The very first thing that Apple decided to announce was their new gaming app Apple Arcade. Apple Arcade will be released on September 19, on all IOS devices.

To be able to play games on Apple Arcade

ty-nine cents per month. But when someone orders any of their new technology, they will throw in one year free of Apple TV Plus.

Apple then announced their new iPad seventh generation. The company decided to call the newest iPad, the iPadOS. This device will have a 10.2-inch retina display with over 3,500,000 million pixels and is covered

subscribers need with 100 % recyPhoto taken by Carson Faulkner to pay the price cled aluminum. of four dollars The iPad will also and ninety-nine cents per month. support the Apple Pencil and Smart KeyApple TV Plus, the company will be board. This new iPad will cost about $329. releasing new shows. They are especially Cook was ecstatic to announce their new excited about The Morning Show, because Apple Watch series five. Before Cook anthe TV series stars Jennifer Aniston, Reese nounced what the new watch was all about, Witherspoon, and Steve Carrell. This series they had put a video together showing how is Aniston’s first TV show since her star- much Apple Watch had changed people’s ring role as Rachel in Friends. Apple TV lives. The video showed a woman who was Plus will also release other shows called pregnant at the time. She went onto exDickinson, See and For All Mankind. Peo- plain how she woke up on morning and the ple can also subscribe to this Netflix-like watch told her that her heart rate was spikstreaming service for four dollars and nine- ing up and down. She told her husband she

needed to go to the hospital. When arriving to the hospital they told her she was going to have a heart attack. The watch gave the family notice and they got treatment, saving her life: The woman ended up having a baby girl. The Apple Watch series five will feature a compass, Always-On Retina Display and International Emergency Calling. The price for this watch starts at $399.

Now to what everybody has been waiting for, the iPhone 11. This phone will feature a dual camera system compared to last year’s single camera system. Like the 2018 iPhone this year will have a six-point oneinch liquid retina display and an A13 Bionic Chip. The battery life of the iPhone 11 has been extended and will last about one hour more than the iPhone XR. The iPhone 11 will come in red, yellow, white (silver), black, lavender and green. People can preorder their phones on September 13, and they will be available in stores on September 20.

The price of the phone will start at $699.

The next step up from the iPhone 11 is the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 11 Pro has a Super Retina XDR display with a five-point eight-inch screen.

Most noticeable new feature about the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, is the fact that they have three cameras placed in a triangular shape. The price of the iPhone 11 Pro is $999.

The upgrade is the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The Pro Max has the same type of display with a six-point five-inch screen. Buyers can also preorder these phones on September 13. The difference between the iPhone 11Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the size of the phone and the price. The price goes up as the phone gets bigger with the iPhone Pro Max starting at $1,099. The iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max will come in four different colors midnight green, gold, silver and space gray.

Overall most of Apples surprises had been leaked this year. But somehow Apple always keeps consumers coming back for more no matter what upgrades and new technologies they bring.

ENTERTAINMENT 17

IT Chapter Two becomes second-highest grossing horror film

By Leah Burnam Online Editor

stayed in hopes of discovering more about forever. There’s an explicit understandPennywise and with the help of a Native ing and a bond there that other people American tribe, he learns a ritual that could just won’t understand. That’s one of the IT Chapter Two recently hit theatres help in the process of destroying Penny- most interesting things about this group and brought the creepily beloved clown wise once and for all. After Hanlon made of characters,” Hader, in an interview back to the big screens after almost two years. The movie was released on September 6 and featured the members of the “Losers Club” 27 years later as adults. The “Losers Club” includes Beverly Marsh, played by Jessica Chastain, Bill Denbrough, played by James McAvoy, Richie Tozier, played by Bill Hader, Mike Hanlon, played by Isaiah Mustafa, Eddie Kaspbrak, played by James Ransone, Ben Hanscom, played by Jay Ryan and Stanley Uris, played by Andy Bean.

The first film, It, followed the seven “loser” kids who were seemingly being haunted by It, also known as Pennywise, a “shape-shifting” clown that preys on young children and only appears every 27 years. The kids band together to stop the vile Pennywise and overcome their own nightmares. In both the book by Stephen King and the film, Georgie Denbrough, Bill Denbrough’s little brother, dies from Pennywise biting his arm off as Georgie Denbrough attempts to grab his boat from the sewers. This incident continues to haunt Bill Denbrough much into the second movie. a few calls, the group with GQ, said.AlPhoto courtesy of Flickr IT Chapter Two opens with a street was back together and though the newest fight which leads to someone eventually were ready to take down movie only received being eaten by Pennywise who has returned the clown they were once deathly afraid of. a 63% from Rotten Tomatoes’ critics, “I always think about how people it soared to the top of the box office. In after being gone for nearly three decades.

Now years later, the “Losers Club” has dis- have a communal experience, something just its first week, it brought in a total banded and the only person remaining in traumatic or exciting. It’s like you all have of $91.2 million domestically and anDerry, Maine, (which has appeared in many the same disease in a weird way. The Los- other $94 million internationally. Audiof King’s other novels) is Hanlon. Hanlon ers, they have that and they’re bonded ences gave it 80% with most saying the

two hour and 50-minute-long film was a bit too lengthy and not as scary as they had hoped, but were “immensely compelled” and “emotionally satisfied” by the ending.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with our result. Andrés [“Andy”] Muschietti [director of It and IT Chapter Two] and New Line, as well as the marketing team led

by Blair Rich, created one of those moments where it all works. We’re proud of it,” Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros. Studios, said.

Muschietti is a filmmaker from Argentina and gained recognition back in 2013 for his film Mama, which he made with Neil Cross. He is the director for the upcoming movie The Flash, which is set to release in 2021 and is the executive producer on the Netflix Original Series Locke & Key, which has not set a release date. It won the MTV Movie Award for Best OnScreen Team back in 2018 and were nominated for a Critics Choice Award and Teen Choice Awards. However, no nominations have been announced for IT Chapter Two. IT Chapter Two was one of 2019s most anticipated films and delivered with the cinematic shots and heart wrenching moments.

Audiences were left feeling not only scared but heartbroken by certain events that took place in the movie. The It franchise has great potential ahead if the producers decide to continue the story of terrifying, old Pennywise.

“The Pennywise character really speaks to [younger audiences] in a big way. We have such a strong millennial audience, which tells us we should have a long play in front of us,” Goldstein said.

18

SPORTS

Athletes of the Astros win 100 games three years in a row

By Aivry Zamora month: Entertainment Editor

Spencer Plato As stated by her coaches, Spencer Plato is among many hard workers, but Plato stands out for her key leadership on the volleyball team. Plato chose to play volleyball in elementary school because it stood out to her and her passion only grew from there. Plato is self-motivated, mentioning that her biggest motivator is reaching the next level. Her favorite aspect of playing volleyball is the feeling of scoring on offense. Plato will continue her volleyball career at Oklahoma Christian University, where she will pursue her next career and work harder than everyone in the room.

The worst era in Astros history has paved the way for one of the best with another World Series victory being a high possibility for the team.

Despite crucial players Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa being injured through most of the current season, the Astros are moving closer to clinching their third American League (AL) West division title. Becoming the first team to reach 100 wins this year by sweeping the Texas Rangers with a score of three to two, they are three victories shy of beating their current club record of 103 wins. Not only is the team getting close to breaking their own record, but they have made history once again by becoming the sixth team to win 100 games for three consecutive years.

“It’s a little crazy, my first three years we lost 100 games, and now we’re one of the few teams that are winning 100 games three seasons in a row.

I think we deserve it, because of the way that we’ve been working hard as a team and as an organization and to be to this point is pretty cool,” Altuve, second basemen, said.

September 18 marked sig-

nificant milestones for the team as they not only reached their 100 victory of the year but pitcher Gerrit Cole surpassed his 300 strikeout this season. Gaining rookie slugger Yordan Alverez and

to cap off the sweep at home for the season. That was a good feeling too,” Cole said.

The Astro’s seed in the playoffs is still being determined as they are angling with the Yankees for the

former Cy best record Photo taken by Aivry Zamora Young Award in the Amerwinner Zack ican League.

Grenkie into their stacked Holding the tiebreaker over rotation, the Astros are the Yankees by winning the quickly becoming World season series four to three, Series favorites and look- if the Astros get best record, ing at a possible home-field they would play the Ameriadvantage in the playoffs. can League Wild Card Game “[The Rangers] got winner in the AL Division me good earlier in the year, Series. If they finish as the they’ve put up a really good second ranked seed behind fight every single time we’ve the Yankees, they would played them. They’ve hit their play the AL Central winner. fair share of home runs off “I’m happy for the fans, me. It was really rewarding happy for the city and hap-

py for us as a team. A lot has to go right for us to do this and a lot of hard work has to get put into it. It did, and we’re starting to see it,” George Springer said.

Several awards are most likely coming Houston’s way in the fall as right hander Justin Verlander is predicted to earn his second Cy Young Award likely holding off teammate Cole from securing the achievement. The two players have been in a neck-and-neck race for the entire second half of the season challenging voters to separate the numerous achievements that qualify each player for the award.

It is likely that the final decision of presenting the Cy Young will come down to stats and which achievements the voters value more as both Verlander and Cole are worthy of the honor.

“Both of these guys are tremendous, the way they prepare and what they do, in an era where the ball is flying out of the ballpark, they navigate lineups as well as anybody in the big leagues.

They’re elite, and they’re elite for a reason and I’m very proud that they’re ours,” AJ Hinch, manager, said.

Creek tennis dominates Alvin by 19 points

By Misbah Rajan Reporter

Lexin Cumby Senior Lexin Cumby played on the Creek Varsity football team for three years before he was injured on the field and tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Though this means Cumby may never be able to play again, Cumby has found a new purpose on the team.

Coaches have moved Cumby to the position of assistant coach of the Junior Varsity team.

When Cumby’s coaches were interviewed, they stated that among his many strengths, Cumby works to keep the overall spirits of the team high. Recovery from this scale injury was not easy, and Cumby still undergoes physical therapy and wears a brace for his left leg. Cumby maintains positive spirits of the team, motivates players to reach the next level, and inspires new players to work just as hard as him.

Creek’s varsity tennis team brings back two big wins at the start of the new school year.

Creek is labeled as one of the best varsity tennis teams in the district. Recently, Creek’s Varsity team beat Alvin nineteen to zero and Katy Cinco Ranch fourteen to five.

“MVP of the fall team season would be Captain Carter Crookston. He has yet to drop a single match this Fall in singles or doubles,” Coach Derick Geise said.

Strategy is important when playing against any team and when Creek played against Alvin, they made sure to pace themselves.

“We felt accomplished and I think we all came in there with a mindset of winning every match and that’s what we did,” Crookston said.

The basics to winning a match: the mindset. A positive attitude and a stable mindset are very important when it comes to sports.

“Our team came together… though the team did not play with too much intensity after the first couple of match wins because of the bigger competition up ahead,” Valcoviak said.

A constant that leads to Creek’s varsity team’s win is Coach Geise’s guidance skills and discipline.

“He helps out a lot around the program and keeps all the players serious and focused just getting us out every day

there for us, even if it’s Varsity, Junior Varsity, or the Freshmen team. We know that we can trust him with being our coach,” Valcoviak said.

This year’s stats are looking great. Of course, Creek has had some downsides as

and keeping Photo taken by Jacob McBroom they recently lost to Katy us in shape Thompkins just to keep going further for our fu- eighteen to zero, as well as ture,” Crookston said. to Clear Falls eleven to eight.

Coach Geise is lookCrookston says he plans on attending a division one ing forward to new members school for tennis. Valcoviak on his teams in the future.

“We have a great group also commented saying she will be attending a division one or of athletes and [I] just want to division two school for tennis. see this team come together Coach Geise, who used as a whole with a lot of new to be the tennis coach at Clear faces on the team,” Geise said.

Coach Geise wants to Creek Intermediate, later transferred over to Creek, proving work on improving the team his experience and expertise. more by pushing them hard“He’s fair, he is always er to their full potential and

plans to promote match play.

“Our team is trying to become more and more match tough as they go into the spring,” Coach Geise said.

With more practice, the more success Creek’s Varsity tennis team will have.

Coach Geise takes the most pride, especially when it comes to doubles and singles.

“Doubles is something we practice quite a bit in practice. I feel we have the top three doubles programs in our district,” Coach Geise said.

If one plans on joining a sport next school year, tennis might just be the right sport. However, not just anyone can be a part of the team.

“You need to be mentally tough. This is a tough time of year with the constant heat and our players have been playing three to four matches and practices weekly since the beginning of August,” Coach Geise said.

If one is up to the challenge and contains the skills for such a sport, don’t hesitate to ask a guidance counselor or Coach Geise to help in making a decision and making sure it’s the right choice.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

19

20

PHOTOFINISH