Jan 25, 2013

Museum Madness pg. 9

Soccer Season pg. 4

Behind the Scenes pg. 4

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Photo by Jordan Comparin

Photo by Jordan Comparin

Stratford High School

THE Volume 40, Issue 6

Photo by Caitlin Hilton

14555 Fern Drive, Houston TX 77079

RACLE Friday, January 25, 2013

Photo by Jackie Mask

SILVER Materialism means preoccupation with or emphasis on material objects and comforts.

Are you materialistic compared to your peers?

The Oracle investigates on page 3.

2

NEWS

The Oracle

Friday, January 25, 2013

SHARC Prepares for Competition Year two of the Robotics Club is looking good Caitlin Hilton The robotics season is in full gear and the school team, Stratford High Advanced Robotics Competition (SHARC), has been hard at work. The kickoff for the sixweek work period was Jan. 5.

In the work period, students must build a robot all on their own. The objective of the robotics game is to build a robot, from scratch, that can score the highest number of points by conducting tasks.

This includes compiling software, mechanical engineering, marketing, fundraising, and team spirit. Parents and science teacher Tracey Jensen serve as mentors to the group to assist with finding solutions for problems the team may come across or serve as an encyclopedia to answer any questions they may have.

Stratford Alumni and former SHARC member Katherine Perez and Daniel Leeper also take occasional breaks from

Reflections State Finalists

Students earning the Overall Award of Excellence for Reflections from District art judges were junior Christopher Ramey in Musical Composition, senior Evan Moore in Film Production, and sophomore Emily Lindsey in Literature.

These students will represent SBISD in the Reflections State Finals.

Other students who earned an Award of Excellence from District for their entries are junior Zeriba Jahangir in Visual Arts, freshman Ty’ana Perez in Photography, and juniors Ross Collins, Casey Gex, Caroline Hilton, Allison Klasing, Brian Quinlan, Leila Wahab, Josh Weyer, Ian Wu and senior Mallory Edwards.

SHS Choir 7KH ÀQDO URXQG RI DXGLWLRQV IRU $OO 6WDWH &KRLU WRRN SODFH RQ -DQ 6HQLRU 1LFN -RQHV DQG IUHVKPDQ 0DWWKHZ (OOLRW UHSUHVHQWHG 6WUDWIRUG -RQHV ZDV VHOHFWHG IRU WKH $OO 6WDWH

college to help the team out.

The robot must be regulation size. It must fit into a 54 in. circle, the perimeter can not be larger than 112 in., and has a height limit of 50 in.

This year’s game is unlike any other in FIRST history.

The game has two goals; to throw a frisbee into a goal with heights up to 7 ft. and climbing a pyramid 7.5 ft. tall.

The team is looking forward to the first competition on Feb. 12.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER (TOP LEFT) Senior Amy Penick organizing materials.

DECISIONS (BOTTOM) SHARC members decide between

ideas for their robot’s strategy.

0L[HG &KRLU DQG (OOLRW ZDV worksheet and address any FKRVHQ VW DOWHUQDWH WR WKH $OO student concerns before taking them to the lab to request 6WDWH 0HQ·V &KRLU courses,” junior counselor Darrell Pickard said.

There will be a time peStudents in debate are preriod allotted for students to paring for two tournaments change their requests after that will later lead up to the they input them in the comState-wide tournament. puter lab.

Course requesting “So far, we have two Public will be accomplished through Forum Debate teams qualithe Social Studies classes. fied for state,” debate teacher

Debate Update

Kristi Goemmer said.

The teams consist of juniors Fariha Jawed & Nathaniel Barbour and Aby Brugo & Jenny Payton. Fariha is just one point away from qualifying in both Domestic Extemp and Original Oratory.

Junior Public Forum team Zain Ali and Justin Raine have six points, meaning they are halfway there, as well as Junior Leo Young in International Extemp.

Core Selections

In February, students will be able to select the classes they want to take next year.

“I will visit with the students in the classroom to accomplish the course request

Spartie Support

Spartanaires invite the community to dine at Smashburger to donate a percentage of each purchase to the Spartanaire 2013 trip fund. Smashburger in Town and Country is hosting The Spartanaire Night Out on Jan. 21 6-9 PM. On Feb. 3, Kendra Scott will host an event to benefit the dance team from 12-3 PM. Both of these events will benefit the team as they work towards performing at the next Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

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CORNERSTONE 1/8

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle

Because of Stratford’s diverse student body, materialism within its walls takes many forms.

Materialism manifests itself into every aspect of our appearance and many question whether materialism is always unacceptable or just a fact of life, making the divide almost indistinguishable.

Some say that the class

divide at Stratford is a factor in the amount of apparent materialism, but others believe that materialism is a huge factor in every student’s life.

Students all have different opinions about what is necessary to own and what is frivolous. Materialism comes into the picture when the level of ownership is heightened

and boasted. The idea that none of us are not materialistic is a serious consideration and accusation.

Also, many people tend to judge others who display their possessions.

However, what is the purpose of certain possessions if they are not supposed to be displayed? What is the purpose of fancy cars and expensive clothes?

We believe practicality when shopping is the key to staying grounded.

There is nothing wrong with treating yourself when it comes to items you want, but it becomes a problem when you go overboard.

Where is the line? What constitutes a practical purchase versus a waste of money?

FEATURE 3

WHAT What does it say about our society that it is hard to define a medium?

We interviewed students and asked them their opinion of materialism. Their answers are below.

is

Materialism

to

What comes to mind when hearing the word materialism?

Ben Moak, 9

I think people who buy something that’s really expensive because they wanted it and didn’t need it are materialistic.

Steve Krueger, 11

Grayson Wilson, 9

Basically, focusing on things you can touch or feel, things that have physical value.

When someone has something that’s cool, I guess. You got it because everyone else has it.

YOU?

Do you consider yourself materialistic?

Yoceline Romero, 11

Leonardo Catalan, 12

Ellie Weaver, 11

Tucker May, 10

Zain Mansoor, 11

Yes, because I care about things I have and if I lose my items I get upset.

No. It’s good to own my electronics, but I would never put them before friends or family.

In some respects I am but I don’t like to admit it because no one likes to come across as materialistic.

No, because I don’t do what everyone else is doing just because it’s cool. I just have a North Face jacket because it’s a jacket.

Somewhat. It’s not a big deal to me, but I like things that stand out.

Avery Croley, 12

No, I don’t like shopping and I just don’t care if I have labels on.

Sara’s Space has been moved temporarily to page 15. Story written and compiled by Hannah Bevers, Sara Boyle, Aldo Martinez, and Caroline Suchman. Graphic by Claire Pena.

4

NEWS

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle

Crazy For You

A Peek behind the curtains at the main stage production of the year Ashley Karolys Molly Richter

The Stratford Playhouse is proud to present the musical “Crazy for You” starting on Jan. 31 and running until Feb. 9. This will be the musical that the Playhouse is taking to the Tommy Tune Awards in April.

Students began rehearsing in August, and have been working hard ever since.

After having to remember choreography, lines for months, and having to stay after school until 6 p.m. every day, the cast is ready to showcase their talent.

Senior Graham Baker plays Bobby Child, a fun-loving New Yorker who dreams of dancing on stage one day.

“Working on this show has been so much fun for me.

Playing Bobby Child has been a fun experience because he actually plays two different people and everything he says has humor in it. I had to really learn how to dance though, and that was definitely the hardest thing for me to do. I’m still working on that,” said Baker.

Bobby ends up traveling to Deadrock, Nevada, where he meets the tough, yet bighearted Polly Baker, played by sophomore Ashley Karolys.

Other members of the cast include junior Alli Klasing who plays Irene Roth, the “fiance” of Bobby Child, Senior Landon Neumann plays Lank Hawkins, the stubborn saloon owner who is in love

with Polly Baker, and Senior Othniel Tay as Everett Baker, Polly’s dad.

The show includes many tap numbers with choreography

by Susan Stroman and music

by George and Ira Gershwin.

“My favorite song in the show would have to be ‘I’ve Got Rhythm’ because I like the choreography a lot and I think it is the most high energy number with some of the coolest tricks. It’s definitely a show stopper,” said freshman Collins Rush, a member of the cowboy trio.

Along with the 39 cast members on stage, there are nearly 70 members of crew.

No matter how put together the stage looks there is always something going on behind the curtain.

Multiple things can go wrong off stage such as a cast member not finishing their costume change in time or a prop going missing and ending up broken.

When things like this happen, the cast and crew work together to fix the problem in a matter of minutes.

The goal is to make it seem like nothing ever happened, that way the audience is still interested in the show and is not distracted by what’s going on off stage.

“One time during the show ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,’ I was changing Lucy and due to a broken zipper, we didn’t get her previous costume off fast enough, so

she ended up going on stage with out shoes,” said sophomore Emily Fishman, a member of costumes crew.

“When things like that happen you just have to roll with it and trust that the actors are professionals who will cover for the mess-up, and [sophomore] Christina Read covered it up perfectly. The key is just to stay calm and do your job,” Fishman said.

Not only are there problems off-stage but on stage too.

A cast member may forget a line or a set piece may be in the wrong place, but the job for everyone is to keep going and to not break character when something goes wrong.

In some cases, members of the cast and crew have to juggle sports, school work and sleep. In other words, their social life is gone.

“I honestly don’t have time for anything else,” said sophomore Elsa Moen, a member of the girls ensemble. “Even though it’s stressful and it’s a lot of work, I love it and I love spending my time working on the show.”

Although being in theatre is hectic and tiring, it comes with a lot of rewards. The Playhouse has already won multiple honors at the Tommy Tune Awards and is ready for this year.

Come see “Crazy for You” if you like dancing cowboys, amazing stunts, and a good time.

),/05+ ;/, :*,5,: 3662 (Above) Emily Lindsey, a member of the vocal ensemble, works tirelessly toward completing one of the many prop suitcases used in this production. Many props were hand painted by the crew members.

30./; <7 ;/, :;(., (Above) As members of lights crew, senior Jack Lynch and sophomore Jackie Hanley’s job involves overseeing that the lights are set up and programmed properly. This process is very involved, and many safety measures must be followed in order to ensure that the lights do not fall.

INFO AND SHORTS NEXT YEAR

CMATT

On Feb. 1 and March 22, the booing of the freshmen, cheer performing a routine, and Spartanaires dancing is coming back to pump up and support spring sports.

PEP RALLY

Juntti began a new tradition this year called, “Middle School Day”. Buses filled with Spring Forest and Memorial Middle School 8th graders came to Stratford. The student were given advice from seniors, saw a sneak peek of the new play, and were introduced to their new principal and counselor. They informed them what is expected next year and about the new classes offered, like German III and fine arts photography.

(Right) In honor of the 20082011 Girl’s Soccer Coach Christopher Matthews, the 2012-2013 Varsity Girl’s Soccer team will be dedicating their game against Kingwood Park in loving memory of him. Come out to support and see the girls play their hearts out on Feb. 12. Junior Varsity will be starting by playing at 5 PM and Varsity will be playing at 7 PM on the Stratford fields.

Growing Since 1973 Elaine Parizot

The student body population of Stratford is a constantly fluctuating number.

Hovering around the 2000 student mark, the school is always teetering on the border between the 4A and 5A athletic districts, and it seems like the numbers are always increasing.

Some have began speculating that the seemingly increasing amount of transfer students into the school will push Stratford over the boarder and back into the 5A district.

Surprisingly, the increasing numbers of transfers will be coming to an end next year as Stratford will not be accepting any new out-of-district transfers.

Out-of-district transfers already attending Stratford will not be affected.

Some may argue that Mr. Juntti should allow more transfers so Stratford will be back in its rightful 5A place.

However, with extremely large schools opening up in other school districts such as Katy ISD and Cy-Fair ISD, it’s possible that the 5A line will go up and stay just above our population, anyway.

Although it doesn’t seem like it, the school’s population was larger this year than it was supposed to be, which is why the decision on out-ofdistrict transfers was made.

Each district has demographers that estimate the number of students that will be attending the district’s schools that year.

The job can be tricky, since it is impossible to know exactly who will be moving in, who will go to a private school, and who will move away.

This year the Spring Branch ISD demographers underestimated the school’s population by over 100 students.

“We had 120 kids register that the demographers did not project,” said Juntti in an e-mail sent to parents.

“Spring Woods and Northbrook had very similar overages in their projections.”

The demographers also predict that there will be another spike in students next year.

There is still a decision to be made by the administration on whether or not in-district transfers will be accepted.

The Oracle

Friday, January 25, 2013

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6

PUZZLE PAGE

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle

7 MUSE Classic Album Review Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle

USE Photo by Jackie Mask

Wit-ness it for Yourself

Comedy Sportz is the punniest venue in Houston Janelle Blackwood and Samatha Stazo

For over 20 years, Comedy Sportz has provided improvisational comedy to Houstonians.

Started as an extension of the wildly popular comedy troupe that found success in Milwaukee, San Jose and Chicago, CSz is widely considered to be the place to be for wholesome entertainment.

In fact, those reluctant to expose their children to the vulgarity of typical comedy shows will be surprised to learn that the players are penalized for any comments that include profanity, prejudice, sexism, or racism. A

typical 100 minute match in- many don’t realize that the Fans of shows like Whose cludes several games, ranging troupe’s professional league is Line Is It Anyway? will be able from song challenges to pun a cost-friendly option for Sat- to appreciate the humor procontests. To add to the excite- urday night entertainment. vided by actors performing in ment, the real time. games are The impromptu use of created usprops and costumes adds to ing audithe hilarity. ence sugIf you’re interested in seegestions, ing the witty, fast paced exregardless perience that is CSz, take of their advantage of two upcoming absurdievents, The Battle of the ty.

Sexes match on Feb. 15-16 Though and the Father/Daughter students Date Night on Feb. 22-23. may be faIf you just can’t wait unmiliar with 4,,; ;/, (*;3,;,: Performers went head to head til these events, Comedy at CSz’s main arena, located at 901 Town & Country Blvd.

CSz’s High Back Row: Chris Craig, Katie Barton-Harper, Andrew Gar- Sportz has matches every S c h o o l rett, Benji Cooksey Front Row: Paige Wharton, Jason Ronhe, Friday and Saturday.

League,

OK Computer, Radiohead, 1997 Colton Slaughter

The year is 1997. Alternative rock is at its prime and anyone could be the next big hit. The small and unknown new band, Radiohead, releases their third album, “Ok Computer”.

Within 11 months, it sells over 2 million copies worldwide and receives 18 Grammy nominations. To this day, it has sold over 3 million copies worldwide and is sometimes called one of the best albums of the ‘90s.

Many compare this album to other major successes like “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd and “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band” by The Beatles. Musically, it is a groundbreaking album and it helped define a new sound in rock music that still influences many bands today.

Its lyrics capture themes like alienation, insanity, and the pressure of city life. It’s a great reflection of the problems of many teenagers today.

As a Radiohead fan myself, I can’t recommend it enough.

Ok Computer really brings you into a new light, and shows you a different perspective on life.

The album begins with a bang- “Airbag”. As you continue through the album, it starts to calm down and sound more soothing. As the album progresses, you will get to a song like no other, “Fitter Happier”. This song starts off with a robotic voice that just blurts phrases of the perfect human. I must admit, it is very scary, but it is a vital piece to understand the album.

As you near the end, you will encounter one of the most emotional songs in music, “No Surprises”. Its faint guitar and piano with Thom Yorke’s, the lead singer of Radiohead, monotone voice really brings out a feeling of remorse and loss of hope.

The album finally ends with the song “The Tourist”. This song is a perfect end to such a fantastic album with its spacey guitar and slow, smooth singing.

The theme is being out of control. To feel lost and confused, but for some reason, be okay with it. It was a new sound in its age which confused people, but ended up being one of the most inspirational and magnificent concept album of all time.

Every Burger Needs a Pun

Follow the hunt with #maskfamilyburgerquest on Instagram Jackie Mask

The Counter Located in downtown Houston on Washington, wedged between new apartment buildings and a Crate and Barrel, sits a create your own burger restaurant known as the Counter. Given over 300 toppings to choose from, a customer can choose from Danish Blue cheese to chipotle aioli sauce. This little gem was stacked with avocado, grilled onions, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.

Laurenzo’s A hometown favorite among the Mask family, Laurenzo’s restaurant (just down the street from The Counter), is known for their fabulous prime rib. How ever, the “Old Fashioned Burgers” seem to be just as fabulous, but half as famous. The green chili bacon burger earned high marks for the applewood smoked bacon, hatch green chiles, asadero cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, arugula and spicy chile mayo -stacked and packed high on top of a ground chuck burger made in house between an old fashioned bun.

On The Hill

For the next location on the Mask Family Burger Quest, the family traveled to Baltimore, MD. After a long tour of Maryland Institute College of Art, a student recommended On The Hill, on campus. Barely large enough to be a restaurant, On The Hill was stuffed out the door with starving art students. The burger I ordered was stacked with pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, and slathered with guacamole and pico de gaillo. Every bite was bittersweet, knowing that this incredible burger was closer to being a couple onions and a grease stain on the paper it came on.

Pappy’s Cafe

If you’re heading towards downtown on Interstate 10, just before you pass Voss, you can see Pappy’s in its little green building on the right pass by in a blink.

Texas pride is served with a side of curly fries in this home grown burger joint, and the burgers are not bad either. Their burgers are 100% angus beef on a sourdough bun, and come with any classic burger topping you can think of. Or, if you’re feeling it, an Akaushi, or kobe beef burger, is also offered and considered the heart healthy option. But throw on some extra bacon or grilled onions just to be safe.

8

MUSE

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle

Melissa de la Cruz

ÂŽĂ&#x201E;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;Âź œšĂ&#x160;Ă Ă&#x2030; IJ¸Ă&#x2030;žĂ&#x201E;Ă&#x192; ÂśĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2030;½Ă&#x201E;Ă&#x2021; Ă&#x2039;žĂ&#x2C6;žĂ&#x2030;Ă&#x2C6; Â&#x2014;Ă Ă&#x160;Âş žà à Ă&#x201E;Ă&#x152; Â&#x2014;Ă&#x201E;Ă&#x201E;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x2C6;½Ă&#x201E;Ă&#x2026; Layla Shahhosseini

Before the Twilight phenomena took off, author Melissa de la Cruz was cooking up her own ideas on writing a vampire series. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I pitched a vampire book, because I was the only one who had the idea in the entire world,â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz joked.

She discovered her love for reading and decided she wanted to pursue it as a career when she was at a young age. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was 11 and I was reading a lot of Sweet Valley High books I figured it out. I think we book people find it early,â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz said.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Kindle or Nook, more and more people are making the switch to reading on technological devices. De la Cruz prefers the usage of print books over the newly introduced ebooks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I prefer a print book. I think ebooks are convenient and I hope they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replace print books,â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz said.

Because of the low pay that

writing, de la Cruz took on a day job as a computer programmer which made more money and wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t unpredictable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the poverty of the writing life, I had a day job at a publishing house and a job

ing the career of being an author is after she got laid off her job as a computer programmer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I actually got laid off in the recession in 2001 as a senior analyst at Morgan Stanley.

After getting aid off, I had

4HZRLK (KTPYH[PVUÂ&#x2039; Pictured above is Blue Willow Staff with author Melissa de la Cruz at local book store, Blue Willow Bookshop. Photo provided by Blue Willow.

offer at a computer firm that was almost triple the pay,â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz said.

Her real moment in decid-

to think: do I want to pursue writing or computer science?â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz said.

Her latest series, Blue

Goodbye Gossip Girl

Â&#x2013; Ă&#x2C6;ÂşĂ&#x192;Ă&#x2030;žĂ&#x201A;ÂşĂ&#x192;Ă&#x2030;œà œĂ&#x2021;ÂşĂ&#x152;ºà à Ă&#x2030;Ă&#x201E; Âś Ă Ă&#x201E;Ă&#x192;ÂźÂ&#x201A;Ă ÂśĂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x2030;žĂ&#x192;Âź Š Ă&#x2C6;½Ă&#x201E;Ă&#x152; Kali Venable

Faithful fans both young and old can openly admit that as corny as it sounds, the CW Networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hit show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gossip Girlâ&#x20AC;? changed their lives.

Over seven years ago, both girls and guys sat down on their living room couches to watch a pilot show that more RU OHVV VHHPHG OLNH D VXSHUĂ&#x20AC;cial fantasy world of spoiled teenagers leading implausible lives. Perhaps that is what made the show so appealing.

The Upper East Side, located in New York Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Manhattan, served as a glamorous platform that brought life to any personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daydreams of old money and unimaginable wealth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gossip Girlâ&#x20AC;? featured characters born with dark and complex backgrounds; absent parents, substance DEXVH Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO IUDXG DQG obsession with social status, just to name a few.

7KH YHU\ Ă&#x20AC;UVW VHDVRQ EHJLQV with the main cast in their junior year of high school and revolves around the infamous â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gossip Girlâ&#x20AC;? website that reveals the latest news regard-

Bloods is categorized as teen paranormal romance which was a different path than her prior book series. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I expected it.

I always liked horror, I just read a lot of Stephen King and Ann Rice,â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz

ing Manhattanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s socialites.

Over time, the show follows the characters through college and early adulthood.

What is so unique about Gossip Girl is all of the isVXHV WKHVH Ă&#x20AC;FWLRQDO FKDUDFters have in common with pedestrian people. While most of society can not recall jetting off to Europe for the summer on a whim, the urge

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Now that the series is over, I have nothing to look forward to on Tuesday nights.

-Ashton Cabla, 11 to escape a self-created mess is extremely relatable.

Everything about the show was brought to life as if by a platinum lens. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gossip Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? acclaimed designer Eric Daman dressed characters in extravagant RXWĂ&#x20AC;WV IXHOHG E\ WKH UXQZD\¡V latest garments and trends.

As the show grew in audience, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gossip Girlâ&#x20AC;? became DQ LQĂ XHQWLDO SLHFH RI $PHUL-

can fashion.

The long-lasting series came to a bittersweet end on Dec. 17 of last year. ,Q WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO HSLVRGH WKH IDFH behind the infamous Gossip Girl was revealed and missLQJ SLHFHV VHHPHG WR Ă&#x20AC;QG their place in the puzzle.

For fans who have watched â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gossip Girlâ&#x20AC;? from the very EHJLQQLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO UXQ ZDV a time to say goodbye to a world that had become their own. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now that the series is over, I have nothing to look forward to on Tuesday nights,â&#x20AC;? said junior Ashton Cabla.

In a sense, the entire series shined a light on a society that very few people can really understand.

However, rather than envying such a world, fans are able to admire and respect the GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOWLHV WKDW FRPH ZLWK money and the dissatisfaction it may bring.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gossip Girlâ&#x20AC;? series is available for viewing on 1HWĂ L[ DQG IRU SXUFKDVH RQ Amazon.

said.

She pitched the idea to write a dark fantasy on Dec. 23. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blue Bloods started out as

a phone call. I consider it a Christmas gift. My agent was like who knew you were such a nerd,â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz said.

The 7th book wrapped up the series, labeling it the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;finaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of Blue Bloods. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was hard to write the final book. I knew I was wrapping it up in 2010. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m letting go of this thing that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent a lot of my life on,â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz said.

Spiteful comments and rude criticism on any social media website will not go far with de la Cruz. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like me, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell me, delete!â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz said.

There are those who question a career in writing or English because of the instability and low pay. De la Cruz encourages to pursue a career in what ever you love to do. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But in life you have to do what you love and money is not the most important aspect of it [life],â&#x20AC;? de la Cruz said.

Check out bluewillow.com for upcoming events.

Tweets of the Week

Caitlin Hilton

Year in Review

Concerts

The Texans

Dates

Kelly Ann Craig @kellyanncraig Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for another great season! Always playing for you Cmatt! #KSA Competition Camila Castaneda @CAMillionaire33 My mom waking me up 5 minutes before my alarm goes off... noooooooo. #2ndsemestertho Fernando Sader @SaderFern Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard getting good sleep when you have Netflix

Alexandra Economides @alexeconomides Is it socially acceptable to wear yoga pants today?

Christopher Juntti @ChristopherJunt Good first day back with students. Weather is not pretty, but SHS is warm and dry. Did anybody notice the new doors in the cafeteria?

Graphic by Isabel Deakins and Harrison Vaporciyan Tweets compiled by Jackie Velarde and Sarah Sturgis

Travel

DOLPHINS

Music

Florida

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle

MUSE 9

Hidden Treasures of the Houston Museum of Natural Science (5 63+ >693+

The paleontology exhibit has life size skeletons of extinct animals.

DINOWORLD The newest addition to HMNS is the paleontology exhibit. The exhibit includes fossils of L_[PUJ[ ZWLJPLZ WL[YPÄLK ^VVKZ HUK Dinosaur skeletons.

GEMS

The Gemstone Carvings exhibit includes this dragon made of Gold.

The exhibit also features a vault with rare and striking pieces of jewelry.

TAKING FLIGHT ;OL *VJRYLSS )\[[LYÅ`

Center is a separate ticket from the museum. )LMVYL LU[LYPUN [OL I\[[LYÅ` KVTL [OLYL HYL JVJVVUZ ^P[O OH[JOPUN I\[[LYÅPLZ 7PJ[\YLK PZ H UL^S` OH[JOLK I\[[LYÅ` KY`PUN OPZ ^PUNZ

FLUTTER

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NOW HAS AN APP Scan the code with a smartphone and get the new Oracle app

10

SPORTS

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle

Schedule GIRLS BASKETBALL

1/25 Northbrook @ DCC 5:30 p.m.

1/29 Willowridge @ SHS 6:30 p.m.

2/1 @ Tomball 6:30 p.m.

2/5 Ridgepoint @ SHS 6:30 p.m.

BOYS BASKETBALL

1/25 Northbrook @DCC 7 p.m.

1/29 @ Willowridge 7 p.m.

2/1 Tomball @ SHS 7 p.m.

2/8 Spring Woods @DCC 7 p.m.

2/12 @ Tomball Memorial 7 p.m.

GIRLS SOCCER

1/25 Baytown @ SHS 7 p.m.

2/21 @ College Park 7 p.m.

2/5 Texas City @ SHS 7 p.m.

2/8 @Summer Creek 7 p.m.

2/12 Kingwood Park @ SHS 7 p.m.

Coach Michael Hoskovec

BOYS SOCCER

1/24-26 @ Brenham Showcase 2/1 La Porte @ SHS 7 p.m.

2/8 Summer Creek @ SHS 7 p.m.

2/12 @Kingwood Park 7 p.m.

Q: How do you motivate your swimmers?

A: Hopefully, they make my job easy and motivate themselves. Internal is always better than external motivation.

Q: What are your expectations for the post-season after so much success last year?

A: We haves hopes of a repeat, but there is some very high caliber competition out there.

Q: What’s your least favorite stroke?

A: Breaststroke Q: How many times has your team pushed you into the pool?

A: Twice, both from last year.

The first time was when my teams won District and the second was when we won the 4A state championship.

Q: What has been your favorite moment as the Stratford Swim Coach?

A: We did a fund-raiser aquathon one of my first years here. Handing a check for $10,000 to the MS Society was pretty awesome.

Q: Would you rather be able to swim fast or breathe underwater?

A: Breathe underwater for sure.

SWIMMING AND DIVING

2/1 District Diving Meet @ SBISD Natatorium 3 p.m.

2/2 District Swim Meet @ LCISD Natatorium 8 a.m.

2/8 Region 7 Prelims @ Palo Alto Natatorium 2/9 Region 7 Finals Palo Alto Natatorium

NCAA Bound

©ÌÄ Ä» ¨ÉǶɻÄǹĩÈ IJúÈÉ ¶É½ÁºÉºÈ Ǻ¸º¾Ëº ¸ÄÁÁº¼º ȸ½ÄÁ¶ÇȽ¾ÅÈ Samantha Hicks

ing his team to a State Cham- pating in club swimming for said Miller.

Everyone gets along with evnine year. He practices two Standing tall at 6’7 is senior eryone and its a place where Swimming sensation senior pionship title.

In the 400 IM, Miller’s time hours before I can succeed Michael Miller visited Duke, and win NaColumbia, Virginia Tech, and is faster than the Duke school school with record but cannot be considthe school tional ChamTexas Christian University and p i o n s h i p s“, before finally deciding that he ered “breaking the record“ team until he swims this time in a two and a said Daimler. was going to Before makbring his taling his fients to Duke nal decision and become a Daimler had Blue Devil. offers from Miller has Texas A&M, been on the Arkansas, school team Utah, Texas since he was State, Louisia freshman, ana Lafayette, proving from Washington the very beState, Cologinning that :665,9 5(;065 Pictured above is Christian Daimler getting in- rado State, he was going terviewed by Sooner Nation online’s Sam Khan Jr. about his commitment Un i v e r s i t y somewhere. to the University of Oklahoma. Photo provided by ESPN Sooner Nation. of Colorado, Last year at Arizona the 4A State half hours af- offensive tackle Christian State, and University of NeChampionships in Aus- +(+: *3<) Third from the left is senior Michael Mill- ter school at Daimler who will be playing vada Las Vegas.

“I am most excited to get tin, Miller er diving in to the pool during one of his Dads Club swim meets. Dad’s Club, football for the University of picked up a Miller enjoys swimming on a club team and thinks it has pre- a local swim Oklahoma. Daimler who was into routine with the team originally committed to Ari- and start working to my goal Gold medal pared him very well for college. Photo provided by Dads Club. club.

“I am really zona State dropped his com- of starting“, said Daimler. in the 200 looking forward to meeting mitment after getting an offer The Spartan community medley relay and 3 silver NCAA Duke meet.

In addition it school swim- new people at Duke and en- from OU. wishes both Daimler and medals in the 100 Fly, 200 “It’s a huge family up there. Miller success in the NCAA. IM, and 400 free relay lead- ming, Miller has been partici- joying the basketball games”,

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle

Texansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Reaction

SPORTS

Kicking Off to a Good Start

11

Both soccer teams begin their 2013 season

Students share their feelings after the Texansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; loss â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really depressed because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to miss supporting my team every weekend and watching J.J. Watt play. I really think the downfall during the game was the defense, pass coverage, and Matt Schaub not following through. However, I am so excited to see what next year brings!â&#x20AC;?

)YP[[HU` 9LVO â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was really angered by the game. All Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m saying is that we need a new quarterback and a new coach for next year. The Texans blew it big time!â&#x20AC;?

4H[[ :PISL`

2,,7 (>(@Â&#x2039; (Top) Varsity players Chandler Callahan (12), Cathleen Evans (12), Kelly Cuevas (11), and Becky Dubner (11) try to get the ball back from a Lamar Redskins forward near the Spartans goal on Tuesday, Jan. 8. (M[LY H [V\NO Ă&#x201E;NO[ [OL :WHY[HUZ [VVR H OHYK SVZZ VM PU [OLPY Ă&#x201E;YZ[ WYL ZLHZVU NHTL :0+,305, :(=, Â&#x2039; (Bottom Left) Varsity play junior Becky Dubner tries to save the ball from getting out of play by the sideline against the Lamar Redskins tough defense. Photos by Stephen Martinez.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The game was really depressing and KPZHWWVPU[PUN ( UL^ X\HY[LYIHJR PZ KLĂ&#x201E;UP[LS` what we need for next year! We are going to the Superbowl next year for sure!â&#x20AC;?

,YPU /HUZOH^

THE RUNDOWN E M I L Y F R A Z E L L E Position: Midfielder Dream College: Texas A&M Preferred Stick: Harrow Favorite Snack: Gatorade Chewies Favorite TV Show: Modern Family Favorite Tournament: Aggieland Classic at Texas A&M Favorite Quote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yo, Mr. Cody, how much you give me if I drink this puddle?â&#x20AC;? -Ghetto Hikes Photo by Katherine Kennedy

A N T O N I O F E R N A N D E Z

Position: Midfield Attack Favorite Cleat Brand: Nike Best Game: SHS vs. Spring Woods Favorite Pre-game snack: Cinnamon Protein Bar Favorite Movie: Dark Knight Rises Greatest Scoring Game: 6-1 versus Summer Creek Favorite Quote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing is impossibleâ&#x20AC;?- Unknown Photo by Stephen Martinez

-66;>692Â&#x2039; ;VW 9PNO[ =HYZP[` KLMLUKLY *HYSVZ 3HYH [YPLZ [V RLLW H^H` [OL IHSS MYVT H 9LHNHU )\SSKVN MVY^HYK (M[LY H SVZZ MYVT [OL )\SSKVNZ LHYS` PU [OL WSH`VMMZ SHZ[ `LHY ^P[O [OL Ă&#x201E;UHS ZJVYL VM [OL :WHY[HUZ JHTL IHJR ^P[O H O\NL ^PU VM VU -YPKH` 1HU 79,::<9,Âť: 65Â&#x2039; (Bottom) Lucas Santos (11), Antonio Fernandez (12), Tomas Navek (11), Derrick San JOLa ^HP[ [V ISVJR [OL MYLL RPJR MYVT 9LHNHU ^P[O H ^HSS [LJOUPX\L 5H]LR ^HZ [OL SLHKPUN ZJVYLY VM [OL night with a total of 2 goals. Photos by Katherine Kennedy.

12

SPORTS

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle

Healthy Resolutions

Tips for good health in the new year Katie Gregory

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Eat Right

Water

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Think Positively

“Endurance is patience concentrated.”Thomas Carlyle

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t&BU MPUT PG WFHHJFT GSVJUT

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sdriplmnzx Upcoming Local Runs

Before I race I listen to . . .

January 26: The Choco Loco 5K (galleria/uptown) 27: USA Fit Marathon, Half, and 5K (Sugar Land)

February 2: Miles for Miracles 5K (Katy) 10: Rhythm and Blues Half and 5K (downtown) 23: ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 5/10K (downtown)

March 2: The Woodlands Marathon, Half, and 5K 24: The Color Run 5K (downtown)

Julia Matteuci (10) Fiona Fahey (11) Jae Bang (10) Emily Frazelle (12) Brian Quinlan (11) Margaret Hofmann (9)

Lose Control Hall of Fame Gangnam Style Best Love Song Thrift Shop Stuck Like Glue

Songs by: Missy Elliot, The Script, Pain, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ,

PSY, TSugarland

Graphic by Ben Fairchild

Newton’s Law Alex Newton

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The Oracle

THE

ORACLE

Newspaper Staff Editors-in-Chief Sara Boyle Caitlin Hilton Samantha Hicks News Editors Samantha Vargas Samantha Vanston Hannah Bevers Muse Editors Chandler Callahan Layla Shahosseini Kali Venable Sports Editors Alex Newton Elaine Parizot Elyse Stieber Opinions Editors Michelle Evans Lydia Sweet Esther Jeon Reporters Andres Acosta Dua Mazhar Aldo Martinez Photo Editors Katie Gregory Stephen Martinez Katherine Kennedy Photographers Gil Sanchez Emily Copeland Sarah Sturgis Will Klussman Maggie Vickers Harper Jones Bonnie Slattery Jordan Comparin

Ads Editor Mary Margaret Weaver Ads Staff Emily Brown Jacob Cribbs Kendall Marbach Jacob Pennington Katherine Mavergeorge Allison Rice Design Staff Claire Galbraith Caroline Suchman Harrison Vaporciyan Ben Fairchild Staff Artists Molly Richter Claire Pena Natalie Yoo Victoria Shin

Online Staff Online Editors Janelle Blackwood Isabel Deakins Samantha Stazo Online Photography Editors Jackie Mask Ariyan Almassi Online Photographers Mark Coffman Michael Martin Claire Pena Rebecca Williamson Online Reporters Jackie Velarde Faith Figueroa Building Principal Christopher Juntti Advisor Janice Cummons

The Oracle is a newspaper published every three weeks by the Journalism Department of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Journalism Association, National Scholastic Journalism Association, Texas Association of Journalism Educators, and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

The Oracle is open to any and all contributions submitted by the readers. Any material can be submitted by e-mail to thestratfordoracle@gmail.com, brought in person to Room 120, or placed in Janice Cummons’ mailbox.

The editorial board reserves the right to determine whether the submitted material will be published depending on the available space. The submitted material may also be edited to remove libelous or defamatory statements.

Any material that is submitted must be typewritten and accompanied with the writer’s full name and grade. The opinions expressed are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration, or the school district. The Oracle staff strives to produce a newspaper that covers the entire Stratford community. They welcome freelance submissions and are eager to hear from their readers regarding story and photo opportunities.

The Oracle is also online at spartanoracle.blogspot.com.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Enough is Enough

OPINIONS 13

Staff thoughts on school shootings in America Staff Editorial School is a place to learn, and develop skills that will ensure the success of future generations. In many ways, the house of education can be considered the safest part of society. So how could someone disrupt such a peaceful environment?

The dozens of school shootings that have occurred in the past decade have left a majority of society wondering what can be done to prevent these violent acts.

While many believe the problem lies in gun laws, the Oracle believes that the true problem is a lack of attention to mental illnesses.

As Mark Singer of “The New Yorker” said, “ people have a tendency to blame an immanent object.”

While blaming the physical weapon used in these shootings seems like a justifiable accusation, it can not be applied in the real world.

Saying the firearms used in the recent Sandy Hook

Elementary shooting are responsible for the victims injured, is like blaming Budweiser for a DWI received after drinking their product.

The gun simply is not at fault, but the beholder themselves.

To prevent school shootings in the future, our society needs to be more aware of mental illnesses and their role in acts of violence.

The bottom line is that a person capable of murdering innocent six-year old children cannot possibly commit such an inhumane act without some sort of underlying mental disorder.

We believe that schools should begin to regulate the mental status of students and recommend psychological testing for students who seem “disturbed” or “off.”

Such recommendations can potentially diagnose mental issues before they playout in violent events that effect innocent civilians.

As a society we do not want to classify these people as “bad people,” but instead give those with mental illnesses access to proper treatment in order to avoid violent acts like school shootings’.

The ironic thing about psychological testing is that while thousands are diagnosed for ADD or ADHD, the number diagnosed with more problematic disorders is far slimmer.

More problematic disorders including Clinical Depression, Multi-Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and a number of others are being left untreated and unexamined.

With the common testing for ADD and ADHD, why not go ahead and test for these other disorders?

Schools’ require vaccinations, so maybe it would be a good idea to consider requiring psychological testing.

While it currently is an illegal requirement, times have

changed greatly and shootings such as Sandy Hook have really shaken up society.

For students, another posing question is how to feel safe at school in the classroom.

The unfortunate answer, is that there really is no answer.

The world is a dangerous place and possibility for tragedy is available everywhere on every campus.

As a district however, Spring Branch ISD cares for our student safety and has taken lengthy measures to preserve our well being.

As a society, we can look at these shootings as a wake up call and perhaps the final notion to change the way mental illnesses are viewed and cared for.

These people are not monsters or works of evil, they are human beings with real disorders that deserve proper help whether that be in the form of therapy or medication.

debt-ridden.

Meanwhile, both engineering and health administration have increased in popularity. The benefits are endless; the growing demand for engineers today ensures jobs, the work is stable and depends very little on that fickle misGraphic by Victoria Shin tress know as our muse, but do disapprove. most importantly, engineerThe two majors rely far too ing is an extremely lucrative heavily on inspiration and are college major. notoriously low-paying and It makes sense then, to find unstable. With all the loans a stable, secure, high-paying students are taking out nowa- job. It makes sense then, that days to pay for college, the students will cluster to engifuture for arts and humani- neering majors. But I can tell ties majors seems bleak and you what doesn’t make sense-

choosing to become an engineer purely for those reasons.

Students today are faced with the cold reality that our jobs must cater to what the world needs today.

But what is it that you need?

What is it that you love to do? If you hate math and science and find in yourself no passion for either of those subjects, why are you becoming an engineer? If you can’t stand biology or chemistry, why do you want to be a doctor? I regretfully can count on a single hand how many people I know who are pursuing these majors because of their genuine love and fascination for the subjects.

There is nothing to be found in doing something you dislike. Your days will be long, your work will seem long, and the clock on the wall above you will tick tantalizingly slower for everyday, every minute, and every second you sit there putting yourself through something you don’t truly love to do.

This is what your life will be. This is what your life will

Looking to the Future

Pursue what you are passionate about Esther Jeon In today’s bustling world of technological advancements, both science and mathematics play integral roles in society. Without the scientific concepts engineers learn to apply in practical situations, without the time doctors and nurses put into caring for their patients, without the biochemists who discover new things about living organisms everyday, things would be vastly different.

Without all of these wonderful people who work to support our modern world today, we would be living in a very different world.

In today’s bustling world of technological advancements, we have little room for the arts and humanities.

While these subjects might have been treasured centuries ago by those who wished to be “cultured,” these subjects are now easily dismissed as archaic, useless, and ridiculous wastes of both time and money.

Those who choose to major in arts and humanities are

met with disapproval from most parents, and it’s with very good reason that parents

OPINIONS Conspiracy Theories 14

The Oracle

Friday, January 25, 2013

Ideas that serve no real purpose Andres Acosta History happens every day, whether we notice or not.

Through our computers, the Internet, and even at the palm of our hands in the form of a smartphone, we can hear about news nearly as fast as it happens.

Information is more accessible to almost anybody who cares to pay attention to the world around them than it has ever been before in his tory. Whether it’s through a news story on the cover of the New York Times, through a trending hashtag on Twitter or through a status on Facebook, information about happenings in the world spread like wildfire across the masses.

A wider range of minds commenting, speculating and pondering about an event or happening leads to more perspectives and views becoming available to the public eye. Some are positive and some are negative.

Some of the more negative perspectives, or conspiracy theories specifically, seem to sprout out of paranoia and distrust for any event that affects a lot of people or is over publicized by the media.

Recently, a video on Youtube, entitled “The Sandy Hook Shooting- Fully Exposed” and runs for over half an hour, has caused a wave of controversy.

The video sparked so much public attention because of the fact that it insinuates that the recent school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton, Connecticut was an act carried by the government in an effort to turn peo-

S

ara’s pace

ple against firearms so that they could take the peoples guns away and have a better control over the population.

Another, and perhaps even more widespread and with more support than most other conspiracies, is the 9/11 conspiracy theory. They propose that the 9/11 attacks, in order to gain support for our miliary endeavors in the middle east, were perpetrated by the United States government, and in another version of the idea, that they had a beforehand knowledge that the attacks were going to happen but did nothing to stop them.

Conspiracy theories like these, on events with such a high level of trauma and intensity, are completely disrespectful and out of line. The fact that these kind of ideas and believes get so much publicity and support is disgusting and disrespectful to all the lives, all the men, woman and children that were lost.

They all lack any sort of sympathy or humanity and perhaps even shows one of the worst traits people have.

This kind of show and plea for attention at the expense of such a sensitive subject is morally ambiguous at best.

The worst may even be the fact that nothing truly productive or helpful comes out of any of them. They serve to either enrage or further heightened the sadness felt by the survivors.

We, as a people, need come to our senses and realize and debunk these ideas for the benefit of the country and for the benefit of us as people.

The shoes were shiny, impressive, bright white and Spartan green. I knew they would go perfectly with my tennis uniform. I smiled and nodded at my mom.

“Have you walked around in them?” she asked.

“Yup,” I lied.

“Just walk around the store one more time, just to humor me. Jog a little too,” she suggested.

“Ugh,” I moaned, “I’ve already done this with a million other pairs.”

Hijab: Shedding a Light

Society’s view of the hijab needs to change Dua Mazhar If it isn’t already obvious, the world is facing an epidemic.

It isn’t an illness or a disease, but it is contagious. It seems like anyone who sees a Muslim woman wearing a scarf over her head, the mandatory hijab, they assume she is oppressed or suffocated.

It has become a part of human psychology to assume that every Muslim woman, whether she wears a hijab or covers herself from head to toe, is being forced to do so.

The hijab is mandatory within the religion of Islam.

Unfortunately though, the evolving culture and the criticisms of society force families to stop obeying this rule.

It becomes very difficult for

most parents to allow their daughters to take on the hijab, especially since it is not easy for anyone to find a job in this difficult economy, woman who wears a scarf over her head.

As a Muslim myself, and yet not being a ‘hijab’, it becomes t o o hard t o face questions and comments such as “Why don’t you wear

it?” and assumptions like “I guess you’re not that religious.” The hijab is not only the covering of the head; it is the covering of the entire body. Its purpose is to serve as a protection for women from the eyes of strange men; it is the means to avoid lust.

The view that every woman that wears the hijab is suddenly religious is completely

false. They commit sins, like every other human being.

They are just trying to improve their character and form their own identities.

It is not easy to take on the hijab, especially when everyone around you is pressuring you not to wear it, even your family.

The amount of courage that it takes to make this life changing decision is beyond me; most women never find that courage.

A close friend told me, “I am glad that I didn’t melt under pressure. It would’ve been so easy. But I know the reward of keeping it on means much more than the words that are thrown at me.”

Graphic by Bronwyn Wis-

Hit the Road

Forced rankings are considered outdated Michelle Evans In the fast-paced world that exists today, finding a job has become so competitive that it can seem like an impossible task. What if you not only had to fight to find a job, you had to be the absolute best just in order to keep it?

Prior to the Enron scandal of 2001, the company was known to have used a method called the “vitality curve” or forced rankings.

When the time for a quarterly review came around, the percentage of employees in the bottom 20% would immediately be terminated.

In a nutshell, if you weren’t as good as everybody else, you were gone.

This seems to be a simple,

efficient method. After all, the ideal thing to do is fire your worst employees and keep your best. The problem is that Enron had over 20,000 employees. If 4,000 people realize they could possibly be at the lower end of the spectrum, they will work at maximum capacity to make sure they are the best.

This, however, causes a chain reaction. The other 16,000 then work to their capacity to make sure they are the best. Eventually, everyone is playing a cutthroat game of do or die.

It seems that the National Football League (NFL) has adopted a similar method.

For football fans and members of the NFL, December

31, 2012 became infamously known as “Black Monday.” A pattern seemed to develop. If a team didn’t make the playoffs, someone inevitably got fired. As of that morning, the Cardinals, the Chargers, the Bills, the Bears, the Chiefs, the Browns, and the Eagles fired their coaches. Soon to follow would be the general managers of the Jaguars and the Jets.

There are so many components to having a successful team, including but not limited to: execution, teamwork, and the talent of the players.

“The coaches aren’t the ones playing the game,” said senior Matthew Foster. “The coaches shouldn’t receive all the blame when a team doesn’t win.”

The concept of the idea is

great. Push your employees to be the best, and they will succeed. However, there is a fine line between employees feeling motivated versus feeling threatened.

If they are pushed to be as successful as possible, then they most likely will be.

However, if they feel that their job is at stake, they may go to any means necessary to ensure that they keep their job at the time of termination. This could be the reason for all of the scandals that occur in the NFL, such as the bounty scandal or Spygate.

Drastic measures should not be the answer. More thought should be put into whether or not someone gets to keep their job.

I began my last walk around the store. After a sigh, I glanced at the shoes in a mirror hanging on the wall.

Cute and comfy, two adjectives that I look for when shoe shopping. These seemed to be the perfect purchase.

And it didn’t hurt that a few of my friends on the tennis team had the same pairs.

I turned a corner, eyeing the oodles of tennis merchandise.

I noticed racquet frames, strings, grips, and shock

absorbers available in every color on the palette. Skirts everywhere. Tank tops of all kinds: sweat absorbent, static free, loose, tight, with and without a collar.

Head bands and wrist bands and socks and special sunglasses and hair ties and clips. When I passed by the tennis ball section, I noticed that the only difference between all of them was the brand name.

Coming back to the shoe section, my feet started to

ache. In disbelief, I ignored the soreness and went ahead and bought the shoes. As my mom got up to go pay, I took a last look at the shoe display.

I noticed the shoes I was buying between two pairs of plain white ones with a much lower price tag.

“Thank you,” I said after she was done paying.

“You’re welcome,” she responded.

Playing in those shoes was awful. They were like cardboard and did not retain

their luster for very long— after about a month they looked like I had been wearing them for years.

I went back to wearing my old shoes, and my new ones were tossed to the back of my closet.

“I guess you know next time to make your decision on how they feel rather than how they look,” my mom preached.

And I was disgusted. Because I knew that I wouldn’t.

The Oracle

Claire Galbraith Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s justice system may appear weak in the eyes of many, and in some ways it is. The rich prosper while the rest of us suffer in the courtroom. However, mercy can be used to help the underprivileged and make the classes equal in the eyes of the law.

People are so wrapped up in trying to bring justice to the wealthy who supposedly get off easy, instead of focusing on showing mercy to the poor, who are not so lucky.

Gandhi once said â&#x20AC;&#x153;An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind,â&#x20AC;? which can translate into the need for justice that everyone so craves.

Instead of demanding for equality by lowering the rich to the lower classâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level, everyone should be raised to

Friday, January 25, 2013

the wealthyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high standards.

It is imperative that society realizes that there is nothing that can be done to stop richer people from having good lawyers, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their rights as an American citizen to do so, but there are ways that can improve the legal system to help people in unfortunate circumstances with mercy.

In deciding an appropriate sentence, a judge should properly take into account a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prior criminal record, age, and other circumstances surrounding the crime. For example, if a person committed a crime because of their serious lack of money and resources, it might make sense that he or she decided to steal the money or the food. It is not ex-

Mercy

cusable, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understandable, and when something is understandable, mercy can be applied to that situation.

In another example would be the issue of first time offenders and minors. Being charged with a crime at a young age can ruin a kids life when they try to go to college or apply for a job. One bad decision shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ruin someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

People make mistakes and if a first time offender is truly remorseful for what they have done, the sentence should be merciful.

Some sentences can seem harsh for small crimes and it would be better to use other effective methods of punishment so the accused doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to do jail time.

Public humiliation can be a

effective way to both teach a the offender a lesson without putting on their permanent record and lessening the work that has to be done in court.

Standing outside in front of a crowd wearing a sign saying what their crime was, is humiliating for a person and will probably prevent them from doing anything illegal for a long time.

A sentence doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be harsh to be effective but has to be reasonable in order to be fair.

Mercy does not letting people off of a crime but instead giving them another chance to prove themselves to be better than what they are perceived to be.

What if a person just needed to be shown kindness

OPINIONS 15

in order to change his or her ways and that one sentence could change their life forever, because it will.

Mercy needs to be seen in the criminal justice system because it grants people another chance, and everyone wants people to show some mercy on them when they have made a mistake.

However, there are crimes that need to be taken seriously, like murder. When a severe crime takes place, charges must be fair for the defendant.

What must be taken to account is reasonable doubt or motive. It would be a crime against justice to sentence someone to life in prison or even to death if there is even the slightest chance they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it. This , how-

ever, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mercy , it is the law.

Mercy is a tool that can be used in the courtroom to help the innocent and forgive the guilty. However, like every other tool it must be used properly and the results will lead to a fairer world where all can be seen as equals, not rich, not poor, just as people. Being merciful is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength and must be in courtroom in America.

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Lydia Sweet Justice is not something that can be demised. If everybody is not treated equally, then the whole idea of the justice system fails.

Our justice system tries to uphold the idea that everyone is equal under the law but it does not always work out that way.

Some people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get punished for their crimes just because they have a good lawyer. Having the money to afford a good lawyer should not change how a person is treated by the justice system.

People should not be able to get better lawyers if they are able to pay more. Everyone should be appointed a lawyer so that the trials are more equal.

If one lawyer is paid more for their services they probably have more resources than other lawyers.

This means they can find more loop holes and get their clients off.

Also, lawyers with more experience know more about the types of loop holes that exist and how to get their clients to fit them.

If there werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t loop holes, then the justice system would be more fair and leave less room for over paid lawyers without scruples.

Loopholes allow people who are guilty to get off on technicalities or to get a lesser punishment.

They are technically legal but they sometimes go into the gray area between legal and illegal.

Some people exploit loop

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holes in the laws to get out the punishment they deserve. The best way to avoid punishment is to not commit crimes. If a person avoids bad situations then they should be able to avoid being tried.

People should be able to trust the justice system.

No one should be worried about being punished if they are innocent. This has not always been the case but with new technology such as DNA testing hopefully it will become a less common occurrence.

People are allowed to make mistakes

but there are ways to avoid the kind of mistakes that would get a person in trouble with the justice system.

If a person does not drive drunk they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about involuntary manslaughter. It is a pretty straightforward concept.

There should not be loop holes that let some people escape from crimes unmarred while others are convicted.

People can get off for things such as clerical or procedural errors.

These mistakes make loopholes that can cause a case against a person to crumble. Extra caution should be taken so that these loopholes remain closed.

If the justice system fails to hold people accountable for

Justice

their actions there is no point. If one can commit crimes with out being punished there is nothing holding people back from committing whichever crimes they wish to commit.

No one should get a lucky break if they committed a crime. Justice should not stop because of paper work errors or strange rules that just obstruct justice.

The justice system is based on the idea that everyone is equal under law. No one should be able to avoid the repercussions of their actions.

Without justice there is no point of having a whole branch of government dedicated to the point.

The U.S. might as well downgrade to two branches of government.

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Friday, January 25, 2013

The Oracle