Author name: The Lightning Rod

Toga Seniors Perform The Nutcracker this Saturday for Local Ballet Studio 

December 15, 2025 by Sarah Pipino (‘26) A holiday season tradition that transcends countries, time periods, and religions, The Nutcracker ballet is a show filled with wonder and whimsy, dreams and daring, friendship and fancy all wrapped in a bow. The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to music arranged by […]

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Advent Calendars: From Religious Scriptures to Prada and LEGO

December 15, 2025 by Sophia Karrel (‘29) Today, Advent calendars are a staple of the holiday season, appearing everywhere from grocery stores to luxury boutiques. What began as a simple Christmas countdown has transformed into a billion-dollar industry. But how exactly did this modest practice become a global commercial phenomenon?   Despite their notable role in

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Robert Irwin Wins Season 34 of Hit TV Show Dancing with the Stars

November 26, 2025 by Katie Plue (‘27) Robert Irwin wins the Mirrorball trophy on Dancing with the Stars with his partner Witney Carson and has traversed waters deeper than those that hold his pet alligators. Every Tuesday night at 8:00 since September 16th, fans nationwide have sat down to watch their favorite stars compete for

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Classic Review: The Stroke’s Room on Fire

November 25, 2025 by Elias Prodger (‘26) Today we are visiting Room on Fire, the 2003 project from New York garage rock outfit The Strokes. This record follows the band’s debut effort, the critically acclaimed 2001 album Is This It. In 2001, The Strokes were welcomed into the rock scene as the second coming of Christ—a refreshing

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Saratoga Football Victories, Holiday Spirit, and the Release of the Epstein Files? A Global News Update

November 24, 2025 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26) Local:  Photo source: @saratogafootball instagram  -Saratoga High School Varsity Football Named Class AA Regional Champs: On November 22, the Saratoga Blue Streaks had a powerful win of 28-18 over Middletown High School in the Class AA Regionals at Colonie High School. Even with having 5 players out sick

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How F.R.I.E.N.D.S Helped Shape the Modern Thanksgiving Tradition We Know Today

November 24, 2025 by Haley Hammer (‘29) Friendsgiving, a widely celebrated tradition, has grown significantly since the term was coined in the early 2000’s. If you are unfamiliar with the tradition, it is simply sharing a Thanksgiving meal with your friends rather than your family. While now Friendsgiving is roughly celebrated by 20% of all

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Wedge Sneakers Seen from Space: the Isabel Marant is Making a Comeback

November 24, 2025 by Katie Plue (‘27) The new 2025 “it girl” shoe is the Isabel Marant wedge sneaker, and it is making a controversial reappearance 14 years after their release date. The Isabel Marant wedge sneakers are very unique and definitely make a statement. What makes them so different from other sneakers is the

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Vermont’s Run Steals Win in Boston 85-74 Over Northeastern

November 24, 2025 by Nicholas Humowitz (‘27) and Cole Whitman (‘27) November 15 proved a very emotional game for Northeastern University students, fans and alumni; The University of Vermont’s basketball team pulled away in the second half, fueling a 15-0 run defeat to the Northeastern Huskies 85-74. This game marks the last time Northeastern basketball

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