Author name: The Lightning Rod

The Fashion Forecast: Predicted Trends that will Take Over 2026

January 12, 2026 by Katie Plue (‘27) With polka dots falling out of favor, 2026 is looking for a new fashion fad. But what will come out victorious? Here are my 2026 fashion trend predictions. 1. Cobalt blue In seeing an increase in celebrities wearing this color after the decline of butter yellow, stores have

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From Lo-Fi Indie Breakouts to Charismatic Rap Veterans: The Best Albums of 2025

January 12, 2026 by Elias Prodger (‘26) Honorable Mentions: Cameron Winter: Heavy Metal/ Geese: Getting Killed 2025 was the year of Cameron Winter, every music publication’s new darling and “savior of indie rock.” After listening to both his solo record and his band’s latest release, Getting Killed, I can say that I am intrigued but

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Spreading Love and Joy: Saratoga County’s Give a Child a Christmas

December 15, 2025 by Haley Hammer (‘29) During the month of December most are counting down the days until the holidays, not focusing on midterms, but more likely winter break and traveling. However, for this festive season, some aren’t as fortunate. Luckily, there is an organization that helps provide many young children and families with

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Mr. Ubriaco and His Band: Tops Of Trees’ Review

December 15, 2025 by Elias Prodger (‘26) Mr. Ubriaco, the beloved English teacher, record collector, and energetic staple of Saratoga’s English department. However, many of you may not know that Mr. Ubriaco’s musical interest extends to his membership in the local band, Tops of Trees.  The Capital Region’s own six-piece rock ensemble, Tops of Trees,

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Festivity Finds: Exploring Global Winter Traditions

December 15, 2025 by Olivia Howe(‘26) The month of December introduces a long season of holidays that people around the world partake in. Celebrations around this time usually reflect themes of hope, light, family, and kindness during the cold winter months. While December is usually synonymous with Christmas for many, there are so many other

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Top 5 Christmas Movies with the Most Childhood-Nostalgia 

December 15, 2025 by Kayla Magnus (‘29) Christmas time and the holidays in general are a time where everyone is a little bit more happy. Definitely spending too much money on Christmas presents and black Friday, but noticeably happier. People feel more compelled to give to others, are more friendly to strangers and peers, and

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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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