Arts & Entertainment

February 27, 2023 by Francisca Schmalz (’24) Warning: this review contains spoilers Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is the introduction to Marvel’s next cinematic phase, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This was the first time the audience has seen Ant-Man, The Wasp, and company since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.   Personally, I loved it, although it wasn’t […]

February 27, 2023 by Alex Wersten (’25) This edition’s crossword was developed by Sophomore Alex Wersten. Pick up a copy of The Lightning Rod‘s print edition for easier gameplay, and access the “key” on 2/28!

February 6, 2023 by Lucia Birnby (’23) It’s been nearly five years since boygenius released their self-titled EP, and fans have been waiting patiently for their return. The supergroup–consisting of Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker–teased their debut LP, The Record on January 18th with three new songs: “$20,” “Emily I’m Sorry,” and “True

January 17, 2023 by Aditi Singh (’24) As typical for Saratoga Springs High School students, I started off my freshman year with a unit on short stories in English class. Out of the numerous (and often grim) stories read in Mrs. Cole’s Honors 9 ELA class, one particularly caught my attention: “The Lottery” by Shirley

January 17, 2023 by Natalie Rock (’23) As 2023 begins, I sense good cinema in our future, but we shouldn’t be quick to forget all of the art from this past year. With 2022 as an “almost normal” year after the pause COVID put on cinematic creation, writers and directors were more motivated than ever

December 12, 2022 by Eliza Krackeler (’24) Home Alone The movie Home Alone, popular with SSHS students, finds Kevin McCallister forgotten and left alone in his house while his family is away on a Christmas vacation. This movie takes on a nostalgic tone as it explores themes of family, safety, and self-reliance. This film will

December 12, 2022 by Peter Brueggemann (’25) Christmas, Michael Bublé’s seventh studio album was a 2011 chart topping hit that remains one of the most iconic holiday records ever made. This amalgamation of re-recorded classics and newer hits, joined by one original song, held the Billboard Hot 100 no. 1 place for five weeks. Much

December 12, 2022 by Ethan Conn (’25) It is no surprise music plays a significant role in students’ lives, and at Saratoga Springs High School our tastes vary dramatically. From old time country to new age rap the music we listen to gets us through our day. But what exactly are students and staff playing

December 12, 2022 by Ciara Meyer (’23) On December 7th and 8th, the Choraliers, Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz Band held their 2022 winter concerts. Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) musicians brought joy to the world –or at least the audience–through a mix of holiday carols, dramatic classics, and one buddhist mantra. The December

November 28, 2022 by Aditi Singh (’24) Warning: This review contains spoilers An installment in the “Folk of the Air” series, How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories, gives the reader a peek into Prince Cardan’s life before, during, and after the series takes place. During the series, Cardan is shown as a

November 28, 2022 by Ciara Meyer (’23) People are not simple: not just good, not just bad, but complex amalgamations of traits and identities. These multifaceted elements of personality become even more complex when some must be hidden due to tragic circumstances, as becomes clear in Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

November 28, 2022 by Jade Helal (’23) As Thanksgiving passes, it’s time to bring in the festive winter spirit. I would say it’s impossible to experience a truly merry mood without Phoebe Bridgers’ annual Christmas cover. Thankfully, she recently dropped her 2022 cover of Handsome Family’s “So Much Wine” and it was a masterpiece. Bridgers

October 31, 2022 by Lucia Birnby ’23 The first single and title track for Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” has had people in a fall mood since its release on July 8th. The remainder of the album, which was released on October 14th, met and exceeded listeners’ expectations, perfectly encapsulating that quintessential fall feeling. Fueled by