By Gabby F

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the things in your life that make you feel a sense of joy or pride. It’s a time to reflect on the past and show gratitude for the future and the things, people, or places that have shaped you into the person you are today. It is tradition for many to share what they are thankful for, whether it be with friends or with family around the dinner table. Some of the students at Stuttgart High School shared what they are thankful for this holiday season:

“I’m thankful for amazing friends, family, and good health.” - Cheyenne T, ‘26

“I’m thankful for all the opportunities I have been given and for loving friends and family.” - Alexandra G, ‘26

“I am thankful for the comfort of being in a safe home.” - Marizka N, ‘25

“I am thankful for my friends.” - Kaja H, ‘26

“I am thankful for food and heaters on the bus.” - Sara D-M, ‘26

“I am thankful for the right to education, glad to have it even if I hate it.” - Arianna A, ‘26

“I am thankful for Taylor Swift.” - Adelle S, ‘26

“I am thankful for my lord and savior Jesus Christ. Bless everyone that is a good person!” - Thomas H ‘26

“I am thankful for the teachers that have lent me a helping hand and been patient with me when it comes to assignments.” - Madeline M ‘26

“I am thankful for my friends, my family, my dog, test corrections, and Taylor Swift.” - Gabby F ‘26

Images courtesy of Anna K and DoDEA Europe Student Activities & Athletics.

The piece could have been entirely different, with Emme initially planning on using different reference image to base the drawing on. Sadly, the image didn't have the right lighting, so she chose to use the image of the dog toy. The piece came out just as expected from that point on, however, and the only change that she would make is to make the blue “pop” just a little bit more. With this piece, the viewer is supposed to spend time thinking about what the emotional connection behind it could possibly be, mulling over all possibilities. Eventually, we come to the idea that this piece is meant to represent a tattered or broken relationship. “This dog toy only wanted to provide joy and entertainment for its owner, but now, as it lies there, it realizes that they have been used up, and are no longer needed for their master.” The toy sits discarded and empty, only a husk of its former self, still smiling to hold the pain and sorrow inside. When asked at the end of the interview for any final commentary, she said that she “really enjoyed making this piece," and that, "it's always fun to find a ‘deeper meaning.’"

Image courtesy of Emme Y.

"Matilda" on Kelley is a Christmas "Miracle"

By Emily W

On Friday the 13th, I had the pleasure of seeing “Matilda: The Musical” at the Stuttgart Theatre Center on Kelley. Following the same story as Roald Dahl’s famous childrens’ novel, the musical follows an underappreciated yet remarkably gifted girl named Matilda as she starts school and faces the mean Miss Trunchbull. Readers may recall watching or hearing about the 2022 movie adaptation on Netflix. The show features such memorable tunes as “When I Grow Up,” “Miracle,” and “Revolting Children.” I had the opportunity to ask the director, Ms. Sarah Viola Wilson, questions about how the production came together. 

Ms. Viola Wilson, who is artistic director at the Stuttgart Theatre Center beginning this season, picked “Matilda” because of its appeal to both children and adults. “Matilda is a show with children, about children,” she told me, “but it’s not necessarily for children- not entirely anyway. It’s a show for all the ages. It speaks to the childlike spirit in young and old alike.” The cast includes roles, both named and ensemble, for children and adults.

A personal highlight of the show for many is CH (LTC) Don Williamson in the role of Miss Trunchbull, with anyone who has met the chaplain knowing that the character’s personality could not be more different than his. Some of Ms. Viola Wilson’s favorite moments include the song “The Smell of Rebellion,” which features Miss Trunchbull, as well as Matilda’s touching song “Quiet.” Describing the moment, Ms. Viola Wilson said that, “It’s the calm amid the storm around her and is such a beautiful and touching moment. I think most of us can relate to the struggle to find peace amidst the chaos and noise around us.” But, overall, her favorite part was putting all of the pieces of the production together, including lights, the sound, the costumes, the effects, the choreography (one of the most challenging parts of the show), and the orchestra.

The “Matilda” performances have been sold out through their closing night on Sunday, the 22nd. However, Ms. Viola Wilson would like to invite any SHS students to not only come see any future productions, but help out. Any aspiring volunteers would be joined by SHS staff and students who contribute to productions, as actors or backstage, such as Mr. Held in the pit orchestra. “The Stuttgart Theatre Center,” Ms. Viola Wilson reminds us, “is a volunteer-driven organization. The actors, the costumers, lighting operators, set designers, set-builders, stage managers, etc… these are all volunteers who donate countless hours of their time and talents.” If you are interested in this great opportunity to serve your community, you can reach out to the theatre at usarmy.stuttgart.imcom.mbx.theatre-center@army.mil. 

Images courtesy of Jeff Jones, J&M Media, and Stars and Stripes. A special thank you to Sarah Viola Wilson for all of her help with this article.

Christmas Markets

By Tadek N

Christmas Markets

Germany’s Christmas markets are a timeless tradition, drawing visitors from around the globe to experience their enchanting atmosphere. Among the country’s many holiday treasures, the markets of Esslingen, downtown Stuttgart, and Nuremberg stand out for their unique charm, historical ambiance, and festive offerings.

Esslingen: A Medieval Christmas Dream

Nestled in the picturesque Neckar Valley, Esslingen’s Medieval Christmas Market transports visitors back in time. Set against the backdrop of half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, this market stands apart with its focus on authenticity. Artisans in period costumes demonstrate traditional crafts like blacksmithing, glassblowing, and candle-making. The market offers more than just goods; it’s an interactive experience with jugglers, fire-breathers, and medieval-style games. For a sip of history, try the mulled wine served in rustic ceramic mugs—an ideal companion to roasted chestnuts and hearty German sausages.

Stuttgart: A Modern Winter Wonderland

Downtown Stuttgart’s Weihnachtsmarkt is one of Germany’s largest and most impressive Christmas markets. Spanning the city center, it features over 300 elaborately decorated stalls, their rooftops adorned with festive scenes and twinkling lights. The market is renowned for its variety, offering everything from handmade ornaments and nutcrackers to gourmet treats like Swabian noodles and chocolate-covered fruit. Families will appreciate attractions like the miniature train and the skating rink, while the giant Christmas tree at Schlossplatz serves as a central gathering point. A visit to this market is not just about shopping; it’s about immersing yourself in the joy of the season.

Nuremberg: The Quintessential Christmas Market

The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is the gold standard of Christmas markets, celebrated for its deep-rooted traditions dating back to the 16th century. Held in the historic Hauptmarkt square, it exudes old-world charm with red-and-white striped stalls, the scent of gingerbread, and the famous Nuremberg bratwurst sizzling on grills. The market’s iconic "Christkind," a golden-haired angel, presides over the festivities and opens the event with a poetic prologue. Shoppers can find handcrafted goods, including intricate wooden toys and delicate ornaments, while food lovers indulge in lebkuchen (gingerbread) and glühwein (spiced wine). Its timeless appeal makes Nuremberg a must-visit destination for Christmas enthusiasts.

A Holiday Tradition to Remember

Whether you’re seeking the nostalgic warmth of Esslingen’s medieval streets, the dazzling displays in Stuttgart, or the iconic charm of Nuremberg, these Christmas markets capture the magic of the holiday season. Each offers its own unique take on German holiday traditions, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

Image courtesy of the Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH and Mike Traffic.

"Glicked": A New Movie-Going Phenomenon?

By Gabby F

The phenomenon of "Barbenheimer" in 2023 took movie watchers by storm. However, this year, a new double feature has come to theaters, with Wicked and Gladiator II hitting theaters in the US on the same day; audiences deemed the event "Glicked." Like Barbie and Oppenheimer, the two films greatly contrast, although this hasn't stopped fans from making them a double-feature event. While Gladiator II is a sequel to the 2000 historical epic directed by Ridley Scott, Wicked is a movie adaptation of the musical about the witches of Oz. Both films contain star-studded casts, spectacular sets, and gripping plots. 

In the box office following their releases, Wicked grossed $262.4 million, while Gladiator II grossed $112.2 million. On Rotten Tomatoes, Wicked, as of writing this article, is rated 88% by critics and 95% by audiences, and Gladiator II is rated 71% by critics and 82% by audiences.

Both films had memorable promotions, from themed premieres to Saturday Night Live (SNL) skits, and even a Variety Actors and Actors interview with Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal. In the Variety interview, Paul and Ariana each had pleasant things to say about the other's movie. The actors even slightly fed into the "Glicked" ideals by discussing how their films are "thematically intertwined." In his SNL hosting debut, Paul Mescal participated in a skit for a musical parody of Gladiator II. The comical song, "There's No Place Like Rome," reimagines the film as a musical like Wicked. The skit even featured SNL cast member and Wicked actor Bowen Yang.

After watching both films, I believe Wicked and Gladiator II deserve all the media attention they have received and will continue to receive. During both films, I was enthralled by the characters and the story. Though Gladiator II goes beyond what is historically accurate, I was blown away by Ridley Scott's ability to thrust me into the brutality of the arena. Though some might not find the movie to be for them, I fully understand why so many men think about the Roman Empire so frequently. When it comes to Wicked, fans of the musical will be incredibly pleased. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's passion for Glinda and Elphaba truly makes the movie unforgettable. As many agree, this is what happens when you cast actors who have performed musical theater roles in musical theater movies; you get dedication, stunning performances, and hopefully, EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award-winning) status for Cynthia Erivo.

Stills from Gladiator II and Wicked (Paramount / Universal) courtesy of Jacobin. Information courtesy of CNN, Variety, and Rotten Tomatoes.

Christmas Tradition from Around the World

By Presley C

Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world with plenty of traditions, whether it's Krampus in Bavaria and Austria or nativity scenes. These various Christmas traditions reflect diverse cultures around the globe. 

Japan has one of the most unique Christmas traditions in the world. In Japan, eating KFC on Christmas Day has become a popular tradition, known as "Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii" ("Kentucky for Christmas"). This custom began back in 1974, when KFC's public relations team launched an advertising campaign targeting Japanese consumers during the holidays. The idea of a warm, American-style Christmas meal was well received and quickly took off.

Besides Christmas dinners, there are many traditions when it comes to holiday decorations. In the small town of Gävle, Sweden, a giant straw Yule Goat is erected on the town square every year in December. The tradition of the Gävle Goat started in 1966, when the local department store Gefle Dagblad decided to create a life-sized straw goat as a Christmas decoration. Despite several attempts to burn it down, the tradition has continued, and today, the goat is a well-known symbol of Gävle and Swedish Christmas tradition.

Here in Germany, one traditional Christmas decoration that stands out is the "Weihnachtsgurke," or Christmas pickle. The Christmas pickle is a small ornament that is typically hidden among the branches of a Christmas tree. According to folklore, the first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning is awarded an extra gift or good fortune for the coming year. Some families even have a special pickle ornament that is passed down from generation to generation. The tradition of the Christmas pickle is unknown but some believe it originated from German immigrants in the United States during the Civil War.

In short, Christmas is celebrated with a variety of unique and meaningful traditions. From the eating of KFC in Japan to the hiding of the Christmas pickle in Germany, each tradition adds its own special charm to the holiday season. Through food, decorations, or customs, Christmas brings people together. This Christmas season is a good time to honor previous traditions and create new ones!

The Importance of Salt (It's Not Just a Seasoning)

By Anna K

The shaker filled with tiny white specks in your kitchen cabinet probably doesn't seem that exciting. You might think its only use is to give your food flavor, but that is not the case. Salt is extremely important. Bloody wars have been fought over it, fortunes have been made because of it, gigantic holes dug to find it, revolutions in technology made to extract it, civilizations centered around it, immense roads built to transport it, and so much more. From our earliest ancestors to today, salt has played a huge role in human history and how we have developed from hunter-gatherers to the skyscraper building, ecosystem destroying, artificial intelligence making people we are today. 

The first use of salt was to preserve meat. Salting meat enabled early humans to save food for later and not depend on foraging or hunting every day. In later times, cities were made for people to be nearer to salt deposits. Huge roads were built to transport this “white gold” to different corners of empires. One such example is the Via Salaria. This is the oldest road in Italy and it was built to move salt from the Adriatic Sea to Rome, the capital of Italy. During Roman times salt was so valuable that part of soldiers' salaries were paid in salt. Speaking of salaries, the word salary comes from “sal”, meaning “salt” in Latin. The Romans were just one example of the impact of salt on cultures, which continues even to this day.

The importance of salt has not diminished over the years. In fact, it has many modern day uses. Salt is found in baking soda, soap, skin care products, used in swimming pools, melting ice, and more. Most of the salt produced is not for consumption but winter road upkeep. When salt is placed on icy sidewalks or roads it lowers the freezing point of water. This makes the ice or snow melt even if it is below 32 degrees. Another essential use of salt is to soften water. Tap water in your home, called hard water, contains calcium and magnesium. These minerals build up and will clog pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. Adding salt removes the calcium and magnesium from water which prevents costly repairs or replacements. Aside from salt’s uses in society it is also an indispensable nutrient you need to live. 

I’m sure that you have heard that eating salt is bad and you should limit your intake, but that is not true. Recent studies have shown salt is not to blame for high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems as was previously thought. Salt is an essential nutrient the body needs but can not produce on its own. Because of that all humans and animals need to have salt in their diet. This mineral is used to regulate body temperature, control the muscular and nervous system, and balance water levels. Without any salt you would die. Side effects from having a lack of salt include: dizziness, confusion, seizure, muscle twitches, sluggishness, and loss of consciousness.   

Salt is definitely an important mineral. From preserving food to keeping skin healthy, what have we not used it for? Not to mention, it plays a crucial role in our health. When thinking about how salt is so much more than meets the eye, an age old proverb comes to mind, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We can all be reminded of this in today's busy world. Even if that reminder comes from a small, unassuming hero, salt.  

If you are wondering why I have written an article about this, which no doubt you are, it was because I had recently gone to Krakow Poland to visit the Wieliczka salt mine. I highly recommend that you visit, because it was a wonderful experience. If you can not make it to Poland,some other salt mines that are closer are Bercbtesgaden and The Old Salt Works in the same town. These are only four hours away by car. I have also visited there and I can say for certainty it is worth the drive.