Volume 5 Issue 11

TO THE COMMUNITIES OF STUYVESANT HIGH SCHOOL, TRIBECA, AND BATTERY PARK CITY

The Stuyvesant Standard “Your School, Your World—Your News” 

Volume V, Issue 11

February 16, 2006

Stuyvesant Blood Drive

Senior Twins Day! The Indicator/William Kim

else's life.” Donor Inna Etinberg, also a senior, remarked “Well, that was Stuyvesant students gave like my good deed for the year. nearly a thousand pints of blood Also, its good to donate blood on February 10. Donors received because then you get new blood exemptions from class as well as in your system and if it actually a free lunch of cookies and juice. can help someone, Donated blood then why not. It’s saves lives. The not like I’m losing New York Blood anything, besides Center estimates blood.” that about 2,000 Etinberg said, “I donations are was really nervous needed a day to beforehand, waiting maintain an adebecause it seemed quate supply of like they just stuck blood. this big needle in Senior Inyou and I heard nokenty Pyetranker, stories of how they a blood donator, miss your veins, but said “I gave blood when the lady did because I was able it, it was totally to. I think that it is Junior Ben Alter begins the fine. It didn’t really blood transfer process. the responsibility of hurt, I just relaxed anyone who can for 10 minutes and give to do so, because donating it wasn’t bad at all.” blood could change someone

Free

BY JIMMY ZHANG STAFF WRITER

TSS/Henry Zhang

Continued on Page 3

More on Pages 4-5

Incentives for Perfect Attendance BY JONATHAN XIKIS STAFF EDITOR As schools across the nation struggle with low attendance rates, some have found a new way to convince students to come – substantial prizes. Some of these prizes are shockingly expensive. Last year in Hartford, Connecticut, Fernando Vasquez, a student with perfect attendance, won a raffle and received a choice of $10,000 or a brand new Saturn Ion. As Fernando was only 9 years old, he chose the money. A 19-year-old student at Oldham County High School, Krystal Brooks, won a Ford Mustang. Most schools offer slightly less valuable incentives – ranging from iPods, DVD players, computers, shopping sprees and vacations to a cash award of $25 for each quarter that a student has perfect attendance. The driving force behind the incentives is the No Child Left Behind Act, which ties funding to a school’s academic performance. The money at stake puts the

seemingly expensive cars and trips to shame. In the Chicago public school district, every 1% rise in attendance means an extra $18 million more for the district from the state government. In Fort Worth, which had a budget deficit of $15 million last year, an average attendance raise of just one student nets the district $4,700. Experts have criticized the initiatives. Dr. Jeff Bostic, director of school psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, said that "it's against our grain to suggest that you have to cajole, seduce or trick students in order to get them to learn." “We've got to work harder at showing how school really does have relevance to these kids' lives,” he added. Mike Culbertson, principal of Stone Creek Elementary School in Rossville, Georgia, a poor community in a rural area, thinks otherwise. "Some people could look at it like we're trying to bribe the kids to come to school," he said, "but if it takes that to Continued on Page 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE -------------News...........................1-5 Business......................6-7 Opinions.....................7-8 Literary.......................9-10

Puzzles..............................10-11 Science……………….......12-13 Arts & Entertainment........13-15 Sports................................15-16

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February 16, 2006 News

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD  Founded 2001

“Your School, Your World—Your News” 

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Incentives for Perfect Attendance ized," said Bianca Viggiani, a 17year-old senior at Chelsea High instill a lifelong value in them, School. "Now, you can be absent then it's worth it." up to 14 days straight [before the Tests by eduschool takes accational experts tion].” This soffind that incentening of poor tives for academic "A student with attendance poliperformance work perfect attendance cies has actually best among resulted in a drop won a raffle and younger students in attendance for who are more received a choice the school. This willing to buy in of $10,000 or a could be interto the system and preted as a sign work harder to brand new that the incentives receive a prize. Saturn Ion" have gone too far. Student reacBostic said, "And tions are mixed, where does it end? ranging from inAre we going to creased willingneed to give out a Porsche Boxness to go to school to a cynical ster?” ◙ desire to take advantage of the new policy. "You don't get penalContinued from Page 1

Executive Leadership Team DR. JOHN NIKOL WINNIE LEE SHO UEMURA JESSICA THAM WINNIE DU JACOB ARLUCK LAURA HAN JENNIFER SCHLESINGER YANJIE HOU EMMA RABINOVICH OSMAN NEMLI DEEP PARIKH MELISSA CHAN LADA KUKUY KAREN LIU KATIE BANKS DANIEL EGERS (‘03) ERNEST BASKIN (‘04)

FACULTY ADVISER EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER LAYOUT EDITOR COPY CHIEF IN SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR OUT OF SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR SCIENCE EDITOR BUSINESS EDITOR LITERARY EDITOR WEBMASTER DIRECTOR OF PHOTOJOURNALISM FOUNDER EDITOR EMERITUS

Publication THE STUYVESANT STANDARD is a nonprofit and nonpartisan publication produced by the students of Stuyvesant High School. THE STUYVESANT STANDARD distributes 2,000 free copies on a bi-weekly basis to the students and faculty of Stuyvesant High School and throughout the adjoining neighborhoods of TriBeCa and Battery Park City. THE STUYVESANT STANDARD welcomes letters from its readers. THE STUYVESANT STANDARD reserves the right to edit any published material. The viewpoints of contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Standard staff. Copyright ©2006 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Contact Us Please direct all correspondence to: THE STUYVESANT STANDARD 345 Chambers Street New York, NY 10282-1000 [email protected] Find us on the web at www.stuystandard.org

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BY SANGHEE CHUNG STAFF WRITER A 15-year-old girl has died of the avian flu virus in Iraq, the first reported case of of the disease in the Middle East. “We regretfully announce that the first case of bird flu has appeared in Iraq,” said Iraqi Health Minister Abdel Mutalib. It is unknown how the girl contracted the disease. The possibility of an outbreak, however, is alarming because Iraq lacks many resources compared to other countries. Medical supplies are in short supply. “We lack plastic boots, masks, and gloves. If we tear the gloves on our hands, there are none to replace them,” said Khalil Khudur, a policeman in the town where the girl lived. Officials organized a large-scale culling of domestic birds. Although over 3000 birds were killed and chemicals were sprayed to kill any trace of the disease, fears of more cases abound. Officials have investigated the death of the girl’s uncle, who lived in the same house and showed similar symptoms. Two others that may have avian flu

have been admitted to hospitals. “It indicates this is an infection that is well-embedded in the bird population, probably poultry and the wild bird population,” said William Schaffner, a bird flu expert at Vanderbilt University. “And we’re going to continue to see infection in people who have close contact with the birds…” Experts fear that the strain might mutate into a form that is easily spread among humans, capable of killing millions. Prior to the Iraqi finding, a total of 85 people had died of the disease. The girl’s mother denied Reuters

If you would like to advertise in THE STUYVESANT STANDARD, please e-mail [email protected] to request an advertisement form. We offer a broad range of options including full color capability for your advertising needs.

Bird Flu Now Confirmed in Iraq

A health worker dealing with new cases of bird flu reported in Iraq.

the bird flu findings, but stated that several of her chickens died before her daughter’s death. “My daughter did not die from bird flu,” said Fatima Abdullah, “She did not like chickens nor had anything to do with them. She did not take care of these birds.” ◙

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Stuyvesant Blood Drive

West Virginia Holds Mine Safety Checks BY SANGHEE CHUNG STAFF WRITER

TSS/Henry Zhang

Coretta Scott King–Mother, Sister, Social Activist Agence France-Presse

BY ALICE WU STAFF WRITER

Coretta Scott King and her husband in Norway in 1964.

vision of gender and race equality as well. She asked that the American women “unite and form a solid block of women power to fight the three great evils of racism, poverty, and war.” She went on to be identified with a wide range of international human rights issues. She focused on two tasks: establishing a national holiday in Dr. King’s honor and building a center in Atlanta to honor his memory and continue his work. King is survived by her four children, her sister, and her brothers. Often compared to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, she is known as a woman who overcame tragedy, held her family together, and became an international inspirational symbol. She worked with Dr. King and expressed his views as well as her own after his death. Even now that she has passed, Coretta Scott King’s spirit remains in the hearts of many, as a mother, a sister, and a great social activist.◙

and inspections and to receive emergency training. Furthermore, the time will be used, “to go over the hazards involved with mining and the vital safeguards that need to be taken,” said David Dye, head of the administration. Manchin filed emergency rules to carry out the mine safety law he signed in response to the January accidents. It calls for coal companies to provide miners with communicators, emergency tracking devices, and extra air supplies. Mine accidents must also be reported within 15 minutes. “If these tragedies continue, mines could be closed and coal and energy production could falter … the consequences could ripple throughout the nation’s economy,” said Senator Robert C. Byrd, “We cannot delay.” ◙

A month after a tragic explosion, thousands of West Virginia miners attended safety talks as officials began inspections across the state. Governor Joe Manchin asked all operators to halt production for a “mine safety standstill.” West Virginia, second only to Wyoming in coal production, has seen 16 miners die so far this year. Twelve miners were killed after an explosion at the Sago Mine, the deadliest U.S. mining accident since 2001. Two were killed in a conveyer belt fire at the Alma Mine and two more were killed in separate accidents. A Consol energy spokesman said that safety lectures were held at the beginning of each shift around the country. “This is a small industry, a kind of band-ofbrothers industry, so when an accident happens, everybody knows about it.” Massey Energy Inc., the state’s biggest producer, said the safety lecture centered on escape routes, firefighting, and emergency air packs. Workers were asked to conduct safety checks and inform managers of any concerns, said spokesman Jeff Gillenwater. During this time-out, the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration sent inspectors to oversee reviews West Virginia mine safety director Doug Conaway.

AP EXAM REGISTRATION AP Exam Registration is done on-line at grades.stuy.edu starting Wednesday, February 1st through Thursday, March 23rd. The website will be shut down on Thursday, March 23rd at 12 Noon. Registration print out and checks (no cash) are due on or before Thursday, March 23rd to Room 209. Your registration is not complete until all paperwork and checks are turned into Room 209. AP Exam Bulletins are also available in Room 209.

Associated Press

Continued from Page 1 who really needed your help.” Following the donation, the After donating blood, most blood is tested for diseases, such people feel fine, but must avoid as HIV and syphilis. Most doheavy lifting or any other denated pints of blood are separated manding activities for at least into the key components of four or five hours after donating blood: red cells, platelets, and blood. Drinking plenty of fluids plasma. for the next Following the 48 hours is testing, blood suggested. may be stored Etin or frozen in the berg, when NYBC for a asked how period of time she felt afbefore transporterwards, tation to one of sa i d , “I nearly 200 New thought I York or New was going to feel sick The donation area is staged in one corner of Jersey hospitals. The NYBC also because like the 6th floor gymnasium. delivers blood the girl next on a daily and emergency basis. to me almost passed out, but I After the procedure, the dowas fine. My left arm felt numb nors were presented with a nice during the procedure and for variety of snacks and juices. This about an hour afterwards, but is to prevent the donors from other than that I was fine. I didn’t feeling nauseous or weak. Etinfeel nauseous or anything.” berg humorously says, “The trail Pyetranker said, “Honored. mix was good.” ◙ It's a nice feeling to know that you might have helped someone

Coretta Scott King, widow of the slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and a prominent activist in her own right, died on January 30. She was 78. King was born and raised in a poor, rural town. Her father held three jobs, while her mother drove a school bus. Her siblings and she had to pick cotton to make ends meet. King went on to study at the New England Conservatory of Music, where she met her husband, Martin Luther King Jr, who was studying for his doctorate at Boston University. They married on June 18, 1953. Dr. King first received national attention as a leader of the boycott of the Montgomery, Alabama bus system, which culminated in the desegregation of the system. Before long, both were dually active in the “seismic cultural struggle.” Mrs. King began lecturing, reading poetry, and singing at Freedom Concerts, which not only raised awareness of the civil rights movement, but also raised money. After her husband’s assassination in 1968, King devoted herself to continuing Dr. King’s work. At the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968, she spoke not only of Dr. King’s vision but her own

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February 16, 2006 News

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February 16, 2006 News

Senior Twins Day!

All photos except for lower far right taken by William Kim of The Indicator and the top left taken by Winnie Du of TSS

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

February 16, 2006 News

Page 5

Melissa Chan/TSS

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February 16, 2006 Business

The Best-Paid Young Celebrities BY STEPHANIE TAM STAFF WRITER

Associated Press

Forbes Top-Earning Young Celebrities Name

Age Occupation

Earnings

1-

LeBron James

21

Athlete

$22.9 million

2-

Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen

19

Actresses

$21 million

3-

Maria Sharapova

18

Athlete

$18.2 million

4-

Hilary Duff

18

Actress/singer

$15 million

5-

Serena Williams

24

Athlete

$12.7 million

6-

Lindsay Lohan

19

Actress/singer

$11 million

7-

Frankie Muniz

20

Actor

$8 million

8-

Paris Hilton

24

Personality

$6.5 million

9-

Ashlee Simpson

21

Singer/actress

$5.3 million

10- Adriana Lima

24

Model

$4.5 million

11- Amanda Bynes

19

Actress

$1.5 million

Source: Forbes.com

Questions? Comments? It is the policy of The Standard to remain accessible to its readers. Please contact us at [email protected]

Burger King Soon to Launch a Whopping IPO BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER Burger King Holdings Inc. is likely to go public within the next 6 months, with the initial public offering (IPO) expected to raise at least $300 million. An IPO is a company's first sale of stock to the public. IPO's are often done by young companies who seek capital equity or a public market for their stock. Restaurant IPO's and IPO's in general are often insecure markets, with an opportunity for a large profit at a high risk. IPO's are usually underwritten by investment groups, in which the investment groups buy large amounts of stock at the public offering price and resell them to other investors at a higher cost for profit. This move comes at a time

when Burger King is in debt and recent restaurant IPO's have been generally bringing in great stock price increases; Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) has been the biggest gainer with a rise of 242% over its IPO price as of Feb. 2. Also, with Burger King purchasing its first Super Bowl ad in ten years and announcing a turnaround, it has a good potential for success when it goes public. Burger King also provides a good alternative to McDonald Corp. (MCD), as its image is not as tarnished by political incorrectness as that of McDonald's. However, at this time, Burger King has not released the public offering price, the volume of shares, or who will underwrite the IPO, although likely candidates include J.P. Morgan Securities and Citigroup, who refinanced $1.15 billion worth of debt for Burger King last July. ◙ Associated Press

Who says young people can’t achieve big things? Nowadays, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Sure, it’s true that some celebrities might have been involved in a scandal or two- Paris Hilton’s hacked sidekick and Lindsay Lohan’s battle with bulimia and drugs. However, contrary to popular belief, not all young teen stars are troubled. But they all do share one thing in common- they all have a large sum of money. Of the top twelve celebrities, three are athletes. LeBron James, who quit college to play in the NBA as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers, tops the list. He earns about $23 million a year. And things might even get better for him next year when his contract gets renewed. Serena Williams is another pro in sports. The professional tennis player earns about $13 million a year. She has also starred in numerous advertisements.

While some bring in millions by playing sports, others sing and act. Take Lindsay Lohan. She is only 19 years old, but has already released two record albums. This celebrity has also starred in movies since the age of 11, with her first movie being the remake of Disney’s The Parent Trap. Both Frankie Muniz and Amanda Bynes are stars on the rise. They did a movie together Big Fat Liar in 2002. But they mainly concentrate on their shows. Muniz stars in Malcolm in the Middle, while Bynes stars in What I Like About You. And who knew looks were worth that much? Adriana Lima earns an average of $4.5 million just by modeling. The 24 year old also stars in advertisements LeBron James. for Maybelline, just like her idol, Gisele Bundchen. As a whole, some of the bestpaid celebrities are under 25 years of age. Together, they earned about $127 million just last year. Here is a Forbes list showing the earnings of young Hollywood:

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

The CEO of Burger King Corp., Greg Brenneman, announces plans to start selling shares of the company to the public.

Stuyvesant Senior Wins National InvestWrite Competition BY DEREK WENG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER Melissa Chan, a senior and the business section editor of The Stuyvesant Standard was announced as one of the top three winners of the third bi-annual national “InvestWrite” student i n ve s t me n t e s s a y c o nt e s t . Melissa’s essay, which took home the first prize at the High School Division of the competition, was chosen over 340 others coming from around the nation.

“InvestWrite”, administered by the nonprofit Foundation for Investor Education, is a student essay competition in which participants are asked to combine techniques from mathematics, economics and other fields to come up with a strategy for investing money. Donna C. Peterman, a senior vice president at the Foundation, said that “The rapid growth and success of the InvestWrite comContinued on Page 7

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

February 16, 2006 Business/Opinions

choose the riskier stock, Google, value as a teaching and learning but ultimately selected the tortool. It is an excellent crosstoise because curriculum activher current ity, which helps risk tolerance develop and She provided the was more of strengthen stufamous fable the latter. She dent’s analytical wrote that “as and writing “The Tortoise and a young inskills.” the Hare” as an vestor with Melissa’s essay, analogy to very little “The Investment capital I am Race”, adapted speculate on the willing to the fable “The risks and potentials risk, my prefTortoise and the erence is for Hare” as an analof two publicly steadier, alogy to speculate traded stocks, beit more on the risks and Google Inc. and modest growreward potentials ing stock.” of two publicly Johnson and Principal Stanley Teitel and Eddy “This year, traded stocks, Bayardelle, head of Global PhilanJohnson Company. we were exGoogle Inc. and thropy at Merrill Lynch, awards Incited that Johnson and vestWrite winner Melissa Chan. Melissa Chan Johnson Comwon the national contest. Melissa pany. In her essay, Melissa adpetition, launched just two years is an excellent student who has mitted that she was tempted to ago, is proof of its relevance and

done well throughout all aspects of the class. It is also very rewarding to see the efforts of someone that seeks to do well through research and writing accomplish something noteworthy,” said Melissa’s teacher George Kennedy, who hand-selected and submitted her essay entry. “My feelings are considerable pride that this opportunity was made available to the nation’s schools and pride in the achievements of a Stuyvesant student. I think this speaks well of the New York public schools as well,” Mr. Kennedy added. Melissa and her teacher will both receive laptop computers as one of many rewarding prizes in recognition for her first place achievement. Melissa will receive a $1000 savings bond and a trip to Disney World with her family. Mr. Kennedy will also receive a one year subscription to The Wall Street Journal and a 5-day trip to NYSE Teacher’s Workshop. And to top it off, the whole Wall Street class was treated to a pizza party. ◙

fittest is a keystone of our values. How fitting it would be for our ID scanners to weed out the weak also. But then, there is always the horrible scenario in which it might actually encourage cutting. After all, how hard is it to just take your absent friends’ IDs and scan them with your own when you pass by the bridge as you enter and exit? Then, the teachers will be wrong because the allknowing machine has evidence of your friends’ presence. This will also be a nice break for the security guards, who can now dangle behind the desks or take a nap

since they no longer have to check our IDs. While these scanners might be more effective in a school where there are not enough security guards to check for attendance because they are needed to prevent mass chaos, the scanners will be utterly useless, not to mention degrading for Stuyvesant students. Nonetheless, the Department of Education has no intention of backing off or of listening to mere children. Perhaps the DOE will someday consider treating us more like responsible individuals instead of sneaky delinquents who need mechanical

Stuyvesant Senior Wins National InvestWrite Competition Continued from Page 6

Merrill Lynch

Page 7

Stuyvesant is Watching You stant vigilance? They might as well stick a huge poster next to the board in each classroom that Stuyvesant is getting new ID reads, “We are watching you.” scanners by the bridge entranceBesides, our current security sysway to keep track of the students tem is fine. There has always who are entering and exiting the been a security guard on duty by building. These gadgets, manthe bridge, ready to glance at IDs dated and provided by the Departand interrogate visitors. ment of Education, This mass are supposedly shepherding meant to provide a program only safe and comfortde h u ma n i z e s This mass able environment us in a way Shepherding for the school. Persimilar to our haps this would be program four-digit ID true in a crimenumbers. dehumanizes us in ridden school, in Since the ID which the student a way similar to scanner is alID might also rea d y p ro our four-digit ID serve as a rap grammed to numbers. sheet, but in a note when we school such as enter or leave, ours, the ID scanperhaps after a ners will confine certain time, it could be proand dehumanize us rather than grammed to send a computerized help or protecting us. phone message home to absenWhile the ID scanners will be tees, such as “Your son and or useful for warding off random daughter, 3133, has failed to apstrangers, the trade-off between pear at school today.” Such brutal security and liberty comes at a efficiency has the potential to high cost. The situation is rather eliminate more personal privireminiscent of a bad science ficleges such as homeroom or bubtion movie in which the adminible-sheet attendance. But what stration merely has to turn on a about those eternally forgetful or computer to be able to know who technologically challenged stuis in or out of the school at any dents who forget to scan their IDs given moment. Are we such horor do it improperly. They obvirible students that the administraously deserve to be marked as tion believes that we will cut cutters. After all, survival of the school at will without their con-

BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER

Senior Comedy Club Night!

Laugh Factory 8th Ave. and 42nd St. Tomorrow, February 17th 6 P.M.-8 P.M. Tickets will be $20 at the door. Senior President and Vice President, Mike Kimlat and Elisa Lee will be announcing this year's Graduation Speaker!

Page 8 BY YANJIE HOU OPINIONS EDITOR

February 16, 2006 Opinions

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

The Grand Adventure of a Blood Donator

There are only a few times some people who are really huneach year in which the sixth floor gry and even more stingy who go gym is covered with large, ugly there because the blood drive plastic wraps and filled with provides free food. desks, booths, and people with But then, there are those biwriting utensils. Usually, it oczarre, perverse, and semicurs for two weeks in May when masochist people who go because sophomores start freaking out about their first APs, juniors are even more stressed out about their too many APs, and seniors are just wiped out fr o m their three years of accumulated APs. However, since last year, Initial needle insertion and flow of blood. Donators squeeze an the 6th floor object to encourage blood flow. gym has also been the location of two successful blood drives. Our third and most recent one took place on Frida y, February 10. Unlike AP we e k, t hi s event in the 6th floor gym was actually some- Patient suppresses blood flow after filling the bag shown thing that I they somehow truly enjoy blood greatly looked forward to. Some drives. Yours truly is one of people donate blood out of the them. kindness of their hearts. Some do After all, how can anyone not it because all their friends are enjoy answering questions that doing and it is a great excuse to inquire whether he or she has miss class (if you go during your malaria, hepatitis, HIV, and nulunch period). And then there are

blood as eagerly and excitedly as some might watch a high-speed car chase. I try to savor each moment since my blood always flows unusually fast despite my amazingly low blood pressure. The whole journey ends with a free lunch in a buffet of Cheezit, Oreos, granola bars, and apple or orange juice. Of course, you also get a free X-Large T-shirt along with an extremely cool pin in the shape of a blood droplet. The blood drive is like Disney world. It has something for everyone. Friends huddle together and bond over the amazing experience. It is a vacation fro m t he classrooms. Some walk away with an inner glow, After 5-10 minutes, bags like this one are completely filled with which only blood comes after doing a good deed. Others come out smiling in makes all the anxious waiting glee after feeding on the fear and worthwhile. After the initial pain anxiety of their peers. And if which results the intrusion of an none of these reasons are very extremely sharp object into one appealing, you should know that of your veins, you start to experithe school in the New York city ence this most exhilarating, inthat donates the most blood will toxicating, and fascinating feelget some kind of prize at the end ing. Some people find it boring of the year. So be a Stuyvesant and painful as they wait for their student and help Stuyvesant be #1 pint of blood to fill up but I watch at something else besides math each swell of the container and and science. ◙ the continuous movement of the merous other kinds of interesting and esoteric diseases? But my favorite part of the questionnaires has always been the part where they ask whether I had sexual relations with anyone who had these diseases or is a prostitute. These questionnaires are only the beginning of a carnival of exhilarating fun as I continued my journey. Although I did not care for the tense period before the medical personnel stick in the needle, what comes afterward TSS/Henry Zhang

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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February 16, 2006 Literary BY ALICE WU STAFF WRITER

BY EILEEN L. CHANG STAFF WRITER I wake to white noise of water Slightly tapping on my window For joy to replace discontent Rain must convert to snow. I'm sure everyone else agrees too, The children gather by their windows Everyone has the same wish I hope it snows.

With Love In My Heart Not A Trace BY LADA KUKUY LITERARY EDITOR To be emotionally lonely And ever so confused, unreal Shall be the cross of my life only If I now answer your appeal. Please do not blame me for existing With love in my heart not a trace, For when, in moonlit nights I’m dreaming, I see near mine another face. We are so different, so unchanging In our diverse and polar ways That it will be a crime worth hanging To let this painful game take place…

Snowflakes float gently from the sky, Slowly as they're passing by. Twirling and whirling where they might, Millions of snowflakes taking flight. Down, down, down, they go, Blanketing the ground with so much snow. Iced diamonds, all covered in beauty that's rare, See how they sparkle and dance everywhere. These silver treasures, all as unique as can be, Filling children's hearts with glee. They glide by in the tender breeze, And land gracefully in the nearest tree.

Writer's Block BY CAROLINE HUGH STAFF WRITER Trapped in the sense that words repeat, and the essence remains immortal. The clock chimes My heart quickens yet no longer can my thoughts take shape. The barrier holds and my tongue shall not loosen My funnel collapses, lacking breath. What endless swirling! a beating of dust and leaves brings silt to my eyes that I cannot see. My journeystiresome restless travels,

passersby's dumb motions, a reprieve by the sighing river, a joining and dying of hands, years of locked emotionsall leave the same way like a colossal droplet joining a monotonous basin: one resounding burp and then, Silence.

BY ROBERT STEVENSON STAFF WRITER The cold, biting wind whipped around Peter as he pedaled his old bicycle through the large drifts of snow. His newspaper bag rested on his shoulder, empty. His red face stung from the freezing billows of snow, which pounded his face so much that he could hardly open his eyes. All he could make out past his squinting eyes was the dim silhouette of parked cars covered with snow. He could hardly feel his icy feet, which were instinctively going up and down on the pedals. His hands gripped the handle bars under his fat ski gloves. His bicycle slowly pushed through mounds of snow, and made it into town. Peter was the only person on the street. The roads were unplowed and the side walk was not shoveled. The street lights were not on, even though it was 6:00 in the morning. He wondered why

he did not see plows or trucks, and why the stores had no lights on. He pushed his way up Main Street and into the town square where he saw no one. His quick breath made clouds in the air and his bicycle came to a stop. He dismounted and trudged up to Wilson’s General Store where he was surprised to see no light. On the door was a sign, scribbled as if the person had been in a hurry. “Closed, due to evacuation.” Peter read this in confusion. What evacuation? As he wondered, his mind pieced the events together. No one had been on the street, and this said there had been an evacuation. Everyone was gone! What could he do? This storm was forecast to last for at least three days with a total accumulation of about five feet of snow, and the tides were going to rise enough to flood the town. He was stranded! ◙

LOVE BY ANNA GINZBURG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER Love is but a simple four-letter word Yet muttering it to you would feel absurd Your lips are perfect as are you But I still will never get a clue Loving you hurts so much And yet I fear we will never touch Oh how I wish I can talk with you To hear your voice wouldn’t make me blue But rather joyous and oh so full of shock But until then all I hear is my friend mock Yet I know for v-day I’ll flirt like crazy And as corny as it is, I’ll make you my little daisy

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February 16, 2006 Literary/Puzzles

Castles in the Sky BY LADA KUKUY LITERARY EDITOR i sit aloof, afraid to move afraid to face this world with everything i dreamed of- gone and what i had- disowned. is this reality of life whose sadness never leaves the door, and i, each day, gnaw at myself thining there should be something more? where are my castles in the sky, which i have never frared to build by promises of happy life that have my soul with such joy filled?

Surreal (I) BY JENNIFER LEE STAFF WRITER

We have evolved from time and space. We now live on islands-because the continents have split And drifted apart. The waters surround us and we dare not swim across the other side; Fear for distance too far. We have lost the ability to fly Because for unknown reasons, we Lost the ability to dream… We spread out on our backs and gazed up. The sky was so big. Every star was glowing white. There was no moon out tonight. I closed my eyes-looking at the sky always made me feel too small. The sky would forever feel too vast. It goes evermore like these waters surrounding this island… I swept a pile of white sand into my hands and unclenched them. The grains trickled down my palms, and I was instantly reminded of the hourglass. Time never runs out. It is cruel, merciless, never caring, never loving, never crying. Time, I’ve learned, cannot be stopped. And that’s the worst part of it. I felt tears forming and bit my upper lip. God…this cursed island. “I feel so unreal…” I felt my companion’s eyes tear away from the blackness of the sky. I didn’t wait for a response. I rolled to my left, farther away from him. “Do you ever think…” I paused, pondering on the possibility, “that we’ll be stuck here forever?” I turned sideways and met grey eyes. Those eyes always made me feel calmer. But looking at them was seeing the truth revealed. That made me angry; I was starting to hate the truth. He looked at me for a long time. It was a clear, steady gaze. Then he opened his mouth and closed it, eyes fluttered shut. He looked like a fish. That thought made me want to laugh…but I didn’t. It was just too quiet here. The salty sea breeze twined with old memories…I wanted to dissolve my eyes in the waters and cry. “There was a time…when I thought we could leave. That there was a way, you know?” His voice had raised in a pitch of desperation and frustration. “But after waiting, hoping, wondering, every single day, always wondering-I can’t. I don’t know.” I let out a long, shivery sigh and realized I had held my breath while he was talking. “No body ever knows. If only we could leave right now…” Nobody knows…It would always mean no. He laughed bitterly. “If only. There’s times when I wonder if we’ll ever get what we want.” I stared at the sky, eyes never leaving that one lone star in the sky. It had no shimmer at all. If wishes were stars… there’d be no night.

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Welcome to the 2006 Stuyvesant Standard Puzzle Hunt! We are now accepting registration for teams to enter the 2nd Stuyvesant Standard Puzzle Hunt, which will begin in the next issue with the release of several puzzles. If you're familiar with the style of the Hunt already, you can probably just skip on down to the Registration section, to learn how to register your team (a few things have changed from last year). For those unfamiliar with this event, the Puzzle Hunt is a puzzle competition in which teams compete to find something specific on the school grounds (last year, it was a coin). The winning team will win $50, to be split evenly among the team members. However, there are no clear instructions as to how to locate or identify this thing. Instead, teams will have to solve puzzles to attempt to clue together what they need to do. Puzzles will usually have as their solutions a word or short phrase, and together the answers to the puzzles will form the metapuzzle, which will lead teams to their final goal. Puzzles in the Puzzle Hunt can be of any type: crosswords, number puzzles, cryptograms, technological puzzles, or anything else you can think of. Puzzles may not even have instructions on what to do, in which case you'll just have to figure it out for yourself. They will also tend to be harder than puzzles you may have seen already, some with multiple steps to reach a solution. But don't get discouraged, because the point of the Hunt is to have fun, and we're going to do our best to make sure that can happen. General Guidelines: 1. Our job is to make this a fun activity for everyone. If you are not having fun working on the hunt, please tell us — we want to have fun running the Hunt, and we hope you can too. But if you're not, tell us. We'd like to know, and we'll try to help. 2. Please don't do anything that might prevent other people from enjoying the Hunt. For instance, don't mislead other teams, and don't modify anything that's part of a puzzle. Also, don't steal answers from us or from other teams. That's just not a good thing to do. Don't snoop around other teams. Don't violate any laws or school rules. And don't trade answers with other teams. If you're confused as to whether something is allowed, or if you think a puzzle intends you to do something that might be dangerous, unfair, or illegal, please contact us to check, first. 3. If your team would like to combine with another team in the middle of the Hunt, please contact us to explain the circumstances. Similarly, if your team wants to drop out, please tell us, so we can keep records of what is going on. Registration: To register your team, send an e-mail titled "Registration" to [email protected] with the following four things: Your team name A list of team members and their homerooms An e-mail address to send important e-mails to Your favorite fruit We do not have a set limit on the number of people allowed in a team, but we'd prefer not having really, really huge teams competing. When, in the course of puzzling, you figure out the answer (or what you think is the answer) to a puzzle, you'll want to confirm it with us. Please do. To check answers, e-mail them to us at [email protected], and we'll reply as soon as possible. We check the account often, but we're only human, and you may have to wait a while for a response. We will, however, check the e-mail account at least once a day, and probably more than that, so e-mails should be dealt with in a timely manner. You can also check progress with us - if you have come up with a method that you are sure is correct (we cannot, however, confirm individual methods for you) and you would like to check your progress, you can email us with your ideas and progress, and we will reply and possibly confirm the validity of individual parts of your work (for instance, we might tell you that you had a mistake somewhere in the upper-right 3x3 of a sudoku grid, or something like that) And that's it, so good luck, and enjoy the Hunt. Sho Uemura, Managing Editor Kevin Hwang, Puzzle Hunt Coordinator

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Last Issue’s Solutions Crossword Puzzle F I S T O V E R R E C O L Y E L L O L E S U S O E N T W U N L O T A I A M A H E R

O A R S P A S L L E C T E O C I D S H O L Y R I O T E F E R N S R I E S G I N S E L A D E R E R E S T R A S E A T M R Y E S

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February 16, 2006 Puzzles

Space: The Final Frontier

Sudoku C I T E

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Cryptograms Amidst great winds of green and red we search for a midnight clear. And stand in awe of burning lights heralds of price-tagged cheer. Rejoice! Regale! Express your mirth! say those who would beguile so many told to smile hard yet so

BY JONATHAN XIKIS STAFF WRITER

many hardly smile. Our souls are chafed, our wallets bled our faces show the strain. Yet problems though we think we have should make us think again. - J.D. “Illiad” Frazer

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ALIEN BLACKHOLE EARTH ECLIPSE ENTERPRISE GALAXY

BY JENNIFER SCHLESINGER OUT-OF-SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR

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Crossword Puzzle

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PLUTO ROCKET SATURN SPACESHIPONE SPACESHUTTLE STAR

JUPITER MARS MERCURY MOON NEPTUNE PLASMA

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SUN UNIVERSE URANUS VENUS

WORMHOLE

Sudoku BY JEFFREY LIAW STAFF WRITER

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. 1 8 6

9 5

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1 ACROSS 1 The big________ 4 Birth__________ 7 Senior NY senator 9 Chemistry unit 11 State of matter 13 Each his fair due 15 Affirmative 16 Picture disk 17 Frozen water 20 South American country 22 By way of 23 Facial feature 24 Greek city-state 27 Author of Emma 28 Age and magazine 29 Two hundred 31 Doctor 34 Yankee shortstop 35 Something senior fill out 37 Touchdown

38 Shakespeare play 41 American_________ 46 Type of math 47 Symbol for neon 48 _________ activism 50 Egyptian ruler 52 Vegetarian delight 53 Flower 54 Congress of________ 55 Diagram 56 __________trail DOWN 1 New Supreme Court judge 2 French for thank you 3 The Raven 4 Year of_________ 5 Greek letter 6 Highest US mountain 8 Fourth president 10 Social contract 12 Figure skating jump

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Male pronoun Happiest place on earth Certificate of deposit Mighty river Pronoun for self ______57 Team in superbowl Island continent Windy city Spirit of Laws _________Olympics

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Subway line Many-sided Fourth planet Online encyclopedia Type of cat Type of bread Olympic sport Cup and______ Eminent_______ World wide______ 2 thousand pounds

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February 16, 2006 Science

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD Kansas State University

Sleep Tight at Night… Or Not Bedbugs move by jumping and running around. Typically, they enter one’s house by jumping from person to person in tight spaces. Although annoying, they do not make people sick. Rather, they just leave an itchy bump where the victim was bitten. The upsurge in bedbug infestation over the last few years stems from several factors. Increasing international travel and trade allows the bugs to spread more easily. The most potent pesticides, such as DDT, have been banned almost everywhere in the world. New York City is taking

BY KENNETH LAM STAFF WRITER The common cliché, “Sleep tight, and don’t let the bedbugs bite,” is heard throughout the world at night, when parents tuck their children into bed. But can we really not let the bedbugs bite us? Recently, bedbugs have been on the march in New York. A bedbug is a member of the genus Cimex, the most common of the bedbugs being Cimex lectularius. It commonly lives in any recessed spaces with cracks running through them. Generally, a dark space that is enclosed and sheltered will harbor the bugs.

Has Science Gone Too Far? BY RICHARD SHYONG STAFF WRITER Seahorses. Those strange little creatures that live under the sea. Out of all the animals on the face of the earth, they are the only known creatures to have the males go through the pregnancy stage. And thankfully, it looks like it is going to remain that way for a while. MalePregnancy.com

The common bed bug.

help. Cleaning more often also helps combat the insects. In the worst case scenario, an exterminator will have to be hired to clean up the house. ◙

First Partial Face Transplant BY SALLY CHEUNG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

Every since this day, my life has changed.” Whenever she went out, she would always wear a surgical mask to avoid frightening people with her lipless gums,exposed teeth and missing nose. When Ms. Dinoire’s surgeons suggested a transplant, she immediately agreed, even though the procedure would be unable to restore the way that she looked before the attack. “Since the day of my operation, I have a face like everyone else,” Ms. Dinoire said. Ms. Dinoire thanked the family of the brain-dead female donor, saying that, “Despite their pain and mourning, they accepted to give a second life to people in need. Thanks to them, a door to the future is opening for me and others.” ◙

One of the common transplants we often hear about is the kidney transplant. Another one would be the heart transplant. But never have we heard of the face transplant. Isabelle Dinoire, a 38-yearold French mother of two, received the world’s first partial face transplant on November 27, 2005. The 15-hour surgery took place in Amiens where Ms. Dinoire’s face, which had a gaping hole casued by a dog bite, was replaced with new lips, chin and nose. Ms. Dinoire, though still hospitalized for physical therapy, can now open her mouth and eat. Although her scar, a fate, circular line of buckled skin around her nose, lips, and chin, is still evident, the scar continues to grow fainter each week. It all started one day in May, when her pet Labrador attacked her. She admitted that she happened to be experiencing some personal problems at that time and “took some drugs to forget,” which knocked her out. She woke up and tried to light a cigarette, but to her confusion, couldn’t hold it between her lips. “That’s when I saw the pool of blood and the dog next to me. I looked at myself in the mirror, and there, horrified, I couldn’t believe what I Isabelle Dinoire, recipient of the world’s first partial face transplant. saw — especially because it didn’t hurt.

Reuters

Fake images such as this on MalePregnancy.com was used to lure people into believing that men can have children too.

E v e r v i s i t www.malepregnancy.com? It is a very formal looking site that, as the name suggests, is dedicated to male pregnancy. It gives the reader a nice, round image of a pregnant Taiwanese American, and even has some quotes from people around the U.S. The pictures, the links, the videos, all make this website seem so, well, real. Its just too bad that this website is one of the many hoaxes found on the web. There were many problems with male pregnancy that the website did not discuss. A major issue is that no organ except the female uterus is capable of having an egg implanted in its side. Technically, an egg could implant itself onto the walls of a kidney, lets say. However, major infections and problems could ensue s o o n a f t e r . www.malepregnancy.com mentioned nothing of how they overcame this problem, which is the main reason that men today cannot have babies. Nevertheless, this site is still amusing for some people. Ivan Tse, a sophomore, said of this site: “I think it’s hilarious.” Others, however, found it less so. “THEY PLAYED ME ITS ALL A HOAX” said Shayan Saber, a sophomore. “I googled it to check it out (and) it said it was some joke made up by this asian artist.” Some people even quoted directly from the website itself. Sophomore Lee Tsai said, “His quote explains everything "This is against God… Repent now before it's too late. You sick, sick people..."” I guess there is a time for everything, just not male pregnancy. ◙

measures to attempt to end the sudden surge in bedbugs. Legislation is being considered to prevent old mattresses from being shipped in the same truck as new mattresses. This reduces the chance that the bedbugs may travel between mattresses. The same legislation seeks to ban the refurbishment of mattresses. This would mean that old mattresses would be thrown out, rather than being cleaned up and resold. Homeowners facing infestation have several options open to them. Scouting for likely bedbug nests, often found behind headboards or under bed frames, can

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 13

February 16, 2006 A&E/Science

Chimeras: The Blurring of the Human-Animal Line the scientists who want to do this. They’ve now gone over the edge into pathological domain.” Others, such as David Magnus, director of the Stanford Center of Biomedical Ethics at Stanford Uni-

BY BENNETT HONG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

versity, believe the real worry is whether or not chimeras will be put to problematic, risky, or dangerous uses. Still, there are others, such as Cynthia Cohen, a member of Canada’s Stem Cell Oversight Committee and also a senior research fellow at Georgetown University’s Kennedy Institute of Ethics in Washington,

Associated Press

An ancient Etruscan statue of chimera, a humananimal hybrid. The creation of an actual chimera by Chinese scientists has sparked controversy.

valuable about human beings that ought to be honored and protected.” Dr. Cohen supports a chimera ban in the United States, imitating Canada’s recently approved Assisted Human Reproduction Act, which outlaws the transfer of a nonhuman cell into a human embryo and vice versa. However, she also believes that

Oprah Shows Her Disgust at an Author’s Fraudulent Writing the writer. However, she has recently changed her stance and says she now feels betrayed by In September, Oprah Winfrey Mr. Frey: “I feel duped. But more added the book “A Million Little importantly, I feel you betrayed Pieces” by James Frey to her millions of readers.” book club and sales of the book However, Mr. Frey stands by instantly skyrocketed. The book his writing. He feels that although is about the author’s journey to parts of the story were embelovercome drugs and alcohol, and lished to enhance his tough-guy to find his freedom. Recently, it image, the main body of the has been discovered that although memoir is accurate. He said, “I the author claimed the story was made a mistake, and when I writfactual, much of it has been exaging the book, instead of being gerated. At first, Oprah supported introspective as I should have been, I clung to that image.” Moreover, although much of Oprah’s anger is aimed at the author himself, she is also deeply upset with the publisher, Random House. She says that before she added the James Frey’s “A Million Little Pieces.” book to her club, she

BY JENNIFER SCHLESINGER OUT-OF-SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR

Reuters

Chimera. Ask a Stuy student and you get this definition: a monster in Greek mythology that is part lion, part goat, and part serpent. Ask a specialized researcher and you may get something else: it's not a myth anymore. Nature’s designs have always fascinated humans. From the first tests involving pea plants to recent advances in cloning and stem cell research, we have always eagerly tried to unlock nature’s amazing and frightening secrets. Now, the time has come for us to unlock yet another door — the merging of humans with other creatures. Actually, the door has been already opened two years ago. In 2003, Chinese scientists at the Shanghai Second Medical University successfully fused human cells with rabbit eggs, which developed into the first humananimal chimeras successfully created. Last year, in Minnesota, researchers at Mayo Clinic created pigs with human blood flowing through their bodies. Later this year, at Stanford University in California, an experiment may be done to create mice with human brains. Irv Weissman, director of Stanford University’s Institute of Cancer/Stem Cell Biology and Medicine in California, who has already created mice with brains that are one percent human, is planning to create mice with fully human brains in the near future. In the coming experiment, he plans to inject human neurons into the brains of embryonic mice, which would be killed and dissected before being born. Then he intends to look for traces of human brain formation. If successful, he would look for traces of human cognitive behavior. Currently, he is awaiting approval from the National Academy of Sciences. However, as with all advancements, with each step forward, there is a reaction in the opposite direction. Merging humans with animals raises many ethical issues. Some scientists, such as biotechnology activist Jeremy Rifkin, believe that animals have the “right to exist without being tampered with or crossed with another species.” He views making chimeras as lunacy: “One doesn’t have to be religious or into animal rights to think this doesn’t make sense. It’s

D.C., who view that creating chimeras by mixing human and animal sperm or eggs or transferring reproductive cells would diminish human dignity and “deny that there is something distinctive and

wording on such a ban needs to be developed carefully as to not outlaw ethical and legitimate experiments, such as transferring a limited number of adult human stem cells into animal embryos to learn about their proliferation and growth during the prenatal period. Supporters of chimerism argue for the potential of medical breakthroughs. “Anybody who puts their own moral guidance in the way of this biomedical science, where they want to impose their will — not just be part of an argument — if that leads to a ban or moratorium . . . they are stopping research that would save human lives,” said Weissman. In this heated debate, supporters also bring up of past acceptances of chimerism. For example, faulty heart valves are routinely replaced with ones taken from cows and pigs, making the recipient a human-animal chimera, but this is widely accepted. Also, for years scientists have added human genes to bacteria and farm animals. Dr. Rifkin argued that “there are other ways to advance medicine and human health besides going out into the strange, brave new world of chimerical animals,” and added that sophisticated computer models can substitute for experimentation on live animals. Another important thing to keep in mind is: at what point would the creature be considered human? And what rights, if any, should it have? ◙

had received a report that parts of it were untrue. Thus, she consulted the publisher, who said that their legal department had checked out the book and found it to be a true narrative. However, Random House now admits that they only checked to make sure the book was not plagiarized. Nan Talese of Random House said, “I thought, as a publisher, this is James’s memory of the hell he went through and I believed it.” Overall, sales of “A Million Little Pieces” have remained high as critics debate over whether or not the book’s message remains true. Many are taking Oprah’s lead and using this example of deceit in literature to push for better checks by the publishers of the accuracy of future works. As a former publisher said, “There is no question what she said will have a far reaching impact on our business.” ◙

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February 16, 2006 Arts & Entertainment

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

UPN and WB Merge to Create CW: What Shows Will Survive? BY EMMA RABINOVICH ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Diaries,” will be aired according to plan. The networks are hoping that a reshuffle will help the youthoriented programs to be able to

Reuters

Executives from Warner Bros. and CBS Corps. announced that the UPN and WB television networks will merge next September to create CW, a network that will broadcast the biggest hits from both networks. The merger is the result of the poor ratings of both networks, both of which primarily target the 18-34 demographic. Though the networks have had somewhat different focuses, with UPN being best known for minority-centered programming and WB for teen-angst shows, network executives hope that the shows from the two networks will mesh well together. Les Moonves, president of CBS, which owns UPN, explained: “The programming is very complementary. The idea of putting “Gilmore Girls” and “Veronica Mars” together is really exciting.”

While official schedule for CW won’t be announced until May, top rated-shows such as “Smallville,” “Beauty and the Geek,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Veronica Mars,” “Everybody Hates C h r i s ” a n d “America’s Next Top Model” are practically shoe-ins for renewal. The future of others, however, remains less certain. For example, the future of “Everwood,” whose ratings fall right on the cutoff, remains unclear. WB also reported that shows scheduled to premier midseason like Rebecca Romijn’s “Pepper Dennis” and “The Bedford

compete with shows from the big four: Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC. "It [CW] will clearly be greater than the sum of its parts," said Leslie Moonves in a statement. However, opposing networks predict a less bright future for the new network. “It’s not like you add The WB’s and UPN’s ratings and that’s what this network is going to get. It doesn’t work like that,” said an executive at Fox. ◙

Leslie Moonves, president of CBS Corporation, announcing the merging of UPN and the WB into CW.

Welcome to Stuyvesant Open House!

Contact [email protected] for more information!

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 15

February 16, 2006 A&E/Sports

Great Expectations

Reuters

Continued from Page 16 Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin. His energy and playtem and accumulated many draft making ability have been helpful. picks for the NHL entry draft. However, the Rangers will have All that trading has paid huge to live without him, as in their dividends this year. The Rangers game versus the Philadelphia Flygot off to a fast start and have ers, Prucha sprained his knee and kept it up all season long. One of will miss three to four weeks. the keys to their success has been There is one large difference the resurgence of Jaromir Jagr as between how the Rangers got the best hockey player in the under cap and how the Knicks NHL. Jagr is leading all players can get under cap. In the NBA, with 80 points and is tied for sectrades must be conducted so that ond in goals with 35. if you are over the cap, as with However, Jagr has not done it the Knicks, you cannot receive alone. Two rookies are also 25% plus $100,000 more salary played a huge role in getting the than you give. Therefore, the only Rangers to first place. G o a l i e H e n r i k Lund q vi s t was a seventh round selection in the 2000 draft. This is his first year playing in N o r t h A m e r i c a , Eddy Curry, Stephon Marbury, and Qyntel Woods of the Knicks and he has during a recent game, in which they lost to the Lakers. been nothway to “dump” cap is by trading ing short of brilliant. He is third for expiring contracts. Once a in the league in goals against avcontract expires, that money is erage with 2.12 and is second in off the books, thus creating more save percentage at .926. His stelcap room. If the Knicks were able lar play has been one of the keys to trade for more expiring conto the Rangers' success. tracts, which is not easy, they Two years and one round could be out of their predicament later, the Rangers selected formuch more quickly and have a ward Petr Prucha from the Czech shot at prized free agents such as Republic, and he has paid huge Lebron James, whose contract dividends as well. He is third in with Cleveland expires in 2007. goals scored by rookies, behind ◙ wonder kid Sidney Crosby and

Congratulations to JENNIFER SCHLESINGER & DEREK WENG on becoming the NEW EDITOR IN CHIEF & MANAGING EDITOR of The Stuyvesant Standard

Teacher, Did We Get Artest Back? Continued from Page 16

years. Now, the second question: what did the Kings win? Prior to his punching a fan, Ron Artest was looked upon as being one of the most dominant powerforwards in the league and, along with Jermaine O’Neal and Reggie Miller, the Pacers were thought to be a possible Championship team, since they were made up of a Championship-worth y team which did rather well in the league for the past decade. After being banned from playing, Artest fell from the fans' and coaches' eyes and was regarded as a has-been who messed up his career and acted very unprofessionally. Everyone thought so except Adelman. This year he gave Artest a chance in his team

by giving up his star three-point shooter. The motivation behind this trade was Adelman’s attempt at reshaping what used to be a star team, but in recent years had left fans rather surprised by their lackluster performances. By acquiring Artest he had the opportunity of filling the gap left by Divac, the veteran center, as well as Chris Webber, who, after his knee injury, never got back to full condition. But in the end, what does it mean for both teams? Will the Kings reach a higher ground and will the Pacers be able to win, or will the trades result in a loss for both teams? We’ll have to wait to see, but we’re sure to see exciting games painting the road along the way! ◙

The Holocaust Revisited: Night by Elie Wiesel It begins at the time when German aggression towards the Jews had just started to surface and Nobel Peace Prize-winning continues on to tell of the restricauthor’s Elie Wiesel’s autobiotions that were put on the Jew as graphical novella, well as life in the Night, has been isghettos. The story sued in a new translathen tells about Wietion by the author’s sel’s journey to wife. The book was Auschwitz and the first published in Yidhorror that Wiesel dish in 1958; the first overcame, with grueEnglish translation some depictions that appeared two years are not for the faint of later. Wiesel explains heart. in a new introduction, Those who have read “Back then, I was an other accounts and unknown writer who stories of life in Nazi was just getting concentration camps, started. My English such as Devil’s Arithwas far from good. metic by Jane Yolen, When my British will find that Night is publisher told me that Night, by Elie Wiesel. similar. However, it he had found a transalso offers the added lator, I was pleased…it seemed insight because it is written from alright. I never re-read it.” the voice of an actual Holocaust Oprah Winfrey chose the survivor. novella for her immensely popuAll things considering, Night lar Book Club, and sales have is a valuable read. It brings the skyrocketed. During the week of suffering of the period to life and February 5, it was fifth on USA has many life lessons to offer. It’s Today’s best-selling paperback also a book that urges the reader list, as well as the number one to continue and eventually bebest selling non-fiction papercomes impossible to put down. back. It oversold A Million Little As you read on, you can’t wait to Pieces, another book featured in see what happens and you’re Oprah’s Book Club. routing for Wiesel, who quickly Night is the story of the auearns your sympathy and respect. thor’s survival of Nazi concentra◙ tion camps during World War II. BY JENNIFER SCHLESINGER OUT-OF-SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR

Echo Press

Page 16

February 16, 2006 Sports

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Teacher, Did We Get Artest Back? Associated Press

BY OSMAN NEMLI SPORTS EDITOR It was simple enough. A year ago Ron Artest went into the stands to punch a fan and received a yearlong ban. It sounds almost too violently poetic to count as a basketball scuffle, and yet here it was. A while back I mentioned how Artest had become a cancer for the Indiana Pacers team and how Indiana was looking to sell him. Sell him they did, but more importantly a trade was made. Longtime Sacramento King three-point shooting veteran Peja Stojakovic was traded for IndiThe Sacramento Kings’ Ron Artest. ana Pacers Ron Artest in what appeared to be a huge trade for Indiana and a gamble for all, what did the Pacers gain? The Kings coach Rick Adelman as he Pacers were lucky enough to get gave away a veteran from his rid of a thorn in their organizaroster for a player whose stamina tion's side for the past two years and fitness were not known. in exchange for the best threeWell since then the hype has point shooter in the league. This been brought down, and both is a sign that the team is attemptteams got both players and deing to find a replacement for vetcided to try them out. Two major eran All-Star Reggie Miller, who questions came out from this retired at the end of last year after trade; what did the Pacers get and playing for the Pacers for 18 what did the Kings get? First of Continued on Page 15

COLUMIBA UNIVERSITY SCIENCE HONORS PROGRAM The Columbia Science Honors Program (SHP) is a highly selective program for students who have exceptional talent in math and science. The SHP holds classes at Columbia from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Saturdays throughout the academic year starting in the Fall. Courses are primarily in the physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, and computing sciences. There is no tuition for this program. However, there is a qualifying exam which costs $20. You must be in 9th-11th grade to apply. If you are interested in applying, pick up an application from Ms. Daves in Room 802 or from the College Office. Be sure to request your transcript from the college office no later than March 15, 2006. All applications (including transcript and teacher recommendation) must be postmarked no later than March 22, 2006. You will be notified of the entrance exam date and time in mid April. The entrance exam is on April 29, 2006. You will be notified of the results of the qualifying exam in late June/early July.

Great Expectations BY ERIC MAYO STAFF EDITOR Expectations are a funny thing. Six months ago, Sports Illustrated predicted a last place finish for the New York Rangers. With new head coach Larry Brown, the Knicks' immediate future looked bright. How times have changed. As of February 7, the Knicks were in another slump in a season filled with slumps. They had lost 11 of their last 12 games. In seven of those games they lost by double digits, and there were three losses of 20 or more points. The Knicks have also been without Stephon Marbury for a significant stretch of time due to a sore shoulder. With no veteran point guard to set up the offense, the Knicks have taken their game to a whole new level of sloppy. No one plays defense, few rebound, and few can consistently put the ball in the hoop. The future is even starting to look dull. When the Knicks traded forward Antonio Davis for Jalen Rose and a first-round draft pick, many assumed the pick would help the Knicks' future. Not quite. Jalen Rose will be paid 14.5 million dollars next year, money that could have been taken

off the Knicks' ever-increasing payroll. There will come a point when owner James Dolan simply won’t have enough money to spend on the team. Perhaps the Knicks need to look to the other tenant of Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers. In March of 2004, Rangers GM Glen Sather had finally come to his wits' end. For as long as anyone could remember, Sather had been bringing high priced stars like Alexei Kovalev, Anson Carter, and Pavel Bure just so the Rangers could make the playoffs. Every year, they failed. He finally decided to start rebuilding. Before the 2004 trading deadline, Sather managed to make eight trades in eight days. He traded left winger Garth Murray and right winger Alexei Kovalev to the Canadians for Marcel Hossa, younger brother of Thrashers star Martin Hossa, a prospect, and some draft picks. Peter Nedved was traded to Edmonton for more prospects and picks. Forward Chris Simon was traded for two prospects, and Blair Betts, who was a valuable center for the Rangers before injuring his knee. All in all, the Rangers restocked their farm sysContinued on Page 15