Volume 5 Issue 3

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

The Stuyvesant Standard Volume V, Issue 3

October 6, 2005

Free

Stuyvesant Set to Go Wireless cific plans with school administrators if officials decide to proceed. Principal Stanley Teitel said that “a bid will go out for a public contract” to set up a network if the plans are approved. Currently, most students use wired school computers in computer labs, department offices, and the library. Teitel said of the new system that “In theory, a student would sit with a laptop almost anywhere in the school and just begin.” Stuyvesant High School is a place known for its robotics team, for its relatively well-equipped labs and for the televisions in every classroom. Many students are excited about the prospect of wireless technology. Senior Marc Tourangeau is “very optimistic...so many innovations already exist in our school and the future is boundless for Stuy.” ◙

White House

Wireless technology may be in Stuyvesant’s future. During the fourth week of September, Department of Education consultants surveyed the school and evaluated the possibility of installing a wireless Internet network. The surveyors considered the possible price of the new technology and tested for signal strength with specialized equipment. Stuyvesant may become a pilot in a city-wide wireless program. The school already has an informal network on the first and second floors, and a city-funded system may follow. said “We were going to do it on our own, but they [the Department of Education] have decided to set it up,” said Assistant Principal of Tech-

TSS/Katie Banks

BY AMY LEUNG SENIOR STAFF WRITER

A Positive Beginning for ‘A Chorus Line’

Technicians marked rooms undergoing testing with red stickers.

nology Services Edward Wong. According to Wong, the wireless technology might be “extended to the cafeteria and maybe one of

the upper floors.” Any school-wide network is still in the planning stages, however. The DOE will discuss spe-

BY PALAK SHAH STAFF WRITER

Harriet Miers, above, was nominated to fill Sandra Day O'Connor's seat on October 3; confirmation hearings will be held in the next few weeks. John Roberts Jr. was confirmed as the 17th chief justice of the United States by a 78-22 Senate vote on September 29.

Visit us on the Web at stuystandard.org!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE -------------News.....................2-3 Business................4 Opinions................5-6 Literary..................7

Science..............................8 Puzzles……………….......7-9 Arts & Entertainment........9-11 Sports................................11-12

“A Chorus Line,” this year’s Fall Musical, features a mix of love, intimate life stories, and pasts revisited. It’s about sixteen dancers trying out for a Broadway show, who are slowly culled into a group of eight by the mysterious director Zach (senior Ian Murphy), who asks some revealing questions. “It gets intense,” said producer Maria Santos. “People get personal and even come out.” The play, a production of the Stuyvesant Theater Community, has faced challenges at Stuyvesant. Christy Close, the STC’s faculty advisor, left after last school year to study at the College of William and Mary. Yet progress is steady. Directors were chosen at the end of last Continued on Page 9

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October 6, 2005 News

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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

FACULTY ADVISER EDITOR IN CHIEF M ANAGING 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

Copyright ©2005 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 MOR ROSENBERG STAFF WRITER Junior State of America is the largest student-run organization in the United States. It is a nonpartisan political debate club, bringing members together to discuss resolutions on current events. JSA consists of several local “states,” or regional groups, each of which contains hundreds of local chapters. Stuyvesant belongs to the North Eastern States group. The NES organizes several conventions each year in which schools from all around the State come to debate. Students spend weekends at hotels, debating in the morning and partying at night. “JSA isn’t just a political debate club, it’s where I’ve made some of my closest friends while learning to be a better debater in the process,” says sophomore Kathleen Garland. Sophomore Caritas Dohas agrees, saying that she likes the club because “It provides an opportunity to get close to kids with similar interest while debating with them at the top of your lungs.” The Stuyvesant JSA chapter

is very close-knit but not afraid to welcome newcomers. An interest meeting was held on September 26th, but turnout was lower than expected because of an unforeseen rapid dismissal and a problem with finding a room. “Still, sophomores and freshmen showed up, and I was pleased,” said sophomore David Parkinson, the current chapter president, about the attendance. The club will have another interest meeting on October 11th. ◙ If you are interested in joining JSA and receiving more information, please contact the president at [email protected]. If you are interested in having your club featured in "Club Spotlight," please email [email protected]. Junior State of America

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Junior State of America

Club Spotlight

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.

Alum Yume Kitasei at the 2005 JSA Winter Congress.

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

October 6, 2005 News

Page 3

Passengers Watch Their Own Emergency Landing A Jet Blue jet landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport on September 21 after its landing gear jammed following takeoff. As pilots discussed the problem with company executives in New York and technicians in France, passengers watched live coverage of their ordeal on the plane’s video monitors. The Airbus A320 was scheduled to fly from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California to Kennedy International in New York. Soon after the 3:17 PM takeoff., the pilot noticed that the nose wheels were stuck in a position perpendicular to the body of the plane, making it impossible for the gear to be retracted. The plane circled above Los Angeles for three hours to burn

off fuel. When it finally landed, the pilot coasted the plane on its functional rear wheels before slowly bringing the front end down. As the plane landed on the longest runway in the United States, sparks and flames shot out of the burning front tires. The plane soon slowed and stopped, though, and all 146 passengers left uninjured. David Reinitz, a comedian on board, taped a final farewell to his girlfriend on a video camera he had with him. After the plane had landed, he commended the crew of six for keeping the passengers fully informed and landing the plane safely. “It felt like the New York subway, rattling and shaking,” Reinitz said. “It was pretty intense, but it wasn’t panicky.” The National Transportation Safety Board found that there had

Agence France-Presse

Oil Crisis Grows in Wake of Hurricanes personal virtue, but it cannot be BY JENNIFER SCHLESINGER the basis of a sound energy polOUT OF SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR icy.” Many environmentalists, After Hurricane Katrina however, say that promoting prostruck the Gulf Coast, gas prices duction will only lead to shortspiked nationwide. About half of ages in the near future. They feel all refineries in the Gulf shut that America, as a nation, needs down in preparation for the to be less reliant on oil. "We need storm. Although most have since alternatives to fossil fuels. Our reopened, 17 remain closed, recountry has an oil addiction," said ducing production capacity by Jacob Mentlik, an environmental two million barrels a day. Gas activist. prices have fluctuated since the Conservatives in Congress have proposed subsidizing new refineries, increasing coastal drilling for oil, and allowing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Environmentalists oppose these initiatives. They believe that drilling in coastal areas and in An oil refinery in Galveston Bay, Texas. ANWR will only result in a minimal increase in oil hurricane, but higher costs have production and a lot of pollution. made many Americans think Instead, they advocate tougher twice about driving everywhere. mileage requirements for cars and More than a dozen natural the switch from SUVs to smaller gas plants were also shut. Comcars and hybrids. They also bined with the higher oil prices, stress the need for more research this will lead to higher costs for on possible replacements for fosheating homes this winter. sil fuels. ◙ Economists feel that higher costs may reduce spending on luxuries like restaurants and upmarket clothing. However, in the long run, they feel that other forces will keep the economy growing. Although the oil crisis escalated with the storm, it has been an underlying problem for years. America is heavily reliant on foreign oil is the world’s largest energy consumer. The Bush administration has generally favored promoting production instead of conservation. In 2001, Vice President Dick Cheney said, “Conservation may be a sign of

been three similar incidents in the past, including one in February 1999 involving another Airbus A320. A i r b u s spokeswoman Mary Anne JetBlue Airbus 320, making an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport. Greczyn said that other manufacturers had exand me.’” perienced similar problems as Ms. Jacobs, an editor for The well. “This has happened with New York Observer, described just about every make and model the incident as “an out-of-body of aircraft that is out there,” she experience.” “The flight attensaid. dants were chanting, ‘Brace, Another passenger was Alexbrace, brace’ like a mantra,” she andra Jacobs, six and a half said. “It was like a prayer. It was months pregnant at the time. “My real scary. And then we smelled first thought was for my husburning rubber, and the plane band,” she said. “I was thinking, stopped, and a big cheer went ‘You’re going to lose your baby up.” ◙

Hurricane Rita Strikes the Already Devastated Gulf Coast BY ANNA GINZBURG STAFF WRITER After Hurricane Katrina, most Americans thought that the hurricane season had run its course. Shortly afterward, Hurricane Rita showed nature’s power. Once again Rita was the strongest measured hurricane to have ever entered the Gulf of Mexico, and the third most intense hurricane ever in the Atlantic Basin. Its peak sustained wind speeds reached an incredible 175 miles per hour. Hurricane Rita traveled from Florida to the Texas and Louisiana coasts, re-flooding parts of New Orleans. People recently returned to New Orleans houses had to evacuate once again. Thousands of others who fled Louisiana for Texas had to flee once more. Gwendolyn Garley and her family were taken to Galveston after being rescued from the roof of their home in New Orleans's 9th Ward. Family members were

planning to settle in Galveston permanently, but were among 58,000 residents from Galveston who were evacuated because of the hurricane. The threat of the hurricane caused President Bush to declare a state of emergency in Texas and Louisiana. Houston Mayor Bill White urged the residents in areas at risk for storm surge to evacuate. As many as one million people relocated to inland shelters. Escaping was not easy as highways filled and traffic stretched for miles. Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center, said Rita could have been even more damaging than Katrina, calling Rita “a very, very dangerous hurricane.” Rita pounded Texas and Louisiana with heavy rain and strong winds. The storm caused storm-surge flooding and significant wind damage in some areas and spawned at least two tornadoes. Many areas suffered neartotal destruction. ◙

Associated Press

BY YULIYA FELDMAN STAFF WRITER

Page 4

October 6, 2005 Business

iMania for the iNano BY HANFORD CHIU & SARA LEE STAFF WRITERS As if the iPod Mini wasn’t enough, Apple has continued the trend of cell phones, small yet functional: Apple has discontinued selling the iPod Mini on its site and has put up the iPod Nano as its heir apparent. Is the iPod Nano merely a marketing gimmick or really something awesome? Dimensionally, the iPod Nano is only a few tenths of an inch smaller than its predecessor in length, width and height. It currently comes only in black or white, not the Mini’s variety of colors. The weight has actually been cut more than half, and the iPod Nano is an amazing 1.5 ounces. Apple still sells the classic iPod (though it has been upgraded several times) and the iPod Shuffle in addition to the Nano. There have been changes in the size of the product, in its memory and its colors, but in fact they’re all still MP3 players! So, which one really matches your needs, your wants and your desires? Or the more practical question: which one is worth your money? To start off, refer to the chart of the iPod products and their properties on the right. Comparing the different aspects mentioned it seems really difficult to say which iPod is really the “best bargain.” But the iPod Nano is significantly smaller than the iPod but has all the same features! It has a color LCD screen, it has around the same battery life and it supports the same audio and photo formats. In all these respects it is better than the iPod Mini it replaces. Although the iPod Nano has less memory space than the iPod, it makes it up for it by being much more compact and much lighter. In addition, depending on personal use, the Nano might be as good, because it’s almost impossible to listen to all 5,000 or 15,000 songs. Some people don’t

even have 15,000 songs stored on their computer! So it would be spending money on something that might not be useful to you. In addition, the Nano takes less time to charge its battery, so if you’re ever in a rush, the Nano might be a better choice! It’s more realistic in its daily use and is more suitable for teenagers like us who simply enjoy things fast and convenient, small and simple. However, if size isn’t a priority, the Nano is less attractive. It probably wouldn’t make one replace their iPod Mini and go out and buy a Nano, as the improvements certainly aren’t worth $250. Compared to another popular MP3 player, the Zen Micro, which has 6 GB of storage for only $230, the only noteworthy advantage the Nano has is its size. So, if you wish to buy a music player, be sure to carefully analyze all aspects before being taken in by a gimmick. Every iPod product has its own group of fans, and it is hard to say which is better than another, but the iPod Nano does seem to be worth the price tag put on it. Apple releases new products every so often, and each time the product almost instantly becomes a fad, so what’s next? ◙

Storage and Song Capacity

Price Battery Life

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD iPod Shuffle 512MB (120 songs) or 1GB (240 songs)

iPod Nano 2GB (500 songs) or 4GB (1,000 songs)

iPod 20GB (5,000 songs) or 60GB (15,000 songs)

$99.00 $129.00 Up to 12 hours

$199.00 $249.00 Up to 14 hours of music playback; up to 4 hours of slideshows with music

$299.00 $399.00 Up to 15 hours of music playback; up to 5 hours of slideshows with music

1.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight

2-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight

Display

Charge Time

About 4 hours (2-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)

About 3 hours (1.5-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)

About 5 hours (3-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)

Audio Support

MP3, MP3 VBR, AAC, Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store), Audible and WAV

AAC, Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store), MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF

AAC, Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store), MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF

Syncs iPodviewable photos in JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only) and PNG formats

Syncs iPodviewable photos in JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only) and PNG formats

3.5 x 1.6 x 0.27

4.1 x 2.4 x 0.63 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.75 5.9 ounces 6.4 ounces

Photo Support

Size (in inches) Weight

3.3 x 0.98 x 0.33 .78 ounce

Food For Thought: Biofuels BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER A formerly ignored area in research is now emerging as a viable alternative to oil. Biofuels are generally mixtures of gasoline and fuels that can be made from the sugars existing in certain crops, such as corn. Now, with the numerous shocks to the oil markets from the war in Iraq and Hurricane Katrina, Asia, the world’s largest user of oil, is seriously considering these biofuels. But why the sudden interest in this oft-overlooked energy source? It was because oil was

1.5 ounces

competition for oil is fierce. Now, China is demanding that five of its provinces use biofuels. This is all in an attempt to relieve China’s burdensome reliance on the global oil market. How does this affect us? For one thing, China’s attempt to withdraw from the global oil market would relieve the demand on the strained supA truck is loaded with sugar cane to be taken to ply, helping to stabilize a refinery, one step in the process of making prices. crops into an oil alternative. American corporations are jumping at the chance for potential profit. Esso Thailand, a inexpensive and plentiful a couunit of Exxon Mobil, already has ple of years ago; much cheaper 22 gas stations selling biofuel in than biofuels. But all that has Thailand and plans to have at changed. Oil has soared to over least 600 more. $65 a barrel and international The United States has damaged its economy and international relations by heavily subsidizing American sugar growers while putting tariffs on sugar imports. With the growth of biofuels, we would no longer have to protect American farmers, because the demand for sugar would be higher. This would not only provide a viable energy source, but improve global relations. ◙

Reuters

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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October 6, 2005 Opinions

Yikes! I Like Mike Most of the populations of New York and Stuyvesant are probably liberals who opt for prochoice over pro-life and prefer tax hikes to conservative fiscal policies. Yet I, a left-leaning

Mayor Bloomberg has done so much to improve education and alleviate financial problems that the only reason to not vote for him would be due to petty party loyalty. moderate, support Democratturned-Republican Mayor Bloomberg for re-election even though doing so might seem like a betrayal of the Democratic Party, which has already suffered numerous losses in Congress. However, Bloomberg has done a superb job for this city during his four-year term as mayor. And I am not alone in my opinions. I join a chorus of De-

mocrats who heap so much praise over Mr. Bloomberg that they stop just short of political endorsement. However, in our twoparty political system, it seems that voters and politicians often make their choices based on party loyalty and not on personal merit and accomplishment. For example, former Ma yor David Dinkins, the first black mayor of New York, would have chosen Mr. Bloomberg over the challenger, Fernando Ferrer, in the last mayoral election if Mr. Bloomberg had been a Democrat. However, there are also some Democrats who feel free to cross the party lines and do not let party loyalty constrain their judgments. Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a 33,000 member union, honored Mr. Bloomberg as the first Republican they ever endorsed for a state or city position in New York. So what has Mr. Bloomberg done to make himself so popular among the usual anti-Republican opposition? For one thing, he has a great record in education. Mr. Bloomberg disbanded the inefficient Board of Education, raised standardized test scores and made great progress in closing the

achievement gaps between races. Besides education, Mr. Bloomberg has also been wildly successful in his economic policies. September 11 was a serious blow to New York’s budget. Mr.

Associated Press

BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER

Mayor Bloomberg

Bloomberg immediately countered that with a property tax hike, some of which was later returned to homeowners. He also raised taxes on cigarettes, which had the twofold effect of both raising revenue and keeping New York’s air fresh. Meanwhile, there was enough money left over to drop a nasty sales tax on clothing. Mr. Bloomberg also unveiled an ambitious $3 billion plan to build over 65,000 units of affordable housing in five years to help the poor and provide tax revenue.

In addition, Mr. Bloomberg’s conservative policies do not extend to social issues. Despite being Republican, he supports abortions, stem-cell research, gun control laws and gay marriage. He also opposes the death penalty. New York might be a city dominated by liberals and Democrats whose natural inclination is to vote against any Republican running for office. However, Mayor. Bloomberg has done so much to improve education and alleviate financial problems that the only reason to not vote for him would be petty party loyalty. New Yorkers like to think they are more intelligent and open-minded than the rest of America. So when the moment of truth finally does arrive, will New Yorkers be intelligent and open-minded enough to judge a candidate based on personal qualifications and not party biases? ◙

•

CORRECTION Tobiasz Zielinksi's name was misspelled in the byline of "Gobi Desert Exploration."

TSS/Katie Banks

Time Takes Time

A short detour to a local park can reveal natural wonders.

BY OSMAN NEMLI SPORTS EDITOR The other day, I was listening to Ben Folds’s song “Time” in which one of the lines was “Time takes time, you know.” The line struck me as awkward as Cupid’s arrow hitting a cow. However, I was rather intrigued by its insightful yet paradoxical nature. Imagine walking through Times Square. Now stop walking and look around you. Don’t the people who stroll by so casually yet purposefully look like computer parts carrying useless sets of information from one point of the city to another? Everyone seems to have a purpose, except you. Time seems to move so

much faster in the city due to all its bustling commotions and movements of people. When one walks alone just for the sake of walking, not really aiming to get anywhere, he sees the city’s true worth and cannot help but be amazed by its sheer size, wondrous marvels, and unattainable beauty. When walking alone, time doesn’t stop and your day doesn’t suddenly gain minutes but it does seem like time slowed down and everyone else is just a blur. Walking is often ignored by present society; its effects are not nearly as important as getting into a top-tier college or climbing the corporate ladder. However, walking is not only a much underrated

escape; it is also one of the greatest exercises and romantic adventures a gentleman can bring to his fair lady. But while New York City may have more than its share of skyscrapers and Fifth Avenues, there are very few places one can walk leisurely without feeling the bustling urgency of the city. Central Park is one such place. From the moment you enter the park, the seconds hand shifts to a lower gear. The euphoric and light atmosphere of the park will help you forget all your worries. Central Park serves New Yorkers with something that other city dwellers do not get in a city: a whole park with a vivid image of a microcosm of the wilderness.

Even though it is not exactly the great wilderness, your adventure at the park can still offer a variety of things, ranging from simple biking and walking to sitting on the grass and looking at the lake to just admiring the beauty of the city with the park as the foreground. Leave your bags, worries and responsibilities in a corner of your house. Leave your watch at school and grab some music to which you can listen. Just don’t look back. Just put one foot ahead of another and follow your future to a place you will get to when you get there. And believe me, when you reach the place you are aiming to reach, you will know it. After all, “time takes time.” ◙

Unofficial Pizzeria of Stuyvesant

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October 6, 2005 Opinions

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Mr. Bush’s Apology I have supported our president, from his tax cuts to the war in Iraq, until this fiasco in New Orleans. However, what he has done or, rather, has not done, crystallized my conclusion that he is not fit to be the leader of the

His apology had no warmth, no genuine compassion.

most power country in the world. He appears to be more of a follower waiting for someone to tell him what to do than the president of the United States. In the New Orleans crisis, he froze up. He did not offer enough assistance soon enough. Many people claim it is because he does not care about the poor. But while why he did not respond fast enough may be important, what concerns me even more is the time it took for him to take responsibility for this crisis. After 14 days of flood, starvation, chaos and helpless-

Associated Press

BY MOR ROSENBERG STAFF WRITER

Mayor Ray Nagin speaking about the rebuilding efforts and associated problems.

ness, President Bush finally admitted his mistakes on September 13. Furthermore, his apologies do not seem very sincere. They

seem like a script he has been told to memorize. His apology had no warmth, no genuine compassion. If this crisis had happened a year ago, before his second-term election, would he have responded differently? Is the fact that he no longer needs a high approval rating the reason that he responded so slowly and inaptly? Once again, Mr. Bush has failed miserably in his duties as leader of our nation. But is his ineptitude a reflection of our flawed electoral system or Americans’ bad choices? ◙

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

What Macao Lost BY FLORA NG SENIOR STAFF WRITER

OnLocation

The Macao I remember was a town plagued by corruption, gang warfare, and a bleak political and economic future. Ten years ago, this sliver of land off the southern Chinese coast was still a colony of Portugal. Despite more than four hundred years of rule, the Portuguese failed to bring prosperity or security to the people of Macao. Corruption was rampant; it was widely known that unless you wanted your passport application to be moved to the bottom of the pile, bribery and gifts were necessary. Occasionally, entire blocks would be closed after a shooting or an explosion of some sort. Although my family lived in one of the most affluent parts of town, we had a metal fence, a stainless steel gate, and two metal doors to protect our house. The economy of Macao depended on the sole casino of Macao, Hotel Lisboa, owned by a billionaire who had been granted a gambling monopoly by the Portuguese. With factory jobs moving to China, migrants from mainland China competing for work, and the imminent return of Macao to China’s communist government, many natives of this small colony

felt their best option was to move overseas Surprisingly, Macao made an economic comeback with its return to China. Billionaire Stanley Ho lost his monopoly, and foreign investment and capital flowed in. The plans to build more casinos have, at long last, revived the economy of Macao. Since gambling is illegal in China and Hong Kong, Macao has the potential to become the Las Vegas of Asia. With billions of potential gamblers, Macao's red-hot economy and casino industry are not going to cool down any time soon. However, despite the economic growth it has inspired, the casino industry has also reintroduced many social problems. With the economy of the colony

sionals in order to survive economically. With the casino industry as the main employer in Macao, there is little need or motivation to raise education levels. As it is, education levels in Macao are appallingly low. Only a quarter of the population has a secondary-level education, and in 2003, only 7 percent of the population held college degrees. Education reform is not the only important issue that stands to be pushed aside. The unique culture and history of Macao are slowly ebbing away with the influx of Chinese migrants from the mainland. Macanese culture is a unique melding of Chinese, Portuguese and Malay heritage. With the exodus of Macau natives, the lifeblood that was once the col-

Tourists explore the ruins of Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Macao.

Lingnan University

now almost entirely dependent on gambling, there is little need for the government to push for education reforms. For example, the city-state of Singapore had to produce a population of profes-

ony's greatest asset is draining away. Already, the unique Macanese Patua dialect, a form of old Portuguese with some Malay and Chinese words, is near extinction. Colonial cobble stone streets,

traditional Buddhist temples and shrines, and stunning Mediterranean villas are being restored for the sole purpose of attracting

Macao is richer than ever with the new and glamorous casinos that are being built everyday, but economic growth and prosperity have come at the expense of its culture and history. tourists. Many tourists and Chinese migrants go to Macao for solely monetary motives without any regard or consideration for Macao's traditional culture. Macao is richer than ever with the new and glamorous casinos that are being built everyday, but economic growth and prosperity have come at the expense of its culture and history. The sun still beats down on the same colonial mansions that were built four hundred years ago and people still pray in the temples that the town's sailors prayed in before making their trip out to sea. Macao is richer than ever, but at what cost? The city provides more opportunities than it ever did and foreign capital are flowing in. Macao looks set to become Asia's gambling center and playground for the rich, but in doing so, this former colony has had to sacrifice a great deal too much. ◙

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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October 6, 2005 Literary/Puzzles

BY CAROLINE HUGH SENIOR STAFF WRITER

BY ANONYMOUS

I’ll rather be with you and history A friend of the past We stay by shelves of ancients Noting the scent of crinkled pages And lines lines lines that fall off the pages And into our minds Let us travel to the wonders of Egypt See their gods, their bandaged dead, their sands Or the mosques of the Turks In their wondrous golden age Follow Plato! as he turns to his Martyr. Oh But to see that painful time again To grasp the defeat of humanity! As we slip back to consciousness Because we couldn’t face our inner selves I realize who we are And what we hopefully won’t become We reach for each other needing comfort But I’d rather be with you and history Than without it

Here come fireflies, adherents of the dusk, Night dawning upon the nostalgic scent of musk. The eve of new moon brings darkening peace, Glints of gold reflecting the silver breeze. A ravenous greed enticed by the glow, Chaos taking place of harmony he stole. Where once stood a forest of firefly soul, Now is a graveyard of golden charcoal.

BY INNOKENTY PYETRANKER SENIOR STAFF WRITER As the autumn leaves fall We feel ourselves grow weak and small The school year is in full swing And we don't go outside for anything Studying has taken over and we can't fight We grab onto weekends for desperate light

Join our Poetry Fests! Send your poems and stories to [email protected]

But alas we must wait (and wait) With patience so great (so great) We are in the hands of honest fate Until we are once again at summer's gate

Winnie the Pooh Oh Bother Owl Piglet Rabbit Roo Silly Old Bear Smackrel Stuff n’ Fluff The House At Pooh Corner Tigger TTFN

BY MONICA LUK STAFF WRITER BY ANONYMOUS Gazin' out the window My heart filled with sorrow Stuck in a jail house Nowhere to bounce. His screams and yells Are breaking the bells I can't stand it no more I gotta bounce.

A.A. Milne Christopher Robin Edward the Bear Eeyore Heffalump Hundred Acre Wood Hunny Kanga Mr. Sanders

H U N D R E D A C R E W O O D S T O R T E T S R A E B D L O Y L

The burden and hardships Had started to slip I was free at last. I didn't need to bounce. Coming back to the jailhouse My feelings started to rouse. The rememberance of my childhood. Began to bounce . . .

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October 6, 2005 Science/Puzzles

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

How Hurricanes Begin and End Despite the recent focus on hurricanes, the number of hurricanes has not actually increased. Rather, it is the amount of intense hurricanes of Category 4 or 5 that has nearly doubled in the past 15 years. Some scientists attribute this to global warming, but others believe that the increase is due to a naturally occurring 30-year cycle. One expert, Dr. William Gray, explains, “Periodically changing ocean circulation patterns led to the cycle of increasing hurricane activity that the world is currently experiencing.” Although the full process of hurricane formation is not yet understood, it is known that three things must occur in order for a hurricane to form. First, warm and humid ocean air must rise into the atmosphere. Second,

winds must converge at the ocean surface and at higher altitudes. Finally, there must also be a pressure gradient between the ocean surface and the high altitude. When all these are present, a hurricane may form. Usually, hurricanes weaken when they run out of heat to fuel themselves, which is why they generally die down quickly after reaching land. It is not uncommon for a hurricane to reach land and weaken, then retreat to the ocean to re-emerge as a strong storm again. Another cause of hurricane weakening is wind shear, where the higher-altitude winds are not at the same speed in all levels, which tears the hurricane apart. ◙

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

BY DARYL VULIS STAFF WRITER

A September 21 National Hurricane Center prediction of Rita's path.

Stem Cells BY ERIC SIU SENIOR STAFF WRITER Most cells in the body work day in and day out and eventually reach a certain point at which they die. Stem cells however, given the right circumstances, can continue to reproduce over and over again. Although cancer cells also divide forever, they do not have the potential to differentiate and develop into various adult cells, like stem cells can. The goal of stem cell research is to be able to one day grow cells to replace malfunctioning cells in a patient. This could make immortality possible. The goal may seem simple, but the process has been difficult. Scientists have found it difficult to separate stem cells from other cells and then cause them to dif-

Crypto Corner BY SHO UEMURA MANAGING EDITOR What is a Cryptogram? Cryptograms are writing that has been coded by substituting each letter with a different letter. For instance, if T=A, H=B, and E=C, then the word "the" would appear as "abc" throughout the puzzle. RGRX WX LZH VNXHLBX QWV MWE ELAR GWZNR. ILN QWX NER PY KLV AWSPXD VNXE YL YMR HNAJ, LV EYVPJ PY KLV JWVYE. PY PE YMR KWYR LK AWXNKWQYNVRH

ferentiate into the desired type of cell. Despite these obstacles, there has been progress. Dr. Suheir Assady and her colleagues at the Israel Institute of Technology and the Rambam Medical Centre claim that beta cells, which are generally found in the islets of the pancreas, are spontaneously formed by human embryonic stem cells. The day may come when these beta cells may be used to cure diabetes. However resources and research have been limited. The use of stem cells has always been a controversial issue, as the most versatile stem cells are obtained from embryos. President Bush has allowed some federal funding to existing stem cell research, but none to new projects. ◙ DLLHE YL EZLBZI WXH DRXYZI HRJVRQPWYR WE YMRI DRY LZH WXH MWGR YL QLAJRYR WDWPXEY ALVR ALHRVX JVLHNQYE. FNY PY PE YMR KWYR LK LJRVWYPXD EIEYRAE YL FRQLAR KVRR. — XRWZ EYRJMRXELX, PX YMR FRDPXXPXD BWE YMR QLAAWXH ZPXR Your answer:

Interested in a CFO career? Behind the Newspaper. Behind the Articles. Business. [email protected]

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THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 9

October 6, 2005 Puzzles/Arts & Entertainment

Crossword Puzzle

School Days BY KARIN FENG ASSOCIATE WRITER

BY JESSIE LUK SENIOR STAFF WRITER

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Across 1. measuring device 5. egotistical person’s action 11. hill builder 12. ugly being 15. America’s favorite cookie 16. liver oil fish 17. to use a phone 18. “I did it!” 19. headache reliever 20. precious gems 22. say 25. molecule involved in cancer 26. not less 28. nothing by mouth (abbr.) 29. gorges 31. alliance 33. dream 36. has a full deck 38. “there!” 39. Jai___ 40. sp. Verb 41. aah’s partner 43. ambulance worker 44. open 46. sacred literature 48. pilot 49. corn ___ 51. father day’s gift 52. nada 54. anger 55. also 56. ball, to Juan 57. shed tool 58. admirers

jcorsept ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 8 reafaecit ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 9 oromehmo ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 10 huledces ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 11 Answer: ___ ___ ___ ___!

A Positive Beginning for ‘A Chorus Line’ This diversity in the role of each character adds another unique touch to the play. The cast includes faces familiar from past productions, like seniors Becky Cooper, Rachel Lin, and Molly Ruben-Long, as well as several newcomers. The Fall Musical is usually performed in December, but this year it will be a month earlier. A Chorus Line will hit the stage in the Murray Khan Theater on November 4th and 5th. ◙

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year and auditions were held in the second week of school. Though the musical does have faculty advisors, director Liz Livingstone, a senior, emphasized that “it’s very student run, which is really cool.” Liz praised the ensemble cast. “It’s a great mix of people…everyone in the show has a chance to shine, which is great for high school theater,” she said.

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Solution to Scramble The Beach surfboarding lifeguards oceanfront skinny-dip mermaid seashell

sandcastle sunbathe windsurfing sand dune Message: Bury me please!

Page 10

October 6, 2005 Arts & Entertainment

The Griffins Invade DVD Shelves BY JOS DIAZ STAFF WRITER

humor make the movie great. It is refreshing to see a love triangle in which both the women involved are decent and more capable than man in the center. The addition of musical renditions, jazzy dance ensembles, and an adorable skeleton dog (reminiscent of Jack Skellington's dog, Zero, in "Nightmare Before Christmas"), make the movie more funny than dark, enjoyable all-around. Although the resolution of the love triangle may be a bit anticlimatic, the ending will please

"The Corpse Bride" is a chilling story based on a Russian folktale about a young man accidentally marrying a dead bride by placing his wedding ring on the corpse's finger, which he mistakes for a stick, and pronouncing the wedding sacraments. Tim Burton takes this myth and makes it his own through the use of the same stop-motion techniques of his "Nightmare Before Christmas." Victor (Johnny Depp) is a downto-earth young man, reluctant to marry the lovely Victoria (Emily Watson). Victor finds himself worrying more and more about his cold feet and tries practicing his wedding vows in the woods. Upon completing his vows and placing his ring upon a stick in the fresh powdered snow, a dead bride, Emily (voiced by Burton's living wife, Helena Bonham Carter), rises to claim her new husband. What started out as a bad ca s e of p re wedding jitters turns into a ghastly Co-Director Mike Johnson with the top-motion animated mix-up between characters from "Tim Burton's Corpse Bride." the living and the audiences. The movie flows well dead. and moviegoers will enjoy BurWhile the story line is at ton's distinct dark humor.◙ times formulaic, Burton's wit and

Still Charmed and Kicking fans broke through the uncertainty and at the very last moment W a r n e r B r o t h e r s r en e we d On September 25, "Charmed" "Charmed" for another season. began its eighth season with a The seventh season, conpremiere many thought would cluded with the show's fate uncernever happen. tain, ended The series folwith what lowed the lives The combination of the seemed to be a of the three With its matricide conspircomplexities of the real series finale. Halliwell sisThe Halliwell ing baby, martini-drinking world and the ters (Rose dog and childish father fig- sisters faked McGowan, their own supernatural ure reminiscent ofworld Homer Alyssa Milano death to leave makes it a truly Simpson, America just can't their magical and Holly Marie Combs), get enough of the series offbeat extraordinary existences beeach a witch hind and purcomedy, 'Family Guy. extremely loved by fans. endowed with sue normal a magical lives. power. Despite seven amazing In the eighth season we find seasons, the fate of "Charmed" the sisters struggling with their was doubtful. The voice of loyal

BY YULIYA FELDMAN STAFF WRITER

great start to what probably will new, non-magical identities. They be the last seatry to adjust son of the series, to their new there are obvilives while ous changes in being conthe show. The stantly reepisode focused minded of much more on what they the lives of the used to be. sisters than on The premiere the magical asalso brought pects of the sethe arrival of ries. We also a new witch, saw less action Billie (played sequences, by Kaley probably a conCuoco of "8 Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, sequence of S i m p l e Actresses and Rose McGowan in "Charmed." drastic budget Rules") and cuts. But fans continue to follow the entrance of a new demon this unique blend of the magical named Haas. and the mundane.◙ Although the episode was a Yahoo

Yahoo

cancellation of the show. Although the profits from the DVD sales of past “Family Guy” seasons have led to the TV resurrection of the Griffin family, will this DVD movie fair as well? “Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story” is really no more than three epi-

America in search of his “real” father. The intersecting storylines belonging to the rest of Stewie’s family is definitely a must-see. With limited DVD features (an audio commentary by Seth Macfarlane and boring storyboard-to-animation comparisons), the “The Untold Story” is hardly worth dishing out $20 for. Don’t be surprised if “The Untold Story” is on store shelves later again as part of a box set that includes the first postresurrection season. Nevertheless, the 88 minutes of nonstop and unchecked hilarity are definitely worth renting and watching with friends who are open to extremely crude humor.◙

BY RAYMOND LEI SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Yahoo

With its matricide conspiring baby, martini-drinking dog and childish father figure reminiscent of Homer Simpson, America just can't get enough of the offbeat comedy, 'Family Guy.

Burton Dead on with ‘The Corpse Bride’

sodes tied up with a loose storyline and an extra red carpet introduction used to bring out the evil monkey and greased-up deaf guy.

With its matricidal baby, martini-drinking dog and childish father figure reminiscent of Homer Simpson, “Family Guy” is the offbeat comedy America just can’t get enough of. Based on the ridiculous lives of the Griffins, a middle-class Rhode Island family, the series has become a national institution adored by the very people it criticizes. The Griffin Family, the stars of "Family Guy.” Every episode is a haphazard sketch show containThe movie is like a miniing pop culture spoofs, intellectumarathon with an optional uncenalism and fart jokes; their recent sored track. “The Untold Story” DVD movie is no exception to is the account of Stewie Griffin’s this unbeatable formula. It is al(the slightly British, completely most easy to forget that the Grifinsane and youngest member of fins’ long hiatus was due to the the Griffin family) trek across

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 11

October 6, 2005 Arts & Entertainment/Sports

A Show a Night Keeps the Homework Away WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JENNY LIU STAFF WRITERS

Procrastination is a hard habit to kick especially when the new TV line-up keeps you glued to the screen. There’s a show to procrastinate homework for almost every night of the week. But before you turn on that television set, here’s a guide to the best new shows and some returning favorites this season: Monday, 8:30 – 9:00 p.m. “How I Met Your Mother” (CBS) “Mother” is a witty comedy about a father (voiced by Bob Saget of “Full House”) who tells to his children about what he went through before meeting the love of his life, their mother. However, you’ll find no cheesy eighties flashbacks in this show, as Saget’s character is telling his children his life tales in the year 2030. Tuesday, 9:00 –9:30 p.m. “My Name is Earl” (NBC) A small-time crook, Earl (Jason Lee), decides to atone for his 258 sins after wining a hundred grand. Along the way, Earl receives help from his blundering brother Randy (Ethan Suplee) and attempts at his life by Earl’s trailer-park ex-wife Joy (Jaime Pressly). Beware, Lee’s talent to scoop up crude laughs from jokes like getting beaten by an oversized, large-print bible, can sometimes lead to sighs of exasperations as the over-the-top antics of Earl and his companions can become tiresome. Wednesday, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. “Lost” (ABC)

BY ANNA SLAVINA

As the survivors of the plane crash realize they may be stuck on the remote island longer than expected, interesting relationships will develop between the survivors. Although “Lost” will have to fight with “Criminal Minds” and “E-Ring” for viewers, it is probable that “Lost” will not lose much of its fan base to either of the fledgling shows because fans will want to lay to rest unanswered questions from the last season. Thursday, 8:00 – 8:30 p.m. “Everybody Hates Chris” (UPN) Only five words needs to be said to convince viewers to watch UPN’s latest sitcom: based on Chris Rock’s life. Friday, 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. “Ghost Whisperer” (CBS) Picture NBC’s “Medium” without the hassles of the police. Now replace Patricia Arquette’s blonde, middle-aged mother character with Jennifer Love Hewitt’s brunette, newlywed character and you’ve got CBS’s new show, “Ghost Whisperer.” Hewitt returns to the small screen as a woman who can communicate with the dead and help stagnant spirits move on. Saturday Be good to yourself and do your homework on Saturday night; you’ll need your Sunday night free for TV. Sunday, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives” (ABC) The housewives are back with even dirtier laundry baskets than last season. Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Hoffman and Eva Longoria return to Wysteria Lane for another season of

Yahoo TV

BY MADELINE FITZGERALD

this guilty pleasure. While many questions were answered in last season’s finale, even more questions arises concerning the housewives’ love lives, history and future. Sunday, 9:00 – 9:30 p.m. “Fa mi l y Guy” (Fox) “Fa mi l y Guy” is up against some tough competition. In its second season post resurrection, “Family Guy” leaves nothing to chance with an all-star ensemble of guest voices such as Wanda Sykes, Carrie Fisher, Phyllis Diller and Robert Downey Jr. This season,

expect to see more crazy antics as the Griffins inexplicably find themselves in strange story arcs like Stewie and Brian in college and Meg growing a spine. ◙

Vikings to Conquer and Plunder the North Continued from Page 12

up to par with the other top offenses in the league. Bennett is injury-prone, Williams is a goalline back similar in style and built to the Atlanta Falcons’ T.J. Duckett, and Moore is the smaller back who is primarily used on screen plays. With the lack of a running game, Culpepper rarely has the opportunity to use the play-action, which has been a

lethal weapon for Peyton Manning (who has Edgerrin James behind him). Minnesota’s defense was changed drastically during the off-season. Their run defense is significantly improved with the addition of defensive tackle Pat Williams, who came over from the Buffalo Bills and was responsible for the Bills’ seventh-ranked run defense last season. Along with Kevin Williams, these two tackles should form one of the best tandems in the NFL behind the Jaguars’ Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. The pass defense is boosted with the free-agent additions of Darren Sharper and Fred Smoot. Sharper, a Pro-Bowler, came over from the Green Bay Packers and will man the free safety position. Fred Smoot was part of the Washington Redskins’ strong defense last season and, along with Antoine Winfield, will give the Vikings two outstanding and dependable cover corners. The Minnesota Vikings had made many key moves in the offseason as they try to make a push for the Super Bowl. Offensively and defensively, every piece of the puzzle is in place. The bulk of the burden will fall upon Daunte Culpepper’s shoulder to lead this team to Detroit in February. ◙

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October 6, 2005 Sports

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

The Chiefs Will Take the West also has the speed to break past linebackers and the ability to block in the running game. When A new season is the perfect he is on the field, Gonzalez comtime to at last forget the old one. mands the attention of the opposThe Kansas Chiefs are looking ing team’s best cover corner or forward to putting strong safety. last year’s 0-4 start The most imporbehind them as they tant matter for expect a more sucKansas City’s run cessful season this offense this year year. With a reis the health of vamped and effecPriest Holmes. tive defense playing Having suffered complementing the multiple seasonbest offense in the ending knee injuNFL, the Chiefs are ries in the past definitely the pick several seasons, to win the AFC Holmes cannot be West this year. depended on to The core of the last through the Chiefs’ offense is entire regular seatheir offensive line, Safety John Lynch of the Denver son and into the which is the best in Broncos hits Dante Hall of the playoffs. Fortuall of football. Left Kansas City Chiefs at a game in nately, the Chiefs tackle Willie Roaf, Denver. have discovered left guard Brian the talent of backup Larry JohnWaters, and right guard Will son and will utilize him to comShields are all Pro-Bowlers. The plement Holmes and minimize outstanding offensive line, like the star running back’s chance of the zone-blocking run system in injury. The potency of this 1-2 Denver, can help any running punch was evident in Week One’s back rush far over the century slaughter of the New York Jets, a mark in every game. This is best team which could stop neither illustrated by Larry Johnson and Holmes nor Johnson. Derrick Blaylock (now with the The factor that will decide Jets), who both contributed conwhether Kansas City will advance siderably to the running game to the playoffs and potentially go after Priest Holmes went down beyond that is the team’s defense. with a torn ligament and did not Ranked 31st last season, it was play for the second half of the last largely responsible for the season. Chiefs’ disastrous 7-9 season. The lack of any big-play However, the Kansas City front wide receiver is more than comoffice clearly addressed their pensated by the presence of tight shoddy defense this off-season, end Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez strengthening the team through broke the NFL record for most the draft and free agency. receptions by a tight end when he The line-backing corps is caught 102 passes from quarterstronger this year with the addiback Trent Green last season. tions of Kendrell Bell and DerAlways a significant threat in the rick Johnson. Bell came over end-zone because of his size, he

BY YEE HONG STAFF WRITER

Agence France-Presse

from the Pittsburgh Steelers after missing most of the year last season but will probably become the leader of the Chiefs’ defense with his experience. Johnson is an exciting first-round pick who immediately showed his impact when he made 10 tackles against the Jets in Week 1. After making 130 tackles in his senior year in college, Johnson will be a crucial part of Kansas City’s defense for years to come. The secondary is solid with the additions of strong safety Sammy Knight and cornerback

Patrick Surtain. Pro-Bowlers Knight and Surtain were part of the intimidating Miami Dolphins’ defense for many years but decided to come to Kansas City for an opportunity to win. They will look to bring their intensity and experience to a revamped Chiefs’ defense. There is no question that the Kansas City Chiefs will be able to score touchdowns with their highcaliber offense. It is their defense that will determine their destiny this season and how deep they go into the playoffs. If their defense is steady and does not give up too many big plays, Coach Dick Vermeil and his crew could be heading to Super Bowl XL in 2006. ◙

Europe’s New Dynasty ($175 million) to bring them together. Chelsea’s opponents are rootChelsea F.C. is one of the ing both for their demise in the most dynamic teams in Europe league and also for their fall in and dominated the Premier Europe. Last year, Chelsea was League last year. A team that kicked out of the Champions Cup previously hadn’t enjoyed chamin Europe by fellow pionship success, Chelcountrymen Liverpool, sea broke its fivein a highly controversial decade curse with an match in which Liverundefeated march to the pool’s goal appeared to Premier championship, be offside, despite the giving up just eleven referee’s ruling. This goals in the entire seayear Chelsea will aim son! All that’s left is the for the previously eluquestion: can they do it sive Cup. again? Mourinho is sometimes After José Mour- Chelsea manager Jose called pompous, but he inho joined the team as Mourinho looks on as has been an effective manager (the equivalent his team faces Liver- manager. He has manof coach) at the end of pool. aged to avoid repeating the 2004 season, he bethe mistakes of Real gan assembling a squadron of Madrid, which spent a similarly players ranging from Didier impressive amount of money only Drogba to Carlo Cudocini; from to end up with a bevy of superFrank Lampard and Damien Duff stars that didn’t play well toto Arjen Robben and Hernan Cregether. The question remains as spo. They are among the best in to whether Mourinho can make a European soccer today, and Chelsturdy lineup from the players he sea paid about ₤100 million already has. ◙

BY OSMAN NEMLI SPORTS EDITOR

Reuters

Vikings to Conquer and Plunder the North

BY YEE HONG STAFF WRITER

Even with the loss of star year will be no different as Minreceiver Randy Moss, the Minnenesota, without a consistent and sota Vikings’ front office was lethal running atconfident that they tack, will rely on could put together a the passing game winning team. Upto put points on the grading and reinforcscoreboard. ing both units on ofUnfortunatel y, fense and defense this Culpepper is off to off-season, the Via horrendous start kings are clearly the to 2005, throwing heavy favorites to win eight interceptions the weak NFC North through Week 2. this year. Yet this should be Daunte Culpepper viewed as only a had one of the most slight aberration. productive seasons of his career last year. Vikings wide receiver Troy It will take time Throwing for 4,717 Williamson takes a pass in a for Culpepper to adjust to a differyards and 39 touch- preseason game. ent passing game downs with only 11 with the absence of Randy Moss interceptions, his quarterback to stretch the field and draw dourating was a stunning 110.9. This Associated Press

ble teams. As defenses start to put eight men in the box, Culpepper will have to rely on his ability to get the ball to other receivers like Nate Burleson and Marcus Robinson in single coverage. The receiver corps won’t be as effective this year without Randy Moss. No receiver can replace the explosiveness and athleticism that he brought to the field every Sunday. Nonetheless, the Vikings still have a potent passing attack in Nate Burleson, Marcus Robinson, first-round pick Troy Williamson, Travis Taylor, and recent pickup Koren Robinson. Burleson emerged as the number one wide receiver after catching 68 passes last year and

Marcus Robinson will continue to be an end-zone threat as he looks to improve on his 8 touchdown receptions last season. Furthermore, the Vikings look to Troy Williamson as the player to compensate for Moss’s speed and ability to stretch the field. The veterans Travis Taylor and Koren Robinson have played for the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks respectively, and will provide the experience that this young receiving corps lacks. The Vikings’ offense is not as potent as the Colts’ or Chiefs’ because Minnesota is crucially missing a consistent running game. The running back committee of Michael Bennett, Moe Williams, and Mewelde Moore is not Continued on Page 11