Volume 5 Issue 5

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

The Stuyvesant Standard Volume V, Issue 5

November 7, 2005

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Subway Terrorism Hoax Causes Controversy

BY EILEEN L. CHANG STAFF WRITER

ple use the subways each day. Millions of New Yorkers have no other way to get to school or work in the morning. The rumors prompted skeptical responses from many, but Bloomberg held fast to his decision. “We're going to take every single threat that has any chance of being credible seriously and do exactly what we did," he said. On October 11, investigations suggested the threat was a hoax. US troops captured three suspects that the informant claimed were involved. But close interrogation indicated that none of the suspects appeared to be linked to the subway plot. The original informant was nowhere to be found. The next day officials confirmed that the informant had admitted to giving misleading information.

Rumors of a terrorist plot to set off bombs in the New York subway that led to random bag searches and station closings are being widely dismissed as a hoax. Mayor Bloomberg announced on October 6 that terrorists planned to attack the subways using remotecontrolled bombs concealed in briefcases, backpacks, and suitcases. He said the threat had come from an informant in Iraq that contacted American officials. The report sparked panic across the city. Police officials searched passengers’ bags for explosives, and temporarily shut down the subways under Midtown after police discovered an Security on subways was heightened for a time in response unattended package, which to the alleged terrorist threat to the subway system. turned out to hold a harmless chemical in a soda can. About 4.5 million peoAssociated Press

Rat Sets 400 Meter Distance Record BY DEEP PARIKH SCIENCE EDITOR

College Equals Debt BY PRISCILLA MELO STAFF WRITER You got your acceptance letter to Harvard. Now you feel that your life is complete and you run to your parents with the great news. They’re elated and pride is etched on their tear-stained faces.

You call your friends and start shopping for every shirt available with the Harvard logo. However, circling in your parent’s heads are not images of a black-gowned graduate but of the prospect of living on Spam and Cup Noodles for the next 20 years. Your

Halloween Comes to Stuy! TSS/Kevin Zhou

Rats are not just a problem in New York City subways but are pests all over the world, even on remote islands. Foreign rats have out-competed native species, making many endangered. Scientists tagged and released several rats on the remote, uninhabited island of Motuhoropapa, part of New Zealand. One of the rodents was later found on another island more

Photo Essay Continued on Page 4

INSIDE THIS ISSUE -------------BBC

brother isn’t doing anything; perhaps they could sell him to human traffickers to pay for the first semester? In past years college tuition has increased at a rate much higher than inflation, becoming too expensive even for middleclass parents. In a few years, the possibility of tuition alone costing $200,000 over four years might be reality. Total expenses at private institutions average $27,516, far from millions, but for a family with a meager salary of $40,000, next to impossible to afford. Maybe your parents would not need to sell your brother but they might come very close to it. These prices for a college may seem outrageous since de-

In reality, total expenses at private institutions round to $27,516.

Continued on Page 10

Scientists discovered that a rat that had been radio tagged in an earlier experiment broke the distance record for rats swimming in open water.

Continued on Page 3

News.....................2-5 Business................5-6 Opinions................6-7 Literary..................7-8

Puzzles..............................8-9 Science……………….......10 Arts & Entertainment........11 Sports................................12

grees have become increasingly commonplace. However, over a working lifetime, the typical college graduate earns about 75% more than a high school graduate does. Sure, that college student (and her parents and siblings) may not have two nickels to rub together for a few years while paying the trillion dollar tuition loans, but in the long run it all pays off. It might be better to accept the cost of a pricier colContinued on Page 6

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November 7, 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 NICOLLETTE BARSAMIAN STAFF WRITER Neo Gokuraku is Stuyvesant's oldest anime club, still running strong after 12 years. It has about 60 current members. Anime is a form of Japanese animation. Well-known examples include Poké mon, Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, Inuyahs, Full Metal Alchemist, Astro Boy, Spirited Away, Fruits Basket, Love Hina, Tenchi Muyo, and many other shows. Member Shayra Kamal watches anime because, "It reflects on a lot of Japanese culture. It also involves an actual plot and intriguing characters as opposed to

American cartoons." The club meets every Thursday and Friday in room 335. This year, the series Prince of Tennis, Full Metal Panic Fumofu, and Full Metal Alchemist are being shown, all in their original Japanese form with English subtitles. Member Christine Xu praised the club, saying "I come because I get to enjoy some of my favorite shows, meet people who share my interests, and get free candy too!" ◙ If you are interested in joining Neo Gokuraku, come to a meeting or contact president Antia Suen at [email protected]. If you would like to have your club or publication featured in The Standard, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Anime Cubed

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Neo Gokuraku

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.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY 1 YEAR — $15 Delivery Information Name:______________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Billing Information Please circle your choices below: Check Money Order Cash Billing Address:______________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Please cut and mail to THE STUYVESANT STANDARD, 345 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10282-1000 OR send the above information to [email protected]. Neo Gokuraku is Stuyvesant’s most popular anime club.

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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November 7, 2005 News

Eighth Graders Vie to Join Class of 2010 lish logic were hard but I'm glad the test is over. I'm not talking to my dad for another three years, because he made me study so hard," another student said. Earlier in the year, there had been a rumor that this year's examination was harder than the last and that the students entering Stuyvesant in the following years would be higher-performing than previous entering classes had been. Principal Teitel dismissed the rumor. "I don't know what you mean. The students coming in would vary once in a while but the test has not changed. If we just suddenly tried to change the test, we would be over our heads in lawsuits," he said.

BY LIN LU GAO STAFF WRITER On October 22, eighth and ninth graders braved heavy rains and made their way to the schools offering the Specialized High School Entrance Examination, which determines admissions at Stuyvesant and its peers. Though temperatures were higher than in previous years, students were permitted to enter the school buildings early due to the rain. "I was really nervous," eighth grader Ann Ohkawa said after the test. "Most of my friends prepped for like six years while I only went for one. I'm so freaked now." "I thought the Math and Eng-

Current Stuyvesant students however, tend to take a hostile stand against the prospective students. "No! No Freshmen! They take up space!" said junior John Smith. Even some freshmen viewed the prospective students in a negative light. "I don't want any more people to come! I hate all freshpersons! We should start a revolution!" remarked an anonymous freshman. Exam results are expected to be out by April. ◙

Stuyvesant Diversity Represented at Club-Pub Fair Stuyvesant’s annual ClubPub Fair, held on October 20 and 21, offered students a chance to see what the school offers outside of the classroom. More than 120 clubs and publications set up tables in the cafeteria, all trying to recruit new students. Clubs on display ranged from the DDR Freekstyle dance club to the community-service-oriented Ke y Club to the literary Caliper. Club/Pub director and senior Danielle Fernandes said, “It's a really fun way for any interested students to get involved and see all the different activities that

TSS/Mingxi Dong

BY SARA MILLER JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

The DDR Freekstyle dance club drew crowds of students to its setup at the Club Pub Fair.

Stuy has to offer whether they are cultural, volunteer related, or just fun entertainment.”

This year the Student Union gave each freshman a Club/Pub Handbook, containing details on

every club in the school. Freshman Callie Siu said the guide helped her “see if there is anything interesting I want to join.” Club presidents praised the Handbook as a recruitment tool. Julia Leffler, president of Flying Colors, a flying trapeze club, said “It’s really amazing because people I wouldn’t have met otherwise have similar interests and have signed up for my club.” Fernandes agreed. “I think it's extremely effective. Today, after walking around during the fair, I saw that lots of students signed up for each club that was represented. Also, they really got a taste of the diversity that Stuy clubs have to offer.” ◙

Subway Terrorism Hoax Causes Controversy Continued from Page 1

Yet security forces remain on alert. Police received 134 cases of suspicious packages on October 14 and continue to roam the subway checking plastic bags and garbage. A number of phony threats have been made the past year. Earlier this year Jose Ernesto

Beltran Quinones, a Mexican man suspected of running a humansmuggling ring, claimed that two Iraqis snuck into the US and were going to bomb Boston, resulting in several border patrol agents being sent north. In light of these hoaxes, Congress passed a law making the spread of false or misleading in-

formation about terrorism a crime. With the fear of subway peril dissipating, New Yorkers slowly proceed back to their daily use of the subway system. As Stuyvesant student Chris Moll said, “Even with the whole terrorism threat, people rely too heavily on the subway to change.” ◙

• • •

CORRECTIONS FOR OCTOBER 19 ISSUE “The Reason” was written by Tina Yue. “False Alarm” was written by Eileen L. Chang. “You Could Have It So Much Better With Franz Ferdinand” was written by Jos Diaz.

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November 7, 2005 News

TSS/Angel Wong

Halloween Comes to Stuy!

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

TSS/Katie Banks

Continued from Page 1 TSS/Ada Zhang

Once again, students and teachers at Stuyvesant threw themselves into the Halloween spirit. While some ignored the day entirely, many ran through the halls in costume. Costumes ranged from store-bought superheroes to homemade chicken outfits, with most falling somewhere in between. Here are a few highlights of this year’s fare. TSS/David Oh TSS/Serena Lee

TSS/Katie Banks

TSS/Serena Lee

TSS/Kevin Zhou TSS/Serena Lee

Work well with cameras? Love taking pictures? Display your work on The Standard! E-mail [email protected]

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Warlord Claims Responsibility for Assault on Russian City BY YULIYA FELDMAN STAFF WRITER Shamil Basayev, the militant believed to be responsible for some of the worst terrorist attacks in Russian history, claimed responsibility on October 17 for the deadly assault on the southern city of Nalchik. An estimated 137 people died in the October 13 attack, the majority of whom were the insurgents themselves. Masked gunmen overwhelmed a police station and took officials hostage. Two gun shops were also looted. “I was responsible for the general operational guidance [for the attack],” he wrote on a website linked to insurgents. He declared that the attackers were affiliated with Chechen rebels, but that the Chechen fighters did not directly participate. The longrunning war in Chechnya has sparked violence in other Russian provinces in the Caucuses. Basayev has claimed responsibility for last year’s seizure of a

school in the city of Beslan, which resulted in the deaths of more than 330 people, mostly children. He also said he organized the capture of 800 hostages in a Moscow theater in 2002, as well as organizing militants in the province of Ingustshetia who launched attacks on police arsenals and security facilities. Basayev said that Arsen Kanokov, the governor of the Kabardino-Balkaria province, which Nalchik is a part of, was not attacked because he opened mosques closed by his predecessors. Kanokov, who was appointed governor in September, has taken a generally tolerant position in a province reeling from corruption, economic collapse and a growing Islamic insurgency. “I believe it is wrong to

close down mosques and herd people into one place,” he said. “Nothing will be achieved from attempts to prevent people from praying.” Relatives of the rebels have gathered outside Kanokov’s office, demanding to have the bodies of the insurgents returned to them. Kanokov said that he was unlikely to order the return of the bodies but agreed that “it would certainly be a tension-reducing act.” ◙

Relatives of Russian policemen grieve at their loved ones’ funeral.

Reuters

South Asia Earthquake Kills Thousands BY JONATHAN XIKIS STAFF WRITER

malayas over the past several million years. Strong aftershocks occurred as much as two weeks after the main earthquake.

‘We thought the tsunami was the worst we could get. This is worse.’ - Jan Egeland, chief of UN emergency relief

Most deaths were of people trapped inside collapsing buildings. Schools in the region were open on October 8, a Saturday, and thousands of school-age children were crushed. Others died in their sleep inside their houses. Hundreds of thousands of buildFiremen and other emergency workers in South Asia worked ings collapsed around the clock saving lives and property after the earthquake. or were severely damaged. Aid has come gional capital. The cause was a from around the world. The sudden shift of the Indian and United States has provided $50 Eurasian tectonic plates, whose million for emergency relief and slow collision has raised the Hi-

Agence France Presse

dispatched eight helicopters and a cargo plane. Relief efforts are being hindered by poor weather, rugged terrain and the sheer scale of the disaster. Even in major cities, the first areas reached by rescuers, equipment to clear the rubble is in short supply. In the countryside, landslides have blocked roads, stymieing relief efforts. Disease and the onset of winter could kill thousands among the displaced. The United Nations will fly 10,000 heavy-duty tents to remote areas to replace destroyed homes, but officials worry that this may not be enough to accommodate all the refugees. Jan Egeland, chief of UN emergency relief, called the situation a “logistical nightmare,” and recommended a massive airlift of supplies into the disaster area along with evacuation of the hardest hit. “We thought the tsunami was the worst we could get. This is worse,” he added. In response to the crisis, India and Pakistan are considering opening the militarized border that divides the India- and Pakistan-controlled regions. This would allow families to cross from one side to the other. India has also restored phone lines to the Pakistan-controlled territory, allowing some to talk to their families for the first time in 15 years. ◙

Video Game Makers Cater to Women Too BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER The typical video-game player has long been a male teenager: shallow, simplistic, and violent. It was generally thought that girls would be repelled by the aggressiveness of the games,

One of the first games that attempted to appeal to female players was ‘Ms. Pacman,’ released in 1982. so game makers seldom produced games for women. This attitude is partially a response to the ease with which mindless, violent games could be made on early computer in the 1970’s. The first graphical computer game was “Space Wars,” involving a spaceship duel between two players. Most early arcade games were pure shootem-ups, including the famous “Space Invaders” which attracted so many male players that it caused a coin shortage in Japan. One of first games that attempted to appeal to female players was “Ms. Pac-Man,” released in 1982. But with a few exceptions, efforts to appeal to women were unsuccessful. A 1999 survey found that women made up only 11% of the gaming market. Another study showed that 92% of Microsoft

On October 8, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake leveled cities and villages throughout Kashmir, a disputed area split between India and Pakistan. Most losses were in Pakistan, where an estimated 40,000 people were killed and 70,000 injured. More than 1,300 died in the India-administered region. The total death toll from all affected areas, including portions of Afghanistan, may exceed 80,000 people. The epicenter of the earthquake was about 12 miles northeast of Muzaffarabad, the re-

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November 7, 2005 News/Business

Microsoft made Kameo, a game for the Xbox 360, in part as an attempt to get more women and girls to try the console.

arcade games had no female roles, and only 2% had nonstereotypical role. In 2000, Electronic Arts released “The Sims” in which the intricacies of real life were present, including daily routines such as working, cooking, and Continued on Page 6

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November 7, 2005 Business/Opinions

Oil Prices Heat Up

Video Game Makers Cater to Women Too Continued from Page 5

BY STEPHANIE TAM STAFF WRITER

for women. For example, women account for 25 percent of Sims sales. The game “Façade,” to be released next year, features interaction with the game as a mediator, taking sides and talking through a conflict to see the end results of the user’s actions. The game, although in its preliminary stages, has already attracted 150,000 downloads, half of which were by female players. With the indication that women can be a strong consumer force, video game makers can potentially tap into a large potential market. ◙

The price of heating oil has tripled in the last two years – a move few anticipated but still inevitable. Hurricane Katrina has exacerbated the crisis. The storm devastated oil refineries on the Gulf of Mexico, where about 20 percent of our nation’s petroleum came from. We have an inadequate supply of heating oil which neither the oil dealers nor the government can do anything about. “Consumers have got a terrible scenario ahead of them for this particular year,” said George

Winslow, a heating oil dealer in Manchester, N.H. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Northeastern households, which depend mostly on heating oil, will spend nearly 30 percent more for winter heating than in past years, for average costs of $1,607 per year. Prices at such high levels will pose many problems, especially for the elderly and low-income families. Some must choose between food and heat. Natural gas prices can fluctuate depending on how warm or cold this winter will be. So, let’s hope this is going to be a warm winter. ◙ TSS/Katie Banks

talking with friends. The level of complexity and reality present in this type of game was exactly what women were seeking, having denounced game violence as repetitive and unrealistic, as well as calling games specifically made for girls too sexist. Games like these, as well as “massively multiplayer online” games, which allow interactions with real people over the internet, awakened a sleeping giant in the video gaming market. Nowadays, video game makers are creating games suitable

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

College Equals Debt Continued from Page 1

Harvard degree to save your parents from a life of never-ending work and eating Big Macs. Don’t College of New Caledonia

lege in order to get the greater benefit. According to the College Board, the median income of s o me one with a master’s degree wa s $59,500 compared to $49,900 for people with bachelor’s degrees. A Cornell University study reports that students who attend better-rated colleges (i.e. MIT, Students across the country and the world have organized not Bob’s Col- protests against rising college tuition for years. lege) actually even think of enrolling in that do earn more than those from interpretative dance major in Colesser institutions. lumbia University just because So what does this all mean? you think you “had a calling.” ◙ You must become a doctor with a

Many are planning to set their thermostats lower this winter to save money on their rising heating bills.

Controversy is ‘Funny’ BY JOS DIAZ STAFF WRITER “I’m Rick James, bitch.” This line is as familiar a phrase as “God bless America” and, “Git R’ Done.” Dave Chappelle has become one of today’s most successful comedians through the mindless repetition of racial slurs and constant attacks on religious, political and ethnic groups. Over three million viewers watched

Comedy Central during the second season of his wildly successful skit show. He has become the

It ceases to be funny when it becomes offensive simply for the sake of being so. icon of a new kind of “comedy” that is taking control of our television sets. This new humor is based on the proposition that not all men are created equal, that it is necessary and funny to ridicule everyone before the next commercial break. Comedy that assaults certain groups has been around for a long time, in programs such as South Park and through entertainers like Eminem, the selfproclaimed “King of Controversy”. But while this type of humor can often be entertaining, it ceases to be funny when it becomes offensive simply for the sake of being so. When Dave Chappelle unexpectedly quit during the filming of the show’s third season, Comedy Central felt that another comedian who would also shamelessly exploit controversy must fill the hole he left behind. Though the absurdist trio “Stella” filled the original time gap, CarContinued on Page 7

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Rising Test Scores A Misleading Sign BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER

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November 7, 2005 Opinions/Literary

Controversy is ‘Funny’ Continued from Page 6

los Mencia’s new show “Mind of Mencia” is the true heir to the Chappelle throne. For half an hour every week, the Latino comedian, whose latest DVD is titled “Not For The Easily Offended,” advertises his ability to speak his mind without censoring himself, disparages obvious flaws in society, and insults all of his viewers while praising his own superior intelligence and swearing like a madman in Spanish. A member of an Internet forum probably voiced numerous others’ opinions when she asked, “Does he think he's being creative and shocking when he tells us how black people steal things and white people are rednecks?” Unfortunately, Dave Chappelle and Carlos Mencia are not

Long Island or suburban districts upstate. However with this new source of ammunition demonstrating the city’s power to manipulate resources to achieve test

BY INNOKENTY PYETRANKER SENIOR STAFF WRITER What could be scarier Than Halloween night? Ghosts, ghouls and goblins Can't give you that much fright. Vampires and bats Seem like they could do Prism Magazine

Mayor Bloomberg has trumpeted higher student test scores in his campaign for re-election. New York politicians are euphoric The rise in because they believe that school reforms are finally improving the city’s fourth teacher quality and education. grade statewide test Unfortunately, reality has not results is due to the changed, just the assessments of it. The rise in the city's fourthfact that the 2004 grade statewide test results from test was exception49% to 59% of students meeting standards in English and from ally hard and last 68% to 77% in math is due to the year’s test was exfact that the 2004 test was exceptraordinarily easy. tionally hard and last year’s test was extraordinarily easy. But the increase has brought benefits to teachers, to the city’s results, it is more likely that one educational system and to the of these forces may consider the mayor. This sudden rise in test plan. If the Regents proposal carscores is a great boost of prestige ries through, it will increase to the teachers, the ones who deschool aid to every district by at serve the most credit. For over least two percent, a sizeable two years, teachers did not agree amount to help our own underon a contract with Mayor financed school budget. Bloomberg and his administraMayor Bloomberg also had tion. In May, the 2005 standardmuch to gain from this opportuized test scores were released and nity and he knew it. Indeed, in early October, the mayor anBloomberg has made education a nounced a workable contract to center point for his re-election be ratified by union members. campaign. He had cited the genWhy did Mayor Bloomberg end eral increasing trends in test the impasse during this school year instead of a year ago? A year ago, the standardized test scores were horrible. They serve as a perfect foil to this year’s drastically i mproved test scores, which must have dazzled the mayor who, as United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten noted, “gave credit to teachers, schools and children, where it belonged”. The teachers were not the only ones to demand the raise that they deserve; the city is also requesting funds for its schools. The State Board of Regents Score differences on standardized tests from one year to has recently asked the next can be attributed as much to varying difficulties as to improved abilities. for an extra $1.3 billion in educational funding scores since the beginning of his next year, with over half of it campaign and now this new jewel going to NYC public schools. to his campaign crown could posThis bill seemed to have little sibly clinch the election. It is chance of being passed, as the amazing how this simple sleight Republican governor and the Reof hand could have such wide publican-controlled state senate reaching effects to benefit the would rather send the money to city. ◙

alone in this world of offensive humor. Their continued existence is a reflection of the vast number of people who loves them. Apparently, the reiteration of stereotypes in formats where eyebrow raising comes first and laughter comes second is entertaining enough not only to be supported by the American audiences but also to increase its scope. American youth have been told that if parents do not like something, it must be hilarious. The humor brought forth by luminaries such as Jon Stewart and George Carlin, who, though often controversial, do not exploit that quality as their most important characteristic, should regain the rightful ownership of the word “funny” from these clowns whose humor is, in fact, offensive to anybody with any taste. ◙

But just watch “Dracula” And you see they're nothing new. So what does that leave? Is there anything more scary? Sure...Halloween is nothing Compared to “Little House on the Prairie”.

BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER On a gloomy and dark October night, I collapse under the usual plight. Sweating in anguish and misery, My mind’s chained to this penitentiary To a journal, I complained in rage Pen in hand, I struck the page “Why do I live in such debris With all these troubles caused by me? I’m angry because of my work amassing I’m worried since my grades’ collapsing I’m jealous because I never prevailed I’m disappointed in all I’ve failed I’m sad for what I must miss out I’m decaying for I can never rout And an answer is what I cannot find, To why I must stay and strain my mind.” Then, as my sanity started to subside The journal, to my queries, had replied. “Do you know what would be dandy? It’s Halloween, go get some candy.”

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November 7, 2005 Literary/Puzzles

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

BY EILEEN CHANG STAFF WRITER BY STEHANIE TAM STAFF WRITER

Freshly harvested pumpkin from the farm, Nestled cozy under my arm. Picked up with sheer delight, before time for fruit to blight.

Trapped on the island Of despair Where no one ever Seems to care

The pumpkin cut figuring face, Etched lines of time and space. Decaying fruit pumpkin head, Jack-o-lantern grins, hollow and dead.

Left alone In the shade The memory of one Appears to fade Misery, distress Wretchedness and grief Peacefulness is A constant need Painful moments Will always pass But nothing good Can ever last

BY LIN LU GAO STAFF WRITER I hate Halloween, No kid ever comes to my house. They probably don’t like the candy, Or is it my ugly blouse? Why is it that you always leave? What is it that you find so wrong? Is it me?

Last Issue’s Solution Crossword Puzzle

I know it’s me. I hate the dark nights. It makes me wonder, Who’s laughing at me now? I know you all hate me. You find me foul. And even though, I try not to be, Try not to be me, You still find me annoying, Find me annoying anyhow.

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

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THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Crossword Puzzle

It’s in the Stars Libra Lyra Orion Pegasus Pisces Polaris Pollux Sagittarius Scorpio Taurus Ursula Major Ursula Minor Virgo

BY MONICA LUK STAFF WRITER Aquarius Aries Cancer Capricorn Castor Cygnus Draco Eridanus Fate Gemini Leo S E C S

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BY JESSIE LUK PUZZLE COLUMNIST

P G S G B N T S Y F R S N M P

U U D L E L O Y F R D N B

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November 7, 2005 Puzzles

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E S A U L R E C N A C R P N E A E F H A S R R N I L I J N S I I D M R L O U A R E U O V K R U L L M A O T A R A E N H O N D L E C A S X H U C N V

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Like to puzzle people? Contribute to The Standard! E-mail [email protected]

L D S

Across 1. Ford creation 4. blanket machine 8. donkey laughter 12. make oneself flat 13. Female Russian tennis player 14. Central state 15. potato state (abbr.) 16. school administrator 17. chat 18. Iran’s predecessor 20. digged a hole 22. they call me mellow _____ 24. school sbj. 27. devil’s feature 30. Actor Chaney 31. particles in an acidic solution 32. burn relief plant 33. papa 34. biblical place 35. edge of skirt 36. bash against 37. winter toys 38. Turkish title 39. pictures 41. Marge Simpson’s pastimes 43. Asian peninsula 47. assiduous insects 49. Feminine suffix 51. make a boo boo 52. used in a trap 53. diving bird 54. ring verdict (abbr) 55. animal rights org. 56. workout aftermath 57. opp. Of NNE

Down 1. part of a film 2. helper 3. raise 4. ______in waiting 5. Actor Ryan 6. Out _____limb 7. Masculinity 8. have a taste 9. curb 10. leather puncher 11. shaggy beast 19. Auld Lang ____ 21. have title to 23. camel’s cousin 25. boys and girls 26. rustic lodgings 27. laughter 28. designer Cassini 29. candle light dinners 31. young women 34. lioness 36. manipulate 37. calm 40. Lacoste logo 42. “Thin Man” dog 44. antes 45. bothers 46. lined up 47. crunch targets 48. midday shut eye 50. as well

Solution to ‘Halloween’ Jumble 1. 2. 3. 4.

creepy Frankenstein spider vampire

5. zombie 6. skeleton Message: Casper

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November 7, 2005 Science

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

pocampus with HU-210 solution. Other samples received solutions without the compound and some A new study suggests that were given AM281, a CB1 inhibidrugs similar to the main ingreditor. Only the hippocampuses that ent in marijuana may be capable received the HU-210 showed subof promoting neuron growth and stantial increases in brain cells. treating anxiety and depression. The researchers also found that Dr. Xia Zhang and his colgrowth was maximized when the leagues at the University of Sascompound is administered over katchewan studied the effects of a several weeks in large daily synthetic cannabinoid called Hdoses. After two weeks the rats 210, which is similar to but much injected with the optimal solution stronger than marijuana, on lab showed thirty percent more new rats. The compound is one huncell production than the rats that dred times as potent as tetrahyreceived AM281 or the control drocannabinol, the chemical that group. causes the “highs” experienced The experimental group also by users of recreashowed decreased tional marijuana. anxiety and deCannabinoid is Researchers pressed behavior. found that rats similar to but much They were more given large doses willing to eat in stronger than of the chemical new situations marijuana. for several than the unweeks displayed treated rats. increased neurogenesis, the creaResearchers at the University tion of new nerve cells. The comof Calgary have also been doing pound directly caused an increase research on cannabinoid recepin the number of neuronal protors. They have recently located genitor cells in the hippocampus, CB2 receptors in the brain stems a region of the brain involved in of rats. Manipulation of both CB1 learning and memory. and CB2 seems to prevent vomitTo begin the experiment, Dr. ing in ferrets. Dr. Keith Sharkey Zhang and his fellow researchers believes that these findings could searched for cannabinoid recephelp “develop novel anti-emetic tors in rat brains. The researchers [vomiting] therapeutics that found that ninety-five percent of would target this system and the cells involved in neurogenesis block emesis without having very in the hippocampus have cannabimany side effects.” THC is noid 1 receptors. After the detecknown to be an anti-emetic comtion of these receptors the team pound that acts on CB1 receptors. stimulated the samples of rat hip-

University of Basel

Cannabinoid Drugs Build New Brain Cells BY SURAJ SOM STAFF WRITER

Rat Sets 400 Meter Distance Record Continued from Page 1

than a quarter mile away – an incredible distance to swim for a rat. Even with the tags, the rats were hard to recapture. One rat escaped from many traps and even evaded sniffing dogs. It was finally caught and killed in a trap

filled with penguin meat. This research was done to learn more about rats and how to deal with them. Once rats have inhabited an area it is very hard to eradicate them. Pest control is a big problem for scientists trying to preserve species from extinction throughout the world. ◙

Recent studies have indicated that cannabinoids, such as the one modeled above, stimulate brain growth.

The scientists believe that by specifically targeting CB2 receptors with endocannabinoids, which are chemicals similar to THC, better treatments to prevent vomiting can be discovered. Such treatments could be of aid to AIDS patients. Although the results seem positive, it will be a while before scientists can determine if cannabinoid drugs can decrease anxi-

ety and depression in humans. "There is very little clinical evidence demonstrating that cannabinoid administration produces an antidepressant response," says Ron Duman of Yale University. Additionally, the researchers at the University of Saskatchewan believe that cannabinoids will most likely not increase intelligence. ◙

Interested in the fascinating world of Science, Math, and Technology? Write for The Standard Science Section! Send all submissions to [email protected]

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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November 7, 2005 Arts & Entertainment

One Acts: A Promising Start man wrote. The one-liners were perhaps the best of the evening; though the basic conceit wore a little thin, a brilliant punch line at the end redeemed much. The ac-

BY JACOB ARLUCK COPY CHIEF

Charles Damga

Stuyvesant's theater season began with the One Act Festival, a set of five short comedies held in the intimate setting of the library. The huge audience, no doubt attracted by the free admission, enjoyed the entertaining, if uneven, productions. It was a friendly, low-key introduction to what will hopefully be an excellent year. "Second Chances" told the story of a recently deceased woman not quite ready to get into Heaven. Written and directed by senior Veronica Prush, the play took an amusing look at the old theological question of salvation through good works or by faith alone, but was marred by weak pacing. Senior Osman Nemli was very funny as a Scottish Highlander standing in for Saint Peter, but a generally flat performance by sophomore Caroline Brickman did not help liven up the generally leaden dialogue. The treacherous world of online romance provided ample material for seniors Jon Edelman and Mairead Maguire, codirectors of "Web," which Edel-

American visits a bazaar where a bizarre translator tries to interest him in a local beauty. The play was confusing and hard to follow, and the central conceit of the translator's deceit grew old fast. It's hard to tell whether the direction by senior Amanda Wallace, the acting by seniors Liz London

Flora (Liz London) makes a hard sell in “Arabian Nights.”

tors were a bit hammy at times but were clearly having fun with the material. The third play, "Arabian Nights," was the first of two by the dramatist David Ives. A naïve

and Josh Siegel and junior Dara Frank or the script was to blame for this. The staging in the library and minimal set also hurt – the production would have benefited from a faux-Arabian setting on a

full stage. "Visitor from Forest Hills" was by far the best play of the show. Benefiting from a luminous script by the master bard of Broadway Neil Simon, "Visitor" was by turns funny and touching, and always true-to-life. Senior Maxine Speier and junior Peter Drivas were magnificent as a frantic, neurotic couple trying to talk their daughter out of a locked hotel bathroom to attend her own wedding. The directors, junior Ben Alter and sophomore Chloe Goodwin, staged a great show. "Variations on the Death of Trotsky," also by David Ives, was a witty, absurd re-imagining of the assassination of the one-time Soviet leader. Junior Mike Duffy spent the entire production walking around and talking while an ice axe remained stuck in his skull. His deadpan served the production well. Senior Hannah Mullman as Mrs. Trotsky and Emily Hoffman as the tall, dark and handsome assassin Ramone filled out the strong cast, which was well-directed by seniors Molly Raik and Emily Mellor. The inventive and fast-passed "variations" – all ending with Trotsky realizing that he does in fact have an axe in his skull and dying – kept things interesting. ◙

Seen a good movie lately? An interesting exhibit? Arts show? Concert? If so, send your review to: [email protected]

Museum Watch: Slavery in New York

The New-York Historical Society’s latest exhibition examines the relatively unknown history of slavery in New York. Most people think of the northern United States as the birthplace of the abolitionist movement, and few realize that 40 percent of all households in eighteenth century New York City kept slaves. The exhibition relies heavily on video. The presentation begins with a five-minute filmed overview of slavery in New York. Another movie depicts an African slave telling his story in Akan, his native tongue, and a third centers on a well where female slaves gather water and voice their grievances to one another. Life-size figures of slaves made out of thin wires fill another room. Curators chose this abstract technique because there are no existing portraits of the first African slaves in New York, then called New Amsterdam, who

TSS/Bennett Hong

BY LADA KUKUY LITERARY EDITOR

The New-York Historical Society is hosting an exhibit featuring artifacts from slavery in the South.

came to the city in Dutch trading ships in 1628. Statues depict a woman carrying a sack of firewood on her back and men hoisting a massive container on their bare shoulders. Others show

slaves in happier circumstances: a husband and wife attending church, a boy playing. The last room addresses the past and present AfricanAmerican civil-rights movement.

The room is rose-red, symbolizing revolution and the blood and anger of black people. The gallery contains many pictures and paintings, including the earliest printed image of a black New Yorker, standing among his white counterparts. There are also life size drawings of free, nineteenthcentury slaves made on glass. Slavery in New York ended in 1827, but African-Americans did not joy the full rights of freedmen for more than a century afterwards. ◙ “Slavery in New York” open on October 7, 2005 and will run until March 5, 2006. Student admission is $5. The New-York Historical Society is opened Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information about the exhibition’s schedule, as well as traveling d i r e c t i o n s , v i s i t www.slaveryinnewyork.org.

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November 7, 2005 Sports

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD Associated Press

Tennis: Is Federer the Best? court, making him very likeable to the public and even to his defeated opponents. In most sports, some are reRoger Federer is the only nowned for their defense and othplayer on the list whose career is ers for their offense. Tennis is just beginning. Although his staone of the few where the best tistics pale in comparison to those players must excel at both. This of tennis legends like Jimmy makes it easier to define a “best Conners, every year of playing player” than in other sports, and a will bring him closer to greatness. long and arduous journey of numSo far, he has earned six Grand ber crunching may reveal the anSlam titles, 33 finals wins and swer. $20 million in prize money. Andre Agassi, Bjorn Borg, It is very difficult to distinJohn McEnroe, Roy Emerson, guish a single best player because Roger Federer, all of the playRod Laver, Ivan ers mentioned Lendl, Pete have their own Sampras, and claims to fame. Jimmy Conners The best server are the names ever was Samone thinks of pras, the best when ‘best male returner is player’ is menAgassi, the most tioned. Many prol ifi c wa s modern-day tenConners, the nis fans consider most watched Roger Federer to was McEnroe, be the greatest the only one to tennis player of achieve a true all time, but at ‘Grand Slam’ age 24, it may (winning the US still be too early Open, French to tell. Yet he The success of a tennis player’s career Austradepends not only on talent in the sport Open, has a grace to but also on the ability to capture the lian Open, and his play that public’s attention, something Andre Wimbledon in makes h i m Agassi was successful at. the same year) beautiful to was Rod Laver, watch, and his composure is legthe most dominant (for his time) endary. His statistics are flawwas Bjorn Borg, and the most less, and he has won 24 finals graceful is Federer. All of these matches in a row, holding the players were ranked first at some Open Era record. The previous point in their careers. record was just 12, shared by A sport that has been polBorg and McEnroe. ished and modified for 5 centuThere are two things that are ries, the world of tennis is a comimportant to a tennis player’s petitor’s world, where each career. The numbers are imporplayer is an independent entity, tant, yes, but one overlooked and where anyone with enough category is the ability to attract a raw talent can succeed. Anyone crowd, whether through emotion, with an ATP membership can arrogance, or sheer power on the enter a tournament and win. Each court. Agassi began his career generation brings a new crop of with the first two, but Federer is tennis hopefuls. Some have a parunique in his calm demeanor. His ticular forte, but a few, like Roger old soul glimmers in his eyes Federer, are almost perfect allduring interviews and on the around. ◙

BY ALEX MARGULIS STAFF WRITER

Reuters

Got a favorite team? Follow a certain sport? Share your expertise at [email protected]

Rangers right winger Jaromir Jagr.

Face Off The Western Conference has its own share of struggling teams, the most notable being the fairly It’s been about a month since new Columbus Blue Jackets. the new National Hockey League Other struggling teams include started, and it’s like the old days the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago have returned. New rules went Blackhawks, Anaheim Mighty into effect without much controDucks, and San Jose Sharks. The versy and every game has been a reason for an increased amount of high goals-scoring game. teams on the bottom of the westOne new rule prohibits a ern conference is due to the little player from flicking the puck into maneuverability offered by the the stands, a tactic previously top teams in the league. Whereas used to stall for time. Breaking the teams in the eastern conferthe rule results in a ence are more two minute minor One of the most evenly matched, penalty, as opthe western condominant players posed to the fiveteams are ever, Jagr, is one of ference minute major more polarized in penalty for fightthe most important ability, leaving ing. factors if the Rang- finals prospects Among the unlikely for top teams of the ers are to have a most. year so far are Although strong good season this the Ottawa Senaor veteran playyear. tors, Nashville ers don’t make a Predators, Detroit team, they often do lead the team Red Wings, and Vancouver Cato wins, and motivate the team to nucks. Like in basketball, the play better in the future. Jaromir west appears to dominate the Jagr, the forward for the New NHL, and it’s no surprise due to York Rangers and one of the the amount of money the noumost dominant players ever, will veau-riche owner-run western be one of the most important teams spend compared to the old players if the Rangers are to have prominent-in-name-only eastern a good season this year. The year teams. has a long way to go, and the While most teams in the teams have room to grow. Every Eastern Conference are evenly player is excited that the league is matched, one team, the Pittsburgh back and veteran players want to Penguins, has begun the league in go out with a bang. The fans are the worst way, losing its first four excited, the players are excited, games. The Washington Capitals and the coaches are stressed out have also suffered. It is interestdue to having to work for a start. ing to see Pittsburgh struggle It will unravel in the weeks to with their strong lineup of veteran come as to whole will have a Mario Lemieux and teen prodigy chance to claim Lord Stanley’s Sidney Crosby. Cup. ◙

BY OSMAN NEMLI SPORTS EDITOR