Volume 5 Issue 8

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

The Stuyvesant Standard Volume V, Issue 8

December 20, 2005

Free Harvard University

Nobel Prize for Bronx Science Grad view with The Standard. The 2005 Nobel Prizes were awarded on December 10 by the Roy J. Glauber, the winner of King of Sweden the 2005 Nobel for achievements Prize in Physics, the fields of “I would say all the in was in the first physics, chemisgraduating class mathematics you try, medicine, from the Bronx literature, and can learn is a good High School of economics. WinScience. “You investment, and the ners received 10 guys were our million Swedish earlier you learn it rivals,” he jokkronor (about the better.” -Roy ingly said of $1.3 million), a Stuyvesant stuGlauber gold medal, a dents in an inter-

BY JOSEPH KRUTOV STAFF WRITER

WTC Survivors Fight to Save Jeopardized Stairway to Freedom BY JONATHAN XIKIS STAFF WRITER On Vesey Street, between Greenwich and Church Street in Manhattan, stands a lone, battered concrete slide. Upon closer inspection, you will notice two crumbling flights of stairs, and a section upon which once stood an escalator. This flight of stairs is the last aboveground vestige of

the World Trade Center (WTC) complex, which was destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. On that fateful day, hundreds of people were able to escape the Twin Towers by descending the stairs. This so-called “Path to Freedom” and “Survivors’ Stairway” may be demolished in the course of the rebuilding process, angering Continued on Page 3

BY ANNA GINZBURG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER Snowflakes fell across the city on December 4, and while many stayed at home watching TV or doing homework, Stuyvesant’s Robotics Team was hard at work. The team gathered at Stuyvesant at 7:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning to prepare the school for the 2005 F.I.R.S.T. Lego Robotics Tournament. Twenty middle school teams competed. Each built a robot that had to operate unassisted in several challenges. Robots had to navigate through tabletops cluttered with obstacles, attempt tasks like rescuing a toy dolphin from an elevated cage and carry Lego pieces to and fro. The tasks were not simple to

complete. Each robot often made mistakes. Teams forced to take their robot back to the start for repairs were penalized. Rounds only lasted three minutes, so repairs also consumed precious time. Representatives from each school stood around the competition tables, along with referees from the robotics teams at Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Technical, and Staten Island Technical High Schools. The judges were teachers from those schools. The event ended during the early afternoon with a closing ceremony. At the ceremony many certificates were given out, including honors for best performance, best programming, and judge's award. Unframed certifiContinued on Page 5

Roy J. Glauber won the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Continued on Page 12

Tree Lighting in Rockefeller Center Spreads Holiday Cheer BY JENNIFER SCHLESINGER OUT-OF-SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit every year in a ceremony that has become a New York City tradition. This year marks the 74th anniversary of the first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which was put up in 1931 by workers before the completion of the center. The first tree lighting ceremony took place in 1933. On November 30, thousands

of New Yorkers flocked to watch, with even more than usual coming because of the warm weather. People came from across the country and around the globe. For those who were unable to see the tree lighting in person, NBC hosts Al Roker of the “Today Show” and Megan Mullally of “Will and Grace” brought the ceremony to home viewers. Singers such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Carrie Underwood, and Continued on Page 2 Reuters

Stuyvesant Hosts Middle School Robotics Tournament

diploma, and, most of all, recognition from around the world. The three winners of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics were each awarded $1.3 million for their contributions to quantum optics and precision measurement techniques. Glauber developed the quantum optics theory. He described how photons,

People skate under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE -------------News.....................2-5 Business................5-6 Opinions................6-8 Literary..................9-10

Puzzles..............................10-11 Science……………….......12 Arts & Entertainment........12-14 Sports................................14-16

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December 20, 2005 News

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 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD is a nonprofit and nonpartisan publication produced by the students of Stuyvesant High School. THE STUYVESANT STANDARD distributes 2,000 free copies on a bi-weekly basis to the students and faculty of Stuyvesant High School and throughout the adjoining neighborhoods of TriBeCa and Battery Park City. THE STUYVESANT STANDARD welcomes letters from its readers. THE STUYVESANT STANDARD reserves the right to edit any published material. The viewpoints of contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Standard staff. Copyright ©2005 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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Tree Lighting in Rockefeller Center Spreads Holiday Cheer Continued from Page 1

Sheryl Crow performed. Champion ice skaters from Stars on Ice, including Todd Eldridge, performed on the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating rink. New York Cit y’s Ma yor, Michael Bloomberg, also made an appearance. During the show, Toys for Tots ran a fundraiser for the children affected by Hurricane Katrina. They were very successful which will help them accomplish their goal of giving a present to every displaced child. The tree was lit by Harry

Connick Jr., a famous singer, and a group of children who were displace by the recent gulf coast hurricanes. It was lit with 30,000 colored bulbs and was topped with a 9 foot Swarovski Crystal star. The tree, which is a Norway spruce, came from Wayne, New Jersey. It weighs 9 tons and is 74 feet tall. At its widest point, the tree has a diameter of 42 feet. The Rockefeller Center tree will remain lit until January 7 and during its viewing period; hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals will be amazed. ◙

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Chinese Earthquake Kills Dozens BY SYLVIA ABDULLAH STAFF WRITER At 8:49 a.m. on November 26, the strongest earthquake in eastern China in 50 years struck without warning, killing at least 21, wounded hundreds and displacing nearly half a million. The 5.7 magnitude quake was centered about six miles below the city of Ruichang, located in the Jiangxi province, a very popular vacation spot. The Xinhua News Agency estimated that about 450 people were injured. In Ruichang alone, 377 people were wounded and in Hubei, 81 were injured. Hundreds of thousands of houses lay in ruins across two provinces, and over 400,000 people camped

outdoors in fear of aftershocks of the quake. Survivors are haunted. Zhang Xuping, struggled to escape from his house with his family after feeling the first trembles of the oncoming catastrophe. Newscasts showed horrifying footage of people crying with injured limbs, young children with severe wounds, and people crowding together in search of room and comfort in temporary medical tents. Large-scale relief efforts have begun. More than 1000 tents had been set up outside local hospitals to arrange for the treatment and recovery of the victims by work teams. ◙ Reuters

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD 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]. Chinese health workers at an emergency camp for victims of the earthquake.

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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December 20, 2005 News

Reuters

Volcano Erupts in Colombia BY ANNA GINZBURG STAFF WRITER On November 24, one of Colombia's largest volcanoes erupted, spewing huge amounts of ash and sulfur fumes. Scientists had predicted that an eruption was imminent, and evacuations began on November 15. The evacuation order, enforced by the Army, covered a 9-mile radius of the city of Pasto, which has about a million residents. Many farmers, concerned about potential theft, refused to evacuate. Colombian president Alvaro Uribe urged people to save their lives and to not be concerned

BY BENNETT HONG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

An ash-covered street is cleaned after the eruption of a volcano in Colombia.

cult for the people to return back home because the streets are still covered in ash in the towns of Fontibon, San Cayetano, Postobon, and northern Pasto. The Colum-

Gaza-Egypt Border Opens Before the pullout, Israeli security checks, in an attempt to stop militants and weapons smuggling, often caused delays ranging from a couple of hours to days. Under Israeli control, Palestinians could not be sure when or for how long the crossing would be open. In addition, Israelis frequently closed the control for security reasons. Travel restrictions on Gazans between the ages of 18-45 were also imposed, and most couldn’t leave. Although Israel withdrew its forces in September,

it did not relinquish control of the border and the border was closed. As a result, 1.4 million Palestinians could not move in and out of Gaza. Now, the Rafah Crossing, the main crossing from southern Gaza into Egypt, is officially under Palestinian control, as a result of intense US led negotiations in

bian government does not know how long it will take to clean the ash. Schools remain closed and water supplies are being rationed. ◙

the next 12 months. Furthermore, Israel has access to video cameras and can raise objections. For the people who lined up, the opening gave them a chance to see relatives and to obtain medical treatment. Many, however, just wanted to cross it for the sake of crossing it. For others, the open and free border is vital for the destitute Gaza economy to grow. Soon, the border will be Associated Press

The border shared by Egypt and Gaza opened for 4 hours on Saturday, November 26. It was the most important improvement for Gazan Palestinians since the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in early September. “It is the beginning of a new era that will open a new horizon for me,” said Jihad Zanoun, a government employee who was visiting relatives in Egypt. That Saturday, 1,587 people crossed the border without having to go through Israeli security checks. This came after 38 years of Israeli military occupation.

saying, “Don't worry, the government will pay for your permanent relocation, but it might take some time." While the president’s statement may have offered sympathy, many were quick to attempt to profit from the disaster. Taxi and bus drivers charged customers three times more than usual. Pharmacies sold facemasks to block out the sulfurous stench that has filled the area at extremely high prices. As of December 1, the volcano was still considered orange on the scale of volcano alerts, signifying that the volcano is erupting or that an eruption may occur at any time. It will be extremely diffi-

WTC Survivors Fight to Save Jeopardized Stairway to Freedom Continued from Page 1

some survivors. Tower 2, an office building designed by Silverstein Properties, is planned be built on the spot where the stairway now stands. Many people, including the WTC Survivors Network, protest, asserting that the stairs should be restored, preserved, and if necessary, moved to another location to accommodate the new office building. Some survivors refer back to their experiences on September 11 and how they escaped by descending the stair-

case. Victims’ families also attest to the stairs’ memorial value. Proponents argue that the staircase’s battered exterior and depressing isolation provide a grim sense of scale to people who did not experience the attacks. If restored, the WTC Survivors Network says, “[the stairs] provide a fitting vantage point from which survivors, and everyone whose life was profoundly changed that day, could gain a vantage point from which to contemplate the footprint voids, paying respect to their lost friends, colleagues and loved ones.” ◙

Palestinian police patrol the newly-reopened Rafah border crossing.

November. “The opening of this border is important because it means the Gaza Strip will not be a big prison,” said Palestinian Authority President Mahmound Abbas in a ceremony marking the opening on November 25 th . However, there are 70 monitors from the European Union who have the final say in any. They will be stationed there for at least

opened 24 hours a day and starting in mid-December, Palestinians will also be able to travel between the West Bank and Gaza for the first time in five years. Construction on a Gaza seaport will begin and currently, Israel and the Palestinians are negotiating the reopening of Gaza’s international airport. ◙

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December 20, 2005 News

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

A Holiday Tradition Ushers in the Christmas Season Elaborate Christmas scenes have sprung up in the windows of New York City’s department stores, charming shoppers with everything from crystal snowflakes to movie scenes. Midtown retailers Macy’s, Saks Fifth Ave-

nue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, and Barneys all have unveiled holiday displays. The curtains go up on these creations in mid-November after much hard work by the “window elves,” as Macy’s affectionately calls them. Macy’s was one of the first stores to participate in the Dan Cross

Depictions of “Miracle on 34th Street” are animated and contain scenes from the classic film whose action largely takes part in Macy’s.

tradition. This year, windows Bergdorf Goodman is transformed contain opening storybooks into an icy-white winter fantasy. with amazing Christmas tales and scenes. One window presents “The Nutcracker” complete with dancing rats and proud toy soldiers. Another opens to reveal singing and smiling model Rockettes along with Santa on stage twirling around with a bag full of presents. Yet another dramatizes scenes from “Miracle on 34th Street”, the ever-popular film. Around the corner from Macy’s is Lord & Taylor, whose windows are some of the nicest and most detailed, with floors that can be raised and lowered. Saks has been known for its depictions of popuavailable, a fairly new addition to lar movies such as “The Santa the holiday and tradition, along Kid,” while Bergdorf Goodman with Barney’s funky twist on indulges in the fantasies of winter style mixed with holiday cheer. and snow within its windows. One tourist remarked, “Christmas Further up Fifth Avenue views of just is not Christmas without Bloomingdale’s windows are coming to see the windows.” ◙

Heather Cross

Badminton BY JIMMY ZHANG STAFF WRITER

heard. The meeting in October ended with a janitor’s nightmare. Since the meeting took place in a small classroom, the members did not have much room to play. With low ceilings and the forbidden area of the hallway, members had to accommodate by playing in the cramped classroom. Officers are desperately trying to find a suitable place such as the gym to accommodate their meetings. In another recent meeting, members met in the cafeteria. The wide-open spaces were suited f o r badminton. However, the shortage of rackets resulted in the creation of miscellaneous games such as Chair Racing. Club members without rackets are now required to sell candy to receive rackets. As a final word, Tam stated, “The purpose of this club is to have fun and relax. Badminton is like poetry in motion, where you let all your feelings out and relieve the stress that Stuyvesant gives you.” ◙ If you would like to have your club or publication featured in The Standard, send email to [email protected].

Club Spotlight

Sophomores Stephanie Tam and Jiewen (Ashley) Jiang both enjoy badminton. Frustrated with other clubs they viewed as unsuccessful, they founded the Badminton club to promote their sport. The Badminton Club organizes n o n competitive games. T h o u g h similar to tennis at first glance, badminton is very different. With slightly different rackets and the use of birdies instead of balls, the object of badminton is to hit the birdie back and forth over a net without letting it to hit the floor on your side of the net. With much persuasion as well as ample bribery with candy, the club members convinced many to join the club during the Club/Pub Fair. However, this idea of giving out free candy and junk food was dropped recently. When questioned about the hungry club members, sophomore Pearl Zhou, the vice-president said, “At this point, our funds are insufficient to meet the demands of hungry, and often savage, members. Besides, they were hyper enough as it is.” With over 60 active members, meetings can get fairly unruly, sometimes to the point that the president’s voice cannot be

Heather Cross

BY STEPHANIE SHEN STAFF WRITER

A walking tour map of the major Christmas window displays.

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

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD BY BENNETT HONG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER A two-week orchestra strike at Radio City Music Hall has finally ended, bringing live music back to the show. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Radio City Entertainment, and the union representing the musicians reached a tentative contract agreement approved by the members of the orchestra for Radio City’s “Christmas Spectacular.” The conflict between the musicians and Radio City Entertainment arose after their five year contract expired last May. After a summer of fruitless negotiations, the orchestra walked out on November 2. As a result, two pre-season shows were canceled and the following shows were performed with recorded music. Unusually, the union claimed that

Sound of Music Returns to Radio City

Google

From humble beginnings as a simple search engine, Google Inc. has become one of the largest Internet companies and the darling of the stock market. On November 17, Google’s stock hit $400 a share, consistent with its trend of out-performing Wall

Google is now one of the most valuable stocks.

Street price targets. This is an impressive increase since going public in mid-2004; it started at about $85 a share. Some analysts expect Google to reach $450 a share soon. Google’s income comes di-

Stuyvesant Hosts Middle School Robotics Tournament

rectly from online advertisers paying for highly trafficked spots on Google’s search engine. The company has expanded both geographically, opening offices in "São Paulo”, Brazil, and Mexico

City, and with new features like Froogle, a shopping engine, and Google Local. Google’s advertising money is likely to increase as it prepares to launch a new service called Google Base, an information uploading service. The increase in stock price is not unique to Google. Other similar search engines such as Yahoo have hit high stock prices as well, though not as high as Google. This trend is due more and more to the Internet making newspaper advertising obsolete. Gradually, advertising dollars being spent on n e ws p a p e r a r e b e i n g r e distributed online, for hopes of higher traffic for the ads. This, in conjunction with Google’s features, is likely to continue the rise in online advertiser spending. ◙

Super-Jumbo Aims High BY DEREK WENG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER The residents of the Middle Eastern city of Dubai, a booming international metropolis, are in for a gigantic delight this month. The world’s largest commercial airliner, the flagship Airbus A380, will grace their skies at low altitudes, stunning in full

airline livery. Emirates International, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, ordered 45 of the superjumbo planes from Airbus, their European manufacturer. The goal is to bring the massive four engine jet, as tall as a seven story building and with a wing span Continued on Page 6 Airbus

dle school students with an interest in robotics but few opportunicates were given for lesser ties to express it. achievements. Parent volunteer Ron Kunicki The middle school students said that Stuyvesant is “using this appeared to have had a lot of fun opportunity to show that we are a and enjoyed good community being at Stuyveand that we can sant. The same Robots had to behave as good was true for the navigate through citizens.” TechStuyvesant stunology teacher dents who entabletops cluttered James Lonardo joyed helping with obstacles, atsided with Kuout. Sophomore tempt tasks like res- nicki and was Steven Lam proud of said “Seeing cuing a toy dolphin “very our kids for children happy from an elevated putting it tofills me up with joy.” Junior cage and carry Lego gether.” He also noted, “it Ben Lee was pieces to and fro. looked like evequick to agree, rybody is havsaying that the ing fun and it’s interesting the team “tries to help out the comway that everything is workmunity and help these kids get ing out.” He hopes that if all robotics experience and expand goes well this year, the event the horizons of the kids.” One of can become an annual compethe main goals of the tournament tition hosted at Stuyvesant. ◙ is to reach out to the many robotics clubs in the city, and to midContinued from Page 1

would be hired, cutting salaries in half. In response, Radio City said that it had offered musicians increases in salary and benefits “over what is already the most lucrative contract in the industry.” The new contract included increases in salary and benefits and maintains the existing overtime system, according to Radio City Entertainment. “We have reached a deal on a long-term contract that will guarantee live music at Radio Music Hall for years to come. This is a win for the musicians, management, the city of New York and audiences from all over the world,” said David Lennon, a union spokesman. ◙

cians play at least 12 shows a the strike was supposed to take week, earning overtime pay if only one day. The musicians there are more than three shows a wanted to pull down their picket day. The average musician earns line on the third, but Radio City $25,000 over Entertainment 150 shows and refused their reRadio City offered also receives turn. “We [were] basic health ready to play unmusicians increases benefits. Alconditionally and in salary and bene- though the conimmediately, but apparently we’ve fits “over what is al- tract’s overtime clause would be been locked out,” ready the most lukept, salaries said David Lencrative contract in would be cut, non, president of the union Local 802 of the the industry.” charged. MemAmerican Federabers also said tion of Musicians. that Radio City Entertainment The musicians struck in prowould only agree to half of the test of a cut in their base pay of proposed 3% cost-of-living raise. $133 per show. At the peak of In addition, a second orchestra the Christmas season, the musi-

The Search Engine That Could BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER

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December 20, 2005 News/Business

A computer-generated model of the Airbus A350-800.

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December 20, 2005 Business/Opinions

Black Friday: Profits Lower Than in 2004 BY STEPHANIE SHEN STAFF WRITER The morning after Thanksgiving, the most determined shoppers are already outside in the cold at dawn, ready to snap up post-Thanksgiving sales. Retailers are just as eager for the profits to come rolling in, outdoing each other with advertising and promotions. Yet despite low prices and midnight store openings, retailers across the nation were disappointed with sales. Historically, Black Friday, so

named because it is the day when many retailers first go “into the black,” is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Considered by many to be the “official” beginning of the holiday shopping season, the day after Thanksgiving sees millions start Christmas shopping early. According to ShopperTrak, a market research agency, after a strong profit performance in 2004, this year sales were stagnant. A middling economy and high gas prices combined to

Super-Jumbo Aims High $1.8 billion over budget, and Airbus will need to deliver at least large enough to park 70 cars, to 250 to break even. The colossal the Dubai 2005 Air Show. manufacturer may be heading to The A380 has just completed unfriendly skies, struggling with its first flight tour around Asia, troubles and with rival plane the most competitive airline marmaker Boeing hot on its trail. ket. It touched Even though Airdown from in bus has secured a With A380’s cities from Singalarge demand for pore to Kuala generous space, it the jumbo, its Lumpur in Macan accommodate production and laysia. When the jetliner enters cabin amenities like the roll out of the first plane have service late next gyms, casinos, bars, lagged almost year with Singafour months beshops and even pore Airlines, it hind schedule. will steal much of libraries. Already, Airbus the thunder of the was forced to long celebrated compensate for several angry Boeing 747. airlines for the delay. And then The double-decker A380 is there is the matter of competition. designed to carry 555 passengers The very same month A380 went in a three class configuration. on tour, Boeing announced they With its generous space, it can would relaunch the 36-year-old accommodate cabin amenities 747 line, taking on the A380 with like gyms, casinos, bars, shops a bigger and more fuel efficient and even libraries. version. Few can foresee the future But with the global aviation for the jetliner. Sales of the A380 industry set to rebound from an mega-transport have cooled off all time low since the September during the last two years, which 11 terrorist attacks, Airbus premay reflect the fact that airlines dicts the world’s major airlines are waiting to see it enter the will need 1,250 wide-body airmarketplace before beginning a craft like the A380 to cater to new round of orders. In all, the growing demand in long-haul A380 has accumulated 159 firm travel buoyed by China and Inorders from 16 leading carriers dia’s blistering growth. The fuworldwide. ture of the sky will certainly beThe stakes, of course, are come more intriguing as the suenormous. The program to design per-jumbo flies into service. ◙ and build the plane could run Continued from Page 5

lower consumer confidence. The retailing giant Wal-Mart was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise mediocre industry. It has projected a 4.3% increase in profits for November based partially on a strong Black Friday performance. About 10 million people crowded into stores during the six hour early bird special event on Friday, resulting in a few minor injuries. Still Gail Lavielle, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman released a statement saying, “We were

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD very pleased. We opened early, and people came to us.” After poor returns on Black Friday 2004 caused by little discounts, Wal-Mart initiated campaigns to draw customers back. Early in the season the company made an aggressive push to begin advertising its Black Friday sales on November 1. Doors opened at 5 a.m. on November 25, earlier than in past years. Despite strong earnings from Wal-Mart, the holiday shopping season has been tepid so far. Researchers hope to see an acceleration in the weeks ahead as Christmas draws near. All the retailers can do now is hope. ◙

French Riots Symptoms of a Larger Problem been traditionally worn by Muslim females. Minorities in France are far more likely to be unemProcrastination is a bad way ployed, and those few that are to do homework and it doesn't employed often have unskilled make good social policy either. jobs that offer little chance of All too often, societies overlook a social mobility. Yet the underly"small," less visible problem until ing problem is France's poor ecothat small problem leads to a nomic policies. Its massive buhuge catastrophe that can no reaucracy, high taxes and proteclonger be denied. In the United tionist labor laws impact all States, the government overFrench, but they most adversely looked growing urban poverty affect French minorities and those among the largely black commuat the bottom of the French socionity of New Orleans. Only when economic pyramid. the Hurricane Katrina flooded the These problems have been city, trapping thousands that overlooked for decades. Recently couldn't afford to escape from the the "large" and more conspicuous city, did the real problem of widecosts of poverty scale rioting in become apparFrance’s massive poor, minority subent. urbs has caught the bureaucracy, high This chain attention of France taxes and protecof cause-andand the world. effect also tionist labor laws Though these riots plagues France. are mostly caused most adversely afFor years the by misdirected French governfect French minori- local teens without ment ignored ties and those at the direction or politithe flight of goals, the sheer bottom of the socio- cal France's Muslim existence of the community. In economic pyramid. riots reveals the this country of ugly underbelly of "liberté, égalité, France's discriminatory policies. and fraternité," affairs are conAnd if France continues to ignore ducted in a surprisingly racist and this problem and its causes, the discriminatory manner. The riots might change from a reflecFrench government banned headtion of bad policies to an omen of scarves in school, which have worse things to come. ◙

BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 7

December 20, 2005 Opinions

Lies, Facts, and Weapons of Mass Destruction

BY NOORULIAN SIDDIQUI JUNIOR STAFF WRITER American Girl, the manufacturers of a highly popular line of dolls and books, recently came under attack by the American Family Association (AFA) for their ties with Girls Inc. The AFA, a Mississippi-based organization that describes itself as Girls. Inc.

Bush “twisted and manipulated” (as The New York Times put it) prewar intelligence. Plenty of people in this school love this phrase, and love to use it. This idea itself is a result of careful manipulation of events by the mainstream media, with ample help from Senate Democrats. Democrats such as Ted Kennedy counter any statement made by anyone in the Bush administration by attempting to draw attention to a certain claim: that the president told his buddies in the CIA to misreport intelligence on Saddam’s weapons of mass destruction in the months leading up to the Iraq war. Most of these critics, as the President said in a Veteran’s Day speech “...are fully aware that a bipartisan Senate investigation found no evidence of political pressure to change the intelligence community's judgments related to Iraq's weapons programs... That's why more than a hundred Democrats in the House and the Senate -- who had access to the same intelligence -voted to support removing Saddam Hussein from power.“ This is quite a concrete argument, yet this goes a lot deeper than many think. Many will say that Bush was the first one to put forth the idea of invading Iraq, while they ignore Bill Clinton’s bombing of Saddam’s intelligence agency in 1998. Others will still say that it would be more prudent to disarm other countries with weapons of mass destruction. Clinton had to deal with this sort of criticism as well, to which he responded: “Other countries possess weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. With Saddam, there is one big difference: He has used them. Not once, but repeatedly. Unleashing chemical weapons against Iranian troops... Not only against soldiers, but against civilians, firing Scud missiles at the citizens of Israel... And not only against a foreign enemy, but even against his own people, gassing Kurdish civilians in Northern Iraq. The international community had little doubt then, and I have no doubt today, that left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will use these terrible weapons again." Statements by other Democrats, such as Harry Reid, John Rockefeller, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Dick Gephardt, Ted Kennedy, and Nancy Pelosi, among others, all confirmed that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction, was willing to use them, and was intent on continuing his nuclear program. Interestingly enough, these are

The “I Can” bands distributed by Girls. Inc.

“exist[ing] to motivate and equip citizens to change the culture to reflect Biblical truth and traditional family values,” demanded that American Girl sever their ties with Girls Inc., a group that the AFA describes as pro-lesbian and pro-abortion. The demand came after American Girls decided to give $50,000 as well as 70 cents for every “I Can” wristband sold to Girls Inc. programs intended to

Online Athens

the same people that violently oppose the war today. Former U.N. Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter had this to say in 1998: "Even today, Iraq is not nearly disarmed. Based on highly credible intelligence, [the U.N. weapons inspectors] suspect that Iraq still has biological agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin... in sufficient quantity to Former UN chief weapons inspector Scott fill several dozen bombs and bal- Ritter. listic missile warheads... Iraq probably retains... sarin nerve gas continue in Iraq: "Iraq has failed and mustard gas... And Iraq reto turn over virtually all the docutains... infrastructure that can be ments requested by the inspecused to rapidly reconstitute largetors. Indeed, we know that Iraq scale chemical weapons producordered the destruction of weaption." ons-related documents in anticiClinton also said this of the pation of a [U.N. weapons inweapons inspectors when his despectors] inspection... In short, cision to use force was chalthe inspectors are saying that lenged by those who believed that even if they could stay in Iraq, inspections should be allowed to their work would be a sham.

BY ILYA RABKIN STAFF WRITER

Saddam's deception has defeated their effectiveness. Instead of the inspectors disarming Saddam, Saddam has disarmed the inspectors. " Russia's, China's, Germany's, France's, Britain's, and virtually every other country's intelligence agency in the world confirmed these reports, that Saddam in fact did have weapons of mass destruction, and was seeking more. Now, even in light of this overwhelming evidence, many will still repeat the tired and true "Bush lied, kids died," rhetoric. These critics ignore overwhelming evidence to the contrary, and scream this catch phrase in protest after protest. I hope you, after reading this, will be motivated to do some of your own research, and figure out the truth for yourself. ◙

When Did Education Become an Evil? help girls by building skills in ously something that girls should science, math and technology, by not be learning. developing leadership and comThis is the 21st century yet it munity awareness, and by encouris amazing how some groups are aging participation in sports. still centuries behind in their The AFA calls Girls Inc. a thoughts. Does the AFA think pro-abortion and pro-lesbianism that if they can only hold their group because while the group hands over their eyes and ears, believes abstinence should be they can deny the fact that young girls’ first choice; it still wants to girls are having sex? Does the educate young women who are AFA believe that if everyone just sexually active about the risk of stopped talking about protection, STDs and the necessity of protecSTDs, and unwanted pregnancies, tion. This seemingly altruistic all girls would forget about the offer of help is obviously encourexistence of sex or have magical aging promiscuity amongst young epiphanies in which they realize women! And with messages like that sex is wrong and abstinence “I can be myis the right choice? self, follow my Girls Inc. realizes AFA protested that dreams, and that we do not live always do my in a bubble of fanGirls, Inc. support best. I can reach tasy. Young girls only education but for the stars, do have sex and not abstinence for lend a hand to they sometimes others, and be a have children at a young girls. good friend. I young age and end can make a difup living the rest of ference,” no wonder the AFA is their lives filled with misery and horrified at the prospect of Girls regret. Girls Inc. is just trying to Inc. corrupting the minds of any educate young women to be more more young girls. This is obviresponsible about their lives and sexuality by teaching them the risks associated with their choices and what they can do to eliminate or reduce these risks. Girls Inc. is not supporting abortions. It only wants to teach young girls to become better people. It only wants to help young girls achieve what they want in life. And it only wants young girls to realize that no dream is too big if they promise to try. ◙

Publish pieces reflecting your thoughts and ideas! Send your work to [email protected] Let your voice be heard!

Page 8

December 20, 2005 Opinions

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Point-Counterpoint How to Re-Affirm Affirmative Action

The New Era of Discrimination

reinforcement, students cannot learn. As a result, they do not do well enough on the SAT to get What is affirmative action? into Columbia or Cornell. No Affirmative action is a policy that matter how much the ETS tries to gives minorities and women spefix it, the SAT is a horribly bicial consideration ased test that disin employment, criminates Affirmative action education and against students contracting deciprovides the incen- who live in sions. Many obpoorer neighbortive and resources ject to the policy, hoods. saying that it acto many students Affirmative actually discrimition provides the that probably never nates against cerincentive and planned to go to a tain groups such resources to the as Asians and private or wellmany students Caucasians. Yet, that probably funded public whoever said minever planned to norities are on the university. go to a private or sa me pla yin g well-funded pubfield as their Caucasian counterlic university. Many say affirmaparts? Affirmative action merely tive action chooses students that tries to undo the complicated and are academically “unqualified” long-lasting discrimination that for the schools that admit them. has been emblematic of many institutions in America. A demonstration in Lansing over a proposed S t u yve s a n t Hi g h anti-affirmative action bill in May. School is an example of one such institution. 94% of the students in the school are white or Asian. All of us got into this school by taking a test. What happened to all the Latinos or AfricanAmericans that took the test? They are not inherently unintelligent or lazy, not more than any other race. So why are they so underrepresented? The reason rests in the Some high-scoring Caucasians lack of incentive and resources in and Asians are then passed over majority-minority communities. for black applicants with lower Affirmative action helps by givtest scores. But in reality, the ing minorities hope and providing amount of these cases is few and them with the two factors that are the evidence refutes these arguso vital for improvement. ments. The Journal of Blacks in To get into a good school, Higher Education obtained SAT which is the stepping stone to a scores from a number of leading better career and standard of livschools that utilized affirmative ing, one must have an incentive. action in their admission process. Why should one go to such a The black students in these elite school and get up so early for that schools had higher average SAT long commute? Wouldn’t it be scores - in some cases as many as better to just stay in the commu200 points - than the national nity where friends and family are average (946) for whites. and get a steady job right after Affirmative action helps mihigh school? College is just a norities and levels the playing deterrent, a one-way ticket to field which has been perpetually even more debt. This is the tilted toward the Caucasians. I thought process of many minority want to see more Hispanic and students that live in poverty and black kids from the inner cities thus need to earn money right lining up outside Ivy League inaway. Inner-city public schools stitutions. It is time that a good do not have enough funding to education stops being a privilege provide a safe and flourishing and starts being a right. ◙ learning environment. Without a good school system and positive

minority groups. Should not be a real “land of equality” by applying it in all situations. If a member of a There was a time in our naminority group needs extra help to tion’s history when women, miget a job because of his disadvannorities and other groups were taged economic conditions and a oppressed and discriminated lack of a good education, shouldn’t against. These groups experienced a white man from a poor family be periods of slavery, inequality, and able to receive help as well? What hatred. They witnessed the actions exactly is so different about their of groups such as the KKK, neocircumstances? If we want to esNazis, and other supremacist ortablish a fair system of affirmative ganizations. They have been reaction, it should apply to every peatedly abused and taken advanpoor, disadvantaged man or tage of throughout our history. woman living in the United States. Centuries later, we finally recogOur current method has nize our many misdeeds and regret churned out quite a few instances our past actions. As a result, we of affirmative action gone wrong. provide these groups with certain Harvey Gantt, a black man who is mechanisms to help even out their mayor of Charlotte, North Carosocial disadvantages and at the lina, and his partners made a $3 same time, atone for our mistakes. million profit by obtaining a liBut this system of equalization cense for a TV station under a bidand atonement falls apart if we ding process that was preferential liken our nation’s history as to a to minorities. A second example is poker game. For the much more common. John Doe first three hundred from New York with his 98 averyears of this poker age, 200 hours of community sergame, the white man vice, and 1600 SAT scores cannot cheats, collecting all go to his dream university because the chips while leaving an African American student with the other players with slightly lower credentials took his almost nothing. Fispot. Sure, the black student might nally, America says have ancestors who were once “Woah! Enough cheatenslaved but why should John Doe ing. Let’s play fair!” be punished for our nation’s past and tries to fix the inmistakes? Is it not possible that justices done by giving Doe’s family might have experithe minority player the enced a similar ordeal? Yet his advantage for the next family circumstances will not qualfew sets of the poker ify him for biases or special help game. This analogy due to narrow-minded constraints initially works because of affirmative action. many minorities are If we want to keep using afdisadvantaged in social and ecofirmative action, we should set up nomic status because of the unfairstandards that transcend race and ness their anceslook at all the tors suffered. mitigating cirIf we do want However, African cumstances into establish a system cluding the perAmericans are not the only ethnic of affirmative acson’s family hisgroups on the tion, it has to apply tory and economic lower end of the conditions. But social and ecoto every poor, disad- considering the nomic scale. Nor enormous quanvantaged man or are they the only of applicaones who have woman living in the tity tions and relevant been wronged or United States. factors, a fair oppressed in the standard of afpast. Jews have been discriminated firmative action is almost impossiin Europe, Asia, and the American ble to achieve. So perhaps it is continent. The American governtime to do something revolutionary ment shipped innocent Japaneseand get rid of a system that does Americans to internment camps not work because as long as we during World War II. And the first uphold affirmative action, we are anti-immigration law that our govnot upholding our nation’s creed of ernment passed was the Chinese equality. We are discriminating Exclusion Act of 1882. against the majority to better suit Affirmative action cannot simthe minority when actions could be ply apply to poor Africantaken to benefit both majority and Americans and a select few other

BY PRISCILLA MELO STAFF WRITER

BAMN

BY YAN SLAVINSKIY STAFF WRITER

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 9

December 20, 2005 Literary

A Fact, or a Hole in the Ground?

SUBWAY RIDE

BY DAMON CHAM JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

BY EILEEN L. CHANG STAFF WRITER

Can you tell a fact from a hole in the ground? If I told you it’s a square would you think that it’s round?

While others pass time with devices galore, My eyes wander along the pattern of floor.

What would you say if I told you roses are blue? Would you nod your head and think that it’s true?

My fingers itching to neutralize bitter, Sweat damps my palms as I reach for the litter.

And how about orangesthey’re red. It’s only true when you stand on your head. Cats can talk, but not dogs. I can dance, but you can’t walk. Can you tell a fact from a hole in the ground? Judge a fact by its truth and not by how good it sounds.

[Éâáx BY STEPHANIE TAM STAFF WRITER My house is a place That’s close to my heart It’s also a place I can’t see fall apart My house is where I want to be But I know it’s a place I’ll have to flee My house, I know Is this special place That nothing in the world Could ever replace

Memories BY ANNA GINZBURG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER You take still prints and photographs in your mind You try your best to hold onto the good moments Yet time can make the best fade away Changes occur with everyone You wake up and you are no longer the same The crimson tears escaping shouldn’t be there Life isn’t about sadness, fear or failure It’s about peace, happiness and joy So a holiday glittering with excitement I’ll have It’s your life and your choices So live the way you want With no regrets…

Newspapers lay abandoned under blue seats, Shiny litter of wrappers once sealing sweets.

Gates open for souls to move on or remain, Reality wakes me, I step off the train.

Worthless BY JOSEPH KRUTOV STAFF WRITER What is it that you want, You want me to give? I can’t offer you anything, And you would just have to forgive. Flowers have fragrance, And birds can sing, While I just sit here, Because I can’t give you a thing. All I can say is that I’m sorry, I know I’m not worth much, And hope you won’t stay shut, Shut from the nothing I give, And shut from anything I touch.

That Shade of White BY NIAN ZHOU STAFF WRITER Mindlessly walked down the street Nothing seemed to me complete A black umbrella in my hand Raining day was not what I planned The threads of silver poured down Puddles form that made you frown Thought nothing would cheer up my day Thought no excitement would come my way But a familiar figure that I felt Hurried pass me without a halt Like a spring breeze That appease Sharply I turned to seek that delight Only to find a disappearing shade of white

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

Page 10

December 20, 2005 Literary/Puzzles

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Last Issue’s Solutions

Uncertainty BY LADA KUKUY LITERARY EDITOR

Cryptograms

I write not knowing what about. To cry, to kill, to die, to shout Is what I wish for without stop. I struggle vainly just to drop This burden crushing down upon My conscious mind, my body, soul.

How much wood can a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck can’t chuck wood.

I still know not what I’m about, What path to take in life so shortTo stand out or to join the crowd? Live free or caged? What do I want?

g{x fàâçäxátÇà fàtÇwtÜw ã|á{xá çÉâAA `xÜÜç V{Ü|áàÅtá4 [tÑÑç [tÇâ~~t{4 tÇw t [tÑÑç axã lxtÜ4 [tÑÑç [ÉÄ|wtçá

Crossword Puzzle S

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‘Thanksgiving’ Jumble 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

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.

VWOX OX QJ YAMOJQAB JRFOXW XJVJU, ZLV Q UAVQOJ FVVA YG VW QFCWQZV WQX ZJ YHOVVM PAB VOH OV QCCQAX.

KBDOXGEH GQDOK JUTV TED SDUKTE GK ZOXXDQ SXOHGOUGKV. KBDOXGEH JUTV VOEW GK FETPE OK UDKDOUZM.

Your answer:

Your answer:

7. 8. 9.

Turkey Cranberry sauce Corn on the cob Cornucopia Mashed Potato Bread Pudding

Candied Yams Squanto Pilgrims

Thanksgiving Dessert: Pumpkin pie

Sudoku

Crypto Corner BY JEFFREY LIAW STAFF WRITER

T=6 O=7 R=8 L=9

S=0 A=1 C=2 E=4

BY JOHN REUEL STAFF WRITER Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

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THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 11

December 20, 2005 Puzzles/Science

Crossword Trivia BY JEFFREY LIAW STAFF WRITER

Across 1. The legendary "Goat- Sucker" 4. A Heavy Jacket 6. New 8. Atomic Number 54 11. Inventor of dynamite 12. The only color listed in a rainbow that is not physically in the rainbow 18. Mouth 19. Of a quality adequate for use in weapons 20. Dr. ______ I presume? 22. Nobel Prize winner in literature Thomas Stearns_____ 23. Inventor of the A/C current 25. River in Kansas 26. Famous 1960s Dance 27. Dry seed-like fruit produced by the cereal grasses 28. Truth Serum 31. Stone formed in the salivary gland 32. ______ syndrome Down 2. The dead, rotting body of an animal 3. A computer program made by Macromedia 5. A living fossil (inhabits the waters of Indonesia) 7. Inspiration for Sonic the Hedgehog 9. The inventor of the Elevator with a safety device 10. United states Navy intelligence agency 13. Animal similar to the Giraffe but shorter 14. A hired gun 15. A Norse Soldier 16. The highest point 17. Process in which a cell engulfs a substance 20. An accumulation of clay and silt deposited by the wind 21. Inventor of the Revolver 24. Indestructible metal used by Hercules and Wolverine 29. An atom that is electrically charged 30. Inventor of the first sub-machine gun

Word Search BY JEFFREY LIAW STAFF WRITER P

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BATTLEFRONT BOULDER CADMIUM CONDITION DEXTROUS DIRK GARRULOUS GUARANTEE HALOGEN HEALTH INERT JADED KHRUKURI KNIGHT LAMP

LOQUACIOUS MAINE MENTALITY METROPOLITAN OST RECHARGABLE REGIMENT REPUBLIC SAEK SOLDERING SUBTLE TOPGUN TOURNAMENT VENDETTA WHIT

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

Page 12

December 20, 2005 Science/Arts

E. Coli a Contender in Film Industry?

compared to about 12 megapixels in the best digital cameras. resolution. But Fuji and Kodak won’t be put out of business anytime soon. Researchers intend to use the light-sensitive genes in future cells to control gene activation. Lasers will awaken dormant cells to carry out pre-programmed functions. Synthetic biology has also sparked fears of bioterrorism or accidental leaks out of the laboratory. Laurie Zoloth, a bio-

per. This is the latest advanceResearchers at the University ment in the of California at San Francisco growing field of “synthetic and the University of Texas have biology.” successfully modified E. coli bacThe special bacteria were teria to act like photographic pacreated with gene splicE. coli may be used by scientists as film in the future. ing, a technique involving transferring a gene from one organism to another. Gene splicing has been used to create insulin, used to treat diabetes, safely and cheaply. The E. coli cells were spliced with lightsensitive genes from algae, and when a strong projector light cast on the enhanced cells they produced a picture resolution of about 100 megapixels,

ence Sound Effects and Foreign Film Dubbing. When the host asked the audience for bumper “Yo, good fellow, dost thou sticker phrases, suggestions heart desire to goeth to the town ranged from “back that thang up” to hit up a partay?". This was just to “impeach Bush.” one of the many side-splitting Not particularly witty, the lines heard at the National Comactors redeemed themselves with edy Theatre on November 18. physical comedy and by acting The National Comedy Theaout unlikely or ridiculous situatre (NCT), located in an obscure tions. A member of one team had part of Midtown Manhattan, is an to convince her fellow partner, improvisational comedy show without speaking, that she was that is performed by two competplaying Ultimate Frisbee wearing ing teams. It is interactive: the nothing but a telephone. audience is a key player in the The NCT is two fun-filled act, picking the games and awardhours of interactive comedy pering points. formed by potentially dishy acThe show kicked off with an tors and actresses. Need more upbeat starting lineup. An anonyreason to go? The NCT is affilimous voiceover, accommodated ated with High 5, by appropriate non-profit ormusic and lightThe National Com- aganization that ing, introduced edy Theatre is an offers teenagers the two rival five dollar tickets improvisational teams: The Staten to arts events in Island Ferries and comedy show that is New York City. The Brooklyn Lucinda Ng, a performed by two Queens. The host member of the was a brisk and competing teams. audience, said a n i m a t e d “I’d see it every week if I was "referee" who explained the rules Donald Trump. Oh wait, it’s so and called fouls. When the host cheap-- I can see it every week!” asked the audience for sugges◙ The NCT has performances tions for a new movie title, a man every Friday and Saturday night. proposed “Terry Schiavo.” ConFor more information, go to sequently, a brown paper bag was www.manhattancomedy.com. To placed over his head. purchase tickets, visit The games played were very www.highfivetix.org. similar to those of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” including Audi-

BY JENNY HUANG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

Nobel Prize for Bronx Science Grad Continued from Page 1

discrete packets of light, combine to form beams of light. John L. Hall and Theodor W. Hansch demonstrated how lasers of different frequencies, allowing the passage of small light pulses, could be used as measuring devices. The contributions of Glauber, Hall, and Hansch to quantum optics are invaluable. Glauber, a professor at Harvard University as well as an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona, said of his quantum optics theory, “It’s kind of hard to describe in simple terms. It’s difficult to find simple words. I am looking for those words right now, working on my Nobel lecture that will be on the eighth of December. The problem is that most of what I did was mathematical. It was a mathematical development.” Light has a dual nature; it displays properties of both waves and particles. Einstein explained the photoelectric effect, in which the absorption of a quantum of light leads to the release of an electron. These photoelectrons could be registered when photons are absorbed. Glauber said, “The quantum theory of light was, in a logical sense, completed in 1927 by [the] British scientist Paul Dirac. The theory was verified many times. It was verified that all the predictions were correct… But certain questions were never asked. For example, how do you move from one quantum to several? It was

very difficult mathematically and it was never investigated in any detail… What I did was find the right mathematical description of the multi-quantum process.” Glauber’s approach, in which quantum theory is tied with optics, explains the basic differences between hot sources of light, such as light bulbs, with a mixture of frequencies, and lasers, which operate at a specific frequency. Hall and Hansch’s contributions enabled the more accurate measurement of frequencies. The precision measurement techniques developed by Hall and Hansch can be used to determine whether physical constants, such as the speed of light, do in fact change over time. Their precision measurements are also used in the Global Positioning System (GPS) and in optical standard clocks. Quantum optics can be used in secure data encryptions. When asked what advice he had for Stuyvesant students interested in science, Glauber answered, “Stick to it. Firstly, there are many hurdles you’ll have to clear—but you can do it. Secondly, I would say all the mathematics you can learn is a good investment, and the earlier you learn it the better.” Glauber also mentioned that he worked on the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bomb, as an undergraduate at Harvard University. Well past the normal retirement age, he continues teaching at Harvard today. ◙

ethics professor at Northwestern University said of these worries, “Synthetic biology is like iron: You can make sewing needles and you can make spears.” Scientists in Israel have already utilized gene splicing to make the world’s smallest computer; others hope to create novel treatments for malaria and even alternative fuels. It is hoped that further research in the genome and compiling separate genes into an organism can produce a complex organism with practical uses. ◙

Improv Laughs at the National Comedy Theater

NCT New York

Microsoft

BY EUGENE FONG STAFF WRITER

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

A National Comedy Theater team in action.

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

December 20, 2005 Arts & Entertainment

Page 13

Reasons to Stay Out During the Winter Austen’s classic novel. The Tree at Rockefeller Center The beautiful, newlylighted tree at Rockefeller Center is definitely worth the trip. From the spectacular scenery to skating rink, it has everything for the perfect day as long as you have money to spare. Times Square The go-to place for all things fun, Times Square has four movie theatres and a variety of other fun activities. These include the giant Virgin store and a Hershey store, which is a great place to find a gift for friends with a sweet tooth. Holiday Shopping Christmas means emptying your wallet to get your family and friends

Park this winter. The Park, located between 40th and 42nd Streets, and Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Manhattan, sometimes includes live entertainment; skaters may also rest and relax at a café. An alternative is the Wollman Rink, located in Central Park at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue. Both these rinks have expensive locker rentals, so skaters would do well to bring their own locks. Movies A variety of great movies, ranging from “Rent” to “Harry Potter” are playing in theatres. “Pride and Prejudice,” starring Keira Knightley, is great fun and a very true adaptation of Jane

BY EMMA RABINOVICH STAFF WRITER From exhibitions to ice skating, here’s everything you need to know to have a great winter holiday! Russia! at the Guggenheim Russia! is a collection of more than 250 Russian works of art from the 13th century to the present, including many pieces collected by the Tsars Peter the Great, Nicholas I, and Catherine the Great. The exhibition is arranged in chronological order, and spirals around the rotunda and galleries. Museum admission is $18 for adults and $15 for students with valid IDs; the museum is open 10A.M.-5:45 Saturday to Wednesday, 10-8 Friday, and is closed on Thursdays. Ice Skating A free rink opens in Bryant

A Junior’s Christmas Wishlist tired of the “classic” snowy white case, this iPod comes in sinfully glossy black too!

Microsoft

M i c r o s o f t Xb o x 3 6 0 : Chances are you have never seen video games look and perform the way they do on the 360. A sleeker, smaller design with insanely great performance, the new Xbox a high end processor and graphic card, surround sound, and many other impressive specs. No doubt, this will be dancing in many gamers’ heads this holiday season. Motorola Slvr L7: Undeniably sleek, just like its flipstyle relative, the hot selling Razr V3, Motorola’s new super slim candy bar style Slvr is sure to turn some heads. This yetto-be-released phone features Push to Talk

Apple Computer

movies from across the room. A pointless but entertaining feature is the built in iSight camera that lets you photograph yourself and transform the images with several fun-house effects, including pinching, warping, and ballooning. Curtain Call: The Hits: Marshall Mathers may be about to put away his microphone for good. Rumor has it that this upcoming album will be his last. Executive produced by the nine-time

Grammy winner, Curtain Call boasts all of Eminem’s biggest sellers, from "Lose Yourself" to "Just Lose It", with three new tracks including “When I’m Gone.” Reminiscent of his last two albums, Curtain Call depicts a suit-wearing Eminem taking a bow on a stage showered with roses. Whether or not this is a hint of his retirement, this album is sure to be another chart topper. Dave Ryan

This is the season for good cheer, for gathering with family and friends and celebrating the joys of the holidays. As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, I’ve been yearning for few Christmas gifts that if granted would make my life a whole lot easier, or at least much more enjoyable. In case some of you need good gift ideas, my wish list ranges from the very popular to the extravagant to just plain old fun items for everyone on your list. Since this is the magical season, perhaps some of these requests will result in a miracle or two under the Christmas tree. I’ve been a good student and a good Standard staff member this year. So Santa, are you reading this? Apple iPod 30 GB: I love music, and thank goodness I haven’t convinced myself to get an iPod yet. Trust me, it’s hard when Apple has been dangling iPods in front of my eyes. Just when you thought the digital music player had hit perfection, Apple released an even sweeter iPod that plays video. This newly released MP3 player is even thinner than its predecessor and sports a 2.5 inch screen for watching movies, television and music videos. For those of you

connection, Bluetooth, VGA camera, an MP3 player with iTunes support storing up to 100 tracks, and a very cool-looking keypad, all at half an inch thick. With its slim body, Santa should have no problem squeezing it down the chimney. Apple iMac G5: If only Santa had Bill Gates’ budget, it wouldn’t be too much to ask for this godly computer. Imagine, everything a computer needs and doesn’t need in the elegant all-inone case topped with an LCD display. The all new iMac touts an innovative feature called Front Row, which with the help of the included remote lets you browse, listen to, or watch your entire library of music, photos, and

Motorola

Apple Computer

BY DEREK WENG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

t h e best and most affordable presents. Hera l d Square, home to Old Navy, Macy’s, the Gap, and the Manhattan Mall is the perfect place to visit. It is conveniently located over the 34 Street train stop so it can be reached by the N, R, Q, W, B, D, F, and V trains. SoHo, not far from Stuyvesant, is also popular with shoppers. It’s become famous for narrow streets and a variety of stores. It is located just south of Houston and north of Canal Street on the West Side. ◙

Arrested Development, Season Two: I have long anticipated the release of the 3-disc boxed set of this much underappreciated series, containing the 18 sidesplitting episodes of Arrested Development’s second season. This much critically acclaimed comedy is may be axed by Fox Network because too few viewers tune in on Sundays to watch it. It’s a shame, considering that the series won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in its very first season, and kept fans like me laughing for hours with its sarcastic offbeat humor about a man called Michael Bluth barely able to keep his dysfunctional family together. This show is different from anything you see on TV, and perhaps will never be seen again if the rating plummets even further. ◙

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December 20, 2005 Arts/Sports

Blood and Oil BY JOS DIAZ STAFF WRITER “Syriana,” based on the memoirs of retired CIA operative Robert Baer, follows the lives of those directly and indirectly affected by the merger of two oil

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

tiable greed of the world’s major oil companies, working in conjunction with the American government, are conveyed vividly. Interesting characters help drive the movie’s message home. George Clooney stars an aging CIA agent being used as a scapegoat for the administration’s avarice-driven blunders and Matt Damon plays a consultant from a small firm trying to get rich off of a foreign country’s political chaos. Mazhar Munir and Shahid Ahmed also do an amazing job as two royal brothers about to inherit the throne of their oil-ridden

don’t make a thriller. Agonizingly slow and sluggish, the movie’s 126-minute run time feels like an eternity. Nothing truly exciting happens and anything that could be considered a plot twist is uninteresting simply because the few moments that do Yahoo

kingdom; each battles with each other and themselves, caught between a desire to help their country rise above poverty and the extravagant lives that they are used to living. Though the movie is not really worth watching, as it will only bore and perplex viewers, the major performances, are Oscar -worth y a nd Stephen Gaghan should be commended on his attempt to show America the wrongs present in one of today’s most important industries. ◙

The Stars of NBA Continued from Page 16 Although it will be hard for teams like San Antonio to New New York to make the playoffs, a York. Although San Antonio is systematic approach and a capaaiming to win, ble transition from Although some their first goal is Larry Brown is a to have a wellstart and guaranteams care about balanced team for tees improvement winning game, oth- for a team lacking the playoffs come and the season is ers care about mak- much of what is a buildup to that It will be ing the playoffs, and needed. pl a yo ff. Ne w interesting to see that is what sepa- how the future York meanwhile has to win as rates the stars from months play out many games as for not only the the regular teams. “playoff teams” possible to have a hope of even but also the making the playoffs. “season teams.” ◙

George Clooney in “Syriana.”

giants in the Middle East. The movie is an attempt to display the corruption and suffering involved in America securing its oil, which writer and director Stephen Gaghan calls “the world’s crack addiction”. Unfortunately, the intersection of these storylines is not as carefully orchestrated as it could have been. The movie ends up a giant mess, showing audiences that explosions and terrorists

anything towards advancing the storyline are lost amongst the majority of the scenes that don’t. The viewer becomes so confused that the excellent performances from every single actor in the movie go by either without care or seem out of place. Despite the movie’s inability to engage its audience, Gaghan does manage to press his point. The senseless brutality and insa-

George Best: The Best of the Best

Agence France-Presse

Volunteer Opportunities for the Holiday Season Citymeals-on-Wheels (212) 687-1234 Volunteers help package and deliver food to homebound seniors. Volunteers are also needed to serve a neighborhood holiday parties. Visit www.citymeals.org for more information. NY Cares (212) 228-5000 Participating in hands-on projects, New York Cares volunteers tutor children, feed the hungry, assist people living with HIV/AIDS, revitalize gardens, take homeless children on recreational outings, visit the elderly, and so much more. NY Cares also organizes four large-scale Annual Service Events. Visit www.nycares.org for more information. The Salvation Army (212) 337-7324 The Salvation Army raises most of its funds for its local community centers during the Christmas season. Bell ringers stand at various public locations to collect donations for the Salvation Army. Email [email protected] for more information.

music, and as Mohammed Ali was to Boxing. One of the most talked about and controversial December 10 saw the death players, Best was known for beof George Best, one of the best ing the best that football had to soccer players of all time. The offer. cause of death was multiple organ George Best was born in Belfailure after cirrhosis of the liver fast, Northern Ireland on May 22, following a lifelong struggle with 1946. At age fifteen he was spotalcohol. His alcoholism also afted by a Manchester United scout who claimed that he had just found a “genius.” He signed with the team that year and after two years made his debut. His career hit a peak at 22, when his goal won Manchester United the European Cup Title. After that year his star seemed to falter. After the Manchester manager Matt Busby left, George Best lost his focus on the game and started getting team and Football Association suspensions, th George Best's family at the funeral services for and following his 27 birthday was let go by the club the former Manchester United star. that he had loved growing up and playing with. fected his game play, ending his Best was a dynamic player professional career at 26 when he who will never be forgotten. Alwas let go by his long-time team ways seen as one of the best, Manchester United. Although he George Best will continue to be played only 37 times for his nacompared and talked about both tion of Northern Ireland, he was for his game play and for the poregarded as one of best football tential he could never quite use to players in the world. He was to the full extent. ◙ football as the Beatles were to

BY OSMAN NEMLI SPORTS EDITOR

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 15

December 20, 2005 Sports

Vixens Come Up Short Once Again BY STEPHANIE SHEN STAFF WRITER On November 18, the Stuyvesant Girls Varsity Volleyball Team, the Vixens, lost the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) volleyball semi-finals in a tough match against John F. Kennedy High School. Held in Basketball City, the Vixens came close to a victory in the first game with a score of 25-23, but fell behind in the second game and came to a disappointing loss of 25-15. At the third place match against Francis Lewis High School on November 22, held at Hunter College, the team suffered a startling defeat. The Vixens, known for their now 4-year undefeated streak in their regular season matches, are coached by Dean Phil Fisher. After completing the 2005 season undefeated against league teams such as Murry Bergtraum and Seward Park, the players went on to be seeded number 3 on the

PSAL list after rivals Hunter, number 1, and Kennedy, number 2. Previously, the Vixens have encountered these two teams separately in the Tottenville Tournament and the John F. Kennedy Tournament, where the girls placed second behind Hunter and Kennedy respectably. In past ye a rs , Stu yvesant’s team has made it to the Final Four several times, where they have faced Hunter and Kennedy repeatedly. Leading up to the semi-final match, the team beat Bronx Science to make it into the Final Four. Unfortunately, the Vixens ended the season with two consecutive losses. The Vixens began this year facing the task of rebuilding the team after many starters from last year’s team graduated. The team was inexperienced and according

to Coach Fisher, “not scrappy enough.” With daily practices the team shaped up nicely. Having fresh players can be a blessing or a nightmare for a team, but with Fisher the rookies were able to improve greatly over the course of the season. Many players were in their first playoff match ever, contributing to the unease on the court. Fisher said that a lack of focus affected the team’s performance, saying that team members were “shooting themselves in the foot.” Throughout the season it became apparent that the team took a while to warm-up and during the playoffs that fact became painfully obvious. The team lost valuable points in the early minutes of both playoff games. In order for a team to work together,

players must be aware of their teammates. Uncertain positioning and area management led to many a dropped ball. Fisher also faulted the team’s ability to turn around when losing. Several times missed serves in tied games made the team lose momentum, and the initiative was difficult to recapture. “You dug yourselves a deep hole and now you have to get out of it,” said Fisher. Lack of communication, nerves, inexperience, and lost focus all contributed to the sad defeat. Skills and bad habits came back to “bite them in the butt” states Fisher. Plenty of hardwork, long hours, sweat, and tears went into the season. There was never a lack of determination, drive, or desire, but the year was not Stuyvesant’s year. All in all, the Vixens had a great season and should be congratulated for their effort. As Vixens’ Co-Captain, Mimi Russler says, “It’s our house!” and you can be sure next year the team is going to push to the top. ◙

TSS/Stephanie Shen

Regardless of a win or loss, the Vixens always have a smile and “good game” for their opponents.

Discount Tickets and Where to Find Them Continued from Page 16 all tier box, tier reserved, and bleacher seats are $5.00. Antonio Spurs and the red-hot One of the best deals in the Indiana Pacers. tri-state area is in Queens at Shea If you are counting down the Stadium. Every Wednesday home days until Spring Training, both game, if you bring a Pepsi bottle major league teams offered disto the bleachers counted tickets you get free adlast year and plan If you know mi ss i on. The on offering them seats are perfect again. The Yanwhere to look, you for catching a kees offer many can get great deals home run, and discounts. There maybe even snagon tickets. are Snapple Stuging a ball dent Games, thrown into the where tier reserved (upper deck) stands. Be prepared to arrive very tickets are half price. However, early, as they can only allow a the deal is incredibly limited. certain number of people in, and Tickets can only be purchased for if there’s a party there’s not that Wednesdays and must be purmuch room left. The Mets also chased the day of the game. Don’t have different prices for their expect to get into a Yankees-Red seats based on who they are playSox game like that. If you are ing. If the game is a “Value” looking for even cheaper seats, game (bad teams), then upper there are Fufifilm $5.00 Dates. deck seats become $5. That’s On specific days, (normally midalmost as much as you’ll spend week night games against the for your soda. ◙ garbage of the American League),

The Silent Assassins tive that the defense improves so that the Mavericks can Don’t think Dirk is doing all be a major threat in the work by himself. the postseason. This year he has Avery Johnson, a much better supformer player who port from his teamis now the coach mates. There are of the Mavercurrently five playicks, just won ers averaging douthe Coach of the ble-digit points a Month award for game, with Jason the month of NoTerry averaging 17 vember. They don’t only have points a game and second skill; they’ve got brains too! year player Josh Howard averWe can only hope that the aging 15 points a game. Mavericks continue their high Not only is the offense impace exciting “run ‘n’ gun” play proving, but the biggest problem and perform well of last year, dewhile doing so. fense, is getting Don’t think Dirk You can continue better as well. The Mavs are is doing all the work talking about LeBron and holding their opby himself. This Kobe, but don’t ponents to about say I didn’t tell year he has much 95 points a game so when the and 44% field better support from you Mavericks make goal percentage. his teammates. a legitimate run There is still a for the title this long way to go, year. ◙ but it’s getting there. It is imperaContinued from Page 16

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December 20, 2005 Sports

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD Reuters

Discount Tickets and Where to Find Them BY ERIC MAYO STAFF WRITER Sporting events are a great way to spend an otherwise uneventful afternoon. Due to the ever-increasing budgets of professional sports teams, cheap tickets are hard to come by. However, if you know where to look, you can get great deals on tickets. A great place to start is with the local hockey teams. After the NHL lockout last season, hockey teams are desperate to reestablish their fan base. The New York Islanders, located in Uniondale, Long Island have student discount specials for every home game. Normally $25 dollar seats become $16, $30 seats become $19, and $55 become $28. If you’re lucky, the Islanders might offer their $95 seats for just $38. Those seats get you within four rows of the action. Just show your student ID on game day while purchasing the tickets and you’ll receive the discount. The line tends to get crowded before game time, so try to arrive early. If trekking out to Long Island

is a problem, the New York Rangers have an answer. Only a short subway ride up from Stuy, the Rangers have what they call a Blue Plate Special. For $27 or $40 (upper deck tickets), you not only get game tickets, but also a hot dog, a soda, and popcorn. This deal needs to be purchased in advance and it must include a minimum purchase of four tickets. Some good teams are playing during this promotion, including top teams in the Eastern Conference like the Ottawa Senators on February 8th and the Carolina Hurricanes on March 6th. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office. If you plan on going to a New Jersey Nets game with your family at the Conti nental Airl ines Arena, a McFamily plan is your best bet. Like the Blue Plate Special of the Rangers, the package include 4 tickets (at any price), and 4 McDonalds meals. The plans save anywhere from $36 to $100. You can even see your choice of great teams like the defending world champion San

Detroit Pistons center Darko Milicic drives against New York Knicks center Jackie Butler in a December 2 game.

The Stars of NBA BY OSMAN NEMLI SPORTS EDITOR Already, more than 15 games have been played in the NBA and the tables look like they did last year. In the east, Detroit and Miami are leading the pack, along with a rather new and improved Philadelphia 76ers led by Allen Iverson. In the west, San Antonio is yet again leading the pack, with a rather unfamiliar L.A. Clippers behind them, followed by the regular names of Phoenix and Dallas. The so-called “surprises” are New Jersey, Memphis, and

Continued on Page 14

Continued on Page 15

The Silent Assassins BY JASON SU STAFF WRITER

of the Detroit Pistons, who currently have the best record in the NBA. Continued on Page 15 Reuters

Although the new year of basketball has been filled with talk about the Lakers, Pistons, and Cavaliers, one can’t help but wonder: where are the Dallas Mavericks? They are quietly sitting in second place in the Western conference with the thirdbest record in the NBA. Led by team captain Dirk Nowitzki, who is averaging 25 points and 9 rebounds a game, the Mavericks have stormed out of the gate to a 10-4 start, second-best to the San Antonio Spurs, who are 11-3. This includes a win over the Phoenix Suns, who eliminated the Mavericks from the playoffs last year, and a 119-82 thrashing

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki.

Golden State. At this point in the season, a lot can still happen. With so many wins, the unexpected stars might ride their own euphoria to a playoff berth. There is a major difference though, between the teams that know playoff seasons, and the relatively novice teams. Although some teams care about just about winning games, others care about making the playoffs, and that is what separates the stars from the regular teams. This difference is seen by comparing