Volume 5 Issue 9

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

The Stuyvesant Standard Volume V, Issue 9

January 5, 2006

Free

Straight Flush… to the Garbage Can TSS/Henry Zhang

BY RICHARD SHYONG STAFF WRITER Next time you pass by the security desk on the first floor, look at the area behind the desk. The first thing that hits you as you walk back there is the sound of people shouting, balls bouncing, and sometimes even cards flying. As the place comes into view, you might see people gathered around a ping-pong table, all ready to get in on the next game. Turn around the corner, and you see people on the floor, playing with Magic cards or just watching anime on their laptops. Looking around, you suddenly see a group of people, hunched together in a circle. In their hands are poker cards, and some of them are taking notes on a piece of paper. And then it hits you; these students are gambling their lunch money away. Gambling is banned in the New

BY JOSEPH KRUTOV STAFF WRITER

Gambling in Stuy is not an uncommon sight.

As one gambler put it, “I’m sure that everyone has gambled at least once in their lives, so why outlaw

York public schools. The courageous young fellows who put their lives on the line to have a little fun consider the ban to be outrageous.

did not see the expected heavy foot traffic this December. Whether due to rising heating costs, or high gasoline prices, many families are closely monitoring their budgets and CNN

After a rather tepid holiday season, retailers nationwide are hoping to boost merchandise sales as shoppers head back to the stores for even deeper post-Christmas discounts. Holiday sales typically account for about one fourth of annual retail sales. The Saturday before Christmas is usually the busiest shopping day of the year. But to many retailers’ dismay, a growing number of shoppers are playing the waiting game and simply holding off buying presents. Many malls and retailers

Retailers are hoping that shoppers would gear up and head back to stores for deeper post-holiday savings.

Royalle

lawsuit seeking to ban sugary drinks in Massachusetts schools, as In Massachusetts, well as possible moneparents and lawyers are tary damages. The degearing up for a confendants of the $92 sumer rights lawsuit billion industry, includagainst a new industry; ing big names such as the beverage industry. Coca-Cola Co. and The Center for Science PepsiCo. Inc, are prein the Public Interest paring to fight against and several lawyers this lawsuit as the towith past successes subacco industry had ing tobacco The ban on Snapple vending machines fought its own. companies in Massachusetts schools could affect The plaintiffs claim that will file a New York, if the trend catches on. Continued on Page 5

waiting for better deals. With few notable exceptions, like Microsoft’s Xbox 360 video game console and Apple Computer’s iPod line, a lack of hot must-have items also contributed to the weak holiday sales. “More Americans are waiting to the end to shop for Christmas than any other time in the last 10 years. The consumer was never excited about anything they saw this Christmas,” said C. Britt Beemen, Chairman of America’s Research Group, a firm based in Charleston, South Carolina. In fact a survey conducted by the International Council of Shopping Centers estimated that only 26 percent of households completed their holiday shopping by December 18, compared to 31 percent over the same period last year. In New York City, retailers ranging from small shops to popular department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdales felt the impact from the three-day transit strike that kept con-

Vaccines to eliminate peanut allergies may not be available for 15 years. to specific substances has more than doubled in the last ten years. The Food and Drug Administration is trying to reduce the number of allergic reactions and vaccines are being independently developed. We are getting closer to an allergy-free world. In light of the increase in the number of allergic individuals, the Continued on Page 11

Vicilin is one of the leading allergens in peanuts. Research for a hypoallergenic peanut is underway. CBC

Snapple on Trial in Massachusetts Schools BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER

Christina Desforges, 15 years old, died of an allergic reaction in November after kissing her boyfriend. Her boyfriend had eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich hours before, and had not known of her extreme allergy to peanuts. Christina was rushed to a hospital but the facility was unable to treat her allergic reaction. She had previously been given a shot of epinephrine, or adrenaline, as a standard treatment for anaphylactic shock, shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction. Her death is only one of many cases. The number of people allergic

Continued on Page 3

‘Tis the Season for Post-Holiday Shopping BY DEREK WENG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

Kiss of Death

Continued on Page 5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE -------------News.....................2-4 Business................4-5 Opinions................5-6 Literary..................7-8

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

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January 5, 2006 News

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Stuyvesant Student Photo Calendar Contest Deadline January 23, 2006

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.

The Stuyvesant PA invites all Stuy students to submit their photographs. The photo should represent ‘A Slice of Life at Stuy’. Suggestions: First day of school, Halloween, Holidays, Stuy events (Camp Stuy, SING, sports…). Twelve photographs will be selected to be printed in a July 2006-June 2007 desktop calendar presented in a CD case. The calendar will be used for Parent Association Fundraising. Winners will be invited to the Lunar Feast Fundraising Dinner on March 3, 2006. You will also receive a thank you certificate from the PA for your winning submission to add to your portfolio. The calendars will be $10 and sold at the Lunar Feast Fundraising Dinner and at PA meetings. The deadline for all submissions is 12:01AM Monday morning on January 23, 2006. One photo entry per student. The photographs will be judged by members of the PA Silent Auction Committee on January 28, 2006. The decision made by the judges is final. Photo release forms will be required to be signed if your photo is selected for the calendar. Please email your submissions to Hannah Li: [email protected]. Include your name, email, phone # and class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). All submissions should be: -emailed -Jpg file -at least 1 meg -untouched -taken from a digital camera or camera phone -color photo is preferred

Copyright ©2006 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD If you have any questions, please contact Hannah Li.

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

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

Subscription 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].

Sophomores in Clubs schedule is manageable, Hu said, “Yes, pretty easily.” Yewdaev was in the same extraWhile many Stuy students sign curricular activity as last year, with up for as many clubs as possible the exception of debate team. This their freshman year, others don’t get year’s, he is in the Chess Club, Chiserious until their second time nese Chess Club, Stock Market around. Game Club, and the Junior States of Several examples are sophoAmerica. When asked why this was mores Alvis Yuen, Simon Hu, the case, Yewdaev said, “Last year, Tamir Yewdaev, and Harrison I didn’t really find anything of interWong. est. I joined a bunch of stuff after Yuen was not part of any clubs the Club/Pub [Fair], but didn’t stay in his freshman year. Now, howin any. This year, I found the clubs ever, he is an active member of the through friends.” Science Olympiad, Chinese Chess Wong was also inactive in after Club, and the Badminton Club. school activities last year. This year, Similarly, Hu showed the least he is in the Robotics team, Key interest possible in extracurricular Club, and Badminton Club. activity during his freshman year. Freshman, Jesse Zhang, states This year, he is not only an active that he is planning to join clubs, but member in Chess Club and Chinese not until sophomore year. “I want to Chess Club, but also the vice presiadjust right now,” said Zhang. dent of the Stock Market Game Hu and Yewdaev both agree Club. When questioned if his new with this idea. “I’d say so. [I] Alvis Yuen and his friends dis- know more of what’s going on,” cuss their club/pub differences. Yewdaev said. A small poll in the sophomore class concludes that most sophomores think this way. Wong however, just states that “[he] was even lazier than last year [than this year].” ◙

BY JIMMY ZHANG STAFF WRITER

TSS/Jimmy Zhang

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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January 5, 2006 News

Straight Flush… to the Garbage Can Continued from Page 1

it?” When further questioned about anti-gambling activists, he responded simply by saying: “[They] should be stabbed.” Most people appear to agree on one view – gambling should be legalized. Some people view gambling as a game that requires a good brain. Stuyvesant has proven to be rather lenient dealing with gamblers. Often those students who are caught

merely have their cards confiscated by the security guards. At their peak, the security guards may confiscate as many as three or four packs per day. So the next time you happen to be around the first floor, hold on to your money tightly; you might suddenly find yourself walking home with a lighter-than-usual wallet in your back pocket. ◙

Photographs by Henry Zhang/The Stuyvesant Standard

John R. Ryan has been confirmed as the new chancellor of the State University of New York system. Ryan has previously served as superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, president of SUNY Albany, and president of SUNY’s Maritime campus. But being selected was not easy, as SUNY considered some 66 applicants. Besides Ryan,

years. Students and faculty are hopeful about Ryan’s ability to lead the 64campus system. Randy Daniels, the vice chairman of the SUNY board, said, "It is my belief that John Ryan possessed the greater experience when it comes to running complex organizations." Stuyvesant students had mixed views on whether or not this would change the selection process. Junior Jenny Fuchs said, “I think that admis-

BY EMMA RABINOVICH STAFF WRITER

RNews

the board interviewed Gregory H. sions are decided on an individual Williams, the president of the City basis, and the qualifications for adCollege of New York and Stephen L. mission aren't likely to change much Weber, the president of San Diego with a new dean. Thus the effect will State University. be minimal.” Senior SUNY’s current Alex Aminov difchairman Thomas F. Ryan has already fered, and explained Egan believes that that he was more laid out plans for Ryan is “an outconcerned with the standing leader with SUNY’s future. quality of education a national reputathan acceptance. tion.” He has already "Well, considering that I might be laid out plans for SUNY’s future. He going to a SUNY school in Septemexpects to change some top managers ber, this may greatly affect me. It in the next six months, hire about 200 would be the same effect as our pubmore professors and adopt a tuition lic schools getting a new chancellor. policy which would involve small It can change a lot of things. Let's just tuition increases yearly rather than hope he's good." ◙ large increases every seven or eight

and an operative overseas could lead directly to the loss of thousands of lives," he said. "To save American lives, we must be able to act fast and to detect these conversations so we can prevent new attacks." Senator Jack Reed, D-RI, disagreed with this statement. “I'm just stunned by the President's rationales with respect to the illegal wiretapping," he said. "There is no situation where time is of such an essence they can't use the FISA proceedings. And so the president's justification, I think, is without merit.” Despite such criticism, Bush refuses to stop the wiretaps, believ-

On December 17, President George W. Bush admitted ordering the National Security Agency to carry out more than 20 wiretaps without first obtaining warrants. The wiretaps aim to monitor the activities of people in the U.S. suspected of having connections with Al Qaeda. The legality of this program is being questioned by both Democrats and Republicans, and is seen by some as a direct violation of the Fourth Amendment, which guarantees protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. Senator Russ Feingold, D-WI, in an interview with CNN, voiced his opinion that Bush’s actions have violated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. It is the only official law to authorize wiretaps and permits such actions only through a court warrant, which Bush had never attained. "This administration is playing fast and loose with the law in national security. The issue here is whether Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, a the president of the firm supporter of Bush’s secret wiretaps. United States is putting himself above the law, and I believe he has done so," ing he has full authority to perform said Feingold. such actions. Attorney General AlBush, however, maintained that berto Gonzales agrees. According to in a time of crisis, conversations him, a congressional act passed after need to be monitored so that terrorSeptember 11 not only authorized ist plots could be stopped as quickly President Bush to use force in the as possible. "We know that a twowar on terror, it also gave him the minute phone conversation between power to allow such wiretaps. ◙ somebody linked to al Qaeda here

Associated Press

John R. Ryan, the new chancellor of SUNY.

“Nobel Prize for Bronx Science Grad” was written by Joseph Krutov.

How Far Will Bush Go to Stamp Out Terrorism?

SUNY Elects New Chancellor BY ANNA GINZBURG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

•

CORRECTION FOR DECEMBER 20 ISSUE

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January 5, 2006 News/Business

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Problems Remain for Hurricane Victims BY JENNIFER SCHLESINGER OUT-OF-SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR

New York Times

The holidays have always been a time for gift-giving and charity, and this year many gave donations to help those displaced by the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Yet despite the hard work of many charities, Katrina victims still face severe problems. Although many victims have returned home, thousands remain in hotels across the country. The Federal Emergenc y Ma nage ment Agency has announced that it will no longer pay for these hotel rooms after February 7. Many local governments are unsure what to do with those who stay. Many who remain cannot take care of themselves because they are elderly, disabled, or mentally ill. Others are having difficulty finding permanent housing. Others want to return to the original homes, but have no way to do this. Local governments are trying to solve the problem by getting victims

of the rubble has been cleared. In total only 60% of all the rubble in the Gulf Coast has been cleared so far. “Something is very wrong here,” said Frank Leach, a Jackson County Supervisor. “Our federal government is paying an extraordi-

to sign leases and by trying to find them jobs. However, in communities where there are many victims, this has proven to be an almost impossible task. Many communities hit by Katrina are still uninhabitable. In

A man stands amongst still uncleared debris in Mississippi.

nary amount of money for services that are not being performed adequately.” In response to criticism, the Army Corps of Engineers has emphasized the massive scope of the

most jurisdictions where private contactors were hired to clean, about 70% of the cleanup job has been completed. However, in the areas that relied upon the Army Corps of Engineers, only about 45%

Josh Weinstein ’05 at last year’s simul. Stuycom

The Costly Strike functioning well considering the severe circumstances,” Mayor Bloomberg said during the strike. Commuters struggled to get to He sharply criticized the TWU, saywork during the three days of the ing that it “shamefully decided they New York City transit strike. With don’t care about the people they no subways or buses operating, work for, and they have no respect workers biked, roller bladed, or for the law. Their leadership thugeven walked in desperate attempts gishly turned its back on New York to arrive at work City. This strike on time. Unlike is costing us.” past labor strikes, New Yorkers struggle to get to work in Others, like the freezing weather during the strike. the most recent of Kenny Herbert which was in of Brooklyn, 1980, the walkout disagreed. He happened during said, “It’s two one of the busiest arrogant groups times of the year, not caring that the holiday sea7 million peoson. ple are inconMetropolitan venienced.” Transportation Transit workAuthority officals ers, who make $35,000 to $55,000 a a s we l l a s M a yo r M i c h a e l year, demanded a 24% pay increase Bloomberg said that the strike vioin a new three-year contract, while lated New York State’s Taylor Law, the MTA offered 9 percent. A prowhich bans strikes by public emposed pension plan may have been ployees. State Justice Theodore the last straw The MTA’s pension Jones hit the union with a fine of $1 offer involved taking 6% of every million a day. The union called for new worker’s salary for their first an appeal, claiming that the penalty 10 years of work to pay for penwas “excessive.” sions. The TWU also clashed with The strike shut down the city's the MTA over health care. The bus and subway system and trigMTA wanted workers to pay 1% of gered the city's contingency plan, their salary for health care, a prowhich required all vehicles entering posal the TWU vigorously opposed. Manhattan south of 96th Street beThe strike ended on December tween 5 A.M. and 11 A.M. to have 23, and subways and buses were up at least four passengers. In addition, and running by the morning of the the plan called for some roadways to 24th. Despite the MTA’s and the be closed to all but emergency vehiTWU’s differences, the strike is cles and for taxis to enforce a zonenow over. “Everything will go back based fare system. The full strike to normal at midnight,” Bloomberg included the two private bus lines, said at a news conference. And Triboro Coach Lines and Jamaica things are running smoothly, at least Buses, that went on strike Monday. for now. ◙ “The city is functioning, and

BY STEPHANIE TAM STAFF WRITER

TSS/Bennett Hong

BY ANNA GINZBURG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

Club Spotlight

Playing ten people at chess in one sitting is tough, but that is exactly what Stuyvesant will witness at its third chess simul, or simultaneous exhibition. The event will be based on the two organized last year by then-senior, Josh Weinstein ‘05. Weinstein took on 18 players at a time. As soon as one game was over, a new person filled the seat of the loser. Weinstein managed to maintain a nearly perfect score of over the course of 50 or so games. This year’s event will be run differently. Instead of one player taking on 18, two or three players will take on ten opponents. The players

Chess Club will be Chess Club president Justin Li, vice president Anna Ginzburg, and secretary Danny Rhode. Regardless of the numbers, the event promises to be very exciting. Senior Alex Aminov admitted, "God damn, that’s a lot of people.” The event is scheduled for January 9 and will be held on the first floor. Boards will be set all across the lobby, open to all comers. The event will run from 3:30 to 5:30. So if you wish to defeat any of the three, or are simply curious to watch, make sure to remember the date because another event like this will not occur till spring. ◙ If you would like to have your club or publication featured in The Standard, send email to [email protected].

storms’ damage. They have also stated that they are working as quickly as possible. However, many local officials are not satisfied and have begun to terminate their deal with the Army Corps. Moreover, there have been debates over how the cleanups should be done. In Biloxi, Mississippi, whole neighborhoods have been condemned. When a neighborhood is condemned, a property owner can object to the removal of homes and large debris. However, many houses are usually destroyed and some residents feel that the government is moving too quickly. John Grower said, “They’re bullying people. It’s martial law.” The government’s officials, stand by their actions. They feel that they are getting the land ready for new construction and enabling the resident to move ahead. In other Gulf Coast towns, the governments have decided to condemn building on a case by case basis. This means that fewer houses are destroyed. However, it also makes the process longer and more tedious, resulting in resident demands of more action and less planning. ◙

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

‘Tis the Season for Post-Holiday Shopping Continued from Page 1

sumers away. Retailers hope that post-holiday discounts will make up for the lost sales, with a number of stores including Best Buy and Target offering discounts of up to 65 percent. Many stores opened their doors for early bird sales, as frantic bargain hunters sifted through the shelves for the season’s leftovers as early as 6 A.M. on December 26. Economist Michael P. Memira expects that the week after Christmas will be “big” for retailers, with a 3 to 3.5 percent sales increase for the November-December period compared to a year ago. He also expects shoppers to redeem gift cards and return unwanted goods in greater numbers than ever before. ◙

Snapple on Trial in Massachusetts Schools Continued from Page 1

Gift Card Facts

the sugary drinks that are being sold cause high rates of child obesity. Yet the corporations claim that the sugary drinks are not harmful, but instead beneficial. The American Beverage Association, the lobbying group for the beverage industry, recently released a study arguing that soda sales in schools are not a contributor to rising obesity rates. The ABA also claims that the corporations have already taken some steps in dealing with this problem, lowering the sales of full calorie and sugared drinks. Also, nearly half of all schools in America have public contracts with these corporations, which are touted as important sources of income. How could this case affect us?

$18.48 billion Estimated total sales of gift cards this holiday season. $88.03 dollars Amount an average consumer was expected to spend on gift cards. 52.3 % Percentage of consumers polled who said they would like to receive gift cards. 44 % Percentage of gift card holders that will redeem their cards within a month of receiving it. Source: Survey by National Retail Federation.

Update on China’s Economy BY BENNETT HONG JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

Page 5

January 5, 2006 Business/Opinions

Taiwan’s Place in Asian-Pacific Politics

reliance on exports. “The Chinese economic miracle will look less like a miracle and more like a normal country,” said Steve Tsang, director of the Asian Studies Center at St.

Associated Press

The booming Chinese economy has surpassed Italy’s, becoming the sixth largest in the world. China would jump to No. 4, trailing only the United States, Japan and Germany while surpassing Britain and France, if Hong Kong were to be included. China reported that its economy is much China is relying less on international exports, bigger and less such as French retailer Louis Vuitton. export-dependent than previously noted. In a new Anthony’s College at Oxford Unisurvey, the Chinese government versity. took into account the emerging serStill, China’s trading partners vice business, a previously underrecomplain that its governmentported sector, and boosted projeccontrolled currency exchange rates tions of China’s output for 2004 by are too low, giving Chinese export16.8%. It also estimated China’s ers an unfair price advantage. How2004 gross domestic product, or the ever, Li Deshui, director of the Chibroadest measure of trade in goods nese Statistics Bureau, said, “that and services, at 16 trillion yuan ($2 despite the upward revision in sheer trillion), up 2.3 trileconomic size, lion yuan ($285 China’s vast populabillion) from previUndeniably they’re tion of 1.3 billion ously reported numgoing to be the sec- people means it still bers. The data also ranks below the top highlighted the inond-largest econ100 countries in creasingly important output per capita. omy in the world in service sector’s We still have a long share of the econa few years. way to go to catch omy. It also reveals up with the develthat only 29% of oped countries.” China’s economy is export-based, David Cohen of the consulting rather than the previously stated firm Action Economics in Singapore 34%. poses a question on many econoAnalysts say this new data may mists mind: “Undeniably they’re ease fears that China’s export and going to be the second-largest econinvestment rates were omy in the world in a few years. “unsustainably high,” because ChiAnd then the question is: At what nese consumers are spending much point do they surpass the U.S. in more than previously thought, fuelsize?” ◙ ing economic growth and reducing

If the plaintiffs win over the corporations, the case could be very well be expanded to include other states, which would be very likely since Massachusetts has very tough consumer rights laws. The case would likely set a precedent for future beverage lawsuits. Snapple Beverage Corp. may have to cancel their $126 million dollar contracts, removing their vending machines as well as the revenue that NYC schools would receive in the contract. If the plaintiffs seek monetary damages, the reward could be a possible $25 for each violation, which translates to $25 for each drink the corporations sold in the schools. ◙

weight to China. After Chiang Kai-Shek’s Nationalist Party fled to Taiwan in In the December 3rd election, 1949, mainland China and Taiwan Taiwan’s Nationalist Party won a have functioned as de facto indelandslide victory over the incumbent pendent nations. However, Beijing Democratic Progressive Party, takstill views Taiwan as a renegade ing 17 of the 23 municipal constituisland whose eventual destiny is encies. This marks the height of the reunification with island’s dissatisthe ma i n l a n d . faction with DPP’s Sixty years after Because of Taiwan’s policies, which civil war, many link to growstrategic location, Ja- China’s the same Nationaling hostility topan is watching its po- ist Party is now wards mainland advocating comlitical inclinations at China. Polls place promises across charismatic nationevery moment and of- the Taiwan Strait, alist Party Chairleading to eventual fering tremendous man Ma Ying-Jeou reunification. The as the frontrunner support to the proruling Democratic in the island’s Progressive Party, independence forces 2008 presidential headed by current on the island. election. Should President Chen the Nationalist Shui-Bian, holds a Party successfully retake power, strong anti-mainland view and is China’s influence in Taiwan may pushing for Taiwanese independgrow. Until now, the United States ence. and Japan have been able to use While the United States might Taiwan as a counterweight to not see China as an enemy, it is still China’s rise to power and maintain pursuing actions to contain its rise the political and military status-quo as a regional power. As a containof the region. ment policy that has remained from The sleeping dragon has finally the Cold War, the United States has awoken. Its huge population, rapid pledged to defend Taiwan in case of economic growth, and increasing an invasion from the mainland. Taimilitary modernization have made wan serves as a focal point of an mainland China a force to be reckencirclement of American allies and oned with in Asia. The Chinese state military bases around China. It is line is that it wishes for a “peaceful the link from Japan through Vietrise” and a “harmonious multi-polar nam, to India. While the United world”. Yet, the United States and States does not want to see Taiwan Japan, the old guards of the Asiandeclare formal independence, it also Pacific region, are increasingly does not want to see Taiwan reunite viewing China’s rise to power with with China. The United States’ bewary eyes. The United States and lieve that it is in its best interest if Japan have formed a mutual alliance cross-strait relations remain at a and enlisted Taiwan as a counter-

BY JOSH ZHOU STAFF WRITER

Continued on Page 6

Page 6

January 5, 2006 Opinions

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Point-Counterpoint A Solution Instead of a Scapegoat BY ALVIS YUEN STAFF WRITER

year contract with raises of 3%, 4%, and 3.5%. As a tradeoff, the MTA wanted new employees to contribute 6% of wages toward pensions. The reason the TWU has been labeled by some as greedy is that their current contract is already very generous. Job qualifications for transit workers are lower than those for other employees of the city but transit

BY HANFORD CHIU STAFF WRITER The Transportation Worker’s Union’s strike on December 20, 2005 was no doubt an inconvenience to most people within the five boroughs. This three-day strike disrupted workers and tourists alike, costing the city hundreds of millions of dollars each day in lost revenue. Yet though the consequences of the strike were severe, it is important to remember the ideals and signifiWorld Socialist

The transit strike crippled New York City for three days. And even though the strike is now over, the underlying problem remains. It is arguable whether anybody gained anything from the transit strike. The transit strike was not something that happened overnight. Both the MTA and the Transport Workers Union Local 100 made mistakes which precipitated the strike. The government has mismanaged the transit system for many years. In the 1990s, Governor Pataki reduced the state’s contribution to the MTA to finance his tax cuts. As a result, the MTA had to borrow massive amounts of money to pay for new trains, buses, and other things needed to maintain New York’s century-old transit system. By 2007, the MTA will spend twice as much paying off its debt than it contributes to the pension program. During the strike on December 20, some After 9/11, the MTA has been workers decided to protest such as this. in a downward spiral in terms of public relations. For the past few years, commuters had to hold their breath every time drivers of a subsiworkers are paid more and contribdized private bus line such as ute less to their pensions. A big reaGreenline Buses threatened to son the TWU is unwilling to budge strike. Greenline bus drivers have from their contract demands is the been working without a contract for $1 billion surplus; Roger Toussaint, 3 years because of the city’s notoripresident of the TWU, said, “With a ously slow takeover of the private $1 billion surplus, this contract bebus lines. In addition, fares were tween the MTA and the raised to $2 in 2003, Transport Workers Unwith the possibilion should have been a Job qualificaity of even higher no-brainer.” What prices in the comtions for transit Toussaint failed to ing years. In workers are lower realize is that out of 2004, M a yo r than those for other the $1 billion surplus, Bloomberg gave $450 million is alpink slips to many employees of the ready spent on pencity workers to sion. With large upcity but transit balance the coming debt paybudget; he reworkers are paid ments, the MTA needs duced the number to spend the surplus more and contribof cleaners and wisely; Toussaint is ute less to their subway station inconsiderate of the clerks, threatening pensions. MTA and its financial to lower the stanwoes. Despite the dard of service even f u r t h e r . strikes, the TWU is still without a In an attempt to regain the public’s contract. favor, the MTA unraveled holiday There are many lessons to be discounts with its $1 billion surplus. learned from the strike. But the most But the transit workers, disenimportant lesson we should learn is chanted by looming inflation and the devastating effect of a transit the layoffs, were irked when the strike because in the end, everyone MTA refused to accept their conlost in some way. So instead of detract proposal while it had so much bating who is more at fault, why not available capital. use those brain cells to find soluHowever, the TWU is not withtions that will get to the roots of the out faults. For one thing, the TWU problem and prevent any future rejected a generous offer from the transit strikes. ◙ MTA. The MTA proposed a three-

A Beacon for All Unions

transit

cance of unions and strikes in general. One important reason that the TWU had to strike was the significant changes that the MTA proposed to worker contracts. These included low yearly raise percentages, a shortened contract from three years to two, a retirement plan that raised the retirement age by seven years and forced small contributions to

pensions as well as health care. These may seem insignificant to us, but to the TWU, it was an outrage. And to the TWU, outrages are not taken lightly. After all, the TWU is a very militant union that is very protective of its workers. Compared to other recent contract disputes, the one concerning TWU and the MTA was obviously much larger with greater implications. It only took a few days of working without a contract for the TWU to strike, as opposed to the teacher’s union, which had teachers working for years without a contract. The TWU also broke the Taylor Law, resulting in fines of millions of dollars. The TWU also endured widespread criticism, severe economic impact, as well as threats of imprisonment to its leaders for a decent contract for its workers. It does not make sense for the TWU to fight so hard and against such obstacles for a seemingly trivial cause. So maybe we have to question our views. Maybe it is us who do not realize the true consequences of these unfair contracts. It is important to remember that unions exist to protect the rights of individual workers. Without unions, society might revert back to times when there were strenuous child labor, horrible living conditions, and widespread oppression. Thus, do not simply confine this battle between the TWU and the MTA as benefiting one group or union. This strike should be an example for all unions and corporations that workers are not to be mistreated and that they should be given fair working conditions. ◙

Taiwan’s Place in Asian-Pacific Politics Continued from Page 5

status quo: with the anti-China DPP in power without provoking military action from China by formal declaration of independence. The Japanese interest in China’s rise is much more evident. In a history marked by strife, the current Sino-Japanese fight for oil and natural resources just adds more fuel to the flame. Because it lacks natural resources, Japan imports all of its oil. Most of Japan's oil is shipped through two sea lanes: one directly south of Taiwan and another farther south, which increases the shipping length by a costly two day. With its rapid economic growth, China also has become a major consumer of natural resources. The East China Sea is the playing field for these two Asian powers. The one who gains

control of these natural resources will decidedly gain an advantage in fueling its economy and military. Because of Taiwan’s strategic location, Japan is watching its political inclinations at every moment and offering tremendous support to the pro-independence forces on the island. Though united by historical and cultural ties, Taiwan and Mainland China have distinctly different political systems. Should the Nationalist Party win the 2008 election, it is unlikely that they will significantly change the status quo for the near future. We will not see the People’s Liberation Army in Taiwan for a few years to come. However, it might also spell the beginning of the end of Taiwan as an AmericanJapanese ally against China. ◙

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

January 5, 2006 Literary

The First Sign of Snow

Page 7

I just want to see life breathe BY JENNIFER LEE STAFF WRITER

BY SALLY CHEUNG STAFF WRITER With the summer came and gone, Comes the first chilling wind, Blowing the leaves on the trees down, The raindrops to the leaves it binds, With the coming of the first chilling wind, Children wait anxiously for the moment, For the moment when the first sign of snow would appears, When Christmas will finally arrive, When the indication of a new year will come, The first sign of snow, A sign of the arrival of winter and Christmas, A sign of a new start in the New Year, A sign of happiness and joy, A sing of being close to our family, No matter how old or how young, The first sign of snow, Brings both joy and tears to all, Snow piling up higher and higher, Transforming everything to winter wonderland, Children giggling and laughing, Parents smiling as their children sled down the snow, Binding everyone close together, During the season of winter, Is the first sign of snow.

I lived in a world of my own. I wouldn't share. I did not want to share. But then I met him. He turned my world upside down, gave colors to the black and white hues. I was confused. I hated and liked him at the same time. He showed me a picture once. His sister and him just standing under an umbrella...in a field of the most beautiful poppies I've ever seen. Though it was just a photo, I wanted to see the flowers. They called to me. Suddenly, depression sunk down unto me. Life was too hectic, those black and white threads constantly pulling me down. I sat in the tub for hours. I dreamed of that poppy field. Day and night, day and night. There was something I had to do though. So I told him. He listened. Take me there. Let me see those beautiful poppies before I die. You're not going to die. I won't let you. Why not-well, it won't even matter-I just want you to take me there. There's something about those flowers..about… Alright. Nods. The breeze is just right. And miraculously, it was raining. It tastes sweet. We stopped driving and got off at this windmill pastoral place. I can't describe it. The big sky, the fields...too beautiful. I feel I have fell into this sacred beautiful sanctuary. We fall onto a bed of poppies. Strange how the world can feel so big. Together, under the enchantment of rain, sky, and breeze, we are the little people. We have become one. And for a minute, I don't want to leave just yet. Maybe not leave at all. Who knows...maybe...maybe I don't have to die. After all...you showed me the way. I want to return the favor. Give me a flower. Give me your poppy fields. I'm not a girly girl. I just want to see life breathe.

BY JENNIFER LEE STAFF WRITER This angel. She is not beautiful. She is plain. Her face, weary and old, But that is to be expected From some being molded by children’s hands. Those hands are called Faith. We keep something that others no longer keep At the darkest of times, The Cracking Walls breach apart, And through amazing time and space, We children can visit that angelBehold, the fallen changing times. On that side of the Wall, we can fly In water of Blue roses and birds sing under The art-noveau’s symbols. There is something called the Impossible. We can reach that Impossible. Look- I‘m already stretching my wings, Come-let’s fly together.

Holidays Are Forever BY STEPHANIE TAM STAFF WRITER White little flakes Of snow fall down The holiday season Approaches the town Families and friends Decorate trees And, of course, There are festivities School is out For at least a week Though the weather Is somewhat bleak The New Year comes Celebrations end Until next year When it happens again

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

Page 8

January 5, 2006 Literary/Puzzles

The Call for Growth

Last Issue’s Solutions Cryptograms

BY CAROLINE HUGH STAFF WRITER

This is an ordinary nglish sntnc, but a crtain lttr of th alphabt has bn omittd vry tim it appars.

I heard them buzz in the black night, Heard them crawl out of empty space. Zuh, zuh, zuh are their electric cries. They stood, still telephone poles With black strips connected to their nodes. Eyeless Siamese dolls born with no meaning. The children must live on fear. They smell my yellow pasty sweat So I back away hoping to feel for a wall To be my guide, to let me steal away From their empty hunting stares. I did not ask for this portrait, Not for this sleep, not for this dream. I yank my eyes away from their sockets but My head sees their stubby feely fingers crawl Over me, squirming like gray maggots Eager to digest the half-buried lamb. No, their call is not a whisper, They scream and screech and call me Mother. What can I do? I sob and run out Of breath, I am sick of running. My god, my maddening pulse tells me They are winning and I have no seconds left. They are not children for breast milk They want the meat and substance-They breathe their desire as they whir closer-They want the intoxicating wine. 28 T

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Sudoku 3

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Stealing ideas from one person is called plagiarism. Stealing from many is known as research.

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THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 9

January 5, 2006 Puzzles

Sudoku

X-Men

BY JOHN REUEL STAFF WRITER

BY JONATHAN XIKIS 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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Crossword Puzzle BY JESSIE LUK PUZZLE COLUMNIST 1

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Across 1. ___ sum (Chinese breakfast) 4. Revise 8. Tel ____ 12. And so on (abbr.) 13. Method 14. Short skirt 15. Comic strip scream 16. Satellite 17. Like Satan 18. One saying “cheese”

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ANGEL BEAST CYCLOPS GAMBIT HAVOK ICEMAN JUGGERNAUT MAGNETO

NIGHTCRAWLER PSYLOCKE ROGUE SHADOWCAT STORM WOLVERINE XAVIER

42. Lacking humidity 44. Ump’s kin 46. Packed for shipment 49. Kind of rabbit 52. Corned beef dish 53. Like a slacker 55. Unpurified 56. Feminine suffix 57. Dropper’s word 58. AFL’s partner 59. Rip 60. Trial run 61. Angled annex Down 1. Poor grades 2. Detail 3. 25th president of the U.S. 4. Clown Kelly 5. Portal 6. Groom’s vow (2 wds.) 7. Choir member 8. Modified, as laws 9. “____ Las Vegas”

10. Monogram unit (abbr.) 11. Despicable 19. “For __, the winter is past…” 21. GOP mem. 23. Norwegian feature 24. Braying beast 25. Soaked through 27. All __ once 29. Military branch (2 wds.) 30. ___ G. Carroll 31. Vane direction 33. Spread on thickly 35. “__ Wild Irish Rose” 38. Before, poetically 40. Papa Hemingway 43. Jerk 45. Actor Marshall 46. Atkins or Huntley 47. Evaluate 48. Nick Charles’s pooch 49. Skiers’ mecca 50. Hobo transportation 51. Army deserter (abbr.) 54. Mama deer

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20. Showy 22. Negative word 23. Actor MacMurray 24. Cobbler’s tool 26. ___ Mahal 32. Looks at 34. Male turkey 36. Quits, as a battery 37. Distinctive manner 39. Deli loaf 41. Line

Crypto Corner BY JEFFREY LIAW STAFF WRITER What is a Cryptogram? Cryptograms are writing that

OR JHSVYFBD CVEFGHRU? BCHIAUNFSFIN TDZHWUD VWY MCVED JHOFER FU CVOD, HIG ZCYFUBOHU TDZHWUD BCDR HYDI’B.

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. Your answer:

Page 10

January 5, 2006 Science

Intelligent Design Is Removed From Science Curriculum

Associated Press

Eyeglasses: Accessories or Something More? BY KENNETH LAM STAFF WRITER

a number of strange ways. Some, called pince-nez, pinched your nose to stay on. Others were held up to the eye by a long rod, known as the lorgnette. However, today we wear our glasses by either curling a frame around the ears or wrapping a band around the skull.

Walking around Stuy on a typical day, one sees a very familiar sight: a sea of heads with glasses curled around the ears. Are these glasses part of a recent trend, or is it that vision itself is simply deteriorating? At a glance, eyeglasses appear to be accessories, but looking deeper in, they have a Pince-nez were commonly used in the 19th century. much more important use. More recently, glasses consisted Eyeglasses are lenses that corof a frame with two extensions that rect people’s vision. Almost 66 pergrabbed onto the ears. The lenses cent of American adults wear were completely held in place by a glasses. Many of these people have metal loop, and were made of glass. either nearsightedness or farsightedThis is still the most common shape ness. Nearly everybody in the world of frame. However, nowadays there has astigmatism to some degree. is a wider variety of frames and However, with the use of eyelenses. Some frames are made of glasses, one may correct these problight metals, such as titanium, or lems. plastic. Some frames hold the lenses In nearsightedness, usually the in place with two screws, and notheyeball is too long. The result is the ing more. focal point ending up somewhere in Lenses come in even greater the middle of the eye instead of on variety. Polycarbonate lenses are the surface of the retina, causing made out of plastic, and can be cut distant objects to appear fuzzy. This much thinner than glass. Some can also be caused by the cornea lenses are multifocal lenses, which being misshaped. Glasses will exconsist of multiple lenses comtend the focal point so that it hits the pounded together into one. Some retina, resulting in normal vision. lenses have protective coatings on Farsightedness is the exact opthem in order to protect the eye posite of nearsightedness. In farfrom UV rays, a harmful form of sightedness, the eyeball is too short, light. Aspheric lenses are very thin, resulting in the focal point of light allowing for a lighter frame. entering the eye extending beyond More and more people are makthe retina. Again, glasses correct ing the change over to contact this by moving the focal point. lenses. Contact lenses hug the eye, Astigmatism is a case in which and can only correct nearsightedthe surface of your eye is bumpy. ness. Many people make this change The result is a blurry image when in hopes of looking better, without light hits the retina. Most people, if large bulky frames to get in the way. not all, have astigmatism. Glasses However, one thing’s for sure: withredirect the light so that once again, out eyeglasses, many of the world’s it hits the retina at the right point. people would walk around blindly. Glasses have come a long way ◙ from since the old days. In the past, glasses, or spectacles, were worn in

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

Interoptika

explanation on every point should not be used as a pretext to thrust an untestable alternative theory grounded in religion into the science On December 20, a federal classroom.” judge, John E. Jones III, ruled that Proponents of intelligent design the school district that includes Dofeel that the judge overstepped his ver, Pa. could no longer teach intelbounds. As Dr. Michael J. Behe, a ligent design in science classes. Inprofessor at Lehigh University and a telligent design posits that certain witness for the school board, said, aspects of life are “irreducibly com“He talks about the ground rules of plex” and must therefore have been science. What has a judge to do with created by an intelligent entity. the ground rules of science?” The The board had mandated that a advocates are steadfast in their bestatement about intelligent design lief that intelligent design is science must be read in all ninth-grade bioland that it is useful in explaining the ogy classes. This was resented by gaps in evolution. parents and students, and 11 parents They also see the need for more filed suit against the board. scientific study. As Richard ThompJudge Jones declared that intelson, the lead lawyer for the school ligent design was a religious viewboard, said, “A thousand opinions point, not a scientific one, and thereby a court that a particular scientific fore an infringement of the separatheory is invalid will not make the tion of church and state. Moreover, scientific theory invalid. It is going Judge Jones accused the members of to be up to the scientists who are the Dover school board of lying to going to continue to do research in cover up religious motives. their lab that will ultimately determine that.” Overall, the trial reminded many of the Scopes “monkey” trial, which took place in Tennessee in 1925. In that trial, a teacher, John Intelligent design may not be taught in Dover, Pa., schools. T. Scopes, was accused of wrongfully teaching The trial was the first involving evolution, which violated the Butler intelligent design. Although Judge Act, which stated that the teaching Jones’s ruling only applies to the of evolution in public schools was Dover school district, it is a major wrong because it contradicted the victory for critics of intelligent deaccount of creation in the Bible. sign. These critics include many This act was repealed in 1967. Howscientists, who have been vocal ever, the Scopes trial started the about the failings of intelligent defierce debate over what should be sign. They also believe intelligent taught in science classes. This dedesign to be unscientific. As Judge bate has not yet ended. ◙ Jones said, “The fact that a scientific theory cannot yet render an BY JENNIFER SCHLESINGER OUT-OF-SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

New York Teams Spend the Dough Continued from Page 12

to be immediately placed in the Marlins starting rotation, where he could be for the next 15 years. Last year, the Mets traded prized prospect Scott Kazmir to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in exchange for starting pitcher Victor Zambrano. While Zambrano has faltered in a Mets uniform, Kazmir showed signs of being a dominant pitcher. The second prospect is Gaby Hernandez. Hernandez is only 19 years old, and he lit up Single A with his 6-1 record and a 2.43 ERA. While Hernandez doesn’t seem to factor in to the Marlins rotation for another three to four years, his enormous potential is an upside for this rebuilding Marlins franchise.

Page 11

January 5, 2006 A&E/Science/Sports

One of the biggest problems that come with spending all of this money is the hype. There is a lot more pressure on second year manager Willie Randolph to make sure his team performs to the level expected. He will have to answer questions from the media and his boss if the Mets go on losing streak early. When Randolph and Joe Torre, manager of the Yankees meet, maybe they should talk about more than the Subway sandwich commercial they’re probably filming. Met fans around New York should be happy their team decided to spend some money. However, as the Yankees can tell you, money doesn’t buy championships. ◙

The New Teams like upheaval while Adelman’s King’s have done The best example of better with a more a team which seems veteran team. In the following to have it all, and months it will be changes little is San interesting to see Antonio with their how each of these teams reacts, and dynasty-built conhow the new players tracts. will fit in. Whatever does happen, we are sure to not witness a drastic ShaqContinued from Page 12

felt two years ago, when the Heat started winning and the Lakers started losing. But then again, who knows? Maybe some teams will start to change incredibly in this new year, and their seasons’ resolution will come true: to win! ◙

Everything out of the ordinary.. Check out stuystandard.org

Movie Bites: Memoirs of a Geisha BY EMMA RABINOVICH JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

Yahoo

Ziyi Zhang stars in “Memoirs of a Geisha”

“Memoirs of a Geisha” is an adaptation of Arthur Holden’s bestseller that follows the life of Sayuri (Ziyi Zhang), a Japanese girl who is sold to a geisha house as a child and becomes one of the most renowned geishas of her time. The script is clunky; actors Zhang, Gong Li, and Koji Yakusho often deliver their lines in a

Kiss of Death Continued from Page 1

Beagle on Mars NASA

BY EUGENE FONG STAFF WRITER In 2003 and 2004, aliens touched down on the surface of Mars. They came in peace from the planet Earth. From three spacecraft, two American and one European, rovers emerged with the purpose of exploring the Martian landscape in search of life. Though the American rovers remained active long after their predicted life spans, the European probe, Beagle 2, never made contact with its operators back on Earth. Initial reports as to the failure

A Mars Global Surveyor image of the possible crash site.

ESA

FDA has mandated the clear labeling of products in order to make people aware of any allergencontaining ingredients. This Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act came into effect on January 1. The law requires manufacturers to list the common names of any allergenic substances contained in their food. The severity of allergies varies from person to person. Peanut allergy symptoms can include hives, low blood pressure, and swelling of the face or throat, which constricts breathing. Instances of peanut allergies have doubled in the last ten years and more and more research is being done on ways to eliminate them. Effective medicines are still well in the future; drugs to treat peanut allergies will be available within the next five years while drugs to eliminate the risk of peanut allergies altogether are forecasted to be developed within 15 years. Currently, researchers are trying to find another way to prevent peanut allergies by developing a new variety of peanut without the characteristics

that cause allergies. An allergic reaction is stimulated by an immune system that is hypersensitive to that allergen, or any substance that triggers an allergic reaction. The immune system serves as the body’s defense mechanism against biological influences. Used by the immune system in combating allergens, antibodies are proteins that circulate in the bloodstream. People who have allergies produce an antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE. Each type of IgE is cell-specific and will only target certain allergens, making it a specific allergic response. When that person comes into contact with allergens, those allergens are captured by the IgE. This initiates the release of chemical mediators, which produce the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction can continue if the mediators further inflame the tissue. It is not yet understood why some substances trigger allergic reactions and others do not. An important factor is genetic predisposition, as the allergy may be hereditary. ◙

to her true love, the Chairman (Ken stumbling faux British fashion. But W a t a n a b e ) . when the actors let Whether she is flirttheir body language ing with every man and facial expresExciting and versa- in Japan or selling sions do the talking, her virginity to the the movie shines. tile, “Memoirs of a bidder, auThe cinematogGeisha” has all the highest diences can’t help raphy and set design emotional baggage but still understand is beautiful. Everything from the cosof a soap opera with and sympathizes with such a compeltumes, the setting to none of the fat. ling heroine. the dance scenes Exciting and versalooks like something tile, “Memoirs of a out of a dream. Geisha” has all the emotional bagThe acting is just as exquisite as gage of a soap opera with none of Zhang half-forces audiences to rethe fat. ◙ late to her struggle to find her way

An artist’s conception of the Beagle 2 lander.

of the British spacecraft suggested that it failed after scientists miscalculated the thickness of the Martian

atmosphere during the lander’s descent. Now NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor may have found the wreckage of Beagle 2. In photographs captured by the satellite, the locations of the spacecraft, parachutes and debris, closely resemble what was predicted. Though Beagle 2 cannot be repaired, its remains may prove to be the source of invaluable scientific knowledge. Scientists may learn what it was that made this landing unsuccessful. Whether the problem was a calculation error, a sandstorm, or simply harsh terrain, studying Beagle 2 can reduce risks in future missions. ◙

Page 12

January 5, 2006 Sports

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

as much action as usual in the Bronx. The Mets need to very careful of how they spend their money and trade their prospects. The Yankees ond starter Tom Glavine, is entering have killed themselves over the past the twilight of their career. The five years by trading away most of Mets know that their time to win is their good prospects (see Nick Johnnow. What do they do? Start spendson, Brandon Claussen, Mike ing. They signed ex-Philadelphia Lowell) and have nothing to show in Phillies closer Billy Wagner to a 4 return. The Yankees year 43 million dollar farm system is dedeal. The Mets traded pleted, which prevents separately with the them from making the Florida Marlins for trades that are needed first basemen Carlos to improve the bullpen Delgado, who they and the starting rotaunsuccessfully tried to tion. sign last year, and To complete the two Paul Lo Duca, one of deals with the Florida the top 10 catchers in Marlins, the Mets had all of baseball. The two new Mets, Carlos to give up two of their The Yankees con- Delgado, and Billy Wagner. most prized prospects. tinue to make bigOne of those prospects is Yusmeiro money deals. Their major moves Petit, a 21 year old right handed have been to sign Johnny Damon flamethrower. At Double A Bingaway from the rival Red Sox and hamton last year, Petit was 9-3 with righty reliever Kyle Farnsworth for a 2.90 ERA. He struck out 130 in 17 million dollars over three years. 117 innings, an incredible 10 strikeWhile the Yankees will also look to outs per nine innings. Petit is going sign utility infielder Miguel Cairo in

New York Teams Spend the Dough Players like Paul O’Neill, Scott Brosius, and Tino Martinez were playing their final games of their YanWith the off-season in full kee careers (though Tino did come swing, an interesting trend is occurback). The Yankees had a win at all ring in the New York baseball landcosts mentality, and team owner scape. The big George Steinbrenner name free agent was willing to spend signings and mega When Randolph all the money it took trades aren’t hapto win the World Seand Joe Torre, manpening in the ries. They signed Bronx, but rather ager of the Yankees Oakland first basein Queens. Lookmen Jason Giambi to meet, maybe they ing closely at the bolster their offense. should talk about situation, it’s hard They signed Steve to miss the simimore than the Sub- Karsay to bridge the larities between way sandwich com- gap between Mariano the Mets now and Rivera and the startthe Yankees five mercial they’re ing pitching. years ago. Flash forward five probably filming. Fi ve years years. The Mets are ago, both teams coming off one of were coming off their best seasons in recent years, disappointing seasons. The Yankees but are still disappointed by not had just lost their first World Series making the playoffs for the fifth during the Joe Torre era to Arizona straight year. Their pitching staff, in the 9th inning of the 7th game. led by ace Pedro Martinez and sec-

BY ERIC MAYO STAFF WRITER

The New Teams BY OSMAN NEMLI SPORTS EDITOR A new year is upon us, and with this New Year there are a full arsenal of new teams. But why is it that radical? Don’t we witness new teams every year? Aren’t players transferred each year to and from

NBA

The trouble man, Ron Artest.

teams with hot new prospects? Aren’t new rookies drafted and don’t we continue to see similar teams reach the finals year after year? While that might all be true, teams are tempted to cut the amount of years for them to win a trophy by buying a lot of the players that won’t be playing in a couple of years. These players are more easily swayed by the stronger teams since

they want to win the title more than anything and they add a veteran touch to a team that could certainly use it. The two teams that are premier in these types of transfers and acquisitions are the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers. Since Reggie Miller retired at the end of last year Indiana has been attempted to find a replacement for the irreplaceable Reggie. Since then, they have also been forced to get rid of Ron Artest, a growing cancer within the team who had to be dealt with before it spread. Meanwhile the Heat have been acquiring quite a number of impressive players, namely Antoine Walker, Gary Payton, and Jason Williams. Add these players to Shaq and Dwayne Wade and you have the possibility of a championship winning team. What, then is the champion team, the Spurs, doing? Precisely what people expect them to do with a winning formula: Nothing. Their one acquisition is one of the greatest in the league: Michael Finley, the Dallas forward. The best example of a team which seems to have it all, and changes little is San Antonio with their dynastybuilt contracts. Two western teams which also seem to have changed drastically are the Dallas Mavericks, who aren’t living up to their names’ reputation, and the Houston Rockets. These two are teams which people thought would do a lot better than they are at the moment. Since losing Michael Finley to the Spurs, Dallas has tried to build up a team to Dirk’s liking, and a team which wouldn’t only rely on his play. Meanwhile, the Rockets with Yao and McGrady have remained relatively quiet in the west Continued on Page 11

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the coming days, there hasn’t been

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