Volume 6 Issue 6

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

The Stuyvesant Standard

www.stuystandard.org

“Your School, Your World—Your News” 

Volume VI, Issue 6

Free

Monday, December 4, 2006

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ElectivesIs There A Choice? P/5 EDITORIAL

The iPod Controversy

The 25 Days of Christmas

P/6 OPINIONS

P/9 A&E

Money: The Source of Asocial Behavior P/11 SCIENCE

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Student Union: Official Unit or Unlawful Body? is organized. “We follow the constitution very strictly,” said vice president Vanessa Charubhumi. According to the constitution, the budget committee is comprised of 16 members with 14

BY SANGHEE CHUNG COLUMNIST

On September 28, the Stuyvesant Student Union (SU) held a Budget Committee meeting, but the actions that took place left much to be desired. Meetings are held occasionally for clubs, publications and other organizations to make proposals to receive funding from the student government. All meetings are subject to the constitution of the Student Union, which can be found at the SU’s website, www.stuysu.org. The website states that the constitution is a means of presenting how the body

took part in the voting process, although the constitution states, “Any member of the Committee not present at a meeting will be absent, and no representative may vote in their place.” After the meeting, requests were put in for the minutes to confirm the presence of these officials. However, the minutes were incomplete and did not provide a full attendance record. Furthermore, the minutes did not include who voted for each motion. The notes for other meetings this year, such as the Executive Committee, have been easier to obtain and more detailed. When

power is held by the Coordinator of Student Affairs (COSA) and the president. During meetings, the 14-member voting body votes whether to pass proposals for organizational funding. This voting

The actions that took place left much to be desired. voting and two vetoes. The 14 voting members are the president and vice president of each grade, the vice president of the Student Union, two budget directors, the chief financial officer, and the two club/pub directors. Veto

process occurs only when at least nine of the voting members are present. However, according to several students who attended the meeting, several members of the SU who were ineligible to vote

Continued on Page 2

Court Resolution High School Accused of Brings Down Hopes of Changing Exam Grades Better Public Schools BY SANGHEE CHUNG COLUMNIST

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New York State’s highest court passed a resolution that a minimum of $1.93 billion more must be spent annually on NYC public schools. Governor Spitzer, above, will try to increase this amount to $4 billion.

On November 20, New York State’s highest court ruled that a minimum of $1.93 billion more

must be spent on New York City public schools, endorsing the resolution as “reasonable.” This was far less than an expected $4.7 billion ruling, which was the estimate derived from the resolutions of lower courts. Updated for inflation and other factors, this amount will result in over $2 billion more to be spent on New York City schools. Before the addition of this $2 billion, New York State already paid about $7.1 billion, which is about 45 percent, of New York City’s total education budget of $15.4 billion, the largest school budget of any city in the country. Albany has been split on this issue for years and it sets the stage for Governor-elect Eliot Spitzer’s budget negotiations next year. On November 20, Spitzer issued a statement saying that his first budget would go further and “propose significant additional funding on a statewide basis as Continued on Page 3

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BY JIMMY ZHANG NEWS EDITOR

The Department of Education has launched an investigation after a group of teachers from Staten Island’s Susan E. Wagner High School admitted that they were pressured to inflate test grades. Seventeen teachers from the school told their union that they were forced by administrators to inflate scores on Regents exams, and may now face charges for doing so. “It's a serious allegation. We're going to do a serious investigation on it,” said Schools Chancellor Joel Klein. “Obviously, I mean like everybody else, we should await the

results. But let me be absolutely clear, we will not tolerate any sort of grade inflation in terms of cheating or upping scores or anything like that.” Some grades were changed by an assistant principal who took the tests home. Others were increased by teachers under the direction of administrators. According to a source familiar with the allegations, teachers from the science, social studies, and English departments claim that they were told to bring some tests into a private room and change student answers and scores while grading the June exam last summer. On the Regents exams, students are allowed to scratch out answers and rewrite correct ones on their answer sheets. According to officials, teachers could have simply erased the incorrect answers and replaced them with correct ones. Some parents were distraught by the allegations while others were less affected, believing that the tests could not really measure Continued on Page 3

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Monday, December 4, 2006 NEWS

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD  Founded 2001

      “Your School, Your 

World—Your News” 

Executive Leadership Team DR. JOHN NIKOL JENNIFER SCHLESINGER DEREK WENG DIANE CHEN KHOI NGUYEN FANNY TANG DANNY ZHU JIMMY ZHANG PRISCILLA MELO EMMA RABINOVICH ERIC MAYO JOSEPH KRUTOV HANFORD CHIU LADA KUKUY JESSE ZHANG BENNETT HONG DANIEL EGERS (‘03) ERNEST BASKIN (‘04)

FACULTY ADVISER EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR CO-CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CO-CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER LAYOUT EDITOR COPY CHIEF 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

Urban Students Lack Basic Science Skills BY ALLEN WANG STAFF WRITER

In general, rural students do much better than urban students in science. A study released by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) last Wednesday showed that urban students lack the basic science skills that students around the nation have. The study was done over the course of 2005 testing students in grades four and eight with a science proficiency exam. Ten urban cities participated in the study. Across the nation, about 37 percent of rural students lacked the essentials of science whereas 57 percent of students lacked the essentials in urban areas. Meeting the standards were 34 percent of students in the nation compared with the 28 percent of city stu-

dents. Twenty-seven percent of students in the nation exceeded standards, but only 15 percent of city students exceeded standards. Minorities, which included black and Hispanic students, often scored two to three times as poorly as their white peers. In New York City, about 60 percent of eighth grade students did not meet the standards. In Atlanta, the situation was even worse, with approximately 80 percent of eighth grade students not meeting the standards. Roger W. Bybee, director of the Biological Sciences Curriculum, called it a national disgrace. “We as a nation should be able to do better than that,” he said. The accuracy of the proficiency exam handed out by the NAEP may be to blame. But acContinued on Page 4 AP

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

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Student Union: Official Unit or Unlawful Body? Continued from Page 1

an attendance record was further requested, none was provided. It was determined that Mike Cartusciello, chief of staff, is ineligible to vote but was present and voting at the meeting in question. There are several other officials in question, but the minutes cannot confirm their presence at the meeting. Members of the SU were not aware if ineligible students were voting. “We have not had less than nine members thus far,” said budget director David Bruno. “We might substitute members only for unethical reasons such as voting for your own club.” Furthermore, neither of the coordinators of student affairs, Mr. Bologna and Ms. Weinwurm, was present at the meeting. “COSA has to be there every

time,” said Charubhumi. Members of the SU were not able to provide a reason for COSA’s absence. “Things went on as normal,” said Senior Vice President Lenny Frenkel. “[COSA is] only one vetoing power so it’s still fine.” It must be noted that at the meeting it was announced that the chief financial officer also had veto power. According to the SU website, the goal of the budget committee is “to maximally enhance the Stuyvesant experience through comprehensive and responsible generation and allocation of Student Union funds.” However, if the committee fails to properly represent its voting members, it may lead to the question of the true motives of the Student Union. ◙

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

New Cell Phone/iPod Policy BY TIMOTHY TONG STAFF WRITER AP Photo

Steven Cao, 17, a junior at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, says he needs his cell phone to stay in touch with his mother. Cao poses in front of the Stuyvesant High School entrance.

A stunning decision made by Mayor Michael Bloomberg furthered the strict cell phone/iPod policy by absolutely forbidding the possession of such devices on

school property. According to the newly revised policy, the discovery of simply having a communication device in school can lead to confiscation of the device. Afterward, the student’s parents are notified and must report to school in person to retrieve it. In addition to this requirement, if a parent does not appear, the school is obligated to dispose of it. Many parents and students fiercely opposed the irrational demands of this policy by flooding e-mail complaint lines and continuing to have their children bring cell phones and iPods despite the strict policy. After the terrible attack on 9/11, parents fear for their children’s wellbeing and safety, panicking when

a small anomaly appears or when contact with their children is lost. According to some angry parents, the new policy is “cruel and heartless,” “absurdly wrongheaded,” “anti-parent,” “ridiculous” and a “terrible infringement.” Though they might be overreacting, there are moving cases that advocate their antagonism. A 13-year old was shot with a paintball gun, and was forced to stagger home bleeding because he couldn’t contact his mother. Another girl, after being beaten by three other students, had a broken arm, but was unable to contact her parents. There were many other similar cases, and some ended up on a positive note only because the student victim had ignored the Continued on Page 4

Court Resolution Brings Down Hopes of Better Public Schools Continued from Page 1

part of a multiyear plan.” During his campaign, Spitzer, a Democrat who represented the state in this lawsuit for the past eight years, repeatedly proposed to spend $8.5 billion more annually on needy school districts. Of the $8.5 billion, he planned to spend at least $4 billion a year for New York City. He proposed changes to the school system, such as smaller classes, more qualified teachers and a universal prekindergarten. In short, these are reforms that would provide a sound basic education. A mini-

mum of $4 billion would be required for the many reforms to the school system promised by Spitzer, and even then they would

The children of New York City are crying in their hearts. be extremely difficult to carry out. “We must provide more funding than this constitutional minimum, so that all of New York’s

schoolchildren have an opportunity to thrive in the 21st century workplace,” said Spitzer. “It’s going to be our job to work with the governor-elect between now and the time he puts something into that budget to assure the number is as high as possible,” Geri D. Palast, executive director for Fiscal Equity, said. “We will work very hard to get it between the $4 to $6 billion. The court established a minimum funding number that will not meet the mandate.” Republicans were relieved by More on Page 4

Meet Ms. Shamazov! BY SANGHEE CHUNG COLUMNIST

Classes Taught: UVCC (Chamber Choir), UV65 (Concert Chorus), U1 (Music Appreciation) Directing two school choruses and teaching music to freshman, Liliya Shamazov can often be seen around the music department on the first floor. She grew up in the city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan and came to the United States in 1992. She graduated from the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music with degrees in both piano and music. She decided to come to Stuyvesant because she had always wanted to work with choirs. Furthermore, she had previous experience in conducting and accompanying choirs. She is currently working

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Monday, December 4, 2006 NEWS

as an assistant for chorus teacher Holly Hall. “It’s challenging, interesting, and exciting,” she said. “I am growing here at Stuyvesant as a teacher, conductor and musician.” In her perspective, the Stuyvesant community is a diverse and challenging place, where both students and teachers enjoy a good challenge. Her favorite thing about Stuyvesant is its music department; she is most annoyed by students taking on too much. Shamazov hopes to bring changes to the Stuyvesant community and its relationship with music. “I want to introduce my freshman classes to the world of great music,” she said. “There is so much great music out there and I hope that the students in my music appreciation class will learn to enjoy it even more.”

“I’d like to help the choir members to find their voices and bring them together as an ensemble. I want them to have the experience of the beauty of singing together in a group,” she said. Students recognize her talent and hard work in the classroom. “She seems to be very dedicated,” said junior Vikki Hon, a member of the chamber choir. “She maintains control within such a large group of people. She is also very good at playing the piano.” Outside of the school, Shamazov has a family, including a five-year-old son, and enjoys spending time and going places with them. She also takes night classes studying music history at Hunter College. Her hobbies and passions include playing the piano and singing at her church. ◙

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

Nicholas Flammel BY YANA GONTCHAROVA COLUMNIST

In September, a new organization sprang up at Stuyvesant High School. This organization does not yet have a name. As for members, there are only a few students and some faculty, but its members will have an important role: to contribute ideas and make changes to the overall infrastructure of Nicholas Flammel, which is a school still in the planning process. Nicholas Flammel will be a science-centered school, and its students will be divided into four houses, each of which will specialize in a different subject: biology, geology, chemistry or physics. Members of this new club will help out with one of these houses. They will compose house songs and invent rituals and traditions. Members will also have more serious duties, such as editing and refining the school schedule and the proposal for Nicholas Flammel, which will be presented to the Board of Education. This club is only open to juniors and requires about two hours per week. If you are interested in finding out more, please e-mail [email protected] or attend the interest meeting. ◙

High School Accused of Changing Exam Grades Continued from Page 1

the true ability of a student anyway. “It’s really disgraceful,” said a Staten Island resident. “I feel that they shouldn’t have done that. If the kids didn’t know it, the kids didn’t know it. I think we should have been very honest about this. I’m very happy the teachers came forward and said the truth.” This grade-tampering, however, has occurred in the past at other schools. In May 2005, teachers from John F. Kennedy High School claimed that school administrators improperly changed 16 students’ test scores from failing to passing. ◙

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Monday, December 4, 2006 NEWS

Court Resolution Brings Down Hopes of Better Public Schools the 4-2 court ruling in favor of this resolution. Senate majority leader Joseph L. Bruno said, “The ruling makes it clear that the education spending plan advanced by the governor and the Senate was more than sufficient to meet the needs of schools, not only in New York City, but throughout the state.” Bruno added, “The lower courts were wrong…They were out of their jurisdiction. They were doing things that were inappropriate — they were literally fooling the public by pretending that a lot of money was going to flow, billions and billions…” George E. Pataki, a Republican who has fought the lawsuit, was in favor of the ruling, calling it “a resounding affirmation of my

strong belief that decisions regarding the state’s finances and education policy should continue to be made by the people’s elected representatives and not the courts.” Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye said, “A sound basic education will cost approximately $5 billion in additional annual expenditures. I remain hopeful that, despite the Court’s ruling today, the policymakers will continue to strive to make the schools not merely adequate, but excellent, and to implement a statewide solution.” City Councilman Robert Jackson, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, criticized the court. “I am profoundly distressed and disappointed,” he said. “The children of New York City are crying in their hearts.” ◙

Urban Students Lack Basic Science Skills Continued from Page 2

cording to a report, the fourth grade exams tested basic experiments, reading simple charts, and basic science concepts. The basic science concepts included subjects like formation of rocks and electricity current. The eighth grade exam was similar, but tested more advanced concepts. For the fourth grade exam, some teachers argue that some these science topics were not going to

be taught until fifth grade because of state standards. Whatever the outcome of this debate, one thing is clear: having more than 50 percent of students failing to meet the basic standards is not good. Joel I. Klein, New York City’s schools chancellor, stated that beginning with the next academic year, students will be tested in science every year from grade three to grade eight. ◙

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New Cell Phone/iPod Policy Continued from Page 3 Corbis

Continued from Page 3

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

A confiscated cellphone must be retrieved by the holder’s parents or it risks being disposed of.

rules and brought a cell phone. More common situations involve children who travel far from home to attend school, where accidents can occur without anyone knowing. On November 19, parents and school leaders held a press conference outside of Stuyvesant. They requested that the Bloomberg administration and the Department of Education repeal the current ban on cell phones. They also urged Parents’ Associations and other organizations to take action against the policy. However, the majority of city leaders agree with the restrictive policy. They believe that to stop students from “downloading pornography, cheating on tests, and initiating violence,” their decision is justified. Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated that cell phones are disruptive and can be used to cheat and summon friends for a fight. He also proposed that in case of an emergency, parents can directly contact the school. David Cantor, a spokesperson for School Chancellor Joel Klein, agrees with the policy, saying,

“We respect the frustrations and the fears that parents have, but ultimately the fact is that having phones in schools always leads to more disorder.” Most of the students in Stuyvesant oppose this policy. An anonymous sophomore student obstinately said, “I hate it. I think it’s irrational because most students [who] come to Stuy come from all over the five boroughs and communication-wise, it isn’t very convenient or safe for us students.” In the past, some teachers would ignore the cell phone policy. If amid a tranquil lesson, a penetrating ring tone shattered the

...the new policy is 'cruel and heartless,' 'absurdly wrongheaded,' 'anti-parent,' 'ridiculous' and a 'terrible infringement. silence, the teacher would just shrug it off, warning the student not to let it happen again. But, after the new policy was put into play, many began to strictly enforce the rules. In any event, probably the safest thing for a student to do is to actually abide by the rules until a satisfying compromise has been reached. ◙

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THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 5

Monday, December 4, 2006 OBITUARY/OPED

In Memory of Phillip Schlesinger My grandfather was an amazing person and I had a special relationship with him. From the time I joined The Stuyvesant Standard early in my freshman year, he read every issue. He read the entire issues, not just what I wrote. One particular memory stands out. One day, I could not visit my grandpa. My father went to visit him and brought the most recent issue. My father then called me so I could talk to my grandpa. However, my grandfather was preoccupied with The Standard and persisted in reading me the article I wrote, “Earliest Mayan Writing is Found” (Volume V Issue 10), as well as other articles. He praised the issue, saying it was interesting and containing many good topics. My grandfather recently passed away and I dearly miss him, and I will always treasure my memories of him. His funeral was held on November 16 and I gave a speech: Grandpa Phill “My grandfather was a wonderful man. He was fiercely loyal. He worked hard and loved deeply. I had a close relationship with him and will always cherish my memories of him. He was always behind me. We used to talk on the phone almost everyday and he would always listen. My grandfather sometimes knew better than my parents what was going on in my life. I’d tell him I was going to have a test in school or was getting a report card soon. The next time I spoke to him, he’d ask me about it. Grandpa kept a folder with everything I gave him, cards, pictures, copies of my report cards, and every issue of my school newspaper [The Standard]. My grandfather loved to tell everyone about me. When I was in third grade, I learned to recite the states in alphabetical order. Three and four years later, he was still telling people that I could say the states in alphabetical order, even though by that time, I no longer could. Even at SeaView Nursing Home, whenever I showed him the latest issue of my newspaper, he would make everyone read it. My grandfather was a man of his ways. He ate cereal with milk and either strawberries or bananas almost every morning. He turned on the TV only in the afternoon, and wanted milk and desert almost every night. Just as strongly as my grandfather was set in his pattern of life, did he fiercely love and care for others. There are so many memories to remember of my grandfather. Like how we used to play Monopoly on a stained board with wooden pieces that we found up in a dusty cabinet. We never finished, so we’d say the winner was the one with the most money. Or like the time when we went to a Staten Island Yankees game and since it was near his birthday, put “Happy 83rd Birthday Grandpa Phill” on the scoreboard, how he didn’t realize it was him since it wasn’t his actual birthday. Whenever I spoke to my grandpa on the phone, he’d tell me he was smiling just talking to me. Well grandpa, I hope you see me smiling just thinking of you. Whenever I’d tell my grandfather that I loved him, he’d tell me he loved me twice. Well grandpa, I love you twice!”

(above) Phillip Schlesinger, the loving grandfather of Standard Editor in Chief ,Jennifer Schlesinger, read every issue of The Standard. (below) Phillip Schlesinger with Editor in Chief, Jennifer Schlesinger.

-Jennifer Schlesinger

The Critical Lens Electives- Is There a Choice? BY ALVIS YUEN COLUMNIST

For the first time in years, our school conducted an Elective Day. Students walk into different classrooms and listen to the teachers talk about the electives they teach. Ten minutes later, they get up and leave to go to another room. After 30 minutes, Elective Day is over. So, what was the whole point? The purpose of Elective Day was for students to learn more about the electives that our school offers. The school website shows course descriptions but often times, the actual differs from what the webpage says. As a result, students do not really know

how the class is run except by asking their friends. I think Elective Day was a great idea, but it was only moderately successful. The problem was that relatively few people stayed after school for it: for many people, there was no point. Freshmen have few elective choices, so they were not particularly motivated to stay after a D schedule when the weather was nice outside. Sophomores have it better, but outside of the few science courses, they don’t have too many choices either. Most juniors already have tough schedules filled with AP classes. As for the seniors, most already know what to expect from the courses. Continued on Page 7

What Does Thanksgiving Mean? BY HUI TING STAFF WRITER

Stuyvesant students rejoiced for the four-day weekend they had. That glorious weekend is all thanks to, well, Thanksgiving. The holiday where everyone gorges on roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes and multiple helpings of cranberry sauce. Although that is the typical picture of Thanksgiving, it is more than gaining those few extra pounds. It

is a day to give thanks for all that you have: family, friends and health. Throughout the years it seems as if the physical tradition of Thanksgiving has lived on while the deeper meaning is slowly dying away. Many students think of Thanksgiving as literally a “day of giving thanks” as freshman Christina does, but often don’t practice it. As I delved deeper into the meaning of Thanksgiving, Christina revealed that it is simply “a day to eat.” Students’ answers to the meaning of Thanksgiving went downhill from there. When asked what T ha nksgi vi ng me ant, Stephen curtly replied, “A day to Continued on Page 6

Page 6

Monday, December 4, 2006 OPINIONS

Ask the T Dear T,

The iPod Controversy BY DAVID MANNES STAFF WRITER Corbis

Hi, I am a freshman. When I joined this school, I knew that going to the best school in New York City would be tough, but I didn’t realize that it would be this tough. There’s massive competition between students everyday. Throughout the halls, all I can hear is “what did you get on that test?” or “how do you think you did on the test?” It is as if the reason to be in Stuyvesant is not so we can get a good education, but to get 100’s on every test and quiz. Last week, my friend kept asking me what I got on a biology test, even though I told her I didn’t want to talk about it. I miss the old days when all we would talk about is what we would do after school and other random things. I can’t believe the amount of homework we get here at Stuyvesant! I’m used to getting at most two hours of homework. Here, I’m lucky to go to sleep at 12 o’ clock. The amount of homework I get everyday is overwhelming. I dread going home now because I know that when I get home, I have a huge amount of homework waiting to be done. Why do the teachers here give so much homework? Do they have nothing better to do than torture us? Pressure to succeed does not only occur at school. My parents keep on breathing down my neck, asking if I had any tests or if report cards have come in yet. My mother screeches like a hyena when I try to relax before I finish my homework because “it’s bad to procrastinate.” I can’t escape the pressure; it’s at school and at home. I can’t seem to have fun anymore because I got into Stuyvesant. Please T, help me out. Is it going to get easier here at Stuyvesant? Is there anyway to escape the burdensome stress that I have? Others do not seem to have the amount of pressure I do. Maybe I’m not right for this school…

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

iPods, such as this iPod Nano, can be disruptive in some school settings, but this is not the case in Stuyvesant High School.

The reason cell phones and iPods are banned from public schools is because they can be dangerous. Supposedly, they become dangerous when students start beating up teachers who try to take them away. However, I haven’t seen a student so much as curse at a teacher, much less hit one. So then why is the rule in

effect at Stuyvesant? The reason is that other schools have the rule, so, to be fair, we have to have it also, even though it doesn’t apply to us. Here ishow this conclusion was reached, from what I could gather. In some schools, a large number of students listen to their iPods during class. When the teachers try to take their iPods away, the students beat the teachers up. Then the parents find out. They understand the problem immediately: the teacher tried to take the iPod away. So the parents complain, and complain, and complain. Then the parents threaten to sue the school. The school is already short of money because no one wants to give money to such a low-achieving school. So when the school finds Continued on Page 7

Sincerely, A Stressed-Out Freshman Dear Stressed-Out Freshman, Just reading your letter makes me stressed out! Did you know that too much stress could not only reduce your enjoyment of life, but also shorten your lifespan? It’s great that you recognize that your stress is a problem, since many students don’t. Here are some tips I have for reducing stress in your life: 1.) Join extracurriculars. Clubs and afterschool activities can reduce stress and take your mind off of the competition during your everyday life. Instead of talking about biology, you’ll find people with common interests to talk with. 2.) Find time to hang out with friends. Laughing and talking with friends can take your mind off of school. Do stuff together like watching a movie, going shopping, eating or simply going home on the train together. 3.) Talk with mom and dad. One of the main reasons your parents yell (or screech) at you is that they are ignorant of what you go through every day. Talking to your parents can bridge that gap by allowing them to understand you better and reducing the overall level of stress at home. 4.) Prioritize homework. Do reading assignments on the train ride home, do easy assignments for afternoon classes at lunch and find other ways to avoid doing too much homework at home. Sleep is extremely important: don’t stay up until 1 a.m. unless you have papers due! 5.) Take a shower. A hot shower helps you focus and relaxes the muscles. Some nights, taking a hot shower can do wonders.

By following these five tips, you should be in pretty good shape. However, if none of these works in reducing your stress level, there is one more option. This should be only used in a dire situation, and the decision to do so shouldn’t be taken lightly: 6.) Herbal Tea. It is well known that herbal tea calms the nerves and soothes the mind. A warm cup of herbal tea either in the morning or afternoon is guaranteed to relieve stress. I recommend honey-lemon, chamomile, apple-cranberry and ginger.

Most importantly, don’t stress out about stressing out. Stress is a normal part of everyone’s life. For many sources of stress, you will simply have to deal with them. For example, do not drink six cups of herbal tea before an exam; you will have to go to the bathroom. Anyways, stay safe and enjoy a mostly stress-free life at Stuy!

Regards, The T

Thanksgiving is much more than a nice parade or good food; it is a day to give thanks for all the things we have.

What Does Thanksgiving Mean? Continued from Page 5

play video games with my cousins.” A passing freshman in the hallway stopped to say Thanksgiving is just “a day I eat good food.” The Macy’s Thanksgiving parade is also an example of the diminishing traditions of Thanksgiving. While the sixty-foot-long balloons are amusing, they are nothing more than large floating billboards. Balloons of Snoopy and characters from “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends” pack the streets of Manhattan to bring joy to the hearts of little children. However, the balloons fail to illustrate the true meaning of Tha nks gi vi ng. Chil dre n shouldn’t only be entertained but educated as well. Thanksgiving is more signifi-

cant than a scrumptious meal or a dazzling parade. It marks the three-day festival when Pilgrims and Native Americans sat down together and shared a meal. During that delectable feast, they gave thanks to the plentiful crops that season. Stuyvesant students’ lacking answers greatly disappointed me. I would have thought that at least one person would remember the reason behind the turkey “hands” they drew in first grade or the pilgrim hats with feathers they made in second grade. Clearly, Stuyvesant needs to review the importance of Thanksgiving and the other holidays for which we are given a day off. ◙

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Electives—Is There a Choice? Continued from Page 5

As Stuyvesant students, we are really lucky. Stuyvesant offers a wide range of courses and we are not locked into “majors” that force us to take specific courses. However, there are still issues that need to be addressed. The biggest problem is that the variety of courses available to underclassmen pales in comparison to that available for upperclassmen. There is no good way to fix that problem because Stuyvesant’s electives have certain prerequisites that underclassmen cannot meet. For example, there is no point in offering organic chemistry to freshmen because, in general, freshmen lack the chemistry background needed for the course. Also, the school cannot make other new, easier courses that cater to underclassmen because our lovely teachers already

have high workloads, in addition to contract issues. Elective Day is just a Band-Aid for this elective issue. We need solid attempts to reform our course requirements sequence. Sophomores are now required to take health class in the spring term, in an attempt to see the effects of students learning “health” earlier. This is also an opportunity because, barring further changes, these sophomores will be able to take one more elective in their junior year, where there are more choices. Perhaps, in the future, even 5-Tech will also be moved to sophomore year. The school administration should consider this and other serious changes in the distribution of required courses so that people can have more flexibility in choosing electives. ◙

Election Day Troubles by Robert Stevenson

The iPod Controversy Continued from Page 6

out it might be sued, it realizes that the parents’ point of view actually makes a lot of sense. Therefore, the school rises up in arms against the board of education, and the board of education thinks of a solution that makes everyone happy: they will make sure Stuyvesant is enforcing the ban on cell phones and iPods. This makes the parents happy because they got to piss off teachers who make their kids look bad. It makes the school happy because it can still confiscate iPods. And, it makes the board of education happy because nobody got sued. However, this solution has a major flaw: the bad students will still listen to their iPods in class, their teachers will still try to confiscate the iPods, and the students will still beat the teachers up. The question becomes, how

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Monday, December 4, 2006 OPINIONS

can these problems be solved without anyone getting beaten up? The solution that everyone could be happy about would be for the Board of Education to do away with the rule. Stuyvesant students would be happy that they could still bring their iPods and cell phones. The BOE would be happy because it couldn’t be sued for enforcing the rule in some schools and not others. The school would be happy because it could still make a school rule that bans the devices. Hopefully, even the parents would eventually come to their senses, and be happy that their kids’ iPods could still be confiscated. After all, maybe if they couldn’t listen to music and beat up teachers, even the most low-achieving students might find time to do a bit of learning. ◙

The Dropout BY PRISCILLA MELO OPINIONS EDITOR

There is a horrible pandemic ravaging city schools nationwide. It is not the flu, obesity or addiction but something much worse: lack of credits. Almost 150,000 — around half — of New York City students are dropping out of school. This means that one of every two kids taking the bus to school will not wear the utterly fashionable graduation gowns or have their pictures taken by enthusiastic parents while getting their diplomas. To some, this may not seem like such a plight; many of us have heard of high school dropout millionaires (and even billionaires). But this is just a small percentage. Most of these kids will

One can not blame it on the students. They are just the victims. The schools, although flawed, are doing what they can to educate their students. There are many factors, but a major one is the lack of incentive and resources in many communities. The majority of the students that drop out are black or Latino, and these, in urban areas, usually live in poverty. They see their cousins, uncles, and sometimes even parents hanging around apartment buildings or working hard but not getting much for it. They go to schools that spend more money on metal detectors than good textbooks. They have idols that stress not education, but getting money. A lot of them can’t read up to the first grade level and even more

Many counties project their jailhouse accommodations by third grade reading test scores. be living in poverty and many turn to a life of crime. In fact, according to the Superintendent of District 6 in Brooklyn, Jean Claude Brizard, many counties project their jailhouse accommodations by third grade reading test scores. Why? If you can not read, tests are done in vain, math problems are hard to grasp, history is infeasible, writing is impossible — basically, school is useless. Students will eventually leave school, and since most of these low-achieving students come from poor backgrounds, they will be forced to live a life of sloth, mediocrity or crime. But who or what is to blame for this?

are not being challenged enough in their poorly-funded schools. This is bad, but what can we, as students, do about this? Instead of just letting this horrible truth go unattended, we can actually do something to appease it. Tutoring in places where it is actually needed (not in the nice schools in the nice neighborhoods) and becoming mentors or big sibs to these underprivileged kids can truly help. It is about time students start helping each other out, and start breaking away the granite walls of school segregation in our city schools. ◙

Your School, Your World, Your News Are all just a short click away.

Come visit our website. THE STUYVESANT STANDARD WWW.STUYSTANDARD.ORG

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Monday, December 4, 2006 BUSINESS/ A&E

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Easy to Buy, Hard to Sell BY SI HONG HUANG STAFF WRITER

costs of two homes as a result of the slowing market. According to Money ma ga zine, a coupl e named John and Judy Peeler decided to move to Philadelphia last spring. They bought a 2,500square-foot, four-bedroom colonial in a well-regarded school district for $440,000. They figured that their 2,000-square-foot Chicago condo would fetch

ing for a new one think it is an opportunity to buy a house at a significantly lower price; what they don’t realize is that selling their old house isn’t as easy as they planned it out to be. Prices for the house can be dropped and dropped again but there will still be no interested buyers. According to Albert Hepp, owner of BuySelfRealty.com in Minneapo-

first and falling in love later. It seems irresistible when a dream home appears on the market, but the best bet is to avoid shopping until the current home has been unloaded. Buying will be easy in a declining market because there will always be another house to fall in love with; even living in a hotel while looking for a new home is likely to be cheaper than

The tweeners are a group of people who have walked into a money consuming trap; they ended up paying the costs of two homes as a result of the slowing market.

Real estate agent presenting a model home.

In recent months, the housing market has been declining at a gradual rate; buying is getting easier while selling is getting harder due to an increased supply and a decreased demand. Many people are facing major financial setbacks because of the decline. The victims who suffer the most from the decline are known as the “tweeners.” The tweeners are a group of people who have walked into a money-consuming trap: they ended up paying the

around the same price; since moving to Philadelphia, however, the Peelers’ condo has had close to no buyers. Since then, they have been carrying two mortgages and a home-equity line of credit at a cost of $4,000 a month. Even the head of NAR (National Association of Realtors), Tom Stevens, is a tweener. He has been trying to sell his Virginia home for more than a year. He recently told Congress that “The housing market is going through a period of adjustment. I have experienced this firsthand.” In a situation where the market is declining, some people who already own a house and are look-

lis, “Many victims of this fearsome financial trap have been wooed by the upsides of the new buyer’s market: increased choice and better prices. But they forget the other side of the equation.” Chang-Tai Hsieh, professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley, said, “The growth of tweeners is caused not so much by a lack of buyers as by the inability of sellers to accept that prices are falling. It’s not that you can’t sell; it’s that you can’t sell at the price you want.” Although the market looks bad, there are several ways for people to avoid “tweenerdom.” Money magazine suggests selling

carrying two homes. Another way is by vacating the current house by renting it out. According to NAR, a combination of more renters and fewer units is expected to drive rents up 5 percent next year on average nationwide and this may be a boon to struggling sellers. Renting in a declining market can do a lot by covering a house’s mortgage, insurance and taxes. If tweeners want to lose their unfortunately given name, then they should follow this advice and pray that it works. ◙

Increased Thanksgiving Travel Signal Better Times BY HANFORD CHIU BUSINESS EDITOR

Increased Thanksgiving travel means more money for airline companies.

On Wednesday, November 22, over 38 million people traveled 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, whether by car, plane or train. According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), this is over a million more people than did so last Thanksgiving. Dropping gas prices may be one reason for the increase. After hovering above three dollars per gallon in August, gasoline prices have dropped by about 80 cents per gallon nationwide in the past three months. While it is not certain whether or not gasoline prices will drop back down to

pre-Iraq levels, crude oil prices have been falling, since America has been stocking up on gasoline reserves and inventories. Therefore, it would have been much more appealing to drive long distances to see relatives, as the nationwide average price of gasoline was about $2.23, a welcome relief from the summer gas prices. Plane travel increased as well. AAA believes that about 4.8 million travelers flew to their Thanksgiving destinations. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipated 1.6 million passengers, which is about 2 percent more than last year, to go through LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International Airports. This sudden surge of passengers foreshadows another surge for another popular travel season, Christmas. Christmas is one of the year’s busiest travel seasons, and if the struggling airline industry sees a larger group of passengers than expected, coupled with falling gas prices, the industry might free itself from the constant threat of bankruptcy.

Furthermore, this increase in traveling might also signal a reduction of the atmosphere of fear that has surrounded us since 9/11. Though many state highways are lined with state troopers to monitor conditions such as traffic congestion, and airline security checks are still long and thorough, the decline of fear as a reason for people to change their plans could mean that several industries would perform better, including the airline industry, as

well as tourism in general. After all, the airline industry took a huge dive immediately following 9/11, but there is a more positive trend going on now. Thus, an increase in travel could have many causes, such as the possibility that consumers are starting to get used to the post9/11 world and industries that suffered in the wake of 9/11 or the Iraq War are starting to recover. ◙

The Holidays Are Upon Us BY AMY QIU STAFF WRITER

November has not even ended yet, but with the rising flood of holiday commercials, the fact can no longer be denied: It’s that time of the year again! Whether or not you celebrate the holidays, you can’t help but be in a lighter mood at the sight of all those Christmas decorations springing up everywhere. It’s never too early to have some holiday spirit. Here are some great

ways to embrace the holiday season.

Corbis

* Go shopping! With most stores having sales, get a head start on finding that perfect gift. Buying things for other people can be so Continued on Page 9

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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Monday, December 4, 2006 A&E

The 25 Days of Christmas BY ALEX SCHNEIDER STAFF WRITER

Is there anything more beautiful (or well-lit) than Christmastime in New York? But as the tourists flock in, getting into the Christmas spirit may seem like a daunting task. Here's a list that will take the work out of figuring out what to see and do during the holiday season. December 1 Learn about the first Christmas ever by watching “The Nativity Story.”

benefit the Children’s Aid Society.

another with origami figures at the American Museum of Natural History.

showtixinc.com

December 7 Listen to carols and snack on cookies and cider at Holiday Lights in Battery Park City, a tree and menorah lighting ceremony. Be sure to bring a gift. They will be distributed to kids living in city shelters.

December 4 Find the true meaning of Christmas (it’s not just about the presents) at the “How the Grinch Stole Christmas Musical.”

December 2 Work off the cold with some ice skating under the tree at Rockefeller Center or at Wolman Rink in Central Park.

December 5 Dash around town to get a look at the trees. See the ones at Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, South Street Seaport and Bryant Park — and make sure you have yours ready.

December 3 Do some holiday shopping for a good cause or just hang around in the food tent at Miracle on Madison, a shopping event to

December 6 Visit a museum and see more trees: one adorned with eighteenth-century Neapolitan angels at the Metropolitan Museum and

Yahoo! Movies

December 8 Watch Cameron Diaz and Kate W i n s l e t switch lives in “The Holiday.” December 9 Travel back in time (and meet some reindeer) at the Staten Island Zoo’s Dickens of a Christmas.

December 12 See the stars — not those on Broadway — at the Time Warner Center’s Holiday Under the Stars, a high-tech audiovisual display that’s on every half hour. December 13 Be dazzled by more than 150 animal sculptures and scenic creations at the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights. December 14 Swing and dance, or just hear some great jams, at Red Hot Holiday Stomp, at Jazz at Lincoln

The Holidays Are Upon Us Continued from Page 8

much more fun than buying for yourself. Besides, it’s a good excuse to go admire all the newly decorated window displays. Maybe you’ll actually see a reindeer that looks real this year.

(instead of Bond’s typical get-thegirl-in-bed attitude), proving that even Bond made many rookie mistakes on his first mission.

Corbis rottentomatoes.com

For weeks, moviegoers and Bond fans have been ranting about the new Bond, Daniel Craig. After a disappointing end to Pierce Brosnan’s career as the previous Bond, who can blame them? After the disappointing “Die Another Day” and “The World is Not Enough” starring Pierce Brosnan, it is very refreshing to see that Bond can be about something besides excessive explosions and violence, which seemed to be a new pattern in the recent films. “Casino Royale” is the story of Bond’s roots. The movie opens with his promotion to “00” status after brutally slaying two men. After Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelson) leads a failed plot to win money to fund a terrorist organization, he desperately tries to win back money in a world tournament of Texas hold’em. If Le Chiffre fails, it will ruin his entire organization, so it is up to Bond to win this tournament to force Le Chiffre into cooperating with Britain. Of course, what’s a Bond movie without a Bond girl, so to accompany him on this trip is Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), an accountant interested in keeping her company’s funds protected. Ah, but this Bond movie is unique, as it contains an interesting love plot

December 11 Head to Chelsea Market for their Gingerbread Homes for Animals display, with raffles and bake sales to raise money for stray cats and dogs.

Continued on Page 10

Hyped New Bond Flick Leaves Audiences in Awe BY ROBERT COLBOURN STAFF WRITER

December 10 Is there a better way to celebrate the season than by stuffing your face with Swedish cuisine? Find out at the Holiday Smorgasbord at the Scandinavia House.

“Casino Royale,” the latest of the Bond movies, opened on November 17.

The plot of Casino Royale will leave you in awe. The cast of characters, combined with the amazing cinematography of Phil Meheux, completes this film, making it the best Bond movie since “Goldeneye.” The use of the original plot by Ian Fleming and its integration into a movie were done skillfully. The move is a must-see for any casual moviegoer or die-hard Bond fan. ◙

*Take a trip to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. Regular trees are great, but nothing beats 88 feet of pretty lights and ornaThe Rockefeller ments. Bring a Center Christmas camera so that tree. you can take lots of pictures. *Film critics like to use phrases such as “Feel-good movie of the year!” Holiday movies definitely go under that category. What better time than now to watch them? “Deck the Halls” starring Danny Devito and Matthew Broderick and “Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” are just two of the great films to enjoy. Corbis

*Feast on candy canes and red and green M&Ms. Candy always tastes better when it’s for a holiday, even if

it’s just the same Snickers wrapped in red foil. If you’re looking for something more filling, try baking some cookies or cake. If you’re not really a good baker, dough mixes are the easy way to do it. Sure, you could just buy cookies and cake, but it’s more fun to make them yourself. *Bring out your inner creative writing skills and think of new phrases for those cards that you send every year. “Happy Holidays” and “Happy New Year” are a bit overused (not that this makes them any less meaningful). *Enjoy the Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal. From November 21 to December 25. It will feature 74 vendors of unique and exotic products, such as handmade clothing, Japanese art prints, and imported African crafts. During those days, there will also be holiday laser light shows every half hour from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lights of various images are shined onto the ceiling to reveal the constellations on it. Whatever you decide to do, hopefully it will be something special that you enjoy. Beneath the greedy children and aggressive shoppers, the holidays are really a special time to have fun that can be sorely missing from your daily routine. ◙

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Monday, December 4, 2006 A&E/LIT/PUZZLES

Just a Dream

The 25 Days of Christmas Continued from Page 9

Center. December 15 Listen to the New York Pops Orchestra, who’ll be playing Christmas and Hanukkah favorites at Carnegie Hall. December 16 Palm trees strung with lights may seem more like Christmas in July, but check them out, along with some crafts for kids, at the Winter Garden Holiday Fest. December 17 See the Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular — if you can get tickets.

Radio City

December 18 Wonder how they did it at the Holiday Train Show, at the New York Botanical Gardens, where hundreds of the city’s landmarks are recreated with plants and foliage.

December 21 Already seen the Nutcracker? Well, see it again — either the classic New York Ballet version or one of five others around the city to suit any taste.

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

BY STEPHANIE TAM STAFF WRITER

December 22 Feel like a tourist and get a look at the store windows on Fifth Avenue. Saks and Bloomingdale’s are the classics, but Bergdorf Goodman puts up the real spectacle.

If only there was a blissful place One filled with delight and grace Where tears of sadness never exist And everyone is able to subsist Hope, not despair, would roam the earth Coexisting with moments of mirth Pride, victory, and bliss for all Serene and tranquil lives without brawls This perfect world would be desired However, could it actually be acquired? Sunshine and sparkles would constantly gleam But then again, it’s all just a dream...

December 23 Still haven’t got all of your gifts? Well, get to Bryant Park which hosts Fêtes de Noël, a bustling European-style market with 125 booths, as well as an iceskating rink, a Christmas tree and hot drinks. December 24 Put on a Christmas CD and wrap presents, then make sure to bake cookies for Santa.

Sudoku

December 25 Corbis

BY JEFFREY LIAW PUZZLE COLUMNIST

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December 19 Head out to Brooklyn (if you don’t already live there) and warm up with the famous hot chocolate of the Jacques Torres Chocolate Factory.

Tavern on the Green.

December 20 Grab last-minute gifts at the Holiday Fair and watch the Kaleidoscope Light Show, both in Grand Central Terminal.

Do Christmas right at Tavern on the Green, where the food is good but the holiday decorations (and the crowd) are the main events. ◙

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Wake up, wake up It’s a brand new day The sprinkles of joy Are here to stay An end to loneliness For there is light Guiding us through To make the wrongs right Troubles and problems Are present no more No dwellings on misfortunes There’s a world to explore A fresh start, a new start An epiphany is here Laughter and joyfulness It’s all drawing near

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Riddle BY JEFFREY LIAW PUZZLE COLUMNIST

Bob gets home very tired one night and passes out on his bed. The next morning he turns on the radio that there was an incident and many people are dead. He packs his bags and leaves, knowing he is responsible, why? 1. He is neither a contract killer nor is involved in any violence. 2. He did not sleepwalk. 3. Falling asleep was the cause of all the deaths. 4. The incident was preventable

Last Issue’s Solutions 1 9 7 3 4 5 8 2 6

8 5 3 6 9 2 1 4 7

4 2 6 8 1 7 3 5 9

7 8 9 2 5 4 6 3 1

3 4 5 9 6 1 7 8 2

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5 7 4 1 2 8 9 6 3

2 6 1 5 3 9 4 7 8

9 3 8 4 7 6 2 1 5

Riddle The man fell into the storage vat. He was unable to move through the sea of bearings and consequently drowned by lack of oxygen.

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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Monday, December 4, 2006 SCIENCE

MIT/Donna Coveney

Money: The Source of Asocial Behavior BY SANGHEE CHUNG COLUMNIST

Money has always been known to be a huge influence in people’s behaviors. However, only now has it been shown experimentally, and the specific effects discovered. Psychologists have recently discovered through a series of experiments on college

positive. Exposure to money, or the concept of money, elevates a sense of self-sufficiency.” This self-sufficiency arises from the fact that money allows people to reach their goals without having to ask others for help. As a result, they become less social. In one experiment, 44 students at Florida State University

Marin Soljacic of MIT will present his work on wireless energy transfer at the 2006 American Institute of Physics Industrial Physics Forum.

Money changes people’s motivations. students that seeing money can influence human behavior. Students who were exposed to money and fantasies of wealth acted differently from those who did not think about it, according to a study be the journal Science. “The mere presence of money changes people,” said Kathleen Vohs, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota. “The effects can be negative, it can be

Wireless Power BY RICHARD SHYONG STAFF WRITER

were given $2 in quarters. They were divided into two groups and asked to unscramble sentences. One group was given sentences that reminded them of money the other was not. After the experiment was completed, the researcher noted a box for donations, but did not say the students had to donate. Students who were not reminded of money donated

Ever wish your laptop could charge on its own without any wires? You could be sitting on a park bench, doing your next midterm project, and never have to worry about running out of battery power. Instead of having to run back inside to charge your laptop, you could spend your whole day outside, enjoying the pleasant scenery while letting the laptop recharge itself. It is possible. Something of that magnitude, however, will have to wait. Scientists today are still trying to perfect wireless recharging on a smaller scale. For centuries, people have known that transmitting electric power did not require for two objects to be in contact with each

Continued on Page 13

Pollution: Not As Bad As You Think BY OMAR AHMAD STAFF WRITER

Many people around the world think of cleanliness as one of their most important goals. This is seen not only on an individual basis, but also with planetary cleanliness. A major category of filth is pollution. One of the most important questions we are faced with today is: is pollution really as harmful as it is presumed to be? Recent studies have shown that several pollutants are responsible for our present battle with global warming and its effects on the Earth. These statements have caused people across the world to

attempt to discover new ways of preserving the Earth and keeping clean air prevalent. Even so, there has arisen another viewpoint that suggests that clean air may not be advisable. This concept argues that clean and clear air will aid the increase of temperatures worldwide. An announcement was made by Dr. Martin Wild of the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science in Zurich involving the true roots of global warming. He stated that clean air and a low concentration of chemicals would allow passage of solar energy, which would cause global temperatures to rise. However, if pol-

other. In fact, the principle behind electric motors and power transformers uses this knowledge of electric power. The emitting coil of an object receives a current, thereby inducing the receiving coil. All it takes is that the two coils be in close proximity. Later, scientists discovered that electromagnetic radiation could be created in the form of radio waves, and light, of course. However, the problem with extracting electrical energy from light is that the process is extremely difficult, and requires that the two objects be within sight of each other. Radio waves, too, cause problems of their own. They are typically inefficient and sometimes even dangerous. Radio waves reach out in many direcContinued on Page 13

The Future of Home Energy BY ALEXANDROS KALIONTZAKIS STAFF WRITER

Continued on Page 12 Corbis

In February of this year, Bernard Malin, who lives in Boston, Massachusetts, installed a microCHP, or “micro combined-heatand-power” system, in his home. The micro-CHP is an ingenious invention. It is based on the idea that by combining the sources of heating and electricity into one

use it. These systems are vastly more efficient than other forms of heating, converting about 90 percent of energy from fuel into a usable form. In Japan, about 30,000 homeowners have installed micro-CHP systems into their homes. In England, 80,000 systems are on order from a New Zealand company. Some people like the idea of sav-

The micro-CHP is an ingenious invention.

Many cities in the world are covered with urban smog.

device, an efficiency can be achieved that is far greater than that of either system separately. Mr. Malin is perhaps the first person in the nation to own a microCHP. Soon after Mr. Malin installed his micro-CHP, 18 other families in Boston also began to

ing money on heating as well as helping the environment at the same time. The micro-CHP system is just one of the many movements away from power-plantbased energy to home-based energy, like wind-powered turbines and solar panels. Continued on Page 12

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Monday, December 4, 2006 SCIENCE

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Studies Show Increase in Steroid Use by Women graphics.boston.com

BY HESHAM SHEH STAFF WRITER

Steroids: we’ve all heard about how athletes are using them to gain an advantage over other players. Most people think of steroids as being “a guy thing.” However, recent studies have shown that this is not necessarily the case anymore. Women are now using steroids in increasing numbers. A recent study shows that fully 7 percent of girls have used steroids by the age of 15. Most of the side effects of steroid use in women are increases in male characteristics. Dr. Ricchard Auchus, who is a doctor at the UT Southwestern Medical Center, said, “steroid abuse by females can lead to growth of facial hair, baldness, menstrual cycle changes and a deeper voice, all of which are usually permanent changes.” These are not desired characteristics. Dr. Auchus listed even more serious side effects, including

Women have started using steroids more and more.

“heart attacks, stunted growth and behavioral problems.” A female steroid-user, who wished to remain anonymous, was interviewed on ABC’s “Good Morning, America.” She was a model and had used steroids to help to enhance her image, hoping that steroids would increase her

muscle and help her to lose fat. The effects, however, were horrendous. Her face broke out and she lost her hair. On her use of steroids, she said, “I was on edge . . . These [steroid] pills were affecting my tolerance for anything, so it was basically a downward spiral.” Unfortunately, that “downward spiral” is what most steroid female users encounter. So why then do some women still insist on using steroids? The answer is that most women are unaware of these negative side effects and do not know how much harm steroid use could actually cause. Other reasons given by women for using steroids are very similar to those of men. According to Dr. Auchus, many women use steroids to get an advantage in sports. Others try to achieve the “perfect type of body” that is portrayed in magazines and on television shows. Dr. Auchus offered his advice

Corbis

Pollution: Not As Bad As You Think Continued from Page 11

Jing Jing, a panda who was chosen as one of the Olympic mascots, sits in a tree at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Combating Impending Panda Extinction BY DAVID FENG STAFF WRITER

Pandas have long been faced with extinction. This year, however, China is enjoying a giant panda baby boom thanks to the nation’s artificial breeding program, with a record 27 surviving cubs born so far this year. These are very promising statistics compared to those from the last two years. Last year, 25 panda cubs were born and 21 survived. In 2004, only 9 panda cubs survived. It is exceptionally difficult to breed pandas because of the male pandas’ famous sexual inactivity and the females’ pickiness concerning the right mate. These factors make the giant panda one of the most endangered animals in the world. As it is so difficult to breed giant pandas naturally, scientists

have resorted to artificial insemination. Artificial insemination is a technique that involves the impregnation of a female without the male being physically present. It has proved to be helpful in raising the number of pandas — more than 75 pandas have been born and survived at the Wolong Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center since 1983. Many might think that the rise of the number of surviving panda cubs is due to the advancement of artificial insemination. The raise does have something to do with it. But more importantly, as the director of China’s Chegdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base said, “[It] is the rising number of pandas at the breeding centers that recently reached sexual maturity, about age 5 for females and 6 or 7 Continued on Page 13

for how girls could find other solutions to their problems. He urged them to set reasonable goals that are possible to achieve. Also, he said that dieting and exercise are the most important for enhancing their physical looks and strength. Dr. Auchus also offered an uplifting piece of advice that all of us, not just women, could use. He said, “It may be great to be successful, but you shouldn't try to be someone you're not. It's better to be second-best and honest than best under circumstances that you'll regret later in life.” That is the attitude that all of us need in order to succeed in life. We cannot try to do too much, especially involving things that we know are out of our reach. Furthermore, we must be honest to ourselves and feel good about our accomplishments. Higher self-esteem is the first step in not using drugs. ◙

lution is present, then it provides a barrier against the passage of solar energy. Dr. Wild later stated, “There is always this argument that maybe the whole temperature rise wasn’t due to greenhouse warming but due to solar variations.” This perspective hasn’t been widely exhibited, yet is as credible as its opposing theories. If we were to allow pollutants to steadily build in our atmosphere, they would form a protective “blanket” over the planet’s

surface. This blanket would allow a relatively small amount of solar light through our atmosphere and would reflect a large sum of the harmful rays that we are aiming to rid ourselves of. The theory of pollution protecting the Earth is gradually gaining respect within the scientific community and is increasing in credibility around the world. It has opened a new window into the problem and will hopefully send today’s scientists on the right path to the elimination of global warming. ◙

The Future of Home Energy Continued from Page 11

There is, however, a downside to this amazing system. It goes for $13,000-$20,000 with the installation fee. The amount of time it takes to pay back the investment is three to seven years, depending on electricity prices. One of the five companies that have entered the micro-CHP business, Climate Energy, wants to install about 200 systems by next year, mostly in the New England area. Those who want to use it as a backup generator will have to wait until 2008, when Climate Energy will be releasing a model with those capabilities. Many environmentalist groups and even some states have

supported and praised the microCHP system; even though some implementations do use fossil fuels for energy, they are more efficient than current systems. The Climate Energy system even cuts the carbon dioxide emissions from home electricity. Eric Guyer, the CEO of Climate Energy, says that even if the system can get a one percent market share of the three million furnaces bought by consumers each year, that would make it much more affordable, and as a result, more available to the public. So when you buy a house, make sure to get this remarkable piece of technology. ◙

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Money: The Source of Asocial Behavior Continued from Page 11

an average of $1.34 while those who were reminded only donated 77 cents. “Money changes people's motivations,” said Nicole Mead, a psychology graduate student at Florida State University. “They are less focused on other people. In this sense, money can be a barrier to social intimacy.” Corbis

Money tends to make people more selfsufficient and anti-social.

In one test, 66 students from the University of British Columbia filled out questionnaires. Some students faced a poster showing money, while others faced posters showing flowers and seascapes. Afterwards, they were asked to choose between

Page 13

Monday, December 4, 2006 SCIENCE

Wireless Power Continued from Page 11

tions, spewing the energy into the environment. This could lead to environmental pollution, and is potentially extremely harmful to the environment. However, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently realized that the process that occurs inside an electric motor, or any other such object, could actually be used for long ranges, such as in a room. Instead of releasing electromagnetic waves into the air, a power transmitter could give off a “nonradiative” electromagnetic field. Then, only those objects compatible with it, such as cell phones and laptops, could use the energy to recharge. The energy not used can be reabsorbed by the emitter.

individual and group activities. Students who say the money poster were more likely to select individual activities like cooking lessons while those who saw neutral posters tended to choose group activities. In another experiment, participants were left with $4,000, $200, or nothing in Monopoly money. An accident was staged where a person walking through the lab spilled a box of pencils. Those who received more money picked up fewer pencils than those who received less or no money. “The self-sufficient pattern explains why people view money as both the greatest good and evil,” said Vohs and Mead. “As countries and cultures developed, money may have allowed people to acquire goods and services that enabled the pursuit of cherished goals, which in turn diminished reliance on friends and family. In this way, money enhanced individualism but diminished communal motivations, an effect that is still apparent in people's responses to money today.” We are therefore left with an important question. Is money good? Is it good to be asocial? You decide. ◙

With these designs in mind, wireless power would have a very limited range. This would be even more the case for smaller-sized receivers, such as cell phones. However, scientists calculated that an object the size of a laptop could easily be powered by a source a few meters away. Putting one such source in every room of a house would then be able to provide coverage throughout the house. Although this is just the beginning of what would be another revolution, scientists are already making great progress in wireless power. Who knows? Perhaps by the time you have children, wireless power would be at its peak. We might be wirelesly charging phones. Or cars. ◙

Combating Impending Panda Extinction Continued from Page 12

for males.” It is the conjunction of the two that are responsible for the incredible achievement. Artificial insemination, however, has its drawbacks. Naturally, male pandas sense the ideal females for breeding. With artificial insemination, the scientists pick a female, who may be a suboptimal choice. In addition, the process increases the number of offspring

per male, causing a reduction of the diversity in the gene pool. Scientists are putting all their efforts to save the giant pandas from extinction. There are only about 1800 pandas left in the world and the number is fast diminishing. Artificial insemination, regardless of its drawbacks, might be the only way to stop panda extinction. ◙

Neanderthal Gene May Hold Answer to Human-Neanderthal Interbreeding maxilofacial.info

BY LIWEI MAO STAFF WRITER

With a recently-invented DNA sequencing machine, reconstruction of the entire Neanderthal genome is now possible. Scientist hope that long-persisting questions about human and Neanderthal interbreeding may finally be answered. The Neanderthal genome has been found to be roughly 99.5 percent similar to the human genome. This ancient species had thick skulls with sloping foreheads, jutting facial features, and prominent jaws that differed considerably from the thin skulls, small jaws, and flat faces of modern humans. Their bodies were heavily muscled and would probably appear fearsome to modern humans. In fact, it has been proposed that the Abominable Snowman is based on Neanderthals. The Neanderthals had thrived in Western Europe and Central Asia for at least 70,000 years be-

The decoding of the Neanderthal gene may solve the question about whether or not humans and Neanderthals interbred.

fore the first modern humans appeared between 130,000 and 90,000 years ago. The timelines of the two species are estimated to have overlapped for at least 60,000 years. Whether Neanderthals interbred with humans or became extinct without any genetic legacy is the question to be answered. Attempts to reconstruct the

Neanderthal genome have been made in the past. However, the nuclear DNA in old bones was broken into such tiny fragments that it was deemed impossible to recover. Recently, 454 Life Sciences of Connecticut invented a new machine that operates with firefly light. The machine incites each DNA unit to stimulate firefly luciferase, an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of organic substances within the firefly to produce virtually heatless light. The computer then sequences the DNA units based on the timing and position of the light. This new machine is especially suited to sequencing the tiny DNA fragments found in old bones. For the research project, Dr. Paabo of the Max Planck Institute in Germany combed through European museums looking for Neanderthal bones with DNA. The 70 bones he perused either had no DNA remaining or were contaminated by human contact.

Finally, he found a bone from the Vindjia Cave in Croatia that still held DNA and was mostly free of human contamination. This bone alone, Dr. Paabo believes, is enough to complete the whole experiment. The sequencing will be completed in two years. Dr. Paabo stated that he had not yet found any evidence of interbreeding between the two species so far. Dr. Edward Rubin of the Joint Genome Institute in California, a researcher with whom Dr. Paabo shared data, also found Neanderthal and human breeding unlikely, but not impossible. However, another geneticist at the University of Chicago found evidence that two versions of a human gene for determining brain size may have come from Neanderthals. Perhaps the Neanderthal genome to be finished in two years will finally reveal the truth. We can only wait. ◙

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Monday, December 4, 2006 SPORTS

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

The Great Talents of the NBA: Western Conference BY HESHAM SHEH STAFF WRITER

has averaged 17.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg. He had a couple of notable feats in the 2005-06 season. He was the first Rocket to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds since Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1995-96 season. Also, Yao Corbis

The Eastern Conference doesn’t have all the stars of the NBA. Many of the NBA’s brightest stars play in the Western Conference. Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant are unarguably the best guards in the West. Nash has averaged 13.5 ppg and 7.1 apg in his career. However, he has been outstanding in the last couple of seasons. He won the NBA MVP award in the 2004-05 season and the 2005-06 season, becoming only the third guard to win back-to-back MVP awards (the other two were Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan). Nash is second for playing in the most playoff games where he scored at least 30 points and had at least 10 assists. He also is only the third player in NBA history to have double figures in assists for seven consecutive playoff games, and the only one since 1996. Lastly, he is second in assists on the Suns’ all-time, even though he joined them recently, during the 2004-05 season. Kobe Bryant is an extremely respectable player. Through his career, he has averaged 23.9 ppg, 1.5 spg, and 5.1 rpg. Last year,

during the 2005-06 season, he truly had a special year. He had an 81-point game, which is a remarkable feat. He averaged 35.4 ppg and 4.5 apg. Bryant has showed us again and again that he is all-star material. In fact, he has

German Basketball superstar Dirk Nowitzki takes a shot in the Colorline Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

played in a total of 8 all-star games. Yao Ming, the seven-foot sixinch center from China, is the best center in the West. Yao entered the NBA in the 2002-03 season. In his relatively short career, he

had 34 double-doubles and 39 games where he scored at least 20 points. Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki are the best forwards of the West. Duncan entered the NBA in the 1998-99 season. The

next season, he led the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Championships, where they defeated the New York Knicks. He led them to two more champiosnhips in 2003 and 2005. Duncan’s career averages are outstanding: 22.0 ppg, 12.0 rpg, and 2.4 bpg. In 2005-06 season, his numbers declined slightly, perhaps due to the presence of other great players on his team, such as Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker. Nonetheless, Duncan still achieved high numbers. He averaged 18.6 ppg, 11.0 rpg 3.2 apg and 2.0 bpg. Dirk Nowitzki is another extremely talented forward. He joined the NBA during the 199899 season. During his career, he’s averaged 22.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg, and 2.5 apg. In the 2005-06 season, he led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, but they were defeated by the Heat. Still, he had an outstanding season. He won the All-Star 3-point shootout, and was seventh on the NBA scoring list. Still, he was fourth in free throw percentage and even set the Mavericks franchise record for most free throws attempted in a game without a single miss. ◙

THE SPORTS BEAT

Our Favorite Athlete Continued from Page 16

school coaches can “recruit” players for their squads without having to worry about the randomness of lottery placement into high school. If we let teams have their own classes, where will it stop? In 2001, Jim Harrick Jr., an assistant basketball coach, taught a course at Georgia entitled “Coaching Principles and Strategies.” What the course was actually about is a mystery. What is known that the final exam included such mindbending questions as “How many points is a three-point field goal worth?” and “How many baskets are there on a court?” Furthermore, the NCAA ruled that Harrick improperly gave three members of the basketball team an “A” despite the fact that they cut class and missed tests. Harrick was later fired and Georgia was banned from postseason play that year. Hopefully, it would stop there, but it could be worse. In the

book “Friday Night Lights,” an entire chapter is dedicated to Carter High School, Permian’s playoff opponent. Carter’s star player failed math, therefore making him ineligible for that week’s playoff game. The principal, again putting athletics over academics, had his grade changed so that his entire average would be just enough so he could play football. The most disturbing part of this entire situation is that it was the principal who did the grade switching. The person most responsible for a student’s education is the one who failed when it mattered most. Student athletes are student athletes for a reason. They are students first, athletes second. Though this is clearly not a problem at Stuyvesant nor will it ever be, we must consider the consequences of giving athletes special treatment. Students on math team will always have to take math. Athletes should be no different. ◙

Do you want to earn some money? Are you desperate to get rid of those review books that you will never open again?

There is a solution to your problem! The Stuyvesant Standard is now introducing new section – Sell Your Review Books, at the affordable and cheap introductory rate of 3 percent of the selling price. You can advertise your review books to not only the student community at Stuyvesant High School, but also to parents, teachers, the surrounding Tribeca area. An email with your books listed will also be sent to The Standard’s web group. Interested? Email Khoi Nguyen, The Chief Finacial Officer, at [email protected] with your Name, ID, contact info, and list of books with prices and conditions the books are in that you want to sell. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed.

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Page 15

Monday, December 4, 2006 SPORTS

Sports Calendar Monday December 4

Tuesday December 5

Wednesday December 6

Boys Basketball

Boys Basketball

Vs. High School of Environmental Studies @HS for Environmental Studies 4:30 PM

Vs. Beacon School @ Stuy 4:30 PM

Friday December 8

Saturday December 9

Sunday December 10

December 16

December 17

Indoor Track: A Night At The Sprints @ The Armory

Boys Gymnastics @ John F Kennedy HS 4:30 PM

Boys Wrestling Vs. Franklin Delano Roosevelt @ Stuy 4:30 PM

vs. School of the Future @Pal Center 6:00 PM

December 11

Thursday December 7

vs. High School of Economics and Finance @ Salvation Army- 540 Lenox Ave 4:00 PM

vs. James Monroe Campus @ Stuy 4:30 PM

December 12

December 13

Boys Basketball

Boys Basketball

Vs. George Washington @ George Washington 4:30 PM

Vs. Louis Brandeis @ Stuy 4:30 PM

December 14

Boys JV Basketball Vs. Bayard Rustin Educational Complex @ HS for Humanities 4:30 PM

Boys Wrestling Vs. Canarsie @ Canarsie 4:30 PM

December 15

vs. High School of Art and Design @Stuy 4:30 PM

Boys Gymnastics @ Alfred E Smith HS 5:00 PM

vs Baruch College Campus @ Baruch 4:30 PM

vs. Dewitt Clinton @ Dewitt Clinton 4:30 PM

Young Stars Of The NHL Continued from Page 16

Reality Slams the Colts Continued from Page 16

The Colts, in general, play awfully in the games that they lose in. The Colts had four turnovers in the Cowboys’ game, the most in a single game since November of 2001. After having thrown only three interceptions in Corbis

is a great example of the not-soeasy path to the NHL. Being the first pick in the draft may seem like an express train to the starting lineup, but that didn’t happen. Fleury was drafted to be a backup for Johan Hedberg and Sebastian Caron, and he couldn’t make the jump to starter. He played a bit and struggled with a 4-14-2 record his first year. He was sent down to the minors. After improving his game down there, he was brought back. Last year his numbers were down from his second season, but his potential shone through. This year he is maintaining a .913 save percentage and a sub-3 goals against average. That is phenomenal for a 22-year-old. He is one of the brightest stars in the NHL. Some players had it much easier. Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Ilya Kovalchuk and Eric Staal are already either captains or assistants on their respective teams and are putting up amazing stats, and all are under 23 years old. Ovechkin won

Rookie of the Year this past season, scoring 52 goals. He was a first overall pick by Washington in 2004. Crosby racked up 102 points last year; he was a first overall pick in 2005. Ilya Kovalchuk is quite possibly the best player in the NHL in terms of skill; he also scored 52 goals last year. He was the first overall pick in 2001. Eric Staal is the only one of these players who wasn’t a number one pick. Last year he recorded 100 points. He was a second overall pick, right after Fleury in 2003. Despite the easy path to stardom, these young players are doing wonders for the NHL and its popularity. The lesson to be learned here is that the newly drafted players are young and full of potential. The future of the NHL is in their hands, and all it takes is an investment by the team in the youth, rather than in veterans. With all young stars leaving their mark already, is it time to put the NHL entry draft ahead of free-agency on the GM board? ◙

vs. Evander Childs @ Stuy 4:30 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning walks off the field in a game against the San Diego Chargers.

the first seven games of the season, Manning threw two against the Cowboys. In last year’s playoff loss against the Steelers, Manning completed 22 of his 38 throws, for 290 yards, and only

had one touchdown pass. Manning did do well in the fourth quarter, rallying the Colts, but they fell slightly short, 21-18. Vanderjagt, however, missed a 46-yard field goal that could’ve sent the game to overtime and possibly changed the playoffs for the Colts. “The reality is when you see it [the football] going right [on the field-goal kick], you know the season is over,” Manning said. “It’s a hard feeling to swallow.” Manning has not yet been able to win a Super Bowl ring, although he has come very close for the past few seasons. After Manning lost to the Steelers last year in the playoffs, he told the media, “It's disappointing we didn't win the game. But I'm going to keep trying, that’s all I can say.” Unfortunately, Manning may not have too many seasons left before he retires, so he better win soon if he wants to walk out of the NFL with a ring on his finger.◙

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Monday, December 4, 2006 SPORTS

THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

Reality Slams the Colts BY HESHAM SHEH STAFF WRITER

Before the October 19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, many fans had hopes for another nearly perfect season by the Indianapolis Colts. Last year, led by 6-time Pro Bowler quarterback Peyton Manning, the Colts opened their season with wins in all of their first 13 games. Many had expected the Colts to break their curse and reach the Super Bowl that year, but that was not the case. The Colts lost to the Pitts-

burgh Steelers in the AFC championship game, adding another loss to Manning’s 3-6 postseason record. The Cowboys destroyed hopes for the Colts to go undefeated this season, with a 21-14 victory at Texas Stadium. The Cowboys played very well, especially quarterback Tony Romo, but the Colts lost this game. All of their players performed below their usual levels, including Manning. Continued on Page 15 Corbis

THE SPORTS BEAT

Our Favorite Athlete BY ERIC MAYO SPORTS EDITOR

Recently, it was suggested that student athletes should be exempt from physical education, and should have a gym class for practicing their respective sports

Students on Math Team will always have to take math. Athletes should be no different. instead. While the premise behind the idea is logical, it shows a problem that we have in society today. Athletes are put first, above everything else. Should you ever watch a college football game, you’ll quickly understand what I mean. When they introduce the players, they

usually mention what their major is. If you listen carefully, most will have the same major. Is the majority of the football team at College X interested in criminal justice? Probably not. That is more than likely the school’s easiest major. It requires the least work, and the least skills. These students were recruited for one reason: to play football. This system of athletics before academics even has its place in the New York City high school system. Schools with great basketball programs, such as Lincoln in Brooklyn and Cardozo in Queens, have many educational option programs for the students to directly apply to when applying for a high school. These programs do have their share of students genuinely interested in the subject at hand, but the programs are also used to get prized athletes into the school without having to go through a lottery. This way, high Continued on Page 14

BY ZAKHAR SHTULBERG STAFF WRITER

What’s the formula for success in the new NHL? Young talent. What’s the way to get that young talent? The NHL entry draft. Recent years’ drafts have fed the NHL unbelievable skill and experience. Despite the huge

amount of talent in the NHL, making an NHL team is a difficult task for some. But once it is accomplished, amazing things can follow. Marc-Andre Fleury, a goalie, was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2003 and Continued on Page 15

Pittsburgh Penguins' goalie Marc-Andre Fleury stops a shot by New Jersey Devils' winger Jamie Langenbrunner (right).

Corbis

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenders including Chartric Darby (right) sack Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning during their NFL game in Tampa, Florida.

Young Stars Of The NHL