Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Volume 7 Issue 5
Volume 7 Issue 5
Stuy Ranks
‘Twas Happy 15th in
Holidays for All American High
Schools
by Nousin Haque
staff writer
and Jennifer Schlesinger
editor-in-chief
EDITORIAL
DOE: Give
Stuyvesant
The Executive Board the Proper
JENNIFER SCHLESINGER
ERIC MAYO
DIANE CHEN
ANGEL WONG
EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Respect
There are clearly some problems with the way that we as Stuyvesant
SANGHEE CHUNG LAYOUT EDITOR students are treated by the Department of Education. As one of the most
DANNY ZHU COPY CHIEF successful schools in the entire New York City, we have long been a haven
TIM CHANG NEWS EDITOR for intellectuals. However, the DoE is shifting away from that stance, as is
evidenced by the embarrassing disparity between a recent national ranking
HESHAM SALEH NEWS EDITOR of high schools in this country.
JIMMY ZHANG NEWS EDITOR According to US News and World Report, we are ranked as fifteenth
AMNA AHMAD OPINIONS EDITOR in the entire nation, compared to every single eligible high school in every
EMMA RABINOVICH ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR backwater town in every part of these United States. And how did the DoE
ROBERT COLBOURN ASST. ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR rate us in their rankings? They were unabashed to give a school of such
rigorous standards and talent a mere A minus, and they were certainly un-
RICHARD MAI SPORTS EDITOR abashed to rank us much lower than the fifteenth best high school in New
OMAR AHMAD SCIENCE EDITOR York. Right here in our own backyards, Stuyvesant High School is beaten
HANFORD CHIU BUSINESS EDITOR by schools that could have once been on the state’s most needy schools in
ROBERT STEVENSON LITERARY EDITOR terms of academics.
JESSE ZHANG WEBMASTER So just why do we feel such scorn from the DoE? Why is Stuyvesant
the city’s Siberia where intellectuals get exiled to and quarantined in some
KIRIL GOURUV ASSISTANT WEBMASTER poor locale faced with the very real negative effects of possible crime, a
ELISSA TAM DIRECTOR OF PHOTOJOURNALISM giant highway right next to our door, and being so far away from the other
MEGAN BRESLIN FACULTY ADVISOR boroughs where students generally live besides Manhattan? Well, in the
DANIEL EGERS (‘03) FOUNDER DoE’s rankings, they base their score on progress, whereas US News and
World Report base it on overall power. Perhaps the DoE supposes that
ERNEST BASKIN (‘04) EDITOR EMERITUS there is always room for improvement, even when what you are judging is
already the pinnacle of New York’s intellectualism. Nevertheless, the DoE
Publication should stop trying to relegate Stuyvesant’s importance deep into the back-
THE STUYVESANT STANDARD is a non-profit publication produced by waters of oblivion, even in rankings designed to dangle in front of poor
the students of Stuyvesant High School. performance schools in order to inspire competition amongst them. It is a
THE STUYVESANT STANDARD distributes 2,000 free copies on a bi- double slap in the face when we are scorned both publicly and privately,
weekly basis to the students and faculty of Stuyvesant High School when we do not receive the funds we so desperately need and the prestige
and throughout the adjoining neighborhoods of TriBeCa and Battery that is the driving force in recruiting new students for our school.
Park City.
THE STUYVESANT STANDARD welcomes letters from its readers. For a
letter to be reproduced in print, a name and method of contact must
be provided.
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 ©2007 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD
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NEWS December 21, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 5 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD 3
CAUGHT ON THE WEB properly. This poses an unfair usually give kids the benefit of stick to the old-fashioned method
continued from page 3 situation to students who are the doubt…but when it happens of giving homework in class. If
otherwise diligent, but are unable too often, you know who is they don’t want to take time out
exemplified by the website to access a certain website. lying,” Ms. Dehn-Knight said of their class to announce the
www.go.hrw.org. It is used by Even if students don't face sadly. homework, teachers can assign a
language teachers and students to the problems mentioned above, Therefore, it is a hassle to go space on the blackboard where
access an online textbook and they can feign difficulties, taking to websites for homework when homework is posted and tell their
workbook. One such teacher is advantage of the already unstable homework eventually ends up on students of this permanent
Gabriele Dehn-Knight, who has system. It is a convincing paper anyway. Teachers should situation. ◙
mixed feelings about the matter. explanation to blame the Internet
“Originally, [online homework] for not having homework, since
was a good idea but 10-15 percent problems do exist when certain
of kids have technical problems,” websites are accessed. Although Subscribe to
she said. However, students are teachers are generally
understanding, when problems
The Stuyvesant Standard
faced with problems most of the
time. Either the website doesn't caused by homework online occur using the form below!
load because of a “technical too often, both teachers and
difficulty” or the pages don't print students are at a disadvantage. “I
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus cells, soldiers who fight infec- viral replication by limiting im-
(HIV). Such virus is devastating tions, enter cellular cycle and munological activation and pre-
because it crumples the human produce large amount of cytokine vents the decrease of CD4+ T
immune system against pathogens, (chemical messenger that aids cells. Utilizing such a method,
leaving patients susceptible to counterattacks on pathogenic ac- viral infection can be delayed
deadly infections. So far, numer- tivities). However, one subtype of significantly and T cell function
ous techniques have been proposed T cells, CD4+ T cells, enters cell can be preserved, preventing im-
to fight the virus. Among the most cycle and undergoes apoptosis munity overturn.
famous is Merck’s V520 vaccine, (cellular death) in large quantity, Although this may be opti-
one of the most promising vaccine thus lowering the body’s immune mistic news for AIDS patients,
candidates to help fight HIV. How- system efficiency. What is more such a remedy is still in its ex-
ever, disappointment swept important is that the activated T perimental stages and, with scien-
throughout the field of AIDS re- cell also helps replication of vi- tists being extremely cautious, are
search as the vaccine was reported rus. still questioning about its practi-
ineffective. To the researchers, such a cality and effects on human
Despite the discouraging phenomenon offers a new method health, due to the fact that numer-
reports, scientists have devised a of battling HIV. Experiments ous experiments have been con-
very unorthodox way of tackling have shown that blocking viral ducted and yielded mixed results.
HIV: suppressing the immune replication with antiretroviral Thus, only time will tell if such
system. One might ask, how do medication attenuates the immune clinical approach is viable. ◙
HIV infects the T helper cell because it has you fight enemies without the activation, thus increasing the
the protein CD4 on its surface. soldiers? According to the HIV number of CD4+ T cells. The
the termites’ gut have helped break gest, is in the beginning of the
down the wood, a substance high process, which involves breaking
: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Workertermite1.jpg
Source: orangebox.darkdiamond.net.jpg
can find them in the assortment of Portal is the first original
games known as The Orange Box, game included in The Orange Box.
released by Valve Software for PC This pseudo-puzzle game includes
and Xbox 360. With five games in elements of first person shooters,
one package, it’s an incredible with one catch — you don’t have a
bargain at $50. If you’re still not gun. Instead, your handheld device
sure, then I suppose that’s why creates miniature wormholes,
you’re reading this review. called “portals,” which can be used
The five games included in The to travel instantly to otherwise
Orange Box are Half-Life 2, Half- unreachable areas. The problem?
Life 2: Episodes 1 and 2, Portal, You’re trapped inside an aban-
and Team Fortress 2. While not all doned research facility with only
of them are completely new, Valve one way to escape. To make mat-
allows the purchaser to give away ters worse, you’re under the watch-
any of the games to a friend. Half- ful eye of the mysterious A.I.,
Life 2, the oldest game in the GLaDOS, who promises you
bunch, is also the best, and should “cake” when you’re finished. As
be experienced by everyone. Its you make your way through the
detailed plot centers around former perilous obstacle courses, you be- Quick Rating
gin to discover that not all is as it Graphics: 8/10 Not the world’s best, but they’re impressive for such low
scientist Gordon Freeman and his system requirements.
counterattack on the Combine, an seems. And could this be related to
Gameplay: 10/10 Half-Life and Portal feature ingenious puzzles, and
alien empire that has enslaved Black Mesa…? While this game is Team Fortress 2 has great action.
Earth after a freak accident involv- very short, at only 2-4 hours, it is Content: 10/10 Plot is ingenious.
ing inter-dimensional portals at never boring, and includes a num- Replayability: 8/10 Team Fortress 2 is the only game that’s really replay-
Freeman’s research laboratory, ber of bonus maps for post-game able many times.
Black Mesa. Along the way, he enjoyment. Portal’s dark humor Value: 10/10 Value cannot be matched anywhere.
and ingenious idea leaves me Overall score: 10/10
8 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD December 21, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 5 ENTERTAINMENT
Gossip Girl
by Amy Qiu must deal with her shaky relation- major mysteries to latch viewers and “You know you love me.
staff writer ship with Nate and her conflicted onto the show. And no one can XOXO.” You can’t help but love
feelings about Serena (Blake forget about the catty narrator, her, though the show would be
With “The O.C.” and “One Lively), who’s both her best friend who identifies herself only as better off without her ruin-the-
Tree Hill” absent, the slot for hot and the one who seems to take “Gossip Girl” and interrupts the moment comments. Yet, given its
teen drama seems to have been everything away from her. The show with phrases like “Spotted: downsides, the show is still quite
taken over by “Gossip Girl,” the show for the most part stays true to S and B having a heart to heart.” addictive. ◙
CW’s latest hit series. Based on the written version, although there
are some deviations. The show’s
Source: 1gossipgirl.tvguide.com/jpg
the books by Cecily Von Zell-
weger, the new show centers on a portrayal of Jenny is not at all like
circle of teens from upper Manhat- that of the books. And while
tan who live their way among Ivy Serena has the most presence in
League pressure, Halloween mas- the stories, Blair seems to trump
querade parties, and weekly Sun- the more down-to-earth version of
day brunches, not to mention the Serena in the show. Yet these are
occasional moments of tension and some of the things that make the
jealousy. Yet despite the seem- show much better than Von Zell-
ingly high amount of drama, the weger’s books, which are, at best,
show is relatively slow paced and clichéd and unengaging pieces of
random hookups are surprisingly literature that somehow managed
few in number. The lack of highly to land on the New York Times
dramatic action is made up for by a bestseller list.
somewhat realistic plot. There’s “Gossip Girl” is definitely
Nate (Chace Crawford), who des- an interesting new show, but
perately wants to back out of his whether it will make it past this
father’s plans for him, though he season is still uncertain. The
doesn’t quite know what it is he show is entertaining, but after a
does want to do with his life. Jenny while, it gradually loses its “I
Gossip Girl is an American television teen drama based on the popular novel series of the
(Taylor Momsen) is busy trying to can’t stand not watching today’s same name. The show revolves around the lives of socialite adolescents growing up on New
find her way into the “in” crowd, episode” effect. Maybe it is be- York's Upper East Side who attends elite academic institutions while dealing with drugs and
while Blair (Leighton Meester) cause there are not really any other teenage problems.
CONCERT REVIEW
continued from page 3
O U V A S T U J E V A X I S D A N Z S U N M A G Word List
Christmas
A S I N P A S L E I G H B E L L S N S U N G R A
N K D M A H G A S I N C T O R I N N E N I S W O Hanukkah
N D W E R I N G I F S H O M P E O F T E H E P E Kwanza
O P L A E S H E R K G N O W R S A R E W I N Z T Boxing Day
A S O E N U R E S I T E A N E V I L L Y E M O N New Years Day
S I V E U Z R E N T N M A D S A M E J E U C I S
Presents
O N T A M O A T N O T C R E E A X L J A H U I L
Reindeers
L C C B E T N T E S F R H I N E N O S R A R E H
Santa Claus
E C L P I E N G H S E R L A T N G U I S E H H E
Snow
T R E A L D C H R I S T M A S N O S O D P H Q R
Winter
T H E I R E B E D N I F F M N M T P N A O U T S
R T S E A R E M Y H T E L I L M F M Q Y V R P G Sleigh Bells
T W O T Y D D Y U N E K V K A U O L R R W Q O T Christmas Tree
E S S A N T A C L A U S J S H R Z K S S X O S U Silent Night
O F S I E C O N P I I J T A A R J W W I D Y V F Good Feelings
Y S E C H Z D P O H H R K O L S I S I F H T Z G
Holly
I R N F R A N C G G E K E U N C H H E N E R U N
Grinch
O I X D Y I F F M E U F I C I L G E L Y T U I A
E D H A N B O X I N G D A Y S V L F A E W E I N Finished the Word Search?
N M O I S E D E A L E P H I N I E G P X S B R V
Check out the
A A L L P E R H S P I N C E N C L C Y O T X H E Standard’s website at
www.stuystandard.org
S A L C R E L E S A L I N G D I C Z B A T E S I for the answers!
N B Y G U L Z A R I N B S T E C S N O W L W I G
A J E N S E N E N T A S I N G U L A A R B O B S
SPORTS December 21, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 5 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD 11
THE SPORTS BEAT
MARBURY
continued from page 12
The Stuyvesant Standard would like to thank the 19.8ppg and 7.8apg. Robinson and
Collins are just not at that level.
Alumni Association for their generous support. Perhaps knowing that, Isiah recon-
ciled with Marbury days later,
when he returned to the starting
lineup. As a coach, Isiah said that
he would “use whichever player
that needs to win the game.”
If one knows about Isiah’s
situation, one has to believe that he
Source: marbury.newsday.com.jpg
Brains and
Brawn
Since 1993, the National Association of
Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)
has annually rewarded the Director’s Cup to
the school with the most success in athletics.
The same school has won the award every
year since 1994. It’s not the Fighting Irish of
Notre Dame. It’s not the Trojans of Southern
California. The winner of the past 13 cups has
Stephon Marbury, star point guard for the New York Knicks, is often criticized as being a selfish and overrated point guard. been the Stanford Cardinals.
The same school where 28 Stuy students
over the past two years have applied early,
by David Feng put Marbury on the bench for the next few games. with about two out of every three being
staff writer Marbury might be angry at another issue: rejected, has the best athletics program in the
the minutes he played per game. Throughout his country? A school with 18 Nobel laureates
The Knicks have by far been the NBA team 12-year career, Marbury received around 38.3 currently on staff also has won 54 national
with the most controversies and rumors. Months minutes per game. With the arrival of Zach championships — the most of any school?
ago, Knicks coach Isiah Thomas was sued for Randolph, Marbury might play even fewer min- Yes, it is possible to be smart and succeed in
sexual harassment by Anucha Browne Sanders, utes. So far this season, he has just played 33.9 athletics.
who later won the case. Stephon Marbury’s recent mpg. The point guard also has to pass the ball to It’s not just in the collegiate ranks that
irresponsible departure from the team just exacer- Randolph in the low post, so he would score less the idea that smart people are bad at sports is
bated the matter. Marbury, the starting point guard per game. found. When I lead tours to potential
for the Knicks, has been bitter with Thomas over Marbury’s role in the Knicks as the leader freshman at open houses, one of the questions
playing time and has had a rocky career so far was tarnished by these events. As a leader, he always asked is if Stuyvesant has sports.
with the Knicks. Wasn’t he supposed to be the knew that his actions would harm the team, and Students and their parents look at me amazed
native Brooklyn prodigy to turn it all around? above all, the fans. Many people criticize Mar- when I tell them about the depth of the
There was no exact answer for why Marbury bury as a selfish and overrated point guard, and Stuyvesant athletic program.
left the team. Isiah kept telling reporters that Mar- some critics say Marbury’s skill as a point guard In the fall regular season, Stuyvesant
bury’s departure was an “in-house matter” and is quickly deteriorating. Throughout his 12-year teams compiled an impressive record of 72
would not give further information. On the other careers in the league, Marbury has only made the wins, 11 losses, and 2 ties. With a .867
hand, Marbury said that he received permission playoffs one year. Critics say that this is a sign winning rate, that’s the top record in the
from Isiah to leave the team. But most likely, he that Marbury cares nothing about winning. borough, besting the .847 by Hunter College
was angry with Isiah for removing him from the Despite all of these criticisms, there is no High School.
starting lineup. Before Marbury’s departure, the doubt that Marbury is still the most resilient point Among schools that might be considered
Knicks lost to the Heat by a close margin. In the guard on the team. In addition to woes on the “sports schools” due to their large student
final seconds, the Knicks were down by 3 points. court, he’s had to face tragedy off-court when his body, that percentage is the best in the city.
Logically, the Knicks would want to give the ball father died suddenly after a game. The Knicks’ Schools like Francis Lewis High School in
to Jamal Crawford, who makes the most clutch bench point guards, Nate Robinson and Mardy Queens (.747), Benjamin Cardozo High
shots. Instead, Marbury took the ball and missed Collins are not as talented as he is. Marbury has School in Queens (.746), Midwood High
the potential game-tying 3 point shot by a mile. put up consistent numbers in his career, with School in Brooklyn (.695), and Tottenville
Isiah was angry at his selfishness and shot selec-
tion that time. It was reported that Isiah and Mar-
MARBURY THE SPORTS BEAT
bury had a bitter argument after Isiah decided to
continues on page 11 continues on page 11