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Friday, November 1 Volume 7 Issue 3 Proud Members of the

Visit us at www.stuystandard.org National Scholastic


Press Association

Freshman Knockout Watchstuy:


Protecting
Students’
Rights?
by Liwei Mao
staff writer

A new website, www.watchstuy.com, was


created recently in response to stuywatch.com, a
website created by two anonymous Stuy students
under the pseudonyms of Hiro and Chase.
Senior Shane Sheehy, using the pseudonym
“the Boss,” first launched the website on Septem-
ber 28. According to Sheehy, Watchstuy was cre-
ated both to protest against the “corrosive corrup-
tion” of stuywatch.com and to offer practical so-
lutions to problems between the students and the
administration.
Members of watchstuy.com distributed over
1,200 boldly-lettered fliers around the school dur-
ing the last week of September alone, protesting
against stuywatch.com and showing the motto of
by Eric Mayo them or changing their status to say vote for the “Security, Order, and Justice.”
managing editor name of their candidate and running mate. This Both WatchStuy.com and its related Face-
and Rammiya Nallainathan was noticed that night by Greenbaum and co- book group are technically managed by
SU Correspondent chair, senior Glenn Kim, but they were unaware WatchStuy’s Minister of Information, senior
of the full extent of the infractions and let the Heng Li Ren. As of October 10, 439 students
Four out of the five tickets running for election continue until Thursday, October 18. It have joined watchstuy.com and 63 students have
Freshman caucus were disqualified for online was not until Saturday, October 20, according to joined the Facebook group.
campaigning, forcing a new election to be held. freshman and disqualified candidate Chris Lee, “These stats need to be taken in context,”
According to Board of Elections (BOE) co- that he was informed he had been disqualified Ren said. “We have done nothing to promote the
chair and senior Joyce Greenbaum, all candidates from the election. Facebook group and all of our efforts are focused
signed a statement that they would only campaign offline. The online community is only an exten-
“It was very short,” Lee said of the e-mail
on 8 ½ by 11 sheets of paper. This includes online sion of the organization; the majority of work
campaigning, and specifically Facebook. “It’s he received from the BOE. “It just said everyone
designed this way because this way everyone is on was disqualified other than Taylor [DeGiovanni]
an even playing field and makes campaigns easier and Elana [Shapiro]. Another short reply told me WATCHSTUY
to monitor,” according to Greenbaum. I was campaigning online, and then I was told to continues on page 4
The infractions began to occur Wednesday, come to the SU.”
October 17. According to BOE policy, each cam- Lee wasn’t the only one confused by the
paign gets two strikes. A strike is received for disqualification. When reached through Face-
book, few had any idea why there disqualified. “I
In this Issue
various campaign infractions, such as online cam-
paigning or improper signage. A strike results in a actually have no idea why anyone was disquali-
fied,” said Elizabeth Tso, a candidate. Spending Money Wisely: Cheaper
loss of one day of campaigning, and two strikes
would disqualify the candidates from the election. “I'm sorry but I don't know why it is that we Prices Near Stuy
However, on the day before the election, one were disqualified. We were all told that we could News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5
strike would have candidates disqualified. go tomorrow after tenth to the SU office to find
The infractions began to quickly occur on Video Game Review
the social networking site Facebook. They ranged
from posting on other people’s walls to vote for FRESHMAN KNOCKOUT Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 8
continues on page 4
2 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 NEWS

EDITORIAL
Campaigning in
the 21st Century
The time has come for the Student Union to consider serious election
reform after the freshman primary debacle. If the Student Union and the

The Executive Board Board of Elections truly wants to get more people involved in the political
process, election rules must be updated for the changing times.
When presidential candidates are building support networks through
JENNIFER SCHLESINGER EDITOR IN CHIEF Facebook and Myspace, Stuyvesant students are forbidden to even mention
ERIC MAYO MANAGING EDITOR that they are campaigning on their personal Facebook accounts. This policy
DIANE CHEN DIRECTOR OF FINANCE does not allow for Stuyvesant students to use their creativity to garner sup-
ANGEL WONG DIRECTOR OF FINANCE port.
SANGHEE CHUNG LAYOUT EDITOR The Board of Elections can’t have it both ways. If they want the cam-
DANNY ZHU COPY CHIEF paign to be solely about the issues, they need to provide the candidates with
JIMMY ZHANG NEWS EDITOR every opportunity to express their views to their peers. Live debates should be
HESHAM SALEH NEWS EDITOR scheduled between the candidates so their peers can hear their views on the
TIM CHANG NEWS EDITOR various issues that affect them. If the Board of Elections feels that slander is
what is holding them back from allowing online campaigning, then give each
PRISCILLA MELO OPINIONS EDITOR
campaign a webpage hosted by the Student Union website. That would allow
EMMA RABINOVICH ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
for more students to become informed about the issues.
RICHARD MAI SPORTS EDITOR The Board of Elections should be finding ways to involve more under-
OMAR AHMAD SCIENCE EDITOR classman in student government, not disqualifying them for petty infractions.
HANFORD CHIU BUSINESS EDITOR Yes, the rule clearly states that no campaigning can be done on anything other
AMNA AHMAD LITERARY EDITOR than an 8 ½ by 11 sheet of paper. But does that rule benefit the student body?
ROBERT STEVENSON LITERARY EDITOR Absolutely not. By restricting the ways in which candidates can campaign,
JESSE ZHANG WEBMASTER the election ironically turns into a popularity contest. Whoever can get the
KIRIL GOURUV ASSISTANT WEBMASTER most friends to the ballot box will win. The only way to stop election by
ELISSA TAM DIRECTOR OF PHOTOJOURNALISM popularity is to involve everyone.
MS. MEGAN BRESLIN FACULTY ADVISOR The Board of Elections will have nothing to lose by allowing online cam-
DANIEL EGERS (‘03) FOUNDER paigning. Election turnout can’t get much worse (around three out of every
ERNEST BASKIN (‘04) EDITOR EMERITUS ten sophomores voted in the caucus election), and efforts to improve voter
turnout for last year’s general election failed, actually resulting in a decrease
Publication in the number of votes cast for the general election as compared to the prima-
THE STUYVESANT STANDARD is a non-profit publication produced by the students of Stuyvesant
ries.
High School. This space believes that there are students who truly want to be informed,
THE STUYVESANT STANDARD distributes 2,000 free copies on a bi-weekly basis to the students and but are turned off by the way the election system works. If the BOE made
faculty of Stuyvesant High School and throughout the adjoining neighborhoods of TriBeCa and Bat-
tery Park City. campaigning a more invigorating exercise, perhaps more students would be
THE STUYVESANT STANDARD welcomes letters from its readers. For a letter to be reproduced in willing to run and vote.
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

The National Student


Copyright ©2007 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD

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readers@stuystandard.org, Find us on the web at www.stuystandard.org The Stuyvesant Standard is dedicated to providing you with all the news
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NEWS November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD 3

THE STANDARD NEWS


Hate Crime Strikes Columbia
by Nada Elmansy students. Teachers also complained Stuyvesant is minimal. have no intention of committing a
staff writer against the action of President Lee “Everybody is used to diversity hate crime,” Shabbir said. ◙
Bollinger, who they believe should and culture, which leads them to
Hate crimes are extremely have acted faster and more deci-
,prevalent in the United States sively.
especially in New York, with the Police are doing their part

Source: Reuters
presence of great amounts of and are investigating the crime but
racial, cultural, and ethnic there are currently no suspects.
diversity. On October 9, a Police are suspicious of certain
disturbing hate crime occurred on teachers, and also students who
the campus of Columbia may not be happy with their
University, in Upper Manhattan. A grades. As of now, investigations
noose was found outside the room are still being carried out in an
of Professor Madonna G. attempt to identify the person
American-Constantine, an African guilty of this hate crime.
.professor Several similar incidents
Professor Constantine, unsur- have occurred in New York in the
prisingly, was very upset that such past. Although statistics show that
a crime took place but felt that the the number of hate crimes in New
teachers’ community should stay York is decreasing, they do still
strong in the face of crimes like occur.
this. She said that the crime was These incidents bring up the
despicable and simply an act of question of whether similar hate
cowardice. crimes are possible at Stuyvesant
The noose caused protest High School, especially due to the Professor Madonna Constantine went to work on Tuesday and shock-
throughout the university. About high diversity. Sehrash Shabbir, a ingly discovered the noose hanging outside her office at Columbia's Teachers
100 students protested against the freshman at Stuyvesant High College.
incident and felt that it was an in- School, believes that the chance of
sult to both the teacher and her such an incident happening at

Faculty Focus: Ms. Brown!


by Muhammad Tambra librarian is not tough at all and is
staff writer in fact a wonderful experience.
She chose to come to
Having nowhere else to go, it ,Stuyvesant because, as she put it
many people wander to the library is “the gold standard of high
during free periods. It is a great schools.” “I hope we can make this
place to catch up on homework, the gold standard library some day
read a book, or talk with friends. as well,” she joked, referring to the
At the end of last year Ms. Mets, periodic chaos in the library. She
one of the librarians, retired, and in finds the community at Stuyvesant
her stead there is a new addition to very different from that at typical
the library. DeLisa Brown is the high schools. Coming from smaller
brand new librarian. Walking schools where fewer students
around with a cheery smile, she meant a better chance of knowing
helps students with their problems everyone, Brown still finds
concerning books and monitors the Stuyvesant an energetic and lively
library’s constant chaos. place Everyone is helpful and “
A native of New Orleans, .friendly,” she commented
Louisiana, Brown attended L.S.U, Out of school, Brown enjoys
The Institute of Fine Arts at NYU, many activities. She likes to ride
Hunter, and Pratt. Her high school her bike, go to the beach, and at-
experience, though, was “terrible”. tend the opera. She is also fond of
“I grew up an unhappy teenager. I knitting but admits to not being
grew up in the South. It was tough very good at it.
in the sixties and seventies. I sup- Being a librarian is a busy job,
pose it still is tough,” she said, especially at Stuyvesant, where
referring to the Jena 6. She chose there are hundreds of students con-
to become a librarian because of stantly going in and out. Brown is
Faculty Focus: Ms. Brown reading. “I loved reading. I always up to the task of constantly patrol-
Fast Facts read a lot as a kid. It saved my life ling the library and helping stu-
as a teenager. I want to turn other dents. Some advice she gave the
Favorite Animals: Cat and giraffe Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Favorite Book: Wuthering Heights Favorite Food: Gumbo people towards reading too,” she students at Stuyvesant is: “Choose
Favorite Show: As Time Goes By Favorite Color: Purple explained. She believes being a to do what makes you happy in
Favorite Subjects: Foreign language and art history life.” ◙
4 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 NEWS

Meet our Faculty Advisor: Ms. Breslin!


by David Feng As an English teacher, Breslin
staff writer thinks that it is very important to
“make sure class assignments are
This issue features one of the well thought-out and prepared.”
most enthusiastic teachers at After all, she argues, the teacher’s
Stuyvesant and The Stuyvesant job is not to overload the students
Standard’s faculty advisor: Megan with work, but rather to educate
Breslin. Compared to other them in a way that best fits their
teachers, Breslin is relatively new. needs. Breslin believes that Stuyve-
She started teaching at Stuyvesant sant makes a big effort to educate
in spring 2006. Prior to her its students. “The English depart-
Stuyvesant career, she taught at ment provides them [the students]
Bayard Rustin High School for the with a range of books to read and
Humanities and was also a private gives them an opportunity to ex-
tutor. She completed her bachelor's plore creative writing,” she said.
degree at Haveford College and her Outside of Stuyvesant, Breslin
master’s degree at NYU. has many pastimes and hobbies. She
Breslin holds Stuyvesant stu- likes to cook, go biking, and do
dents in high regard. “The students yoga. She is also a member of the
are fantastic,” she said. “I always New York Turtle and Tortoise Soci-
want them to learn for the sake of ety.
learning. But I often find myself As the faculty advisor for The
confronting the reality of their inter- Stuyvesant Standard, Breslin has
est in pursuing points for their grade high expectations. She appreciates
TSS/ Elissa Tam

point averages, so I do my best to The Standard’s empasis on allowing


oblige.” all students to explore journlaims.
Despite students’ overempha- As for future changes in it, she com-
sis on grades, Breslin’s favorite part Meet our Faculty Advisor: Ms. Breslin ments, “I am confident that the in-
of Stuyvesant is still the students. creased focus on original reporting
Fast Facts and more rigorous training of new
She enjoys listening to their ideas
Classes taught: Modern European literature, Classical literature, Early British literature, staff in proof-reading and develop-
and works. “Stuyvesant students Later British and world literature
have a sense of humor and are very Zodiac sign: Pisces ing a style guide will be success-
imaginative.” Favorite color: Green Favorite food: Indian Food Favorite TV show: Lost ful.” ◙
Favorite book: Lolita by Nabokov

FRESHMAN KNOCKOUT WATCHSTUY


continued from page 1 continued from page 1 have noticed…some students were Union, Sheehy admits their
regularly 5 to 10 minutes late “dealings with the Student Union
out why,” said Daniela Gilsanz, goes into the grassroots, offline every day.” have been ineffective, to say the
another candidate. organization.” Sheehy also claims that stuy- least,” but they do “respect it for
Lee found the initial instruc- According to Ren, the website watch.com is ideological and of- the body that it is.”
tions about online campaigning has also “experienced expotential fers no real solution. Stuy’s ad- As for exactly how Watchstuy
vague. “It banned anything that growth in terms of views and hits”; ministration, he believes, is essen- members will go about “making
could be construed as online cam- it had 5 visits the first day, 100 the tial to preventing Stuy from be- positive changes for students of
paigning” Lee said. “Basically, next day, 400 by October 2, and coming “one of the many other Stuyvesant,” few details are re-
that meant facebook posts, groups, 1300 a week later. public high schools in New York vealed. Sheehy claims they “have
etc. “Although the site did not where students are subject to quite a few plans, which will take
come up until September, [consistent] apathy from their su- the entire course of the year to
“In the future, we’ll try to
Watchstuy as a movement was pervisors…” fully implement.”
make it more clear to the candi- Unlike Stuywatch, Watchstuy “While I can't reveal all of our
dates what constitutes online cam- created during the first few days of
school, when I began to notice the has no plans to fight the admini- plans, it suffices to say that we are
paigning” said Greenbaum. Ac- stration. Sheeny posted on in the works of some projects
cording to her, candidates will corruption that is Stuywatch infest-
ing our hallways,” Sheehy said in WatchStuy.com: “our ideas are which will be completed soon. We
have the opportunity to appeal the practical; they involve working hope to hold a grand rally some-
decision to the BOE and SU; how- an online interview.
Among Watchstuy’s many inside the already existing school time near the end of the month,
ever “We’ve printed everything system to make positive changes and launch our news network
out so it would be pretty hard to objections to stuywatch.com is its
goal of uniting the students against for the students of Stuyvesant.” around the same time,” Sheehy
win.” On the subject of the Student said. ◙
The only candidates not dis- the unfair policies made by ad-
qualified were Taylor Degiovanni ministration, particularly against
and Elana Shapiro. However, ac- the new policy that revokes the
cording to Greenbaum, they re- out-to-lunch privileges of students
ceived the least number of votes coming back from lunch late.
from the freshman class. The elec- Watchstuy.com supports this pol-
tion process will be re-opened to icy for its effectiveness in getting
all freshmen, and a new election students to class on time after their Do you have a teacher in mind for
will be held sometime next week. lunch period.
The eight people who were dis- “It works,” Sheehy said. “I've our Meet the Teacher column?
qualified from the primary election noticed [that] ever since the ad-
will be disqualified for the new ministration implemented the ID
scanners during lunch, kids have
election.
Said Greenbaum, “If you’re actually come back to school on Email any suggestions to:
time. Going outside the school
not capable of following rules,
you’re not going to make a good building to lunch is not a right, it is
meettheteacher@stuystandard.org
class president.” ◙ a privilege…Before they had the
new policy, a lot of students
abused this privilege. As you may
SPECIAL November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD 5

SPECIAL
Spending Money Wisely: Cheaper
Prices Near Stuy
by Jennifer Schlesinger, editor in chief
While Stuyvesant High School has no tuition, going to
school in downtown Manhattan is not cheap. However, if
one knows where to go and is willing to do some extra
walking, one can save money. Some food chains have more than
one location near Stuy. In some
cases, the prices at one may be
cheaper than the other. For example,
the Dunkin’ Donuts located on
Church Street and Murray Street
sells most of its items for approxi-
mately 10 to 50 cents less than the
one located on Chambers Street and
Church Street. It is only about a half
a block further, so if one is ordering
a lot, it is worth the walk. However,
it does not have tables or ice cream.
However, both SUBWAYS near
Stuyvesant, located at Chambers
Street between Greenwich Street
and West Broadway, and Chambers
Street and Church Street, have the
same costs.

Between eating lunches outside school and after- As part of being in downtown Man-
school snacks, many students buy food from the hattan, there are many banks near
local community. Terry’s has fairly inexpensive Stuyvesant. ATM fees range from
sandwiches, such as an egg on a roll for $1.99. $1.25 to $2.50. Those at the closest
Most of their sandwiches are less than five dol- bank to Stuy, North Fork (Chambers
lars, so they are a good choice for lunch. College and West Broadway) are $1.75. The
Convenient (Chambers Street, between Green- bank near Stuy with the lowest fee
wich and West Broadway), or “Hole in the Wall” is Emigrants Savings Bank (Park
as it is called, has candy bars and other snacks for Row and Church Street). It is a hike
about $0.75, as well as bottled beverages for one from Stuy, but unlike North Fork
to two dollars. It’s an easy stop on the way home. does not have long lines.

Dee & Dee (97 Chambers Street) is


a good stop for many things. While
their selection is constantly chang-
ing, there are some items that are
regularly on sale. On the first floor,
right near the entrance, there are
bags of brand name miniature
candy for $1.99. They also have
bags of generic brands for $1. It is
a good place to buy candy to give
out at club meetings. Their selec-
tion of clothing is also on the first
floor. If you are willing to dig, you
will find good bargains. The store
gets closeouts from stores like Tar-
get, Kohl’s, and New York and
Company. In Dee & Dee these Another store with a varied selection is RHX Closeouts (Chambers
items usually cost between four and Broadway). They usually have different watches which are copies
and ten dollars. On the lower floor, of expensive brands like Swiss Army Knife, for between $3 and $10.
they have school supplies, such as They also usually have full-sized bottles of men’s and ladies’ per-
pens and notebooks for $1, includ- fumes, such as DKNY and Chanel, for $16.99. There are doubts as to
ing brand names such as Bic, whether they are real, but they smell like the real ones. The store also
Photos by TSS/ Jennifer Schlesinger has inexpensive beverages, such as 16-ounce bottles or Poland Spring
Elmer’s, and Mead. Dee & Dee
gets beauty products, usually with for $.49, liter bottles for $1, and cans of soda for $.49.
slightly older labels, which they
sell for much less than drugstores,
with reduction between 50 and 75
percent.
6 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 OPINIONS

THE STANDARD OPINIONS


Racial Profiling: Acceptable or Wrong?
by Nada Elmansy 2001. If most of the public agrees the look in their eyes says, “We’re out frequently by police. This
staff writer to it, then why shouldn't it be used? all going to die.” Many Muslim- makes dark-skinned Russians feel
I personally believe that racial Americans feel as if they have no like second-class citizens. They are
“It's a bad time to be named profiling is not acceptable to use rights and are feared by other often singled out for no reason
no matter how much of the public Americans even though they are whatsoever. Out of one group of
Ahmad right now,” said Muslim-
agrees to it. Racial profiling causes Americans themselves. 1,500 people checked, only 3 per-
American comedian Ahmed
minorities to always be at the risk Similarly, African-Americans cent had committed any infrac-
Ahmad, referring to the racial pro-
of a random search and takes away feel as if they have no rights just tions. If this is true, it means that
filing he often experiences. Racial
certain rights. Arab-Americans and driving down the street. Many racial profiling is not an effective
profiling is a big issue in searches
Muslim-Americans especially suf- studies have shown that African- way of insuring our safety and
in airports and by the police. It is
fer from racial profiling every time Americans are most likely to be frequently targets the wrong peo-
used too often and is not always
they travel. stopped by the police. In fact, a ple. Then why should it continue
necessary. Some people believe
Muslim-Americans know ex- study done in New Jersey showed to be used?
that using racial profiling to single
actly what to expect when they are that blacks traveling on the high- All over the world, people are
out individuals because of their
in a United States airport. They way are five times as likely to get singled out just because of their
race is acceptable in order to en-
can have their bags searched inside stopped by the police as whites. race or ethnic background. Most of
sure our safety. However, others
out and can be labeled as terrorists. Even in schools, black boys are the time, these people haven't
believe that there are better ways
Many times they end up getting labeled negatively simply because committed any crime. Racial
of insuring the safety of Ameri-
dragged out of the airport in hand- of their clothing. Baggy jeans and profiling is not the best way of
cans.
cuffs simply because they are a big shirt can give a black boy the keeping our country and its
Everybody wants to know that
Muslim and appear suspicious. title of another one of those thug- citizens safe. To stop racial
they are traveling safely and that
Ahmed has experienced this kind gish black kids. Racial profiling profiling from becoming a bigger
can mean using racial profiling in
of treatment. In fact, whenever he seems like it is becoming very issue, I think we should find a
airports. People of color are con-
travels, he wears a shirt that says common in the United States. better way of maintaining our
stantly being searched more thor-
“Got Rights?” Azhar Usman is an The truth is that it racial pro- safety. Until then, racial profiling
oughly than whites. For people that
American-born Muslim with a filing becoming very common all should not be thought of as an
are for racial profiling, this seems
heavy black beard who has also over the world. Even in Moscow, a acceptable method. ◙
to be good, because most terrorist
experienced racial profiling study showed that minorities are
attacks are committed by minori-
enough times to know what to ex- 22 times as likely to be singled out
ties. Racial profiling has also be-
pect at an airport. Usman says that as whites. People who are not fair
come more acceptable to most
other passengers fear him and that skinned can expect to be singled
Americans since September 11,

by Hui-ting Jiang
Health vs. Grades
fool parents with constant cough- grees or a cough that produces symptom of disease, distinguished
staff writer ing, fake sneezing and the obscure enough phlegm to fill a bathtub. It by an abnormally high body tem-
“24 hour flu.” However, this is is our dedication that brings our perature. Even though taking an
Every student knows that the uncharacteristic of Stuyvesant stu- ultimate downfall. What is the use aspirin will treat it, it might get
best way to avoid going to school dents. We prefer to attend school of getting a 100 on your report worse if left untreated. When a
is to feign illness. It is simple to despite having a fever of 103 de- card if you become so sick that fever reaches 105 degrees, it can
you become immobile? It is rather cause weakness. When it reaches
meretricious to please not only our 108 degrees, a fever may lead to
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTVdb/WIntkey/

parents, but ourselves, with a good seizures and, sadly, death. Even a
grade. It is far better to take care of mild fever can lead to other life-
your health and worry about threatening fevers such as puer-
school later. You disagree? Then I peral fever, hemorrhagic fever or
invite you to read on. rheumatic fever. The paradoxical
As of now, the most common thing is that a fever is a method
illness is the cold. There is at least your body uses to fend off infec-
one person in every class who tious diseases with leukocytes and
sneezes like it’s going out of style. antibodies. So it is better to treat
The common cold is caused by a your fever with lots of rest, fluids
rhinovirus, which is transferred like chicken noodle soup, and
through the air, explaining its rapid keeping toasty.
travels. Due to the high mutation Hopefully this article has con-
rate of the virus, it is not possible vinced you to stay at home when
to produce a vaccine for the com- you are not feeling well or experi-
mon cold. However, a healthy im- ence some of the symptoms men-
mune system is capable of re- tioned above. Don’t worry about
sponding to and eliminating a cold missing schoolwork or falling be-
within a few days. But that is no hind in class; your teachers are not
excuse to go to school and spread out to get you. They care about not
it to those with weak immune sys- only your academics, but your
tems. health as well. So take care of
Rhinoviruses are the most common viral infective agents in humans. There are over The fever is also a common yourself! ◙
105 types that cause cold symptoms.
SCIENCE November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD 7

THE STANDARD SCIENCE


Sci in Stuy: Are Stem Cells Worth the
Controversy?
by Omar Ahmad “Our hope is that these cells erty of the donor. The same stu- matter what death, I personally
assistant science editor dent brought up a question that find that the most responsible
will provide a valuable resource
for tissue repair and for engineered challenges both sides of the de- means of carrying this out, is that
Curt Mercadante, a spokesman organs as well,” said Dr. Anthony bate: “Is the reason being that we which provides for the spread of
for the stem cell research facility Atala, head of Wake Forest Uni- kill our cells all the time justifica- information in a very dimly-lit
Cures Without Cloning, charges versity’s regenerative medicine tion for the murder of them?” If so, subject. ◙
that stem cell research is both un- institute and senior researcher on killing large masses of what some
necessary and brutal. The organi- the project that pioneered the use consider “intelligent life” is justi-
zation’s primary goal is to overturn of stem cells from amniotic fluid. fied by the thousands of other cells
the 2006 statewide initiative that The project was carried out in af- which are killed while performing
supported the goals of stem cell filiation with Harvard University, daily activities. If not, then killing
research. Cures Without Cloning and after seven years of research, these cells, while still of equal

Source: Corbis
favors an amendment that reads, Atala truly believes that stem cells worth and competencym is consid-
“No taxpayer dollars should be “can be used to produce a broad ered a murderous act on the part of
used to research or experiment range of cells that may be valuable everyone.
using a human organism derived for therapy.” Even so, there are Another student, Robert Col-
from cloning or attempting to still further inquiries in this field to gan, firmly supports his belief that
clone a human being.” But they be pursued. “[people who] don’t believe in the
failed to mention the most recent With this controversy in mind, use of stem cells are ignorant to-
form of derivation of stem cells for I set out to Stuyvesant’s halls ask wards their uses in science. Who
research: amniotic fluid. A small students their opinions on the oc- has the right to define life, and if
sample of this fluid is drawn from currence. A sophomore said, “ I so, stem cells can’t feel, or consent
a mother’s amniotic sac, hurting don’t think a stem cell is living to anything involving what they are
neither her nor the baby. The stem the extent that it can be called an doing. Inside [the amniotic sac]
cells present are then separated individual. I mean, if a single cell, they are destined to die anyway,
from other, less valuable, cells. regardless of potential, is to be why not make use of them?” If
Though the cells are indeed considered life, is a haircut geno- stem cells are considered to be live
stem cells, they may not be as use- cide?” It is difficult for scientists cells, then why do we not try our
ful in bioengineering and replace- and researchers to say what is in- hardest to keep these “potential Participants at the New York Stem Cell
ment of organs. telligent life, and what is the prop- beings” alive? If they are to die, no Foundation Research Conference called the
study of stem cells "robust."

Three Nobel Prize Winners Develop


Effective New Gene Technology
by Devyn Buckley of The University of Utah in Salt and cystic fibrosis, have been engi- mice, down to the expression of
staff writer Lake City; Oliver Smithies, 82, of neered. The Nobel Prize Commit- distinct genes. The “gene knock-
the University of North Carolina in tee recently reported that more out” technique has been applied
Three self-described research Chapel Hill; and Sir Martin J. Ev- than 10,000 mice genes have now not only to embryos but also to
“outsiders,” one of whom aban- ans, 66, of Cardiff University in been knocked out and studied, fully grown adult mice.
doned a coveted Ivy league posi- Wales. which is approximately a half of A recent and important adap-
tion for a school that left his for- Ever since the Nobel Prize all genes in the mouse genome. tation of the researchers’ experi-
mer colleagues smirking, and an- winners first presented their find- These small rodents have been ments allows scientists to attach
other who was once an ings, other scientists have used the extremely helpful due to the strik- “reporter” genes to other specific
“immigration criminal” forced to powerful research tool the winners ing similarities between the ge- genes. Reporter genes cause color
leave the U.S. by immigration au- developed. With their technique, nome of mice and the genome of changes in cells where a particular
thorities in Wisconsin, were noti- researchers are able to determine humans. Approximately 95 percent gene is functioning. One Bronx
fied this week that they, along with the functions of particular genes in of the mouse genome is identical scientist, Dr. Bill Jacobs, has been
a third researcher, had been se- the mouse genome. The effect of to that of humans. It is no wonder instrumental in developing a varia-
lected to receive the Nobel Prize in the procedure is to “knock out” or that they are frequently chosen as tion of this technique. Dr. Jacobs
Physiology or Medicine. The team restrict the gene of interest from model organisms in scientific re- developed a means of inserting the
was awarded this prestigious prize being expressed. In doing so, sci- search experiments. In fact, scien- luciferase gene, which causes fire-
for developing far-reaching entists can discover the gene’s tists have termed them “pocket- flies to glow, into the genomes of
“genetic knockout technology,” function by observing the results size humans.”Mice have always bacteriophages. When these bacte-
which permits researchers to de- of its being blocked. Thanks to the played a key role in genetic re- riophages attack a bacterium, the
velop models of human disease in research performed by the Nobel search, but since the development luciferase gene is injected into the
mice. winners, the mouse equivalents of of knockout mice, their importance
Those sharing the $1.54 mil- over 500 human diseases and dis- has drastically increased. Scientists
orders, including cancer, diabetes, can manipulate the genetics of GENE TECHNOLOGY
lion prize are Mario Capecchi, 70,
continues on page 8
8 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 BUSINESS

THE STANDARD BUSINESS


Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
by Aneem Talukder

Source: Wikipedia
darker. Basically, the previous game I had a Wii control in my hand and
game reviewer set the stage for Corruption by show- judged it based on what I saw on
ing Dark Samus materializing in the TV, I would have thought that
Developer: Retro Studios space after being defeated, and now it was for the Gamecube. This
Publisher: Nintendo we get to try to defeat her all over doesn’t mean the graphics are bad,
Rating: ESRB: T again. Talk about a fresh storyline. but compared to the other games of
Platform: Wii Of course, I wouldn’t put too its generation, it just didn’t cut it.
much weight on a good tale in a Maybe a few years ago it would
I was very skeptical when a first-person shooter, as long as there have been among the best, but with
friend called me up the day is something to point and shoot at, so much graphical excellence and
Metroid Prime 3 came out and said and Metroid Prime 3 definitely isn’t advancement available in today’s
that it was one of the best new lacking in that department. The next-gen games, I just found it
first-person shooters. I had had bad gameplay is tremendous. I felt lacking. However, the visual ef-
experiences with the previous two immersed into the world of Samus as fects and the sounds are intense
games of the series; each of them if I were looking right through her and well made. The musical score
got very dull after a while. Over battle visor and running around in remains true to the game. They are
the next week, many others told her clunky suit. The control in the all generally mysterious and sub- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, released on
me that Prime 3 was a very inter- game breathtaking. It can be tle, building suspense. The music August 27, 2007, is a video grame for the
esting game. My curiosity took compared to arcade shooting games, portrays the different worlds as Wii published by Nintendo and developed
hold and I just had to check it out. only requiring fewer quarters. It is well. For example, on the desert by Retro Studios.
It just so happened that my birth- clear that a lot of work was put into planet of Brryo, an Arabic theme
day was that same week so I went Rating System:
making it all tie together. Accuracy for music is incorporated.
out and bought it with my parents’ 0 - Don't play it even if they pay
is essential in this game. Just As for bugs, the game doesn’t
money. I was pretty satisfied with you
mastering a control stick will do really have any major flaws, which
the results. 1- Don't play it even if it’s free
absolutely nothing in this case is a relief. Something unique about
The events in Metroid Prime 3: 2- Don't play it until it’s abandon-
(sorry, Halo players). It is truly a the Metroid series is the fact that
Corruption take place directly after ware
big step in next-generation gaming Samus can morph into a compact
the events in Metroid Prime 2: 3- Complete waste of money:
to have actual hand-eye coordination sphere and travel through pipes
Echoes. The game is a first-person 4- Not recommended even for a
and movement back in first-person and air ducts. All in all, I think my
shooter about a lethal bounty niche player
shooters, rather than just pushing a friends were justified in their
hunter named Samus who protects 5- Unless you love the topic or
mouse or analog stick around. It is praise and that my birthday money
civilizations and planets from genre, don't get it
much more immersive to actually was well spent. Those who are
space pirates. A decent back- 6- Horrible but redeemable
have to flick your wrists to fire a interested in turning into spheres
ground, but the plot becomes more 7- Average fodder
grapple shot or to actually aim with and causing simulated havoc upon
bare-threaded from there. Her 8- A good game, not a perfect
your arm to shoot. space pirates should definitely
main nemesis is Dark Samus, a game
If there is one other downside to check this game out. ◙
mysterious being of darkness who 9- Excellent, memorable, next to
this game, it is the last-generation
looks just like Samus, except, well, perfection
graphics that it has. If I didn’t know
10- An instant classic

GENE TECHNOLOGY vidual over an extended period of Meteoroid Rating


continued from page 7 time, a method which can allow
resistant tuberculosis to multiply.
DNA sequence of the bacterium, Dr. Jacobs has worked closely with Graphics- 5/10 - The graphics are rather disappointing for a next-gen sys-
thus causing live and DNA- many Stuyvesant students to dis- tem. The game in general looks like Metroid Prime for the Gamecube. The
expressing bacteria to glow. This cover new bacteriophages, some of cut scenes are also very “Gamecubish.” The graphics are smooth but don’t
allows scientists to differentiate which he hopes may be used to have the next-generation feel to them.
between live bacteria and dead combat tuberculosis. One high
ones. Dr. Jacobs has been perform- school student discovered a new Gameplay- 10/10 - The gameplay is fantastic. Many gadgets are used
ing extensive field studies on treat- phage from a sample of ice tea at through interaction with the revolutionary Wiimote. For example, in order
ing and curing tuberculosis. This Six Flags and thus named his dis- to activate the grapple hook, the player has to actually thrust the controller
method could be useful when test- covery “Nastea.” forward and then bring it back close. The actual shooting is very similar to
ing whether or not a particular Dr. Capecchi and Dr. Evans arcade shooting games in which the player has to point at the screen and
drug is effective against a specific have both said that they’ve felt, at
strain of tuberculosis in an individ- times, that they were “lone
ual. Rather than administering the scientists who cried out against the Content- 5/10 - The story gets a bit dry and not fun. It is the same old go-
drug to the individual and hoping consensus.” While applying for ing from world to world busting up space pirates and solving puzzles.
for a beneficial result, a doctor grants, Dr. Evans said he was told There is never really any twist that makes the story interesting and worth
could extract and plate tuberculosis that many of his ideas were following. The gadgets used are pretty cool. There is a new “phazon” shot
from an individual. After inserting premature and could not be done. which gives the player full authority while they devastate their enemies.
the luciferase gene into the tuber- Then, he said, “I find everyone is
culosis bacteria via bacteriophages, doing the same thing [his
all healthy tuberculosis bacteria proposition]” five years later. Longevity- 10/10 - It’s just as fun playing the game right from the start
would glow. Thus, if the drug in While he admits it has sometimes after beating it. After beating the game, I started right from the beginning
question was effective, the bacteria been a long road, Dr. Smithies has
would die and no longer glow. said that “it’s actually a rather
This method is vastly more effi- peaceful feeling — of culmination Value- 10/10 - Definitely worth buying for $49.99 because it really is one
cient and less time-consuming than of a life of science.” ◙ of about only 3 games for the Wii that are good.
testing various drugs on an indi-
TOTAL- 8/10 - A good game, but not a perfect game.
A&E November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD 9

by Hanford Chiu
Myspace vs. Facebook
low for a huge array of possibili- leaves visitors susceptible to vi- of News Corporation, purchased
business editor ties, from colorful backgrounds to ruses and worms that a malevolent the company for $580 million,
embedded videos and music. Face- coder might try to spread on their which was well over the
MySpace and Facebook are book limits customization to plain pages. Facebook doesn’t have estimated value of $327 million
two of the largest social text, but allows the use of user- much of this problem since there is at the time. Since then, the
networking websites, with created applications in order to no coding allowed in profiles. company has grown even larger,
MySpace having over 100 million decorate a page with loads of in- MySpace is also more open in tapping into international markets
members and Facebook trailing formation like political compasses, terms of privacy, letting many such as the UK and the PRC.
with about 40 million members. top friends, and even naughty gifts more people generally view ran- Facebook, on the other hand, was
Both are also very large and to send to each other. All in all, dom profile pages, although both created in February 2004, as a
successful companies, with both Facebook applications add flavor Facebook and MySpace allow lim- private social network just for the
sites pulling in more than 100 to profile pages, and introduce new ited profiles to deter strangers. students of Harvard University.
million dollars a year in revenue ways to interact with friends (such However, Facebook does not allow Since September 2006, it has
through advertising and attracting as poking people), while MySpace the viewing of profiles of people become available to all users
the attention of many investors. allows massive personalization of who are out of the viewer’s net- above a certain age, with specific
But what is it that makes them individual profile pages, but does- works unless they are friends, a strata called networks in order to
both popular to use and great in- n’t have as much peer interactivity. restriction MySpace does not have. associate people with schools,
vestments? The extreme freedom to personal- Most other aspects of the two sites workplaces, and regions. Unlike
One of the differences be- ize, unfortunately, sometimes leads are basically the same, with both MySpace, Facebook was not
tween the two social sites is the to profile pages so saturated with sites providing classifieds, videos, created for profit, and it remains
level of customization a user is encoded features that they become music, and general messaging. under the ownership of its
allowed. MySpace has the more slow to load and might deter MySpace was created in original creator Mark Zuckerberg,
open and creative design, allowing friends and visitors with bad Inter- August 2003 by an Internet although many companies,
users to use HTML (or a profile- net connections from visiting. An- trading company called including Microsoft and Viacom,
generating website that bridges the other difference is the privacy and eUniverse, and since then has are seeking to take over the
gap for casual users who don’t security settings. MySpace’s use of grown by the millions. In July company after seeing the
know how to code) in order to al- HTML coding in profile pages 2005, Rupert Murdoch, the owner potential profit from online
advertisements. ◙

THE STANDARD ENTERTAINMENT


Better Luck Next Grey’s Anatomy
Time, Chuck
by Emma Rabinovich him, though?
entertainment editor All the plotlines are develop-
ing more slowly this season, giving
After some extremely disap- audiences some time to breathe.
pointing episodes of “Grey’s Anat- It’s taken Derek four episodes to
by Robert Colbourn Chuck, did not stray far from this finally get a backbone. Not to
omy” last season, it seems like the
staff wrtier pattern. Its plot was extremely worst is over. This season has been mention the fact that the relation-
typical and predictable, and its progressing nicely and everyone ship between Izzie and George has
After passing numerous post- comedy was littered with the bas- seems to have recovered from last finally established itself enough so
ers of one movie hung up in sub- est humor imaginable. year’s massively depressing season that it is more believable. Izzie has
ways and on billboards, many were As a young boy, Charlie finale. also calmed down a bit after all her
probably thinking, “Wow! Jessica (Connor Price/Dane Cook) was George (T.R. Knight) finally rants and crazy speeches last sea-
Alba and Dane Cook in the same cursed by an “admirer” of his confesses he’s in love with Izzie son. Now that she’s a likable char-
movie!” Then it dawned on them (Sasha Pieturse). Any woman that (Katherine Heigl) and tells Callie acter again, it is easier to forgive
that recently, those actors’ movies (Sara Ramirez) about their affair. her for everything she did to
have been, well, flops. This new GOOD LUCK CHUCK Now the whole thing gets to play Callie. Unfortunately, Callie isn’t
romantic comedy, Good Luck continues on page 10 out in full view of the hospital. ready to forgive and forget. Her
Yay! Think of the drama. constant mental turmoil seems to
indicate that she might be leaving
Source: imdb.com

Meanwhile, Meredith (Ellen


Pompeo) is off being Meredith, the show. After the divorce, her
jerking Derek Shepherd (Patrick character is likely to run out of
Dempsey) around like there’s no plotlines and leave just like Kate
tomorrow. Plus, the unmistakable Walsh’s Addison Shepherd did.
chemistry between Derek and It’s great to see that the show
Meredith’s half-sister Lexie is finally fun to watch again, and
(Chyler Leigh) is simply scrump- that the addition of some new in-
tious. I can’t wait till that triangle terns has allowed the writers to
develops. make fun of their own material,
My personal favorite scene like the trademark “seriously” that
from the last episode was when got thrown around a lot in the first
Karev (Justin Chambers), who was two seasons.
interested in Izzie long before she This season’s episodes are
fell for George, finds out about available online at abc.go.com and
them and announces that he’s em- new episodes air on Thursdays at 9
barrassed for her. Who can blame p.m. on ABC. ◙
Good Luck Chuck is a 2007 romantic comedy film starring Jessica Alba and stand-
up comedian Dane Cook.
10 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 LITERARY
GOOD LUCK CHUCK nally get the girl. ideas get old very fast, and that’s these scenes were shown in trailers
continued from page 9 The first thing that needs to be when it becomes a very typical prior to the movie’s release, so
said is that this movie truly de- romantic comedy, with nothing maybe plunking down 10 dollars
he had sex with would marry the serves its “R” rating, so if you’re distinguishing it from the rest. to see something that exists for
next guy she met. Naturally, he offended by nudity and language, The only good thing that can free online (with some added
became quite popular with the la- skip this one. Unfortunately, even be said about Good Luck Chuck is filler) isn’t the best idea. An uni-
dies when news of the curse if you don’t care, it’s these two that, well, the physical comedy maginative plot, terrible chemistry
spread. It was great for Charlie at things that make up the shallow isn’t bad in the beginning of the between characters, shallow com-
first, but it quickly became the “comedy” of this movie. All the movie, before it gets repetitive. edy, and bad acting really should
worst thing imaginable when he jokes are based on either perverted Dane Cook and Jessica Alba are turn anyone and everyone away
met the girl of his dreams (Jessica little innuendos or puns, or deal able to do some pretty funny things from this movie. ◙
Alba). Charlie’s ultimate goal was with the “ditsy cute girl” that Jes- involving personal injury at
to defeat the curse so he could fi- sica Alba is supposed to play. Both Cook’s expense. However, most of

THE STANDARD LITERARY


Another Inconvenient Truth by Robert Stevenson
assistant literary editor

Lunchroom Rations By Amna Ahmad


literary editor
SPORTS November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD 11
THE SPORTS BEAT

A-Rod on the Move continued from page 12

were the glory days. The days when


by Ankit Singh

Source: Newsday
players played to have fun, win a
staff writer championship, bathe in glory, feed
the family, and get printed on cards
For the city of New York the so that underage kids could get the
baseball season is basically over, cards in cigarette packs at their
but for Alex Rodriguez, third base- local grocery store. Those were the
man of the New York Yankees, the days that you could not only idolize
adventure is just beginning. athletes, but also respect them. Last
Rodriguez will almost week I was shopping for women’s
,certainly opt out of his contract basketball shoes to ship back to
which is still good for three more Russia because the league is
years and worth about $75 million, running out of talent when I heard a
and continue his career at some little boy say, “I want to grow up
other ball club. He has had enough and be a basketball player and
of New York and all the pressure make millions of dollars and ask to
that comes with being a Yankee. be traded when I and my team do
After his third consecutive dismal not succeed. I don’t care about how
playoffs, it is time for him to move fun the game is and I have no
on to bigger and better things in a dignity.” This bothered me because
.different uniform
Alex Rodriguez, since his first season as a Yankee in 2004, is faced with a decision whether he I thought that kid had better
Even though he led the league
will opt out of hs contract after 2007 or remain with the Yankees. grammar than I did, and also
this past season with 54 home runs because I couldn’t help but wonder
Braves, and The San Francisco the Cubs will probably have to pay
and 156 RBIs and is undoubtedly what the parents were doing, so I
Giants. Chances are, one of these him around $6 million more, along
the American League’s MVP for confronted the father. The father
teams will have A-Rod by the be- with an extension that will lock
turned out to be Kobe Bryant, who
the third time in his career, the ginning of next season. The lead- him up for about a decade. A-Rod
is demanding a trade right now.
market is still very small for him. ing candidate would probably be wants to be associated with one Bryant has never had to deal
This is mainly due to the fact that the Chicago Cubs. After disap- team; in other words, he wants to with image problems (see sexual
very few teams can actually afford pointing playoffs this year the become the face of the franchise. assault case, 2003) but this is about
him (he makes $10 million more Cubs are looking to bounce back For all you Yankee fans who to change. Kobe’s constant whining
than the entire Florida Marlins by improving their lineup to one of want to keep A-Rod, the only way about his team will lead to a trade,
organization). the best in the Majors and adding that that he is going to stay is if he but it shouldn’t. He signed a con-
The ten richest teams in base- the final piece of a championship gets offered an extension on his tract with the Lakers that says he
ball are, in descending order: The puzzle, a great hitter who stays contract, probably involving a lot must play through at least 2008, so
New York Yankees, The Boston injury-prone. This would also al- more money, which should not be he should. The fact that his team is
Red Sox, The Los Angeles Angels, low A-Rod to return to his natural a problem for the richest team in incapable of scoring, passing, and
The Chicago White Sox, The New shortstop position and reunite him baseball. Unless, of course, it is rebounding should not be a factor
York Mets, The Los Angeles with Lou Piniella, his first manager time for the Yankees to move on in his demeanor towards it. Bryant
Dodgers, The Chicago Cubs, The in the pros as a Seattle Mariner. as well. ◙ doesn’t realize what he is doing by
Houston Astros, The Atlanta In order to acquire Rodriguez, requesting the trade. Superstars
can’t be traded for nothing; the

Big Blue’s Big Comeback


NBA is nothing like the NFL (see
Randy Moss). Kobe will be traded
to an up-and-coming team for the
players built the team, and then he
won’t be happy there. Not only is
by Brian Liu play-calling of the defensive be as easy as it sounds since Dallas
his demand illogical, it’s unethical
staff writer coach, Steve Spagnuolo. He started is considered by many to be the
and sets a bad example for kids,
calling more blitzes and stopped best team in the NFC. However I such as Andrei Kirilenko, who had
The defense of the New York letting the defense end the game believe the Giants will beat them an abysmal year last year and wants
Giants was absent before week 3, a for the Giants, and giving the in a game where it will be a to be traded. The Jazz made it to the
game against the Washington offense an opportunity to win. defensive game unlike the last one. Western Conference Finals — why
Redskins. Before then most of the Since that game, their defense has Season Projection: 11-5 ◙ would you want to leave? The same
Giants’ fans were wondering been known as one to be scared of, thing goes for Shawn Marion — he
where the defense had gone, since mainly because of its league- made it to the Conference Semifi-
the Giants had given up 80 points leading 27 sacks. nals without breaking a sweat be-
in only two games, and when Tom Although the defensive cause they have the best point
Coughlin, the head coach, would turnaround is a big factor, another guard in the league, what makes
be fired. The two games ended in a one is the offensive line. This line him want to leave? NBA players
35-45 loss to the Dallas Cowboys gives the offense a chance to not are beginning to give the wrong
and a 13-35 loss to Green Bay turn to Eli Manning every down. message to kids by preaching and
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/334583605_a585e4bbeb.jpg

Packers. In both games, the The rushing game is starting to showing how being selfish and
Achilles heel of the Giants was balance out the passing game, egotistic prevails over management.
their defense. giving the offense more options. This can easily be solved by
Leading up to that game, the Also on the offense, Eli the commissioner; David Stern can
Giants’ defense was questioned Manning’s emergence as the leader follow Roger Goodell’s lead and
relentlessly by reporters until were of the Giants’ offense is a big part suspend anyone who acts up, such
sick of it. In the final minute of the of it. He has been avoiding sacks as Kobe Bryant, Shawn Marion,
game, the team finally had the better, and is making better throws. and Andrei Kirilenko. Jose Juan
chance to prove itself. It was a first The future of the Giants looks Barea can stay because he won’t
and goal at the one-yard line for good as they are only barely make it out of the D-league. The
the game-tying touchdown. After behind Dallas for the division lead. petition for this type of suspension
three unsuccessful plays by the All the Giants need to do is beat starts here, because the image of the
Redskins, the Giants stopped them Dallas in their game in week 10 NBA is in danger and what’s
on fourth down to preserve the and they have the division title in Eli Manning
happening must be stopped. ◙
lead. This is due to the different their arms, in my opinion. It won’t
12 THE STUYVESANT STANDARD November 1, 2007—VOL. 7, No. 3 SPORTS

The End of a Dynasty

The NBA’s
Problem
Kobe Bryant has put up MVP numbers
every year and won three championships in Los
Angeles. Now, he wants to be traded. Shawn
Marion has been a leading candidate for
defensive player of the year every year, makes
the playoffs every year and wants to be traded.
by Richard Mai brenner and Co. came crawling back, but not Andrei Kirilenko averaged 8.3 points per game
sports editor without making a point. and 4.7 rebounds per game last year and thinks
After 12 consecutive playoff runs, 4 World he deserves to be traded. Jose Juan Barea wants
For many New Yorkers, the Yankees have Series titles and countless stars and dreams made out of Dallas because he can’t make the roster
been expected to make the playoffs each year just come true, the Torre Dynasty has ended. Many with the likes of DJ Mbenga, Jamal Sampson,
as one would expect the sun to rise each morning. of us who grew up with the Yankees remember and Renaldas Seibutis getting more preseason
For many Yankee fans, seeing Joe Torre’s slow, those wild years since Joe Torre took over as playing time and taking up roster spots. A
even walk to the mound for a pitching change has manager in 1996. Since we were little 6 year- player’s ability to request trades consistently is
always been met either with applause or boos. olds, we knew Yankees baseball was synony- the reason so many people are starting to be
Year and year, Joe Torre was always there. Now, mous with Torre’s management. Those unforget- turned off by the NBA. One-game suspensions
after 12 memorable, exciting seasons, that famil- table games when we loyal Yankee fans stayed for stepping onto the court during an altercation
iar face will not be here anymore. up till 12 to watch those last frantic at-bats, those and head coaches shouting sexist slurs at
When the Yankees were playing miserably awe-inspiring moments when Bernie Williams or employees and not being punished by the league
against the Cleveland Indians during the early Aaron Boone hit the game-winning homers, are also culprits. But mainly it’s the trade
American League playoffs, George Steinbrenner those celebrations we had when the Yanks won requests.
reverted back to his old ways by doing what he the World Series…all of it seems reminiscent of The first agent in sports history was Yves
did best: scare tactics. He announced that if the the Torre era. There was a certain electrifying Lejeune. He wasn’t athletic or female enough to
Yankees didn’t win the World Series this year, magic to Yankees playoff baseball that captured play in the Russian Women’s National
Joe Torre would be fired. It was a final, desperate the hearts of the entire world. Basketball Association, so he decided to
attempt by the Boss to place blame of the Yank’s Joe Torre may have decided not to return represent Ekaterina Sytnyak because she wasn’t
recent woes on someone, and Torre, with his ex- irrespective of the contract, because of the never- being paid enough for her league-leading 10
piring contract, was targeted. Steinbrenner felt ending media frenzy that surrounds the Yankees. points per game (which is still more than
something was very wrong; how could the team It wouldn’t be a bad idea. However, he had Kirilenko, don’t forget). This started Lejeune’s
with the highest payroll in baseball and the man- wanted to continue with the team if given the career, who now represents household names
ager with the highest salary not get past the first choice or if they won the World Series. The top like Sacha Massot of the Belgian Women’s
round of the playoffs for the third straight year? prospects for the new opening are Don Mattingly, National Basketball Association and Seimone
After the Yankees lost the series 3-1 to the Indi- Joe Girardi, and Bobby Valentine. It will Augustus, formerly of the WNBA (her departure
ans, Torre’s head — and fate — was on the block. certainly be strange to see a different face sitting to the Russian league is what caused ESPN2’s
Even then, the decision to oust Torre was in the dugout next year. Torre may even manage ratings to plummet). The day that Lejeune
undertaken with caution in private meetings by another team next season, which would be both represented Sytnyak in negotiations,
Steinbrenner and his sons. After several weeks of bittersweet and interesting. The end of the Torre professional sports was kicked in the knees by
controversy and speculation about whether or not era may just be a management change, or the really hard Russian boots, giving it a permanent
the Yankees manager would return next season, signal of a new, revamped Yankees in the works, limp.
but for Yankee fans it’ll be just like Torre said, The days when players represented
the final decision was made by Torre himself,
“Whatever happens from here on out, I’ll look themselves and didn’t play for more money
rejecting a $5 million, diminished salary for one
year that was an insult to a person with his experi- back on these 12 years with great, great THE SPORTS BEAT
ence and Hall-of-Fame-worthy legacy. Stein- pleasure.” ◙ continues on page 11

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