Classic newspaper Volume 26 Issue no. 2

Vol. 26 No.2 October 2009

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aSSlC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

-149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

As vaccine becomes available, Founders' Day to honor city moves to stem H1 N1 flu twenty-fifth anniversary

by Daniel Pecoraro recommendthat people aged sixmonths ancient Greek Ephebic Oath to the After a summer of 2738 confirmed to 24 years, those with compromised by Sarah Ma hmood To celebrate the school's 25th freshmen and incoming sophomores cases and 266 deaths due to the HlN l immune systems, and pregnant women influenza virus in New York, the New get the vaccine. Those allergic to eggs anniversary on Founders' Day, will also continue this year.

"I love to see the freshmen stand October 30, the administration chose York Department of Health and Mental should not get either vaccine. up and recite the Ephebic Oath. It's The vaccines have been approved former social studies teacher Myron Hygiene (DOHMH) is stepping up measures to keep New Yorkers. safe by the Food and Drug Administration Moscowitz as this year's key-note silly, but I really get a big thrill out of that. There's something about (FDA), which reports only minor side . speaker. from both the seasonal and HlNl flu. them being so new and young, and Mr. Moscowitz, who was "much According to school nurse Linda effects, including soreness, redness and Carter, the easiest and most effective swelling at the injection site, low fever, beloved by the students," according to at the beginning of their high school way to prevent contraction of the flu aches, and nausea, with runny nose Principal Kenneth Bonamo, was part career," said Ms. Getting."Ihope they understand the meaning of it. The idea is to receive both the seasonal and and headache as additional side effects of the founding faculty of the school.

"Hands" down, he was the most that young people are committing to Hl Nl vaccines, the latter ofwhich was from the nasal spray vaccine.

Some are worried about additional popular teacher in the school," said making a difference just makes me released at the beginning of October. feel good because it gives me hope, The seasonal vaccine prevents the three side effects, but according to the CDC history teacher Maureen Lonergan. gives me encouragement, and makes Caroline Cross, English teacher different strains of influenza predicted website, "The 2009 HlN l infuenza vaccines are expected to have similar and a Harris alumna who had Mr. me think the future will be better," she to be the most prevalent this year.

There are two different types of safety profiles as seasonal flu vaccines, Moscowitz as a teacher, said, "He was continued.

Mr. Bonamo, who also enjoys 'the inoculation for the H l Nl vaccine: which have very good safety records." really interesting and funny. He's going Preventing the catching of seasonal '. to be a great speaker. He has been part administration of the Ephebic Oath, intramuscular injections, which have said "Founders' Day is one of my or HlNl flu is not limited to getting of this school' s history." dead cells of the viruses, and a nasal favorite events. It's one of the only Many of the Founders' Day spray, known as "FluMist," which is vaccinated. Hand washing and general times, ifnot the only one, that the whole hygiene are critical. The DOHMH traditions that are also part of the made up of weakened cells.

The DOH recommends getting recommends washing hands with school's history will be continued this school comes together in one room," adding that the day also "bridges many the vaccine at one's regular healthcare soap and water for about 20 seconds', year. years" between the founding and the Before marching to Colden provider, but the vaccine will also be you can sing "Happy Birthday" twice available at special weekend clinics in to gauge the time. Alcohol-based hand Center, where the cetemony will be re-founding of the school.

Harris originally opened in1 904, sanitizers are effective as well. It is also held, students will fill boxes with nonearly November for five weeks. but was closed by Mayor Fiorello recommended that people cover their perishable canned foods that will be "The vaccine will be available to LaGuardia in 1942 because of budget all students, but not to all schools," mouths and noses with a tissue or their donated to the poor. cuts.

The school was reopened in 1984, Sophomore Elwin Ng is looking Ms. Carter said. "Only elementary sleeves when coughing or sneezing.

Students should not come to forward to the seniors' skit, another due to the efforts of the alumni. and private schools will be giving the Founders' Day "is a tribute to school when they're sick. "If students annual feature of Founders' Day. vaccines at schools." alumni, first principal [Malcolm "This year's Founder's Day Senior Middle and high school students are"sick, with a fever of 100 or greater in the public school system can also go plus a cough or sore throat, they should Skit is about thejourney from freshman Largmann], and teachers for building to the "Points of Distribution" (PODs) stay home, and not return until 24 to senior and all the crazy things that the school we now enjoy. We can't to get vaccinated. The PODs will give hours after the fever has gone down," happen in between," said senior Kellie forget all the work they did," said Mr. Gergoudis, who is in charge of the Bonamo. the vaccines on weekends starting in said Ms. Carter.

Additional reporting by Pearl Symptoms of HlNl include fever, skit.

November. They will be located in Bhatnagar and Esther Whang. cough, sore throat, headache, runny The tradition of administering the school buildings; there will be one POD in each borough. The locations nose, nausea and diarrhea. will change each weekend to ensure Sources: wider access. Brookyn and Queens Cohen, Elizabeth. "What to Know About Getting HlN I Flu Vaccine." CNNHealth. will host two PODs each during the " com, 1 October 2009. first two weekends of vaccination.

New York City Department of Health and The Health Department will "Mental Hygiene. "First Shipments of ,providemiddleandhigh schoolstudents HlNl Vaccine Arrive in New York City."

6 October 2009. with information booklets about the ---.

"HIN I Vaccination in New York City Hl N l influenza and vaccine the week Schools: What Parents Need to Know." 15 of October 26. The packets will also October 2009.

-e contain a consent form that parnts New York State Department of Health. ..= should sign allowing their children to "H IN I Flu Frequently Asked Questions ~ get the vaccine. Students getting the and Answers." 1 October 2009. = .~ vaccines should bring the form to the Pan American Health Organization.

"Influenza A (H IN l) Surveillance." 12 weekend vaccination centers. ..= October 2009.

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So far, the city has received 68 >.

Trex, Ethan. "What Does it Matter if I' m ,Q thousand doses of the HlN l vaccine, e Allergic to Eggs?: A Flu Shot FAQ." 'S with 1.2 million total vaccine doses Mentalfloss.com, 8 October 2009. ..= Cl. expected by the end of the month, "Vaccine Safety." 2009 HINI Flu. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. 19 Oct. Turn to page 3 to learn about the new restrictions on the sale of junk food in according to the DOH. The Centers for 2009. Online.

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) school (Chancellor 's Regulation A-8l2). ~

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Special Interest Rally pg.3 T

Vampires pgs.6-7

Chatspeak pg.5

Slang pg.4 "T

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The Clas.s.jc ,

'Junk food' policy ends hypocrisy

Policy stifles decision-making

~ by Esther Whang Posters of celebrities with milk moustaches and bulletin boards with Chancellor Klein's policy, RegulationA-8I2, is meant to support an " dancirli broccoli stalks line the -cafeteria walls . However, the food depicted important goal of decreasing obesity rates by prohibiting the sale ofjunk 'on the walls provides a striking contrast to what one sees in the hands of food before 6 pm. (See pages 3.) Although the new policy does prevent 'the students.within them. Instead oflow fat milk and vegetables, a junior is students from purchasing unhealthy snacks during the school day, it will spotted drinking 2% juice and snacking on the 'Hot Fries 'she bought from not better students' long-term eating habits . .' t he vending machine on her way fromAerobics, Meanwhile, a sophomore Students are approaching adulthood and should learn how to regulate is waiting to buy a StrawberryS hortcake Ice Cream Bar from the SU store their own eating habits. Enforcing this policy mere ly sends a message .while simultaneously reading hIS notes for an impending Health test. contradictory to one of the most important we learn in school- that we Students are encourage d to eat healthy and stay fit through the lessons need to take responsibility for our actions. With this new policy, we are taught in their health and physical education classes. Yet during the course " not being given the chance to exercise that. With this regulation, schools of the school day, these students are presented with a bounty of synthetic are not real istically mirroring the real world, where junk food is readily foods and artificially flavored, sugar-infuse d drinks. You cannot claim available to us. If we don't learn the skill of healthy decision-making to be tackling such problems as childhood obesity, high cholesterol, and now, what will we do when we graduate and head off to college? diabetes if you are selling .the very foods that contribute to these lifeThere is no controlling what snacks students will bring to school threatening diseases. or eat at home. And with so many clubs and teams needing food sales Yes, salty pretzels, cream cheese-laden bagels, and baked goods raise for financial support, it doesn't make sense for this policy to be instated money for the various activities students participate in. But is the expense during a time of budget cuts. of a student's health worth the price of a cupcake? The.new Chancellor's Although some might see the sale ofjunk food in schools as Regulation A-8I2 eliminates the sale of unhealthy foods during school hypocritical, it is in fact hypocritical of schools to tell students they are hours. (See page 3.) It's about time the hypocrisy ended. preparing them for the real world and then place them in an unrealistic setting. '~ Although the intention behind Regulation A-8I2 is honorable, this THHS SALESl rNAnO\\1ALECONCM~l ' policy is not an effective one. Rather than restricting students, the main , ... objective should be to continue educating them, so that they will make healthy decisions on their own.

",:6'y Pear f'Bhatnagar

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To the Editors: In The Classic, the college statistics were very informative and interesting for me . I like how it showed how many people applied and...[how many were] accepted. Is this the general...[number] of students that can get in to that specific college? Also, most of the students who applied for Ivy League colleges were rejected. Why is that? l ariat Zaman, freshman cartoon by Liz Kussman

Letters to the Editor To the Editors: I think you did an awesome job with The Classic. I'm glad you included articles on some of the teachers. I think it's important for 'students to know a little bit about the people who educate them. I particularly enjoyed the one on Ms. Herrera. She is my geometry teacher, and it was fascinating to learn about her background. I had no idea that even though she teaches math, she is so interested in different languages. That iPod with the baseball, basketball, and tennis ball in the sports section was very creative. The college statistics were also a nice feature in the newspaper. Even though I'm only a freshman, I'm sure I'll be applying for college before I know it. It was interesting and useful to see where graduates from this school go. Can't wait for the next edition!

Sarah Rader, freshman To the Editors: Congratulations on the first issue of The Classic this school year. I really enjoyed reading it, especially the article "Rally kicks off Election Simulation"

by Esther Whang. Since underclassmen weren't allowed to attend the rally, it was nice to learn about it. I particularly found it enjoyable to read about how the seniors tried to stand out.

Klaudia Garncarz, freshman

The Classic editors would like to caution readers that the statistics are only one factor that students should consider when applying to colleges. The number ofstudents that are accepted into a particular college varies year to year. The statistics should only be used to get a general idea of where one stands in the admissions process, based on SAT scores and grade point average.

Schools in the Ivy League are very competitive and difficult to get into. Thousands ofqualified applicants are rejected every year from these colleges simply because there isn i enough room to take them. Therefore, while it may seem that very few people were accepted to these schools from Harris, given the context, applicants from our school were relatively successful.

The editors would also like to remind students that Ivy League colleges are only some ofthe schools that excel academically. It is important to remember that the process offinding a college shouldfocus more on fit than prestige. .

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COM ING NEXT ISSUE:

Special section honoring the school's 25th anniversary

Sarah MaBmood Editor-in-Chier Pearl Bha"a~ar Esther Whang News Co-Edit&rs Sharmin R.ashed Photography Editor

NewsStaff: AllisonBennett,FrankCorazza, HayleyDeSmond, Caroline Egan, BU11ice Laa, Nicholas LnjlO, Freddy Millan Jr., Lory Martinez, Kristina Rudolfo, Rnpeshi Shah, Grace Shin, Reeecca Seidel Rebecca Suzuki, Tracey Wang

Feature Editor

Eilin. Perez Sports Editor

路 v L lZ n..ussman

The Classic is an

01'00

forum for the ex-

Feature Staff: Indira Abiskaroon, Emma Court, Abigail Kof- pression of stud ent views. The oRinions exiler, Demetra PanagiotojlOulos, Katherine Valles pressed therein should not be talflen to rep-

Art Editor Sports Staff: Oliver Lee, Daniel Pecoraro, BilinPerez, Grace Shin, Arthur Tarley

Dipabali Chow6ury Buiness Mallagers

'I&wnseml lilarris UitJll Sello&1 at Queens College 149-11M:elhourne Avenue, FlushiDg, NY 11367

reSeB,t those of the administration or fatmlty or student body as a whole.

Ali.za Altman

lil:sa Cowen Caroline Cross Co-Advisors

Kenneth Donamo Prillcipal

Art Staff: Richie Bonilla, FAiward Farquharson, Alice HU11g, Reaaer8 are invited to submit letters to the eaiKatherineValles, Amy Wang,Amy Yuan tor. Letters should be placed in Ms . Cowen's

mailbox or e-mailed to

thhsclassic~gmail.

Photogr~pby . Sta~; Aliza Altman, ~earl Bhatnagar, Rebecca com . The Cltl8sic reserves the right to eait all Chu. Angle DYlgen, Alexander Sabatino letters . Letters must incluae name ana oFfioial

class. Names will be withheld upon request.

,

The Classic October 2009

Regulation restricts sale of snack food

by Tracey Wang The Student Union (SU) store has ceased to sell food and soon vending machines will only sell snack food after 6 pm each school day, due to Chance llor's Regulation A-812, which limits the sale of food during school hours in an attempt to decrease obesity in New York City schools.

The restrictions will significantly impact funds for student activities, which are partially funded by the SU store, according to Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA) Aleeza Widman.

To make up for the loss, Ms. Widman has suggested that clubs and teams sell foods during school events that occur in the evening, after 6 PM, like the winter concert or the school play. The school will start implementing this idea at Parent Teacher Conferences on October 29.

"I believe it is the intention of the Board of Education for all students to get proper nutrition. However, it limits students' choices and the ability for teams and clubs to raise money," said chemistry teacher Thomas Sangiorgi, who is the advisor of Science Olympiad, which will no longer be able to have pretze l sales.

Schools cannot sell any food during breakfast and

lunch through school stores, reasons," he continued. fundraisers, or vending "I think people have to machines. make wiser choices about The intent ofthis provision food, but forcing people to do is to end competition with anything has never resulted school lunches. Approved in anything good. It has to be beverages may be sold an education," said English throughout the day. teacher Caroline Cross.

However, the PTA is Health teacher Keith allowed to fundraise using Hanson, howeve r, supports the non-approved food items restrictions. "I've been against once each month, provided the junk food in this school the sale doesn't occur from from day one - even thoug h the beginning of the schoo l the food is not much better in day until after the last lunch the cafeteria," he said. period. .

He suggested that students The new policy was follow his lead and bring their spurred by state Comptroller own healthy lunches from Thomas DiNapoli's 2008 home. report to Chance llor Joel Some students expressed Klein on school nutrition in apathy or ambivalence towards New York City. The report the new regulation. found that althoug h the "I don't really eatthe things school lunches met nutritional from the vending machine," guidelines, unhealthy food was said sophomo re Tiffany Mak. available to students through "On one hand it's a good vending machines, bake sales thing to do [because] it might and school stores. . help us be healthier. But on "I think [the policy] the other hand, we can alway s make s sense for some kids bring [junk] food from home," who need strong guidance said sophomore Rache l about healthy eating or don't Lichtlman. see the connection between Many others, though, physical activity and caloric strongly criticized the policy. consumption," said principal "They're taking away our Kenneth Bonamo. rights - our food j ights. One "Certainly, some students '.'way or 'another, : people are . ' would sooner drink a soda than going to find' a .way to bring milk during lunch and miss out , in snacks. If they don't buy it on calcium, protein, and other from the school, they will buy important nutrients 'in milk . So' from some place else," said it does make sense for those junior Ellen Mo. -

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In Brief: Antoinette Teague, College Counselor, received the 2009 Yale Educator Award last month. Given for excellence in the field ofteachi ng or counseling, it was awarded to 16 of the 175 nominees from across the country. artwo rk by Katherine Valles "It is particularly ex.citing to encourage capable students with limited resources to believe in their ability to be successful in challenging academic environments," said Ms . Teague. reporting by Nicholas Lupo Science teacher Katherine Cooper was one ofseven educators who were recently honored with the Sloan Award of Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics, given by the Fund for the City of New York (FCNY). The organization will give Harris $2,500 and Ms. Cooper $5,000.

"I went into teaching because I knew its value from the example set by my family and I knew I loved it from the time I started teaching gymnastics when I was 15. A friend told me to do something I loved, so I would never work a day in my life, and that is exactly what I am doing," said Ms . Cooper. reporting by Abigail Koffler Hams was recently the recipien t of the School Partnership Award from the United Federation of Teachers (UF!). This recognizes that the "union leadership and administration collaborate on making decisions and setting policy," according to Principal Kenneth Bonamo.

Mr. Bonamo stresses the importance of being "open. and collaborative" with the UFT. . "[lfI] make them part of decisions," he said, "[there is] a better policy at the end. We have a joint responsibility to provide an outstanding education for our stu-

'dents." rep orting by Ka therine 'Valles

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Special interest groups performed skitsduring the Special Interest Rally on October 24, as part of the Election Simulation. The groups hopedtto in-': form students and raise support for their causes. Here are photographs capturing some of the highlights of the performances:

all photos by Sharmin Rashed

Using costumes, music and lots of humor, seniors Christopher Wang, Vicky Papagermanos, Kellie Gergoudis, Yena Purma sir, Joey Spitaleri, Miranda Meyers, Marc Reisner, Arthur Tarley and Sherry Leung try it all in order to gain votes for their respective candidates.

4-The Classic

October 2009

Yo, slang infiltrates daily conversations

by Rupeshi Shah "Dawg, I'm gonna hafta stay up mad late to work on that wack collateral tonight!"

Sound familiar? It totally should!

To communicate with each other, teens, and even adults often use slang terms. These informal and nonstandard

Various slang terms are used in different parts of the world. In the U.K., A right Charlie means 'an idiot.' A yaar (friend, buddy) is used in India.

A speakermayusedifferent slang terms based on where he or she lives in the United States. Slang in Southern

'Get With It': Modern Fai:r Lady Catches On

by Kristina Rodulfo Ltza is sitting beside the ever-ftustrated Higgins, whose crossed arms andfUrrowed eyebrows reveal his disappointment. He hasjust removed the needle from the gramophone, which had been playing "Soulja Boy. "

LIZA: Ah-ah-es-ah-ew-ew-eol HIGGINS: To become a lady, you must acquire the skill of dancing. This is the music that will be played at aU sooial events and every proper lady of this generation is well aware of this dance. Now put yeur arms like so. Oh, come now! How can we ever teach you to be bad?

LIZA: Bad? I'm a good girl, I am!

HIGGINS: No, no. "Bad" now means "good!" [Liza throws her arms up and hops on one foot.] You look terrible!

LIZA: Thank you!

HIGGINS: No, no, that is not a compliment. Mrs. Pearce, please demonstrate the proper way to kill it.

LlZA: Kill? Ah-ah-ah-ah-ow-ow-oo! I'm a good girl, I am, and -HIGGINS: Lisa, "kiU" means "do well"!

MRS. PEARCE: He's not encouraging you to do anything foolish! Just watch my lead. 'tl

[Mrs. Pearce proceeds to do the firs: steps ofthe Soulja Boy with a series ofhopping,

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snapping, and arm motions. Liza clumsily follows suit.]

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HIGGINS: Why Mrs. Pearce, your dancing is quite ridiculous!

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LIZA: How rude!

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HIGGINS: "Ridiculous" is a compliment!

MRS. PEARCE: Thank you, sir. [Liza continues her uncoordinated series offlafting arms and legs.]

-=C.

LIZA: Ah-ah-ah-ow-ow-oo!

Before it was accepted as standard speech, "blizzard" was considered slang for "a heavy snowstorm."

BIGGINS: What is all this fuss about? I suppose dancing lessons can be postponed until after her speech lessons. Now, for today's lesson we will work on common social

words evolve with time, meaning they don't usually stick around as long as standard English words. ~v\)lr:b~vi.~, otigiiJ.ijte within societies through influences including television, popular music, and even existing standard English terms.

Once people begin to use the non-standard words frequently, they are considered slang. Sometimes, the terms may become accepted as standard speech, as was blizzard (a heavy snowstorm).

Fa'shizzle (for real).

Adel Kadamani, science teacher, feels that students who use slang "should work harder to improve their learning skills."

However, Alice Kim, junior, believes "slang can be used, but it shouldn't infect the English language."

Sometimes, slang is used to give names to objects or actions, an example being walkie-talkie, which is considered standard English now.

Slang isalsoused to express certain emotions, such as yay, an expression of happiness.

It can be synonymous with ordinary English language words for parts of the body, food, and more.

Original English words can also gain a new meaning, as in hot (attractive), or become shortened, as in mike (from microphone). Wig, a word now considered standard English, is the shortened version of the word 'periwig.'

California is considered "Surf Talk" and includes words such as gnarly (awesome) or dude (a word used to address someone} A'ight] The verb google (search for something on the Internet), based on the online search engine Google, is now considered standard English.

Also, the terms podcast (refers to downloading) and phishing (Internet fraud) have been added to the dope (nice, good) Oxford English Dictionary.

Most agree that slang is not appropriate in a formal setting.

Maria Assante, Health and Physical Education teacher, says, "There's a time and .a place for it [slang]."

Urban Dictionary, a wicked(great) online dictionary of slang, has over three million definitions. It was created in 1999 and ended up becoming one of TIME Magazine's 50 Best Websites in 2008.

Anyone with an e-mail address can add to the dictionary. However, editors do check the definitions.

Junior Rifat Ismail says, "Yo! Urban Dictionary is like my Bible!" The website released a book in 2005 entitled Urban Dictionary and another one in 2007 entitledMo 'Urban Dictionary: Ridonkulous Street Slang.

Marianthe Colakis, foreign language teacher, considers slang to be "like ketchup. It adds spice but you wouldn't want to make a whole meal of it."

'Nuffsaid.

discourse.

LIZA: I've got no interest in social discourse. I'm here to get - what was that word?

HIGGINS: Pimped.

LIZA: Yes! I want to get pimped.

BIGGINS: Then begin by learning the words of Beyonce - a prime example of a pimped out lady. [He starts playing 'Single Ladies' on the gramophone] Repeat after me: "Decidedto dip and now you wanna trip cuz anotha' brotha' noticed me."

LIZA: Decided to dip and now you want to HIGGINS: No! Wan-na LIZA: Wan-na trip because HIGGINS: 'euz!

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LIZA: 'Cus another brother

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HIGGINS: No! This is all wrong - 'Cuz

Uh-nuh-tha bru-tha!

LIZA: [weeping] 'Cuz -

'Cuz -

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'CU2

HIGGINS: Silly girl, stop crying! Let's start with the basics.

[He sighs deeply.]

"Hello" is now "Yo." LIZA: Yo. HIGGINS: Good, good. "Farewell" is now "Peace."

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artwork by Liz Kusman

LIZA: Peace?

HIGGINS: Yes, and "How are you?" is "What's good?" For example, "Yo, what's good?"

LIZA: Don't you mean "Yo, what's bad?" Wouldn't you want to know what nice things are happening to a person? Since "bad" means "good," right?

HIGGINS: [irritated] No! You've got it all mixed up. Liza, you're killing the language!

LIZA: [pleased] Oh, thank you! [smiling sincerely] You're quite ridiculous yourself!

With apologies to George Bernard Shaw, who might have flailed his own arms and legs (in frustration) upon reading this parody.

The

Classic

October 2009

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AIM CHAT SESSION

taking notes during school," said Ashley Lecaro, junior.

David Crystal, a researcher on English language studies, doesn't believe that chatspeak will damage the English language. He also claims that children writing instant messages all day aren't in danger of becoming illiterates.

Stephanie Harris, junior, believes that chat speak.does do harm. "I think that using text messaging lingo has a harmful effect on our writing in school and the English language. Insteadof tfyih~nb·~t1~.. hance our vocabulary, 'we use meaninglessabbreviations that won't help us on the SAT's," she explained. ' The argumentover whether the English language is be-

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vampll'es4fyfe: OMG huge news twil:ight_luver: omg what??? vampires4lyfe: new pies r up 4 new moonll! twilighC luver: OMGGGGGG"! vampires4fyf-e: IK! twilight_klver: omg edward looks 50000 euteee omg omg loltl vampires4lyfe: j Juvvvv himm twllightjiuve;r: brb,g2g do humanities paper

hundted million people using instant-messaging throughout the world, it won't be going away any time soon.

Sources: BBC NEWSIUK,"Is text mightier than the word?" 4 Mar" 2003, Online.

Eisenberg, Anne. "What's Next; Pooh-Poohing the Purists, a Scholar Revels in Netspeak.

New York Times. Techreview.

13" Dec. 2001. Online.

Emms, Karrie. "How to Use Abbreviations: Five Basic Rules of Abbreviation Use for .Hom esch<m1ut:8i.1LHomeS"chool Curricula @ SuitelOl.com. 26 May, 2008.0nline.

Toprani, Kaushal.

"Instant messaging . facilitates casual" professional' ·~;"dei~ors.';·· The Triangle. Drexel Universtiy.

21 Jan. 2005. Online. u

The Tell-Tale Rlnglo,ne

by Carelne Itgm..

True! Nervous - dreadfullynervous - I had been and am, DUet how can you say that I am mad? I possess hearing and senses acute. Hearken and hear how calmly, how healtWty J te~l yoUe the story.

I can't say when the idea entered my head, llut when it did I could not hope to try and cast it back to the depths i10mwhich it came. Object there was none.

Passion ther<6 was none. I loved nnglish class. I loved·the teacher. Neither had wronged me, and yet I felt the unendlag compulsionthat drove me to my wits " ena - the cotnpUlsion t'0 text.

Y0U should.have seen me. You should.have seen .h@w cautiously and wisely I proceedet. How cleverly1hid my cell phone :B:'Om the teacher,with what caution. with w'hat foresigilt I went to work! And every aay, I hie my tiny cell phone :from her, andwhen I texted, I would slowly pull it out from my pocke~ - oa so gently - slower than a slothl Oh you wouldhave smiled and laughed to see how slowly I move€l:! Once I had the phone in my hand., I would text with speed greater than that ofthe second hand of any dock.

The eighth time I texted in nnglisn class; however, I made a near fatal error. I left the volume - the accursed volume - on! Rig!ltas I, with flingers as nimble as a thrush weaving its nest, was sending a message to my friend, it rang. As quick as a mouse fleeing i10m its feline nemesis, I turned off the volume, hid my phone under the f()lds of my sweater, an<i threw it un<ier my desk.

I'was safe. The teacher had indeed hear<1 a nOlse, Butshe had been una"bre to discern :from whence the noise had come. Ifyou still think me mad, listen to the wise precaations I took.Afterive minates !lad passed, I ran to the "bathroom, carrying the sweaterwhich .hid my phone. In the bathroom, I worked hastily, bat in sHence, separatingthe phone ftom its Battery. I w()Ul1<i reconnect it later, bat there was no way it could maae a sound..

When I reac.hed the end of these lallors,I proceeded to return to class. I entered the classroom with grace indescribable, as if I floated from heaven i<tself. I then slid into my sea.t. The teacher,however, felt the need to discuss with the class the hatred she had for people who ~arry cell pnones to class. I smiled, £br what had [to fear? I raisedmy hand and addr<6ssed her. I told her, at great length, I agreed with her whole heartedly. She smiled brightly, happy to find in me a compatriot, while I myself shook wildly ftom the audacity and clevernessofmy action and placed a hand on the sweaterthat hid my cell phone.

She was satist'ied. My manner averted any suspicionsofhers that I might be the culprit,the t'ien<i whose cell phone had gone ()f:f earlier. But, ere long, I felt myself grow cold and I desperately wished the class woulti end. My hands quivered and I began to hear a slight buzzing noise in my ears. I raised my hand again, and began talking wilely, trying to eispel my fears.The noise grew more and more distinct. I spake louder to try and drown it out. Surely the rest of the class must hear it!

Then, with horr{)r, I realized it was not my ears; it was my phone vibratingfrom underneath my sweater!

I carefully watched the teacher. Perhaps she suspected?I shifted in my seat, and the noise grew steadily louder - louder and louder! God, no! Sm@ly, by now everyone could hear it! And yet the teacher kept smiling. Was she deaf? No, no, she knew ! Her smirk seared my saul. Smely, I thought, the most onerOll8 of bmdens would be more endurable than that mocking gaze. Oh, Godl What could I do? I felt I woald most certainly explode l>enaeath that gl1astJy stare, those diabolical eyes. And stilt, my .phone! Louder! Louder! Louder! Anti still, her eyesl They were upon me, burning like t'ire.

"Monstert" I shrieked. "It's me. It's me! It's my phone! I admit it! Here, here take it. Here is the accursed phone. Now leave me alone!"

With apologiesto EdgarA.llan Poe.

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October 2009

Glee combines comedy

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by Freddy Millan Jr. talented, Rachel tends to lead A mixture of a sitcom the numbers, leaving the other and a Broadway musical, glee club members stuck as with some soap opera backup singers.

When the other members elements • • thrown in, do sing, their performances • • Glee is a are usually better and more unique new memorable than Rachel's. show on TV. Kurt's use of the football team • • While this during the dance sequence of combination Beyonce's "Single Ladies" might seem odd, it works was pure hilarity. well.

Arguably best of all The story centers on · was Mercedes' rendition of Spanish teacher William (Will) Jasmine Sullivan's "Bust Your Schuester's attempt to restore a Windows," during which she high school's failing glee club proved that she has talent and to its former glory. His efforts personality that is criminally meet constant opposition from underused in the show. the . egotistical and over-theWhile the musica l top cheer squad director Sue numbe rs are excellent, the Sylvester, who delivers the writing could be improved. show's funniest lines.

Less than 10 episodes into the The glee club is made up of · series, the show already has characters who represent high a complex web of outrage ous school stereotypes. Superstar relationships and secrets. wannabe Rachel Berry gets Football coach Ken Tanaka is up and runs away whenever engaged to guidance counselor things don 't go her way. Kurt Emma Pillbury, who is Hummel, the gay kid, walks actually in love with Will, who to the girls ' group when Will is married to Terri Schuester, divides the club by gender for who is faking pregnancy a competition. Diva Mercedes because she fears that Will " Jones, the black girl, gets into plan s to leave her. fights with everyone.

The plot lines are moving Other members include very fast, maybe too fast. j6~k "Fi riii 'HUasoii: paraplegic With'ihvthefe:w"episouts 'aired nerd Artie Abrams, stuttering so far, new members have Goth girl Tina Cohen-Chang, joined, Sue has become the bully Noah "Puck" Puckerman, co-director of glee club, Kurt and .pregnant .. cheerleader has' started to conieoutof'the QuilliiFibr~y: . , closet, Rachelhas quit the club However, the show ' is ' aware thai .: it uses these st er e ot yp e s and frequently makes fun of them .

Kurt calls a bad song "really gay"; 'M e r c e d e s questions Will when he puts her in the white gang for West Side Story; and Artie remarks T he Glee logo from http://www.bscreview.com/wp, content/uploads/2009/09/Glee logo.jpg h ow R ache1 s outbursts are and returned, and the members losing their impact.

Each episode of Glee already think that they 're better contains a musical number. than their competition despite Unlike Broadway musicals their lack of experience. in which people randomly Glee loses momentum break out into song however, during its dramatic moments. these songs are usually done Some ofthe drama feels forced. in the context of a rehearsal, It seems superficial when performance, audition, or the resolutions to everyone's dream sequence, During these probl ems are compressed into numbers, the cast will either the last five minutes of the sing a Broadway show-tune or, episode.

Overall, Glee is a funny more commonly, a song that is popular, such as Rihanna's show with great musical "Take a Bow." The musical · numbers that set it apart from numbers are almost always other comedies. However, the superb and usually make up intricate storylines should be the best parts of each episode. put on hold until the characters Though the entire cast is are more fleshed out.

Vampires sink teeth into pop culture

by Kristina Rodulfo "Why vampires? Why not unicorns?" asked freshman Yoona Chung, addressing the recent vamp ire craze dominating mov ies and television.

The television series True Blood on HBO ,pulled in about 2 million viewers in its first season . CWll 's Vampire Diaries had the . larges t premiere in the

romance. They're willing to do anything for love," said freshman Nandine Hemraj.

"The 'forbidden love' aspect of the story is what makes it so appealing to me," agreed senior Isabella Oledzka, a fan of Twilight.

Other fans enjoy the fantasy

to storytelling.

Students of English teacher Raquel Chung's Monsters and Maniacs class study vampires' presence in culture, especially throughout film history, ranging from the 1922 film Nosferatu to HBO's True Blood.

"Every generation has [its] own vampire, and the vampire changes as a new generation comes along," said Jessica, -a student in the

artwork by Richie Bonilla channel's history. Tickets to New M oon, an installment of the Twilight series, ;,' Started selling out in September, while the movie won't be released until November. ' What is it that gives vampi res an edge in the media and leaves fans thirsting for more?

Advertisements for these shows displaying strikingly hand some men posing with beautiful wome n suggest that the blood-sucking ' isn 't what draws audiences most.

"Every vampire is always really attractive, and all the girls go crazy because he's mysterious and a bad boy," said senior Andrew Gumbs, a VampireDiaries fan.

Junior Ezra Ok believes these shows are "all about the sex appeal."

Sophomore Lois Park agreed, professing her admiration of Twilight's main character, Edward Cullen. "I love Edward Cullen.. ..his voice, the 'way they describe him .. .. and the way he looks at a girl," she said.

Whether it is Twilight 's Bella Swan and Edward Cullen or True Blood's Sookie Stackhou se and Bill Compton, vampire and human relationships seem to be another reason vampire stories are popular with audiences.

"I watch it because of

vampires contribute to a class. "Back then they were story. ,"They [vampire s] are not appealing at all, but now mysterious .in nature , and you have Edward who is super they're part ofthe supernatural. sexy."

I guess it's a chance to get out "Vampire s used to be of the ordinary," said junior cruel, ugly and isolated. Now Jessica Antudillo . we see them living among the "I like that they are . rest of society, trying to blend portrayed in a fresh light, as in. Our mod em stories show people you could be living next their good nature, makin g them door to, rather than the cliched seem more human," explained cloaked beings who tum into Isabella, who is another student bats," said senior Max Lin, a in the class.

True Blood fan.

Removing the terror from Others, like Andr ew, vampire stories may be one find the charac ter of "the ' reason for their new popularity, good vampire" - typically particularly among teenagers. a character who refrains Also, the . PG-13 rating from killing humans - most of Twilight' changed the appealing. "He wants to be demographic target for human but has to face his alter vampire stories by increasing ego. The good vampire resists its availability and appeal to a temptation," he said. wider and younger audience.

Some . students, like The 1994 popular . film junior Tommie Sperrazza, are Interview with a Vampire was unmoved. "Every channel has rated R. a show about vampires. It's "I didn't concentrate on pretty dumb how everyone is anything 'vampire' before . trying capitalize on it in the Twilight," said freshman ' industry," he said.

Rebecca Ahm ed.

"I think that the way Some wonder how long vampires are portrayed in these stories of flawless modem media is basically a appearances and risky mockery of all they represent. romances will hold their These stories suck all the viewe rs. meaning out of the vampire "People are always going legend and insert sex, pop to be fascinated by them culture, and whitened teeth," [vampires]," said junior Keisha Pilos. said senior Frankie Spitaleri.

"Vampires have always Whethe r one is or isn' t a fan of vamp ires in popular been there and always will culture, they are nothing new be," said Isabella.

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October 2009

As lialloween apprOat~e$t t~eJJ litrJfamQJiJJ:us Vampire belief perslststhrouqhout time Bloodsucking beasts use themes from the Bram

by Indira Ablskaroon and blood to give her life." leave trail across globe EuniceLau During the 18th century, Stoker novel to assist in

by Rebecca Suzuki Vampires might be the craze in the United States, but have you ever thought about their existence in other countries? Although popular culture mainly focuses on Western vampires, vampires are present in cultures all over the world, with their own unique powers and physical features.

There is no doubt that the multiple movies and television shows that feature vampires .have had some influenceon our perception of these creatures.

Senior Sherry Leung said she envisions a "pale long face, visible fangs and the red and black cape," when picturing a vampire.

With penetrating red eyes, long curved nails, long hair, and green skin, the Chinese vampire, called Ching Shih is drastically different from the stereotypical vampire.

Vampiremyths alsoexist in South America. Lobishomen is a 'Brazilian vampire that is described to be small, stumpy, and hunch-backed with bloodless . lips, yellow skin, black teeth, and a bushy beard. It also resembles a monkey and likes to suck on female blood.

In some cultures, vampires are portrayed as baby-killers.

In Mexico, there are legends about a vampire named .Cihuateteo. This is a monster which was either a stillborn baby or a mother who died in childbirth and attacks and paralyzes babies.

It has the ability to fly and has very white hands, arms, and face.

Although it attacks babies, if one offers bread, Cihuateteo will eat it and will become too stuffed to attack humans.

If one does not have bread, meteorites work just as well.

The Malaysian vampire, Penanggalan, is portrayed as a baby killer who died during childbirth, and therefore feeds on infants' blood. She has long fingernails, wears a green robe, and has a hole in her neck, which acts as her mouth to suck blood.

Similarly 路 the Indian vampire, named Punyaiama, is depicted as a woman who

either died unnaturally or in childbirth, . However, unlike the Penanggalan, she sucks the blood out of sleeping men by sending a magic thread down the chimney.

European vampires are similar to vampires that we see in the modem media, but they also differ depending on the country of origin. In Albania, the vampire is called Sampiro. It is compelled to go out at night in a cloak and high heels to spread death and destruction.

In contrast, the Bosnian .vampire called Balutsauger is . a hairy vampire that does not have a skeleton. It is able to change forms into a rat or a wolf, and tries to make people eat dirt from its tomb so that they will become vampires.

The Romanian .vampire, called Strigoiu, is able to take the form of dogs, cats, frogs, . and insects. It is also capable of draining all of the energy out of people.

While the "stereotypical" view of a vampire

The vampire we know today has a long history dating back to Slavic folklore.

Conflicts between paganism and Christianity in the 9th century produced the first visions of vampires.

As . Christianity became more widespread, vampirism was one pagan belief that survivied as a legend.

"Vampires are shown differently in different legends," says Claire .

Bromberg, a junior in English teacher Raquel Chung's Monsters and Maniacs class. "[But] basically a vampire is someone who died, came back to life, and drinks blood."

It was thought that people who committed suicide, those that died without being baptised, and those who were never buried, were the ones who became vampires.

Throughout the years, there have . been ' many instances where people were accused of being vampires.

One such woman, the Countess Elizabeth Bathory, believed that rubbing blood on her face would make her beautiful. "[The Countess] ordered girls to come to her bed. Then shewould bite them and tear off their flesh," according to JP Amato, a junior. "She would kill women for their

many more allegations' led to a large vampire scare that expanded throughout Eastern Europe. There was a sudden outbreak ofalleged vampire attacks under the Habsburg Monarchy, leading to mass hysteria.

After decades of controversy, Gerhard van Swieten, (the personal physician of Empress Maria Theresa ofAustria), was sent to conduct his own research regarding the situation.

He there was no evidence that vampires existed.

Nevertheless, the Empress prohibited the opening of artwork by Liz Kussman graves and desecration of bodies.

Influenced by the profiling their vampires.

They are generally controversy, authors began portrayed as very sexual to write about vampires. The storybook _.vampirei.became sre~rures, of!.~HJ}}~ying bat-li~~ increasingly popular as the qualities, with an aversion to crucifixes and garlic. centuries passed.

Earlier poems include Lord Byron's The Giaour, and Sources: Richardson, Beverley. Vampires in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Myth and History. 9 December Christabel.

2008.

One of the most famous Knight, India. A VampireObsession.

27 September 2009. examples of vampires . in Seidman, Robert. "The Vampire literature is Bram Stoker's Diaries" grows week to week in Dracula. Filmmakers often target demo. 2 October 2009.

Vampire Checklist These characteristics were historically attributed (0 vampires: artwork by Liz Kussman

today might be a physically attractive, pale, mysterious male or female, there are many different versions in all parts of the world.

Next time you think of a vampire, don't automatically think of Twilight's Edward Cullen. Instead, consider that vampires could also have green skin, black teeth, and holes in their necks!

Sources: BBC Home ' Page. "Vampires." . Online. 25 Oct. 2009. <http://www. bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A273566>.

"The Vampiresin Different Cultures."

1994-2009. Online. Internet. 25 Oct. 2009. <http://www.vampyres. ca/portaI/20070524/vampyre-hiskith-and-kin/vampire- differentcultures>.:

the youngest of seven siblings of the same sex the child of a woman who was the victim of the evil eye or an evil comment while she was pregnant with it a person who borrowed money promising to pay it back, but never did someone who died unbaptized and was buried in unholy ground someone who committed suicide The following scenarios were believed to be signs that a vamp ire was in the community: a dead person's family faces disaster (for example, more deaths, accidents, or economic loss) things go missing the family is visited by a stranger who is unrecogn izable distu rbed graves

This list was taken from the notes ofa student in the Monsters and Maniacs class.

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The Classic

October 2009

Junior Varsity Volleyball team loses first match to Bowne

by Grace Shin The Girls' Junior Varsity Volleyball team competed in its first game of the season at Benjamin Cardozo High

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said, "Even without our best setter, we still did really well in the second game.

We just have to work on direction and control."

This sentiment was echoed by many of the girls, including freshman Joann Jeong, who said, "First of all, we have to have all the players come to practice.

Then we can get better."

"There was a lot more control in the second game," said coach a 'Donoghue.

"And I think they have a lot more talent than John Bowne."

Rhea Prabhu, freshman, agreed, stating, "We lost because it was our fault; it wasn't that they [John Bowne] were good. We were really nervous because most of the people [had] never played before."

"It's less intense right now because it was the first game," said Christiana.

"And [O'Donoghue] is new, and so is half of the team." Like the other members, she reasoned, "we need to practice; that's all." .

O'Donoghue said that he wants to help the girls be more prepared .and to help them improve' their performance.

"I want to get the extra work in for future games," he said, adding,"My main focus is to get the girls on Varsity."

Lady Hawks place second at Queens Championships

by Eilin Perez The Girls' Track team showcased its underclassmen at the Queens Freshman-Sophomore Borough Championships on October 14 at Cunningham Park. . The girls .came in second to Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in both the freshman 1.5-mile race and the sophomore 2.5-mile race.

Francis Lewis rounded out the top three in both events .

The Hawks had four runners in the

straightaway, I thought about passing the girl in front ofme and about running as hard as I could," said Paz .

Coach Timothy Connor thought that the girls did an exceptional job. "A lot of sophomores improved from last year as a group of freshmen," he said.

"A year ago, we were destroyed

by Cardozo. This year, the margin was only five points," he added.

The Harris girls had five runners in the top 15 in the freshman 1.5-mile

The J unior Vars ity Volleyball team still smiles after its first loss.

School on October 15 against the John Bowne Wildcats. The Hawks were -defeated in two matches, 25- 16 and 2624.

"I blame it on myself because I don' t think I prepared them enough," said new coach Brendan O'Donoghue.

O'Donoghue came into his position recently after being recommended to athletic director and varsity volleyball coach Wanda Nix. He added, "The girls were really nervous ."

"A lot of us are beginners," explained sophomore Christiana Michelli, who'was 'not present at the game .

The team's only setter, sophomore Jennifer Yoo, was not at the game either, which took a toll on the girls.

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lmproves to 5-'Q and inspirethem to work hard."

Improvement within the bout is also important. "Time outs are just a way for the fencer to find out what he is doing wrong and fix it," Suwada said.

Another important factor is their synergy with the Girls' Fencing squad.

"We have a culture that the girls are supporters of and fence with the boys,

The Boys'Fencing team triumphed over the Queens High School of Teaching (1-3) by a score of 8.5 to 0.5 on October 14 in the gymnasium. The win keeps the Hawks undefeated at 5-0 at the season's midpoint.

In Game A, seniors Paul Suwada and Christopher Quach swept four to nothing, allowing only two touch es from the opposition. After starting slowly in the first bout, senior Isaiah Yim and "el' ... junior Sean Casey won -= Game B, three to zero. ~ Teaching earned its .~ only points in Game C, ; -= V1 squandering the game ~ ..c 1.5 to 0.5, with seniors .se Devon Delatour, Alexis ' -= 1:1.

Chavez, and Christopher Zhang earning the victory.

Suwada said the Th e Boys' Fencing team remains undefeated at 5-0. matches are just an exercise toward the larger task; winning and the boys do the same," coach in the playoffs. "The fencing team as Michlewitz said. a whole is getting prepared to win in Michlewitz said, "Every match the playoffs. [Fencing] against many of is important; every bout is important; these teams [in Queens] is just a warm- every touch is important." up. The [other] top schools in Queens The Hawks start ' the second are Francis Lewis and Cardozo. These half of their season at home against are the teams we have to do better Jamaica High School (0-2) on October against," he said.

19, rounding out the regular season Coach Debra Michlewitz credits with matches against Cardozo, Robert the team's success to their experience. F. Kennedy, and Francis Lewis High "It -is very much the team leading Schools, along with a second match itself; they're very seasoned," she said, against the Queens High School of adding that her main job "is to instruct Teaching. f

Sophomores Andia Paz and Lois Park (front), and freshman Judith Suzuki and sophomore Kerry McEnerney run at the Queens Freshman-Sophomore Borough Championships.

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top 10 in the 2.5-mile race, including sophomores Marta Tomaszewski, Andia Paz, Jennifer Gersten, and Lois Park. ",-':'.Tomaszewski ' finished in second place in the 2.5-mile contest with a time of 18 minutes and 24 seconds.

"The track meet brought us together as a team. It was a great day and I felt good after finishing," she commented.

Paz finished in seventh place in the 2.5- mile race with a time of 19 minutes and 32 seconds. She came within three seconds of passing a runner from Francis Lewis in the final straightaway of the race.

"Running through the

race, including Klaudia Garncarz, Maria Diaz Gonzalez, Lily Pan and Judith Suzuki.

Gamcarz was the first Harris freshman to finish the 1.5- mile race.

She came in sixth place with a time of 11 minutes and 42 seconds, a personal best.

Despite coming in second place to Cardozo, Coach Connor believed that this meet was an indication of "a good future."

The Girls' Track team rounds out its season with the PSAL Freshman!

Sophomore City Championships on November 7, and the PSAL City Championships on November 14.

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Hawks kick past Richmond Hill

by Arthur Tarley The Boys ' Soccer team (6-6-1) defeated the Richmond Hill Bulldogs (3-11) with a score of 6-1 on October 16, gaining a much-needed victory and becoming a step closer to a long-awaited playoff berth.

At the very beginning of the game , they brought their hard-nosed defense onto the field and suffocated the Richmond Hill attack. Along with staunch defense, the Hawks showed offensive prowess, scoring two goals in the first half and four in the second.

Senior midfielder and captain Nicolas Fedus led the offense with two goals . Fedus scored his first goal when he curled the ball around a charging goalkeeper and his second on a penalty kick.

When asked how he felt about his performance he said, "I think I made good decisions when I had the ball and felt dialed in."

Fedus also spoke about the prospect of the playoffs, saying, "All my years with the Hawk s, and I hadn 't made the playoffs. I'm ecstatic and determined to do my best and lead the team."

A key part of the Hawks' defense, senior defensive midfielder Isaac Teboul was excited about the win.

After the game, he said, "I'm really happy about the way we played today and the way we were able to take advantage of our scoring opportunities."

Teboul added, "The _defense played great and I can't wait to compete in the playoffs."

Coach Raymo nd Adamkiewicz hopes to lead his team to the playoffs after a three-year postseason drought.

"I'm proud of the guys and the way they've played this season, especially today," he said. He added, "I think we can do well if the team plays to its potential."