The Classic newspaper Volume 16 Issue no. 2

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VoL 16, No. 2. December; 1999

asstc Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

by Noreen Bukhari fit. Six students (one from Twelve thousand simu- each class) will be desig-·lated bucks .(simbucks) will nated "fat cats," and will be controlled by freshmen, control 500 simbucks each. sophomores, and juniors for "Last year there was a limthe first time in this year's ited amount of money availmock campaign for the year able to the candidates, so this 2000 Presidential Primaries. program increases the Susan Getting's two Global amount of money in the Studies 1 classes, Adam simulation," said technical Stonehill's two Global Stud- intern Zara Ziff, a graduate ies 3 classes, and Nancy of the class of 1999.

Leib's two Aillerican History Each candidate initially classes will actively partici- controls a certain ·number of pate in the fundraising aspeCt simbucks based upon the actual ca·ndidate's treasury. of the campaign.

This year's simulation, Candidates who wish to inwhich began on November crease their money must con~ 18, includes primary Repub- vince the underclassmen in lican candidates George W. the six classes to support Bush, played by senior An- them. "This new element drew Goldberg; John · mirrors the actual elections McCain, portrayed by senior because in the real world, Jack Bouba; ·and Steve citizens can give their money Forbes, portrayed by senior . to campaigns .... McCain, for Chris Munde. The role of example, has an opportunity Democratic Vice President to raise 6,000 simbucks," AI Gore will be played by se- said Participatory Derrwcnior Kenny Rubinov, while racy teacher Nancy Leib. his opponent, Bill Bradley, According to the rules of the will be portrayed by . senior simulation, an individual Josh Deely. contribution to any one camAll students in the desig- paign may not exceed 200 nated classes will receive 15 simbucks. simbucks to use as they see continued on p. 5

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Founders' Day Coverage pp. 6-7

MelbourneAvenu~,

Flushing, NY 11367

Mural expands 'imagination' -

Candidates to solicit doughnations from 'fat cats'

French teacherMariet D'Souza drops canned food into a box to be sent to the Mercy Center. The food, which was distributed to the less fortunate for Thanksgiving, was collected.in conjunction with the celebration of Founders' · Day. See pages 6-7.

149-11

by Rachel Nobel to be realized. "It's like the dif- tions of words like "water" and Depicting language through ferent stages of life at "space." "People don't take the art work may have seemed like Townsend Harris," said junior time to really stand there antl a difficult task for ·the 20 stu- Salma Ragoonath, _studying a look at it."Cheryl added that it dents who agreed to participate tile that reads "rebirth." Junior is important not to "see each tile in constructing a mural 'last Cheryl Chan, who created four _ individually," because an illusspring. But three months and 64 tiles for the mural, just likes tratjon on one tile is often conclay titles after the project was ·~showing my. friends how my tinued into several tiles. first conceived, the mural, en- .hand fits exactly into [the imThe colors of the titled, "SReakings: The Many mural are designed Voices of Language,'' has been to overlap, with the hung in the second floor hallbackground of each way and was unveiled on Notile gradually bevember30. coming lighter as the Designed and created by tiles move further artistically and literally in- · up. "The colors redined Harrisites under the dially affect what rection of artist Elizabeth we're trying to say Crawford and Richard Lewis, ~ere," said Neggme. director of the Touchstone While not every- · Center, a non-profit organizaone has had the tion that sponsors art projects chance to study it in in city schools, the mural's detail, many stuUnveiled on N!}vember 30, the second floor tile tiles portray each student's dents are beginning mural depicts the "many voices of language." ideas on the physical manifesto notice and appretation of language. One tile print on] my tile." ciate the mural, which hangs simply reads "AWAKE" in Some of the artists who par- outside the instrument room in large letters. Another depicts ticipated in the project.maintaill--tl:>.eJgb~y "I think;'· said.osopho-- - - - language as a blooming flower. that to truly appreciate the mu- more Megan Gilf, "that it's · · Before the mural was hung, ral, one has to pay close atten- beautiful."

Ms. Crawford said that she tion to the tiles. "I've seen The building of the mural hoped it would help viewers to people walk by and say, 'It's not · was an outgrowth of an !magireflect on language. As students really that great-looking,"' said nation Workshop for faculty gathered in front of it to discuss Junior Neggme Elreda, whose and students conducted by Mr. its meaning, her wish Seemed ~iles portray intricate illustra- Lewis from 1995 to 1998.

Space shortage leaves little room to maneuver

by Bosede Adenekan ·old spaces are being sought.

Queens High Schools' Su- For example, 642, the cheniisperintendent John Lee has try lecture room, was divided made additional funding avail- into two sections for two difable this year to reduce the ferent classes, and the chorus number of students in Math 3 room is now' holding health andEnglish5and6classesand educationclasses. Thesizeof run more of those classes. the each class is limited by the money was allocated in the be- Board of Education to 34 stulief that a smaller class size - dents, but almost 20% of would lead to higher grades on · Townsend Harris classes have the Regents. A shortage of fewer students than this beclassroom space, however, cause some classes, like phomakes it difficult to run these tograRhy, require a smaller extra 'Classes. class size. Furthermore, some -- The number of classrooms · electi~e classes such as asin this building corresponds to · tronomy are allowed to run the small number of students with only 2? - 29 pilrticipants. here. As a result, there are no Because classroom space is unused rooms available for new limited, the school does not classes, and new ways ·to use have the luxury of having many

New York's Unknown p.8

Long Last Names p. 10

smaller classes.

There are a few ways of dealing with the space.crisis, as suggested by members of the New York branch of the United Federation ofTeachers, faculty, . an_d Principal Malcolm Largmann. It could become mandatory only to run classes that have 34 students, eliminating the existence of certain Advanced Placement, language and art classes.Offering certain new AP courses with a lab requirement would present ttnother problem as well. "Since AP Physics is required to last 80 minutes each day, it would take two periods, which would mean that a student would havecontinued on p. 10

Post-Season Sports Coverage pp. 11-12

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The

Keeping' an open mind on the closed door Any shopper who has ever walked up to the door of a store at .closing time before the holidays, fully aware of the unlikelihood of being allowed in, but motivated merely by the fear of having to return home empty-handed after another day spent in pursuit of the perfect present, can empathize with the senior class. The glowing neon sign detected from a distance, the lights seen inside the store, as well as the customers exiting, all provide a promising, tho~gh false, sense of hope that the door is in..: deed open. Similarly, seniors who see a security officer sitting at the "rear" door as they hurry back from the Queens College campus, as well as their classmates exiting, are duped by a false and all-too-literal sense of "security" into believing they can save valuable time by entering the building thro~gh the back entrance.

This is because the rule regarding the -

M~aningless

utilization of the backdoor as a secondary entrance for seniors, though actually a long-standing administrative policy, has been distorted recently by rumors and half-truths. · According to Principal Malcolm Largmann, the rule has always been that "until the school receives a third security agent, seniors may exit but not enter through the back door." The addition of a third security officer wo'u ld enable both the Melbourne Avenue and Queens College campus entrances to be staffed with agents capable of monitoring entering 3!1d exiting traffic. But a citywide shortage of security agents, coupled with Harris' strong safety record, seem to make such an expansion of our school's security staff an unlikely event in the forseeable future. Thus, although the administration's aim to limit access to the building is understandable and wellintentioned, especially given the recent

moans must end

"Yakity yak yak yak, shut the back door to you too."

Busy bees they are, "But how much more flying can bubbly busy bees do?"

The swarm sweeps in, with lunchbags that scream Micky Dee's, where bees have just been. " 'Out with the fries,' They say, They say, But why must it always be that way?

'Because a boss is a boss of course of course.'

Yakity yak yak yak, shut the back door to you too."

And the bees; those bees, some get referrals For wearing jackets while going to class.

Those hip, hardworking, obedient bees Near tears, practically on their knees. ''Why should we receive such a punishment, When the rule is not in the handbook?

'Because a boss is a boss of course of course.'

Yakity yak yak yak, shut the back door to you too."

While the day, wears on, the busy bees buzz About tests and schoolwork and tests and rules, "A barrage of tests knocked the wind out of me."

"Chewing gum brought me some more misery."

"I ran to the restroom only to see, It was locked again- why' must this be? · 'Because a boss is a boss of course of course.'

Yakity yak yak yak, shut the back door to you too.''

So on and on, they drone and moan; bees bubbling with unrest.

Hey bees, you're small enough to swat away, Yet, you've big important things to say.

But before you cry, fully understand why.

Try not to waste that breath and that time, Instead make haste (don't groan, don't whine) To intelligently articulate what boggles the mind.

Convey a clear mess_age to the boss; of ~ourse.

If not, keep quiet, for continuous complaints Do nothing, Mean nothing, Say nothing, Are nothing, too.

rash of school shootings in America, its closed-door policy regarding the rear exit should at least be opened to a more realistic compromise in the meantime.

When stationed at the back door, security agents have been told that, even in inclement weather, · they are not to allow seniors to enter: Doing so, according to Dr. Largmann, would create confusion with a policy designed to be consistent. Unfortunately, it is this heartless effort to maintain a consistent policy, which, like a guard standing inside a store at closing time instructed only to let customers out and not in, often puts the hard-working Harris security staff in a. negative light. Although it's unusual under our two-guard system to find a security agent at the backdoor, when such a situation does arise - and particularly if it comes about during the heart of the wicked winter weather - why can't an exception be made? After all, a trained security agent who does such a cominendable job in recognizing the faces of those .who enter through the main entrance is just as qualified to do the same job at the back door. In this. way, it would be possible forthe administration to compromise with seniors while still ensuring their safety.

Although many seQiors believe they are getting a run-around from the administration, the more prudent people understand that allowing an aide to oversee the flow of traffic at the backdoor simply isn't a good idea. It doesn't provide the level of security needed to keep our school free from intruders. Still, the fact that an aide is often stationed at the front door during the day seems to contradict the logic behind this policy of only allowing students to enter the building in the presence of a professional security agent. What accounts for this inAndrew Goldberg Lauren Paley Editors-in-Chief Bosede Adenekan Rebecca Munoz News Editor

Feature Editor

Brian Griffing

Audley Wilson

Spon. Editor

Pbotocraphy Editor

Alice Lee Steven Seidenfeld Baslnas IDd Cln:alatloe

Lucy Hong Art Editor

consistency? After all, if seniors were to show their program cards upon entering the building, even an aide would be able to distinguish Harrisites from visitors (wanted and otherwise).

Regretably, in a public school system plagued by the loss of many school safety agents to higher-paying posts in the New York City police department, the underlying issue in acquiring a third security agent (and opening the - backdoor) is that guards must first be allocated to those schools where their presence is demanded to break up brawls and confiscate weapons. While we always advocate action, and would ordinarily encourage seniors to become involved by lobbying the Division of School Safety for an additional guard, the sorry state of our city's dangerous schools makes our fight for convenience seem, in the scheme of things, somewhat trivial. But in the minds of seniors, the seemingly small issue looms large, and has come to be seen as a symbol of the administration's unwillingness to compromise. It's sad that seniors, instead of being rewarded for their exemplary conduct, suffer from a loss of privileges as a result of attending one of Queens' safest schools.

The administration thinks it is allowing seniors to. get one foot in the door by promising to expand backdoor privileges in the future. But its conditional policy is, in reality, just as illusory as the seemingly welcoming sight of a security agent sitting behind a closed door.

It is possible, however, for the administration to compromise with seniors without compromising security. In doing so, it would prove to them that three years of hard work and good behavior, though at Harris "merely expected," should also b~ appreciated and rewarded.

Townsend Harris High School at Queens.College 149-11 MelboumeAvenue,Fiushlng,N.Y.Il367 . '" Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be placed in Ms. Cowen's mailbox in the general office. The Classic re. serves the right to edit all letters. Letters must. include name and official class. Names will be withheld upon request.

Muacer

News Staff: Afton ·aaff, Noreen Bukhari,Anlhony Ciolli, Karen DeVIla, Lorraine Kapovich, Alice Lee, Danielle Lord, Rac~l

Nobel, Anna Olson, AUison Slotnick, Sara Tliitz

Feature Staff: Lawen AmoriUo, Jonathan Cofsky, Beth Dubili, Emmy Favilla,Jennifer Go111l,Dcbbie Gopstcin,Karen Hendershol, Ancela Hom, Surablli Jain, Nadia Kahnauth,Ricki Miaw, Valentina Neslerovskaya,Mic~le Pccofsl:y, Carolilia

Pruss. Emily Rubinslein, Sarah Schnee,Steven Seidenfeld, Diane Tiao, Eric Trager Sports Staff: Josh Fo<, Arielle Frosl, Asllley Pillsbury, Eric Tnaer Photo&rliPhY Staff: Muia Cando, Jamie CUUen, AJX;il Dimla, Kellie Ebe; Alice losifescu, Jamie GuUen, Donovan PaulGonzalez, Jennifer Sheth, Shara Siegel. Trislan VISCODdez, Eric Tnoger, Dawn Wing, Hye-Kyung Yang. Wliliam Yang ~Raymond Bam, Vivian OlanJ, Duris Odega. Kelly PurteU, Emily Rivlin-Nodler

Lay-out Staff· James Cleveland, Amy Clm:io, Oarkc Gradinger, Steven L<e

Advisor - lisa Cowen

Principal - Dr. Malcolm Largmann

1999

3

Letters to the Editor Reflections on s·rooklyn Museum, Founders' Day To the Editor: I was shocked and dismayed by your editorial supporting the showing of that defamatory painting at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. · The Virgin Mother represents to us Catholics the embodiment of all the finest feminine qualities of our own mothers. How would you like to see a painting of your mother denigrated with elephant dung and people's private parts?

In the Latin culture (Latin America, Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Romania), the mother is revered, cherished, and honored. In Spanish America and · Spain, "Tu Madre," "Your Mother" are fighting words. This painting is, in fact, an affront to all women and mothers everywhere. Any woman in her right mind will oppose this assault on women.

There is enough physical and emotional abuse of women and children in the world already! I demand that my taxpayer money be used to defend women . and children!

The Brooklyn Museum also demonstrates a callous disregard for the Sacred Religious Symbols of Catholicism. If anyone were to dare do such a thing to the Star of David, I would be the first non-Jew out there condemning it. An attack on one religion is an attack on all religions.

As a taxpayer I demand that the Brooklyn Museum of Art meet the highest standards of respect for women, for motherhood, for children, and for the religious symbols of all faiths.

Michael Piane Spanish teacher To the Editor: In regards to the editorial "Mayor takes on First Amendment in the art world," I'm glad to see someone shares my opinion. I'm a Roman Catholic, and I must agree that in a way this exhibit is offensive. I was always taught to respect God and ·show him how much I love him. But, I was' also taught that we each have our own views and opinions on different matters and we should respect each other for them. Therefore, I have to disagree with Giuliani's ac. tions, and support the museum for risking so much to have that display open.

We should be open to others' ideas, and try to understand where they are coming from, instead of criticizing without any back-up.

My one question to you is, do you think we as a community of Townsend Harris students can do something about this? A petition, a strike, or something?

I'd be very interested if we could officially speak out against Giuliani, and, using your words, tell him, "Deny us exposure to varied ideas and we'll never learn to develop judgment and think for ourselves. Deny us the First Amendment and ol.lr Humanities education will be useless."

I'm glad we agree on this. I hope

more people will put their "censor systems" off so we can enjoy life, and see the beauty of it through the eyes of one another.

Anna Orzeszek, 12-6

To the Editor: again, there were jeers mixed in with [Before it took place,] I was curious claps. Among the many things that hapabout the much-talked-about Founders' pen on Founders' Day, freshmen were.

Day. I wasn't quite sure what it would formally welcomed and initiated into actually be like, but all I cared about it Townsend Harris High School. This was was that it was a half-day and we would not a warm welcome by any means. Yet be in the Queens College auditorium. no one said anything, and .the jeers died Surprisingly, Founders' Day turned out down without incident. to be very amusing, entertaining, as well Everything else went smoothly duras meaningful. The truth is, I was very ing the ceremony. The concert band perclose to not attending Founders' Day at formed more extraordinary pieces, the all, since I had permission from my par- speech by 1992 alumnus Shamir Khan ents to go to the Yankee Parade. Yet, I was inspirational, and I found myself do not fully regret missing out on one laughing at the Founders' Day Chalof the most exciting events in sports his- lenge presentations. No one jeered as the tory. · freshmen and incoming tenth graders The entire program for Founders' recited the Ephebic Oath, yet as soon as Day was set up wonderfully. I enjoyed the ceremony ended and the audience the significant story told by the gradu- was dismissed, the smile faded on my ate of '92. My favorite part was the face.

Founders' Day Challenge presented by Townsend Harris has always credited the students. I've never been in a school itself for being a friendly, loving and that made so much fun of teachers and close-knit community. It is true that I the school itself, and still be able to am on friendly terms with many of the laugh about it together. I found most older Harrisites, and that ifl went to any parts hilarious, and quite true. I defi- other school, this comradeship would nitely had fun at Founders' Day; I just not exist. Nevertheless, how does jeerwish it wasn't only once a year. Other . ing show good will and affinity? It than the exciting, work-free day, I real- doesn'L So while the school may be ized just how much the school has been smaller and more close-knit than other through and how hard everyone works schools, we must realize that Townsend to keep it as the wonderful school it is. Harris is not perfect.

Svet Trocheva, 908 Jessica Wang, 908

To the Editor: Your October 1999 issue's article, "Mayor takes on First Amendment in art world," provides a felt _defense of artists' rights to express themselves in any and every manner, regardless of the controversy and offense it may cause. The information provided to the reader, however, is embarrassingly biased. This, understandably, is the very nature of an editorial piece, but, when one fails to approach an issue from several vantages, the argument becomes little more than a rant.

As one highly interested in both the Fine Arts and politics, I can understand the need to have open expression of all ideas and the need to please large groups of people justly and effectively. Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's quick rage and drastic actions are not desirable to anyone, and his fall-back on the museum's lease is not respectable. But one must put themselves in the shoes of a large constituency of Christians and individuals belonging to a particular belief group who understand how it feels to have an icon so egregiously depicted. The editors' comment that Giuliani "has no au- To the Editor: For weeks and weeks my teachers thority to change the course of an eshad discussed Founders' Day in class, tablishment paid for by New Yorkers because of these beliefs" [ignores] the and I found myself looking forward to fact that those expressing disapproval of my first Founders' Day at Townsend "Sensation!" are also New Yorkers and Harris. Judging from the Founders' Day Challenge assignment, the discussion of fellow taxpayers.

Defenders of the controversial art at the Ephebic Oath's meaning in the Writthe Brooklyn Museum of Art criticize ing Process class, and the Founders' Day Giuliani for impeding self-expression reports collected and presented during and free thinking, but is this not what second band of the actual <lay, I thought Giuliani, Christians and other offended it was to be an extremely important and New Yorkers practice in their protests? special event. In some aspects, my asRelying on a superficial interpretation sumption was correct; in others, it was of "freedom of expression" serves no not.

"Oh, you'lljust love Founders' Day. purpose without applying this concept to other matters in society. It is widely It's fun and it's only half a day! What understood that freedom of speech, could be better?" other more experipress and expression have bounedaries. enced Harrisites told me.

As the freshmen were the last of the Those boundaries lie at the point of infringing upon other peoples; beliefs and Harrisites to head out to Colden Center, belongings. Do those boundaries not the sophomores and upperclassmen were already seated. I felt extremely apply to the art world?

Much of the outcry is the result of uncomfortably being scrutinized as I . slanted media coverage and a faihire to walked down the aisle with the rest of approach Chris Ofili's The Holy Virgin my homeroom, past the older Harrisites, Mother from different angles. Elephant to our seats in the front. These feelings dung, in some cultures, may be consid- of unease went away as I listened to the ered symbolic of purity, and the por- talented concert band and the greetings trayal of body parts associated with from various speakers. During Dr. sexuality may have been intended in a · Largmann's address, however, I f~lt unwholly opposite .way from what critics comfortable and even a trifle angry.

It was not anything that Dr. and supporters assume. Vaguely in.formed yet heated argument on both Largmann said which caused these feelsides make this controversy laughable, ings to rise up inside me, but rather the and, at times, it seems nothing more than audience's reaction to the principal's words. When Dr. Largmann mentioned a war between pointing fingers . . the freshmen and incoming sophomores Alison R. Park were to carry the school's traditions once SU President

To the Editor: This is a letter regarding my reaction to the Founders' Day festivities of October 29, 1999. Although my overall impression of the day was excellent, there were some features that I opposed and others I felt needed emphasis.

The most enjoyable parts of the day were when the band played and when the skits were acted out. The musicians were excellent, and the music they played was delightful. The skits were very amusing because most of them exaggerated stories relating to teachers and rumors about them. They pointed out certain well-known school occurrences, such as a tiring gym class. Another skit presented a child who had "Harrisitis," and all he could think of was things relating to school, such as collaterals. I believe that some skits included negative things about the teachers and pointed out some of their characteristics, which may have offended them.

I thought that there wasn't enough emphasis on the ... alumni who created the school, how they did so, and who they are. There was one alumnus who spoke about his life after graduating from Townsend Harris and several people spoke, in general terms, of the founders of the school. Otherwise, the entire ·assembly seemed like a fun gettogether of all the students and staff.

On the whole, Founder's Day was a memorable event that will remind me of the warm atmospheFe the school has.

Jonathan Kamler, 904

4

The Classic December 1 ·

A.rlata awards this year's achitavers

by Allisou Slotuiek As ahvays, tbi$ yeM's-a8mlal

Arlita in.fiuction eeremony lionoted students possessing exemplary sell01-

arsbip.leafirslti>. service. and cl'lar.. aeter. H'Ckl on Wednesday,. November 3 at Queens C81lege's O!Jtaen aud:itorium,

~event

celebrated the

new and. r~ mem.berskips of

37fJ·&tOOents into fhe Nationm.Honor Sooiety.

'Fhe ass.emblY, began with a candle li;g~ng qereBlQny, beaded by tlle

Aristla ot'fi:cers: ' senior ShiV.na

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• A;,:. sentor .n.J:.ta IC.undab, Tbir<l Year Vice PtesiEient; jmrior Jetmifer Munfigllerra. ~ee0nd Yef,lf Vic~ President: jmHm' IUehart'l Wong, Secretary; and jsn.. ior Janine Petrovi:ts, Treasurer.

Speakers - .i~ud'ed · Principal.

Malcolm Largm&nn; M'ai'Vitt Leiner, liaison between Townsend Ihris and •.1. ,, lliuOO,

O.....ft'•.l.

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•-lluent;

Que;ens C()tfege~·

ana M~garet

,Landry, AJJista mtviser. Shivana also delivered a speeck encoura-g stu~ dents to reaeb. for fihe stars. The ·eon~ ~tt band perfotftled Carti1011 ~­ plumy, a medley of popular cartoon tunes. 'Ibeeeremony 09ndudett witb the recitation ol the annual inEluetion pledge and the presentation piUs and certi!flcatecs.

Shivana has ~h hopes for what, Arista wUlaebieve this year. ••Msta consists oltlle m~t sfi'Wngl~ dev.oteEl stulitents who always go the extra mta.. The ptll'pose of Arista is to Eeach oW! t0 oar werN and efU.'ieb it.

Hopefully, this year we can di$,-lay all of ot'lr ttaits to tile communit.y, ·an'(!) set an <e~amp1e," she said. This no· tion is alfeady being brouP,t to lite with the Fetmy Harvest. an Arista-sponsot'ed activity in which students donate spare eh'ange to charity.

Skivana ,tans t0 expand the par· ticipation of Adsm members in en.. joyable events that beneftttlle com· mllllity because, she said~ "the only unifying event members participate in is the induction ceremony.'' ..Active parti9ipation is a key t>0 A:tista, aJ:fd there should be more inclusion of members and o:fficers," said' Ms. Landry who was Arista president in ber bigh seh.oel.

To be ~ualitied fur induction into this national ho.nor soc.:iet~. one must have ·llQ average over ,0, at least 50 hours of community service, Qlle scho.o1 activity, and p;o mo~ than three points 011 one's de.a n's record.

Any questions of caruiidate eltgihil.. ity are brought befwe th~.e Arista sen· ate, which c-oqsists af Program eo.. ordi11ator Arthur B<tJnlanger, Math teacher Sheley Goldfarb, pitiance counselor James Murray, Dean Wanda Nix, ~Jnd hlstory -acher An-

ef

thony Seamati.

Chinese delegat~s visit classrooms

by Alice Lee speech by junior Alice Lee, senior Eliza- and students. They said that they were Chinese educators from Kun Ming beth Mo and sophomore Titia Chiang, particularly impressed by the interacCity arrived at Townsend Harris on dressed in red and gold, performed a tra- tion between the students and the teachOctober 20 to observe classes and to ditional Chinese ribbon dance. The del- ers, and how the students responded learn about the American education egates invited the two student dancers freely, questioning and arguing differ• system. They had been invited ent views. One

by Principal Malcolm delegate said that Largmann as an extension of he had learned a the exchange program to great deal about China in which he was a parthe United States' ticipant last year. educational stanPauline Chu, District 25 dards and that School Board member and the there are many President of the Chinese improvements American Parent Association, that can be made was the liaison for the delegain the education tion. She had also helped arof students in Kun range the exchange program Min g. between the U.S. principals The delegates and those from Kun Ming City gave Dr. Lee and last year. Assistant Principal Dr. Largmann of Foreign Languages Joan presents, includ~ Walsh planned the activities ing top brand tea Dancing for the delegates: Senior Elizabeth Mo and sophomore Titia Chang designed to welcome the visiexclusively welcome educators from Kun Ming City, China on October 20 with a traditional tors. grown in Kun Chinese ribbon dance.

The day did not begin Ming, an illussmoothly due to a rain storm. trated picture When Superintendent John Lee, to China to perform there as well. book which explained the various sites School Board members, and other high The visitors were then treated to a and history of Kun Ming, and a cloth school principals arrived at Townsend brunch buffet during which the repre- sewed by the residents of Kun Ming.

Harris to greet the 16 Chinese delsentative of the delegation thanked In return, Dr. Largmann gave each delegates, they found that the educators Townsend Harris for its hospitality and egate a Townsend Harris tee-shirt. Afwere not there. They arrived two hours suggested a continued exchange be- ter the reception, the delegates were later explaining that the flooding rain tween the United States·and China. The given a tour around the school buildcaused two hours of traffic delay on the . Chinese delegates also expressed their ing. profound admiration for Townsend Harroads.

Alice Lee served as one ofthe trans~ After a short, bilingual welcoming ris, and the dedication of the teachers lators for the Chinese delegates.

Annual Kick-off Mixer 'hits the spot'

by Lorraine Kapovich Music and dancing kicked off the 1999-2000 school year at the annual Mixer. Festivities were held at the Student Union (S.U.) Building on Friday, October 15, from 2:45 to 5:45p.m. The event, sponsored by the senior class and

coordinated by senior advisor Ellen Schwartz along with senior Shawn Kodes, aimed to get all students acquainted with one another.

"We finally got a chance to talk to each other, outside of school, about something other than school," said freshman Doug Manhart.

"The Mixer hit the spot after a long week of school and it was fun to ~ '6 dance and hang out with B my friends," said junior -a Jennifer Mungiguerra, 5 who worked at the dance ·~ with the Student Leaderu '0 ship Class to help check ~ bags and organize the Mixer. The senior class was also· on hand to help out.

If students looked closely, they may have seen even some of the teachers dancing. Spotted at the dance were Global history teacher Adam Stonehill, and English teacher Michael Carbone, among others. Ravers, free-stylers and other dancers hit the dance floor to show off some of their moves. "I was happy that some people moves at the annual kick"offMixer on October 15. Many remembered to bring their students brought glowsticks to use while dancing. (/)

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glow sticks," said junior Emmy Favilla, who raved along with fellow classmates.

The D.J. from last year's Mixer returned to play various types of music; rap, reggae, techno, rave, and pop got students dancing. "I thought the music was really good, but I thought they played too much reggae," said freshman Joanna Backiel. The music could have been a little more diverse; they played the same type over and over," said junior Georgia Koudellou.

Though the dance floor was packed with students, sophomore William Yang said, "Not many sophomores danced. I guess since nobody else was dancing, we didn't either. Most of my friends just sat around and talked."

Soda and cookies provided a new treat for Mixer goers. "It was the first time I went and there was free. candy and everybody seemed like they were having a good time," said senior Jack Bouba.

Tickets were priced at $5 dollars if purchased in advance, or $6 at the door.

All the proceeds went to benefit the senior class activities for the year..

Students are looking for ways to make next year's Mixer a bigger bash.

"I hope we can supply more drinks because there was a shortage this year, and I also think we should extend the time because the Mixer seemed really short," said junior Elissa Dua. "Everyone always has fun, though," she added.

The Classic

5

December 1999

Anti-violence .day a ·hit Rebecca Munoz effective part of the assembly was a Celebrating the first National Day of candle lighting ceremony. · Above the Concern, the leadership class, under the sound of John Lennon's "Imagine" in direction of their teacher Odile Garcia, · the background, performers read headcoordinated a school-wide ~assembly lines of newspaper articles that reported held on Thursday, October 21 during a incidents of teenage violence in the split third band. The assembly featured country in recent years. Next, junior speeches and skits writte!l and perJason Prasso spoke about his experiformed by members of the class, and ences at a nation-wide conference he atthe signing of the "Townsend Harris tended in Washington D.C., geared toPromise" written by the members of the wards finding the causes of teen viotolerance committee, a group of students that works with the administration to promote non-violence and acceptance among Harrisites.

"Horrifying events have brought about this kind of day," said Sheila Orner, Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services. She was referring to recent acts of violence in nationwide schools. In response to these events, students of the leader-. ship class decided to contribute to the promotion of tolerance within Townsend Harris by holding the as-~ Fighting teen violence, Junior Jason Prasso speaks at tlie National Day of Concern on October 21. sembly. . "Guilty Conscience" was the first of many acknowledgements of a neceslence (see adjacent article). "I think this sity for tolerance. In the skit, one girl · school needs a stronger psychological is chided by members of the "popular" support network," he said. group and although she bonds with one President of the Student Union "popular" member, they cannot be Alison Park commended the assembly friends because of the differences beand said, "The perfoiliJ.ance was really tweefl them and because of peer prestouching. Some people just don't realsure. Following the skit was a quesize the terrible things going on." In her tion and answer period in which stuclosing statements, Mrs. Orner said, dents from the audience asked the ac"We've just touched the tip of the icetors, who continued. to assume their berg here." · roles in the play, questions which they The pledges signed at the end of the answered in character. assembly, acknowledged, among other The audience, although enthusiastic, things, that students need to become had some criticisms for the group and "more tolerant of others' differences," voiced them during this time. Sophoand .that they need to · "use a positive more Ryan Dennie addressed the stuform of communication." According to dents on stage by saying, "You need to Ms. Garcia; the pledges will be cut and . practice what you preach," implying pasted on a wall in the school building that tolerance is not always present even to form the shape of a dove. On Human among the performers.

Rights Day, December 10, there will be What some believed to be the most a vigil to inaugurate the doves.

Candidates to seek simbucks continued from p. 1 · Fund, New York Public Interest Re"The election simulation is a game search Group, and New York State and we're trying to increase the number Union of Teachers. "It's · really wellof people involved in it by using under- thought-out, because when interest classmen," said PD teacher Anthony ·groups give money, they will make sure Scarnati." According to Ms. Leib, if the . the candidate agrees with them on the new program is effective, the whole issues," said Maria Doulis, the other '99 school will participate in it next year. simulation intern.

"In the simulation, we learn about poli. The school-wide election will be held tics, but the overall effect is that it cre- on January 19. In the New York State ates unity in the school. Seniors and un- primaries, voters are registered as Rederclassmen don't interact on a regular publicans or Democrats. All third band basis , but the simulation gives them -an classes were divided among the two opportunity to communicate with each parties based upon the state's percentother," said senior Joy Mendoza. age of Democratic ahd Republican votA second source of money will be a ers.

Matching Funds Program directed by This is the first year the senior class the Federal Election Commission. It al- is doing a primary election. Ms . . lows a candidate to receive the equiva- Greenfield said, "Primaries give a real lent amount of simbucks raised by his understanding of how candidates get campaign, provided he agrees to spend elected. It's going to be very lively bea maximum of 7,000 simbucks in the cause I think there is going to .be a slug whole simulation. fight between Gore and Bradley since The six interest groups will serve as their race is so close." But according to a third source of campaign funds. They PD teacher Myron Moskowitz, whose include the National Rifle Association, class is running the Bradley campaign, Christian Coalition, Business "The Bradley campaign will show that Roundtable, Environmental Defense AI Gore is a bore."·

Pras~o

fights intolerance' at ·raucus caucus participants attended a convention in Rebecca Munoz which the Internet company Excite proUniting with students from across vided them with computers so they the nation, junior Jason Prasso took a "stand against teen violence" during a could e-mail a panel of experts and get their specific questions about teen viotwo-day conference in Washington lence answered. One student, who was D.C. on October 19-20. Jason was ininvited up to the front of the room, stated vited to serve as a representative from Townsend Harris 'congressional district that they were being exploited so that the Democrats could get more publicin an effort to discuss the causes gf teen ity. Other students who agreed began violence with 400 other participants and shouting and the Democratic represensome well-known guest speakers. tative present announced that she would Jason's interest in promoting tolerance stems from his experiences as a cancel the scheduled final ceremonies and press conference in response to the member of the Peer Negotiation club · chaos. "I was disgusted," said Jason, for three years and .the tolerance comwho along with other students from the mittee since its forn1atiori a y_e ar ago. fifth Congressional district and Long IsIn October, Dean Wanda Nix and Asland, walked out of the convention and sistant Principal of Guidance Sheila met privately to conduct their own clos~ Orner suggested Jason apply to be a paring ceremonies.

The students discussed ticipant in the conference which was run by the Democratic caucus. He what they thought could be done about violence in their own neighborhood and wrote an essay on what he felt to be the causes of teen violence. "I thought it exchanged addresses.

During the conference, President stemmed from how a child was raised, Bill Clinton commended the participants his parent!ng and education," he said.

After submitting recommendations and for their efforts. Jason was particularly inspired by Ron Anderson, the director going through an interview process, in of a Louisiana program, ''The Light addition to the essay, Jason received a House," which offers refuge and councallfrom Congressman Gary Ackerman . seling -to teenagers who feel alone or inviting him to be a representative from threatened.

"He said that these types of the district.

In Washington D.C., · Jason stayed programs gave kids an opportunity to at· the Plaza Hotel and ·worked with c.ome off the streets. There was something about him that made me want to other students to answer these quesgo out and do something," said Jason. tions: what ate the causes of teen vioA Music Television Representative lence and how can communities com(MTV) also spoke to promote a new probat these causes? "After much discusgram, Through My Eyes, which explores sion, we voted on what we thought were the lives of teenage gang members. the major causes of teenage violence," "I was definitely made more aware said Jason. "Parenting and home environment came in first; followed by peer of how severe a problem teenage vioand acadeinic pressures and then youth lence is," said Jason. Hearing the experiences of gang members or victims of access to weapons."· Jason enjoyed a workshop called this violence caused him to wonder about the conference's relevance to "Expressing Emotion Through Literature" which suggested students keep a Townsend Harris. He concluded, "A lot of the ideas about tolerance can be apdaily journal so that they have an outlet for their frustration and anger. "It _ plied to this school. Even though it is [has been] found that people who kept pretty safe, I think peer negotiation and other organizations should do more to journals were statistically less likely to make our school more pleasant and to commit violent acts," said Jason.

On the last day of the conference, promote tolerance."

..

Trip to Ph illy thrills juniors

by Tiffany Baldwin Philadelphia was the destination as all junior English classes left early November 9 for a day of learning and enjoyment. Juniors arrived on school premises at 6 a.m. to begin their journey back in time. Accompanied by English teachers Debra Michlewitz, Judy Biener, Michael Carbone, history teacher Susan Getting and some parents, juniors loaded onto four buses.

Organized by Lynne Greenfield, Assistant Principal ofHumanities, the trip began with a walk through the historic Waterfront District. There, students visited sites such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, where one of our most important documents was signed, Congress Hall and actual homes of the revolutionary period. Juniors slipped easily into the roles of Americans living

during the revolutionary period as they sat at City Tavern for a meal served by characters dressed in colonial attire.

The afternoon ended with a !Qp to.

Valley Forge National Historical Park, which encompasses the historic valley where General George Washington and his soldiers camped for the winter of 1777- 1778. The park contains barracks and crude huts built by the soldiers, as well as cannons and graves of soldiers who died during that winter. The opportunity to run through the battlefields where soldiers fought, and to see the cabins in which they lived, gave me a feel of what the soldiers had to endure," said junior Liana Binns.

"The best part of the trip," said jun- . ior Sara Tillitz, "was going to Valley Forge and learning about the great amount of history·our land holds."

6

The Classic December 1

Last Founders' Day of century welco ~'-.~_,.,-M·,,,«\0~~~·~·~'·"'~"'--:"'"·-'t-'""'•··"'J!·-·. _....,.,.,,_,,, I

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Annual assembl·y f• 21st century saying, -"So I gree

By Michele Potofsky This year's Founders' Day cel- you as the other team of the cen ebration was a lighthearted event tury."

In his speech, Principa which created a change from the normal school routine. Held in Malcolm Largmann noted · tha Colden Auditorium on Friday, Oc- whether it be a present day studen tober 29, it featured _gu~st speak- or one from the original class, al ers and comedic student perfor- are alike. "I hope that you all hav· mances, ending with the traditional the ability to wonder/' he said.

Mr. Khan picked up on thi recitation of the Ephebic Oath by theme as he explained to the audi all freshmen and incoming _sophomores.

Speakers at the assembly included Principal Malcolm Largmann; Marvin Leiner; Director of Col..., ~ lege Preparatory Programs ~. at Queens Col- · lege; Jules Graber, representative of the Alumni Association; P. T.A. co-president Cele Ioannou; Junior Keith Ng, senior Josh Deely and sophomore Mark Aom and alumnus Harris' idiosynchracies, such as its daily sale of bagels.

Shamir Kh~n of the graduating class of 1992. Dr. Leiner's sev- ence where the ability to wonder eral mentions of the Yankees can lead. Feeling compelied to brought forth cheers from students explore"the richness of the unas he spoke about celebrating the known," he visited Third World

·;-:

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·Halloween fosters creativitY ;

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•

-

S:i xteenth· Foundet highlightS .Harris I

Nicola: Arriaga as physics teacher with."

By Emmy Favilla . "l always look forward to HalWitches, demons, and yes, even Craig Weiss. Juniors Jessica the Godfather himself, haunted the Dodell-Feder, Maya Fayfm~n, loween because it usually helps to hallways on. October 28. In a Maggie Costagiannis, Amy relieve us of the realities of our school where wearing jackets dur- Herzog, and Mary Giourkokis won workloads for a day. It's just a lot thrilled to hear from the school's ing classtime or too-short skirts as the Aloha Girls. All winners of of fun imd you ·can always find By Steven Seidenfeld someone's costume to laugh The recent Founders' Day most famous graduate, Jonas Salk. runs you the risk of a ~ at," said senior Tim marked the fifteenth anniversary of The invehtor of the polio vaccine referral, students ea<I) Gonzalez. this . school's renaissance. was a: member of Townsend Harger to take advantage ~ Many whp weren't wear- Harrisites departed from their nor- ris' class of '31 and spoke about of the lax dress code \ ] ing costumes took part in the . mal routine to honor those whose the role of science in our country's on lialloween let · £ Halloween festivities by foresight recreated Townsend Har- future. Also making a presentation loose and tried some ~ spraying · their hair strange ris High School. Originally a was the school's oldest living crazy and creative if colors or handing out candy school for gifted boys that was as- , alumnus, -Rabbi Mos~s Rosenthal. costumes on for size. to their friends. Emma sociated with City College, the The teachers made this new beginOrganized ' by . Guerrieri, junior, topped off "old" Townsend Harris was closed ning extremely formal by dressing Odile Garcia, Coordi- her ensemble as a housewife · in 1942, a victim of Mayor in caps and gowns. nator of Student Acwith a full tray of cookies LaGuardia's budget cuts. · The The commemoration of . tivities (COSA),the and cupcakes. "It was a little Classic's archives -reveal that the Founders' Day''turned into an anHalloween costume hard to balance in the hall- first Founders' Day occurred on nual occurrence. Although it was contest provided an way and stairs," she said, October 25, 1984. On that day, 250 originally a school-wide event, the opportunity for those "but they went with my cos- students and 20 faculty members assembly quickly became a prowho dressed up to Where's the.full mQOn? Freshman Carlos Gonzalez hides . model their wacky behind a werewolf's mask during Halloween spirit day. tume and my friends got to assembled at Queens College's gram for freshmen and incoming have a treat, too." .

Colden Auditorium to celebrate the sophomoFeS. As a way of inductware in the cafeteria.

Many teachers also took part rebirth of Townsend Harris after a ing the rest of the studept body, Junior Armando Orozco, one of the Halloween costume contest special enrichment programs were the winners, made heads turn with will be rewarded with a private in the action by dressing up, and 42-year hiatus, . ignoring the standard rule of no The highlight of the festivities created. Yet, the message rehis ~icker basket and red poncho pizza party.

Sophomore Lindsey Jenkins, eating-in class, offering assorted was the ceremony honoring the mained the same. It was a day to as Little Red Riding Hood. Qther winners included Julia Houser, dressed as a pirate, said, "Hallow- treats to their students. Ms. Garcia Alumni Association for its hard pay homage to the school's hiswho was dressed as a bunch of een is definitely the spirit day with came as a bumble bee, and math work in reestablishing the school. tory and past accom.plishments. I~ grapes, Jon Landesman, who came the most participation. Everyone and biology teacher Shi Bing Shen, kenneth Shorter, a graduate from 1992, the "Founders' Day Chalas "Melvin the Freshman," Tashia doesn't come in with pajama pants disguised as a sorceress, jokingly the "old" Townsend Harris, em- . lenge" was established by the HuChin as Lil' Kim, Melissa Tortora or a hat on. They do their own .threatened to turn her students.into ceed the event. Following an ad- manities Department in order to as Medusa, LaTanya Lemon as an thing, which makes it more fun to toads. Bowls filled with candy dress by Principal Malcolm make the event everi more incluOnce again, in 1994 , evil fairy, Ryan Sabin as Zorro, and see what each person can come up . were also found in the lunchroom. Largmann, the audience was sive.

The Classic December 1999

mes •freshmen, ·ends spirit week atures satirical skits, songs countries often endangering his own life. "What he went through made me think about th~ possible things a Harrisite can achieve," said sophomore Diana Ramos.

Mr. Khan still recalled quirks from his high school days; he mentioned the teacher who always said "carefulez-vous," the principal who checked for dietionaries, and the physical education poetry he had ~ ~ written for his ·;;;; 0 gym collateral. ..J The Founders' -~ :;;: Day Challenge, a >.

J:> part of the event ·o ~ organized by Assistant Principal of Humanities L y n n e Greenfield, for which students had previously submitted project ideas, poked fun at teachers and schoolwork.

Song titles were altered for the purpose; "The Land of Oz" was changed to "The Land of Gym," and "Where is love?" from Oliver became "Where is the bus?" The · · bus in question was designed by I!)

~

s'Day ti$tory Founders' Day became a schoolwide activity. · As Townsend Harris approaches the new millennium, much has changed. The school's old, cramped quarters on Parsons Boulevard has been replaced by a state-of-the-art school building.

The focus of Founders' Day had also changed. "At first, Founders' Day was an event to make a statement of glory about our school's rebirth,'' AP of Organization Malcolm Rossman said. ''Now. Founders' Day is designed to make · an impression on the freshmen and make them aware of our school's traditions and history.''

Despite the many changes over the past 16 years, one element remains the same: the Ephebic Oath ..

All new students take this pledge to affirm their c.ommitment to honor and improve Townsend Harris. The oath must be committed to memory. In that way, the school continues a tradition dating back to the opening of the original Townsend Harris High School at the turn of the twentieth century.

junior Janine Petrovits. English Auditorium, students attended teachers Judy Biener and Debra their' second band classes where Michlewitz served as coaches for they created food oaskets for the the Founders' Day chorus. In a skit less fortunate. Coordinator of Stuentitled "The Doctor is In," a stu- dent Activities Odile Garcia delivdent wa~ asked to say the first thing ered the baskets to the Mercy Centhat a word made him think of. To ter, a place dedicated to helping the word "big," he fearfully re- troubled women faced with obsponded "collateral," and to stacles to become self-sufficient. "small," he uttered "principal.''

Besides the food baskets, a check Founders' Day even came com- . of $213 was given to the Mercy plete with the debut of the school's Center from the money raised by mascot, H~ the Hawk, played by the book sale that took place durMark Florman, as well as the re- ing lunch bands. "It was- good to turn appearance of Ephebia the be helping other less fortunate Soothsayer, junior Danielle Davis, people," said junior Shuwai who predicted more work for stuStudents also discussed their dents in their futures. The concert written assignments on one of three barid under the direction of music decades- 1900s, 1940s, and 1980s teacher Peter Lustig performed a· - important in the history of lively rendition of "Zoot Suit Townsend Harris. They made preRiot." "It brought everyone to- . dictions for the future. Their papers . gether, both the teachers and the . were collected and will be placed students," said freshman Michelle in a time capsule. Additionally, Robinson about the student perfor- students were given the opportumances. nity to decorate their lockers bePrior to the march to Colden fore class~

·· "- · ·. · · ···- · · ·

ciation Day. Halloween and Fouooers• na'y.

Founders' Day Songs "Homework Tonight" (to the tune of "Comedy Tonight," from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum)

by Valentina Nester and Natalie Spieiberg Something Horrendous, Something Stupendous, Something For Everyone- Homework Tonight!

Something Confusing, Something Amusing, Something For Everyone- Homework Tonight! _ Nothing That's Short; Something's That's Long, Something That Teachers Always Call "Wrong."

Homework That Lingers Hurting Your FingersYou're in a Townsend Harris Plight!

No Sleep for You, Homework Tonight!

''Gym at Harris is a Pain" (to the tune of "If I Only"Had a Brain" from The · Wizard of Oz)

by Steven Torem I must run for many hours 'Gym teachers have the powers · Forced laps out in the rain ·All my muscles have been achin' Oh I think I was mistakin' Gym at Harris is a pain.

Ah the pushups, squats and lunges Who feels like eating lunches?

I'm working out in vain.

Then I get to climb to Bio Shouldn't really wonder why' o Gym at Harris is a pain.

Oh I could tell you why Gym at Harris makes me cry Perhaps I'd better wait a bit and see.

What exer-cise will do to me.

Manolatos, sophomore,

·~me-ofth~ hair&tyies all.y fre.akY/~

Wednesday marked Student

I'll be benchin' at one-fifty That would be rather nifty If I don't go insane I' II be stronger than a lion Ifljust keep a -tryin' Gym at Harris is still a pain.

Appreciation ~y. ~ng which stlld.ents enjoyed li\te rook mu~ sic performed by a band made up . _()f seni-ors · Charles ·Steinmann, ·Drew Zatnbrotta.

Ian Katz. Andrew Falzon, Jord$\ Orl11, Russell Essary, Hari Kondabou, .· ·.

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. Louie

Panagi~: ·Providing entet:·

taiDment to gp, along with the

teresting."

The last day of Spirit Week,

Pounders' Da)'. was a half day.

Students came to school wearing form1rl attire imd waltett acro&S the. QueeDs @eJlleg.e campus to Colden Center f~r the Founder~s Day assembly.

7

· · -·---·8 December 1

NEW -Y ORK'S U-NKNOWN Do you think you've seen it all? Starting this month we will begin a new feature, NEW YORK'S UNKNOWN. In the future, The Classic will review everything from independent films to obscure eateries and underground bands. In this issue, read about some of the city's museums which don't need big budgets and sensational _pub!icity to provide intriguing art and an intimate glimpse of our city's hist~cy. grounds from all over the world. ·,....

97 Orchard Street was the site One piece, "AIO," shows a · . .The!!!!!II~Low-e•r•e•ast-•sl!!i!i!l!!de-• of many changes, such as thereThe Alternative Museum woman's golden hair flowing Tenement Museum placement of its primarily Ger!594 Broadway #402 over a building in Italy where 90 Orchard Street man and Irish residents with a (212) 966-4444 the viewer is distracted between (212) 431-0233 large number of Eastern and $3 suggested admission . the golden locks and a small fig$6.00 admission Southern European immigrants.

Significant changes in the tene~ ure sitting in the background. by Rebecca Munoz Dituri's "Elvio's Hat" is a picment also came when stricter

by Lauren Paley The year is 1945.

Faded housing regulations were ·enture of a man's forehead and his There's something different flowered paper covers the forced, such as the 1901 reguhat.

Jennifer Karady illustrates about cake icing as clothing and ·walls of one of three tiny lation that required toilets 'to be some new uses for cake frostpyromaniac babies at birthday rooms in a tenement apartment .installed on each floor and tiles ing with her photograph of parties. Expect the unexpected in Manhattan's Lower East to cover the floor as a measure an "Intestinal Garter.' at The Alternative Museum Side. If these walls could talk of fire prevention. But the most (TAM). In they would tell the story of important change was possibly this edgy Abraham Rogarshevsky, , an the constant shift in families downtown immigrant Othodox Jew from who lived in each apartment: · museum, the · ~ ....

Lithuania. very few lived in the tenement · · word censorDiagnosed with tuberculofor more than 10 years . . ship is probtil 8 sis in 1939, Abraham could The museum's mission is to ably the only 8 ~ afford a doctor only because promote tolerance and historithing that's ta-_ -~ of his involvement in the Concal perspective through presenboo.

-~ gregational Sons of Telsh tation and interpretation of the TAM has 8.

Burial Society, a community variety of immigrant experith~C" "tmo~ group that provided entertain- ences. After one visit, it is apsphere of a ment, health ~are and burial parent that the museum accomprivate galplots for many families like plishes its mission. Once visilery. It is the Rogarshevskys. Six years tors step inside the darkened housed in a after his diagnosis, the front front hallway, they may hear small · suite, of Abraham's apartment children sliding across the room which looks was used as a place for his wooden floors, smell foods of likt; re-modfamily and friends to sit shiva, all cultures mingle into one eled office . . ''Untitled#83" by Simon Johan, is just one of his many the seven-day ritual of mourn- warm aroma and imagine the space and IS photographs on exhibit at the Alternative Museum. ing in the Jewish tradition. excited bustle of activity that · located inside The covered mirrors and marked tenements like this one building Simen Johan's photography . wooden stools that line the for decades. The Lower East ' tucked away from view. It would be missed if not for a of children doesn't depict the walls today preserve the grief Side Tenement Museum prowell-weathered banner hanging typical cookie-cutter kid. In of Abraham's family and his vides a historical view that most textbooks and classrooms canover the front doorway. But, "Untitled #83," Johan shows a memory.

One crumbling Jive story n,ot. Looking down at the linoTAM doesn't seem to care baby at a birthday pru:ty with much for over-puBlicizing its snot drooping out of his nose. tenement building, at 97 Or- leum floors in reverence for the existence. This is no surprise With eyes glittering from there- chard Street, is at the heart of ·tenement's past inhabitants, one considering the museum was flection of the light, the child what Newsweek deemed, "the can easily find himself imaginstarted by artists and to this day seems to be reaching to play Bohemian playground of the ing how he would make use of 90's." The actual tenement, the tiny three bedrooms. . focuses on art over commercial- with. the flames.

Across the street from the A girl at a dock is sur- across the street from the · ism.

At -the Metropolitan ·Mu- rounded by a flock of flying Lower East Side Tenement tenement is the Museum Visiseum of Art, a tour guide might bugs as her legs dangle into a Mus~um's information center tor Center and Shop which sells tell you about the many artists pond in "Untitled 70." Simi- and gift shop at 90 Orchard literature ranging from Sicilian who had secret affairs with the larly, a farmer girl holds a lamb Street, is surrounded by cookbooks to a children's book models they painted, but at with a fly settled on its forehead lounges and thrift shops. Des- by Marilyn Hirsh entitled, Poignated a National Historic . tato Pancake All Around; toys; TAM, a series of photos entitled in "Untitled #65."

There's a feeling of reality in Area, the museum provides a tee shirts and tickets.

"Framed by Modernism," makes no secret of the relation- these photographs. Little kids window into the lives of four ship between a female model are not clean, orderly human immigrant families who enand male painter. "Seduced by beings as most parents would dured similar hardships after .

The Drawing Center one another, yet bound by cer- wish. Johan seems to stress this landing on Ellis Island in the 3!5 Wooster Street (212) 219.,-2166 tain social conventions," artist idea, by showing his subjects late 1800's and early 1900's.

Optional donation Along with the Carrie Mae Weems writes, "You dirty and prepared to be bitten framed the likes of me & I up by bugs. The clarity of the Rogarshevsky story, a tour of framed the likes of you, but we photographs makes up for the the tenement reveals the history of Nathalie Gumpertz, a by Bosede Adenekan were both framed by modern- children's messy appearance.

If you are truly looking for German Jewish dressmaker Imagine living in a city in ism & even though we knew better, we continued that time an alternative to huge, over- · whose husband left her and which one rarely has to step honored tradition of the artist & crowded museums, TAM is the their four children; the Italian- outside and face the cold. Inplace to be. A Saturday after- . Catholic Baldizzi children, stead, a person could just walk his model."

In.the current exhibit, which noo·n is a perfect time to go. whose father walked the local from one building to the next, focuses exclusively on photog- During my visit there were streets begging for odd jobs; .only being exposed to the raphy, there appears to be an hardly five people visiting. and the Confinos, a Sephardic weather for a few seconds. This would be my ideal city. It was emphasit •on body parts caught TAM makes you see life in a Jewish family from Turkey.

From 1864 to 1935, the 20 in fact the futuristic city which in unusual perspectives by the way you are probably not used camera. Frank Dituri captures to viewing. The art at TAM apartments in this tenement Dutch artist Nievwenhuys Consides of heads or corners of ears, forces you to formulate your building housed at least 7,000 stant created. families. Over the 71 years, The future is often an object eyes.and hair set to scenic back- own ideas.

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a

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of fancy for many creative minds, as is evident in the exhibitign displayed at the Drawing Center featuring the artwork of Constant. This man . spent his life developing his model of the city of the future called New Babylon. Com- . prised of etchings, maps, books, newsletters and documents, this multimedia project is revolutionary, both architecturally and socially.

In many sketches and paint. ings, Constant drew three shapes r~sembling flying saucers and connected them to form one large building, which was not built into the ground but rather, attached to three polls that were firmly planted in the ground.

In New ·Babylon, this building would span across the entire city. It is very improbable in my view that such a building could ever exist. How could it be supported only by three polls? Yet it seemed as though Constant had spent hours contemplating the design of the building.

In his sketches, he wrote mathematical equations, one of which I managed to decipher as the equation for velocity. In one particular painting called Mobil Ladder, people were climbing various ladders leading to different destinations. It was as if the people were in a · maze, like mice racing for · · cheese.

Will man be able to play his life?" "Will he be able to lead a life without necessity to earn his daily bread in toil and sweat?" These are the questions Constant hoped to address through the development of New Babylon. He invented a new socio-political theory in which "technology replaces nature; technology becomes nature." Constant wanted to invent a futuristic city where man turned from the utilitarian world in which creativity was only an escape and a protest.

He wanted· a city where labor was no longer regarded as the fulfillment of man's life, but man's creativity became the goal. ' Constant introduced some · very interesting ideas . . However, they were very enigmatic.

It is, nonetheless, fascinating to view another's ideal city of the future. Furthermore, the Drawing Center provides a small .modem and sophisticated environment in which one can freely explore the artwork of lesser known artists.

Skull duggery unnerves audience at Bone Collector

by Rachel Schiffman The Bone Collector, directed by Philip Noyce, is an intense thriller starring Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Ed O'Neill, and Queen Latifah. This suspenseful mystery keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats through gruesome acts oftorture and extremely gory scenes which set the violent tone of the movie.

Lincoln Rhyme, played by Denzel Washington, is a New York City police detective who is bed-ridden due to an accident that made him quadriplegic.

Although he only has the use of his fingers, shoulders, and brain in the movie, and suffers from daily seizures which weaken his will to survive, it is Washington's depressed, sarcastic, and self-mocking attitude which, ironically, adds life to an otherwise trite plot.

To catch a psychotic killer, Ed O'Neill and his police squad tum to Lincoln Rhyme for his expertise as a crime scene detective, in order to utilize his experience with forensic evidence.

Washington disco~ers a special talent in Angelina Jolie, a two-time Golden Globe award winner and Emmy-nominated actress, whose stellar portrayal of a novice detective is very convincing.

He asks Jolie to help him solve the crime

by training her in forensics. Then, with Washington's help, Jolie goes to the crime sites and gathers the evidence needed to solve the crime.

The psychotic killer they're after tortures and kills his victims according to an old 1900 novel, The Bone Collector.

The graphic, bloody scenes which accompany the search for the murderer are gory enough to send chills running down your spine. Not only is it bad enough that a hand is shown coming up from the ground with a missing finger, but screams are heard in the audience:when rats feast on the body of one of the killer's victims. Then, as the audience is made to view the scorched skin and melting flesh of another woman, moans in the movie theatre mix with the final groans from this whimpering wife.

The Bone Collector is an exciting and adventurous film, despite the predictable plot. The steamy darkness of the underground of the New York City Transit system gives the movie a spark, and Denzel Washington's praiseworthy 路 performance in the challenging and complicated role of a quadriplegic saves the otherwise over-familiar story. The violence and grisly images keep the viewers' attention. Overall, the movie will make your bones tingle.

Pokemon surprisingly-profound

by Nadia Kahnauth Pika, Pika, Pikachu! Take a peek at Pokemon. If you're not planning to see Pokemon- The First Movie because it's too childish, you're missing out.

Pokemon, the cartoon characters who originated from Nintendo video games and recently appeared in their own television show, are captured in Poke Balls in the pocket of humans until it is time for them to fight battles. In the movie, these battles teach moral lessons that teenagers would understand better than children. The movie's creators show that the artificial creatures seen on screen have much in common with mankind.

Pokemon is short for pocket monster.

There are 150 Pokemon. Their trainers are humans who prepare the Pokemon both mentally and physically for battles.

In a battle, two Pokemon, chosen by their trainers are released from their Poke Balls and fight against each other using their wide range of "special powers." Pikachu is able to fry a room with tons of voltage. Hyno has the power to hypnotize his opponent. The trainers' goal is to capture as many Pokemon as possible and use them to win the battles.

In Pokemon -The First Movie, the Pokemon fight their biggest battle yet.

The story begins with a man-made Pokemon, Mewtwo, who comes into the world as the most powerful Pokemon as well as a trainer in his own right. No other Pokemon has this privilege.

Mewtwo is a clone of Mew, a rare Pokemon. Mewtwo is not sure whether

he is mankind's slave or master. Even though he's supposed to be the "bad guy," one can't help but feel sorry for him as he sits alone and ponders his reason for being.

Decidedly angry at mankind and the Pokemon who serve it, Mewtwo decides to clone every Pokemon into a meaner, more powerful version and to eliminate all the original Pokemon and humans alike. A battle ensues between the original Pokemon and the clones. The outcome radiates a positive message to the audience.

Lying beneath the plot line and cute characters, profound messages reveal themselves. Cloning is shown in a negative light. In the movie, the idea is to create the powerful Pokemon; in real life it would be the perfect human. The clone Mewtwo abhors the thought of being an experiment, despises the humans who brought him into the world, and underneath that hatred, he is sad because he is not considered a real Pokemon. There is a possibility that human clones would react the same way .as Mewtwo.

During a scene when the clone of one Pokemon fights the original, there is a song in the background saying, "We are brothers. Why are we fighting?"

Though the Pokemon are the ones depicted, they are symbolic of human beings who die at the hands of each other every day. This movie encourages people to be compassionate towards each other because we are all part of the same species.

10

The -classic December ~ 999

When your last name isn't Smith: .~ally surna~ed studen,cn -

by Eric Trager "My grandparIPf ents did this to me," ' " explained Agata Zajkowski, a junior . ~ whose last name IS long and hard to

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The phenomeno.n of a long last name is not unique to any particular culture, althoughlanguage differences may make some names harder to pronounce than others. People

Despite the mixed feelings of the people who have long last names about their names (this is a long sentence!), the real. problem is for those

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period lunch. Another alternative was that students' school days would run on different time schedules; for example, one student would have an early day, starting with 0 band and ending with eighth band, while another would go from second to ninth band. "Dr Largrnan has taken the room and scheduling situation under advisement and the decision will be forthcoming," said Mr. Boulanger.

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with these names often find without the long last name. themselves frustrated.

Pronouncing a name such as "I hate it," says Dina Marie "Mahalakshmi Gobalakrishna" Castelluccio, who learned to · is a chore in itself. Making a spell her long last name when class list and trying not to misshe was seven. "The '0' al- spell Despina Vouvoudakis is a ways gets cut off on [standard- job out of a Freddy Kruger ized] tests." movie. If it takes ·1.39 seconds "Well it's not as quick as to say "Christina 'Trager,"' said junior Steven Theoharopoulos," it's going to Seidenfeld, while writing his be hard to save her from ranname on an attendance sheet. domly falling objects. And jun"It's ten long letters." ior Olivia Grabowska thought However, some find having she had it hard! a long last name fun, to a deWhile there are no tips availgree. "It's unique," says Paula able to help those who have Papamitrou, who learned to long surnames- or worse, those spell her name in English when who have to pronounce them she was eight years old. "It's cope, we ask that long-lastactually pretty funny that no- name-bearers come up with body can pronounce it." nicknames. Fast.

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continued from p. 1 to miss lunch," said Physics teacher Phillip Jones.

"With the various programs that the Board of Education mandates such as limits on class size, we simply don't have any additional room to offer more classes in the current configuration of the school day," said Arthur Boulanger, Program Coordin.ator. One suggestion proposed is to create a fourth

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pronounce. For Agata, whose last name could have simply been "Zajki" had her grandparents chosen it when they emigrated from Poland, a long last name carries a great deal of complication.

Unable to write her last name in English until she was six, Agata is one of many Harrisites with a long last name.

"I don't like it. It's really terrible," remarked sophomore Jerry Manolatos, whose nine-letter last name is dwarfed by names like"Theoharopoulos," "Makroiahopoulos," and "Mlstronardi." Jerry continued, "I couldn't spell it un-

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S_occer team b9ats Edison, gets third victory o,f yea~ I

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By Arielle Frost

The team's biggest problem The Boys' Soccer team was its lack of players. A ended a tough season on a high whopping number of players noteonNovember4whenthey twelve- graduated, which defeated Edison High School ripped the core out of the team. by a score of 5-3. Two goals Captains Michael Giacopelli, by junior Michael Giacopelli Anthony McCoy and James helped the Hawks to an early · Sarkis really took their play to lead. - When Edison fought the next level this year, workback, Harris answered with two ing hard to make up for the defi-key goals by senior Anthony McCoy to put the game away.

"Tough" would definitely be the word to describe the 1999 season. Finish- • ing with a record · of three wins, eight losses, and one tie, the team

wins because Giacopelli is one of the team's key players.

Flushing Meadows Park, the ·boys' home field, was once again a problem. It is not a particularly good field. In fact, part of it runs into the road, and one of Ute flag poles is pennanently under water. Hackney · stated the obvious, saying that

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and its new Senior James Sarkis (right) fights for a loose ball in a November 2 loss to Rushing High School. coach, Social Studies teacher Chris Hackney, cqntended with nu- cit in experienced players. the team "would love a new merous difficulties, including Sophomore Arthur Goulian field."

Despite all of the factors injuries, a lack of players, and also showed a lot of improveof course the embarrassing con- ment. working against the team, the dition of the team's home field.

Junior captain Michael boys did have a good time.

"It was quite hard," said Giacopelli suffered an injury Senior captain James Sarkis Hackney. "I knew we would during the season, breaking the said, "The team worked really have problems trying to rebuild growth plate in his right wrist. hard. Winning our last game the team, but it was a good This forced him to ritiss three was-a nice ending, and hopelearning experience,_I am look- games. Hackney acknowl- fully it will lead to a good being forward to next year be- edged that Giacopelli 's absence ginning for the youngsters who probably did cost the team two continue to play next,year." cause I want to fix things."

Fencers finish first in division; succumb-to competition in playoffs

By Eric Trager

For the second season in a row, the Varsity Fencing team entered. the playoffs with an excellent record, yet fell short of its ultimate goal: the city championship.

After the team lost to Stuyvesant High School in the second round of the playoffs, it succumbed to a competitive Bronx High School of Science team.

Despite the playoff losses, nothing can be taken away from what was a great season. The team completed a perfect division record of 10-0, going unde- . feated until its loss to Stuyvesant.

"It was a very successful season," said first-year coach Robert Bloom. "I expected that

we would do well; but they surpassed my expectations," he added.

Although he led his team to its best regular season of alltime, complications arose in the

'I expected that W!! would do well, but they surpassed my expectations.'

post-season. After two starters were accused of taunting opposing fencers during the Stuyvesant match, Bloom decided to bench the fencers in the following match against Bronx Science, which Harris lost.

One of the benched players, junior Brian Cooperman said, "It was a great season, but it's. __ a shame that it was brought to . an end by a self-destructive call on our side." · "Athletics at this level requires the student athlete to act in an appropri. ate way, and since the reputation of the sport, the team and the school were at stake, appropriate action had to be taken," explained Bloom. Even though it may have cost the team a victory, he still stands by his decision. "Integrity and sportsmanship come before winning," he said.

Despite the incident, Bloom was happy with his team's ef- forts. "We grew as a team," he said, "I was very proud."

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Swim· team's first loss follows '·sweet' victory

By Josh Fox · (11-0), but for the past io years as well The Girls' Varsity-Swimming team's . (108-0). All Season they· have domirun for a city title ended on November nated their opponents with preparation, 15 in a loss to Curtis High Scho,ol. Af- . determination and exc~tement. Gutter breezing through the regular season, •standing veterans Lauren Katz, Roseann the girls defeated their first round play- Antonelli, Pat Maloney, Julia Meier and off opponent, Fort Hamilton High Lillian Bloch have led their team by School, on November 12. Victory was example and taught them to believe in .

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Freshman Karen Hendershot swims the 500 meter freestyle for the Turtles. Hendershot was just one of many freshmen swimmerS who propelled the Turtles to a key victory in the 200 meter freestyle relay against Cardozo High School on October 29.

sweet for the Harris team that had been themselves and each other. eliminated from the playoffs by Fort The Turtles' chief rival in the past Hamilton just a year before. Despite xears has been Cardozo High School. having another winning season, how- J\ccording to freshman Taly a ever, the team could not get past the Lieberman, the season's highlight was semifinals. _ beating Cardozo 60-34 October 29, .

Even though the team did not win when freshman sensations Katarina a city title, ·nothing can be taken away Kristic, Amanda . Lorenz, Karen from what hils become a dynasty in the Hendershot and Talya herself led the Queens Division. Under the direction · Turtles in the 200 freestyle relay against of coach Jim Jordan, this spirited group Cardozo. On November 5, the girls deof Varsity swimmer& has been unde- feated John Adams 51-36 to clinch the feated in division play not only this year Queens division regular season title.

Girls finish track season close second -in ·Queens

By Arielle Frost at the Clinton Invitational. Junior VarRunning their hearts out has defi- sity was top in th.e Queens Freshman nitely paid off for the girls on the track Championships arid won the New team this season. Coach Joseph Hom York City Freshman Champio~ships. has gotten great efforts from his varsity The varsity team came in second, losrunners as well as from his freshmen and ing by only two, at the Queens Championships. sophomore In response ruriners, and 1 to this loss, the team did Horn said, well in many 'I was really proud of the "It was not events. ''I was reteam this year because I disappointing because · ally proud of think they showed a lot every girl on the team this more perseverance.' year because the team ran I think they her pprsonal best.". showed a lot ; This long more perseverance," s~id senior captain Claire list of accomplishments is the result of extremely hard work. Some of the Marks.

The fres~men girls clinched the · team's key players included senior freshman team titles at the Clinton In- captains Claire' Marks, Eniko Gyuratz, vitational, the Public School Athletic and Anjelique DaCosta. Two freshLeague Invitational, and the Queens men, Andi Strauss and Patti Babio, Freshmen Championships. The sopho- made the Varsity squad, which very . more girls won the sophomore team title rarely happ~ns. '