Classic newspaper Volume 27 Issue no. 5

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March2011 Vol. 27No. 5 f

Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

Festival of Nations s owcases cultural diversity

by Margaret Jia and Yuval Solomon Audience members traveled around the world on the night of March 10 as they watched over 400 dancers, singers, and actors perform in the annual Festival ofNations (FON).

The 22 performances displayed the cultm:al diversity of Townsend Harris. Acts included songs from Classical Languages teacher Marianthe Colakis' Latin classes, an Indian dandiya routine from the student group "Chamkudi Re," and a Filipino routine . from "Flip and Funky Fresp." The evening ended with a sing-along to Katy Perry's song "Firework."

Spanish teacher Beatriz Ezquerra, this year's FON coordinator, worked with co-presidents Aiya Aboubakr andAquib Yacoob, both seniors, to put the event together.

"I had the chance of attending practically all rehearsals and I have seen how committed and enthusiastic students were to show their cultures and how proud they are to be able to present their traditions in our school," said Ms. Ezquerra.

"The Festival ofNations is not just a showcase of our school's ethnic mosaic, but an appreciation and tolerance of such diversity," said Aiya. "It was most fascinating to see students of contrasting cultures work together to teach one another their respective dances and celebrate their individuality."

Assistant Principal of Languages, Art, and Music She added, "Every year [FON] is different Lisa Mars, who also helped organize the event, said, because there are different cultures [participating]."

"It was wonderful to see students learning cultural Two of the new cultures this year included Romanian expressions and teaching each other in a very and American.

Many performers and audience members said respectful and dignified manner."

Administration mandates AP US History for juniors

by Rebecca Seidel The administration is requiring all juniors to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) United States History starting next year, citing statistics indicating student preparedness for the course, as well as a growing trend in AP enrollment nationwide.

This decision has drawn mixed reactions from students - some vehemently oppose the idea - but Principal Kenneth Bonamo maintains that it's in the students' and the school's best interests to mandate the course.

"Similarly talented students in other schools are taking this class," said Mr. Bonamo, adding that programs with more AP classes are becoming the norm for top college-bound students.

"I want our school to be as competitive as possible."

Statistics from AP Potential, a service from the College Board, show that the top 75% of Harris students score in the top 20% nationwide on the PSAT. Past correlations between Harrisites' PSAT scores and their AP US History scores suggest that a large portion of juniors have the potential to excel on the AP exam. continued on PaJte 3

INSIDE: FON ticket scalping

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they enjoyed the event.

Senior Brian Rivera performed in FON last year but was a spectator this year. "There was a lot more energy than usual," he said. continued on Page 6

Japanese relief effort commences

by Ella Leviyeva and Genna Mastellone Following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan, students immediately began efforts to aid the affected region.

COSA advisor Aleeza Widman held a committee meeting for Japanese relief on March 17. Students attended in order offer their support to the fundraising effort.

"Everybody wants to do something, which is amazing but it needs to be more organized," Ms.Widman said at the meeting.

She continued, "It shouldn't be divided by clubs; it should be a school event: our community helping another community." The students at the meeting discussed fundraiser ideas such as collecting money in envelopes, wearing ribbons, holding bake sales, and making 1000 paper cranes.

For each crane students make, the Bezos Family Foundation will donate two dollars to the Japanese relief effort.

Junior Max Bachhuber said, "Considering I am running Harrisfest, the proceeds [of

Last In, First Out policy pageS

which] are being donated in their entirety to Japan, I believe our efforts will be very effective. Last year we collected a 'large amount, but any amount tends to go far in relief efforts."

Ms.Widman later stated, "The Consultative Council meeting pointed out that this should be done quickly because world tragedies happen almost every other week nowadays, so action should be taken in a timely manner."

Junior Kari Wei, a student in Principal Kenneth Bonamo's Current Events class, said, "People think, 'Well, Japan is a wealthy country and it doesn't need outside financial help,' but in retrospect, we are an equally wealthy country, but New Orleans required outside assistance as well after Hurricane Katrina."

Harris's Red Cross Club is also participating in accumulating contributions.

Club member and sophomore Androniqi Kurtezi said, "Volunteers will be going continued on Page 3

Weight Training

club feature page8

Pecoraro on Millionaire page9

-OP-INION soun.d off!

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Racing路路t o the Top , A few weeks ago, our school entered the Race to tfu:::t (l:p Commencement Challenge, an annual high saioof .competition organized by the White House.

The winning school will host President Obama as its graduation speaker in June. .. , .When coming路 up with a concept for a video to go along with the application, we had no difficulty deciding to focus on the student body's eagerness to ~ke initiative in the community, bringing the Ephebic Oath 'to life.' . It may sound cliyhe, but recent events especi(}lly have proven the message of our vide6' t~ b:btrue.

As soon as news broke about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the reaction was instant throughout the school: soni.ethirig needed to be done. Students ~diately began planning ways they could help, flocking to the COSA office to share ideas. The speed w ith which students and faculty collaborated to put together a relief program was remarkable.

Japan is h alfWay around the world, and it would be so easy to passively w atch the destruction unfurlto pity the people of Japan, but not figure out a way to collectively put together a relief effort. Yet the whole school got involved. This was precisely the theme of our video: students here have a true sense of efficacy, and it never wears out.

As the creators of the video, we're glad to see that the Ephebic Oath _is still more than just words recited year after year. Watching students fold paper cranes on March 24 and in the following days- for each crane, two dollars will be put towards tsunami relief - we wished we could pick up our video cameras again.

We filmed it, and you proved it: students here have a true sense of efficacy, and it never wears out.

Rebecca Seidel, Editor-in-Chief Rupeshi Shah, News Editor

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;:The Place of Advanced Placement I am a veteran of AP United States History (APUSH). My classmates and I called ourselves veterans as we celebrated the end of a long, arduous journey. When we emerged from the library on the day of the AP exam, it felt like we had indeed fought a war - against time, against a crushing workload, against our own work habits and heavy eyelids.

For seven months, we juggled nightly outlines in addition to other assignments and extracurricular commitments. We bonded over the experience, sharing a sense that we were enduring a grueling ordeal together. ~enever I mentioned my APUSH-induced stress to students in the Regents U.S. classes, there was a clear consensus: "You're crazy. I don't know why you would do that to yourself."

These students were lucky to be members of the class of 2011, because, beginning with the Class of 2013, all juniors will be forced to take APUSH, regardless of whether they feel prepared for it, have an interest in history, or wish to earn college credit in high school.

The administration cites Harrisites' outstanding performance on the PSAT as a reason for mandating this course and a sign that students will pass the exam. However, the PSAT and the APUSH exam are not even remotely the same. How well a student can master the concepts of algebra or recognize grammatical errors does not determine in the slightest how he will score on a test that relies heavily on memorization, regardless of what correlations may suggest. The use of this statistic is nothing more than the administration hoping to draw a parallel between two exams that have very little in common besides being standardized and administered by the College Board.

I wonder: What is the school's average score on the AP World History exam, the other which students are required to take? It seems to me that if it supported the administrators' decision, they would be touting this statistic instead of PSAT scores. , Another argument is that Townsend Harris is a competitive high school, and thus students should have no problem rising to the challenges presented. If the administrators truly believe that junior year is not pushing most students to their limits as it is, I encourage them to attempt to master two languages, learn physics and math, read countless textbooks and novels, run multiple miles on a regular basis, participate in clubs and teams, and serve the community tenth months straight. I am sure that they would find themselves just as stressed and sleep-deprived as most students, even those enrolled in regular U.S. history, already are.

What will become of students who are already struggling with this workload? What of those who are doing poorly in Regents level history? An accelerated class in a subject that requires hours upon hours of studying to perform well in could ~:;asily damage the academic success of these students.

Another, and, I suspect, the greatest motivation for mandating APUSH is the growing trend of AP classes across the country. It is understandable that the administration wants Townsend Harris to remain competitive, but at what cost? I personally believe that the well-being and mental health of students are too high a price for an increase in national ranking. I would have hoped that the administration shared this view.

But if the schpol feels that AP courses are absolutely necessary to maintain standing and that doing so is crucial, why mandate APUSH, out of all options? AP English is much more suitable for a school centered on the humanities, and can much better accommodate a student body with a wide distribution of talents, as opposed to APUSH, which caters only to those with good memorization skills. One may make the argument that the Hum~ities Colloquium, which all seniors take, is the equivalent of this class. However, despite what the administration may like to believe, Humanities is not a widely accepted substitute for AP English. Additionally, if this were the case, why would the school offer AP English at all?

If students know that they must take APUSH, a very intensive class, during junior year, they will be less likely to sign up for additional AP courses in their areas of interest out of fear of taking on too much.

It sickens me to see administrators prioritize the school's standing over students' true best interests. I vehemently urge them to rethink this change. If they will not, I call upon underclassmen and their parents to oppose this decision. Freshmen, sophomores, there can be no school without a student body, and it is your duty to leave your school not any less, but rather greater, than you found it.

Hayley Desmond, feature editor

f(*D~ iEDITOR-IN-CIDEF NEWS ED ITOR FEATURE EDITOR CO PY EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR A&EEDITOR ADMINISTRATIVE EDITOR iPUBLfC EDITOR

:f"'ROfoGRAPHY EDITOR

ART EDITOR

Rebecca Seidel Rupeshi Shah Hayley Desmond Trac.ey Wang Ben Horowitz Freddy Millan Jr. Lory Martinez

Frank Corazza Karen Rose KH:n Richie Bonilla

ADVISOR PRINCIPAL

Caroline Cross Kenneth Bonamo

Townsend Harris High School 149-11 Me~bourne Avenue FLu shing, NY 11367

We always welcome opinion s.

Email lett-ers to the editors at thhsclassic@gmail.com.

The Classic is an open forum for the expression of student views. The opinions expressed therein should not be tak-en to represent those of the administration or faculty, or of the student body as a whole.

Writing Staff: Indira Abisk aroon , C andace Burton, Suswana Chowdhury, Emma Court, Chandi Ghuman , Magdalena Grabos, Fran Horowitz, Margaret Jia , Abigail Koffler , Eunice Lau, Ella Leviyeva, Katherine M aradl.aga, Genna Mastellone, Salma Mohamed, Catherine Moskos, D emetra Panagiot~poulos, Yuval Solomon, Geoffrey Yip, Jeffrey Young Sports Staff: Chris Artun, GraceShin, Joshua Solomon Art Staff: Edward Farquharson, Alice Hung, Amy Wang Photography Staff: IndiraAbiskaroon, Rebecca Chu, Briana Dracuga, Nicole Godreau, Samiha Khan, Misty Kim, Demetra Panagiotopoulos, Mari~sa, Sh,ieh,Yuval Solomon, Lyle Weston '

news A thousand paper cranes and counting: Relief effort follows natural disaste·r in Japan . continued from Page 1 around with envelopes to collect money. We are using pictures as a preview of what they are donating to. The money raised will go towards the whole Red Cross organization."

The American Red Cross has donated $10 . million to the Japanese Red Cross Society and is collecting donations in response to the environmental tragedy.

The earthquake hit the northeastern coast of · · Japan on

Warn in Japan. Firstly I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the Townsend Harris community for their concerns for my homeland and people."

"Many of you were concerned about our sister school, Shimoda High School, which is located in Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture which is about 270 miles south of Sendai City which was the most affected area," she added. "They also experienced magnitude& 4-5 earthquake and aftershocks, but they did not have any maMarch 11, devas- ' ' I would like to extend my jor damage, casualties or injutating natives and deepest gratitude.for the ries according to Mr. Sakano, tourists alike. A subsequent tsuTownsend Harris commu- an English teacher at Shimoda nami with water nity for their concerns for my HS who visited THHS with levels rising to 33 students in March 2009 ." homeland and people." feet followed the Another major concern in -Mariko Sato-Berger, Japan is the failing nuclear reearthquake, as Music and Japanese teacher actor plants in Fukushima. Aldid numerous aftershocks. With though the reactors were shut a death toll near down when the earthquake hit, 10,000 and rising, celebrities and schools have the cooling systems malfunctioned, leading to rushed to offer relief efforts. radiation leaks of increasing severity. As a reJapanese sophomore Takuya Fukui said, "I sult, citizens, citizens have been evacuated in know that a lot of countries are sending money the areas surrounding the plant, and the gov- · and support to Japan, so I was happy about emment has issued warnings about tap water that. When I found out that that my family was and agricultural products from the region. okay, I was not as scared ."

Dr.Sato said, "The whole world is now Music and Japanese teacher Mariko Satolearning about the slowly evolving disaster, Berger, also a Japanese native, said, "It took especially the failure of the nuclear reactors in Fukushima Prefecture." me a week to be able to discuss the great earthquake and tsunami which occurred in the With Japan's state unstable and fuTohoku Region in Japan on March 11, which ture uncertain, Townsend Harris consome say is the worst disaster since World tinues to raise awareness and support.

March2011

"Green Day" informs about global warming

by Rebecca Seidel On the Spirit Week calendar; March 17 was designated. as "Lucky Green Day." It had something to do with tli-e' fact~ that it was St. Patrick's Day, nothing to do with the rock band, and everything to do with global warming.

Two assemblies during a double third band featured a multimedia presentationby VernardWilliams,arepresentative of the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE).

The mission of ACE, according to its website, is to "educate high school students on the science behind climate change and inspire them to take action to curb the causes of global warming."

Mr. Williams spoke in time with a fast-paced animated video, covering the basics of global warming and discussing what students can do to fix the problem.

"The presentation was fun," said senior Victoria Tu, "and I think that was good beca~se it caught the attention of a lot of people who probably would have never paid attention otherwise."

Mr. Williams, a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and longtime environmental advocate, stayed behind to talk to some students after the assembly. During lunch bands, many students signed a banner p~dging to "Do One Thing" to save the environment.

Students for the Preservation of the Earth (SPE) collaborated with ACE to put together the program.

"For 'Green Day,' SPE worked with ACE by sending in detailed information about the past and recent projects that the school has done to raise environmental awareness and to help the environment," said junior Hemali Shah, president ofthe club.

Fellow junior Joanna Yeung, secretary and treasurer of SPE, added, "The ACE assembly was great for the school and a perfect stepping stone for SPE to make Townsend Harris into a more environmental friendly community."

All rising juniors to take AP US History next year forced to take it might handle the work.

Nevertheless, some rising juniors It's not a class that you take to just take. are worried about the workload that It's something you have to put all your comes along with the class - which is effort into voluntarily." a reason that a majority of students in She added, "I don't kilow if the adpast years have opted to take Regents- ministration is expecting good results level US History rather than the AP from this, because most ofthe students class. don't have the motivation to do some"Junior year has enough stress as it thing they are forced into doing." is; this is just going to add to it," said In response to the argument that Merin V.arghese, sophomore. some students would rather choose Maureen Lonergan, currently the the Regents-level course, Assistant only AP US ~ ~ .

Principal of HuHistory teach- iithtnk all students are capable, manities Susan but it's a matter of if they're Getting pointed er, is skeptical about the willing to do the work." out that much -M en Lonerg n of the content change. "It's always worked U~u;:. t t ~ ' is similar in the well when stuIS ory eac er two classes. dents chose "They're going the class," she said. "I think all stu- to have to do the same kinds of critidents are capable, but it's a matter of if cal thinking in a regular US History they're willing to do the work." class [as they would in an AP class]," She added, "Even in my Regents she said.

She added that as of next year, class, there are some students who are struggling," noting that "most students "the AP US History course and test have an aptitude in math and science are changing," as is AP World History.

-those two tend to go together- or hu- According to Ms. Getting, the College manities."

Board is trying to drive the test's emSome juniors who are now enrolled phasis away from the multiple-choice in the AP US History class shared Ms. section, making the class and test more Lonergan's doubts. analytical..

"For those students who do not "Kids who are taught well will do have a particular aptitude in history, well on this exam," said Mr. Bonamo.

APUSH might prove to be too difficult, Junior AP US student Liudi Yang as the exam itself requires much mem- supports the · administration's move. orization," said jun,ior AP US student "The freshmen and sophomores have Emily George. already experienced AP World 1 and .AP Junior Heidi Chang, who is also an US is just a step up," she said. "It will AP US student, said, "I'm a little wor- certainly catch the eyes of colleges. We ried about how the students who are work hard, but I actually feel like I'm continued from Page 1

learning something." convinced that the change is in their All students are introduced to AP- best academic interest. level work in freshman year - the AP "It's not that big of a deal to me beWorld History class is already man- cause I was g~ing to take the class anydatory. One reason for requiring AP way, but it's not fair to some other kids history rather than other AP classes is who weren't planning on taking it," that Townsend Harris is a humanities- said sophomore Laura O'Shea. "If a focused school. All Harrisites enroll student excels in the class, it can make in college-level English -Humanities them much more desirable to colleges, Seminar- in senior year. but if the class is too hard, it can bring Another reason is practicality: AP their whole average down."

US History sections will replace secSophomore John lndergaard had tions of Regents-level history courses, a different view. "I never thought AP so teachers won't have to take on extra World was that hard, and I like that classes. we'll be taking AP US," he said. "I AP US History is the most com- especially like that it will boost our monty taken AP test nationwide. As grades, since it counts as a ten percent college admissions grow increasingly higher grade." competitive, Mr. Bonamo said that it's Heidi said, "I think the new policy sensible to expect students to enroll in was implemented with good intentions. "at least one AP course, especially in We want our students to have the most junior year" to boost their academic challenging classes in preparation for standing in an applicant pool. college. But APUSH is a lot of work, "They're in a no-lose situation," and it should only be given to those he said, ex- ' 'K'd h t ht ll who want it."

1 8 plaining that . w 0 are a~g we, Since 2005, there AP grades Will do well on thts exam. have usually been two or don't appear -Kenneth Bonamo, three sections of AP US on students' Principal History, according to Mr. t ran scripts Bonamo. Each of those like Regents scores do. Additionally, years, the average AP exam grade was he noted that students don't have to list above a 4. The one year there were four AP exam scores on college applications sections of AP US, the average grade if they don't want to- but the presence was a 3.7. The grades and predictions of an AP class on one's program looks show that students most students will good to colleges regardless. score above the national average. But As the principal, he added, he must the outcome of this change on students' ask himself this question: "What are performance in class remains to be the trends, and how can we help our seen; kids meet these expectations?"

"I hold my breath· and wait to see Some sophomores remain to be what happens," said Ms. Lonergan.

news/feature

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Seniors show prowess at science research competition

by Fre~dy Millan Jr. Four seniors placed in the physics, chemistry, and .biology categories at the New York City Metropolitan Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) on March 13. Ten · students from the Science Research program presented research findings at the competition.

content with our school's high performance in this competition. Research has always been my passion, and I hope that this accomplishment will bring me a step further towards my research goals."

JSHS is a competition in which students compete for scholarships and recognition by presenting original research projects in front of a panel of judges

~ichael Lee. and ' ' Research has always been my ~d a gr?up o~their peers. It Kevm Most came m first 1s held m vanous states on and third, respectively, passion, and I hope that this various dates, leading up to accomplishment will bring me a National JSHS. in the physics category.

For .chemistry, Ishrat a step further." .~ ad~i~on to placin~ in Ghan1 placed first. In -Ishrat Ghani senior therr mdivtdual categones, the biology category, ' Karishma and Ishrat also Karishma Ruparel came placed fourth and fifth, in first place. respectively, in the overall competition. This means "The competition was challenging, especially that they will be part of a five-member delegation with some difficult questions after the presentation from New York City attending the National JSHS in from the judges, but I was able to answer them San Diego, California. to the best of my ability," said Ishrat. "I am very Karishma commented, "Competing at JSHS and

NYCSEF was a very rewarding and encouraging experience. It gives me hope that I can create a niche for myself in the scientific community."

Michael's project involved the effect of length on polymer molecule crystallization. He said, "I was pretty surprised when I found out that I was first in the Physics category because I did not think my project was that good in comparison to some of the other projects."

For his project, Kevin developed an optical diode. He describes it as "a nano-structure deposited on glass that reflects or absorbs light in one direction to a larger extent than it does in the other direction."

Kevin added, "Even if I am not able to improve upon my optical diode design, someone else could easily read my paper and make their own improvements, which is how this whole process is supposed to work."

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Frenzy follows sellout of Festival of Nations tickets

by Vanesa Martinez Desperation filled the days before Festival of Nations as people rushed to find tickets, buying them from student scalpers for inflated prices.

"I need tickets," said sophomo~e Jennifer Stroescu, "so I'm trying to find people who have them. I'm willing to pay whatever for FON tickets, because I really need one." Scalpers took advantage of students such as Jennifer, raising prices as high as was possible. Freshman Jennifer Kim commented, "I know someone who bought one and sold it for double."

As FON drew nearer, desperation got higher, and offers for tickets increased as well. "Everyone is looking to buy. There are people selling for $20 or $30 to seniors. There were two seniors during lunch bands saying they were desperate, and buying for $20. Two girls were standing outside the lunch room holding a cardboard sign asking for tickets,"

according to freshman Aryana Corona.

However, students such as sophomore Anita Some students, such as sophomore Shelley Thomas said, "I don't like how people bought the Mitchell, are referring to the scalping as "supply and tickets and are selling them. At least don't make a demand." Michael Kaufinan, a senior, smiled and profit." said, "I wish I came up with that idea, because I want · Irene Ching, sophomore, suggested using a larger auditorium so "more people to make money. Whoever ' ' thought of that idea's a I don't like how people bought could come, and there would genius." Shaniza Nizan, the tickets and are sellmg them. be less scalping." a sophomore, took her At .least don't make a profit " Others, including time deciding her side on Anil Th h · sophomore Annie Harrison . a omas sop omore . . the 1ssue. Eventually, she ' and Juniors Jocelyn and decided, "To freshmen I'd Kimberly Hassel, believed sell them for $10; to seniors sell them for $5." that FON should last two nights, which would Latin teacher Jonathan Owens found the positive hopefully lead to the decrease in the scalping of side of the situation. He said, "I think it's great that tickets. there's so much demand. I wish there was a way However, extending FON to two nights to offer more tickets. It says a lot about the THHS would require much more funding, in addition to community, being so energetic about embracing doubled strain on the student performers and show others' ethnicities." coordinators.

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RobOtics teams improve standings games have so many random factors, that when we

by Lory Martinez After six weeks of intense preparation, the started off we didn't know how well we were going Robotics teams placed much higher than in previous to do," he said. Laura O'Shea, captain of the Gold · years at the US FIRST robotics competition held at HAuks, commented, "I knew we would do well, but I didn't expect to do that well." the Jacob Javits Center on March 12 and 13.

The teams had six weeks from the day the US The Steel Hawks and the Gold HAuks (Au represents the atomic symbol for gold) took 11th and FIRST organizers declared the year's game to create 14th place respectively. In addition, the girls' team, functioning robots. Steel Hawks Coach and Robotics the Gold HAuks, won the Rookie Inspiration Award teacher, _Philip Jones said, "It was very exciting . .. for their community outreach and efforts to recruit a lot of stress but it's great, I like the engineering students to work in engineering. They also received challenge; to get something done that professionals wouldn't get done in a six-week period, it's the Highest Rookie incredible."

SeedAwardforhaving The competition is the highest rookie the second largest in the standing according world as teams from all to Assistant Principal over come to show <::! of Math, Science and ..0:: off their work. t55 Gold HAuks team Technology and Steel ~ Hawks Coach, Susan · § member Priyanka Brustein. ( Saha said, "We "In spite of the 'c> spent countless late ~ nights at school,and pressures of school ~ many sleepless and life they have ~ nights putting to face, they put in { together our robots, an extraordinary and all I can say effort and this year; The Gold HAuks sport their goggles at the Jacob Javits center. is that it was definitely that effort was worth it. At the competition, we made numerous vindicated," Ms. Brustein said; friends from other schools, countries even! This The competition hosted 66 teams,in 88 qualifying experience was beyond phenomenal, and I'm sure rolinds. Each team competed eight times over the none of us ever forget it." three day competition. During the qualifying rounds, This is Harris's fourth year in the competition teams were placed in alliances of three in order to and the teams look forward to doing even better in compete and gain individual ranking points. the coming years.

Senior Zachary Temkin, captain of the boys' "I hope to go to nationals next year. I think we team, was chosen to lead the 8th alliance in the qmirter can do it," said Mr. Jones. final, while the girls were chosen to join another alliance. "We knew it was a possibility, but these

will

weekOfWomen,·hrings

MarchflO11

State reviews po~.!qy on teacher seniority

by Catherine Moskos The future of New York City public school teachers has been constantly rewritten and.~nised, like word's smudged on a blackboard.

On March 1, the New York State Senate passed a resolution designed to base New York City teacher layoffs on merit rather than seniority. ·However, since approval of the Assembly is also necessary, passage is unlikely.

The new resolution aiins to reform the current policy dubbed Last In, First Out (LIFO). LIFO bases teacher layoffs only on seniority. · · Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been fighting to change LIFO. Recent reports state that the mayor wants to start laying off an estiinated46QO , teachers in the coming weeks. He claimS' the layoffs are.necessary because of cuts in state aid.

French teacher and UFT representative Mariet E.R. D'Souza commented, "Why do we not hear about enthusiastic experienced teachers and about novice teachers who learn from more experienced colleagues?"

Governor Andrew Cuomo thinks the layoffs are unnec~ssary; however, he does. support _a reformation of the teacher layoff policy. He plans to build on a new statewide teacher evaluation system that the United Federation of Teach~rs (UFT) and its state affiliate, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), negotiated with the state last May. In an interview with WNYC Radio, English teacher Safia Jama Cross said, "I 'support 'the current seniority system. I really believe that teachers with a lot of experience have earned that privilege." continued on Page 10 :' ~ ; i .

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att ention to gender issues

by Genna Mastellone Townsend Harris' weeklong celebration of International Women's Day, from March 7 to 11 , shed light on issues like maternal health, reproductive rights, and the campaign to stop violence against women.

Every year on March 8, people around the world celebrate International Women's Day, a day devoted to honoring the achievements of women. The Amnesty International club brought International Women's Day to Harris for the week.

"Every 90 seconds, a woman dies because of pregnancy related complications. They die not because we can't cure their diseases, but because society has yet to see a reason for them to live," said senior Aquib Yacoob, president of Amnesty Interna!ional.

Amnesty hoped to call attention to the problem by dedicating a week to women's rights.

As students entered the building on March 8, they were handed blue ribbons that said, "Stop Violence Against Women."

FreshmanAmnesty International member Victoria Mekhaelov said, "People were .. .reluctant to take the ribbon. It was a good idea to celebrate.

History classes could have had presentations to better inform people."

On March 11, Amnesty International and Educate to Elevate hosted a film screening of Pink Saris, a movie that was shown at the London Film Festival.

Directed by Kim Loginotto, the documentary focuses on Sampat Pal Devi, a leader of the "Pink Gang," who brings justice to the women of Uttar Pradesh, India.

"It's a great documentary that focuses on domestic violence and childhood marriage in India," said senior Aquib Yacoob, president of Amnesty International.

Senior Melina Iacovou said, "It's amazing that one person could make such an iinpact and defy the ~ expectations of society. You could tell that she didn't care what everyone else thought of her. It was inspirational, but at the same tiine shows the injustice that is omnipresent in the world."

Sophomore Maria Ledesma voiced another opinion. "What bothers me is 1M that women defend other women, but • 'Ibe oal.y :md:l.cDa.l oalege~IBBikm tests whme yau. chG a.a you never have one guy who speaks the BUbJeoet up for you, knowing that men usually •One--lDirteetasna ~ ofsubjec:tarsss: msth,l.'il!..1enceo, have more power." l1IBtarufe, hEtmy rmd i:xmp ~ English teacher Robert Babstock, advisor of Amnesty International, • .Reqnnad arm ex 11n••ended by many co1egae said, "This is a non-controversial This spr.iilg1 ·t tita an SAT Subject Test; next fall, make your topic, something that everyone can co1l.aga ~.shine. embrace."

According to Glenda Stone on internationalwomensday.com, "IWD is Upcoming Test Dates: May 7 & Juna 4 now an official holiday in 26 countries.

Laam Mora, Ragistar and Gat Fraa Praotioe Tools: The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, --- •A.'fSubtectTuta.osv etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers lit. . . . . . JiUillwtloll. ..._.. and grandmothers."

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news

Tre:'Giassie March 2011

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Phoenix poetry reading elllbraces hulllan di

by Geoffrey Yip Papers flapped in the wind, shouting echoed in the background, and readers projected their voices to be heard amongst the 'noise.

Breaking with tradition, Phoenix Co-Editors-In-Chief Kelly Cordray and Brandon O'Shea made the last-minute decision to take February's poetry reading outside onto the library patio.

The location change proved to be a nuisance for the readers. Senior Sheryl Rival' complained of how the wind blew her hair in her face.

Junior Nishat Hamid stopped in the middle of her poem to sit down, as her skirt fluttered in the wind.

"I want to look at people's facial expressions," Nishat said, on how her hair obscured her vision due to the wind.

"It wasn't personal. I like the connection when I look at people. The papers flying, and the noise, and the airplanes ... I just didn't like the wind today.

I do think that when it gets warmer though, we should go

outside." enjoyed the Others different location. "Outside is more natural. Inside is stuffy closed," sophomore and Denise Robles said.

"It was warm [and] we've been too cooped up with storms. It also represents a kind of freedom which ties into the theme of the reading," said Phoenix advisor and English teacher Rafal Olechowski.

Aquib Yacoob, President of Amnesty International Club opened up the reading and introduced the theme: human dignity.

"Let me give you guys some numbers. 963 million go to bed hungry every night, one billion people live in slums, 2.5 billion people have no access to basic sanitation services, and 20,000 children die as a result of this. These numbers aren't set in stone.

Just by coming here, you all are agents of change, and can bring an end to this. We're here to make change. Thank you," Aquib said.

Members of the Amnesty

International Club were given complimentary admission to this event.

Concerning the theme, Mr. Olechowski commented, "It was [the editors'] intuition.

They know their community and I agree with them because it's coinciding with [the revolution in] Egypt."

The reading also had its funny moments. Junior Max Bachhuber lightened the mood with comedic material, such as "How I Got TheseAbs" by Bob Owen Kirk. Brandon poked fun at the weather, saying, "We are out in this wind for a reason, this cult is outside here for a reason, The mothership will be coming down soon, if it weren't for the weather."

Later when reading his own poem, he commented that he wanted to keep it real, at which point Mr. Olechowski yelled out, "You Apollo's homeboy, go!" much to the of those embarrassment watching.

Alumnus Deano Kritikos, '10, who has attended every reading this year, said, "It's

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Sophomore Fatima Uruci reads her poem on the library patio.

inviting. I think the kids here are more cultured than those at St. John's. I like the environment here and believe it or not, I miss Townsend Harris."

As always, snacks were served in the principal's conference room after the reading.

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continued from Page 1 "When you're in FON, everything is so hectic," Brian added, "but when you're in the audience, you don't know what happening behind the stage. [Having been] in FON makes you appreciate it more."

Judith Suzuki, a sophomore who participated in both the Japanese and Chinese Ribbon dances, said, "It was very motivating to see the whole entire school embrace everybody's culture." . Junior Esther Portyansky led the Hebrew class through a medley of traditional Hebrew songs. She said she was nervous at first but explained, "Once we started singing, I relaxed and enjoyed performing with my classmates. I think our entire class did a wonderful job!"

Today, I was drinking water and out of curiosity checked the label for the ingredients. Thanks, Mr. Hanson. MLIT. Today, I was in the library reading Candide. Amused, I chuckled to myself. I was then kicked out for being too loud. MLIT. Today, I bruised my knee. I had walked into my friend's SAT book. MLIT.

news/feature

Egyptian revolution hits home the love, here's to the strength that protests in autocratic countries.

Of the slew of protests in the you have to endure ... Oh Egypt, you Fellow junior Kari Wei noted that Egypt is groundbreaking in that the Middle East and Northern Africa-=- gotta stay strong." many of them in countries foreign to Rana's video also contains uprising used "technology and social the American tongue, like Tunisia, messages (with Arabic subtitles) networking in a revolutionary, utterly Yemen, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, .from other students at Townsend 21st century way."

Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Jordan, and Harris, like "stay strong and stay But the students also discussed Oman-only the revolution in Egypt together," "I support your fi:ght for possible negative repercussions of has captured a wholly modem idea: independence," and "power to the the triumph of the Egyptian people. that the power of popular dissent and people."

Kari pointed out day ' ' I'm not Egyptian, that although social networking can be harnessed The to overthrow a dictator and bring after the video but.on that day I felt Mubarak was a democracy to a region that has seen was uploaded to l'k E . , dictator, during YouTube, Mubarak 1 e an gyphan. his reign Egypt little of it. stepped down, -Leanna N arain, freshman. was a mediating The Egyptian people took to influence in the the streets in January of this year to and Rana spoke protest three decades of autocratic at a rally held by Middle East. rule by President Hosni Mubarak. Egyptian-American groups outside Mubarak was also an American ally.

The protesters were concentrated in the United Nations that celebrated Both Joshua and Kari feel that they Tahrir Square in Cairo, where they the end ofMubarak's reign. were able to take their understanding called for Mubarak's resignation Freshman Leanna Narain, of forces in Egypt and apply it to their and clashed with riot police officers. a fellow Amnesty International studies of AP U~ited States History.

In many cases the officers used member who attended the rally, said, Elsewhere in Townsend Harris, tear gas, rubber bullets, and water "I'm not Egyptian, but on that day I the Egyptian revolution seemed a cannons in an effort to subdue felt like an Egyptian. It felt universal, less pressing issue. Junior Sunny frenzied mobs of protesters; reports more about humanity rather than Cho said that she had watched videos emerged of thousands being arrested ethnicity or religion. The happiness about the issue during Amnesty and even more being beaten. was contagious. Even though they International meetings, but that most Despite Mubarak's efforts to quell were speaking in Arabic you could students at the school "know more or the demonstrations, like imposing a tell how they felt." less something's going on in Egypt, curfew and shutting down Internet Rana believes that Egypt but don't know the extent of it." access nationwide, the revolution achieving freedom is most Fellow junior Laurie Beckoff said she prevailed on February 11 when significant "for young activists, like knew the basics from watching the Mubarak resigned. people in Amnesty International in news-that there was infringement When Townsend Harris senior this school. When we urge people on human rights, that there had Rana Abdelhamid first heard about to go to rallies, they question the been a chain reaction in the Middle the unrest in Egypt, she wanted to effectiveness, because they don't East-but said the topic hadn't come do something to support her fellow think the government listens. But up in any of her classes.

Most ofthe students interviewed Egyptians. Along with fellow senior now ... it shows we don't have to use Anthony Barsamian and science aggression to get our way. We just hadn't learned about Egypt in class (with the exception of Mr. Bonamo's teacher Philip Porzio, Rana put had to spread the message."

Principal Kenneth Bonamo's Current Events class), not even together a video that she hoped would encourage youth in Egypt to "keep Current Events class also discussed history classes. Yet Kari said, "Every fighting, realize that the people do the developments. Junior Joshua moment is history. We're living have power and they will prevail." ·solomon says that the class was through the Egyptian revolution The video features a song written by able to predict the outcomes in the as it's happening, which is pretty Anthony and Mr. Porzio, with the Middle East, notably that Egypt cool." lyrics "here's to the hope, here's to would start a chain reaction of

by Emma Court

Onging upheaval of Libyan regime inspires students

by Eunice Lau

In a controversial move, the United Nations Security Council recently voted to authorize military intervention in Libya, where clashes between rebels and the regime in power have led to great bloodshed.

The movement began to gain momentum on February 17, when Libyan rebels, consisting of mainly youths, gathered in Benghazi's main square while _some marched the streets of Libya. They held signs and flags and asked the government to step down and make way for a more democratic form of rule. Unfortunately, Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi, the ruler of Libya, sent soldiers to stop the peaceful protests. Violence quickly escalated between the two groups. Rebels gained control of the eastern city of Benghazi, and fight continues for other strategic cities.

More than a month after the initial protests, coverage of the events in Libya on several websites such as Twitter, BBC News, and AI Jazeera parallels the widespread information on the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions. Some have accused the mainstream media in the United States of broadcasting limited coverage of the events on not only the Libyan revolution, but also the Middle East uprisings as a whole.

"I don't believe that the media is providing enough information," senior Shanet Rampersaud said. She went on to say that she "get[s] most of the interesting and 'inside' information from [her] economics class."

Sophomore Judy Wang had a similar opinion concerning media coverage of the region. "I know many people who are still ignorant of the turmoil in the Middle East," she said.

Dina Chowdhury, senior, offered an explanation for the lack of information on the Middle East, saying, "It is a dangerous time for anyone to be out there."

During the month of February, the Libyan government and rebels fought for control of cities and towns within the country. Troops bombed towns and fired five-inch bullets at civilians. On March 17, the United Nations moved to physically stop the Libyan government. It ordered a no-fly zone to protect the rebels.

In addition to the rapidly developing events in Libya, the Yemeni president fired the government amidst the mounting calls for him to step down. In Bahrain, beause of the current religious divide between the government and the people, citizens are demanding changes to the government.

"As an interconnected and international society, we presently feel the impact regardless if we are on the one the opposite hemisphere from the Middl~ East," Shanet commented.

"The events in the Middle East encourage other parts of the world to fight for their freedom if their ruler is being unjust," said Connie Huang, senior. Dina found the events inspiring as well. "I feel like with all these protests, the world is shifting," she said. Connie continued, "The people fighting for their rights in Libya and Cairo have shown me that there's hope that you can't simply live in silence and accept what you don't want."

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Revolutions in Middle last and Nut ttl Alrtca continue Uprisings against autocratic regimes in countries such as s~ Bahtain and Yemen have inteiliifted, with hundreds Idled and no signs of approaching resolution. See 3rtides on this page.

Japads radiation fear ina e:ases Anxiety continues to buld over rising radiation levels in the water and air after the ~ and subsequent tsunami that dedmated japan on March II. The series of nat.Unf disasters cut the~ sup-· ly of~-- to six nuclear power leading to several I~ radioactive gas, particularly from the facilities in the t=ukushima Prefectut'e. The japanese mvernment has enc~ the 11 Vo1Um;ary evacuation" of dlose ltv. withiri a 12 to 19 mile radius of ~ plant. while the United States has that no one st2y within so · (see Page I)

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Threat of d¥11 war 11nJ81-s as ~ hunl8nltartan crisis unfoldS Ivory Coast The United Nations' ~ mission in Ivory Coast has about what it views as an 1mminent civil war in the ~t violence, including the shelling of a local market that tOOk the lives Of 25 civilians, and a rapid buJI<!up of incumbent President l,aurent G¥o's military forces cause concern. Stnce the start of poldcal turmoil in the country last NOvember, the strife has result8d in the deaths of over 800 1vorians, and the _disolacem _· em of over 500,000. ~\ rebaf to step down kom office after ·losing last Year's election sparked this stnigte.

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Ephebic Oath Project approaches finish line

by Lory Martinez

The Ephebic Oath Project will conclude with a formal dedication ceremony on April 30 commemorating the 343 firefighters who passed away on 9111. :lf';L'FHe ceremony, which will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM in the · 'school library, "has been almost ten years in the making, beginning on the morning of September 13th, 2001, when we first Yeactf~d out, in the spirit of the Ephebic Oath, to the FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, ESU and families impacted by the attacks on the World Trade Center," said English teacher Helen Rizzuto, who leads the project.

The ·· ceremony will signify the completion of a permanent 9111 memorial at Townsend Harris. It will include a memory book of letters and reflections written by students, an art bo6kwith over 150 panels, a yearbook o'i'' biographies of each firefighter, and mementos from the numerous fundraisers and events that have spread the project's goal of keeping the Ephebic Oath alive in the Harris community.

The Ephebic Oath team of seniors as well as Ms. Rizzuto's sophomore English classes will be hosting the ceremony, while Captain . Alfredo Fuentes, a retired firefighter, will make the actual dedication. be inviting "We'll firefighters from the local firehouse as well as the families of the firefighters who have joined us at the last several walks," said team member Aquib Yacoob.

In addition to speeches from team members and Captain Fuentes, there will be a formal color guard as well as a traditional bagpiper as part of the presentation of the memorial.

"We hope that everyone will join us for the formal dedication ceremony," said Ms. Rizzuto. "The first half will consist of the actual dedication, and after that, the families of the firefighters will remain behind for brunch and a chance to view the memorial case."

As the ceremony draws closer, team members who have worked on the project anticipate its completion.

"Seeing the Ephebic Oath Project near its end is, without a doubt, · a wonderful feeling," said team member senior LaQuanique Lake. "It's a joy to

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see something that originally started out as just an idea actually materialize in the manner that you envisioned, and that's what's happening with this project.

Though there's still work to be done - piecing together the final components of the project - it's a pleasure to see that the more difficult tasks have been or are in the process of becoming successfully Student artwork is displayed in the Ephebic Oath calendar. completed."

Ms. Rizzuto extraordinary Ephebic Oath team for expressed how she felt about the the work they'.lfe done and the hundreds upcoming ceremony. "Endings and of hours and memories shared." beginnings are often more shadow than Team member senior Alice Kim reality. The culmination of this project . said, "It's a tremendous feeling, one I means that the love and generosity of cannotcommunicateinwords,knowing Townsend Harris students, staff, family · that we're fillally paying tribute to those and friends will have created a final · who have given so much to us, those resting place and memorial for our who have made the ultimate sacrifice 343 firefighters, a permanent archive to save our lives." that will serve as its own eternal flame. I shall be forever grateful to my

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Weight Training Club boosts physical fitness

by Yuval Solomon

Many consider Weight Training to be the "boot-camp" gym class of Townsend Harris. After finishing nfr~~]}plan gym, they refuse to endure the pain again. But for those who like the idea of getting into shape, working out or getting motivated, the weight training club is open to all on Wednesdays during enrichment.

Led · by physical education and health teacher Keith Hanson, the club offers an extra hour to focus on any exercises one would like. Students who have missed their Weight Training classes can also make them up at the club. As soon as students can get a hold of the equipment they can use it.

An average of 20 to 30 students come by every Wednesday to work out.

Unlike in Weight Training class, the club is allowed to focus on one body part if desired. For example, many of the boys in attendance opt for the chest exercises they are supposed to perform only once a week in class. Ariella Wagner, junior, said, "I come to work on abs because there isn't room for an ~\'>,~ da:Y in class." .,, Some of the members who show up consistently are the ones everyone expects: the "work-out-aholics" who are mostly juniors and some seniors.

Many track members come, as well as wrestling team members during their seasons. However, even those that aren't the typical Hanson protegees come to club.

Tyler Hicks, who used to be in Mr.

Hanson's class comes to club because, as she says, "I miss the soreness."

Many of the students not only take the class and come every Wednesday as a bonus, but also have signed up for gyms outside of school, putting Mr. Hanson's motto of "weighttraining is a lifestyle" to good use. " F o r beginners," Mr. Hanson "club said, is fine to get ~ · ~-them started."

However, once one gets to a certain level of intensity, only exercise ·no longer enough. Some have even taken on extra steps to control their diet like Timothy Trzaskalski, junior, who has lost about 13% body fat since joining the class.

Moreover, an exclusive group of mostly boys drinks protein shakes to further speed up the results. Mr. Hanson recommends the shakes for muscle recovery, gaining muscle, or to L.

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Mr. Hanson supervises during club, guiding students in performing the exercises and motivating them.

Anyone who has had him yell at them while working out can testify. Klaudia Koziol was able to "do the rack," a term meaning continuous repetitions without rest, starting at a high weight and decreasing by increments until muscle failure, on the leg press starting at 360 pounds, decreasing by 90 each

time.

Not everything in the club is that serious. In fact, despite the sweat and grunting noises heard, the club has a very light mood. Once, a member leg pressed her partner and the commotion drew some laughs from nearby onlookers.

Many have tried io get the club extended to two days a week. After all, club members will attest, it isn't just a class; it's a way of life.

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By Joshua Solomon .. , Signs have been materializing across the Queens College campus lately advertising about "Moo Bella," an ice cream machine at the Q Cafe. This new "vtmding machine" is the sole saving grace of the otherwise lackluster food at Queens College. .

I made this discovery on a recent journey across the uncharted lands of Queens College. On the path between Townsend Harris' Student Dining Hall and the famous Gino's Pizzeria- sometimes thought to be the only place to get food nearby- there is actually an array of places to grab a decent bite.

My adventure across the campus with junior Michael Benjamin, my food-critiquing companion, started before the February vacation. At this point, college students were on break and classes were limited while snow covered most of the benches.

We walked around the perimeter of the campus, scouting out the numerous possible places to eat as we .discussed topics ranging from future colleges to junior banquet. We. had time to kill. Unfortunately, there was no food to be eaten. Every single place on campus was closed early for the duration of the break.

First lesson of this journey: Queens College does not follow our high school hours. Therefore, part two of this adventure had to be delayed.

Queens College Food Adventure 2.0 finally began a few weeks later, when we revisited the Q Cafe. In this pick-up-and-pay-after setup, there was pizza available.

Let me use this analogy- school pizza: Gino's:: QC cafe pizza: school pizza. Yes, this pizza made about as much sense as that analogy.

Other, better choices included their semi-spicy/semi-delectable fried chlcken sandwich which was, as Michael said, " .. .like when you go to McDonald's."

Around the hallin the Q Cafe, the choices went on to include both Kosher and Halal stands. In addition, there was "The ONE Sushi," which had unfortunately closed at 3:30, before we arrived.

Next door, we stumbled upon the highlight of our adventure: Moo Bella. We found it in Q-Venience, a small store with a freezer stocked with microwave dinners as well as Queens College's poor man's version ofChipotle. Most importantly, though, there was a vending machine that if turned on its side would be close to the size of a cow.

This machine allows you to put in a cup into a specified area and then select your flavor and toppings of choice on a touch screen. Then, with all the sounds of bells and whistles, makes your ice cream custom for you. The concept itself was enough to get me to check it out. Once I customized everything and the process was complete, I got my hands on the freshly made ice cream.

It seemed too good to be true. But after the first spoonful I wondered how something that came from a machine could taste so rich and frdh. It was comparable to Coldstone ice cream in both creaminess and sweetness ..This ice cream machine without a doubt will soon become a popular spot to munch for Harrisites as well as Queens College students.

There are other noteworthy locations on campus that would be sufficient for a quick bite or a good place to work with a group on a collateral. Other than the Q Cafe, my suggestion would be the Student Union Diner, located near the comer ofKissena and Melbourne. This 50s-themed diner, whose culinary options are similar to those at the Q Cafe, is a quality place to do work that has plenty of seating.

Although the food was disappointing overall, I did discover that there are places throughout the campus that we Harrisites should be aware of, particularly one special, homemade-like ice cream vending machine, from which I plan to try all 93 varieties by the time I graduate.

Radio head's King

of Limbs Alumnus cotnpetes to be a millionaire on television show-

merits multiple listens

by Geoffrey Yip If you haven't heard about Radiohead, you're missing out.

A band well-known amongst alternative rock circles, Radiohead no longer needs a label for press coverage. All it took was a surprise Valentine's Day announcement on the band's site for music giants like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork to come to them and run stories on the album's release.

But a warning to fans who know them only for OK Computer or In Rainbows: this is a purely electronic album, a throwback to Kid A or Amnesiac that had even critics admitting it needed multiple listens.

Don't expect any choruses either. Coming in under 37 minutes, this is freeform electronic music at some of its finest.

Thorn Yorke's voice guides . the listener through a dense arrangement of synthesized drum beats, strings, and piano. It's all his anxieties, regrets and contemplations wrung out in beautiful falsetto against the backdrop of electronic noise.

There isn't . really anything to hold onto in the haunting landscapes these songs create. The rhythm seems to be in a constant state

of catch-"up, with crowded drum beats all purposely off just a little to put you on edge. It maintains a constant tension, with only slow buildups, and breakdowns to hint at a total collapse that never happens.

It's a shame that Radiohead chose backbeat over melody, though. Once the noise pulls back and the percussion dies down in the second half of the album, Thorn Yorke's falsetto really starts to shine. Before, he was a ghost, his voice haunting us over the beats, but now in the open space, he rings with emotion.

"Lotus Flower" is the most melodiC of all these songs; a wobbly bassline and claptrack provides the groove. "Codex" doesn't even have a drum track, just a subtle bass beat under the warped piano.

Don't kid yourself though. This album will take multiple listens before you start to get it. It took me seven. Yet each time, it grew on me, teasing me like a puzzle. I noticed a drum pattern here, an echo effect there, and replayed it again and again to piece it all together. Have patience, because Radiohead is an exquisite pleasure that more people need to experience.

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by Jeffrey Young Some people buy a lottery ticket when they turn 18, others register to be a contestant on a televised game show.

Daniel Pecoraro, alumnus of the class of 2010 and founder of the Trivia and Knowledge Cub, recently competed on the popular game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, hosted

by Meredith Vieira. His episode aired on March 1.

This widely known game show has contestants answer fifteen trivia questions in order to win money, with all the players hoping to reach one million dollars.

Daniel, at only 18, the minimum age to

appear on the show, stands out as one of the youngest competitors.

"It's been a dream all of my (relatively short) life to be on a quiz show such as Millionaire," he said.

He continued, "I registered to audition the night of my 18th birthday and auditioned the next day."

In his performance, after a series of questions ranging from 'Artistic Expression' to 'Jailhouse Rap,' Daniel accumulated $52,000 before losing all but $1000 by missing a question pertaining to celebrity couples.

The show is designed with audience participation in mind, with in-game features such as "Ask The Audience," where the audience members vote for what they believe to be the corre.ct answer if the contestant isn't sure.

Daniel said, "For a show with an audience-participation component like Millionaire, there's a symbiosis of energy and a bit of a level of trust between the audience and the component, something I certainly was part of when playing."

There is an entire process behind applying and competing on Millionaire.

Hopefuls complete a thirty question multiple choice exam. The show then interviews those who scored well to see if the potential contestants are interesting and energetic enough for television.

Unfortunately, contestants can only appear once on the show Millionaire, but Daniel doesn't mind. He noted, "I can't be on another game show for a year - but that won't mean I won't keep trying out for Jeopardy!, looking for the Cash Cab, and calling into NPR's Wait Wait, Don~ Tell Me here on out."

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March 2011

Model UN club participates in NYC conference

by Katherine Maradiaga

Members of the Model United Nations (UN) club, representing the countries of Ireland, Malawi, Peru, and Yemen, were recognized at the Global Classrooms: New York City Model UN Conference on February 5.

Assembled at the City College of New York, the Model UN Club was awarded for "Best Position Paper" and "Best Delegation" after a day's deliberation with other high-schoolers concerning realworld topics discussed at the actual United Nations.

Representing Yemen in the General Assembly, junior Eamestiena Cheng and freshman Maria Averkiou won the award for "Best Position Paper."

Teacher seniority policy ·reviewed

Maria reflected on the day's events, saying, "All the hard work we put into learning about our country paid off."

The assembly discussed . rnalaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases spreading throughout their countries. Delegations often · brought up the topics of disease prevention, methods for informing citizens, and support for new developments in curing infectious diseases.

Assuming the role of Malawi in the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Assembly, freshmen Andrew Mitchel and Priyal Sakhuja were . granted the recognition of "Best Delegation."

Their assembly conferred ways to combat the growing circum-

.stances of malnutrition-in the par"' ticipating countries. One suggested solution was to build a stronger infrastructure to.transport food goods and to support the lack of economy in various countries.

Club co-president Rana Abdelhamid commented, "People actually put a lot of effort and time and the fact that more than one person won is really meaningful.· Being that this is international, they will now know what to expect."

Other assemblies at the conference included the Commission on Crime and Prevention and Criminal Justice discussing the illicit trade of weapons, the Food and Agriculture Organization reviewing biofuels, the UN Development · Program discussing globalization

HarrisFeud proceeds donated to charity

continued from Page 5

As Ms. Jama-Cross has spent only four years teaching at public schools, she added, "It is kind of strange that I'm taking a position that perhaps doesn't benefit me in the short term, but I think that it will benefit me in long term."

English teacher Robert Babstock said, "The fact that LIFO has become a front burner media issue is a clear indication that labor is virtually voiceless and impotent. Arguments against LIFO seem to be part of a well-financed campaign to distract the populace from the abuses of the powerful. It's working. Teachers have been very successfully demonized as lazy and pampered."

Students have also voiced concerns on this controversy.

"The entire LIFO process is flawed; it needs to be rethought. Furthermore, it's all the more upsetting that we're even considering cuts to education, as it is the key to a brighter future," said Student Union president Aquib Yacoob.

Kazmi Sophomore · Ameer commented, "Even though older teachers have much more experience, I feel that younger teachers can relate to the students better."

About LIFO's effectiveness, sophomore Susana Mollick said, "Sometimes intelligence comes with age. You should only be cut if everyone is aware you're a poor teacher."

Principal Kenneth Bonamo said, "Seniority protections from layoffs are important because the more time people invest in their careers, the more they should be protected from layoffs.

It is also an easy metric to use to rank teachers for layoffprotections, since we really don't have another way of doing it right now.'' He added, "Someone who's been teaching for three years can probably find another job much easier than someone who's been teaching for 23 years. The humane thing to do is to lay off the teacher with fewer years ·in the system."

and development, and the Security Council examining the situation in Afghanistan.

Each country actively participated by raising an issue,with given placards, speaking at the microphone, or composing a resolution.

Amidst the heated debate at the conference, delegates continued deliberating over a small lunch of sandwiche·s and soft drinks, quick- . ly returning to their assembly after the light meal.

The end of the conference gave way for a substantial amount of resolutions to be introduced and possibly agreed on. The General Assembly wrote six resolutions altogether, yet the majority of the assembly was only able to vote and agree on one. ,

Harris feuds for Coalition for the Homeless.

by Ella Leviyeva

Mimicking the CBS game show, Family Feud, teachers joined together at HarrisFeud on Friday, February 4 to raise money for the Coalition for the Homeless organization. Split up into two separate "families," the Humanities teachers were declared victorious over the Science teachers.

The Science family consisted of Principal Kenneth Bonamo, biology teacher Sarah Oberlander, chemistry teacher Philip Porzio, physics teacher Edward Gruszecki, and guidance counselor Sara Skoda.

The Humanities family included English teachers Caroline Cross and Judy Biener, classical language teachers George Hagerty and Marianthe Colakis, and history teacher Franco Scardino.

In the spirit of the show, 100 Harrisites were surveyed and the results were tallied to create the questions. With a final score of 100-324, the Science teachers trailed the Humanities teachers throughout the entire competition.

As each of the six questions were asked, one teacher from each team attempted to get the highest answer on the board in order to steal the question for their team or pass it to the opposing team.

When asked what students do on Facebook, both sets of teachers were at a loss, resorting to "discussing homework" as an answer. To the teachers' surprise and the audience's entertainment, the number one answer on the board was "Creeping/Stalking."

Dr.Colakis said, "I pad 1 a fine time. I thought the questions were easier than I expected. I was dreading questions about current popular singers, movies, or television shows. It was ironic that when I went head to head, the question was about Facebook- that was challenging enough!"

Their final score of 324 points put Humanities in the Fast Money round, where Dr.Colakis and Ms.Cross ~ answered five consecutive ~ questions within a time ~ limit of 30 seconds and 45 ~ seconds, respectively. With £ a combined Fast Money ~ score of 186, Humanities ..:: i:l.. teachers were declared winners ofHarrisFeud.

With all proceeds being donated, HarrisFeud was a charity event targeted to raise money for the Coalition ofHomeless Fund. "Coalition for the Homeless is the nation's oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless men, women, and children." (About the Coalition).

Student Union vice president Karina Hernandez said, "As leaders, we want to help the world, but sometimes we need to help those within our neighborhood or city as well. [The Coalition for Homeless] isn't just another food pantry or shelter, it's an organization that helps thousands of New Yorkers rebuild their lives. They provide them with jobs, apartments, and anything they need to get back on track."

Aleeza Widman, the Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA), said, "Karina Hernandez and Aquib Yacoob worked tirelessly ... We raised about $700 and will probably have another event to raise additional funds. We moved the date from the last day of the fall . semester because many students said they wanted to go home to study for finals. However, ticket sales were still somewhat low. It's a shame because it really was a fabulous event and all the money went to charity. We will definitely hold some kind of charity event next year. Last year we played Jeopardy, this year ·Family Feud, who knows what for next year." .

Karina added, "We've promised to leave this city greater than we found it, and that's exactly what we plan on doing!" ·

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The Classic March 2011

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~~~~:~tz Soars froTw, s~£~.~~.g tip to final basket The Girls Varsity Basketball team defeated play after being fouled on a layup.

Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in the first round On the next possession, she used of the PSAL A division playoffs on February 16. a spin move to create space and After finishing the regular season with 9 and 5, the then hit an open shot. However, Hawks were ranked as the 30th seed. LaGuardia, who LaGuardia went on a run to close finished the regular season 8-6, was the 35th seed. out the third quarter, cutting the The Hawks entered the game as slight favorites, Hawks' lead to 34-31. but the team and Coach Lauren Caiaccia knew they Sophomore Candace Higgins would have to battle to win. It was the team's third got into the scoring mix and put consecutive year with a home playoff game, and the Hawks up by 5 early in the Coach Caiaccia was ecstatic to be hosting it. fourth quarter. She hit another shot Before the game, she said she was ready for her midway through the quarter to put team's work ethic to produce another win. As the the Hawks up by 7 with three and team~ warmed up, she said, "We have worked hard a half minutes left. all season and are now very proud to represent our The Hawks looked like they school and borough in the PSAL playoff race. Our had the game locked up with a records are close, and we are fairly evenly matched 7 -point lead. But in a sudden I: with LaGuardia. This is what we have worked hard change of events, the game ~ [;'l all season for!" became much closer. McFadden, i:f The Hawks controlled the opening tip, and the Hawks' starting guard, drove ~ ~ freshman Sierra Berkel started the game with an hard to the basket and suffered an ~ easy layup. Early in the game, both teams had many injury on the play. And with three ~ 0 turnovers because of the defensive pressure. The first minutes left, the Hawks had some . . . . . ~ quarter ended with LaGuardia up 16-ll . serious foul trouble.Sophomore l _ Freshman Olivia McFadden began the second Ginelle George, who had played a Hawks' freshman Sierra Berkel controls the opening tip-off. quarter with a smooth three-pointer. After a LaGuardia major role the entire game, bringing dropped a close game to highly jump shot, Berkel made it a two-point game with the ball up and setting up the offense, had four fouls. ranked Baruch College, but the team is ready for a pump fake and drive to the basket. Her presence McFadden also had four, and Berkel had three. next season. The Hawks have a starting lineup and under the basket and post moves would continue to LaGuardia began driving at George, attemptng to roster made up of mostly underclassmen. Higgins carry the Hawks throughout the game. make her foul out, but the Hawks remained strong. and George both provided steady play throughout Midway through the second quarter, one of McFadden quickly returned to the game, despite the season, while_ Berkel and McFadden proved the referees .made an incorrect call on a jump her injury. The Hawks had their best team on the court their talents as freshmen. Berkel had a monumental ball possession arrow and the game immediately and were determined to hold the lead. LaGuardia season, and finished as the 8th ranked scorer in New tensed up. Coach Caiaccia and Harris parents in the fought hard and was able to hit two clutch shots. With York City- averaging nearly 23 points per game. stand respectfully let the ref know he was wrong. 40 seconds left, the Hawks were trailing 45-46.

Coach Caiaccia was thrilled with the Hawks' The players refocused, and Berkel scored three With the game on the line, Laguardia inbounded season and said, "We have a solid starting lineup with consecutive baskets. The Hawks went up 21-20, their the ball. Berkel came flying in and tore it away from multiple underclassmen. In addition, we h~l.Ve lots of first lead since the opening tip. the LaGuardia guard. She dribbled up the court was players ready to step up. Our youth is our strength and The Hawks seized their chance for momentum. fouled on the play, but still managed to hit the game- I look forward to seeing the team grow as a unit."

McFadden recieved an outlet pass at half court. She winning layup. To put the icing on the cake, Berkel The Hawks' young players already have valuable dribbled full speed, mixed in a crossover dribble, also hit the free throw - putting the Hawks up 48- playoff experience. The team is poised to be a playoff and finished the play with a one handed layup. At the 46. She finished the game with 32 points and 18 contender and to have tremendous success in the next rebounds, and completed the dramatic victory. halftime buzzer, the Hawks were leading 28-20. few seasons.

In the third quarter, Berkel continued to put on In their second round playoff game, the Hawks

Briefinr: Daring achieves track record lty JosJma 8olomoB Senior captain Emma&u&1 ~ became the first Townsemd Harris male athlete to compete at the state level in Indoor Track and Field, 11lnDiJlg the 200-.meter m23.5 seconds on tlte first ofMarob..

Daring, a 300-meter spec.iatist, moved on from 1!be city level to compete in the state ~ race.

He tmisbed sixth mthe varsity finals race at the PSAL indoor traok and field city~ with a time of 36.53 5econds. In a race with ItationaUy raak.eti l'llltlllets Daring's time was 2.33 seconds off the first place time.

••'fhis puts me up tlaere, doosn't it?.. lle said.

Nev~, when he come$ back one day, Daring does not want to see his name still oo top of tile traek record list for the 200 meter dash. "1 don't wam that to happen," he said. "l.ecotds are tl'l.e1n1t to be brok.en."

Boys Varsity Basketball team loses at playoffs

by Joshua Solomon For the sixth straight sea~on, the Boys Varsity Basketball team returned to the playoffs, playing the All City Leadership Secondary School (ACLS) on February 17. Harris lost 58-55 despite the leadership displayed by seniors David Weeks and Nicholas Nehaul and a charged home crowd.

Weeks, the point guard, led the team with 16 points. They finished the regular season 8-8 and qualified as the 32 seed in the Boys 'B' division playoffs. At the end the first half the game tilted in favor of the home team with a score of 33-29. By the fourth quarter, leads were changing frequently with a key six point upswing by junior Chirayu Patel. He scored a career high of 13 points. Both Patel, a point guard, and fellow junior Ioannis Babatsikos, a center, will be leading the team next season.

Townsend's lead was cut to a deficit by ACLS's senior, Shaquille Joseph, who was playing his first game of the season. The team was down by two as they s.ent Joseph to the free throw line with four-seconds left. The first shot made gave them a three-point-lead. On the next attempt senior Eddie Caraccioli grabbed the rebound of the missed shot. He said after the loss, "I tried to get as close to the basket as possible and get a good shot off." The shot would have tied the game but with the miss, Townsend's season ended on an abrupt note.

Veteran Coach Frank DeNunzio said on the draining loss, ..I thought for sure we were the better team, but turnovers cost us the game."

The· team was plagued by injuries throughout the season, including Nicholas' leg injury, hindered his performance. Nicholas said, "l really love this team .. .I wouldn't trade these guys to go further [into the playoffs]."

Desoite the loss, Weeks had advice for next year's team, ..Good luck and

4/4/11 BQiy's Varsity Volleyball vs. Bayside flf THHS 416/11 Oirl 's Varsity Softbaill vs. Jau Bow:ae • John BowDe HS 4/12/11 Oirl 's Varsity Fatcilltg vs. Loog 1-slaiild Ctty (II THHS 4/14/11 Oid's Varsity Tennis vs. FrMtds Lewis e Ctl4utbtgli~m. Park 4l15Jl1 Boy's Vanity TeBms vs. Beaja~ita Caffdozo@ Card~o HS