Forming the strong relationships I did with the students on the trip lead to my realization of a few different things. For one, I learned that everybody has something to offer, whatever that is, and because that thing is unique to that one person, it is valuable. Furthermore, to label or judge people because of the way they look, talk, or where they’re from does nothing but limit a relationship. What I am referring to rather is tolerance, in that in order to form a strong relationship with someone, one must be able to embrace their perhaps less desirable qualities as much as they embrace their desirable qualities.

For me, one of the emerging topics of this trip was passion. The thing that struck me most all of the educators and chaperones that were on the trip was that they have all followed their passions. Before this trip, I had always thought that I would go to business school, get a degree, get a job that I can live with, and practice my passions on the side. However, meeting these truly inspiring adults has led me to question my own ideals and priorities that most definitely translate into life choices that I will soon be making. Talking to other students that were on the trip, I do believe that this coming of age was shared by many.

Being in an environment as untouched as Antarctica guided me to a realization of the fragility of the planet. Needless to say, it is difficult to imagine what somebody’s actions in New York, Toronto, or Shanghai have to do with the Antarctic. However, I have learned that much of what humans do around the world effects the environment, whether that environment is Central Park or Deception Island in Antarctica. Furthermore, small changes in the environment may not affect human beings; however, they may have a tremendous impact of the environment.

For example, it was a common sight throughout the trip to see penguins laying belly-down in the snow. The penguin equivalent to a mist fan on a warm summer’s day, lying in the snow is one way penguins cool down in the heat of the summer. This sight led me to wonder what were to happen if the earth continued to warm even gradually over decades. Therefore, the way humans choose to live their lives can have a direct impact on not only their surrounding environment, but the global environment.

Indeed – a delicate planet we inhabit.

Related posts:

1. Copenhagen Climate International Feature
2. Students on Ice!
3. Freshmen Get a Jump Start

Being an international school, we have many people that celebrate fun holidays, but we mostly acknowledge Christmas. But what about the other holidays such as Hanukkah or Kwanzaa?

Have they been pushed aside? Definitely not. The tree outside the main office will be decorated to represent each.

The school is also starting a new tradition. The Recycled Dragon Ornament Contest, held between the advisories, began at the end of November and ended December 18th.

“It would be cool to decorate all the holidays. And we want to incorporate international symbols of peace because our school is international,” said Principal, Ms. Aimee Horowitz.

In keeping with our green mission, every advisory competed in the ornament contest. The ornaments are made completely from recycled materials, such as empty Snapple cans or scraps of paper. During E-Block lunch, recently many girls went from table to table, asking for empty milk cartons.

Some advisories have very intricate designs. The Barrett Advisory’s design was said to be made entirely of metal material and could possibly be mobile.

Other advisories, like Ms Guo’s, used what was lying around their advisory or brought in materials.

Students around the school enjoyed themselves while competing.

“I liked it because we didn’t have independent reading,” said freshman Travis Dove.

Not only were the students enthusiastic about the competition, the advisors were just as thrilled.

“We’re in it to win!” said senior advisor, Ms. Garcia, who refused to show her G-block class what her advisory made before the competition.

But why a dragon of all things? Since our school first opened, the dragon has always been the mascot, so the hope was to show off school pride.

The winning advisories were, Mr. Barret’s senior advisory, Mrs. Emerson’s junior advisory, Ms. Guo’s sophomore advisory, and the Stefanski and Packowski advisories for the freshmen.

Related posts:

1. Students Visit Broadway to see In the Heights
2. Valentine’s Day Gone Global
3. CSI Experiences Dakamela

at the Charles Glass Tournament.

Fans sat in seats that lined the small gymnasium of the Erasmus Campus where six schools are housed in Flatbush Brooklyn, the location of our school’s co-ed developmental PSAL wrestling team’s second match.  Team members and fans traveled early to meet the Brooklyn wrestlers, including one female.

“Hip! Hip! Turn in! Half! Half! And drive the leg!”yelled coach Rosario Miano.

Teammates and fans, sitting, jumping, and yelling experienced the intensity of the first match, as sophomore Joseph Raguso used various techniques to put  his opponent on the mat.

The hip toss, arm bar, cross face, and the ankle pick are moves used in a wrestling match to bring an opponent to the mat for the required two minute pin, where the winning wrestler holds his opponent’s shoulders to the mat.

At their first match, Raguso and his other team mates used the same techniques to pin their opponents in the tournament against Port Richmond High School.

Against Port, freshman Eduardo Ramirez used these techniques to wrestle his opponent, and grabbed the win in the first few minutes of his match. Ian Urcinoli and Nicholas Martucci also claimed two more wins, putting our school in the lead with a score of 43 to 28.

At their second match, where the Dragons competed against Erasmus Hall, similar techniques were used to secure another victory.

“The arm bar is when you get your opponent’s arm in the back of their neck and turn him into a choke hold. To chokehold you must stand behind your opponent and wrap your arm around their neck, like stopping blood flow. The cross face is when you make your opponent eat his own arm. When you ankle pick your opponent, you start off using the arm bar then grab the ankle. Then you use your arms and shoulder to take your opponent to the ground,” said Raguso.

Sophomore Sher Mohammad was next up to verse Kevin Sheperd. He walked to the mat with a determined look on his face ready to win his match. Circling one another they grabbed each others heads, slapping at their ear protectors.

As they were circling, Sher  flipped Sheperd onto the mat, then flipped him onto his backside and pinned him down to the floor for three seconds. The winner, Mohammad added another victory for our team.

“My technique was first to just go back and fourth. When you’re up, it’s more of power and technique, more like a fight. That’s how I won my match in the last three seconds,” said Mohammad.

Freshman Benjamin Wasserman was up next to face his opponent,  Mohammed Callahan. They stepped onto the mat, took their positions, and began. Ben head locked his opponent, grabbed him by his stomach, pulling him onto the mat, and rolling him over so quickly that he brought down Callahan in only 56 seconds.

“First, I let him do whatever he wanted. Second, I pushed him with all of my muscle and looked for an opening. I used my shoulder and rolled him over. He made the match easier because he made a mistake by letting loose and stopped using all of his force.  That’s how I won the match,” said Wasserman.

Although the majority of the matches were between boys, wrestling isn’t just for them.  This year, due to Title 9 rules, girls are permitted to participate. Matched by weight class, boys and girls can wrestle each other.

During the first match of the season, sophomore Nick Martucci went up against two girls from Port Richmond and New Dorp High School, and won both matches.

“Versing a girl is hard because it seems messed up, kind of like a double standard because if you beat the girl people think you’re mean, and if you get beat by a girl people make fun of you. I went up against girls and won, and I felt bad because they’re girls. When you go up against a guy, it’s a friendly competition, and it’s cool to beat them because they’re harder then the girls,” said Martucci.

Despite the two recent wins, Coach Miano expects more.  At the end of the second match, he was critical of the fact that the team did not execute the moves they had recently practiced.

“I’m not completely happy with the way this match turned out, but I am happy that Ben won his match, because if he didn’t win, then we would be tied,” said Miano.

At their next match, the dragons wrestled to their third win. Sophomore Sher Mohammad versed Max Rivera, pinning him in 27 seconds. Mohammad Mousa also pinned Khalil Gibbons in another quick match. Chris Cordero won his match by a tech fall, when the wrestler wins with a 15 point lead. With the wins and five forfeits, our team took the match easily.

“I am very happy with the result of the match, but extremely happy with the amount of people that came out to support us. Our wrestlers fed off of the crowd,” said Coach Miano.

After winning on Saturday, December 19 against Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, our wrestling team currently holds 1st Place citywide for the PSAL Developmental Division.

If you haven’t been to a match yet, get to the next one on January 16 to see our undefeated team take another win.

Related posts:

1. Why the Soccer Team is Co-Ed
2. It’s a Match
3. Dragon Grapplers One Win Away From Title

Hold on to your headphones, Punk rockers. Bon Jovi fans and critics are having a field day over the release of Bon Jovi’s new CD, The Circle. Given that Bon Jovi has been active for 20 something years now, and previous albums have been such hits, the hype for this album has been crazy.

On November 10, fans were at the edge of their seats for the release of The Circle finally on CD. Fans of the classic Rock band were voicing their opinions in response to the pending release.

“Jon [Bon Jovi] has probably one of the strongest voices ever, and Richie [Sambora] has sick guitar skills. But what I admire most is that their songs are so “Rock” but so “laid-back” in a way,” said sophomore Samantha Bruno.

Most fans are sharing in this view. They aren’t too concerned with the sound of the new album. In the school community, many are keeping faith in the band to produce a rockin’ album.

“They make such great music, and they keep thinking about music,” said sophomore Arber Sejdiu. “They’re focused on making anthems that next generations will remember.”

Clearly The Circle isn’t a big concern to any Bon Jovi fans, whether they are longtime or new fans. “Bon Jovi’s old albums are a definite classic. They just keep getting better and better each time they come out with a new album. This next album isn’t going to disappoint any Bon Jovi fans,” said Samantha.

While fans are keeping faith in the new release, the Bon Jovi haters of the community have an entirely different opinion. To many critics, the new release isn’t going to change their opinion, or had much impact on them.

“Jon Bon Jovi is really just annoying,” said sophomore Caroline Pinsky. “He tries to be cool, but his voice and his attitude just annoys everyone. He just doesn’t produce my type of music. His songs have no meaning, and don’t speak to me as a person. Bon Jovi was good and all… just they were good about 20 years ago.”

It’s critics like Caroline that make you wonder; has Bon Jovi truly outstayed his welcome in the world of Rock and Roll? Or is he one of the greats?

However, it’s fans like Samantha and Arber who keep the hope alive that Bon Jovi, and musicians alike, can continue on in their career, opening the doors for new fans, and pushing long-term fans to keep on listening.

Related posts:

1. Drum Circle Gives A New Beat
2. An Album You’ll Go Love Drunk Over
3. Raditude Leaves You With Bad Attitude

After windows Vista came out in January of 2007, most users were disappointed with it, which allowed Apple to introduce computers with their own operating system. Since then, from January until October of 2009, Apple made their computers more popular with the introduction of Mac vs. PC commercials, after which more new buyers chose Mac with a simple and powerful Operating System then any other PC with slow but good looking Vista on the board.

However, that was until October 22, 2009 when the new Windows 7 came out. For the first time, developers from Microsoft combined all the best qualities and put everything in a beautiful envelope. Users will quickly spot the difference from the installation process.

On setup, Windows will kindly ask if you want to check systems for compatibility. This brand new feature has never been presented in any other operating system, which makes the installation process easier and saves so much valuable time. After you click the check button, the system will start all necessary tests. Then, after a few minutes, a chart will pop up with an overall score telling how well the computer parameters will work.

In previous versions, in order to install the new OS, users had to backup all their files first, then delete the old version, install the new version, put the old files back, install all necessary drivers, install all their programs all over again . . . it was tedious.

“When I first installed Windows XP, I spent a whole day just backing up files and the second day I installed Windows and put all files back,” said senior Francisko Kim.

In Windows 7, everything is different. Users only have to press one button and wait patiently until the installation process is complete. Windows does all the work, and when it finishes, a new good looking desktop stares back at the user.

Windows 7 has many new features, including gadgets that report the latest news, new mail, details on the condition of main processor and RAM, and the weather. Another nifty feature is that when many windows are open at the same time, a user can just toggle the one needed and all the others disappear automatically.

The status bar is also much simpler now. To expand the window, just move it up to the top of the screen. Also, new Windows is compatible with old programs from the beginning of the 21st century, which Vista is missing, and some users need this feature to operate OS.

But the coolest features of the new Microsoft OS by far is that it does not need as much memory, as was needed with Vista, which means Windows 7 will work great no matter what.

Overall, the Window OS 7 is a brand new idea from Microsoft that will start a new age of PCs.

Related posts:

1. Mac vs. PC
2. Wait! You’re on the Move, Again.
3. The iPad Hits the Scene

Regarding what may be the Watergate of our time – and how to scoop it – Stephanopoulos challenged student reporters to “Follow the money. Find out what happened to all the money that just evaporated in the financial system last year and why.”

Nicole: What is your perspective on the efficacy of today’s reporting?

Woodward- It will never stop. Have faith.

Will- His [reporting] is efficacious.

Woodward and Will, advising aspiring young journalists, offered “It’s fun!” and “Read”, respectively.

Related posts:

1. Journalism Students Explore the Media
2. Swede Student Reflects on School, NYC, and More
3. Should Student Led Conferences be Mandatory?

For all you trend-setting fashionista’s, there’s a new sovereign of style. Anna Sui, affecting the world of fashion and attracting people all over the world with her unique designs, is now branding a new line only sold at Target. This new collection consists of nineteen Gossip Girl inspired looks.

Detroit-born designer Anna Sui, has always created a boho/ vintage to the bone- type style but in a way that’s more glam than earthy. Sui started out in the 80’s and debuted on the runway in 1991. Today, her patchwork, and aesthetic way of fabricating a piece of material into a clothing design, is instantly recognizable.

Anna Sui has a Soho flagship, 32 boutiques, international boutiques in Asia, and a successful beauty line. According to www.vogue.co.uk,  Sui has always been a fan of designer partnerships with mass retailers. In fact, Anna Sui has become the second designer to participate in discount retailer Target’s Designer Collaboration series. Moreover, Sui’s designs are meant to push forward the fashion envelope for Target.

“My favorite character on the show is Jenny. I love her pop-rock style, and her dark makeup. Anna Sui has probably created designs to look just like hers,” said senior Angela Matrone.

Large mass retail stores are looking for designers who are edgy and bring something unique to the floor.

While other designers, including Anya Hindmarch, Luella Bartley and Proenza Schouler,  have collaborated with Target in the past on limited edition ranges and its Go International project, Anna Sui has combined the elements of art, city, spirit, punk and glamour all in one, to create a strikingly trendy line.

According to the official Target Website,  Anna Sui will be taking on a major role while being a part of the massive growing retail store. Commercials are currently being aired based on Sui’s Gossip Girl interest, initiative for designing, and power to express a characters personality in  a series of special garments.

“I love the show Gossip Girl, and I always shop in Target. Although I have never heard of Anna Sui, I’d really like to try on one of her designs,” said senior Bethany Greenman.

According to The Fashion Book, published by Phaidon book company, the key to Anna Sui’s look is the electric way she mixes her clothes, rather then the individual garments themselves.

Moreover, she brings a look together from several directions. According to the official Anna Sui website, www.annasui.com, she always had it in mind that a designer had beautiful fabrics around her, a big sketchbook, and would drape cloth around a mannequin, then go out to lunch.

People are attracted to Sui’s fashions, because of all the elements she includes. There’s always a sweet, feminine, and girly aspect to them. Her designs also set off  the aspect of trendiness/ hipness, while trying to create an edge of Rock-and-Roll coolness.

So remember ladies, be true to yourself. Dress the way you want to, and create a statement with any piece of clothing you own. Peace, love, and Anna Sui.

Related posts:

1. Style, School, and FNO – Whats Not to Celebrate?
2. Eurotrip: Swiss Style
3. Fashion Column: Springing Into Fashion

There’s going to be quite a few tears at graduation. Even those who are happy to leave and anxious to move on will doubtless spend a few moments reflecting on the place where we’ve spent the last four years of our lives. People change over time, and perhaps they change most during the ages spent in high school. Not only have we developed as students, as academics, but also as humans. We’ve built and broken friendships, learned how to manage our time and responsibilities, figured out to communicate effectively, as well as all that stuff on the graduate profile that we were supposed to have accomplished by now.

We’ve had a unique experience, here at the school with too long of a name. How many other schools have had those international fairs, cafes, plays, trips, and projects? We’ve suffered through them all, however willingly or unwillingly, and as a result, here we are. Graduation. This is a time for a round of applause, ten or twenty of them as a matter of fact, for all the hard work we’ve put in. We complained and complained, and this is the fruit of our labor.

And really, who is going to be thinking about those essays and worksheets and portfolios on June 25? No one. We’ll be thinking about our friends, those who we will miss and leave behind, and those who we’re taking with us further down the road of life. We’ll be thinking about the teachers whose quirks we’ll miss every day, and classmates who may not be our best friends, but whose presence we enjoy anyway. We’ll be thinking about those funny moments where everyone started laughing for the most ridiculous reasons, for little oddities that brought smiles to our faces, and for the good times in general.

No one remembers the difficulties when all is said and done. What will stay in our minds is the people we met and cherished, and the happy memories we made with them.

Related posts:

1. Farewell, Class of 2009 – Will the legacy stay strong?
2. Sen10r Column – No Royalty for Our Prom
3. Freshmen Get a Jump Start

Why does someone have a sudden sugar attack? According to nutrition.com, sugar cravings are caused by low serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that brings about feelings of content and happiness. Sugar is said to increase the absorption of an amino acid, called tryptophan, which causes the body to make serotonin.

Even though satisfying your sweet tooth may seem to be the key to happiness, it is not entirely healthy to over indulge. But to give into your taste buds, Staten Island has a couple of places that do the trick.

Remember the days when you came home from school and your mother had a cup of milk and a plate of hot, fresh baked cookies? Most likely, those days are long gone. Fortunately, The Cookie Jar on Forest Avenue is the perfect substitution.

The owner of the Cake Chef Bakery on Jewett Avenue, came up with the idea to create a shop dedicated to everyone’s favorite snack. Thus, The Cookie Jar was born. The Cookie Jar has over 140 varieties of cookies, as well as brownies, red velvet cupcakes, and coffee, milk, and tea.

“Our shop is unique, not only because we specialize in cookies, but because we’re a lot more affordable than other bakeries,’ said employee, Eva Perez. “We charge only ten dollars instead of twenty dollars per pound like other bakeries.”

A big question on everyone’s mind may be: why is it called The Cookie Jar? Once you walk inside you’ll know why. The décor is, you guessed it, cookie jars. There are a myriad of jars all over the shop. The jars range from Disney to animals, to purses, to Sesame Street, and many more.

“They have a big variety of cookies that are homemade,” said Susan Yacca. “They taste delicious!”

“Without a doubt, they are the best cookies on the Island,” said secretary, Brenda Carullo.

The Cookie Jar is open from Monday through Thursday from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. , Friday and Saturday 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. and Sunday from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Satisfying your sweet tooth and beating the heat are both possible at Ralph’s Ices. Found in locations on Staten Island as well as Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens and New Jersey, Ralph’s has been serving the community for eighty-one years.

“I’ve been eating Ralph’s ever since I was a kid, for about fifty years. It’s apart of who we are as Islanders”, said local resident Marie Fanelli.

Aside from the fact that Ralph’s has been apart of the Staten island community for nearly 81 years, what draws people to Ralph’s is the enormous variety of flavors. Many, including this reporter, have found that it is extremely difficult standing in line trying to decide what to enjoy. From the water and cream ices to the twisters, to the shakes, and with about twenty flavors for each of those categories, it makes it nearly impossible to choose right away.

“My favorite is the blue Hawaii,” said freshman, Chris Smart. “Me and my friends go there all the time in the summer.”

To help you cool off this summer, and to satisfy your sweet tooth Ralph’s is open from9 A.M. to 11P.M. on Friday and Saturday and 9 A.M. to 10 P.M. on Sunday through Thursday.

Related posts:

1. Staten Island, New Jersey?
2. SPOOKTACULAR – Haunted Houses on Staten Island
3. Get On the Island!

ack to ancient times, drum circles first originated in African tribes and were used for spiritual rituals. This drum circle was perfectly fitting for our school by keeping an ancient global tradition alive.

Most drum circles are held as fundraising music festivals for all to enjoy. Participants come to enjoy drumming, and through a small fee, contribute to a cause. Our drum circle was meant for enjoyment and for the purpose of raising money for our music program. “It was nice how all of us were able to play together and make beats without knowing anything about drums,” said senior, Gerald Lara.

People who drum have a unique way of connecting it to melodies. Guest Mr. Issadore, wanted to send that message to everyone to experience the joy of the drums as much as he does.

Mrs. Packowski’s intent was to bring the community together to drum and enjoy percussion instruments. Parents, friends, siblings, and guests entered eagerly anticipating the experience.

“I had so much fun. The drums were so cool. I would definitely love to come back again,” said Dennis Dyadkina, younger brother of junior Raya Dyadkina.

The drum circle enabled all who participated to make their own beat while playing together in a circle.

Led by, Issadore, every person was helped in creating their own unique sound that stood out among the many sounds. Drumming his whole life, he enjoys having people experience the importance of drumming and helping them become aware of the instrument he loves to play. Teaching at his own studio in Manhattan, he really enjoys this drum circle because it involves everyone.

“It’s not about teaching, it’s about everybody getting involved,” said Issadore. “CSIHSIS offers a unique and supportive environment for building a community.”

Many participants at this event left in a great mood and also gained some awareness of this American and global musical culture.
“I am blessed to be here and extremely glad to have the opportunity to have an artist like Adam who comes and works with students to tie their musical experiences together,” said Mrs. Packowski.

The drum circle, which was held on April 22, was a wonderful success and is soon to become a bi-yearly event here in our school.

Related posts:

1. Give Me A Drum Roll Please…
2. Rhyming to Your Own Beat – Poetry Slam 2009
3. A Whole New Community