The International Insider » future

High School Internet Censorship Limits Student’s Future

The Insider — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:06:00 +0000

Do you ever get the feeling of a daily mini- withdrawal from the internet and our beloved social networking sites during those seven hours at school? I’m sure many have typed facebook.com into the address bar unintentionally at least once. Or they’ve attempted to find a good game to occupy some free time. Yet, the message is always the same: access denied.

“They have no educational value,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Canale. “Students use them in ways that get themselves in trouble by defaming reputations, antagonizing and bullying others, and even provoking people from other schools that then seek to retaliate more violently.” Canale points out that many teenagers don’t recognize the effects of posting information onto a public site. Future employers, college admissions officers, scholarship evaluators, and investigators can easily access anything we post.

Of course, we are the school’s responsibility during school hours so it is perfectly understandable that unnecessary and potentially risky situations be avoided by simply blocking sites. The school wants clean hands and we understand. However, if a person wants to insult or defame, there will always be options both in school without social networking or outside of school with the freedom to use social networks.

Social networking sites, despite our addictions to them, are not as beneficial to education as other likewise blocked sites potentially can be. Other blocked sites like YouTube , Flickr, and other pools of multimedia sources are blocked no matter what topic a desired video is about.

“Photo and video websites can be very useful tools for high school students because both help us communicate, share, and even exhibit our creations with the rest of the world. It is frustrating to be cut off from these because, even as an international school, we don’t have much access to the multimedia available on the world wide web,” said Managing Editor Simit Christian.

Photos and videos can easily become another medium teachers could use to teach a lesson. Students from across the globe would have a new means of sharing visuals that would aid in understanding of other cultures.

Most importantly, why should innocent videos and photos be blocked? There has to be a way to block only certain images while leaving potentially educational media open for viewing in school.

There is also much to be learned from the sites themselves. We live in a rapidly developing technological world, where technology skills should never be underestimated. The internet is thriving and we should know how to keep up.

“The future will require us to use YouTube and other similar sites with our careers and schooling,” said Managing Editor Sean Fisher. “And colleges and jobs can look to see how (and if) you have networked on the internet.”

And games! It seems that any site with even the word “game” in it is blocked from our use. Many seniors and juniors have free periods in addition to a lunch block, both of which could innocently be spent playing an online game. It’s a way to occupy free time, a way to relax. What’s so wrong with that?

“Well, I can see why they would be blocked because kids do go on the sites and they can be a distraction,” said reporter Kim Holder, “but, most of the time, kids aren’t even on the computers except for at lunch or during global technology so we should be trusted to have these sites unblocked.”

We may be partially influenced by a subconscious addition to social networking. We may even resent the restriction of websites on school computers because of our typical teenage desires to be independent. However, something should be reconsidered when even chess is blocked on the library computers.

Brightening Futures

Angela Salmos — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:19:29 +0000

Was it your teacher who asked you, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Was it your Aunt? Was it your mom or dad? Is it possible that you still don’t know what you want to do? What if a friendly dragon came by and asked you now? On March 16th our school held a Career Day conference for the first time. Many successful people came out to talk about the importance of hard work, success, and dedication.

Professionally dressed students came – wide-eyed – into their transformed classrooms and school offices to hear from an impressive variety of adults, working in an equally varied number of fields.

“Career Day really opened my mind to what I want to be when I get older,” said junior Samantha DiMarco, who wasn’t alone in heralding the event’s successes. “I didn’t expect to see enthusiasm from our junior and senior students. From hats to heels and dresses to jackets, they really went all out and it made us all very proud,” said Parent Coordinator Annette Lentini.

Students were able to sample life and professional lessons from a dizzying array of presenters from entertainment executives to world renown chefs. Some student favorites included freelance multi-lingual translator, Jisu Kim, CFO Matt Signore from Warner Music Group, and Financial Planner John Ross.

Everyone wants to be successful when they get older, and good grades are a big part of achieving that goal. Many jobs today need more than a college diploma. Many seek out students who are doing significant post graduate work.

“At this age students usually don’t care or don’t know what they want to be at the moment, but when you get older you have to keep in mind to love your job,” said John Ross an Agency Sales Director, Financial Planner.

Overall, the day was a real outside-the-box learning experience for everyone, and a real boon for our school.

Swing, Batter Batter, SWING!

Rosa Carucci — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:31:32 +0000

The CSI/McCown varsity softball season has officially ended and just like the bases, the girls were loaded with excitement.

Despite the 14-1 losing streak during the ‘08 softball season, the girls worked hard this season to show what they are really made of.

“I feel we have a strong young team, and we play more experienced teams, but we came together and became closer than friends, which helps make a stronger team,” said freshmen outfielder Jamie Lepard.

With impeccable comradery, the girls have made an enormous comeback this year. Heading into the playoffs, the Dragons were tied for 4th place, out of eight Staten Island public schools, with nine wins and eight losses .

On April 27th, the Dragons put up a fight against the Tottenville Pirates.

Although the Pirates scored two runs in the first inning, the Dragons didn’t give up. Antoinette Galbo ripped an RBI triple in the third inning to get the girls on the move for an 8-2 trail after Tottenville. Although Galbo’s hit got the girls going, they lost 18-2.

With a loss on their shoulders the Dragons still gave it their all in their next game against MSIT.

Third basemen, junior Briana Kohm hit a blast over the left field fence for a three run homer. Unfortunately, the girls still walked away with a loss. But the girls didn’t stop there.

The Dragons gave Tottenville another run for their money. However, this plan back fired when the girls h a experineced a tragic loss with a score of 9-0 in their second game against Tottenville.

“Not that the team is lacking in either, but defense is always the struggle because I believe defense is the most important part of the game. Defense wins games. When your opponent can’t score, you can’t lose. We will face a variety of good pitchers, and I believe our offense will score runs, but the challenge, I believe, is always making the right plays and shutting down the other Staten Island teams,” stated coach Rosario Miano.

After hitting a little speed bump in their defense, the girls put on their game faces in their game against Petrides on May 5th. The Dragons exhaled fire for an outstanding victory over the Panthers, 20-0.

“This entire year has been such huge improvement, and our team spirit is so strong, especially since we’re looking at a spot in the playoffs.

The 20-0 victory over Petrides is just one game, but it shows how powerful we can be in the field and on the bench supporting each other and working towards our goals,” explained Captain Kristina Sanzone.

After several rainy days, the girls were back in action on May 8th against New Dorp. New Dorp scored three runs in the first inning. Although there were still 6 innings left, that’s all New Dorp Needed. The Dragons lost 3-1.

Picking themselves up from another downfall, the girls walked away with stunning victories their next two games against Petrides 18-6 and New Utrecht 20-16.

Next, two more losses against Port Richmond, and it was time for the biggest game of the season, the game that would determine the future of the team.

After all the anticipation, it seemed that Captain Sazone knew what her team was capable of doing.

Scoring an amazing nine runs, the girls went on to defeat Curtis 12-11 and advance into the playoffs, their first ever.

“I believe the difference in any game, especially when we play these tough Staten Island teams is making plays. The teams that win this time of the year are the teams that believe they can make plays, and then get on the field and get it done. I believe that we’ll make those plays,” continued Mr. Miano.

On May 28th, the Dragons versed Stuyvesant High School in their first ‘09 playoff game.

The girls started off with a fantastic lead in the first inning, scoring 2 runs against Stuyvesant. The mood in the air was intense, as the girls didn’t allow Stuyvesant to score a run until the third inning.

Putting the ball to the barrel, short stop Antoinette Galbo, captain and pitcher Corinne Fairlie and third baseman Briana Kohm all hit triples, giving the Dragons an astonishing victory with a score of 10-5.

In the second round of playoffs, the Dragons made their way to Brooklyn to play James Madison High School.

Holding the second seeded team until the fifth inning 0-0, the game ended with a 11-0 win for Madison.

Although the girls lost, they made hitory by being the first CSI/McCown team to make it to playoffs

Hopefully next season, the team will take the title as New York City Champions.

The Dragons continue to put their best claw forward in climbing the ladder to being one of the best teams on Staten Island.

Girl’s Basketball Shuns Shutout Season

Matthew Prevosti — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:27:21 +0000

The Dragon’s lair was once again filled to capacity for one of the final girls’ varsity basketball games against the rival, Raiders of Port Richmond High School. Much like the rest of the girls’ games there were both positives and negatives.

As a young team this season was as positive as it could be. All freshman and sophomores with the exception of one senior, and one junior the Lady Dragons’ are the youngest varsity team on the Island and are a force to be reckoned with in the near future.

The girls’ finished the season with a record of 1-11-0 and played exceptionally hard in all of their games. Senior, Briana Kohm, was a key player in the girls success this year, not only on the scoreboard, but with her varsity playing experience as a source of advice for many of the girls’ .

“Being the only senior, I was able to offer knowledge to the team, while gaining knowledge from the team as well,” said Kohm.

One of the sound traits of the Lady Dragons was their phenomenal defense. When the girls faced Petrides, one of the best shooting teams on the Island, they held them to only 52 points as the Panthers average 66 points per game and a high score of 75. The girls lost by eight in their efforts against Petrides but gained more than any win could on their season record, it gained them the knowledge and experience of playing sound team defense and the outcome and power of what it can do.

Likewise, on January 11, the girls’ versed New Dorp for the second time this season and made drastic improvements on the scoreboard. With great offense the girls’ were able to place their second highest score total at 38 points and keep the point spread at 21.

Yet, on January 21, the girls were determined to get their first win of the season. As soon as the Raiders stepped into the gym, the Lady Dragons’ knew it was time for business.

With a blow out first quarter at 11-5 in favor of the Dragons, the girls’ showed more heart and attentiveness then they did the whole season.

Sophomore Jennifer Carullo paired with Erin Kohm to make four three point shots in the first half. Freshmen Taylor Briggs and Danielle Kearney of McCown paired for six quick 2nd quarter points, which led the Dragons Briana Kohm to a quick 4 point 4 rebound surge late in the 2nd.

Sophomore Erin Kohm led the Dragons at half with 11 points, as the Dragons were up 25-16. The Dragons cruised through the rest of the night to win with a final score of 48-44.

The Lady Dragons’ will all return next year for another season of play with the exception of one player, Briana Kohm. Unlike every other team on the Island, the Dragons will have had a season to “themselves” and will return with a better, smarter team next season.

“My girls are working hard each and every day. We are getting better as a team, and we are looking forward to making a name for ourselves in the near future,” said Coach Nicole Stefanski.

iPhone Answers The Call Of Duty

Tyler Leung — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:24:21 +0000

Wikipedia
The iPhone 3GS

At the height of WWII, an American soldier trapped within a shabby German bunker is being swarmed by waves of Nazi zombies. The only thing that stands in the way of him and death are his upgradeable weapons and military skill.

In an unanticipated move by Activision, a new app called Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies is now available for Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch.

Further aiding the Call of Duty game franchise with its already popular Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, this epic game of survival has since topped the charts in popularity and revenue according to the iTunes store charts, and has well-earned the admiration of millions worldwide.

The great variety of weapons, such as the shotgun, flamethrower, and machine guns, are bought with the points you accumulate after killing a zombie.

Also, there are the thirty-second lasting bonus pickups that, if you are able to earn, will help with your zombie onslaught, such as the “Insta-kill” and “Nuke.”

One of the greatest features this app includes is multiplayer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to play with or against someone around the world, or your friend who is sitting close by.

“On behalf of Activision, we’d like to think that our goal was to draw in players, not only those who have Xbox 360s or Playstation 3s, but from the iPhone perspective as well,” said Activision employee Desmond Farnsworth. “We also believe the success of this App comes from the popularity of the other Call of Duty games, especially the newly released Modern Warfare 2.”

The originality of this app makes it live up to its value, but with all these great elements in Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies, there is however, one flaw.

Activision has included only one map within the game – only one level, one battlefield to play on, called “Nacht der Untoten,” German for “Night of the Undead.”

The iconic bunker setting becomes repetitive after continuous play, but still provides the thrill of the addictive video gaming intended for their players.

According to the Call of Duty website, Activision plans to make more maps with an add-on purchase for The Zombie Asylum, Verrückt, in the near future.

“I thought this was a great app. The buttons are conveniently placed and responsive, but the makers of this game really need to release new maps soon because some variety would be nice,” said sophomore Andrew Shed.

It is strongly suggested that this game is only for people mature enough to handle scenes of blood and gore, intense violence and language. Much like several other Call of Duty games, the $9.99 World at War: Zombies game is well worth the buy.

Save The Environment, But Be Late For Work

Greg Kolesnikov — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:23:41 +0000

Today life seems impossible without a car. It is impressive how fast cars become an integral part of one’s daily routine.

“So far, for over a hundred years of active car use, all the waste that cars produce has left irreversible damage to our ecosystem. Also the pollution, from vehicles with systems of internal combustion, is one of the causes of global warming. Until engineers find greener alternatives to gas cars, our ecosystem will be slowly dying,” said Tony Kreindler, media director for climate in Environmental Defense Fund.

Such an alternative was already found, fully electric cars, but currently there are only a few brands on the market, and almost all of them are not available to average citizens because of the price. Some, such as the Tesla Roadster, are expensive as world famous sport cars.

But, closer to the end of next year more affordable electric cars like the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt will be released.

“Nissan Leaf is expected to cost between $20,000 to $25,000,” said David Kay, one of the Nissan Leaf testers.

The main difference between electric and gas cars, is that electric cars have 0% emission, meaning that there is no production of pollutants. Because there is no emission, there is less damage to the environment.

“Electric cars seek to reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere by relying on electricity instead of burning gasoline. Electric motors create magnetic fields that spin a rotor which in turn rotates the axle of the car, causing motion. All of this is done without any emission of CO2. Fewer CO2 emissions means fewer greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” said Kreindler.

One of the drawbacks of electric cars is that electric motors, that are used in electric cars, are not able to bring the same power as those in gas engines.

Although electric cars are slow, they can reach the speed within speed limits of 40 miles per hour.

“World’s Quickest & Fastest Street Legal Electric Door Slammer can go up to 114 miles per hour,” said John Wayland, owner of the fastest electric car.

Another problem that owners of electric cars can face is lack of places to charge the cars.

“When electric cars will occupy the main part of the car market, a charging station will be available on every corner,” said Kay. “It takes eight hours to fully charge the car, and the car can drive only a hundred miles on full battery.”

Electric cars, the greenest motor vehicles, are supposed to save our ecosystem. There is still a lot of work to do to switch from gas cars to electric. So the future is close, but still not here.

Kaplan’s Gone?

Laurel Haim and Rosa Carucci — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:21:00 +0000

“It’s very difficult for me to leave, but it can be difficult to get a sabbatical, and this is the first time I have been approved,” explained Journalism adviser Nancy Kaplan to her students as she told them about her sabbatical leave.

As of January 31st, one of our schools founding teachers, Mrs. Nancy Kaplan will be taking a study sabbatical leave for one semester and will return in September of 2010.

Teachers that have taught for seven consecutive years are eligible for a sabbatical leave. During study sabbatical, teachers chose to return to a college or university and take graduate level classes in their licensed subject. They must take eight credits, and the teachers have to pay for their own courses. The Department of Education must approve of these classes before they are taken, and while on the leave, teachers on receive 70 percent of their pay.

“I’m taking a sabbatical so I can recharge my batteries and teach for many more years before I retire,” said Mrs. Kaplan.

Mrs. Kaplan will be attending Brooklyn College where she will be take three classes: Comparative Ethnic Literature, The Short Story, and Faulkner.

“I wanted to take journalism classes, but my sabbatical might not have been approved since my teaching license is English and History. I hope to sit in on some journalism classes at Brooklyn College, though,” said Mrs. Kaplan.

If the course work a teacher applies for is not rigorous enough or if they teach in a shortage area, they can be denied sabbatical leave.

Normally, when the teacher contract is renegotiated, sabbatical leaves are always discussed.

The NYC DOE would like to omit sabbatical leaves from the teacher contract. However, the United Federation of Teachers is always supporting sabbaticals.

“The DOE wants to remove sabbatical leaves to save money, but it’s not going to happen in the future,” said UFT representative Jim Sherlock.

Although she will be busy with her schoolwork at Brooklyn College, Mrs. Kaplan still plans to help her students and the newspaper whenever she is available.

“I’m only over the bridge and an email or a phone call away if The Insider staff and my students need me,” continued Kaplan.

“I know that along with me, the entire staff and faculty wish Mrs. Kaplan a wonderful and productive sabbatical. We will all miss her, her creativity, her passion, and her dedication to our students and our school, and look forward to her return,” said Principal Ms. Aimee Horowitz.

Also making her leave easier is the recent grant Mrs. Kaplan won. Mrs. Kaplan is the 2010 Middle Atlantic States Region winner of the Bob Costas Award for the Teaching of Writing given by the College Board every year.

“It’s a relief knowing the journalism fund will have plenty of money this year and next,” said Mrs. Kaplan.

Temporarily replacing her will be Mr. Frank Duffy. Mr. Duffy will be teaching Ms. Kaplan’s English classes as well as running the school newspaper.

Students Take Part in Their Own Memoir

Matea Kulusic — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:19:44 +0000

Everyone has a story. It’s what makes a person different from everyone else; it’s their identity. In 2003, a program called “StoryCorps” was started, where people can go and record their stories and preserve them at the Library of Congress. Eight students from our school have volunteered as part of the memoir project in their English classes to record their stories.

“We decided as a department to read memoirs this year, but we wanted the students to choose which memoir to read. So we gave them a list, and they selected and formed book clubs, which met weekly to analyze the plot,” said English teacher Mrs. Nancy Kaplan.

The students also wrote their own stories detailing their own experiences and life stories. According to Kaplan, the purpose of starting this memoir project is to read and write about one’s life.

The students paired up, and recorded their stories in a booth in downtown Manhattan.

“By listening and connecting with each other, it makes the experience of sharing stories a lot more enjoyable than if people went one at a time to record. That is why we encourage people to go into the recording booth and record their stories together,” said Lucy Zhou from the communications department at StoryCorps.

After the recording, the people at StoryCorps choose which stories they will broadcast on NPR’s Morning Edition and the rest are sent to the Library of Congress to be preserved.

This project allows every one who shares their story a part to be a part of our nation’s history. This project makes people more than just a silent nameless face in the crowd, it gives them a voice. This is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind.

“The mission of StoryCorps is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our time. As a public service, we try to offer the interview experience to as many people as possible in order to showcase the richness and diversity of the American people,” said Zhou.

In a way, this enhances our democracy by giving everyone a voice and a chance to be a part of our nation’s history. It is truly amazing to know that by doing something as simple as going into a recording booth can make our stories become a part of our nation’s history and something for future generations to remember us by.

The eight volunteers are: Elliot Santiago, Paul Casella, Amber Figerio, Christopher Frank, Brianna Recinos, Alex Lopes, Djenne Jean-Louis, and Radwa Achmed. The first four students are recording their stories on Jan. 16, 2010, and the rest are recording on Jan. 30, 2010 in Manhattan.

Fashion Column: Springing Into Fashion

Marissa Mule — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:13:08 +0000

Ladies, spring is almost here, and it’s time to celebrate the timeless and seasonally appropriate values of youth, vigor, and renewal. Designers this season all have one thing in common, the development of bold signatures and new trends. In an extraordinarily timely manner, the fresh and feminine dresses this season create the perfect silhouette for the repetitive theme of frivolous fun.

Sonia Rykiel, the “Queen of Knits,” began designing in 1962 when she was pregnant and unable to find any soft sweaters. Rykiel, who recently made an appearance on NYCTV’s, Video Fashion Daily, explained how her knitted approach is both fresh and elegant. Her style is depicted throughout her numerous embellished studded and sequin belts, wrapped over tailored knitted cardigans and dresses.

According to The Fashion Book, published by Phaidon Book Company, Rykiel states how she loves knit because it is “very magical, and sophisticated enough for the evening.” A shimmering Sonia Rykiel dress was worn by Kate Bosworth at the Grand Palais in Paris, celebrating Rykiel’s new lingerie collection for H&M. February 20, 2010, will mark the release of a second collection featuring an iconic knitwear collection for women and girls as well as playful accessories. After all, frivolity is a major theme this season. According to Nathalie Rykiel, president and artistic director of Sonia Rykiel, “The world is tough and you just have to have fun. Play around with your clothes in a way that’s different.”

Bright stripes, colorful scarves, 70’s style frizzy hair, and neon heels are also crucial to this coming season. According to style.com, Rykiel also hit the current idea of the big soft fun fur as a huge bubble of color; in her case, baby pink, purple knitted fox or teal-blue Mongolian lamb. During Paris Fashion Week, Sonia Rykiel showed her own collection for next spring.

There, she displayed gorgeous ruffled dresses in vintage floral and polka dot prints. By the time three models vamped their way down the elevated runway in metallic silver-and-black striped sweaters and skirts, it was inevitable that this seasons clothing was boisterous yet couture. Rykiel’s smocked dresses had a 70’s vibe, while crystal-strewn knit dresses mirrored the embellishment on her popular Domino bag. The seasons slogan read garçon manqué, which means tomboy, which was inspired by Rykiel’s tree climbing youth.

“Sonia Rykiel’s dresses are unique, but some girls are able to pull off her designs better than others,”said junior Danielle Ianazzi.

However, Ennio Capasa, the “mix of couture and the street,” is very different from Rykiel. His elegance is depicted throughout his use of toned down colors and sheer fabrics. His moment in fashion is used to open minds, and create fashion diversity in the future. According to Capasa, “Open backs, royal blue and black, and the mixture of dresses and high boots” is very important to him. Ennio Capasa is the creator of Costume National, the Italian fashion house he founded in 1986. He is now an internationally renowned designer label, famous for his subtle shapes, dark tones and sartorial detail.

“Capasa and Rykiel are both very different, but they both have a style in which I enjoy. I would wear Sonia Rykiel if I were going to a party or a club, but I would wear Capasa if I were going to a white tie affair, or an elegant event,” said senior Samantha Wong.

Both elegance and fun are essential to the fashion industry. So remember ladies, peace, love, Sonia Rykiel and Ennio Capasa.

Copenhagen Climate International Feature

Filip Lundin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:06:59 +0000

SUNDSVAL, SWEEDEN- As the climate meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark was taking place, we in Sweden avidly paid attention to the issues discussed. Sweden is a neighbor to Denmark, and we actually speak the same language.

The summit was probably one of the biggest and most important meetings that ever have taken place, yet sadly there was no progress made. Hopefully important resolutions will be established soon in the future, as climate change affects us all.

Sweden is currently the leader of the European Union, and has been that during the past five months. One of the biggest challenges during those months has been agreeing upon the limit of carbon dioxide emissions until year 2020. Our Swedish leaders have done a good job making the decision to decrease our emissions by 20% until 2020 if no industrialized nations chose to make any effort.

However, the United States is probably is the most important key if we want to save the climate, being one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. The United States hasn’t made any effort to lower the CO2 emissions.

The Copenhagen Summit is a replacement for the Kyoto protocol in 1997. Since the climate issue has to be dealt with right now, it is harder to make limitations.

The United States hasn’t chosen to ratify the protocol during the 12 years that it has been effective, and has been the biggest economy in the world during these years.

Since developing countries like China and India has seen that USA hasn’t been ratifying it, they don’t want to commit to it either. This is a big problem because the USA, at its peek, was responsible for approximately 40% of the total emissions in the world. Currently China is in the largest contributor.

The main argument from the U.S. is that the economy will be harmed. On the other hand, all countries in the EU, and especially Sweden, already have managed to drop our emissions and at them same time had a steady increase in our economy.

All over Europe, there is a big dissatisfaction about the way USA is treating this issue.

I care about the environment, and believe the Unites States can fight climate change if they tried. A developed country like Sweden has the means to fight it, and contribute less to the evident process of global warming.

After spending a month in USA I understand that it is the lifestyle that is the problem. For example, your cars compared to ours. Yours are much, much bigger both in terms of size and motor capacity. Do you really need to drive a big SUV to work? In Europe, cars are much smaller, and emit much less. SUV’s are only used to plow snow.

I hope the rest of the world will take part in postponing climate change, especially the United States, China, and India. It is time to wake up and take responsibility; otherwise it will be too late.