Most netbooks have Internet access through cellular network antenna. This lets you stay connected with your friends online anywhere you go via 3g. Though iPad offers this feature; customers will have to pay extra to get the 3g-enabled model.

“The16Gb model without 3g costs $499 plus tax, and the same model with 3g option costs $629 plus tax,” said Jessica Wade, sales manager at Apple Store.

Hard drive capacity is what most users are looking for. While the simplest netbook can hold from 120 up to 500 gigabytes, the maximum capacity of the iPad is only 64 gigabytes. Seems like iPad is loosing positions, but there is more to compare.

The type of storage in iPad makes it more portable because flash storage can not be damaged physically, so when user drops the iPad, all the important information is protected. At the same time, hard drives that are used netbooks are fragile as glass, and if it falls, it looses all information.

“Hard drives, or solid state memory have more capacity, but they are absolutely not suitable for the portable devices because of its fragile structure,” said Apple technician George Mina.

The iPad, similarly to the iPhone and iPod Touch, has only one button, which makes it more portable because one button does not take that much space as the 114 buttons on a netbook. The iPad can be controlled by simple touch on its OLED screen.

The OLED screen used in an iPad is better then LCD screen on netbooks. This is because the picture is clearer and quality is better. OLED screens support higher resolution, which makes it more comfortable for a human eye.

All netbooks are running Microsoft windows operating systems like XP, Vista, and 7, which were created for desktop and laptop computers and absolutely not optimized for the netbook. Lack of optimization makes it pretty hard to use a big operating system on small screen. The iPad has a very user friendly interface, similar to the one in iPhone, which making it easier to use full power of its hardware.

“There are about 150,000 apps in the app store that makes the iPad more useful than any other portable device,” said George.

So in spite of a better hardware part, netbooks can not beat the portable and user friendly iPad.

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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.

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Every year, temporary holiday shopping bazaars spring up and keep major stylists on their toes. However, there’s one major holiday fashionistas look forward to every year, Black Friday.

“This year, Black Friday was crazy. I went to the mall at 7 in the morning with my friends, and it was already packed. Thankfully, I ended up saving over a hundred dollars in discounts,” said senior Susan Yacca.

Fortunately, even when Black Friday is over, there is still an array of shopping opportunities in New York City, and vigilance will reward bargains this holiday season.

Retailers have regrouped and changed their tactics this year, while inventories are tighter, and stores are trying to maintain profits by limiting their discounts.

However, that’s both good and bad news for holiday shoppers. The bad news is that money is a little tight in our current recession, which can lead to less holiday shopping sprees.

But, it’s not about the quantity, it’s about the quality, and the designers are ready to give a full-fashion spectrum spectacular for those with less to spend.

Moreover, with the holidays arriving, your wardrobe needs a bit of an update. With the holiday trends this year, fashionistas are increasingly going to create a statement.

A belted swing coat, a curvy dress or pencil skirt fits the much-needed antidote to all the trapeze shapes of the holiday season.

Could the seriously girly frock be on it’s way out?

Well, the dress for the holiday season is sexier and edgier, and screams the name Vera Wang. According to The Fashion Book, by Phaidon book company, a dress never works harder, unless it’s designed by Vera.

“I love how stockings, leggings and dresses are back in style even though the weather is getting colder. Last year’s look was tees and jeans, but this year the trends are more elegant,” said senior Rebecca Utkin.

It is true that elegance is key for the holiday season.

So remember ladies, peace, love and holiday shopping.

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By Alanna Smith

If you had to pick a place to get a good cup of coffee, where would it be? If it were up to me, I would choose Dunkin’Donuts. I mean, Dunkin’Donuts is what America runs on. You never hear about Starbucks on televised commercials or even in ads. Well, not one that I’ve seen anyway. Dunkin’Donuts is so well known and their coffee, donuts, bagels, and everything else are so delicious.

Many people have told me they don’t like Starbucks’coffee because it tastes burnt. Some say the coffee tastes like it’s been sitting in the pot all day. But Dunkin’Donuts’coffee tastes fresh, and it really wakes you up in the morning. Even their white hot chocolate and regular hot chocolate are delicious.

But let’s forget about the coffee for a minute and discuss the prices. As we all know, we’re in a recession, and money is important. With Dunkin’Donuts, you can buy a coffee and a bagel or a donut for three dollars. At Starbucks’, on the other hand, you can buy only a sandwich for double that amount, and they’re cold. I went with my friend to Starbucks’one day after school. We bought one coffee, one frapuccino and one piece of pound cake. The price came out to be around thirteen dollars. I mean, that’s a little ridiculous, don’t you think?

Now for the main reason you should go to Dunkin’Donuts: LOCATIONS. Dunkin’Donuts has stores all over America, everywhere you look. Do you see Starbucks’as much as Dunkin’Donuts? I sure don’t.

Dunkin’Donuts is so much more reliable and convenient when you’re on the road. They have good taste, quality, price, and location. Everywhere you go there’s a Dunkin’Donuts somewhere. They’re so reliable, more people work during a shift, keeping lines moving. So next time you’re in the mood for a coffee, pick up a Dunkin’Donuts coffee, and be satisfied with what you’re drinking.

Starbucks

By Vincent Arcello

When choosing my morning coffee, it’s a one-sided argument every time. Starbucks is always my choice of coffee, not only because of convenience but, also because of its great quality. There are over a dozen Starbucks outlets scattered across Staten Island alone, and with their numbers rising faster than any other coffee shop nationwide, drinking coffee from Starbucks has become a daily morning ritual.

However, there is some controversy over the cost of a single cup of frappochino. The average cost for a small cup of coffee from the stylish Starbucks coffee shop is approximately $3. Then again, going to Dunkin’Donuts and asking for a small cup of coffee costs you little over dollar. The cost gap between the two coffee superpowers is pretty wide, but because of the greater variety and flavor of Starbucks coffee, more and more people are choosing to become loyal fans of Starbucks and leaving their beloved Dunkin’Donuts.

The typical Starbucks coffee shop is known for its hip stylish uptown atmosphere in an urban environment. Additionally, Starbucks has done immense amounts of investment into Wi-Fi connectivity, and since 2006, each and every individual Starbucks coffee shop has free Internet access.

This alone makes Starbucks an appeasing environment for people who enjoy (or are behind work) using the Internet on the go. So people may drink coffee and use a computer at the same time in a trendy coffee shop.

Starbucks is the Mecca of taste and quality when it comes to coffee. According to Starbucks’shops, they have over 100 different types of coffee and thousands of variations to make the perfect, customized cup of coffee. The coffee beans used in the coffee are grown only in the finest corners around the world, and each Starbucks makes use of tea and spices to create the ultimate aroma.

Local coffee drinkers have grown accustomed to the flavor (and price) of a Starbucks cup of coffee, and with another Starbucks planned to open in the mall next spring, it seems Starbucks is the superior cup o’coffee.

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As the room darkened, the crowd went wild screaming and cheering for the special guest performer David Archuleta. A recording of a heartbeat echoed throughout the Taj Arena, stoking the crowds’ anxiety and excitement for the curtain to open and the concert to start.

On November 1, 2009 at the Trump Taj Mahal, in Atlantic City, the lights above the stage turned on and a dark, shadowy, figure appeared behind the curtain. The crowd began chanting “David, David, David” to welcome David Archuleta.

Then, the curtain was pulled down, and Archuleta began singing “Touch My Hand,” a song off his album titled “David Archuleta”. The crowd sang along to his songs and began swaying their hands from left to right, following the rhythm of the music.

Archuleta performed many of his songs including, “Touch My Hand,” “My Hands,” “Somebody Out There,” “Works For Me,” “Don’t Let Go,” “Your Eyes Don’t Lie,” “Waiting for Yesterday,” “Zero Gravity,” and “Crush.”

Then, David talked to the crowd, asking how everyone was doing, what people dressed up as for Halloween, and announcing his new Christmas album coming out in stores soon. Archuleta closed his performance with his popular song “Crush,” and there was a twenty minute break before Demi Lovato came out to perform.

“He was an awesome performer. I wasn’t a fan of his, but seeing him in concert makes me want to go and buy his CD,” said 16-year-old Carissa Torcivia.

After twenty minutes or so, the lights began to dim and everyone went crazy. The crowd now began chanting “Demi, Demi, Demi,” for Demi Lovato.

The music started, the stage was lit, and Demi Lovato came out opening her performance with “La La Land.”

Demi performed “La La Land,” “Gonna Get Caught,” “U Got Nothin’ on Me,” “Party,” “Trainwreck,” “Catch Me,” “I Gotta Find You,” “Solo, Stop The World,” “Two Worlds Collide,” “Every Time You Lie,” “Remember December,” “Here We Go Again,” “Did You Forget,” and “Get Back.”

Lovato shocked the crowd when she asked audience member16-year -old Mary Ann, who held a sign that read: “Can I Sing With You?” to sing the song “Gotta Find You,” with her.

“I actually had a dream about that [singing with Demi Lovato] last night… It was the best experience of my life, and she was really sweet,” said Mary Ann.

Then, right before Lovato sang “Two Worlds Collide,” she gave an inspirational speech on bullying and how her friend Sarah Wisely, who according to Shine On Media has a Eosinophilic disorder, is now being bullied because of it.

“I know how it feels to be that girl who’s getting picked on by the click at school. Rumors and gossip can be so much more than a punch in the face, words stick with you forever. You will go so much farther in life being good to people ‘cause I didn’t do anything bad and I’m here on this stage tonight.”

Lovato closed the show with her song “Get Back” off of her first album titled “Don’t Forget.”

“She’s a good singer and I feel like I can relate to her lyrics,” said junior Samantha DiMarco.

However, not everyone likes Demi Lovato’s music. “I really don’t like her music because it’s girly,” said freshman Hector Torres.

This show at the Taj Mahal, concludes Demi Lovato’s and David Archuleta’s tour together. It was crazy and the crowd was wild.

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Where can you get live entertainment with a free dinner? A movie theatre and a simple restaurant are alright, but the real entertainment lies within the Broadway shows that deliver real fun.

With math and advisory teacher Mrs. Niederhoffer, 30 students from 9th to 12th grade attended a school trip on October 28, 2009 to see “In The Heights,” on Broadway and attend a dinner at Planet Hollywood.

“In The Heights” is a play about the slums of modern day Bronx. Constant money struggles and hopeless romances were among the conflicts the characters faced.

The show was packed with hip-hop dancing, rapping, and traditional music.

“The best part of the trip was being in the city with my friends,” said freshmen Sarah Sietz.

The show also presented Latino culture by including the language, accents, music, clothing, flags and even a presentation of their food, quite fitting for students attending a school for international studies.

“The show was fantastic. I felt like I was in Puerto Rico, and it gave me the feeling to get up and just dance,” said junior Radwa Ahmed.

The students were allowed to meet a select few actors after the show, and ask questions and interact with the talented performers.

“My favorite part of the trip was eating at Planet Hollywood and getting to meet some of the actors from the show,” said freshmen Bryce Cammarata.

Twenty-six year old Jon Rua played Usanavi, an average Latino man getting by only with his grocery store until winning the lottery changes his life.

“It’s never too late, even if you haven’t attended school for theater, to become a performer,” said Rua.

It seems that the actors were just as ecstatic about the show as their viewers. When asked by Mrs. Niederhoffer if they felt the youthful energy from the crowd, they answered “yes”.

“If you go to Broadway as students, you will feel comfortable going as an adult. The theater enriches your life because it’s educational and fun,” explained Mrs. Niederhoffer.

Broadway, a professional, extravagant theater, is known for putting on some of the best shows around.

Many students were curious as to how long it takes to prepare for one of these great shows.

Actor Dwayne Clark played Benny, a worker for a car service business, run by the father of a daughter for whom he had fallen in love.

Unaccepted by her family, Benny is turned away. Dwayne had an answer for their question.

“We are required to practice eight hours a week. It’s very stressful,” said Clark.

Dwayne’s original dream was to play in the NBA but was later guided to show business.

“My journey has been crazy, but great. Always follow your dreams, and let no one stop you,” said Clark

Overall, the trip was great. All students who attended had a wonderful time and are looking forward to the next trips to Broadway. taking place on December 12, 2009 and February 17, 2010.

“Whatever you want in life, you have to commit to that path,” said a dancer in the show.

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Along with Japanese teacher Mrs. Natalia Higashide, seventy-seven Japanese students at our school enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Japan ese inspired Mitsuwa Marketplace located at 595 River Road in Edgewater, New Jersey.

The students were exposed to a whole different type of environment in which their skills in Japanese were tested. There Mrs. Higashide expected her Japanese students to learn about Japanese culture and relate it to American culture.

The purpose of the trip was for students to find some cultural features reflected in the market, such as decorations, the setup of the market, greetings, interactions, and how customers in the stores acted.

“Mitsuwa Marketplace is a recreation of what stores in Japan would look like, so it would be good for students to have a sense of what Japan would be like,” said Mrs. Higashide.

The Japanese students would improve their speech by using the Japanese dialect known as Nihongo to interact with the salesmen and women, which includes purchasing lunch at the cafeteria, buying books at the bookstore, and toys in the toy store.

“Also being an international school, students should have this type of exposure to cultures in other countries,” said Mrs. Higashide.

When the students got to the lunch area some were staring in awe at the various menus littered with plastic recreations of rice, noodles, chicken and eggs, shrimp tempura, miso soup, amongst other things.

The food was not only delicious but inexpensive as well. A medium sized bowl of rice with shrimp tempura, a side of miso soup, and a salad goes for around $6.00.

“My friends and I spent like $20 on food, and my favorite place was the supermarket because that was the only place I bought stuff,” said sophomore Destiny Audinett.

“I liked the bookstore, and I think that my Katakana got better” said junior Glenn Kugleman.

The Marketplace has a total of twenty-five stores, a supermarket, a food court, and a specialty plaza.

Besides just the food court ,there is also a Japanese bookstore, Cosmetics store, video store, a table wear store, and a toy store. There is a lot to do when you go to the marketplace.

Some of the freshmen who have never been to Mitsuwa Marketplace were very excited to go for the first time and see what it is like.

“I’m excited to go and walk around,” said freshman Travis Dove.

Dove likes the Japanese culture so much, that he came to our school to take Japanese. He expected to learn about food they eat and the books that they read as well.

“It’s my favorite class,” said Dove.

Many of the Japanese students had fun on the trip and enjoyed walking around and buying things.

“On the Japanese trip I just bought a lot of food and a little stuffed elephant,” said sophomore Emely Funes.

The trip this year was very much enjoyed and students hope to return to Mitsuwa again next year.

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Annoying? Maybe.

But all those aspects of Halloween are what make October 31st a perfect occasion to let out the inner child in all of us, in both the eager youngster-wannabes and the stiffened grumblers.

Oxymoronic as it may seem, the history of the day began as a mature celebration of the approaching, terrible Irish winter.

According to John Campbell’s The Gaelic Otherworld, October 31st was once a day for collecting foods for the winter and slaughtering livestock for their meat and bones, which were later burned to symbolize triumph over death. Villagers dressed in costumes and long masks in an attempt to ward off approaching cold weather and sickness.

At least, we know where the gruesome roots came from.

Since the nineteenth century, Halloween has become a fun day  meant also to be funny and foolish in addition to haunting. It’s earned its unofficial status as ’holiday’ as it has become a favorite day of many children. It’s a day when kids can dress up, look outlandish, and have fun doing so.

We are, of course, including us students in the description of these fun-loving kids.

There’s no reason for an age limit on these celebrations. We may be old enough to drive and have no curfew. We may be occupied with the SATs, college application, or Regents review. But those responsibilities are also reasons to set aside one day fully

dedicated for laughter and pranks. We may not be kids, but we still have that inner child inside of us. In fact, everyone still does.

Why shouldn‘t high school students embrace their foolishness? Why are so many of us still hesitant to look silly? Why shouldn’t even parents accompany their little princesses and Star Wars characters as dazzling movie stars themselves rather than as dull mommies and daddies? Would a serious businessman really tarnish his reputation if he would embrace the inevitably present child within him once a year and dress up as a super- sized Mario or Luigi?

No one is serious all of the time. Halloween is not just for kids who know they can have fun. Teens and old, ahem, older people can and should have fun too.

And it would make a fun day into an outrageously amazing day if everyone embraced their often-masked foolishness.

Actually trick-or-treating may be another case altogether, but dressing up has never hurt anyone.

So, teachers, parents, school administrators? Take off your ties, let down your hair, and be something unexpected on the 31st.

And high school-ers? Accompany them so they don’t feel too out of place, and remember to laugh at them behind their backs just this one special day of the year.

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According to neopagen.net, Halloween began as a Celtic celebration for the New Year on November 1st. The Celts believed the line between the living and the dead became unclear. In order to protect themselves from the mischief of the dead, they would dress up in costumes ad built bonfires. It wasn’t until much later when the tradition was brought to America.

Today, candy is a part of American culture and is still a treat that keeps us coming back for more. But where do you go for candy?  Well what’s your craving? will help you find the top candy stores, whether it’s to stock up for trick or treaters or just to satisfy your sweet tooth.

From the moment you step inside, the sweet, rich smell of melting chocolate and the overwhelming sight of treats, you feel as though Phillip’s Candy Store is where you belong.

Phillip’s Candy was  Store originally opened in Coney Island in the 1930’s by John Dorman. However due to expansion in the area, Dorman moved to Forest Avenue and from then  on gained the fame Staten Islanders love today.

“There’s something for everyone, we make sure of that,” said owner, John Dorman.

Phillip’s offers a myriad of different homemade, yes homemade, sweets. With caramel and jelly coated apples, home-made chocolate, flavored popcorn and chocolate dipped strawberries and grapes, it’s enough to bring anyone back to their childhood.

“My mom and dad used to bring me to Phillip’s in Coney Island when I was a little girl, and I always got the jelly apples,” said Staten Island resident, Ramona Blake. “When I found out they reopened in Staten Island, I almost cried. I was so happy. Now I can bring my little girl.”

Phillip’s Candy Shop is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., from Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Can’t resist the sweet allure of Godiva Chocolate? If not, Classic Candies in the Staten Island Mall makes sure you give into your craving right away.

Originally called Candy Barn, Classic Candies specializes in all kinds of candies we all know and love.

“It’s really hard working here,” said employee Josephine. “But not because of all the hard work. We all eat the candy here, and it’s really hard to stop when you’re surrounded by so much temptation.”

Also because of the close proximity to the schools, students don’t hesitate to visit often.

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Megan (played by the Hills star ,Audrina Patridge) plans to pay back her cheating boyfriend, Garrett (Matt O‘Leary), by playing the ultimate prank, convincing him he’s killed her by slipping the “date rape” pill into her drink. What he doesn’t know is that if he would have stopped panicking long enough to realize the pill was nothing more than a store brand drug, he might not have been the center of such a joke.

Cassidy (Briana Evigan), Jessica (Leah Pipes), Ellie (Rumer Willis), Claire (Jamie Chung) and Chugs (Margo Harshman) watch through a hidden camera as Garrett “realizes” that Megan has died in his hands. The girls flood into Megan’s room where an emotionally disturbed Garrett continues to panic.

After more panic on Garrett’s part, the girls convince him that they’re going to help him cover it up and bury the body. Garrett, still too emotionally overwhelmed to realize what’s going on, jumps into Jessica’s snow white Escalade, accompanied by the remainder of the girls who, at this point, are fickle about how far the joke is going.

Jessica (Pipes) hasn’t had enough yet. She continues the joke despite the capriciousness of the rest of the girls. All the while Megan lies on the floor, playing dead.

However, Megan’s role as a dead girl soon becomes her reality when Garrett decides to decapitate the body, starting by stabbing Megan through the chest with a tire iron.

The girls are just about ready to run to the police with the truth, but Jessica convinces them (or rather blackmails) into continuing with the original ‘plan’ and dumping Megan’s body down an abandoned shaft. Jessica plans to move on with her life as if Megan has just gone missing and expects the girls to do the same, but it isn’t long before Jessica’s left  to eat her words.

Eight months later, the haunting memory of Megan returns in her younger sister Maggie (Caroline D’Amore), followed by a gruesome text message of a bloody tire iron. The girls, who at this point have grown apart, especially our heroine Cassidy (Evigan), conclude that the text messages are probably sent from a now crazed Garrett trying to be funny, but realize soon after that it’s not Garrett, nor is it a joke at all.

The girls are cruelly killed off one by one in this non-stop action thriller that will have you clawing at the edge of your seat.

Aside from its predictable Hollywood ending, the movie takes turns and leaves you hanging in exactly the right places.

“It was a good movie, it just had a predictable storyline. The ending had a good twist,” commented junior Gina Ianniello.

Apart from its amazing cast, including Bruce Willis’ daughter Rumer Willis, the movie spins a new outlook on a frequently seen horror plot.

“I thought it was really good. It kept me interested and it was full of suspense,” said sophomore Gilana Levin.

If your looking for good humor and a good scare, Sorority Row is the perfect film.

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