The Next Generation of Video Game Designers Correct, and Ana Is a Hater

Volume 6 Issue 2 December 2011 Short Stories Inside Schools Review Inside schools, an independent organization that writes reviews about New York City schools, updated its review about BSGE recently based on a school visit by one of its staff members in November. You can find the review at http://insideschools.org/high/browse/school/1267 Read more on page 10! BSGE Gets Two “B’s” BSGE received a “B” on both the Middle and High School grades from the NYC DOE’s annual school grades for 2010-11. The middle school has consistently received B’s the past few years whereas the HS grade is down from an “A” last year. The scores are made up of a combination of student performance, student performance, and school environment. Schools’ results are compared to the other similar schools. The DOE has made an effort to make it more difficult to receive A’s this year compared to last year. You can read the detailed report on the DOE website. Girls Basketball Team The Girls Basketball team defeated Newcomers HS in their first win of the season. Freshman Kara Fallon scored 36 of the team’s 42 points. The young team looks promising after having its entire starting lineup graduate last year. The girls have nine more games after the break with a game at Frank Sinatra HS on 1/17. Cake Sale brings in $$$ BSGE raised over $1100 for student activities from its 3rd Happy Holidays! A picture of the Senior Council’s festive banner hanging above. annual cake sale. Students sold a total 151 items with 7th Photo credit: Isabel Castro ‘14 grader Rummana Amrin selling the most: $656 worth of cakes. “The Other Guys” Football Podcast The Next Generation of BSGE alumnus, Shamar Walters ’09 has a weekly football podcast you can stream or download at, http://other- guysfootball.podomatic.com/ Walters currently attends Video Game Designers American University. CHRISTOPHER BIRSAN ‘15 replica of the classic game Pong after engaged in the material. Teaching is BSGE has a new elective course called, going over the basics of video game a lot of work, but it is very reward- Indoor Soccer Tournament Video Game Design. The new course design. ing.” He also feels very welcome by In mid-November, BSGE had an indoor 3 versus 3 soccer for one stream of 7th graders is de- Students have described the the school. He added, “The students tournament. It was held in the school cafeteria and had signed and taught by Thatcher Clay, a class as both enjoyable and challeng- and school are both great. The stu- a great turnout. Quite a lot of people came to watch the senior architect and technical director ing. Sarah Nasr explains, “It is not dents are very receptive and willing soccer players who ranged from grades 7 to 12. There at a video gaming studio called Vostu difficult as long as you listen to what’s to dive into the material, even when were even a few non-BSGE students that came to par- where he and his team primarily de- being said and know where things it gets a little tricky. And the school ticipate. The great turnout will probably lead to another sign video arcade style mobile games are, otherwise then for the most part (in particular Mr. Lakhaney) is great indoor tournament in the near future. for phones like the iPhone, and the it’s easy,” but added, “The worst part for encouraging me to come teach the Android phones. He volunteers his is when you get lost and don’t know class.” time at BSGE once a week and hopes what to do.” Yassmin El- to teach students in his class the prac- banna agrees and puts the tical use of subjects that they learn in challenges into perspec- school for example physics and geom- tive, “Well at some times etry through designing video games. it gets difficult, but if ev- He hopes the students will have a good erything was easy what time in his class and maybe even help would be the fun of that?” the students spur their interests in Mr. Clay loves video game design. his class and loves teach- In class, the students use the ing students. He explains, program Unity to create simple games, “The experience with the and after getting the hang of it, they class has been great, the Correction: The November Issue of the BACC Rag stated the Virge progressively build to more complex students have been by and Ramos was bad at fantasy football. This is not true. games. Right now, they are creating a large very receptive and Photo Credit: Samantha Calpo ‘14 Happy Holi- days! Entertainment Pages with IN 4 & 5 Megan & Ana THIS Occupy Page 12 ISSUE: What Street?Page 3 December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 2 Table of Contents Letters to Page One Megan and Ana Inside Schools Review BSGE Gets Two “B’s’ Girls Basketball Team First Cake Sale of the Year the ditor “The Other Guys” Football Podcast An article I disagreed with is “TheE Problem According to the article, “The Problem with Indoor Soccer Tournament with LMFAO.” I thought that this article was plain in- LMFAO,” LMFAO consists of two idiots that have afros The Next Generation of Video Game Designers correct, and Ana is a hater. I actually listen to their mu- and are not supposed to be in the music business. I sic while doing homework and it’s better than whatever disagree with this, because I like how LMFAO are these Page Two you probably listen to. two idiotic-looking men that make these catchy party- Letters to Megan and Ana WIGGLE WIGGLE WIGGLE WIGGLE YEAH! I’M ing songs. And seriously, they are not so bad that they Places to Go For Lunch SEXY AND I KNOW IT! shouldn’t be in the music industry. It’s not like they are -Ryan Zhuo going to affect the everyday lives of a human being, as Page Three I think Megan and Ana are being very critical they are only people that sing for parties. Occupy What Street? in their Entertainment Section, but if you look at it in I don’t think LMFAO is that bad at all. I think BSGE’s Boys Basketball Team: Sting’s First a different point of view, they are correct. I personally that the two rappers of the group are very good at what Win watch all of these shows.During the week I work on my they do and should continue without changing any- studies and homework. During the weekend I’m not thing. And afterall, their famous partying songs have Pages Four and Five as tense so I’m more calm. That is when I watch these made them popular and they are known by almst every Happy Holidays! shows. I find them very entertaining but inappropriate. American who listens to the radio. They have been It simply shows people acting like animals for money nominated for many music awards and even have won a Page Six and maybe fun. couple, which proves why they are completely motivated Teacher of the Month: Mr. Heine I watch all these shows listed; I watch but only to continue. to entertain myself or just make fun of people that Ask yourselves, if you were awarded for some- Page Seven would do anything to have or receive money. The reason thing that you have done well on, would you continue The Buzz I think this is because back in Europe my aunt is a model to work on it? The same goes for LMFAO, as they were Erik Verlinde: Challenging Gravity since 1962 and singer. I know those jobs are hard but in Europe awarded for their famous party singing, so why stop? Word from the Read World many of the shows are much more realistic. While here This is the reason why I disagree with the article, al- BSGE’s New Chess Club in America it’s just people dressed up and put in a house though it is just a matter of opinion. to act like idiots or total losers. For example, Jersey Shore -Anonymous Page Eight is like that. So I conclude I both disagree and agree with I enjoyed the piece about LMFAO. I must say BSGE’s College Readiness Megan and Ana. that I also do not like that band and the very few songs I Six Years of the French Language -Anonymous have heard them sing are not even meaningful. So they Juniors Visit the Emily Fisher Landau Art may have toe-tapping songs but what does that matter Center I don’t think there’s a problem with LMFAO’s if all their songs are about the same things. They are all songs. These songs aren’t meant to be meaningful; they about worthless dancing. Who cares if you have a “pas- Page Nine are meant to be fun party songs that shouldn’t be taken sion in your pants?” Ana was able to deliver the simple December in Pictures so seriously and judged so critically. I don’t think it’s message and show how, if you are truly willing to listen fair to make fun of the band members’ hair and outfits to their music and you actually enjoy them, then you Page Ten because they are just having fun and being themselves, need to go to therapy. Sudoku unlike other stars who are boring and unrecognizable in “Every day I’m shuffling.” Yes, they do shuffle. Insideschools.org Reviews BSGE a crowd. They shuffle the thoughts in your brain so nothing Their songs’ lyrics aren’t very thoughtful, but makes any sense. What a big disappointment they must Page Eleven they are entertaining and funny - we deserve a laugh be to the music industry. “It’s a Small World” Cartoon every now and then. I don’t understand why she thinks -Yasmin Elbanna BSGE’s Environmental Issue shuffling is stupid, because it’s a dance move like any other and just because it’s LMFAO that it makes it bad. If Dear Ana, Page Twelve she doesn’t like the band, she should simply not listen to Hi! My name is and I had some Entertainment with Ana and Megan them instead of giving such a horrible review. questions concerning your article on LMFAO. I agree -Dani with you, but why do you say that they look like the Cheetah Girls on severe medication? Othat than that, your article was great. Blurb and Photo Cred- The Bacc Rag Staff Places to Go For Lunch it: Isabel Castro ‘14 Panera Bread- It’s four blocks away from school on 38st and 35 ave, but the walk is worth the seven dollar Panini, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF in particular the chipotle chicken. Erin Camia [email protected] Chopstick king- This chinese food restaurant is across the street at the corner. Convenient place, however the people there take at least 10 minutes to give you LAYOUT/COPY EDITOR your food even if you’re the only person there... Samantha Calpo COPY EDITOR Dunkin’ donuts- If you enjoy breakfast items such as bagels and cream cheese, sausage and egg on an English muffin and coffee, then this is probably the best option. There is Neha Mehta one by the N and Q train station and another by Frank Sinatra School of Arts. FEATURED STAFF Napoli’s- Its 3 blocks from school and the most you’ll pay for a slice of pizza and a drink is 5 dollars. While you’re Steven Alvarez waiting for your slice of pizza you can enjoy the Italian channel that’s always on the TV. Sebastian Ali Joe’s Pizzeria- Compared to Napolis, they have a very limited variety but the ser- Ricardo Aguayo vice is about the same, and it’s only two blocks away from school towards the N Isabel Castro and Q train station. Ariel Taub Lydia Stetson Seven Eleven- It’s only two blocks away from school going towards the R train station (although the blocks are longer). You can buy 2 taquitos for 3 dollars and Ana Miljak where else can you get beef jerky and a slushie in one place? Megan Mehta Jan Wyszynski Hot dog and gyros stands- These stands are on the same block as the entrance to Christopher Birsan the R train station. If you get a gyro with hot sauce, don’t forget to buy a bottle of water because you’re going to need it. ADVISOR Subway- Conveniently near Dunkin’ Donuts, so you can get hot chocolate and a Aly Lakhaney sandwich of your choosing if you want the best of both worlds. Keep in mind that “BSGE’s Official Buzz” a five dollar foot long is never ACTUALLY five dollars, but seven. Baccalaureate School for Global Education Delis- If you only have three dollars and are very hungry, you can easily get a 34-12 36th Avenue sandwich and a drink at either the deli across the street or at the corner of the school to satisfy your appetite. Astoria, NY 11106 December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 3 Occupy What Street? SEBASTIAN ALI ‘14 commute. When he commented on the nature of the movement in its entirety he stated The “Occupy Wall Street” movement began on September 17th when a few that, “All we are really doing is taking over a couple of parks and making and incentive thousand protesters marched in lower Manhattan rallying to end corporate greed and for people to come down and figure out why. We never expected it to take off like it did. a nation dominated by it. When a hundred or so of the protesters decided to camp out It’s a benefit and a curse. We are getting donations left and right all over national news. in Zuccotti Park, which is in the cities finical district, it marked the beginning of the However, secondary problems are that people are taking our message, like occupy Oak- encampment now widely know as “Occupy Wall Street”. The protesters have renamed land, and thinking it’s about disturbing society. Basically, all we do is teach people how Zuccotti Park “Liberty Square”. However this all changed on Tuesday November 5th to protest so we do not get blamed for it. We have set it up so that we essentially facili- when in the early hours of the morning the NYPD raided the encampment and forced tate the protests and that is why the community likes us. The community knows where protesters out. Although word of the clearing of the park did reach the ears of the sup- they’re going and we send trained personnel and medical personnel.” Diaz continued to porters who were not camping, the police barricaded off access to the park from blocks discuss about Mayor Bloomberg’s valued relationship with the protesters by saying, “As away to stop supporters from slowing down the eviction of the protesters. Later that same much as people on the ground hate Mike Bloomberg he is our biggest ally.” Interestingly day Judge Justice Michael D. Stallman ruled that the protesters could stay insofar as they enough it seems this mutual relationship between the mayor and the protesters ended did not bring in sleeping bags or tents, thus stripping the protesters of their ability of en- the very next day, as the protesters were evicted form the park. campment. This surprisingly The heart of the movement at Zuccotti Park was General Assemblies. Diaz re- has not stopped the movement; marks that the, “Depending what is going on the GA usually has around 3 to 5 hundred even though Liberty Square people and is hosted around 7pm. We also have a spoke consul that all of our organizers was seen as the motif of the go to. Right now there is a big change in the GA, it used to be filled with all the organiz- movement, the eviction of ers and we would fight over where the money goes. So we created a spoke consul so that the protesters on the contrary people who have been in this community for a long time can organize without dragging sparked nation wide and even down the general assemblies” This is a very important aspect of the Occupy movements worldwide anger in the oc- in New York and all over the nation. The use of this General Assembly, which many cupation movements all over. can argue is democracy at its purest, is simply an opportunity for the mass of occupi- The clearing of protesters in ers and protesters to voice their opinion. It gives every person a chance to speak and it Zuccotti Park likewise fueled is this public forum coupled with the fact that the movement is leaderless that makes it police eviction campaigns in so pivotal and so eccentric. The public forum is the means of communication; from this cities nation wide. The movements itself is very a intricate one in terms of what it hope stemmed many other forums in the encampment. For instances, as mentioned by Diaz, to accomplish. the “spoke consul” allows for a chance for people to collaboratively organize events and The movement’s roots are traced back to the current economic and likewise po- money handling. The “think tank” gatherings that were held a few times a week were litical state of our nation and the frustration it caused in a few proactive protesters who referred to by Diaz as the “living room” of Liberty Square. There campers, bystand- decided to exemplify their first amendment right to peaceably assemble. The protesters ers, and protesters alike could engage at Zuccotti Park are such a massive and diverse crowd that there is no consensus on what in discussion about the dynamics of they want from our nation’s capitol. However, this very sense of disorganization is what the protests. Topics ranging from fi- makes the Wall Street protests so unique. It is a collective gathering of individual people nance to politics, in relation to Occupy from far and near voicing their opinions, so there is no collective goal. Many critics of Wall Street, were amongst the matters the movement are comparing it a leftist version of the tea party movement (a conserva- discussed at a crowded corner of Lib- tive populace movement that came about in response the large government dynamic erty Square. Countless would huddle in the U.S.). However such a claim is flawed in the sense that the Occupy Wall street together to hear to words emanating movement includes people from all ends of the social spectrum who are concerned from an adjacent person’s mouth. All with the nations economy. What makes the protest particularly unique is the tactic of would be silent when one spoke and taking to public parks to voice their opinions. Zuccotti Park, when functioning as an en- rebuttals or affirmations with prior arguments proceeded afterward. All these mediums campment, is broken up into specific areas each serving its own purpose to the protest- of collaborative discussion ultimately gave individuals the chance to voice the opinions ers. Even as winter was nearing protesters at Zuccotti Park began to take precautionary that they could not in the conventional political dynamic. The heart of the movement is measures to battle with the elements as two military size tents were set up, one of which built on the idea of conversation, protesting and the proactive nature of the movement provided for first aid need. all where attributes that stemmed from the simple idea of conversing. During the encampment the movement still maintained a degree of obscurity So it is through such dialogue that catalyzed the Occupy Wall Street movement. in terms of its goals and operation, and this ambiguity only intensifies for those not clear The range of agendas that make up the stage of conversation at the occupy Wall Street or closely affiliated with the movement. In terms of media coverage in the beginning of General Assemblies include every thing from where to spend donated money to how to September and October (at the movement’s height) this confusion was most evident in become better affiliated with the community. Nonetheless one of the biggest agendas the thousands of stupefied tourists who were flocked by threw police barricades. The that were discussed about at the encampment was finance. Diaz remarked that a whop- protesters sought many supporters not only from the Manhattan crowd but also from ping half a million dollars were already donated to the movement when he was inter- many others worldwide. Likewise, the protesters were targeted as well with flagrant viewed on November 14th and that around 150000 dollars had been distributed. It is at criticism coming from the mouths of many of its critics. The majority of those who saw the General Assemblies that such things get decided on. Some of the money even went the protest as a nuisance were the Wall Street residents themselves. Shops and eateries to sending over a few selected protesters to Egypt, which was at the center of the Arab around Zuccotti Park complained of a loss in costumers due to the protesters. Many Spring Revolts earlier in the year. The general assembly is the decisive voice of reason in commenters blamed a great deal on the protester as well. However the goal for such an the Wall Street protests and it is built entirely on the power of the people. encampment was simple when put by Justin Stone Diaz, a model protester who served So with the campers evicted form liberty square, which was the original heart in the information desk of the protests informing the goals of the protests to newcom- and start of the Occupy movements, the question is left of where to go from here. The ers and onlookers as well. Diaz, who works in social media, joined the encampment on answer, quite simple in nature, is that with the end of the insignia of the movement only the third day of the movement. However, when he found that the encampment would gives all the more reason to be proactive. continue, he simply would make the commute from Bedstuy and make the 10 to 12 hour Photo Credit: Sebastian Ali ‘14 BSGE’s Boys Basketball Team: Sting’s First Win STEVEN ALVAREZ 23 with the game’s win- what’s happened in the past However, the bas- about their team and their Being that the game will be ‘14 ning shot made by Julian three years at least is that ketball team is showing upcoming schedule, which a block away from BSGE, The BSGE boys Benayoun ‘12 who shot 14 we had a lot of people come signs of improvement and has them playing ten more Mr. Anderson encourages basketball team is headed points. There are games ev- to us in senior year and start determination more so than everyone to go and by 7th grade English teach- ery Monday and Wednes- playing with us and that is ever before. Senior guard/ “I am starting show their support er Mr. Anderson and this day and they practice every not a lot of time to develop. foreward Julian Benay- for the Stings. This year they appear more seri- other day of the week. Their I hope kids come earlier oun remarks, “we are fi- to see a little might be one of their ous than ever. Their record home games take place at so they can get better and nally starting to play with easiest games on for the previous school year the YMCA on Queens Bou- have more time to develop.” a little more hustle and a more drive their schedule – con- was 0-14, and yes, they lost levard and 33rd St. Coach Anderson went on little more heart, because sidering playing FSSA all of their games. As an ini- The team has been to say that the team is usu- up until now it was a little from the guys” was the closest they tiative to improve the team, improving their game more ally filled with students who lackluster, but now I am got to winning last Mr. Anderson has been efficiently than previous have never played in a com- starting to see a little more games after Winter break year – which may result working with the squad on years but there is still a petitive environment and drive from the guys.” This and an upcoming trip to in their first regular sea- team chemistry and how problem with experience. that really begins to show surge of heart and determi- Massachusetts which will son win. Not only can this they can make their jobs Coach Anderson believes when it comes to game time. nation was able to lead the have them play scrimmage be the Stings’ first win but easier on the court. Surpris- that starting young will His answer to this problem Sting (our school mascot) games against Coach An- this is the yearly climax of ingly enough, the basket- help the team improve. “If was to set up more scrim- to their first win in who derson’s former boarding whatever rivalry BSGE and ball team won a game this we can get more people to mage games and get his knows how long, but the school. One of the ten up- Frank Sinatra have between year against Millennium play at an earlier age, they players more game time ex- team has lost every game coming games in the Stings’ each other with the win- High School on November will get more experience perience so they can learn since then. Regardless, the schedule is the Frank Sina- ner gaining bragging rights 23rd. The score was 22- and get better, and I think and develop quicker. players are still enthusiastic tra game on January 4th. over the loser. December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 4 Happy Holidays! Holiday Movies to Watch THE MUPPETS NEW YEAR’S EVE WAR HORSE THE DARKEST HOUR ARTHUR CHRISTMAS

In this movie Santa’s youngest Faced with an attack by son must save the day to deliver The Muppet Movie got rave This movie is about a group The inspirational play from aliens, five friends try to a present to someone forgotten reviews from people of all ages. of couples that overlap and Lincoln Center has become find ways to survive when by Santa. This looks like a really It is a great way to ring in the meet eachother through a movie. A boy trains a everyone else has died cute movie that encourages the holiday spirit and season. To a series of events on New horse to help his dad win a on the planet. Special underdogs. save a beloved theater the Mup- Year’s Eve. This movie is bet. When the father sells effects and the 3D option -Out Now- pets are “reunited and it feels very reminiscent of Valen- the horse to the army, the are sure to make this the so good!” Visit your old friends tine’s day in which couples boy runs away to join the thriller of the holidays. Kermit the frog and Ms. Piggy in intermix. army in the hopes of find- -Out December 25h- this fun-loving movie that’s sure -OUT NOW- ing him. to make you smile. -Out December 25th- -OUT NOW- Movie synopsis credit: Ariel Taub ‘14 Holiday Gifts for Anybody and Everybody 1.) The Obnoxious Hipster “Holy Crap it’s a triangle OMG so hipster can’t breathe ahh triangle.” (T-shirt, multiple colors) 6.) The Artsy People www.zazzle.com 3-D Drawing Pad www.urbanoutfitters.com

2.) The Tree-hugger Color Changing Night Light (100,000 Hours) “Big Book of Crafts” www.urbanoutfitters.com 3.) The Shopaholic “Shop it like it’s hot” Tote www.zazzle.com

4.) The School Nerd 7.) The “Average” Human “Get Real!”“Be Ra- Bacon Floss tional!” www.urbanoutfitters.com (T-shirt/Hoodie) www.snorgtees.com

Justin Bieber Poster “I lost an electron!”“Are you positive?” (T- www.spencersonline.com shirt) www.snorgtees.com

5.) The 8.) Chanukah Lovers Gamers Potty Putter Kosherland (Board Game) www.amazon.com www.urbanoutfitters.com

Gift Guide Credit: Neha Mehta ‘14 December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 5 How To Make a Gingerbread House! NEHA MEHTA ‘14 Ingredients for Icing: Prep time: 1 hr 15 min 1 pound (3-3/4 cups) smooth powdered sugar Cook time: 15 min 1-2 large egg whites 1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla or lemon juice Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (room temperature) Other Ingredients: 1/2 cup dark brown sugar Gumdrops 1/4 cup light molasses (dark corn syrup) Licorice 1 tablespoon cinnamon M&M’s 1 tablespoon ground ginger Skittles 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves Smarties 1 teaspoon baking soda Jelly-beans 2 cups flour Sprinkles 2 tablespoons water STEPS: 1.) In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda together until the mixture is smooth. Blend in the flour and water to make a stiff dough. Chill at least 30 minutes or until firm. 2.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 3.) Cut paper patterns for the gingerbread house: --Two rectangles 3 by 5 inches (to make the front and back of the house.) --Two rectangles 3 by 5 1/2 inches (to make the roof.) --Two pieces inches wide at the base, 3 inches to the roof line, and slanted to a peak 5 1/2 inches from the bottom. --Four smaller rectangles, 1 1/2 by 1 inch for the roof and sides of the entryway. --One piece, 2 inches wide at the base, 1 1/2 inches to the roof line, and slanted to a peak 2 1/2 inches from the bottom for the front of the entryway. 4.) Roll gingerbread dough out to edges on a large, rimless cookie sheet. Place paper patterns onto the rolled out dough. With a knife, cut around each of the pieces. Leave the pieces in place. 5.) Bake at 375 degrees F, for about 15 minutes until dough feels firm. 6.) Place patterns on top of the gingerbread again and trim the shapes. Cut the edges with a straight-edged sharp knife. Leave them to cool on baking sheet. 7.) Place royal icing into pastry bag with a writing tip and press out to decorate individual parts of house. You can also use the icing to add decorations. Wait until the glue and decorations have hardened. 8.) Glue the sides, front and back of house together at the corners using royal icing. Place an object against the pieces so the icing will dry in place. This may take a few minutes. 9.) Glue the two roof pieces to the roof-line of the house. Then, glue the sides and roof of the entryway together with icing. Attach the entryway. 10.) Make the gingerbread house fancy by adding several types of candy. Things to Do Over the Holidays in NYC Stuck home for the holidays while your friends go skiing and get great tans in Costa Rica? Not to worry. We have the perfect NYC Holiday Agenda just for you.

1) Rockefeller Christmas 2) Sledding 3) Go on a Hot Chocolate 4) Ice Skating Tree Adventure

Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink- A little pricey with $21 per person, but Be sure to stop by for some popular Grab a sled, or even a trash can lid, piece your surroundings are amazing with the Come see the great 74-foot tall Rockefell- places for hot cocoa and become a judge of cardboard, really anything you can Rockefeller statue, the tree, people watch- er Christmas tree located in Rockefeller yourself to see which is best! put your butt on and is durable, and slide ing you. Center! Decorated with breath-taking red Max Brenner’s Chocolate by the Bald down one of those snow-covered hills! Citi Pond at Bryant Park- Free admission! and green lights, what’s stopping you? Man- Try the thick and creamy Ital- ...If we have snow. $14 for skate rentals. The tree will be taken down on January ian Hot Chocolate or if you’d like your Forest Hills “Deep Dean” Park- A popular Wollman Rink in Central Park- On the 6, 2012 so hurry up! cocoa with a kick, have the Mexican Hot place to sled, but gets a little bit crowded east side of the park, and near the Cen- Chocolate that has Cinnamon and a bit at times. You have to watch out to not run tral Park Zoo. Skate rentals are $6.75 but of Chile incorporated. 5) Holiday Department over any 6 year olds. Forest Park also has admission is $16. Jacques Torres Chocolate- Any chocolate Store Window Decorations some good hills. World Ice Arena- Located in Flushing place with a French name has to be good, Riverside Park- A park in Morningside Meadows, right near Shea Stadium, this so head on down for a mug of warm Heights neighborhood in Manhattan with place has the cheapest prices by far. With delicious goodness for $3.50. a steep hill, great for the adventurous $5 skate rentals, $5-8 admission and Serendipity- Frozen hot chocolate does sledders. closer to home this one’s view won’t be as count in our list of must-have hot choco- gorgeous but going here will be nicer to lates, so try the ever-famous frozen hot 6) Visit the “Giant your wallet. Menorah!” chocolate that many tourists flock to New York City to taste. 8) Holiday Markets Il Bambino- A few blocks away from BSGE on 31st Avenue between 34th and See the holiday window decorations 35th street, try Il Bambino’s hot cocoa. throughout Manhattan’s department Although the restaurant/cafe is more stores that will surely get you in the known for their paninis, their peanut holiday spirit. Although you may have to butter hot chocolates are suggested. battle the tourists through 5th Avenue, it’s definitely worth it and free, too! Bloomingdales - 59th Street and Lexing- 7) Visit the Highline If the weather isn’t too cold, take a stroll ton In the Grand Army Plaza, 5th Avenue through The Highline in the Meatpack- Union Square Market Macy’s- 34th Street and 6th Avenue at 59th Street, in the Upper East Side of ing District of Manhattan. Established in Columbus Circle Holiday Market Barney’s- 660 Madison Avenue between NYC, see the massive 32-foot tall Meno- 2009, The Highline is most described as Holiday Shops at Bryant Park 60th and 61st street rah. Yes indeed, there is a giant menorah a modern garden where urban life and Grand Central Holiday Gift Fair Saks Fifth Avenue- 611 5th Avenue be- when Hanukkah time comes around. Last nature come together to make a walkway tween 49th and 50th street year, Mayor Bloomberg himself had lit for New Yorkers to stroll through to view 9) Coat Drives Lord and Taylor’s- 424 5th Avenue at the first “candle” in the menorah for the the city skyline. Find a coat drive near you that should be 39th Street first night, so who knows who you’ll see organized in your community and get in this year! The event is free. the giving spirit by donating a coat for the homeless. The gift of giving! Blurb credit: Lydia Stetson ‘15 December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 6 Teacher of the Month:

Mr.STEVEN ALVAREZ ‘14 Jim60’s and into the 70’s helped to expand theHeine different types If I could be live in any other place in the world, I am not Why did you want to become a teacher? of music I enjoyed listening to and still do. It also helps me sure. I have spent my whole life in New York. It is my Teaching found me. I was looking to make a change in my to relax, and collect my thoughts. home. It would be tough to leave. If I had to pick one place, career, and New York City was in need of teachers. Several it would have to events came together, and I became a teacher. What is your favorite sport? “wanting to be an as- have a beach, My favorite sport is college basketball. I played all tronaut at one time. with a notice- How do you feel about working here for so long? through grammar school, high school and college. Al- able change in I did not realize that I had been here so long. Time really though our younges t son played college baseball, I thought it would be the seasons. The does fly when you enjoy what you do. and that was fun to watch, especially when he was really cool going into beach is the key. pitching. Why did you choose to work at BSGE? outer space, and then If someone I did not choose BSGE, BSGE chose me. I am very fortunate What are your hobbies? when man landed on were to write a that they did. Gardening is my favorite hobby. Our children are all book about you, out on their own and this gives me time to work on the the moon in 1969... I what do you What goals do you have for your students in your math back yard. I find it very relaxing and I get to see the thought, why not.” think the title class? results of my labor. I also enjoy working on my car. will be? I don’t have many, all I desire is for all of you to learn and I do not know grow. What is your favorite movie? why anybody would want to write a book about me. My My favorite movie is Field of Dreams, for 2 scenes in par- life has been what family and I have made it. Nothing re- How does it feel to be next door to Ms. Nikkolos after all ticular. James Earl Jones speaks about how baseball has ally special, except a family that I am very proud of. So these years? mirrored our society, and I feel that is very true. The oth- maybe the title would be “Who Is That Guy, and Why Did Interesting. er sceneis when Kevin Costner is having a game of catch I Bother Writing This Book”. with his father. I have very fond memories of doing that What is your favorite cuisine? with my father when I was young, and in turn doing that If you won $600 million in the lottery, what would you do I don’t have any one favorite cuisine. My wife is a fantastic with my sons when they were young. with the money? cook, so I guess her cuisine, which is varied. If I won 600 million in the lottery, maybe I would buy that What did you want to be while growing up? island you asked about before and move there. The rest I If you were stuck on an island, what teacher would you I don’t really remember. I do remember wanting to be an would find worth while organizations and give the money take with you? astronaut at one time. I thought it would be really cool to them. I would like to see something done to prevent Does it have to be one teacher? Each of us has many and going into outer space, and then when man landed on the children from going to bed hungry. different talents that would be useful on an island. So to moon in 1969 and I was 17 years old, I thought, why not. choose one is tough, besides, if I left my wife off that list, If you were an animal, what animal would you be? Why? she would probably tell me not to come back. What is your favorite book? If I could be an animal, I would want to be a dolphin. I don’t have any one favorite book. I enjoy reading all I have alwaysnbeen fascinated by them and the freedom How tall are you? sorts of genres. If I find a book I like, I don’t put it down. they have to roam thenoceans. I am 6’ 6” tall. I try to read it till the end, over a day or two. the last book I read was title “A Dog’s Purpose”. It was a novel, and hav- What type of people do you hate? Why do you choose the music that you play [during class]? ing had dogs, I could not put it down. I dislike people that look to take advantage of other people. When I was growing up, music was played in our house. I learned to appreciate a variety of music from Glen Miller If you could live in any other place in the world, where What makes you angry? to Frank Sinatra to Big Band Music. Growing up in the would it be and why? Lies. Lies break a bond of trust that is very hard to build

Photo Credit: Isabel Castro ‘14 December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 7 Erik Verlinde: Challenging The Buzz: Gravity since 1962 Blackberry or iPhone? JAN WYSZYSNKI‘13 variables such as tempera- but cannot be considered motion randomness].” In It makes ourselves ture and pressure and their a part of ‘science’ because other words, because the and any object around us effects regarding particle it has yet to make any kind concentration of particles accelerate downwards at motion. By comparison, of empirical predictions or in the atmosphere is not 9.8 meters-per-second such a point of view would experimental basis. In other constant, any two given squared… but why? Since make sense. Verlinde’s no- words, whether or not elec- groups of particles will ap- approximately 1650 when tion that gravity is more of trons and quarks (a funda- pear to attract each other the famous apple fell from an extrapolation than it is mental constituent of mat- simply due to the mov- the tree, gravity has been a fundamental constant is ter; protons are generally ing force. Yet again, we see perpetually accepted as the very similar to the affected composed of three quarks) gravity as a derivation of most fundamental aspect behavior of the stock mar- within the atom are zero or more fundamental physical of the physical world. The ket, or the elasticity of at- one dimensional is a ques- means. In June 2011, Ver- daunting truth is that there oms as outlined by Marx tion yet to be answered with linde was awarded the Spi- Luca Cognata ‘16 “iPhone... I like touch screens and are no putative explanations Trautz and William Lewis in a rigid experimental basis. noza Prize with a 2.5 mil- wanted a phone to listen t music, surf the web, and text. for why various physical the proposal of the collision Though his recent lion euro grant for his work The iPhone does all of that.” bodies in the universe are theory of atoms in 1916 (a contradiction of the rela- on this theory. Thus while attracted one another. theory that explains how tively lenient tenets of string many of Verlinde’s claims Let’s take a step chemical reactions occur theory, the theory of every- succumb to public scrutiny, back into the profession of and why reaction rates are thing, has spurred debate his work has a unique value Erik Verlinde, a respected not constant). However, and rejection, Verlinde’s that shuts out researchers professor and theoretical the majority of Verlinde’s work is not “destabilized who take refuge physicist who has recently well-informed readers do to be un- in the purely ob- been interviewed on his not agree with his position dermined the logic cre- jective models of venture to take on the ques- because it would mean that holistically. ated by 300 science. tion that has baffled scien- even basic concepts like ki- “The Ver- Novel tists since the Enlightenment nematics (the study of mo- linde For- years of the thinkers in sci- movement, “why gravity?” tion of objects in systems) mula,” an renowned ence show us In his more re- taught in physics class- element of that in the grand Zoe Palminteri ‘16 “iPhone because I like touch screens cent article On the Origin rooms all over the world the broad- scientific scheme of things, and the apps it has.” of Gravity and The Work would require drastic re- er Verlinde method” the study of sci- of Newton, professor Ver- thinking. This ponderous Algebra, ence is not much linde destabilized the logic undertaking sways even the is a comprehensive and different from the study of created by 300 years of the less of Verlinde’s work. accepted contribution to history. Historians can nar- renowned scientific method The critiques of mathematics that is used as row down the truth value of by calling the accepted no- physicists and professors a building block for gradu- texts and past events to de- tion of attractive force an are not news to Verlinde, ate physics and astronomy bate, but they can never be “illusion”. In an interview but his recent publica- programs all over the world. entirely sure. All the same, with a reporter from the tion was met with a nearly Another ‘less- people like Erik Verlinde New York Times, Verlinde unanimous lack of under- scrutinized’ concept that are necessary for compel- said plainly and conclusive- standing. String theorist An- Verlinde explored in 2009 ling scientific debate. With- ly; “to me, gravity doesn’t drew Strominger is among was the notion of “Entro- out zealous challengers like Katherine Tieu ‘15 “iPhone because I own one.” exist.” Verlinde’s argument many who believe that Ver- pic Gravity.” This theory of him, the assumptions that rests on the idea that gravity linde’s perspective must be gravity functions within a those scientific concepts depends on the intertwined met with a “healthy skep- similar framework of Ver- buried deep within the physical effects of the laws ticism.” It is important to linde’s more recent venture comfort zone of academia of thermodynamics (the take note that String theory in that it describes gravity are absolute, would cloud study of heat transfer and (Verlinde’s area of exper- as a “probabilistic conse- our visions, and close our concepts). Thus, according tise) attempts to reconcile quence of a physical sys- minds. to Verlinde gravity is cre- quantum mechanics with tems tendency to increase ated by various physical Einstein’s general relativity entropy [measure particle Word from the Real World:

Natalia Joshua ‘15 “iPhone because everything you can do on a blackberry you can do on an iPhone and more.” Jolijt Tamanaha The strangest thing about leaving for college is going back home. It’s beyond weird to pack a suitcase, board a plane, land in a place, and hug people that used to be so everyday and now feel so far away. Throughout all of Thanksgiving break, I wondered how real my life at college is. Cooking dinner while my friends sat around the kitchen laughing made it feel like I’d never left, like I had imagined moving out. But as soon as I landed back in St. Louis, I realized that my life here is far from fake because I had missed my WashU friends. So I now live in a permanent state of missing people. Everywhere I go there are people somewhere else that I want to see. In the midst of all the Christmas build up, not a day goes by that I don’t think about NY. While the people at WashU became my good friends, my good friends at home became family. They are who I see on holidays, call when I’m homesick, and love unconditionally. To explain myself to friends at home takes signifi- cantly fewer words than to friends here because the ones at home watched me grow up. They know who I was when I was twelve and who I am now. They remember the terrible things I wore and the dumb things I said. They see what Isabella Hernandez ‘14 “Blackberry because the iPhone I do—the decisions I make—and they immediately understand why. wastes a lot of battery and when people get one, they’re At the same time, it’s nice to be away, to have to explain myself, to get a fresh start. My friends here and I stay always on their phone because they have their music up for hours talking, listening, and laughing. We’ve decorated our common room to take the edge off of the holiday on it. They text and go on the internet and then they homesickness. Slowly but surely this campus is becoming our second home. When I leave for winter break, I’ll think become isolated from society.” about them every day. I’m going to be stuck missing people for the rest of my life but I am happy that I have people who I love Photo credit: Isabel Castro ‘14 enough to miss. BSGE’s New Chess Club ARIEL TAUB ‘14 play and she is planning to be taught by Dorian. The club The new chess club at BSGE has attracted many new and meets every Tuesday and Wednesday during and after 9th experienced players alike. Their goal, according to Dorian period. There may be a tournament depending on if it’s Noussias ‘13, is to “educate people on how to play chess popular enough. “Its not that official,” said Arian Florez and have fun with it.” The club is run by Dorian and su- ‘13. Chess club is a great way to meet people, and chal- pervised by Ms. Johnson. Most of the students have played lenge yourself mentally. It’s thought that chess is a great at some point prior to joining the club. Katie Donohue way to expand your mindset and critical thinking because ‘15 and Lauren Hallisey ‘15 have played, “but not since you always have to be two steps ahead of your opponent. 2nd grade” they joke. One person doesn’t know how to Photo Credit: Isabel Castro ‘14 December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 8 BSGE’s College Six Years of the French Language Readiness Having spoken with other to us only in French [since JAN WYSZYNSKI ‘13 and “rigorous texts” on a leges and other institutions RICARDO AGUAYO daily basis, the standard of higher education want ‘13 teachers in different classes, day one]. It’s become so he finds that some prob- normal that we speak it all BSGE is among the will not change. applicants to excel in one Imagine walk- lems present in one class the time! At home, at school, top public NYC schools rat- On the contrary, discipline, their admissions ing into a classroom full disappear in French class, it on vacation, anywhere!” ed with what the DOE calls the city attributes the de- officers are also looking of faces that you have seen changes the behavior of the However, Mr. Ra- the “college readiness” fac- clining performance of stu- for students who diversify for nearly six consecutive students. A possible reason jiv does not find continuity tor. This means BSGE among dents to the rising standards their activities in an out of school years. This is a sce- could be that the students to always be positive. Since other schools is no longer for graduation. Students in schools. There is no agreed nario Mr. Rajiv Mahajan, are too wary about talking he is working with students being evaluated solely on the NYC area are required upon “golden formula” for the current French teacher in English to even disrupt, for years, they must find an grades, but also on how to pass four state Regents getting into college, but ac- at BSGE, has dealt with be- since they are in French agreement on how to work well-prepared students are exams with a score of 65 cording to both the College fore. As the French teacher, class. Since they may have with each other, no matter to pursue higher education. or above to graduate. A re- Board and the State Educa- educates some BSGE stu- trouble speaking in French, how difficult it may be to The New York City Depart- cent initiative has curtailed tion department, a student dents on the French lan- it may make them quieter, do so. He also sees how stu- ment of Education defines the practice of letting stu- with a particular interest guage and culture, which and less disruptive. Another dents get very tired of see- the “college-readiness in- dents who scored just be- in mathematics will do well he has been doing in BSGE advantage is being able to ing him for so long. Since dex” of a New York City low 65 pass and many an- for him/herself by expand- since 2006. Currently, he improve on his curriculum. the students must see him public high school as the gry parents claim that the ing his/her schema with teaches classes in the 7th, Since he has new students for such a long time, he be- percentage of graduating stringency of such policies regards to the humanities 9th, 11th and 12th grade. almost every year, he can lieves that students just get students in a given school is directly connected to the or social sciences. Popular He has a different view of Mr. Rajiv he has the oppor- tired of seeing him year who qualify to avoid reme- decline in the percentage consensus says that students students than that of other tunity to change his cur- after year. He also finds it dial college courses. While of students receiving A’s on in the New York State and teachers in BSGE who may riculum whatever for needs difficult at times to‘re-wire’ BSGE boasts a 100 percent their report cards by 5 per- City area lack this founda- see students for only two to be changed or added. He students in the way that graduation rate, accord- cent in the last year. tion and as such are not as or three years. He is tasked enjoys this continuity of they will learn, since he has ing to NYC standards, only New York State and prepared for careers and with teaching the students learning a language at BSGE a different approach. 97 percent of its graduates City high school students colleges as students in other for all the years that they are for so many years because When asked about last year were considered lag with respect to college states or countries are. in BSGE, preparing them to of the ability to truly study other schools, Mr. Ra- “ready” for college. The and career readiness when The pressure is receive the IB diploma. This the language and culture in jiv finds that they are not majority of schools rated by compared to students across on. Due to the overwhelm- may amount to six years in depth. He can build up his as firm on the use of im- the DOE do not hold a 100 the ingly large the end, so he sees students students’ understandings mersion as he is at BSGE. percent readiness percent- states. “only 97 per- averaged mature in BSGE. Consid- from the very beginning He finds that some teach- age. In fact, only 5 of the 28 T h e 11.3 mil- ering this, I asked him if and is able to narrow down ers barely speak French ranked schools mentioned state cent of its lion appli- working with students for in multiple fields, so he can in classes. To him, he does in a New York Times ar- edu- cant body such a long time proves to graduates last concentrate on very specific not understand how it can ticle entitled “Graduating cation to most be a ‘double-edged sword,’ topics throughout the year. be that a language teacher Students, but then what?” de- schools in or rather, what advantages year were con- Mr. Rajiv also is teaching students about that segregated schools into part- the Unit- and disadvantages generally says that he can build stu- another language through sections A and B (A being ment sidered “ready” ed States arise. dents up by teaching them English. It, quite simply, schools with high percent pub- alone, the One advantage is through immersion as of- does not make any sense to graduation and high per- lished for college” value of that by continually teaching ten as he can. This idea of him. English in a language cent college readiness, and that outstand- the same students, Mr. Rajiv immersion is the complete course should be used to B being schools with high only 23 percent of gradu- ing test scores and grades learns what their habits are. mixing of the French cul- the bare minimum, only to percent acceptance but low ating high-school stu- has been diluted. A 2200 He understands what they ture and language into his be used when there are no percent college readiness) dents meet the college and on the SAT just isn’t enough do well, who they work well class. By using immersion, other options but to speak it were branded with a 100 career-ready standard in to distinguish you from the with, and if they study well. he improves the students’ so as to explain something percent college readiness comparison with the 65 flood of college applica- By assessing that, he can de- learning of the language in French. index. In other-words, stu- percent of general-edu- tions being submitted each termine what it is that some at a quicker and successful You may find dents seem to be more pre- cation students. New York year and as such, BSGE’s students need help in, and rate. He believes that this yourself thinking that to occupied with getting into State posted an averaged 49 community service and over the next few years, can idea is the most logical way Rajiv, the advantages out- college than what they will percent graduation rate this CAS programs are there for help improve what needs to teach students, since they weigh the disadvantages of do when they get there. This year with only 10 percent student advantage. Colleges to be improved. While Mr. will be hearing the French teaching a class for such a new addition to the public of those graduated deemed want to see their applicants Rajiv learns about his stu- language for 70 minutes. long time. This is true; he profile of City High Schools college and career ready by engaged in a real life setting dents, students also get a By hearing the French lan- finds that it is a fantastic begs the question: “Who or the education department. because the people who great understanding of who guage, they continually way to teach students, for what is responsible?” It seems to be the will set the world straight Mr.Rajiv is, such as what learn the way the new vo- they gain such a clear un- New York City’s case that while New York in the future will not be sit- may annoy him, and there- cabulary is used, as well derstanding of the language top academic officer Shael City high schools amass ting behind desks dwelling fore learn to not do any of as improve their accent. and culture that, by the end Polakow-Suransky said that praise for their high gradu- in theory. Therefore public those things. Another ad- When asked about Mr. Ra- of the course, he learns to “the academic standards ation rates, their focus with education officials and the vantage is that he also finds jiv’s methods of teaching by never underestimate stu- of state-wide tests were regards to the true purpose United States student body that students in French class means of immersion, An- dents because they under- to blame” for the surpris- of education has been slow- have to take a step back act different than when drea Joseph ’13 said “I love stand more that he believes. ingly low 6-9 percent col- ly declining over the past and break the rote decline they are in another class. lege-readiness indexes of several years. According to of their present academic that Monsieur Rajiv speaks schools like the Academy the College Board, known situation. BSGE’s students as for Social Action and the for its SAT (the ‘brick wall’ well as students throughout Juniors Visit the Emily Williamsburg High School in the college admissions the NYC area need to real- for Architecture and De- process for many), colleges ize that arduous studying is Fisher Landau Art Center sign in Brooklyn. Polakow- today are “looking for a actually the easiest part of RICARDO AGUAYO ‘13 Suransky claims that until solid foundation of learn- their academic careers. On, November 11th, the 11th grade went to visit the Emily Fisher Landau Art kids are asked to engage in ing that you can build on Center, located in Astoria. There, students were exposed to various art pieces to help “more problem solving” in college”. Not only do col- expand their knowledge of art, mediums on which to make art and, BSGE’s Art teacher Mr. Sheridan put it, to define what art can be. The students would then choose a piece of art where they would complete a critical research paper on it. Ms. McCabe, another art teacher in BGSE, really liked that “the gallery BSGE’s Math Club contained a large variety of contemporary art” and hoped that a piece there captured the student’s atten- Need Help? Our Tutors Can Help! tion. She believes that since students usually view art on a computer screen it diminishes the way to view Math Will Become Easy Once You Are Guided In the art pieces because that is not how the artist pri- the Right Direction! marily intended people to examine it. The gallery al- lowed students to elicit different reactions since they Go to www.mathtutoring.bsge.org and sign up by were able to view art in actual person, thus allowing them to see it from a distance, or up close. It changes filling out a form. You will be contacted by email the way people can experience the art pieces. The soon after the form has been submitted. Landau Center is now closed, and all of the art there has been donated to the Whitney Museum of Ameri- can Art. December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 9 December in Pictures

From above clockwise: For the holidays, the Helping Hands Committee raised money for the Toy Drive and collected gifts for patients in the Elmhurst Hospital. Above shows the pile of gifts collected from advisories; To the right is the Christ- mas tree in our main lobby with a menorah along side it. Below is senior getting the lobby ready. Photo credit: Isabel Castro ‘14

Happy Holidays, BSGE! Enjoy your days off and the new year! See you all in 2012!

Please recycle! December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 10

Insideschools.org

ReviewsANA MILJAK ‘14 up is how smallBSGE the school is, and our lack of clubs and were very positive about our school. The website insideschools.org is known for after school activities, though they do give the newspaper To read this review, go to insideschools.org and reviewing high schools all over New York, and now, they an honorable mention for, well, actually existing. They search for BSGE. If you agree or disagree with anything have reviewed our very own BSGE. In fact, last week, we also mention our lack of a gym and sports equipment, as said, leave a comment! were even featured on the front page, which is screen- well as a shortage of computers. As a whole, though, they capped below. The website ranks schools based on criteria ranging from daily attendance to college readiness. There is a pros and cons list, and a slideshow of pictures taken in the school. Students and parents can also leave comments, agreeing or disagreeing with the review. BSGE received good marks in almost every criteria: a 98% graduation rate, 95% daily attendance, a 94% six year graduation rate (percent of students who graduate within six years) and 97% college readiness. 98% of students met the state standard for reading, and an impressive 100% of students met the state standard for math. The school was praised for its relaxed and friendly environment, something which this school seems to be known for. The review brings up the rigorous curriculum that we’re also known for, calling the amount of work we get done daily “impressive”. The review isn’t all good, though. One con that they brought December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 11 Environmental “It’s a Small issue at BSGE

The week of November underneath the BSGE 14th, 2011, the BSGE building and is most community was informed likely migrating from an World” A Cartoon by Mahaut Brooks ‘16 that there was a pres- off site location, probably ence of two chlorinated a nearby dry cleaner. solvents, tetrachloroeth- The week of November ene (PCE) and trichlo- 14th, Ms. Johnson sent roethene (TCE) in the home a letter explaining soil vapors underneath the situation to BSGE BSGE’s foundation. families and invited The level of them to a presentation each of the chemicals has and question and answer always been well below period on the night of the New York State November 23rd by the Department of Health SCA at BSGE. Air Guideline Values One of the short term (NYSDOH AGV’s) but actions taken by the SCA when testing was first to ensure that no vapors done in 2008, the levels would contaminate the were above the routine air in the BSGE build- background levels found ing was to fill any holes in the average New York in the foundation. The State home. recommended long The New York term action is to build City School Construc- a “subslab depressuriza- tion Authority (SCA) tion system” which would has been aware of these ventilate any vapors from chemicals when it first under the building out of did environmental testing the building through the on the air quality in the roof. BSGE building and soil The building was tested twice in 2009 “The level of and again in 2011 and the results have each of the consistently been below chemicals has the state’s AGV’s. Ac- cording to the always been SCA representative, “the well below the AGV’s are health based New York State criteria which were developed based on Department an exposure scenario of of Health Air all day, every day, for an entire life- Guideline Val- time.” Soil ues” contamina- tion is common in New underneath it in 2008 York City because most as a result of routine of the city’s land has been procedures it follows inhabited for a long time when leasing a build- and had many different ing. At that time, the uses especially in Long NYSDOH was informed Island City/Astoria which but the BSGE commu- has a lot of warehouses, nity was not. A School factories, and industrial Construction Authority spaces. representative stated that In addition to because the levels of the the environmental issues chemicals were below the discuss, the SCA present- AGV’s and because the ed other issues related to SCA was involved in a the future maintenance lawsuit with the landlord and renovations on the that the school commu- BSGE building. nity was not informed Independent until recently. testing done on 11/22/2011 One of the confirmed the SCA’s chemicals found, PCE findings about the air is a chemical routinely quality. used in dry cleaning, and the other, TCE is An additional test will be an industrial chemical done over winter recess used for degreasing. The 2012 to confirm previ- source of the contamina- ous indoor air quality tion under the building findings. is most likely not directly December 2011 BSGE’s OfficialBuzz Page 12 Entertainment Ana and withMegan The Muppets Movie Review MEGAN MEHTA ‘14 tend to come from Jason Segel. The musical numbers are whistling, really? Not that it’s un-cool or anything but I quite catchy and one might find themselves singing them was expecting much more. Kermit and his crew hit the big screen, again, at the most random intervals throughout the day. You The movie is aimed towards a younger audience on Wednesday, November 23rd 2011. The first Mup- might also develop an obsession with Jason Segel as well but there are a few moments where they have adult-ish pet movie was released, thirty-two years ago, in 1979. (not in a creepy way). The movie ended with a musical humor. Mostly in the scenes where there is dialogue Since then, children, who have now grown up, have been number, which was sure to leave you saying, “D’aww.” exchanged between Gary and Mary, as well as Ms. Piggy long awaiting the release of this movie. Jason Segel and The movie as far as story and plot was pretty and Kermit. I’d say wait for the movie to come out on Nicholas Stoller wrote the Muppets movie screenplay good. It also depends on what one likes and dislikes. If Netflix or something of that sort so you don’t have to lis- around one to two years ago. The idea was then set in you’re not into music, more specifically show tunes, ten to little children cry or point out obvious details every motion. Jason Segel and Kermit the Frog specifically asked within movies you’re probably not going to like it, but five minutes, not cute. Amy Adams to play the role of “Mary” in the movie. They you should still give it a try. I personally hate songs in recorded a video (which can now be seen on YouTube) movies but in this movie it worked and I was pleasantly and sent it her way. surprised. I didn’t want to throw The characters in The Muppets are basically myself from the highest chair in the the same with a few additions. There’s Kermit the Frog, theater, so that was a plus. It wasn’t the protagonist and envy of all the other Muppets; Miss just like, “Hey, let’s add a pointless Piggy, who has a rather unhealthy obsession with Kermit; song to kill a good 3-4 minutes.” It Fozzie Bear, waka waka; Gonzo the Great, Pepe the King flowed perfectly with the story itself, Prawn, who is probably the cutest thing in the movie af- as songs in movies should. ter the relationship between Jason Segel and Amy Adams’ The only thing I didn’t like characters; and many other favorites. The characters that was the fact that Walter was way to were added were, “Walter,” a Muppet that had been liv- whiny and awks. He was complaining ing a human life; also known for being the main charac- and crying too much and got in the ter; “Gary” Walter’s human brother played by Jason Segel way of basically everything; which and “Mary” Gary’s girlfriend, played by Amy Adams. I found tremendously annoying. An The movie starts off with an opening scene and appreciation is developed for him an explanation of the background story. It gets progres- towards the end of the movie though, sively better, but it takes a lot of time to get to the climax, because of him saving the day and which can be both good and bad; although, there are all by his whistling. Which is another funny little tid- bits thrown in between, like jokes that thing. Out of all the talents to have, Breaking Dawn Part 1 Movie Review ANA MILJAK ‘14 Dawn, the what-should- books? Bad compared to the getting into non-fights, Every scene he was in was based around the fact that For those who be-the-last-but-Summit- rest of the movies? Or just showing how much the completely ridiculous, Stephanie Meyer can just don’t know (or should I say entertainment-decided- bad compared to good taste writers have stopped try- from the part where he’s come up with whatever don’t care, because every- that-they-haven’t-made- and common sense? Either ing. Seriously, there was yelling at the other wolves she wants and put it into one knows, whether they enough-money-off-it-yet- way, there’s a common only one fight scene, and in a deep, growling voice novel form, but all logic want to or not), Breaking so-they-broke-it-into-two- theme here, and its that it lasted about as long as while still managing to flew right out the window, so-techni- the movie was bad. Don’t Kristen Stewart can keep speak perfect English, to down the street, and into cally-sec- get me wrong, I, like most eye contact with someone. when he imprints on Bella’s the bucket of tears that JK ond-to-last people was a fan of the So like 3 seconds at the newborn baby, which is Rowling shed when she movie of Twilight movies and books most. Robert Pattinson ac- almost as creepy as Bella’s read the first Twilight book the popu- once. I, like most people, tually showered to film the dad mustache. Despite this, and laughed hysterically. lar Twi- have learned from my movies, which either adds he still wasn’t the most In conclusion, light series mistakes and moved on. (If to or takes away from his annoying character in the Breaking Dawn was the came out a you’re still a Twilight fan, appearance depending on movie. Bella managed to worst movie of the series, couple of don’t worry. I can promise who you ask. This doesn’t go from slightly deluded which is no small feat, weeks ago. you, it gets better.) have anything to do with and partially irrational to considering how hard the I’m not But even if this how bad the movie was, its completely cray-cray. Girl other ones sucked. The CGI sure how movie came out when I was just an observation. knows full well that she and special effects were to describe still a young, naive fan girl, Jacob’s presence is carrying the spawn of well-done, but if they spent it, because I can bet my Team Edward in this film, like in the Satan, but this never once more time writing the there are shirt that I still wouldn’t other films, was completely dawns on her, and instead, script and less time digi- many fac- have liked it. (I don’t actu- unnecessary. More so in protects the baby as if it tally adding a face to Bella’s tors that ally have a Team Edward this movie seeing how his isn’t a menace to society. I newborn baby, the movie go into de- shirt. God forbid I ever shirt stayed on most of the just wanted to give her a gi- probably wouldn’t have termining walked into Hot Topic). time. There weren’t nearly ant slap across the face, and made me question Stepha- its quality. Most of the movie was enough “getting emotion- a Big Mac. And the whole nie Meyer’s life choices. Was it bad Bella sitting down, looking ally damaged, tearing off drinking human blood Either way, I miss Harry compared a straight up MESS, and my clothes and running thing- why? Just why? I Potter. to the the rest of the characters into the woods” moments. know the whole series is