Table of Contents

Welcome

World News
Editor: Zamel Banks
Staff: Deven Furlong, José Rodriguez, Karline Yong, Krizia Ozuna

Local News
Editor: Vasso Amponsah
Staff: Shaquana Lowe, Janira Figueroa, Yazmin Delvalle, Briana Evans

Creative Writing
Editor: Francena Cox
Staff: Hector Vera, Rosandri Read, Aliya Dookie, Jasmin Scott

Opinion / Editorial
Editor: Naydine Nieves
Staff: Charles Sanchez, Zuehailey Irizarry, Raymond Richetti

Arts & Entertainment
Editor: Genesies Baez
Staff: William Springs III, Sharlene Reed, Julissa Soto, Emanuel Medina

Sports
Editor: Jeffrey Galvan
Staff: Christian Perez, René Acosta, Eduardo Alvarez, Darlene Robles

Welcome to Speaking Without a Tongue

Legitimate journalists vocalize the ideas, opinions, interests, loves, and fears of the people. Staff writers at Speaking Without a Tongue are no exception. The newspaper created by the 6th period Writing Genres II class attempts to introduce the important issues of 2007 to the online blogging community while maintaining the unique voice of the Bronx communities they call home.

On behalf of the World, Local, Creative Writing, Opinion/Editorial, ,Arts & Entertainment, and Sports Departments, I welcome you to the Bronx Academy of Letters first publication of Speaking Without a Tongue.

-Ms. Désirée Battaglia, Publisher & Teacher

*A special Thanks, Peace, and Respect to Mr. Antoine Jumelle and Mr. Ameer Kim El-Mallawany for all of their help with this assignment.

The Sufferings of American Soldiers

By Jose Rodriguez, a World News Journalist

Soldiers in Iraq are suffering badly due to explosions, bombs and they are suffering symptoms that come with this effect, are you suffering what they are suffering at this time? They have to deal with this horrific injury which is causing the lives of our U.S. soldiers.

Reports show that U.S. Soldiers in Iraq are suffering brain and mental injuries. On November 20, 2006, reports have said that in Iraq, Iran, and Afghan soldiers are suffering these horrific and mental injuries because the war is causing soldiers to have life-long horrific damages in many cases. These injuries are caused by gunshots, sharpel wounds, landmine explosions and bombs. This injury includes symptoms of memory loss, difficulty with attention and reasoning, headaches, confusion, anxiety, irritability, and depression.

According to world socialist’s web site organization, “American soldiers receive a housing allowance, which depends on where they live” they also get paid a basic allowance for subsistence of $242.00 a month. However, soldiers in Iraq do not get this as food is provided. According to BBC news.com, “(TBI) traumatic brain injury causes life-long damage in many cases for U.S. Soldiers” the war has seen unusually high rates of traumatic brain injury for soldiers. According to DailyNews.com, “Most soldiers never had any free time in Iraq depending on their units”. They are mostly under attack most of their time in the war.

Iraq soldiers are similarly suffering these damages but not as harshly as the American soldiers because the Americans are in a different area of Iraq which makes it easy for the Iraq soldiers to not suffer with this injury and more hard for the Americans to suffer with this injury which is causing the lives of our American troops.

AIDS Epidemic

By Deven Furlong

The AIDS epidemic has been and issue for quite sometime. Africa has a major history of the AIDS epidemic. The major issues of the AIDS epidemic took place mostly in the 1990's.

In 1993, South Africa, the National health Department reported that the number of HIV infections had grown by sixty Percent. A survey of women, who have been attending the clinics, had concluded three hundred and twenty two thousand people were infected. In mid 1993, HIV spreading rapidly through out half the world. More than seven hundred thousand people were already infected. According to MSNBC, " AIDS in Africa is an

Epidemic that is spiraling out of control. Every 25 seconds another person in Africa is infected with the AIDS virus, HIV. An estimated 1,700 new infections occur each and every day and of the 11.5 million that have already died a quarter of these were children."

In 1995, the south African Ministry of health announced that eight hundred and fifty thousand people of the forty million populations is HIV positive. Among pregnant women, reached eight percent and was increasing. By December 15, 1995 the world Health Organization had received reports of one million two hundred ninety one thousand and eight hundred and ten cases of AIDS. Eight countries in Africa had reported more than twenty thousand cases. Other organizations estimated that by the end of 1994, nine point two million people worldwide had died form AIDS. According to MSNBC, "Despite two world wars, the Depression and epidemics, nothing in this century has affected the life expectancy for people as greatly as AIDS".

Nuclear Weapon Crisis in Korea

By Zamel Banks, World News Writer

North Korea is mainly known for their nuclear atomic program, which is a conducted underground nuclear explosive test that was estimated to be less than one kiloton. Few people are aware that North Korea had put the nuclear atomic program on hold in 1994, and then they threaten the United States if they didn't bring the promised nuclear power plants. In North Korea on October ninth, 2006 there was an announcement that they had successfully tested a nuclear device. North Korea, which is a communist country, has their hands on nuclear weapons and they have been modifying and testing them even when the U.S. confiscated their old ones that they have. The author of The Nuclear Information Project Hans M. Kristensen said, "The United States withdrew the last nuclear weapons from South Korea in December 1991. The initiative was a result of President George H. Bush's unilateral disarmament initiative in September 1991, which withdrew tactical nuclear weapons from all overseas locations, except air bombs from half a dozen NATO countries in Europe."

North Korea is one threat to United States because they have nuclear weapons. Korea has created this missile that might be able to hit Alaska and Hawaii. South Korea has joined the U.S. arms when it comes to the problem of will they give up their weapons. A Global Security Department said "The North Koreans also have an even longer-range missile, the Taepo Dong II, under development, which could have a range of up to 6,000 kilometers. These two-stage missiles might be able to hit Alaska or Hawaii." A lot of the people in the government don't see them as a threat, and they are not listening to their requests. "The Bush administration holds that North Korea has produced a few weapons, but many experts argue that difficulties in building detonation devices may thus far have prevented the North from finishing their weapons. Resumed nuclear production could give North Korea enough plutonium for a nuclear weapon within a few months and five to seven nuclear weapons by mid-2003." The government thinks that they have few nuclear products, but the have been testing some.

North Korea has exported missiles and missile technology to Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Yemen, Syria and probably other nations .

When Money Becomes an Issue

By: Karline Yong, World News Journalist

Imagine you have to walk barefoot on the cold streets or eat whatever you can find, even if it is dirty or unhealthy. This is what the people in South Asia have to go through in order to survive. The economic balance in countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh is unbalanced due to the fact that the poor and the rich are not equal. In these countries there are disasters that destroy the poor people’s homes and the economic is slow and corrupt which causes more problems for the poor people.

Bushra Gohar a well-known activist and director of the Action Aid’s Emergency stated, “Preventable diseases kill 3.2 million children each year. Girls and women form the vast majority of these deprived millions. The region has also emerged as the most poorly governed regions in the world.” Bushra Gohar believes that children, especially girls and women die from hunger. She believes that more children in South Asia are going to die from hunger or famine. These children are limited to not only resources but to health, education etc. According to Kun Li and Maya Dollarhide, UNICEF Correspondents, “This region’s children are at risk, as they are often hardest hit by poverty. Acute deprivations in the health, education, sanitation, water and shelter sectors are manifestations of the tenacious nature of south Asia’s poverty.” Many children that are poor cannot afford an education or even any health care. They believe that this is really hard for the children since they need them.

Building roads when people are starving? There are roads that need to be rebuilt and the money now is used to build the roads but not for the people themselves. The reason why these roads need to be build is for the people to work and support the poor people in the country so they can get better resources from other countries. If we bring more water to the people, more roads and ports, then this would benefit the poor. According to Imtiaz Alam, a journalist, “Poverty is not just endemic, but it is increasingly concentrated in the lagging regions”.

Money is an issue for the people especially after the tsunami which caused a terrible tragedy to Sri Lanka. Money was needed to recover the people especially when many people lost their homes and their jobs. Their homes and their jobs keep them alive because it keeps them with food and a little money. The families needed money really badly. Children who lost their parents cannot support themselves when they are left with no money. Money is what these people can survive. People in South Asia who are going through poverty work by selling fruits, plants, and anything else they can in the streets. These people do not make as much money. When there are disasters such as the tsunami, many people lose their jobs. According to Kelvin Reynoso, who is concerned with South Asia’s poverty, “These people really need help.”

BRONX REVITALIZATION

By Briana Evans, "Bronx Finest"

In the past few years, the Bronx has undergone a drastic facelift. Many parks, gardens, houses, schools, and apartment complexes have all been added to the community and renovated as part of the new plan to revitalize the Bronx. They've even begun construction on a brand new Yankee stadium which will stand across the street from the location of the current stadium.

The Bronx is receiving a great investment in its parks. As you're walking pass a garden or a park you may notice a green sign that reads "GREENSTREETS." The Greenstreets foundation has done work in all five boroughs and intends to continue the process. Some of the parks they have renovated are St. James Park, Mullaly Park, and Soundveiw Park. Park commissioner Adrian Benepe, stated "Over the past five years we have spent more than $113 million to improve the parks of the Bronx and will invest an additional $462 million." In addition, former governor George Pataki says that the multi-million dollar deal will give the Bronx the green space it deserves.

This past summer construction began on a new multi billion dollar Yankee stadium regardless of the mixed emotions that many New Yorkers expressed. According to Mayor Bloomberg the new stadium " would replace the existing, approximately 57,000-seat, outdated 82-year-old Yankee Stadium with one that can effectively accommodate a modern baseball team and provide greatly improved spectator and parking facilities." Most like a local subway rider Euleen Best feels, "It's a waste of time and space and there are more important areas in need of attention."

However not all shared Best's sour attitude. Pablo Cruz, a student at Taft High School, says that it's really cool and can't wait to see it finished. The stadium is expected to be completed by 2009. Construction on the stadium also includes four new parking lots and replacement of recreational park facilities.

The Three Worst Schools in the Bronx

By Janira Figueroa, "The Bronx Inspector"

The Public system is one of many imperfections. Especially in the Bronx and other low income neighborhoods there is three schools in particular in the Bronx that need to undergo Improvements. They are Truman High School, Evander Childs High School, and John F.Kennedy High School. In the past two to four years students have shown little to know academic improvements. However, school officials are making plans to change the environment in a way that it will help benefits the students. The Kennedy High school students have no problem scoring the winning basketball goal, the children at Truman High School have no difficulty showing their excellent culinary arts skills, while in Evader Childs high school the have many programs offer to them to help them be successful in their education. Yet, these three high schools are the worst rated high schools in borough.

Yohanni Ramirez a current sophomore in John F. Kennedy states that "In my high school there is always lots of drama and gang related fights, I believe that we are known for the best basketball and football team but the worst in some stages like keeping our grades up and keeping each other out of trouble." Ramirez feels that even though the high school is known for the sports it should one day be known for high grades or something good students did. In John F. Kennedy the school capacity in the year of 2004 Kennedy high school officially exceeded the capacity with over 120% registered students. Now, in Evander Child's high school there is lots of programs that give you a lot of chances to do different activities but like a current junior says "When they give you a chance take it, most of the students in this high school are coming from all over the Bronx but they are the worst students in other middle schools or high schools. Known to be coming into this high school not all but some are the worst behaved and this school give them a chance and makes it easier and give then a little support for them to graduate."

This student like most feels that most of the students that attend this high school are known for the worst behavior or to be the ones who don't take the chance to be able to graduate and be successful in life. Christina Avelo a current sophomore in Truman high school states that " Truman high school; it's a fun school but, what makes it appears to be the worst high school is because of the students that misbehave and all the gangs in this high school, but I like Truman high school." Avelo states that she like Truman high school but, what makes it be known as one of the worst high schools and one of the high schools that some students don't want to attend is all the gang related fights and the ways how others describe the high school.

Who's Really Infected?

By Yazmin Delvalle, Local News Writer

For the last twenty-six years AIDS has been increasingly growing in New York City. Some of the rates have been coming from the Bronx. Going by statistics, most of the percentage rate for AIDS in the Bronx comes from homeless people and drug abusers. These percentage rates are the highest because homeless people don't know they actually have the disease while drug abusers are spreading the disease by taking part in casual encounters when they're high.

According to Natural History of HIV Infection, "…62% of homeless shelters were tested for AIDS; thirty percent were tested positive." Only 32% of those who were tested came back negative. How is possible that homeless people are not required to be tested? They're likely to be more promiscuous then others or do whatever they have to do to earn money or a place to sleep.

According to A IDS Study , "…169 people were tested for AIDS. 54 % were drug abusers and 32 % were homeless people." Although homeless people are likely to get AIDS, drug abusers are more likely to spread AIDS. How can AIDS be stopped if it's being passed on through drugs? It seems that AIDS will continue to be an impossible thing to beat, and that the Bronx is the center of a crisis.

Stop Hate Crimes!!!

By Vasso Anane

There are a lot of hate crimes going around in the USA. A lot of these hate crimes are in the New York. Hate crimes can be defined as a group of people being hated and is often occurred because of someone’s sex, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, religious, sexual orientation, or disability. Even though people believe in different things and are a certain way, don’t make them a less of a person.

According to the New York Times, “New York City experienced 60% of the state's total crime but just 51 percent of the bias crime reported.” Hate crimes affect individual, making them scared and fear to express their self. The people who commit hate crimes have nothing better to do but to waste their time and life, worrying about their people.

There are organizations of hate crimes but the majority of people aren’t part of the organizations. Most people are influenced and believe negative stereotypes about hate crimes. “The majority of people who commit hate crimes are not of organized hate groups, although they may be influence by their propaganda. Instead, they are individuals who believe negative stereotypes about groups and act on impulse…”, stated by the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center. People that are committing these hate crimes don’t even realize what they doing and how it hurts other people.

“None of us are born hating people who are different from us. These attitudes are learned from parents, schools, peers, the media, and society in general. So its possible for all of us to learn to appreciate, respect, and celebrate out differences, states the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center. People weren’t born to hate others who are different. People are influenced. So it is better to respect that there are different people and put an end to hate crimes in the New York.

Hate crimes started way long ago and no one knows when there will be an end to it. When will people will realize what they doing are wrong and understand that everyone is different too?

Parasitic

This short story is a metaphorical attack on the issue of the disintegration of family, or the break up of a seemingly happy family.

By Hector Vera ,Creative Writer Speaking Without a Tongue

“Amazing, it was a deadly parasite that killed him!” Aaron’s father probed the newspaper. Aaron climbed over the couch to get a closer look. “He was buried alive?” His father whispered in an irritated tone signaling Aaron to get off of his shoulder. Aaron’s mother noticed.

“Read the paper when your father’s done, Aaron.” Aaron looked at his father in disgust.

“Well I’m going out to buy groceries; I’m going to call when I need someone to come down. I’m getting old and I can’t carry the bags myself anymore.”

“Yes ma.” Aaron turned the TV on loud as his mother left. He looked at his father and raised the volume even more.

“Turn it down Aaron, I’m reading. You know this is my time to catch up on the news. Why should I have to tell you?”

“No. I do not want to. You disrespect me and you get the same in return.”

“You do not talk to me like that you little b****.” He slapped Aaron across the chest and Aaron collided with the floor. The world around him seemed to turn scarlet red from all angles. He was bleeding. He tried to focus in on his father but the man’s face seemed to look more demonic as he focused in. Suddenly the phone rang.

“You hit like a girl”, he slammed the door on his way out.

On his way to the supermarket he passed a bush that seemed to move irregularly. He wanted to look in but was too scared. He suddenly heard a voice carried on the wind into his ear.

“Sooner or later child…Sooner or later…” He tried to ignore the voice and walk into the store.

“Help me! Oh my God, help me!” As he got closer he came to the grim conclusion that the voice was familiar. He ran into the alley next to the grocery store at full speed. He saw his mom drenched in blood on. He saw the guy who killed her for like a second. The man grinned devilishly and ran away. He seemed to have that parasitic aura like his father.

“Ma Oh, my God! Mom!” He saw his mother’s cold and lifeless corpse dangling like a rag doll. She was dead. He put her on his back and cried blood down his cheeks on his way home.
* * *
“What is this” His father whispered finally putting the paper down and looked at Aaron. Aaron stared right through him.

“She’s dead?” his father ran towards the body.” You killed your mother! You killed her! You, you’re not welcomed here anymore. You’re no son of mine. Get out!” Aaron solemnly walked out giving his father one last look before he did something he would regret. He staggered down the sidewalk with strangers staring at the dried blood all over him, and finally found the bush. He smiled devilishly.

“You can take me now.” The parasite jumped at him, and Aaron’s eyes shot red and he was doomed to find another family to break up.

Broken Record

By Rosandri Read, Creative Writer

Why did you get pregnant?
Was it to snatch my happiness away when I could only enjoy a glimpse of it?
Or was it to purposely have someone to blame when the rain of problems came like a storm over your world?
Maybe it was only to amuse yourself with my flaws and weaknesses.

What will I do in this life?
Will I die of fear? Fear of me ever becoming one bit like you?
Are the wounds you’ve created in me too deep to heal and stop me from success?
Perhaps I’ll just live to please those around me without worrying a bit about myself, as if I wasn’t real and the only real thing were my surroundings.

Where is the love a mother is supposed to carry with her for her daughter?
Has it been forgotten and lost in all of your money hungry thoughts? I understand you are my mother but there is no excuse.
Love is probably there only you’re too scared to vigorously grab it and embrace.
I suppose you will never find it with the greed that roams around in your head.

When will you quit this mission to destroy every inch of flesh on my body?
Will it be as I surrender to your hatred without knowing why? NO!
You may never stop, and I may survive or may drown.
I know when I overrule your decision you will make your mission eternal.

Who are you?
You are not the organism that I must call mother everyday while my stomach churns with pain.
You are the pain of my headaches, the hunger in the poor kids’ bellies, you are the bacteria that try to creep into my system to try to shut it down and still continue to fail in doing so, the broken record of an old man that keeps repeating himself.

Where Do You Turn To?

By Francena Cox, Creative Writer

When an “oh-so loving family”
Falls in to the crack of problems
Who do you turn to?
Your mother stays out all night,
Your father messes around with other women
How can you talk to them
When you want to be heard?
Your sister is out late hours of the night
Having sex, and getting high,
Your brother is getting picked on every day
By some “tuff”guys.
How do you ease the pain
To convince them that everything will be alright?
It all comes down to you.
You want to let your feelings out
But cant.
You can’t trust anyone around you
All they do is pull you down
You try to see the light to happier days
But only darkness
Clouds your mind
Who do you run to?
Who do you hide from?
Who do you turn to when the ones you love
Don’t put out a hand for you to hold?

"Questionable"

By Aliya Dookie, Creative Writing

Who?
What?
Where?
When?
How?
Is what we all ask ourselves,
Not knowing when
Another part of
Us we will lose again.
When it will happen?
No one knows.
The love that some show
Doesn’t mean a thing
But when that time comes around
The corner
What do you have to say?
NOW
It’s gone,
Once alive,
Breathing,
Joyful,
Energetic,
All the best things a person can
Say to another
Now it’s just floating words that don’t mean
A thing
Life does not tell you
When your time is up
It’s a concept that has no background history
It’s what you do that controls what will happen
Everyone knows it’s a disturbing
Thing to hear and see
But what can we do
We just have to accept it as it is.

Is Racism a Good Thing?

By Charles Sanchez

Racism is a topic that offends many and is avoided by others. It is a topic that has sparked racial wars and wars in general. At this school that we call The Bronx Academy of Letters a big part of the culture is believe it or not – racism. How can it be that this ignorant topic can survive at this school where according to everybody we are all equal. As plainly and simply as I can put it some kids are racist.

Some people would consider me a racist because of some of the things that I say. On some level I would have to agree. Most people would tell you they aren’t but the fact is that the first time two people meet within the first 1.5 seconds that they meet they are already forming opinions about each other. I use the stereotypes that we are fed and turn them into jokes to show that all people have different qualities and flaws which is what makes us all unique and also to show that no one is perfect. I also use my humor to show everyone that I have certain views about everybody – I won’t sugarcoat it. Everyone judges everyone – its human nature to do so and denying it shows that you are insecure. Harry A. Blackmun a former associate justice of the United States Supreme court stated once that “In order to get beyond racism, we must first take account of race. There is no other way. And in order to treat some persons equally, we must treat them differently.” I agree with him because everyone is different and looking at everyone the same will cause society to be a single standard system where everyone should be the same and strive towards the same goals.

Racism helps to separate races so that they have an identity and are never the same, which is what to me makes us all unique and special.

Rainbow Colored People

By Zuehailey Irizarry, Op-Ed Writer

Many wonder about how to represent themselves in a way that won’t offend others but that will show what type of person they are to their community. People have thought of many ways to represent those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered. Gilbert Baker has designed a flag with different colors that gay people can use to represent themselves. Baker states, “This six-color version spread from San Francisco to others cities, and soon became the widely-known symbol of gay pride and diversity it is today.” Those who don’t know what the colors or the rainbow flag mean or what the rainbow flag is frequently ask question such as what is the Rainbow Flag? What do the colors mean and who is allowed to wear the Rainbow colors? Many want to know the answers to these questions. Some don’t really get into the conversation because they really don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable or offend them in any way. Rainbow colors are not only to represent gay people; straight people can also wear these colors. It really doesn’t matter who wears these colors.

The Rainbow Flag has become the easily-recognized colors of pride for the gay community. According to San Francisco artist, Gilbert Baker, also known as the one who designed the rainbow flag states in the article “Rainbow Pride and Related Symbols”, “The Rainbow Flag has different meanings to the six colors; red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sun, green for nature, royal blue for harmony, and violet for sprit.” The rainbow colors are a way for gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transgenders to represent them but it doesn’t mean that they are the only ones who can represent these colors.

Anyone can represent these colors even people who are straight. It can mean that maybe they like the colors or the way the colors are organized. It doesn’t mean that they are anything other than straight. It’s unfair that straight people get questioned when they wear or represent the rainbow colors. When a person wears these colors it doesn’t always mean that they are representing the Gay community, so people shouldn’t question them about the colors they choose to wear. Krizia Ozuna, a high school student states “Everyone should be allowed to wear the gay colors as long as they don’t disrespect or misrepresent those who are gay.”

The Best of the Best

By Raymond Richetti, Op-Ed Writer

Who do you think is the best NBA basketball player right now? Is it Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, or is it LeBron James? Is it Carmelo Anthony or Dwayne Wade? In my opinion, the best right now is Tracy McGrady. Even though he is the underdog and statistically he is not even close to being the best, I believe that T-Mac is so talented and he is capable of being one of the greatest of all time.

I seem to be alone in my opinion. Ivon Edmonds from the Bronx stated, “Who is the best right now? I would say Dwayne Wade because he helped the Heat win a championship.” James Jackson from the Bronx had a different opinion, he chose a point guard as his best player - Steve Nash. Angel Caballero from the Bronx stated, “You already know, Lakers baby, your boy Kobe Bryant, the best of the best.” But what about McGrady? Why is he so overlooked?

There are at least five players that can be called the best right off the back- Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and Steve Nash. When it comes to assists I think he is one of the greatest because he puts so much effort into passing and moving the ball around the court. I think Tracy McGrady is an all around player that lets everyone in his team touch the ball. The reason I think he is the best in the NBA is because all his stats are either very high and very good or fairly high and fairly good.

Life Is Not A Game

An Editorial by Naydine Nieves

Throughout the years, the most common hobby for people of all ages is playing video games. Playing video games can be a very exciting and fun activity to do, but did it ever occur to you that it can damage the brain? Researchers today have done recent studies to prove that violent video games can influence players to be more aggressive and violent to others in life. Studies actually showed that video games can increase aggressive behavior and emotional outbursts and decrease inhibitions. An article called The Affects Of Video Games on the Brain states, “While research on video games and aggressive behavior must be considered preliminary, it may be reasonably inferred from the more than 1,000 reports and studies on television violence that video game violence may also contribute to aggressive behavior and desensitization to violence", I know right now you’re probably thinking to yourself, “How is this possible?”
Scientists observed students to prove the research to others. The study has shown that when the students played violent video games they eventually noticed that they became “sucked into the video game and became oblivious to their surroundings and much less inhibited to share their emotions” states Eleni Karadaras, writer of the same article. The students then informed researchers that they got angry easily, couldn’t concentrate, and had trouble associating with friends. Video games increases heart rate and blood pressure and decrease any other activity while the person is playing the game.

Despite research study of video games causing someone to become violent, another unbelievable study has been found. Video games can also lead to murder. You never thought that can be possible but guess what, it is. Studies proved that the game Grand Theft Auto influenced an eighteen-year- old- boy to go on a rampage and kill three men, two of them police officers. In the game you can decapitate police officers, kill them with a sniper rifle, massacre them with a chainsaw and set them on fire. The Grand Theft Auto game has been sued due to its graphic influence on many teenagers. It gives them ideas on how to commit such violence towards others. Eleni Kardaras states, “Certainly, video games can make some people go nuts. You just have to look at some enthusiasts playing video games on their cellular phones, mumbling to them heatedly even though others are around them. At game centers (penny arcades), frustrated people punch or kick game machines without regard to making a spectacle of themselves".

While playing a video game don’t you find your thumbs turning into machines, quick and precise? You would then experience sweating of your palms, heart racing and knots in your stomach from anxiety. It can change the way we act, think, and feel, whether these changes are good or bad it has become an outstanding subject of intense debate. There’s a part of your brain called the amygdale which is also known as the “fight or flight” organ. It senses danger and prepares you to either go to battle or run away. Scientists proved that video gamers would then experience low breathing, you become hyper aware of movements in the environment and blood would rush to your brains core.

I never believed that such an unexpected discovery of video games can lead to violence or even worse, murder. It’s outstanding because to think billions of people throughout the world play video games and don’t know the risks can occur. Billions of people love to play video games as a hobby and would not stop playing them; the matters are out of our hands now, scientists once again proven another amazing discovery that will probably change the world forever.

Hidden Purposes: The Truth about Freedom Writers

By William R. Springs, Truth Teller

With every movie, there’s always a flaw. In this case, it’s hidden behind the eyes of the movie. The movie Freedom Writers, staring Hilary Swank, belittles minorities and what they stand for. In the year of 2006, after seeing this movie, I felt as if the thought of minorities in school were as followed: helpless and barbaric with out a Caucasian teacher to “save” them. Everyone should know how they all are being viewed and betrayed as all over the world.

Freedom writers, which shows how troubled teens can overcome if they are guided with things they can relate to, include scenes where the students are wild and crazy. Critics and movie reviews agree, CanMag (an online movie review source) states, “It certainly seem like...the students are presented as obnoxious, uncreative losers.” The charters development in this movie is very poorly created, done purposely to portray the characteristics of what the world believes fits minorities. On the contrary, one characteristic that was well developed was the trait of “reliability.” The teens in the movie developed a bond of needing their English teacher Erin Gruwell, (Hilary Swank), in order to move on in school and in life. At a point in the movie, the students are about to move on and go to the next grade, when they are shocked and devastated about the news that they would not be with their teacher for the following year, they lash out and feel they cant go on with out their teacher. One student says, "You can not teach us, we need you". This is what this movie does to the image of minorities: make them feel as if they have to depend on a white teacher, in order to live. Others agree with the thought that the movie belittles minorities in a certain extant.

When asked what she though about the movie Freedom Writers, Bronx Academy of Letters 10th grade Writing teacher Desiree Battaglia states, “I did not want to see it, I thought it would be just another movie about a white teacher who saves her inner city students.” Bronx Academy of Letters, American Literature teacher, Amy Matthusen states, “I did not see it, it seem cliché.” From the start, the movies gives of an unconformable feeling, those feelings of disgust, shamefulness, and disappointment, glorifies my point of view for this movie.

Seeing a movie that provokes such thoughts and feeling, is just the kind of movie this world needs to keep the minorities down in the eyes of people all over the world. Now is that fare… it’s not, do you want to be someone who supports those messages? If I you want to, I say go ahead, but just think how you’ll feel if you were offended by it.

The Truth Behind it All

By Julissa Soto, Arts & Entertainment Journalist

In this generation, there are many different genres of music and for each genre there are stereotypes that can tell outsiders a lot about our life style and interest. Like the audience of pop music is known to be bubbly and cheerful all the time and they are also known to be people who like to dance.

The main genres that are listened to at the Bronx Academy of Letters are rock (in general) rap, reggae, hip-hop, techno (in general) pop and Spanish genres like reggaeton, merengue, bachata, and salsa.

Some stereotypes about these genres often include offensive remarks. Hip-hop connect to techno because listeners of both “commit crimes” when they are not under the influence. According to a web site full of different opinions, hip-hop connects to rap and reggaeton because of that music tends to talk about gang violence, or sex. These genres are heard by Latinos and African Americans. As said in an article from the same web site “the movement has often indulged in associating African Americans with urban gang warfare.” People often say that hip-hop is listened to by African Americans who are in gangs. Deven Furlong, a student of Bronx Academy of letters said “Listen to hip-hop because I grew up with it. I do not agree with the idea that hip-hop listeners commit crimes- people do what they do but they don’t commit acts of violence.”

Merengue, bachata, and salsa are obviously Latin genres but they also have stereotype like reggaeton does. For instance the people who listen to this are “known” to be “hicks” and dress in tight clothes and stomp their feet heavily to the beat. The artists are known to make their music about meaningless things that make the songs ridiculous. This is what René Acosta; another student of the Bronx Academy of Letters had to say about this “that is offensive to all listeners which includes Dominicans. The dance is part of the culture- no one stomps.”

So, when it comes down to techno music, people automatically think of a huge rave filled with people with glow sticks and overdosing on drugs. According to DJ Mase, a DJ of hard style dance music said “When my good friends discovered my love for all things hard style and dance music, the first thing they said to me was ‘Wait, so do you go to clubs and overdose on ecstasy?’…We don’t all F*cking wave around glow sticks and drive into the middle of the forest to get baked, sorry”

Rock music has A LOT of different versions and each has its own label but they are all known to be rebellious. People who listen to classic rock are known to be hippies; people who listen to emo rock are known to be people who are always depressed, people who hate life, cut themselves and have side bangs. Punk rock listeners over use skull fashions, and dye their hair in bright or neon colors. Metal or heavy metal listeners are said to be satanic and dark. According to a professor at Winona State University “…it was hypothesized that stereotypes of fans of heavy metal would focus on traits and behaviors that are self-destructive” But, not everyone agrees with these accusations. Karline Yong, another student in the school said “not all rock is like this. I can express people, fun and upbeat stuff.”

Music stereotypes are usually made from the different reactions made to different beats from different personalities. Stereotypes are made all the time but they are not always true which is proven by the students from the Bronx academy of Letters. Most stereotypes are not true at all and can mostly be offensive to the people they are directed to. It just depends on the kind of person you are and in what you believe in.

Love Her or Hate Her

By Sharlene Reed

Lady Sovereign is the first white female rapper in the history of hip hop. Her career took place over the last year in the summer of 2006. Then she was in a meeting with a record label company called Island Def Jam. Jay-Z, the founder and owner of Rocawear picked up on her talents and signed her.

Lady Sovereign is only nineteen-years-old and making her mark in hip hop history. Her real name is Louise Herman and she was born in Britain. She is a new and international artist coming from England to the United States. She made herself known to many people before she even jumpstarted her career by being on MTV’s The Battle. She is a now an icon that people can relate to.

According to Rolling Stone, “She is known as the biggest midget in the game.” Her rhythms are gritty and her rapping is so up-to-speed. Spin, a well know magazine for all music, says “The new Napoleon will be spelled S-O-V.” Lady Sovereign is from England so she speaks somewhat clean English. Spin also said that “Lady Sovereign rhythms have attracted the attention of some major players in the world of hip hop.”

You may love her or hate her but don’t knock her for being a female. She has a lot of catchy songs about her life. The songs relate to how she grew up in the “ghetto,” that where she came from was a rough neighborhood, but now she is the riches and not rag story anymore. People should give her a try and not judge her without knowing what she is all about.

Her album is a very great CD that people can go back to when they want to have fun. Her album Lady Sovereign Public Warning includes some songs with curses in them but the music still sounds great. Some outstanding tracks on the album are “Love Me or Hate Me,” which is currently on the radio, and “9 to 5.” She only has one hit video that is off her album which aired everywhere. The video (for “Love Me or Hate Me”) shows who she is as an artist and where she is coming from.

The beats off Lady Sovereign Public Warning are poppin’. This album is recommended for all people who enjoy hip hop from international artists.

Behind the Runway

By Genesies Baez

New York, Paris, and Milan, are home to top designers from around the world, such as Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang and hopefully up- and -coming designer Candice Held, hopefully soon to Candice Held. According to Candice Held official website “…in addition to creating one of a kind pieces with materials recycled scarves for Candice Held Vintage, she also designs silhouettes and original prints for her name sake line."

Held has also appeared on the Tyra Banks show to show of her spring collection. Candice Held was on her show, because she was one of five Tyra’s favorite up and coming designer.

Held designs are colorful with different prints. Her trademark is adding scarves to her designs. Also, according to a designer website, “…Candice Held’s inspiration comes from “her love of color, vitality, elegance and fine detail."

Candice Held has been “…a life long seamstress fond of showing of fashioning her own outfits from thrift store finds.” This might be the cause to her fast success. Candice Held designs have also come to be very popular in the Hollywood scene celebrities like Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson, Carmen Electra, and many buy her clothing Candice Held is on her way to the top.

A Story Frozen Under Ice

By Eduardo Alvarez, Sports Writer

Stereotypes fill the minds of the youth that African Americans don’t play hockey. That is not true. According to Joe Pelletier, a freelance hockey and travel writer from Terrace, British Columbia “There haven't been many, mainly for societal and cultural reasons, but blacks have been playing hockey as long as there have been pucks and ice.”

Blacks do play hockey but normally they focus their attention on other sports such as basketball, football, baseball, track and field. It could have something to do with the fact that there have only been fifty-two African Americans to play professional hockey for the NHL. There aren’t many role models to look up to fuel kid’s drive to play hockey like Jordan or Erving did for basketball.

Another reason that blacks are rarely found in the NHL is because hockey players are mostly from Canada and an increasing number of players coming from Europe. Joe Pelletier states “All these countries, particularly Canada, have tiny black populations.” The United States has produced some of the best hockey players in the league but even the United States isn’t a hot bed for African American hockey players. “Believe it or not though, blacks have a history in hockey dating back as long as hockey itself.” Joe Pelletier.

Hockey was started in Nova Scotia which is located in Canada. There is even an African American Hockey League in Nova Scotia. The NHL was different from other sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB because they didn’t ban any African-Americans from playing in the league. The first African American to play in the NHL was Willie O’Ree. The first real role model though was Tony McKegney. He inspired one of the greatest African American Hockey players Jarome Iginla. Jarome won the gold medal in the Olympics in men’s ice hockey.

Some ways that African Americans influenced the game was by changing some of the rules. A general rule of hockey in the early 1900s required the Goal Tender to remain upright for the entire game. He used ordinary gloves, cricket pads and the same type of stick as other players, because the wider "goal stick" was not yet in common use. Black teams were first to allow their Goal Tenders knee to the ice, a practice not allowed in games elsewhere until the formation of the NHL in 1917. African Americans also brought more attention to the game rather than whites. Whites usually brought in 200-300 hundred people while African-Americans usually brought in 1200 people. There have been sixty-three players who have at least played one game in the NHL.

Blacks have had more impact on the game of hockey then most people think. There is even a black hockey league in Nova Scotia. The NHL has been creating programs in the United States to get more African Americans and Lations involved in the game.

Does D Wade's Injury Have an Affect on Miami Heat?

By Christian Perez, Sports Writer

Known as one of the best basketball players in the NBA, today shooting guard Dwayne Wade #3 from the Miami Heat was injured and may be out for the season. Dwayne Wade was playing against the Hudson Rockets which took place in Miami. Dwayne Wade was playing defense on a player known as Sean Battier. As he continued to play defense Battier went up for the lay up, running into D Wades shoulder and pushing it back which fractured his shoulder. This is known as an injury.

Without Dwayne Wade things will be totally different for the Miami Heat and their opponent. Dwayne Wade can also be the last minute man, if Miami was down by twenty points and it was the last quarter and D Wade wanted the ball he would get it and win the game. Without Dwayne Wade the Miami Heat is not a complete team. According to http://www.blogmaverick.com "Dwayne Wade is sports Illustrated (sports Magazine) sportsman of the year, the fifth pro basketball player honored in the 52-year history of the award". Without Dwayne Wade scoring, playing defense, being in the game Miami is going to suffer.

Dwayne Wade is the heart of Miami Heat and without him they're not even going to make it to the playoff. During last years playoffs Dwayne Wade's scoring average was forty points meaning he lead Miami to winning the Championship. "I think Dwayne Wade is the most unselfish player out here. He isn't a ball hog like everyone else in the NBA. Wade is no Jordan, but he defiantly deserves this award" said by a poster online blog. This goes to show that Dwayne Wade might not be as great as Michael Jordan but still deserves the sportsman of the year award. The people just love Dwayne Wade. Here is a quote said by an anonymous person, “As of today, I would consider him to be on of the classiest guys in the NBA. I am glad he won. I hope he continues to try to be a leader through his actions both on and off the court, and he does not follow the same path as many of his peers”. Dwayne Wade received this award instead of many others because he worked hard for it.

However, D Wade is a great basketball player and in fact he will be one of the best according to many. D Wade is a high point scorer; he leads his team to a great victory and through a good path. It is said to go that Dwayne Wades injury has an big affect on his team, the Miami Heat

Shortcut to Fame and Championships

By Jeffrey Galvan, # 1 Sports Writer in New York

Over the years we have heard repots on great athletes who are accused of using drugs in their sports profession. In this great nation of ours where our sports are seen to other countries and young teenagers as the dream of a lifetime drugs have been demolishing sports. Has been giving a very bad image to sports and has affected every rising all star or a Hall of Famer in the NBA, MLB, NFL, and even in the Olympics. Some athlete’s players are not seen as cheaters and not hardworking because the first thought is that the athlete is using performance enhancing drugs.
Now is a time when so many athletes are accused of enhancing there performance by using illegal substance to achieve great fame and fortune in their sports profession.

The issue is not dealt with in sports only, even the government has had to deal with players like mark McGuire, Rafael palmeiro, and Sammy Sosa. Each of these athletes has testified in a hearing about their involvement (which they denied) with performance enhancing drugs. Many players have admitted to using steroids, and have accused others of using as well. Punishments for using include just a fine or a minimum of games not played. The issue has been developing every year without any harsh punishment.

As human beings we some strive for glory and fame, those who are talented work hard each day to achieve the best and get to the next level of being known in there sports profession, and known as champions is what a players dream. Using steroids is just a pathway to humiliation, judge by big fans of the sport, and a very bad rap sheet in there league. “Steroids are an important topic in baseball and in other sports right now and a lot of interest. You need to talk about it, but you can’t judge a person until you get all the information” said Sal Ruibal writer of USA Today. In baseball steroids is a very important issue to talk about and is an issue that should not be ignored but solved just as well in other sports, the war against drugs and performance enhancements should go on as there will be a solution to solve such an issue.

“Like the bay area laboratory co-operative investigation, there have been leaks of links to some well known athletes, including boxer Evander Holyfield but has denied using steroids” said by USA writer Bob Nightengale, steroids talks are brought out to the public and media and the athlete who is the accuser is always questioned about his history of playing his sports profession. As usual the athlete is always denying by making a statement that they have not used any kind of drugs to improve there ability and most of them have used it shown by tests.

This is a never ending battle of stopping these kinds of actions and how harsh the punishment should be. The issue has gotten to be a federal investigation as said by writer Sal Ruibal from USA today “federal investigation into illegal sales of steroids and human growth hormone was the latest example of authorities’ attempts to crack down on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. Looking at the drugs and the consequences for the athletes who have used them for a competitive edge.”

Roy Jones is Back

By Darlene Robles

The High Roller Magazine Features Exclusive Interviews with Roy Jones, a professional boxer about coming back to fight Tarver for the glory of the Trilogy. Tarver is also a Professional boxer. Roy Jones jr. will face one of the most explosive fights in the history of boxing and the third and final fight of the next legendary boxing trilogy. The Legendary boxer Roy Jones J.r ( 49-3, 38 kOs) does not mince on words and he has a few things to say.

In an interview with High Roller Magazine, Roy Jones said, “In our last fight Tarver simply got a lucky punch, Which just happens sometimes.”Many people ask themselves is Roy Jones ready to fight Tarver? Well apparently yes, Roy Jones simply said, “I will train for about three months this time and I might even do some work with my dad.” When you go into a tough fight, you have to put everything away and out of your mind including your family, friends, everything. Everything in other words have to be secondary.

Many people even ask themselves ,Why a Third fight against Antonio Tarver? Well people do want to see Roy Jones fight Antonio Tarver. In the High Roller Magazine it clearly states that everyone is desperate to see that fight with them two. Jones defeated Tarver in a close decision in November 2003.Tarver (23-3,18 KOs) avenged the loss with a second round knockout of jones six months later. Believe it or not Roy Jones is ready to fight Tarver.Roy Jones said “ I just know me,I know if I am focused and motivated I can walk through whoever I want.”

The New Guy

By Rene Acosta, Sports Writer

In the past years the best baseball players have been coming from different countries like the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Japan. The 103 million dollar pitcher, the Boston Red Sox Daisuka Matsuzaka is referred to in “that he is going to be one of the best pitchers in the major league baseball.”

There are a lot of good players that come from another country for example; Alfonso Soriano, Manny Ramirez, Ichiro Suzuki and others are right now the best players in the majors. Daisuke is said that is going to be the best player in the league a lot of people disagree because they have never seen him playing yet.

Daisuke was the most valuable player in the market this off season. A lot of teams went after him offering him good contracts but he signed with the Boston Red Sox who offered him a 103 million-dollar contract. Daisuke was bought to strengthen the Red Sox pitching rotation since last year it wasn’t good.

Daisuke Matsuzaka had a 16-5 record in his rookie season with the Detroit Lions they saw a lot of talent in the kid and offered him a long deal contract. Daisuke had his carrier high 17-5 season with the Lions in 2006. The Boston Post mentions that "He is a Japanese professional baseball player who became a member of the Boston Red Sox on December 13, 2006." Daisuke is one of the most popular players in the world right now after becoming a Red Sox.

According to Mark Starr, "After compiling a 108-60 record in Japan Matsuzaka will now fulfill his dream of pitching on the biggest stage of all, major league baseball." Matsuzaka is one of the most important payers is the business right now. He has never had a losing season in his carrier but now he is going to play with the big kids so he better get ready.