Volume 114 Issue 9

Humor

The Top Secret Rizzy Basement Dweller Lab

As one of the top-ranking high schools in New York, anyone would expect Stuyvesant students to be the smartest high school students there are, but recent leakage of top-secret research claims that their knowledge is all artificial and that there’s a catch to these intelligent workaholics.

Humor

Tips To Get Your College Recs: Fail-Safe for the Fools

Follow these six fail-safe tips to get the college recommendation letter of your dreams.

Sports

A Toll on Mental Health

As athletes chase perfection in their sports, they must reconcile with the mental consequences of perfectionist attitudes.

Sports

Playing a Sport Where Nobody Wins

Behind all the smiling team photos, in-action shots, and glimpses of sportsmanship, some experience a dark side of sports.

Sports

Sports and the Two Sides of Feminism

The inclusion of transgender women in sports competitions must not come at the expense of cisgender women.

Opinions

On Being Multicultural

Being multiracial has expanded my perspective in so many ways, though many people who don’t understand it can be detrimental influences. Still, one has to pave their own way.

Features

Sick of School, Sick at School

How students navigate the dilemma of being sick during the academic year.

Arts and Entertainment

Virtual K-pop Idols: K-pop’s New Connection to Global Audiences?

Virtual K-pop idols give rise to various social concerns while proposing new ways to connect with fans around the world. I

Features

James Creegan: A Beloved Substitute and Singer

The student body had incredible, unforgettable experiences with Mr. Creegan, a singing substitute. To commemorate his passing, here is what the students have to say.

News

Stuyvesant Hosts Celebrate Science Night

Stuyvesant Parent’s Association hosts Celebrate Science Night to showcase the recently completed independent research projects of Stuy seniors.

Science

Euthanization: Ethics vs. Legality

The ethical dilemma surrounding euthanization raises questions about the importance of life in the face of chronic pain and suffering, the medical autonomy of individuals, and the obligations of medical professionals.

Science

Confronting Flaws Within Rising Facial Recognition Technology

Understanding the processes necessary for accurate facial recognition aids in comprehending the flaws of AI and how it can be improved, especially in crime.

Science

A Student’s Worst Nightmare: Sleep?

Though people recognize the importance of sleep, they often find that creating a healthy sleep schedule is difficult because of the effects of sleep deprivation and oversleeping.

Sports

Mirror On the Wall, Who Will Win and Take it All

Here are our predictions for the NFL Playoffs

Opinions

Are Our Parents Right?

The streaming business is oversaturated with too many shows that prioritize media buzz over content, leading to a decrease in the quality of television.

Opinions

Closing Comments 2024

Arts and Entertainment

Saltburn: Throwing Genres on the Wall To See What Sticks

The controversy surrounding Saltburn makes the film’s messaging much more convoluted than it is—the film’s overabundance of themes is its true impediment.

Science

The Drug Behind the Hollywood Tragedy

American-Canadian actor Matthew Perry’s recent death has sent shockwaves into the world and raised numerous questions about the future of ketamine.

Opinions

Why Do Movie Moms Keep Dying?!

How can women envision their future when our media is obsessed with killing moms?

Opinions

The Merits of a Merit-Based System

The current college admissions system is inequitable and robs high schoolers of their childhood: a merit-based system is the solution.

Opinions

Bun Cha Obama: Authenticity in Food

In a world where “authentic food” is overused and influential, it is time to change how we approach cultural foods.

Features

Planning for a Better Year: Resolutions for the Stuyvesant Administration and Students

The resolutions that students hope the administration will implement in the coming year, as well as their own plans to improve the Stuyvesant community.

Humor

The Story of StuySquad 2024

StuySquad 2024 did not go as planned …

Humor

A Stuy Guide to Mastering Your New Year’s Resolutions

A comprehensive guide to accomplishing all your goals for the New Year!

Features

The Human Behind Humans of Stuy

Humans of Stuy, a club that publishes the stories of members of the Stuyvesant community, was recently revived by sophomore Madelyn Nunez, who aims to widen the size and readership of the publication.

Science

Your Gut Microbiome Might be Giving You Social Anxiety

Recent scientific research has shown that bacteria in the gut microbiome is related to having Social Anxiety Disorder. The research is anticipated to revolutionize future treatment.

Sports

Foul? Nah, No Foul For You.

Disgruntled fans often criticize referees for their foul calls, but are these calls actually legitimate?

Arts and Entertainment

Françoise Hardy Bids Adieu

Examining the legacy of Françoise Hardy through the release of her new compilation album, 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘭𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘫𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘴 𝘥’𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦.

Opinions

Unmasking America: Literature’s Fight Against Society’s Masquerade

Science

Growing Green: Assessing the Realities of Organic Farming

The idea that the organic label always means environmentally friendly is questioned by the ongoing debate about how organic farming affects the environment. Even though organic farming tries to avoid artificial pesticides and make soil healthier, recent research shows we need a careful approach that considers both helping the environment and producing food efficiently, especially as more people pick organic products.

Sports

New Look Knicks

The Knicks look to advance their playoff efforts with a trade for Raptors OG Anunoby.

Sports

Against All Scorecards: Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Rise to Contendership

How 2023 was the breakout year for UFC fighter, Shavkat Rakhmonov, as he went from dark horse to fan favorite and one fight away from a title shot.

Sports

𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘩𝘢𝘮: A Superstar Story

Netflix’s documentary 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘩𝘢𝘮 details the career of the iconic man on and off the field.

Features

New York’s Invisible “Ecological Engineers”

On November 15, English teacher Annie Thoms’s Writing to Make Change classes visited Stuyvesant alumnus and artist Siyan Wong’s 𝘍𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢 𝘊𝘢𝘯: 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 exhibit at Gallery 456 to learn about the exhibit’s goal of humanizing impoverished people.

Sports

Spec Awards: NFL

Read The Spectator’s picks for our 2023 end-of-season NFL awards!

Humor

The Top Secret Rizzy Basement Dweller Lab

As one of the top-ranking high schools in New York, anyone would expect Stuyvesant students to be the smartest high school students there are, but recent leakage of top-secret research claims that their knowledge is all artificial and that there’s a catch to these intelligent workaholics.

Humor

Tips To Get Your College Recs: Fail-Safe for the Fools

Follow these six fail-safe tips to get the college recommendation letter of your dreams.

Sports

A Toll on Mental Health

As athletes chase perfection in their sports, they must reconcile with the mental consequences of perfectionist attitudes.

Sports

Playing a Sport Where Nobody Wins

Behind all the smiling team photos, in-action shots, and glimpses of sportsmanship, some experience a dark side of sports.

Sports

Flippin’ Kohl

Meet Kohl—star Lemur gymnast!

Sports

Sports and the Two Sides of Feminism

The inclusion of transgender women in sports competitions must not come at the expense of cisgender women.

Humor

Santa or Satan?

Sending a letter to Santa at 3 a.m. gone wrong? (GONE WRONG) (POLICE CALLED) (SATAN CAME TO MY HOUSE!)

Humor

Humor Editor Exposé

An investigation into the new editors of the Spectator Humor department— and their deep, dark secrets.

Opinions

On Being Multicultural

Being multiracial has expanded my perspective in so many ways, though many people who don’t understand it can be detrimental influences. Still, one has to pave their own way.

Features

Sick of School, Sick at School

How students navigate the dilemma of being sick during the academic year.

Arts and Entertainment

Virtual K-pop Idols: K-pop’s New Connection to Global Audiences?

Virtual K-pop idols give rise to various social concerns while proposing new ways to connect with fans around the world. I

Features

James Creegan: A Beloved Substitute and Singer

The student body had incredible, unforgettable experiences with Mr. Creegan, a singing substitute. To commemorate his passing, here is what the students have to say.

News

Stuyvesant Hosts Celebrate Science Night

Stuyvesant Parent’s Association hosts Celebrate Science Night to showcase the recently completed independent research projects of Stuy seniors.

Science

Euthanization: Ethics vs. Legality

The ethical dilemma surrounding euthanization raises questions about the importance of life in the face of chronic pain and suffering, the medical autonomy of individuals, and the obligations of medical professionals.

Science

Confronting Flaws Within Rising Facial Recognition Technology

Understanding the processes necessary for accurate facial recognition aids in comprehending the flaws of AI and how it can be improved, especially in crime.

Science

A Student’s Worst Nightmare: Sleep?

Though people recognize the importance of sleep, they often find that creating a healthy sleep schedule is difficult because of the effects of sleep deprivation and oversleeping.

Sports

Wrestling to the Top

The Spartans are back with a renewed roster and even more determination to be at the top of their division.

Sports

Mirror On the Wall, Who Will Win and Take it All

Here are our predictions for the NFL Playoffs

Sports

The Flight to Victory

Stuyvesant’s girls’ golf team, the Birdies, were able to continue their dominance as they pulled off the feat of going undefeated and claiming the title of back-to-back city champions.

Opinions

Are Our Parents Right?

The streaming business is oversaturated with too many shows that prioritize media buzz over content, leading to a decrease in the quality of television.

Opinions

The Intro Class Dilemma

Stuyvesant should implement exams that allow students to test out of introductory courses.

Opinions

Closing Comments 2024

News

Sheryl Xie Wins Holiday Card Competition

Sophomore Sheryl Xie wins annual Holiday Card Competition with painting of a winter forest.

Opinions

Why Not Teach Every Student to Read Well.

Reading proficiency in students across the nation and globe is shockingly low, and it’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Arts and Entertainment

Saltburn: Throwing Genres on the Wall To See What Sticks

The controversy surrounding Saltburn makes the film’s messaging much more convoluted than it is—the film’s overabundance of themes is its true impediment.

Arts and Entertainment

To Be a Brother

The Iron Claw explores the depths of professional wrestling’s greatest tragedy.

Science

Baricitinib: A Cure for Type I Diabetes?

Type I Diabetes requires demanding treatment through the injection of insulin into the body; however, a pre-existing drug, baricitinib, may reduce the need for insulin injections.

Opinions

The MTA, Marx, and a Shen Yun Epoch

Does anyone else miss the subway ads with word searches?

Science

Plugged In and Taking Off: Electric Planes Hit the Skies

Electric aircraft promise a cleaner and cheaper future for aviation, but overcoming existing technological hurdles will be key to a complete revolution in the aviation industry.

Features

The Human Behind Humans of Stuy

Humans of Stuy, a club that publishes the stories of members of the Stuyvesant community, was recently revived by sophomore Madelyn Nunez, who aims to widen the size and readership of the publication.

Science

Your Gut Microbiome Might be Giving You Social Anxiety

Recent scientific research has shown that bacteria in the gut microbiome is related to having Social Anxiety Disorder. The research is anticipated to revolutionize future treatment.

Science

The Drug Behind the Hollywood Tragedy

American-Canadian actor Matthew Perry’s recent death has sent shockwaves into the world and raised numerous questions about the future of ketamine.

Sports

Foul? Nah, No Foul For You.

Disgruntled fans often criticize referees for their foul calls, but are these calls actually legitimate?

Opinions

Why Do Movie Moms Keep Dying?!

How can women envision their future when our media is obsessed with killing moms?

Opinions

The Merits of a Merit-Based System

The current college admissions system is inequitable and robs high schoolers of their childhood: a merit-based system is the solution.

Arts and Entertainment

Françoise Hardy Bids Adieu

Examining the legacy of Françoise Hardy through the release of her new compilation album, 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘭𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘫𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘴 𝘥’𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦.

Opinions

Bun Cha Obama: Authenticity in Food

In a world where “authentic food” is overused and influential, it is time to change how we approach cultural foods.

Opinions

Unmasking America: Literature’s Fight Against Society’s Masquerade

Features

Planning for a Better Year: Resolutions for the Stuyvesant Administration and Students

The resolutions that students hope the administration will implement in the coming year, as well as their own plans to improve the Stuyvesant community.

Science

Growing Green: Assessing the Realities of Organic Farming

The idea that the organic label always means environmentally friendly is questioned by the ongoing debate about how organic farming affects the environment. Even though organic farming tries to avoid artificial pesticides and make soil healthier, recent research shows we need a careful approach that considers both helping the environment and producing food efficiently, especially as more people pick organic products.

Humor

The Story of StuySquad 2024

StuySquad 2024 did not go as planned …

Sports

New Look Knicks

The Knicks look to advance their playoff efforts with a trade for Raptors OG Anunoby.

Sports

Against All Scorecards: Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Rise to Contendership

How 2023 was the breakout year for UFC fighter, Shavkat Rakhmonov, as he went from dark horse to fan favorite and one fight away from a title shot.

Sports

𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘩𝘢𝘮: A Superstar Story

Netflix’s documentary 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘩𝘢𝘮 details the career of the iconic man on and off the field.

Features

New York’s Invisible “Ecological Engineers”

On November 15, English teacher Annie Thoms’s Writing to Make Change classes visited Stuyvesant alumnus and artist Siyan Wong’s 𝘍𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢 𝘊𝘢𝘯: 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 exhibit at Gallery 456 to learn about the exhibit’s goal of humanizing impoverished people.

Humor

A Stuy Guide to Mastering Your New Year’s Resolutions

A comprehensive guide to accomplishing all your goals for the New Year!