In this issue YDC reviewers catch Nonpartisan think tank says Entertainment 9–10 states are passing laws that will Humor 13 Footloose on the big Lifestyle 5–7 screen and new shows keep old, minority and first-time News 1–4 Soapbox 15 on television voters from casting ballots Sports 12 See p. 4 Viewpoints 14 See p. 10-11

Volume 21 t Issue 2 t October 2011 t Halloween enhanced by hauntings Dana Harrison and Nick Pope 18, a freshman at Champlain College, who worked at Young D.C. Markoff’s Haunted forest for two years. She said she Markoff’s Haunted Forest enjoyed her experience. “Working at the Haunted Forest During the Halloween season, both thrill seekers was amazing,” Lindsay said while recalling her best and scaredy cats alike have access to a new way to scare scares. “The best scare I ever made was when I was pre- themselves and get their adrenaline pumping: Haunted tending to be a patron on the hayride with my friends. attractions. There are numerous local and well known Later in the ride, I was yanked off the hayride scream- haunted attractions throughout the DMV, but one in ing. When I came back to see my friends’ reaction I Poolesville, Maryland has gained a lot of popularity: found my friend was so scared that she started crying.” Markoff’s Haunted Forest. Markoff’s Haunted Forest Farr said she believes that what makes Markoff’s opened 19 years ago, and has continued to scare brave one of the best is that they understand that the most im- customers since. There are two trails to choose from, portant part of scaring people is the suspense. “It’s not both around 20 minutes each, along with Haunted Hay- the goriness or the blood that scares people,” Farr ex- rides, zip-lines, ghost hunts, a fortune teller and more. plained. “It’s the suspense and the sudden attack.” Other than just being a fun and horrifying place to However, mastering the art of the “sudden attack” visit, being an employee is just as rewarding. YDC Se e Ha l l o w e e n , p a g e 3 spoke to former haunted forest employee Lindsay Farr,

photo courtesy of Markoff’s Haunted Forest YDC talks to Diggy Simmons about new releases Nick Pope Nicki Minaj has her Barbie’s, and Lady Gaga Young D.C. has her Little Monsters. Well, Diggy Simmons has his While some teens get up, get dressed and go to Jetsetters. The Jetsetters are not only Diggys’s fans school, Diggy Simmons has to get up, get dressed and but innovators across the world. YDC asked why this go to the studio. term suits his fans, “A Jetsetter is someone who is Diggy Simmons is a new upcoming rapper, who always representing themselves in a creative and new has a lot of buzz behind him. Last summer he rolled way, from the way they dress to the way they talk. A on the Closer To My Dreams tour along with Jawan Jetsetter is someone who will always be true to them- Harris, Trevante, , and selves and not giving up on their dreams.” He says . He started his dream at 15, with his first mix some Jetsetter’s in his own life are Kayne West, Jay tape “The First Flight.” The mix tape was a great suc- Z, and Pharell. He said ten-time Gram- cess, scoring over one million downloads. my nominee Pharrell is a big brother figure to him. This Simmons seems destined to become a rap- YDC asked Diggy what fans can expect on his per, because his father, Rev Run from Run DMC, and upcoming album he said, ”You will see a lot of new his older brother Jojo are both rappers. When YDC styles on this album. I have the same aura and feel as caught up with him before the tour stop at Howard on the “First Flight” mix tape, but I took it and made it University, Diggy said that he is very surprised and diverse and in a whole new level.” Readers and Jetset- happy with the feedback he’s getting from his new ters can expect the as yet untitled album around the single “Copy Paste” and can’t wait to release upcom- end of 2011. ing singles. He will be on other tours after the Closer To My Dreams tour and will be doing a lot more per- Nick Pope, 16, is a senior at Duke Ellington photo by Nick Pope formances before the end of 2011. Closer to his dreams: Diggy Simmons backstage at Howard U School of the Arts in the District of Columbia News t Young D.C. t October 2011 October 2011 t Young D.C. t News

Film says school-related stress is too much HalloweenHa l l o w e e n , f r o m p a g e o n e sites for fright Christina Lee Jay Mathews, an education reporter for the Washington Post, challenges the isn’t the only thing that makes Markoff’s so you wont get bored at any moment. The Young D.C. accuracy of Abele’s depiction of highly stressed students as the norm. In his article Young D.C. is an independent newspaper written by and one of the best. “Each night the [forest] trail is filled with live actors, and walking in scenes change and there is always something the forest you cant help to be a little scared. If there is anything students should be worrying about for college, it should be “Why ‘Race to Nowhere’ documentary is wrong,” Matthews says that Abeles is about metropolitan area teens. different,” she said. “The forest improves This haunted trail/train ride is not for kids, whether they are doing too much. Where is the limit? At what point is too much well-intended and tackles an important issue, but her facts are misleading. He re- Address correspondence to: every night.” teens and adults only. The only thing is you simply absurd? fers to a study from the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research, which Young D.C. Whether you are brave enough to enter have to pay to get in Six Flags Theme Park, Vicki Abeles captures issues ranging from the sig- says that “15-to-17-year olds in 2002 and 1904 18th Street, NW Unit B the spooky trails or just want to have your as well as pay again for the haunted ride/ nificance of homework, sleep deprivation and the phys- 2003 devoted about three and one-half hours Washington, D.C. 20009-1707 fortune read, Markoff’s Haunted Forest is trail. But if you want to be scared for Hal- ical impossibility of juggling multiple AP classes with a day to TV and other leisure while their av- tel: 202.232.5300 for you. However, YDC recommends tak- loween, its completely worth it. extracurricular activities in her documentary “Race to erage time spent studying was 42 minutes.” fax: 202.232.5306 ing at least one trail to get the full effect of Nowhere.” She aims it at each citizen of the education In the same article, Matthews inter- www.youngdc.org –N.P. Copyright. All rights reserved. this horrifying and fun experience. there is community and challenges them to answer questions views Abeles who counters his argument by Tulip Gulch’s Psycho Safari an extra fee to enter more than one trail about the limits of “challenging” schoolwork. saying, “the University of Michigan study This year Tulip Gulch is back at the Managing Editor: Christina Lee Oakton HS (Va.) To be sure to get tickets, purchase them Abeles is none other than a concerned mother of you reference actually shows that the amount Bowie Baysox Stadium with a new haunted News Editor: Dana Harrison, Wootton HS (Md.) online. Nearby restaurants Bassett’s Fine three overwhelmed students. She began to examine of homework assigned to kids age 6 to 9 al- attraction: The Psycho Safari. Every year Lifestyle Editor: Lisa Hu, Wootton HS (Md.) Food (19950 Fisher Avenue), House of Pool- stressed-out students when her own daughter was diag- most tripled in the 1990s.” they have a horrifying new theme, and this seville (19611 Fisher Avenue) and Cugini’s nosed with a stress-related illness. In addition to her In her open letter, Abeles further chal- time is no different. It has up to 30 live ac- Reporters: Cuyler Deegan, The Lab School of Washington (D.C.); Italian (19616-H Fisher Avenue) do sell a documentary, she has written an open letter which says, lenges the current state of education. “We tors, props and special effects. This haunted Mohammad Diallo, Syracuse University (NY); Alex Greenhill, Bre- limited number of tickets, too. Prices for “Childhood has become indentured to test scores, per- cannot wait for large institutions or the gov- attraction is indoors, and rated PG-13 be- hm School (Ill.); Eyen Zame Johnson, homeschooled, (D.C.); Abigail nights closer to Halloween are $20-25. formance and competition. We face an epidemic of un- ernment to make the changes our kids need cause of the horrors inside. From scary tribal Melick, Woodrow Wilson HS (D.C.); Matt Nguyen, Lafayette Col- If you are interested in a job, or just healthy, disengaged, unprepared kids trying to manage today. Education should not be driven by po- men to wild roaming creatures, it is definite- lege (Pa.); Olivia Patch, The Lab School of Washington (D.C.); Nick have inquiries about the forest, don’t hesi- as best they can.” litical and corporate interests. There’s too ly an attraction to visit this Halloween. It is Pope, Ellington School for the Arts (D.C); Abby Seitz, Fauquier HS tate to visit www.markoffshauntedforest. Some of the examples Abeles uses in her docu- much evidence that it isn’t working for any the longest running haunted attraction in the (Va.); Emily Yang, Churchill HS (Md.), Kathy Zhang, Paint Branch com. Enter at your own risk! mentary may seem farfetched or atypical to students in of our kids. Layers of change are needed, region, this is their 10th year at Prince HS (Md.) Markoff’s Haunted Forest the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. However, YDC talk- starting from the ground up.” Georges County Stadium, and their 25th Photographers: Kelly Fisher, The Lab School of Washington (D.C.); 13015 Rileys Lock Road ed to some local teens who can relate to the battles with In the interviews used in her documen- year in Bowie, Maryland. Tickets are $17 Chidiki Jones Whitley, The Lab School of Washington (D.C.) Poolesville, Md. stress and pressure Abeles addresses. tary, Abeles weaves a connection between dollars, and the trail takes approximately 20 Nikki Do, 17, a senior at Oakton HS in Vienna, self-destructive habits like cramming and –D.H. minutes to go through. Open Friday’s and Board of Directors: Nate Beeler, George Curry, Tom Donlan, Rich Va. is one of the many high school students who under- cheating to overall morality. Students who Six Flags Fright Fest Saturdays Sept.30-Oct.22, and Friday Foster, Mary Hanley, Judy Hines, Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Kath- stand the dangerous effects of too much pressure. “My rely on risky methods throughout high Six Flags Fight Fest is one of the most Oct.28- Monday Oct.31 6pm-11pm. leen Reilly Mannix (ex officio), Sarah Menke-Fish, Bob Neuman, parents aren’t that strict, and I think it’s the teachers school, interviewees say, suffer in college scariest places i have went to. First there is a –N.P. Reginald Ragland (chairman), David R. Rapp, Phillip Reid, Samara who place the most pressure on students. I want that ‘A’ due to the difference in how they should scary haunted train ride. The train goes deep Sit and when you don’t do well on an exam, the teacher study versus how they coped in high school. into the haunted forest and that’s when the Dana Harrison, 17, is a senior at Woot- Advisory Board (Emeritus Directors): Hector Ericksen-Mendoza, gives you a disapproving look that makes you feel bad about yourself.” While Abeles urges viewers to set limits on the amount of pressure applied to stu- frightening begins. They have live actors, ton HS in Rockville, Md. Sean Jensen, Rosamond King, Carol Lange It was while she was studying for a Physics exam that Do realized she’s had dents, students still must decide how to stabilize their morale, activities and stud- props, and special effects for the train ride as Nick Pope, 17, is a senior at Duke El- enough. “I was in my room studying and suddenly I started having these mild stom- ies. Young D.C. is supported by BNA, The Children’s Charities Founda- well as the haunted trail. Before the trail they lington School of Performing Arts in the ach pains. I ignored them at first but then I was writhing with pain and the next “Race to Nowhere” is another education-related documentary. “Waiting for tion, Crowell & Moring Foundation, and sponsors of Cartoons & Cock- have a creepy side show with a weird host thing I knew was my mom taking me to the hospital. The doctor said it was because Superman” and “Two Million Minutes” round out a trio of documentaries that raise tails 2011, an auction of editorial art held Oct. 20 at the Newseum’s of stress.” different concerns about reforming American education. “Race to Nowhere” (PG- Knight Conference Center which also benefited the Cartoonists Rights Abeles uses anecdotes about students diagnosed with eating disorders and 13, 85 min) is only shown in public screenings. You can find or host a local screen- Network International. Sponsors included BNA, , C-SPAN, Lynn Ed- other problems. She also includes an account of a student who committed suicide. ing at http://www.racetonowhere.com/screenings. wards of US News & World Report, Foxhall Gallery, The Freedom Fo- Should any of these be the result of a single bad math test or a failure to meet a rum and The Newseum, Andrew J. Hagan and Linda T. Smith, Lipman short-term goal? Christina Lee, 17, is a senior at Oakton High School in Vienna, Va. Hearne, Joe and Anne Murphy, The Obscure Organization, Politico, The Washington Examiner and members of the YDC Board.

Letters to the Editor are welcome and sometimes published. Letters are subject to editing. Readers writing to the editors should include contact information: name, age, telephone number.

Corrections Young D.C. publishes corrections of matters of substance. Thank you for bringing them to the attention of the editors by telephone (202.232.5300), e-mail (newsroom@youngdc. org) or snail mail. The summer issue (vol. 19, iss. 7), should have identi- fied the college that accepted Young D.C. photojournalist Matt Nguyen, which he is now attending, as Lafayette Col- lege in Easton, Pa. News t Young D.C. t October 2011 October 2011 t Young D.C. t Lifestyle Li f e St y l e

Tastebuds Starbuck’s seasonal treat charms this Tastebuddy

Lisa Hu Young D.C. ike most people who start their days off at un-godly hours during the week, coffee is the only way I can even attempt to power through the day. I drink coffee

©2011 Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law ©2011 almost every single day, sometimes even twice a day. You know, on one of those days. So the taste of it can get really boring, really fast. Finding a flavor I’d want to stick with is proving to be harder than wakingL up at the crack of dawn. The problem is not for lack of trying, but more so because I can’t seem to find one that fits perfectly. Luckily, I seem to have found a solution. The arrival of Starbucks’s seasonal http://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/voting_law_changes_in_2012 pumpkin spice latte fits perfectly into the fall season. It’s ideal on a chilly day, when a piping hot coffee can warm you up and keep you awake. For those of you who dread ending up with a scorched tongue, Starbucks also offer an iced version of the pumpkin spice latte. This is the closest coffee I have found to date that I haven’t gotten sick of. This is partly due to the fact that this particular flavor is only offered for a limited time by Starbucks. That’s why I have to get my fill. Or else I’m forced to wait for next year to come around. Generally speaking, I’m not crazy about pumpkin flavor (I could care less about pumpkin pie), but the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove combine to create a spicy flavor that is uniquely Starbucks’s pumpkin spice latte. In my opinion, this sets it far apart from the usual run of the mill coffees. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your morning (literally), make a quick stop at Starbucks and decide for yourself. Before it’s gone for good.

Lisa Hu, 17, is a senior at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, MD

photo courtesy of starbucks.com The seasonal pumpkin spice latte starts the day off right for Starbucks Non-partisan think tank issues report customers. about state laws that threaten democracy Cyberian Tyger identification in order to vote. Photo ID bills were law eliminating Election Day registration, and Cuyler Deegan signed into law in seven states: Alabama, Kansas, Ohio ended its weeklong period of same-day voter Young D.C. Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, registration. Florida and Texas passed laws restrict- Screensavers morph into entertainment Some states are passing new laws that may make and Wisconsin. By contrast, before the 2011 legis- ing voter registration drives, and Florida and Wis- Emily Yang to turn off the monitor and refrain from using a students, the poor and homeless have a harder time lative session, only two states had ever imposed consin passed laws making it more difficult for Young D.C. screensaver at all. Even if you use a screensaver, it voting. In some states a new law says you must have a strict photo ID requirements. The number of states people who move to stay registered and vote. Watching pipes, vector graphics, or even scroll- uses the same amount of energy as it does when run photo ID licensed by the government or a passport. If with laws requiring voters to show government-is- • Reducing early and absentee days: At least nine ing text move across a black screen has been a sense normally. you do not have one of these forms of identification, sued photo identification has quadrupled in 2011. states introduced bills to reduce their early voting of entertainment to younger kids, but what are Even though screensavers aren’t needed for they will give you a free ID upon request at the DVM— To put this into context, 11 percent of American periods, and four tried to reduce absentee voting screensavers really for? When screensavers were saving computer screens, they still have other uses, but you must specifically request one just for voting. citizens do not possess a government-issued photo opportunities. Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Tennessee, originally made, they were meant to prevent phos- like security. If the user walks away for a while and Some states do not mention this to the public, so if you ID; that is over 21 million citizens. and West Virginia succeeded in enacting bills re- phor burn-ins with computers that were based on the screensaver comes on, he will need the password do not look it up then you will not know the new rules. • Proof of citizenship laws: At least 12 states intro- ducing early voting. cathode ray tubes. A phosphor burn-in is when there in order to access the computer again. This way, the When you go to cast your ballot and officials ask for duced legislation that would require proof of citi- • Making it harder to restore voting rights: Two is a permanent discoloration on some kind of elec- user won’t have to worry about any nosy people who ID and you do not give them a government issued ID, zenship, such as a birth certificate, to register or states—Florida and Iowa—reversed prior execu- tronic display screen, and would occur if the com- want to access their information. Despite the fact then you cannot vote. Also some laws say students vote. Proof of citizenship laws passed in Alabama, tive actions that made it easier for citizens with puter screen was left on for a long period of time. that advanced technology doesn’t need screensavers cannot use college IDs to vote. YDC learned this from Kansas, and Tennessee. Previously, only two states past felony convictions to restore their voting However, even if screensavers did prevent anymore, people still like to use them for entertain- oct.6 “Voting Law Changes in 2012,” published Oct. 6 had passed proof of citizenship laws, and only one rights, affecting hundreds of thousands of voters. phosphor burn-ins in the past, they certainly have no ment or decorational purposes. All they have to do is by the Brennan Center for Justice. The center, it is at had put such a requirement in effect. The number In effect, both states now permanently disenfran- effect on modern technology anymore. Some people right click on the desktop, go to properties, click the New York University Law School, is devoted to fun- of states with such a requirement has more than chise most citizens with past felony convictions. believe that screensavers will help them save energy tab “Screen Saver,” and adjust to their preferences damental issues of democracy and justice. They don’t doubled. on their computer, but this is not so. According to (is accordingly. choose political party sides; they just use facts. The • Making voter registration harder: At least 13 Cuyler Deegan, 17, is a junior at The Lab School Wikipedia really the best source? I love Wikipedia, points below quote the summary at the beginning of states introduced bills to end highly popular Elec- of Washington in the District of Columbia. but for an informational article, I don’t think it’s Emily Yang, 15, is a sophomore at Churchill HS this 56-page report. tion Day and same-day voter registration, limit suitable—just make sure with Kathy), the best way in Potomac, Md. • Photo ID laws: At least 34 states introduced legis- voter registration mobilization efforts, and reduce to help save energy and one’s computer screen is just lation that would require voters to show photo other registration opportunities. Maine passed a Lifestyle t Young D.C. t October 2011 October 2011 t Young D.C. t Lifestyle

What’s missing?

Could be you are the teen YDC needs at the 8,))1403=))3;2)67%8&2%-2' %6)4639(8379443688,)463+6%173*=392+(' drawing board The Herb Block Foundation

Join YDC’s happy band of cartoonists. There is room for both humor and editorial cartoonists. Download an application from the YDC website: The staff of Young D.C. Volume 21 www.youngdc.org thanks YDC is looking for more Cyberian Tygers. BNA YDC welcomes both teens with strong Children’s Charities Foundation The Herb Block Foundation interests in technology and teen techno- and skeptics. the sponsors of Write–with CyTy in the subject line–to the Cartoons & Cocktails 2011 for giving us a voice lifestyle editor: in print [email protected] and online Young D.C. t October 2011 Entertainment October 2011 t Young D.C. Footloose remake kicks up its heels Television Nick Pope Season airs Young D.C. Footloose was and is simply amazing. The remake’s dancing iss good, and it definitely lives up to the 1984 original. Footloose tells the story of a one horror, town that banned dancing, and a urban teen who challenges the ban. Charac- ters Ren MacCormack (Kenny Wormald) and Ariel Moore (Julianne Hough), are not sweet and innocent – they face problems and real issues that some teens face today. Rev. Shaw Moore (Dannis Quaid) basically tries to control a coven, the town with his laws and has issues he has to face as well. This Footloose is not a sappy or cheesy movie. This movie is for our generation and it is great. It’s for the young and old, everyone can relate to and a new this movie. The director (Craig Brewer) did a great job of picking an amazing cho- reographer (Jamal Sims). The actors could actually act and dance. The prob- Deschannel lems depicted are still relevant. We all need to cutloose, footloose. So if you love the original, you’ll absolutely love this one. This movie is a must-see.

Nick Pope, 16, is a senior at Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts in the District of Columbia. Chidiki Jones Whitley and Christina Lee Young D.C. ©2011 Paramount Pictures Julianne Hough, center, commands the floor with Kenny Wormald in the remake of Footloose. American Horror Story American Horror Story teased viewers with Secret Circle New Girl promises to pioneer a new frontier for television. It First Vampire Diaries, and now the Secret Circle. Ever since the movie 500 Days of Summer, I’ve would be a chilling ghost ride keeping viewers on the The CW has reinvented another one of L.J. Smith’s detested Zooey Deschanel. I know it’s unfair but De- edge of their seats. Unfortunately the first episode, fantasy series into a new fall TV show. Although it schanel portrayed Summer Finn, the selfish, hard-to- which aired Oct. 5, 2011, did not live up to its claims. started out with a satisfactory audience of 2.11 million please heroine way so realistically that I found myself Horror movie DVDs The characters, writing and overall content is a shame- viewers and Nielsen rating of 0.9, Secret Circle contin- believing that she was Summer. But then New Girl ar- ful waste of a clever premise. The characters in this ues to satisfy the teen obsession with the supernatural. rived. If this is her way of redeeming herself to those supposed tale of horror are bland and stereotypical. Secret Circle stars Britt Robertson as Cassie she disappointed, clearly she succeeded. Deschanel is to keep you up at night The main characters are the Harmon family who Blake, a seemingly normal teenager whose life turns now my new TV best friend, with her quirky personal- move into an infamous house that reeks of death–a upside down after losing her only parent, Amelia, in an ity and Celine Dion-esque husky voice. Kelly Fisher “accidental” fire. The fire appears to be a scheme. This In this breath-of-fresh-air comedy, Deschanel Young D.C. loving mother who uses natural healthy products and hopes to have a problem free home, a father who takes leads Cassie to go and live with her grandmother in plays Jess, an idiosyncratic individual who moves in Chance Harbor, Wash., where Amelia had abandoned with three guys she met online after an embarrassing Halloween is the best time to sit in your basement, have all the lights off matters into his own hands and does not shy away from her murky witchcraft days after Cassie was born. break-up. New Girl captures the awkward and hilarious and watch the scariest movies that you can think of. Here are some movies I opportunities to have sexual relations. He’s also cold Oblivious Cassie soon learns that she, too, is a witch. moments of post break-up syndrome, being stood up, would recommend: and emotionally distant, preferring to run from his She completes the circle of a new generation of witch- trying to be cool and just being a loser in general. The 1. Poltergeist (1982) The movie won the Saturn Award in 1983 for best problems instead of facing them. Their teen daughter es in Chance Harbor. three roomies patiently deal with Jess’s bizarre behav- makeup and effects. The Saturn Award is an annual award presented by Violet hates her new house, her new school, and espe- Warning: this is no Sabrina the Teenage Witch ior and soon realize that they care for her as platonic the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. I would cially the popular girls. She’s a cutter and a smoker business. Cassie gets entangled in paranormal activity friends, or as they call each other, “bro”. It’s hard not to really recommend this movie because it has great visual effects. because she thinks it’s cool. The characters are one di- and a mix of feisty friends and untrustworthy adults. fall in love with the characters within the first five min- 114 minutes. mensional and bland. When frightening things happen Some of the scenes are so unexpected that the surprise utes. As outlandish as Jess and her scenarios are, she 2. Boogeyman 2 (2007 horror/thriller/drama) I would recommend to them, the audience is not worried because there is no alone gives you the chills. When they mention demons has a familiar quality reminiscent of friends and experi- this movie because of the suspense. After you watch the movie, connection to these uninspired characters. in one episode, I can’t help but feel uneasy about what ences. To those of you who watch Glee, you’re in for an sleep with the lights on. 93 minutes. The writing in this miserable first episode detracts I’m about to watch. Don’t get me wrong—Secret Cir- extra 20-minute treat on Tuesday nights. 3. Sleep Away Camp (1983 horror/thriller). I would recommend this from the characters and story. The characters often have cle is very much teen-friendly and follows an interest- Tuesdays on Fox at 9 p.m. movie because of the gore and how the villain kills off campers. 88 nothing interesting to say or are cracking sexual jokes. ing plot unlike the gory, spineless TV shows that see minutes. Suspense suffers from the writing. Nothing is forebod- –C.L. light these days. It even has the hush-hush love thing 4. One Missed Call (2008 mystery/thriller/horror) The best thing about ing. It relies heavily on the camera work to convey that going on between Cassie and a guy who—gasp—is al- the movie is the suspense. Every move someone made was one step a character or place is not trustworthy. ready going out with the leader of the so-called secret Chidiki Jones Whitley , 17, is a junior at The Lab closer to his or her death. Edward Burns and Shannyn Sossamon American Horror Story can’t maintain the level circle. But the whole supernatural thing can get pretty School of Washington in the District of Columbia received 2008 Teen Choice Award nominations for their performances. of interest necessary for a memorable television show. uncomfortable if you are expecting a safe and predict- Leave it to the to have a Horror/Thriller category. Sexual content is constently flung at the viewers to try Christina Lee, 17, is a senior at Oakton HS in Vi- able story. Regardless of the typical formula that Hol- 87 minutes. to keep them watching. Fans of thriller/ horror will find lywood loves to recycle, Secret Circle is a refreshing enna, Va. 5. Friday the 13th (2009 horror/thriller). I would recommend this film this series will not scare them to death. In fact, viewers show with mostly new faces, altered plot line and a from the franchise because of all the gruesome killings that Jason does. will be bored. In short, I find that subjecting myself to compelling force that just makes you want more. This one won the Teen Choice Award in its category. 97 minutes. torturous boredom is not essential entertainment. Wednesdays on FX at 10 p.m. Thursdays on the CW at 9 p.m. Kelly Fisher, 16, is a junior at the Lab School of Washington in the Dis- –C.J.W. –C.L. trict of Columbia. Vi e w p o i n t s Young D.C. t October 2011 Young D.C. t October 2011 On t h e St r e e t First Amendment DIY The importance of teen-produced journalism Christina Lee written as TIME or the Washington Post, but Young D.C. we can’t deny the fact that the former allows What’s your topic for YDC to tackle in Viewpoints? The first time I walked into the YDC teens to find their opinions on incidents actu- The editors would love to hear about things that inform, con- newsroom in November 2010, I admit that I ally related to them. Teen journalists play an cern, inspire, disappoint or drive you crazy. was a little disappointed. My expectations important role in telling stories that adults Send your Viewpoints idea to [email protected] were ironically flawed by Hollywood’s glitz can overlook. About Viewpoints and glamour depiction of the media. Our One of my favorite quotes is by one of Unsigned Viewpoints articles, or editorials, convey the opin- modest newsroom located on 18th Street my favorite authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald: ions of the Young D.C. editorial board. Any Viewpoint or column NW crushed my little girl fantasy. But that is “That is part of the beauty of all literature. that has a byline or is signed by the author reflects the opinion of all past and gone—now I love placing dibs You discover that your longings are univer- the individual author. It is not necessarily the opinion of Young on the comfortable swingy chair, seeing the sal longings, that you’re not lonely and iso- D.C., its editorial board or staff. familiar pile of newspapers on the wooden lated from anyone. You belong.” Like litera- Young D.C. welcomes letters to the editor, comments and desk, and keeping my eye out on potential ture, teen-produced journalism reveals our submissions from teens (in school or not) for all sections of the stories. idiosyncrasies and sense of humanity. It is an newspaper. Please enclose name, address and telephone number If you couldn’t already tell by my sec- outlet for teen expression and presents open- on all correspondence. ond sentence, I still possess the trait that minded news coverage and most important- teenagers are known for: malleability. What- ly, informs and entertains. With this broad Address correspondence to ever I see, hear or do, I am relatively suscep- scope of possibilities, our malleability natu- Young D.C. Managing Editor tible to my environment whether I deny it or rally turns into good-judgment and our 1904 18th Street, NW not. This is where independent, teen-pro- wishy-washy tendencies are replaced by re- Washington, DC 20009 duced journalism comes in. Like most stu- alistic approaches to our future. Sure enough, Young D.C., Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists dent-run publications, Young DC focuses on teen-produced journalism isn’t the best re- to create opportunities for young people from diverse racial, eth- issues and events that teenagers find interest- sort for intellectual stimulation, but bear with nic, geographic and economic backgrounds to work together to ing. Teens can relate to YDC because the us—we’ll get there soon. develop a responsible, independent media voice. staffers are going through the same things as Its program encourages teens to examine new territory in they are. Sure, Seventeen or school publica- Christina Lee, 17, is a senior at Oakton the region’s fragmented society to produce this newspaper. In the tions aren’t as globally focused or as well HS in Vienna,Va. process, its editors, reporters, photographers, cartoonists, illus- trators and interns develop skills for college and career.

Kelly Fisher, 16, is a junior at The Lab School of Washington in the District of Columbia.

Chidiki Jones Whitley, 17, is a ju- nior at The Lab School of Washing- ton in the District of Columbia.