In this issue Entertainment 9–10 Humor 13 Lifestyle 5–7 YDC reviews News 1–4 Purple 365 Soapbox 15 checks out sites The Illusionist Sports 12 p. 8 Viewpoints 14 p. 5

Volume 20 • Number 2 • Winter 2011 Please display through Mardi Gras

YDC talks to MaBintiDana Yillah Harrison of ism.Media With YDC, I was able Houseto learn how to combine Young D.C. style with precision,” she said in a recent interview. To celebrate its 20th year, Young D.C. is an- “Above all, YDC was the catalyst for my media swering the frequently asked question about career not only on the journalism side but the net- former staffers, “Where are they now?” working side as well. I have been blessed to inter- YDC started hearing about a venture at the Uni- view and meet a lot of cool people in the music in- versity of Maryland a few months ago. Details on the dustry.” Her experience has been key in developing Media House at College Park answered, “Where are the Media House. “It’s a networking, public and me- they now?” about former YDC staffer MaBinti Yil- dia relations agency on campus. I’m also one of the lah. As a YDC reporter, she was on top of new CD executive producers and co-creators of the DMV releases and nonviolent activism. These interests still Live Radio on WMUC. DMV Live Radio aims to be flourish as in her last year at UMd. She is a prime the mouthpiece and platform for D.C.-area talent. It source for Hip-hop info in the DMV. debuted on Jan. 28.” “YDC gave me my first break thanks to [vol- MaBinti Yillah, second from Media House co-executive Yillah doesn’t leave her passion at the Media left, flanked by artists Robert producer Juan Vargas at Rap ume 16 managing editor] Lauren Wells. I always had House. It goes to class with her. Assistant professor Lyriciss Bailey, left, and Phil Rocks, a mixed genre concert, a passion for journalism, especially music journal- Adé, second from right, joining Feb. 24, at DC9. Se e Yi l l a h , p a g e 3 photo courtesy of Media House After shooting, Rep. Gohmert calls for more guns while Rep. McCarthy calls for fewer bullets Emily Yang general public. This nation has come together before Young D.C. to support this simple, commonsense measure, and it Jan. 8, 2011, a mass shooting in Tucson, Ariz., is the law in several states right now. It is a small shocked the nation. Nineteen people were wounded, sacrifice that law-abiding gun owners can make once six fatally. The gunmen shot US Rep. Gabrielle Gif- again in order to increase everyone’s safety.” fords in the head. She seemed to be the target of the A gunman using “cop killer” bullets in a 15-round shooting. The alleged shooter, Jared Lee Loughner, magazine killed McCarthy’s husband and several oth- enhanced his Glock pistol with a magazine that load- ers on the Long Island Railroad in 1993. ed 31 bullets instead of the standard 10. After the in- Despite Gohmert’s statement that proposed cident, two very different reactions arose from Gif- laws would infringe on the right to bear arms, Robert fords’ colleagues in Congress. A. Levy, a Second Amendment advocate, sees Mc- Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert (Tex., 1st Dis- Carthy’s bill differently. He told NBC, “I don’t see trict) proposed that members of Congress should be any constitutional bar to regulating high-capacity allowed to carry concealed guns in D.C. Gohmert said Gohmert McCarthy magazines. Justice Scalia made it quite clear some in a press release Jan. 13, “There is a rash of legisla- Democratic Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY, 4th regulations are permitted. The Second Amendment is tion further infringing on Second Amendment rights District) advanced legislation Jan. 18, which is to ban not absolute.” that has been unwisely proffered in the wake of events high-capacity magazines like the one used in Tucson. in Tucson. If members of Congress wished to carry a McCarthy said, “We need comprehensive reform to Emily Yang, 14, is a freshman at Churchill HS in weapon in the federal District of Columbia, it should reduce the number of people hurt or killed by gunfire Potomac, Md. be permissible.” No draft of his proposed bill was in America, but one simple way we can do that is by available to YDC as late as Feb. 21. keeping the worst tools of mass murder away from the See page 15 for teen views on gun control. News t Young D.C. t Winter 2011 Winter 2011 t Young D.C. t News Deadline for Through Your Lens is March 7 Passion for journalism National school facilities contest invites photo and essay entries Young D.C. is an independent newspaper written by and about metropolitan area teens. In late 2009, three nonprofit organizations created a contest that gives stu- ington, D.C., many more entries will be published in a book and online photo gal- and Hip-hop yields new Address correspondence to: dents, teachers and community members the chance to share their views of school lery and student entries have a chance to win a prize.” Young D.C. buildings–the good, the bad, the ugly and things that could be improved. The con- The contrast between a new addition on Langley HS in McLean, Va., and the 1904 18th Street, NW Unit B test coordinators compiled the winning photographs and essays of the inaugural deterioration of the original 1965 building led Christin Boggs (Langley Class of Washington, D.C. 20009-1707 venture at College Park competition into a 52-page book. The book was presented to members of Con- 2003) to enter the contest last year. Boggs’ work made the book. Read Boggs’ blog tel: 202.232.5300 Yi l l a h , f r o m p a g e o n e fan of soccer standout Kaká (Ricardo Izec- gress, the Obama Administration and education stakeholders across the nation. on the subject at http://christinboggs.blogspot.com/2010/01/healthy-schools-cam- fax: 202.232.5306 of English Randy Ontiveros told YDC, son dos Santos Leite), on Real Madrid so a Critical Exposure, the 21st Century School Fund, and the Healthy Schools paign.html www.youngdc.org “[She] took a class with me last spring on stint in England or Scotland would improve Campaign launched the second Through Your Lens contest Feb. 1 They invite While it’s important to show derelict and dangerous situations, examples of Copyright. All rights reserved. the literature of the Chicano civil rights her chances of seeing him play. But the lure everyone with a view of the nation’s school buildings to show the world what stu- money well spent on school facilities could also contribute to discussions. D.C. movement, and she brought with her a sharp of law school appeals to a trait she had back dents, teachers and community members see every day. Public Schools offers updated environments to students at the Columbia Heights Reporters: Charity Ajayi, McKinley Tech (D.C.); Faith Ajayi, historical mind and a deep commitment to when she was a teen journalist, “ I remem- The deadline for submissions is March 7. Students, teachers, and community Educational Campus (home of Bell HS, Lincoln MS and the Multicultural Career McKinley Tech (D.C.); Mohammad Diallo, Syracuse University social justice. Students in my classes often ber reading some the fan mail from a Chris members are invited to submit their stories and photos of conditions in their school Intern Program) in Ward 1, McKinley Technology HS and Phelps Architecture, (NY); Alex Greenhill, The Lab School of Washington (D.C.); Dana struggle to make connections between the Brown piece and it put a smile on face not buildings by March 7, using www.ThroughYourLens.org. Organizers say, “By Construction, and Engineering HS in Ward 5 and School Without Walls in Ward 2. Harrison, Wootton HS (Md.); Eyen Zame Johnson, homeschooled, literature that we’re reading the political is- because the response was positive (it sharing what is seen every day at school, students and teachers will provide elected YDC wonders how or if these environments changed the lives of students, teachers Christina Lee Oakton HS (Va.); (D.C.), Abigail Melick, Woodrow sues that we face today, but MaBinti is quick wasn’t), but because it was negative. It’s not leaders with an honest window into today’s school buildings and encourage debate and communities? What is expected as Woodrow Wilson HS in Ward 3 nears the Wilson HS (D.C.); Matt Nguyen, Lafayette College (P.a.); Olivia to understand how the arts relate to society our responsibility to make people feel com- about state and federal funding for public school repair, renovation and construc- completion of its renovation? Patch, The Lab School of Washington (D.C.); Andrew Pollowitz, as a whole.” fortable and content; it’s our responsibility tion. Selected photos and stories will be displayed at a special exhibition in Wash- Check out http://www.throughyourlens.org/ for more information. The Lab School of Washington (D.C.); Abby Seitz, Fauquier HS Early experiences seem to back up to make them think and make them feel (Va.); Imani Thompson, The Madeira School (Va.); Priscilla Ward, what Ontiveros described. Yillah told YDC, something even if it means taking the rug Temple University (Pa.); Emily Yang, Churchill HS (Md.) “I knew I wanted to be a journalist when I from underneath. read Ernest Hardy’s review of Aaliyah’s Aa- Artists: Lisa Hu, Wootton HS (Md.) “Through Young DC, I not only learned liyah. It’s still available on the Rolling Stone that because it was encouraged, but it also Board of Directors: Nate Beeler, George Curry, Tom Donlan, Bob site. What impressed me was that it not only gave me the courage to speak up and speak Drogin, Rich Foster, Mary Hanley, Judy Hines, Sean Jensen, Cyn- communicated some of the things I loved out. It encouraged me to speak up when thia Farrell Johnson, Carol Knopes, Kathleen Reilly Mannix (ex of- about that album but his review combined talking to a client, business associate or ficio), Sarah Menke-Fish, Bob Neuman, Michael Phelps, Reginald analysis and style that was sophisticated, publicist. YDC taught me to speak out when Ragland (chairman), David R. Rapp, Phillip Reid, Samara Sit meaningful and relevant. That’s ultimately I’m annoyed, angry and dissatisfied.” Advisory Board (Emeritus Directors): Hector Ericksen-Mendoza, what Hip-hop–and Hip-hop criticism– As Ontiveros put it, “She is passionate Rosamond King, Carol Lange should be. It’s sophisticated, meaningful but about using media and culture to build multi it has a certain stylistic swagger that makes Young D.C. is supported by BNA, The Children’s Charities Founda- ethnic, progressive movements that make it worth consuming.” tion, Crowell & Moring Foundation, and sponsors of Cartoons & Cock- life better for everyone.” tails 2010, an auction of editorial art held Oct. 28 at the National Press As she finishes her last semester, Yil- Club which also benefited the Cartoonists Rights Network Internation- lah is looking at both some time off in Brit- Dana Harrison, 16, is a junior at Woot- al. Sponsors included BNA, Bloomberg Government, Kathleen B. Bri- ain and the prospect of law school. She is a ton HS in Rockville, Md. ancon, C-SPAN, Lynn Edwards of US News & World Report, Foster Soltoff & Love, Foxhall Gallery, The Freedom Forum and The Newse- um, Andrew J. Hagan and Linda T. Smith, Stephen C. and Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Lipmann Hearne, Joe and Anne Murphy, The Ob- scure Organization, Sidney Olson, Scott Osborne and Jeff Schwartz, 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 Winter 2011 Winter 2011 t Young D.C. t Lifestyle Cyberian Tyger Li f e St y l e Purple 365 OMG–our apps are leaking our info WSJ test of Angry Birds, Bible App, ESPN ScoreCenter, Pandora YDC checks out online resources and hotlines and 97 other apps reveals how they tattle on cell phone users designed to support teens who feel discouraged Emily Yang the app as long as it’s free. However, the WSJ team found that people who actu- Olivia Patch Young D.C. ally buy apps generally don’t have their information sent out as often as the Young D.C. Unlike computer e-mail and banking accounts, cell phones don’t always keep people who download the free apps. All teens face challenges. Resolving challenges comes easy for peoples’ privacy information “private” – especially when it comes to Android and Companies and developers can make a guess of where a person lives based some but not others. Many gays and lesbians have a hard time fitting iPhone apps. Although many teens don’t read the business news, CyTy thinks they on tracking a phone’s location. Since a cell phone is almost always on its user in in and understanding their feelings. Figuring out who you are can be a should check out the Wall Street Journal’s inves- the modern day, companies can just track where long process. In anyone’s life, having support is good. Talking to tigative journalism experiment using 101 differ- that person might be based on whatever applica- someone is a way to develop support. ent smartphone apps. Reporters Scott Thurm, tion the person uses. Gay or not, teens are part of society. There are also some anti- Yukuri Iwatani Kane and their WSJ colleagues Even though WSJ revealed the truth of gay people in society who teach that homosexuality is wrong. Many found that more than half of the apps sent the cell phone apps, many teens still have no idea others teach that it is natural and we all must be responsible, gay or user’s ID to other companies without the per- about their private information being spread to straight. Be your own thinker. Don’t let it get to you if you encounter mission of the user. unknown companies. Just as the WSJ says, homophobes. Encounters with bigots might leave you in a state of sad- In the report ,Michael Becker of the Mo- “These phones don’t keep secrets. They are ness. There is a line between sadness and feeling as if you want to die. bile Marketing Association, an industry trade sharing this personal data widely and regular- On that line, the It Gets Better project helps some people and the Trev- group, is quoted, “In the world of mobile, there ly.” or Project helps others. is no anonymity.” While anyone can actually • Check out “Your Apps are Watching You” by Dan Savage is a journalist who recognized that teens go through keep his or her personal information private on a visiting http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014 difficult times in their lives and wanted to help. His It Gets Better proj- computer, it is highly improbable for that to also 24052748704694004576020083703574602. ect encourages individuals to post their stories about fitting into society. happen with a cell phone. html Savage and his partner want to inspire young people–even if life is hard On each phone, there is an ID number that • Read about WSJ’s methodology to test the now, there is hope. It Gets Better offers hundreds of videos people post acts like a “cookie,” which are tiny tracking apps at www.itgetsbetter.org. Purple 365 screened a bunch of these and they files. On home computers, users can block cook- http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014240527 are inspirational. If all of these people can thrive after bullying, rejec- ies that come from visiting a website or delete 48704034804576025951767626460.html tion or self-doubt, so can you. You are not alone. See what Glee’s Jane cookies from the computer’s browser history.. • See reporter Jennifer Valentino-Devries’ re- Lynch, law firm Shearman & Sterling, True from the Seattle Quake The IDs on phones cannot be blocked or delet- CyTy urges YDC readers to check out the superb interactive graphic port on the futility of trying to opt out of track- Rugby team and so many others say. that accompanies WSJ coverage of nosey and gossipy apps. ing http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014240 is another site that can help. It is a toll-free ed, which makes tracking people easier for Credit Online Wall Street Journal companies. Information graphics: Andrew Garcia Phillips and Sarah Slobin with Jovi Juan, 52748703929404576022140902538236.html confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth. This na- Susan E. McGregor, Jonathan Keegan, Albert Sun Many developers offer free apps to peo- Methodology and data collection consultants: tional hotline runs 24 hours. The Trevor Project was founded by ple, hoping to gain a profit by selling ads inside Ashkan Soltani, David Campbell Emily Yang, 14, is a freshman at Churchill , Peggy Rajski and . Trevor Project: 866- Data analysis: HS in Potomac, Md. the app. More people choose to download a Scott Thurm, Julia Angwin, Tom McGinty, Courtney Banks, Jennifer Valentino- 488-7386 DeVries free app instead of paying for something simi- Technology development: Purple 365 wanted to know a more about how suicide hotlines Above, clockwise from top Glee actor Jane Lynch and her wife Dr. Lara Embry, Seattle lar because they are willing to tolerate ads with Young Moon, Neeki Patel work so I interviewed Bill Clare, a therapist and former suicide hotline Quake Rugby player, and President Obama express words of encouragement. There are more than 10,000 videos from people of all sexual orientation on the site. trainer. Purple 365 asked him, “What is the process of responding to a source: www.itgetsbetter.org caller?” He answered, “The representative introduces themselves and Below, visitors find out how to help themselves or a depressed friend when they navigate trevor project website. asks the caller questions like ‘How are [you] doing?’ They ask a lot of source: www.thetrevorproject.org open-ended questions to try and find out why they are calling.” YDC is looking for more Cyberian The next question Purple 365 asked was, “If a teen is already suicidal, how do they get enough confidence to call?” Bill answered, “ A friend might help them make the call.” Tygers. YDC welcomes both teens with Another question Purple 365 asked was, “Do the people who an- swer the hotline get training to deal with LGBTQ and bullied teens?” Bill answered, “Yes, there is a lot of training.” strong interests in technology and teen The last question Purple 365 asked him was, “Can you tell the tone of voice when talking to a caller?” He replied, “Yes. They might be crying, talking slow, anxious, techno-skeptics. quiet, not giving a lot of information.”

Olivia Patch, 16, is a junior at The Lab school of Washington in Write–with CyTy in the subject line–to the District of Columbia the lifestyle editor: [email protected] Lifestyle t Young D.C. t Winter 2011 Winter 2011 t Young D.C. t Lifestyle Seoul House welcomes diners to authenticity For Asians New Year 4708 is a meo mao year Christina Lee Matt Nguyen it is recommended that people wear red clothing. A Young D.C. Young D.C. bright warm color may yield good fortune and happi- When a snow day day lengthened our weekend, I had the chance to lunch at Chinese New Year 4708 started Feb. 3, 2011. The ness. Children and teens’ favorite tradition is the gift Seoul House with my family. Located in Fairfax, Va, Seoul House is a popular local Chinese calendar is unlike the Gregorian calendar that of little red envelopes, lai see in Cantonese, that has Korean and Japanese restaurant that includes a brunch sushi buffet. Although the starts Jan. 1 every year. Asian traditions use a much older money inside. Lai see are given to unmarried friends lunch buffet was available, my family and I decided to order from the menu. Seoul calendar based on the lunar-solar systems plus five ele- and close relatives to ensure good luck and fortune. House offers sushi buffet (except Saturdays) and conventional ordering. The latter ments–so it has a 60-year cycle. New Year can be anytime For most Asians this year is the year of the rab- gives guests the option to grill their own meat and vegetables right at the table. between late January and mid-February depending on bit, but for the Vietnamese this is the year of the cat. While many Korean restaurants have an oriental atmosphere with Asian arti- when the first new moon arrives. Asian new year is cele- The Vietnamese zodiac differs from the Chinese’s facts displayed throughout and staff dressed in the traditional hanbok, Seoul House brated 15 days beginning with the first new moon and calendar with two animals: cat instead of rabbit and keeps it simple with the occasional photo of Korea and dark finished wood tables. ending with its full moon. This is why some refer to the water buffalo instead of ox. The reason for this differ- The Bruno Mars background music was a new soundscape for a Korean family din- Chinese New Year as the Lunar New Year. ent could be the different folk tales of how the ani- ner, too. Friendly staff led us to our table and provided us with bori-cha. This roast- Traditionally, each day is designated for different mals were assigned to the calendar. Or it could be a ed barley tea is light and nutty. It is usually served year-round hot or cold with activities but nowadays fewer people follow them. The matter of linguistics because the word for rabbit in Korean food. first day of the New Year is a family affair. A family comes Chinese is “mao” and the word for cat in Vietnamese The lunch special is available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We ordered the together and gives appreciation for being together and is “meo”–they are very similar. Over the centuries as galbi dolsot bibimbap, daegoo mae-un tang and galbi tang. The galbi bibimbap might more. Asians who observe tradition do things to bring the Vietnamese language become distinct from Chi- remind a newcomer of a Korean version of the Chipotle burrito bowl, with beef short good luck and fortune for each new year. There are many nese, so did the meanings of words. Samples of contemporary New Year red envelopes that ribs and vegetables (onions, scallions, squash, red bell peppers, shredded carrots) taboos and superstitions that the Chinese and other Asians have different names in different countries or language over rice in a hot stoneware pot. The daegoo mae-un tang is a spicy codfish stew with follow. For instance, the Chinese welcome in the new areas – Cantonese: lai see; Mandarin: hongbao, Korean: Matt Nguyen, 19, is a freshman at Lafayette Col- photos by Christina Lee sae bae don and Vietnamese: li x. lege in Easton, Pa. vegetables in a hot stoneware pot, a welcoming choice for people craving the tradi- Top, like many Asian restaurants in the DMV, Seoul House offers authentic dishes in year and expel the old year by shooting firecrackers. Also, easy to navigate locations tional zest. The galbi tang is a mild but flavorful beef broth with beef short ribs, Bottom, banchan includes an array of vegetables including daikon radish, broccoli, which is great for restoring your health during the winter and early spring. cabbage; red bowls serve miso soup and glasses bring roasted barley tea. Right before the food came, the staff laid out a variety of banchans, or side dishes, that would make a diner regret ordering an appetizer. The banchan consists of kimchi, kakdugi, kongnamul (seasoned bean sprouts), seasoned black beans, mook (mung bean jello), creamy potato salad and broccoli salad. While most of these may sound unfamiliar or even unpalatable to fast food fans, Korean cuisine is widely based on vegetables – raw, cooked, steamed or fermented. The fermented vegetables often remind Western diners of spicy pickles. This banchan was nicely flavored with a fresh ending. Seoul House is a great selection for everyone. I saw American businessmen enjoying their lunch break with the buffet and galbi, a group of friends chatting away while their meat was grilling, and families like mine just eating a nice sit- down meal. However, for diners not ready to take chances with some of the authen- tic choices on the menu, I recommend ordering the sushi, mandu (dumplings) or anything that has galbi. The menu offers short descriptions, so you can refer to it or to the helpful staff. With a few good choices, guests will agree with Bruno Mars, “Amazing, just the way you are.” Seoul House 11272 James Swart Circle, Fairfax Court Shopping Center off Jermantown Road and Lee Highway Fairfax, Va. 22030 (703) 934-8250 Most dishes around $15, hot pot for two: $29.95-$34.95 Sushi lunch buffet, including beverage: $13.95 ($7 for children, ages 5-10) Take limited to Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Sunday 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. 8,))1403=))3;2)67%8&2%-2' Saturday 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. (no buffet) %6)4639(8379443688,)463+6%173*=392+(' Christina Lee, 17, is a junior at Oakton HS in Vienna, Va. Young D.C. t Winter 2011 Entertainment Winter 2011 t Young D.C. Grammy winners Lady GaGa, Cee Lo and Bruno Mars dominate charts Olivia Patch Young D.C. With “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face” Lady GaGa won 2011 and 2010 Grammys. Her new song, “Born This Way,” is different. The lyrics go beyond the sexy and personal. Still danceable with a pop arrangement, it has the poten- tial of becoming an anthem: Don’t be a drag, just be a queen Whether you’re broke or evergreen You’re black, white, beige, chola descent You’re Lebanese, you’re orient Whether life’s disabilities Left you outcast, bullied or teased Rejoice and love yourself today ‘Cause, Baby, you were born this way Cee Lo Green dropped “F**k You!” last summer. It went viral, so a cleaned up version, “Forget You,” hit the airwaves in September. After Glee’s Elektra of courtesy Publicity Mars Bruno by photo Unique animation, spare dialogue Nov. 16 episode with Gwyneth Paltrow as the substitute for teacher Will Schuester, her cover of “Forget You” found a home on the iTunes top ten for quiet a while. People downloaded both Paltrow’s cover and Green’s original. Now the original seems to be more popular. “Forget You” is still getting fre- builds nostalgia in The Illusionist quent radio play. In either version, the song gained a whole new audience be- cause of Glee and Paltrow’s cover. Going strong since last August, it scored Alex Greenhill lem is that Alice still believes he uses real magic. and the magician struggles to keep up with moder- Green the Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance Feb. 13. Young D.C. Will the Illusionist be able to admit to her that nity. Bruno Mars keeps coming out with good songs. He co-wrote “Forget magic doesn’t exist? Each scene is beautifully captured in hand You” and the songs on his Doo-Wops and Hooligans album. The success of its The Illusionist is a beautiful animated film from The Illusionist has little to no dialogue, What is drawn animation. Some portions of the film are inked single “Just the Way You Are” led to a Grammy for Mars in the Best Male Pop the mind of Syvain Chomet who also directed The spoken is in a strange mix of French and English. and colored with computers but it is inconspicuous. Vocal Performance category. Billboard reports radio play of his second single Triplets of Belleville. The titular Illusionist is trying However, I believe this was Chomet’s intention be- The Ilusionist was nominated for the Oscar for Best from Doo-Wops and Hooligans, “Grenade,” frequently ranks higher than to survive in the late 1950’s. Bombarded by the in- cause the characters are so emotive. Immersed in the Animated Feature at the 83rd annual “Born This Way” and “Forget You.” At the iTunes, store the ranking is in- vention of television and the emerging popularity of screen and the music, viewers don’t need dialogue. but lost to Toy Story 3. However, the film did win a verted with Mars trailing GaGa and Cee Lo. “Grenade” dwells on the pain of hyperactive rock stars, he realizes that stage magi- The movie relies heavily on atmosphere and Cesar, the national film award in France. This makes loving the wrong person, but it isn’t hurting Mars’ popularity. cians are a dying breed. He travels all over a vibrant music. The scene where the lights on a street go out the film fantastic in it’s own right. and scenic Europe trying to find a job. His life chang- is a good example. A piano subtly plays as the scene 79 minutes Olivia Patch, 16, is a junior at The Lab school of Washington in the es in Scotland when he meets a young girl named progresses. The film also has a very interesting visual Django Films District of Columbia Alice who is absolutely enchanted by his magic. style that brings to mind caricatures that appeared at Distributed in the U.S. Together with Alice and his constantly grouchy the time. through Sony Pictures Classics pet rabbit, the illusionist sets out to find a job. In- The film centers on growing up and getting old. spired by Alice, the Illusionist continues to do odd Throughout the film the audience gets to see the lead Alex Greenhill, 16, is a junior at The Lab school jobs and perform for money. However the only prob- character change along with the world around him, of Washington in the District of Columbia

Dana Harrison dicated Oprah Winfrey Show duced many experts like Dr. OWN’s lineup includes many of covery that fill in the schedule. be for upcoming OWN shows. Adver- Young D.C. in 1986. It received 48 Day- Phil, Suze Orman and Dr. Winfrey’s associates and friends, in- One of the most interesting tising of products seems geared to- During the final and 25th season time Emmy Awards, includ- Oz. The three experts men- cluding the show Ask Oprah’s All shows airs Sunday night. Oprah Pres- ward woman and families, including Oprah Winfrey of The Oprah Show, Oprah Winfrey ing the Emmy Lifetime tioned developed their own Stars with Dr. Phil, Suze Orman and ents Master Class profiles famous ce- Kellogg’s cereal, Kohl’s, Mr. Clean and Harpo Productions started OWN, Achievement Award in 1998, shows eventually. Dr. Oz. Her best friend is transitioning lebrities and experts. There will be products and Carnival Cruise line. the Oprah Winfrey Network, with and remained the number one Amira Johnson of from radio to OWN with The Gayle eight modern masters. Episodes with The network can be found on Discovery Communications. Nov. 20, talk show for 23 consecutive Wootton HS in Rockville, King Show. Investigative journalism Jay-Z, Maya Angelou, Condoleezza cable and satellite on the old Discov- launches her 2009, Oprah had announced that her seasons. For its first 10 years, Md., is positive about Win- joined the lineup Feb. 16 when Our Rice and Lorne Michaels have aired. ery Health Channel. It’s easy to navi- syndicated show will end in Septem- it was a typical talk show. frey’s new channel saying, America with Lisa Ling premiered. In August 2010 it was also an- gate the channel finder on www.oprah. ber 2011. New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, However in the late 1990s, “It’s a big deal when some- The channel also has a line up of nounced that Rosie O’Donnell will com/own to match your zip code and OWN cable 2011, OWN replaced the Discovery Winfrey took a different ap- one gets their own channel reality shows. Country singer Shania return to daytime television to host her television service provider to find your Health Channel on cable and satellite. proach with the show and and I think she really de- Twain will premiere Why Not? in own talk show on OWN. It will start way to OWN. This is not the first time Winfrey has starting discussing unified served it, because she has April. Father-daughter actors Ryan to air after the Oprah Winfrey Show ventured into cable television, as she topics in greater depth. been through obstacles and and Tatum O’Neal. are also filming a ends.. network co-founded the Oxygen network. Throughout the 25 years of has overcome them to end show for OWN. Because the network is in its Dana Harrison, 16, is a junior at Oprah Winfrey launched the syn- the show, Winfrey has intro- up on top.” There are also shows from Dis- youth, most advertisements seem to Wootton HS in Rockville, Md. Entertainment t Young D.C. t Winter 2011 Winter 2011 t Young D.C. Omnivorous Reader Listening to America and redicovering the

Blue HenAlex GreenhillState Young D.C. Say It Loud! Great Speeches on Civil Rights and African American Identity Say It Loud is an anthology of speeches chronicling the civil rights movement full circle from Malcolm X to Barack Obama. The sequel to Say It Plain, it may ex- ceed its predecessor for teen readers because it is more contemporary. It shows social progress. The book collects speeches from all walks of life from a president, to award winning playwrights to grass-roots activists. Each speech documents a different stage of the middle of the civil rights movement brilliantly . The editors start chapters with background information to give the reader information on the speakers. Also, the book includes a CD containing clips from many of the original speeches. Say it Loud is more of a reference book than anything else. The speeches range from advocating conversion to Islam by Malcolm X and Bobby Seal’s threatening style to downright invigorating words by Ella Baker and Michael Eric Dyson. Dy- son’s “Has the Black Middle Class Lost its Mind?” is OR’s favorite. Beyond the rhetoric of Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama, Michael Eric Dyson stood out from the others because he challenges stereotypes. It was moving, comedic and sent an important message for all of us. Although he—like President Obama—is too young to have been influential during the 60’s, his speech echoes the leaders of the past. Although he is a college professor today, he has great insight into people who have experienced ridicule and prejudice first hand. He was one of them in the 1970s as a gang member and unwed teen father in Detroit. Anyone with curiosity about the civil rights movement should read Say It Loud! and learn about some of the key players who helped make the movement a momen- tous part of our American culture. Say It Loud! Edited by Catherine Ellis and Stephen Drury Smith The New Press reader who gets these obscure Edgar Rice Bur- 304 pages roughs references. This seems to be the only $35, comes with CD complaint. Does it distract readers to figure out such references? I have to say it doesn’t really matter. Pals in Peril is one of those series that Jasper Dash and The Flame-Pits of Delaware you can pick up and just enjoy. Readers don’t Omnivorous Reader first must warn you that this book is extremely, dizzy- really need to have read any of the three Jasper ingly ridiculous. Jasper Dash and the Flame-Pits of Delaware is a part of M. T. Dash predecessors in a specific order–or at all. Anderson’s funny Pals in Peril series. In each book, he twists a different genre and The characters really keep the book going. turns it inside out, spilling the chuckling remains on paper. Jasper, with his wild inventions that are simulta- Flame Pits gives a new, thrilling and knee-slapping twist on adventure stories. neously futuristic and hopelessly out of date. It centers around three characters: Lily, Katie and the title’s British adventurer Jasper Like the computer that can be mobile with the Dash. Living in the drab town of Pelt, they discover a sinister operation that whisks assistance of a cumbersome cart. Katie, the them away to the mysterious Blue Hen State. In an afterword, Anderson himself vampire hunter and Jasper’s best friend is a states that he has never been to Delaware, yet he turns the state into a fantastic yarn great sidekick. To top it off Anderson give us of a place of jungles, secret monasteries and unbelievably weird characters. The sto- Lily, the everyday girl who strives to find out what is going on most of the time. ry is so strange that even the characters themselves blatantly point it out at times. As candy for the brain, Jasper Dash and the Flame-Pits of Delaware has a very Readers encounter everything from gangsters to kangaroo-riding cannibals. sweet and satisfying effect. If you’re bored with reality or want to learn what profes- There is almost nothing bad OR can say about it. The book had fun characters sional staring contests are like, then give this book a read. enjoyable jokes and extremely detailed, albeit apocryphal, settings. The plot is con- Jasper Dash and The Flame-Pits of Delaware fusing at times and some chapters are only a few page. However, the 448 pages go by M.T. Anderson by quickly. It’s not the great American novel exactly, but it is something different. Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster I’d prefer to think of it as a piece of candy for your brain. It’s laughably saccharine 448 pages and deliberately clichéd but very enjoyable all the same. $6.99, paperback What OR loves about this book is not just the humor but the vast, exotic world the author creates for this flat, tiny state. Then there is homage to movies like King Alex Greenhill, 16, is a junior at The Lab school of Washington in the Dis- Kong and the Indiana Jones series. It also pays its respects to old-fashioned books trict of Columbia. of the early 20th century such as John Carter of Mars. OR just hasn’t met another Young D.C. t Winter 2011 Winter 2011 t Young D.C. Sp o r t s Hu m o r GWU alumni return to center court celebrating Gray and other colors Andrew Pollowitz Young D.C. Jan 5, the George Washington Colonials faced La Salle at the Charles E. Smith Center on the GW campus. In the middle of the first quarter during a time out there was a special presentation. Vincent C. Gray, the newly inaugurated D.C. mayor, was welcomed to the floor. Gray graduated from GW in 1964. He was joined by members from his 1960s fraternity basketball team. “Sometimes we would draw a bigger crowd than the varsity,” Gray told The Washington Post. The GW basketball team was all white until 1967. Gray played intramural basketball for his GW fraternity, Tau Epsilon Phi. TEP had been all white and mostly Jewish until inducting Gray. TEP brothers and basketball teammates Ste- phen Haenel, Neil Hausig, Garry Lyle and Norm Neverson were on hand Jan. 5 to surprise Gray. Gray told the Washington Post, “I love that GW did this for me. It brings back memories of the Tin Tabernacle.” The Tin Tabernacle, home to the intramu- ral teams of its era, stood on the GW quad. When it was torn down, its center court circle was saved. GW displays it on an inside wall of the Smith Center. YDC covered the game for www.youngdc.org/sportslog. GW defeated La Salle, 72-67.

Andrew Pollowitz, 18, is a senior at the Lab School of Washington in the Screenshots from http://www.youtube.com/user/discovergw District of Columbia. Top, TEP teammates Neil Hausig, Norm Neverson, Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Garry Lyle stand in front of the center court circle from the Tin Tabernacle, a GW athletic facility that was torn down in 1976. Alex Greenhill, 16, is a junior at The Lab school of Washington in the District of Columbia. 16, is a junior at The Lab school of Washington Alex Greenhill, Bottom, GW Chairman of the Board of Trustees Russ Ramsey, Mayor Gray, GW President Steven Knapp and WTOP political analyst/GW alumnus Mark Plotkin enjoy GW Colonials vs. La Salle Explorers game Jan. 5. Macaroons and me: oh, so deceptively simple archery•badminton•baseball Lisa Hu done. I had successfully managed to confuse myself abandoned the idea and whisked it all together. •basketball• Young D.C. even further. A good 45 minutes later, I poured the batter into Cooking is not my forte. And baking? Even less My next decision wasn’t my brightest moment two bowls and mixed in some food coloring. I think bobsledding•bowling so. I can really only cook one thing; eggs. It’s the only either. I decided to just wing it on the first step, com- this is the only step I managed to do without mistake. •boxing• canoeing•cross country•cycling thing I’ve managed to make in the kitchen that tastes bining the almond paste and powdered sugar. After a Then I (kind of) piped them through a pastry bag onto •fencing•football•golf• delicious. I can make sandwiches, but let’s be honest, good 30 minutes, I’d hand rolled the two ingredients a cookie sheet and stuck them in the oven. that doesn’t actually constitute as actual cooking. together. Feeling like I now had a grip on things, I While my macaroons were baking, I made lemon hockey•judo•lacrosse•rowing• As for baking, I’ve always preferred to watch, but cracked four eggs, separated the whites into a bowl and buttercream filling. This was ridiculously easy. I had skating•skiing•swimming recently decided to entertain my idea of hand-making plugged in the electric mixer. After two minutes of left the butter out to soften at room temperature and macaroons. Let me just say that macaroons are basi- beating, I added the sugar and waited for them to rise combined it into a bowl with powdered sugar. After I •tennis•track and field•volleyball•water cally delicate pieces of deliciousness, essentially made and take shape. The end result was fluffy. had whisked them together, I added some lemon zest. polo up of egg whites, almonds and sugar. Sounds simple The next step consisted of folding the dry almond Just as I triumphed over the filling, I smelled •weightlifting•wrestling• enough right? Readers, do not be fooled. I have come paste plus powdered sugar into the wet sweetened egg something burning and panicked. After pulling the to the realization that making macaroons cannot be whites. Things progressively worsened. trays out of the oven, I saw that my flat deformed mac- compared to brownie mix from a box. Wanting to remedy my mistakes as quickly as I aroons were now slightly more burned than I had Has an amateur athlete After buying my supplies, I set everything up in could; I called my mom to come to my aid. My mom wanted. I picked out the best ones and sandwiched in your sport been profiled my kitchen. From there, things start to get fuzzy. A few was not the least bit happy with me when she discov- them together with the lemon buttercream filling. weeks ago, I had found a fairly easy recipe online, call- ered the kitchen in disarray and me in a state of despair. My Frankenstein macaroons were certainly more in YDC lately? ing for only sugar, eggs and almond paste. That was After successfully cleaning off the granulated and quirky than delicate, but they were every bit as deli- YDC is looking for profile prospects and much too vague for me as I faced the ingredients, I powdered sugar that had managed to spill all over the cious as its traditional counterpart. Googled and scrolled and clicked until I had several countertop, I asked her what folding meant in cooking recruiting reporters. tabs up on my web browser. One would think that after terms. She, just like me, was puzzled over applying the Lisa Hu, 16, is a junior at Thomas S. Wootton HS Send us an e-mail: such thorough research of several different macaroon term to the ingredients we faced. in Rockville, Md recipes, I would have had what I needed to begin. Once again, I turned to Google to solve this, and [email protected] Turns out, consulting differing recipes on the same watched a how-to video on folding. I began folding pastry was not the most intelligent thing I could have them together but after an unsuccessful 15 minutes, t Winter 2011 t Young D.C. t Viewpoints Vi e w p o i n t s Young D.C. Winter 2011 Soapbox shares info on laws proposed by Rep. Gohmert and Rep. McCarthy and asks local teens Paper teaches a lesson I’d What are your views on gun control and

What’s your topic for YDC to tackle in Viewpoints? why do you think it is important? never have learned online The editors would love to hear about things that inform, concern, Compiled by Christina Lee and Abby Melick Christina Lee, 17, is a junior at Oakton HS in Vienna, Va. Christina Lee it came out. I sat back down on the bench to inspire, disappoint or drive you crazy. Young D.C.- Abby Melick, 15, is a sophomore at Woodrow Wilson SHS in the District of Columbia Young D.C. reiterate my last attempt. This time I couldn’t Send your Viewpoints idea to [email protected] The first time I picked up Young D.C. put it down: How could have missed THIS About Viewpoints was when my friend accidentally left it at my article? Oh, so THAT’S what happened– Unsigned Viewpoints articles, or editorials, convey the opinions house. I skimmed through the pages and no- that’s not what I heard. of the Young D.C. editorial board. Any Viewpoint or column that has a ticed several novel thoughts. However, I was After much reading and contemplation, byline or is signed by the author reflects the opinion of the individual more engrossed that day with Ann Hornaday’s I realized I want to pursue journalism. I don’t author. It is not necessarily the opinion of Young D.C., its editorial review of the filmAn Education in The Wash- want to be the one reading about the events. board or staff. ington Post. I want to the voice of young people who want Young D.C. welcomes letters to the editor, comments and sub- Eventually, I and my friend–who didn’t to share their experiences. missions from teens (in school or not) for all sections of the newspa- retrieve his copy–forgot about the paper and Interlochen was a medley of cultures and per. Please enclose name, address and telephone number on all cor- went on with our lives. talents. We were united through art and music. respondence. A few months later, I was annotating Because of the diversity, our experiences were The Scarlet Letter for a summer reading as- richer and deeper. What I appreciate most Address correspondence to signment. It was break time at Interlochen about Young D.C. is that each of the staff Young D.C. Managing Editor In a city with a strong po- I believe gun control is a “I don’t think guns should “For self-defense pur- I think that no one should Summer Arts Camp. I noticed a girl sitting members effectively shows his or her voice 1904 18th Street, NW lice force, and home security good thing.It reduces the risk be allowed because it is meant poses, I don’t think it should have guns for any reason. Sta- next me was reading Young D.C. Interlochen and outlook. I enjoy being in this kind of di- Washington, DC 20009 systems, it is unnecessary for that these weapons could fall for hunting others. Even for be completely banned. There tistics show that it takes too is in MICHIGAN. Assuming she was from verse community where people listen to each Young D.C., Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to anyone to own a gun. There is into the wrong hands, and also self-defense, you shouldn’t kill should definitely be certain re- long for people to load guns the DMV, I asked her if she brought the copy other’s ideas and just do what they love do- create opportunities for young people from diverse racial, ethnic, geo- no need for this type of self de- reduces the risk of people get- that person. Murder is never strictions and limits, but for for self-defense reasons. By from home. She turned to the front page. ing. graphic and economic backgrounds to work together to develop a re- fense, and these weapons are ting hurt by them.What’s more the answer.” self-defense, I don’t think it the time you load and set your “No, I live in LA,” she laughed. My cabin sponsible, independent media voice. often used to harm others irra- though is that guns should be Sabrina Kim, 17 should be outlawed.” gun, you would have already mate is from Virginia and I’m borrowing it. Christina Lee, 17, is a junior at Oakton Its program encourages teens to examine new territory in the tionally. So while I think that thought of as defensive weap- Oakton HS Suzanne Kim, 16 been killed. Guns should be It’s neat. Wanna read it?” HS in Vienna, Va. region’s fragmented society to produce this newspaper. In the pro- gun control regulations are ons only. I don’t think its a Vienna, Va. Langley HS banned all together, they are “Thanks,” I accepted, without revealing cess, its editors, reporters, photographers, cartoonists, illustrators and important, wouldn’t it be bet- good idea for any laws to pass McLean, Va. just killing machines that never that I had superficially “read” this issue when interns develop skills for college and career. ter for everyone if we got rid that give guns any more prom- truly end up helping anybody, of gun usage all together? inence in society than they al- just make situations worse. Elizabeth Foshburgh ready have. Ciara Mackey Zandertoon Woodrow Wilson HS AJ Harris Woodrow Wilson HS District of Columbia Woodrow Wilson HS District of Columbia District of Columbia

Guns should be controlled “Gun control laws should I personally think people “I think [high capacity magazines] by very strict requirements and be enforced more stringently in D.C. shouldn’t be allowed should be outlawed. Since they give any- legislation, but they shouldn’t be than they have been in previ- to carry guns around...guns are one the chance to use these weapons, a banned outright because many ous years. The danger guns really easy to access illegally lot of people misuse the purpose, for ex- people need them for protection. pose far outweighs their recre- as it is. Why should we legal- ample the Arizona shootings or Virginia Guns should be issued only after ational use.” ize [this]? They can fall into Tech shootings. How many more of these strict background checks and Madlin Mekelburg, 15 the wrong hands and there can unexpected shootings are we going to al- should be made inaccessible to Oakton HS be serious consequences be- low? So, I think they should make stricter those with mental issues and to Vienna, Va. cause of it. rules/laws as to who can own them.” felons or ex-felons. Camila Salvador Ashita Stephen, 19 Kevin Maldonado Washington George Mason University Alex Greenhill, 16, is a junior at Woodrow Wilson HS International School Fairfax County, Va. The Lab school of Washington in District of Columbia District of Columbia the District of Columbia. Young D.C. t Winter 2011

TAKE A STEP TOWARD HOLLYWOOD SHOOT. EDIT. SUBMIT. PENDRAGWN YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL MAY 15, 2011 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC.

For Ages 11 - 18

Created by the Pendragwn Film Foundation, We invite YOU, the best and the brightest PYFF seeks to contribute to society through 11 to 18 year olds, to participate in the the power of story-telling by helping talented inaugural year of PYFF. youth grow as fi lmmakers and artists. Make us laugh, make us cry, educate us Have fun with friends and family during the or give us hope but do it through fi lm. fi lmmaking process and come see your fi lm YOU choose the story, YOU provide on the big screen! the content and YOU produce YOUR fi lm.

Submission Deadline is April 15th 2011 www.pendragwnyouthfilmfest.org