CELEBRATING POSITIVE CHOICES

■ FEATURED PERSONALITY WINTLEY PHIPPS: SETTING THE STANDARD ■ HUFFIN' DEATH LISTEN is a monthly drug-prevention magazine for teens that teaches life skills, success tips, drug facts, and the advantages of a lifestyle free from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

F ea t u r es

Wintley Phipps: Setting the Standard by Clifford Goldstein 4 His singing has taken him all over the world. He's met such famous people as the pope, , and George Bush. Throughout it all, his motto remains: You don't have to compromise to be recognized.

Interdiction by K. T. Choi 8 It started with the smell of marijuana in the school bathroom. It ended with a flight of U.S. Army helicopters—and an eighth-grader's decision to get involved.

Let's Talk About Sex: Looking for Love (Part two) by Len McMillan 12 You should acknowledge sexual desires during dating—but save the fulfillment for a permanent marriage relationship.

High-Tech Terror by Glen Robinson 16 Whether you're staring down a 14-story plunge or hurtling 70 miles per hour through corkscrews, roller coasters are out to get you.

Huffin' Death by Kevin Waite 20 It's an easy high: quick, cheap, available, no hassles with the law. But with each breath, inhalants give you more than you bargained for.

4 V• Depa en .4;

Just Between Us "Telling It Like It Is" 3 Graffiti Invisible 15 Dear Becki I just want to stay friends! 19 The Prime Times Against All Odds 23 Ask the Cannons Am I addicted to food? 25 And So Forth Earthquack 26 Listen Up! The Good, the Bad, and the Zucchini 28 Puzzles Tennis Search 30 16 Poster The Ultimate Thrill 31 2 • LISTEN • August 1991 FRONT COVER PHOTO BY CHAD SLATTERY / TSW

JUST BETWEEN US YOUR CREW

Editor Lincoln E. Steed Associate Editor Glen Robinson Telling It Like It Is Designer Merwin Stewart Design Assistant Robert Mason We get a lot of letters here at the LISTEN editorial offices. I Editorial Secretary Linda Andregg mean, a lot. Piles of them. All over my desk. And thank you for EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS them all. Keep them coming. We love to hear from you. Winton Beaven, Ph.D.; Galen Bosley, Dr.H.Sc., Just the other day I opened a letter with a special challenge. R.D.; Carolyn Burns; Paul and Carol Cannon; Don Cooper, M.D.; Hans Diehl, M.P.H.; Robert The letter dared me to "tell it like it is." Attached to the note was DuPont, M.D.; Mary Eldershaw; Kevin a newspaper clipping. "Tell your readers about Katie Lutz," Freeman; Zhennaa Gallagher; G. Gordon Hadley, M.D.; Patricia Mutch, Ph.D.; Thomas R. challenged the letter. And so I will. Neslund; G.L. Plubell, Ph.D.; Stoy Proctor, I wish Katie's story was a curiosity: a one-in-a-million M.P.H.; Gunter Reiss, Dr.H.Sc., M.P.H.; Francis tragedy. But I'm afraid it only illustrates the worst-case scenario A. Soper, Litt.D.; Elizabeth Sterndale, R. N., for a common teen problem. M.S.; Becki Trueblood; DeWitt Williams, Ph.D. The headline from the December 13, 1990, Lansing State Jour- ART CONSULTANTS nal, Michigan, says "Teen Tragedy!" Next to the headline is the Ed Guthero, Lars Justinen picture of a beautiful teen named Katie Lutz. And beneath her DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY name "1974-1990." You see, Katie, only just 16 years old, died in Cathy Cleveland, Russell Holt, Lars Justinen, the early hours of the morning after her birthday party. She died Diane Lang, Rick Robinson Editorial Office of an alcohol overdose. She'd been drinking vodka with friends. P.O. Box 7000, Boise, ID 83707. A lot of the story focuses on April Kline, Katie's 16-year-old Subscription Rates best friend. April is not smiling in the newspaper picture. She is In U.S.A., $24.95 for 12 issues. In all other shocked and heartbroken at the way she lost a friend. The party countries, $27.95. started out as good, clean fun. First a concert, then a sweet-16 To Order In U.S.A. (except Alaska), call toll free 1-800- party at Katie's house. "We cut the cake and fed it to her—she 545-2449. had it all in her hair," says April in bittersweet recollection. In Alaska and , call (208) 465-2500 (not toll free). Then Katie left home with two other friends for another party. Or write to P.O. Box 7000, Boise, ID 83707. It was her birthday, so her parents gave a special late-night Payment coming from outside U.S.A. (including Canada) must be in U.S. dollars by bank draft curfew. April had planned to go too, but the plans fell through. drawn on a U.S. bank or by international postal She never saw Katie again. Katie was unconscious when her money order. "friends" returned her home. Second-class mail privileges authorized at That's no way to party. The paper reported that "students Boise, Idaho. Form 3579 requested. Litho in the who knew her said the way she died has caused them to re- United States of America. Copyright © 1991 by Pacific Press Publishing examine their thinking about alcohol, which—despite laws to Association, P.O. Box 7000, Boise, ID 83707. the contrary—is a way of life for American high-school Printed in U.S.A. students." This publication is available in microfilm from Xerox University Microfilms, 300 North Zeeb LISTEN magazine is dedicated to educating today's teenagers Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. (313) 761-4700. about the destructive effects of alcohol and other drugs. We're Write publisher for complete information. dedicated to the premise that life can be so much more

rewarding without these false highs. PiejaIDLIF We talk and write a lot about drugs. Drugs are bad, bad news. AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR IRE EDP RE 99 And not just for the junkies in a shooting gallery. In some way, PREVENTION OF ADDICTION everyone who messes with drugs messes up their life. But the sad story of Katie underscores what we know only too ATHLETES well, something all the statistics prove clearly. For teenagers, the

drug of choice is still overwhelmingly alcohol. And the facts are 04, that alcohol is every bit as physically and socially deadly as "hard" drugs. Here's the message: Stay away from alcohol. Katie Lutz would AGAINST DRUGS be alive today if she'd followed that advice. LISTEN (ISSN 0024-435X), August 1991, volume 44, number 8, is published monthly by Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1350 North Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687, U.S.A. For the U.S.A.: one-year sub- scription $24.95 (U.S.). Second-class postage paid at Nampa, Idaho. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LISTEN, P.O. Box 7000, Boise, ID 83707. August 1991 • LISTEN • 3 WINTIE PHIPPS SETTING THE STANDARD 4 • LISTEN • August 1991 ne of singer Wintley Wintley Phipps's motto: "You Phipps's most exciting don't have to compromise to moments began with a be recognized." phone call one Tues- And Wintley has not com- day afternoon. An- promised—not his family, his swering the phone at music, or his morals—in order his home in Columbia, to be a success. Not that he Maryland, Wintley spoke to a hasn't had opportunities. woman who said that she Indeed, when you hear worked for . Wintley sing on any one of his Having heard him when he nine albums (he was nom- had sung a few days earlier on inated for two Grammys), you the public television show can hear the conviction, the "Tony Brown's Journal," fire of his words. He is a man Diana Ross was moved to who sings about what he tears and said, "Find that believes, songs of hope that guy!" The employee was now come from his heart. calling to ask Wintley Phipps Born in Trinidad, Wintley if he would sing as a soloist at grew up in Canada, where he Diana Ross's upcoming began to sing as a child. It all wedding outside Geneva, started when his mother . invited him to sing at a church Wintley thought it was a choir in Toronto. The choir joke. "Anyone can call up and director, impressed by his say they work for Diana voice, invited him to join the Ross," he says. "But the more I choir, which he did. Thus he talked to her, the more con- began to sing and travel and vinced I became that it was for hasn't slowed down since. He real. Of course, I said that I is often in the air twice a would." week. A few months later, he flew "If I were offered one to Switzerland, compliments million dollars by IBM to of Diana Ross. After several travel this much," he says, "I mad dashes from hotels to wouldn't do it. However, limousines to avoid all the because I believe that my reporters who followed Diana music can influence people for Ross's entourage to Switzer- good, I do all that traveling." land, he stood inside a tenth- His singing and traveling century church that looked have taken him all over the like monks still lived there. world, and he has met many Only there were no monks famous people, including the His singing has taken that day. Instead, it was filled pope, Ronald Reagan, George him all over the world. with guests, which included Bush, Brooke Shields, Quincy He's met such famous Gregory Peck and Stevie Jones, and Alex Haley. He has Wonder (Stevie sang at the sung with some great singers, people as the pope, reception), as well as reporters too, including popular artist Ronald Reagan, and from all over the world. Patti LaBelle. George Bush. Behind Wintley, a 50-voice Another time Wintley choir from Norway, dressed found himself on, of all Throughout it all, his in green and white, provided shows, "Saturday Night motto remains: You the background. And there, Live." Here, too, however, he don't have to before this crowd, Wintley didn't need to lower his 1 Phipps sang. standards to the bawdy compromise to be As he stood before all these ruckus that has made "Satur- recognized. famous people, one thought day Night Live" famous. came to his mind, a thought "Everything was different that has been, in many ways, for me when I sang," he said. Clifford Goldstein August 1991 • LISTEN • 5 "They knew it was a serious "share the moment." moment. They even changed At first, Wintley said No, the backdrop for me. Every- simply because he didn't want one knew that it was a serious to travel across the country and moment—and it was. I sang, "just hang around." But then 'Lord, Tell Me Again That Jesse said, "I'm working on You Love Me.' " Indeed, only something." Wintley Phipps could get Having no idea what, away with singing a gospel Wintley agreed, thinking song on "Saturday Night perhaps Jesse would have him Live." sing at a party or some small Wintley is the ultimate get-together. teetotaler. He doesn't drink "After I arrived, however," alcohol at all, doesn't use Wintley said, "it appeared that drugs, doesn't smoke what Jesse was working on "Lights, balloons, cigarettes. He doesn't even was bigger than ng else I drink coffee. had ever done signs, and suddenly "I tried a little alcohol as a Jesse had w out for the music went on, teenager," he says, "but Wintley to sing just before he didn't like it. I realized then himself would speak before the and here I am, that once I used any drugs or convention, which was to be Wintley Phipps, alcohol I would lose control aired over national television. of my faculties, something Unfortunately, those intro- singing before 100 that I just didn't want to do. ducing Jesse took too long, and million people all The consequences are too because the organizers wanted risky. Doing something and their main speaker to have all over America— then not remembering what the time that he could, they the most pivotal you did? That's not for me." canceled Wintley. "I was disap- In his travels, Wintley does pointed," Wintley said, "but I moment in my speak to youth groups, and he just accepted it." whole life." always gives them a drug-free Jackson gave a moving message. When he sings, he speech, and then he called always tries to uplift people, Wintley up to the microphone to inspire them, to give them and told him to sing. hope. His life is an example, "There I was, in Mosconi too, that you don't have to Center in San Francisco," says sell your soul or your Wintley. "Lights, balloons, principles to be successful. signs, and suddenly the music And you don't need to use went on, and here I am, drugs. Wintley Phipps, singing before "I don't have to spend time 100 million people all over in smoky joints, cheap bars, America—the most pivotal among dopers, to succeed at moment in my whole life. I what I do," he says. "I didn't knew then and there that I have to do it, and I wouldn't. would have a chance to impact You don't have to com- on more people than ever promise." before. I sang 'Ordinary Another exciting time for People.' It wasn't until I got Wintley Phipps, the man who home that I knew that folks won't compromise, came were crying from that song all from a good friend of his, over America. And more than Jesse Jackson. The former ever did I realize, again, what I presidential candidate was to have been saying all along— speak at the 1984 Democratic you don't have to compromise National Convention in San to be recognized." Francisco, and he asked Indeed, Wintley is living Wintley if he would come and proof that you don't. 6 • LISTEN • August 1991 MEYLAN THORESEN / R&H

MEYLAN THORESEN / R&H

K. T. Choi My personal war with him their laughter floating after began in that bathroom. I me like smoke. The Big Island of Hawaii has pushed open the door and At lunch I told Mark earthquakes, tidal waves, and caught the smell of marijuana. Watanabe and Sammy Chin eruptions. I considered Ned It was Ned, of course, and about it. "I'm doing my Kahele moving to our street Kalani DeMotta. "Hey, what science project on how long a the greatest disaster of them you doing out of class?" person can last without using all. "I gotta go," I replied. the bathroom. Someone will At 16, Ned was the oldest "Aw, he's gotta go. He's set a record this year," Mark eighth-grader in the history of gonna wet his pants." observed. our school. He quickly joined "Gee, Ned, maybe he "This is serious," I replied. three other punks in a terrorist should wear diapers." They "How can one guy freak out a group that extorted money, came toward me. whole school?" even from girls. They owned "Maybe he already does. "When the guy's Ned," the main bathroom. Let's see." I turned and fled, Sammy answered.

It started with the smell of marijuana in the school bathroom. It ended wit

8 • LISTEN • August 1991 ILLUSTRATION BY KEVIN BEILFUSS "I'm reporting him. Maybe smeared. He complained to That day, by the time I'd he'll get expelled." the Kaheles. Since then, changed clothes and done my "Are you nuts?" Sammy "someone" had slashed homework, my parents were exclaimed. "Mr. Maeda will Sammy's bike tires, dislodged home. I'd forgotten to make bring you all into his office. their mailbox, and let the cows rice, and my mother chewed It's your word against theirs. out of their pasture. These me out. They'll get a warning, and days, Sammy stayed at school I tried explaining about you'll be doomed." and rode home with his dad. Ned. I should've known Sammy knew what he was I still took the bus. It's only better. Mom wanted to call the talking about. He lived half- 15 minutes by the road from principal right away, which way between the Kaheles and the stop to my house. Because was a sure way of getting me me. One day Ned was throw- of Ned, though, I got off a killed. Dad gave me that ing rotten guavas at passing stop later and doubled back speech about standing up to cars. Mr. Chin almost crashed through the pastures. It took bullies. when his windshield was about 35 minutes. "Bobby, I know what it's light of army helicopters—and an eighth-grader's decision to get involved.

August 1991 • LISTEN • 9 like. In 'Nam, I got hassled by Mark and I were labeling gang made so much noise some of my own men for parts of the newspaper when I swearing and horsing around being a lap.' But I stood up to noticed the Crime Stoppers that I didn't have to actually them, and eventually they ad. "Yes!" I thought. Crime keep them in sight. stopped." Stoppers receives confidential I discovered that while Ned Like all Miyashiro men, my information about criminals. If and his crew were a big deal father was short but solid. I'd I could find out where and at our school, on the high- seen him handle a six-foot-tall when Ned was getting his school campus they were drunk. My 92 pounds dope, I could get him busted. nobody. I wondered why they wouldn't stand up to Ned's And if he was pushing, he'd went there at all until I saw 180 for long, though. go to Boys' Home for sure. Ned passing plastic bags to The next day in English, I began tailing him. His some seniors behind the metal

I tried out a dozen schemes in my head, from a hidden camera to invisible powder like they use on ransom money.

10 • LISTEN • August 1991 ILLUSTRATION BY KEVIN BEILFUSS shop. He was pushing! Now keeping an eye out for mari- where was he getting it? I knew how long juana during their islandwide On day 15 of my stakeout, it takes to arrest, training flights. All I had to do Ned set off for the tree line was find a way to call at- above Chins' pasture. When try, and convict tention to Ned's patch. we got into the woods, I someone. Who'd I thought I had made good tracked him mostly by sound. time running away from Ned. Which turned out to be a good protect me in the That day I set a land speed thing, because after a while, meantime? I record getting home and he turned around and headed returning—with Dad's flare back the same way he'd come. didn't sleep gun. Two blasts, and I heard I just had time to crouch much that night. the sweet sound of converging behind some rocks before he copters. I took off. came down the path. That night's news an- He was carrying a green nounced that the army no- garbage bag. All right! His could pull up the plants. tified Big Island police of stash was back there. I waited I was creeping along to the another growing area as "part until I was sure he was well side of the path when I spot- of a continuing program of away, then hurried home. ted a trip wire. It was trans- interdiction." All right, I was After supper, I slipped into parent fishing line. I traced it "interdiction"! my parents' bedroom and to the fork of a tree. Balanced I hadn't anticipated all the called Crime Stoppers. on one limb was a concrete consequences, though. Like "Hawaii County Police flowerpot filled with nails. If how buyers would react to a Department." that had fallen on my head, supplier who didn't deliver. "Uh, I want to report I'd have been a goner. As we poured out of after- someone growing marijuana. This whole detective noon homeroom one day, 12 His name is . . ." business was more dangerous of the toughest guys from the "Wait a minute, son. De- than I thought. I was heading high school were heading scribe exactly where the place home in discouragement toward our bus ramp. is to one of your parents and when I heard the sound of Usually school fights are have them call us. We'll assign choppers overhead. I waved, mostly shoving and wrestling. you a code name, and if we wondering which one carried These guys were like the find the field and catch the my dad with his latest batch movies. One grabbed Ned's grower, there'll be a reward." of trainees. Then I had my arms and held them behind "Why does it have to be a brainstorm. his back while another parent? Aren't kids citizens The army assists the Drug pounded on him. too?" Enforcement Agency by Then we heard sirens. Four "Sorry, the rule is adults police officers dragged the only." high-school kids to their cars. I hung up in disgust. The They had to call the para- whole idea was to remain I was creeping medics for Ned, though. He anonymous. If I told an adult, along the side of just lay on the ground, crying, Ned would find out, and I'd until the ambulance came. be worse off than ever. I knew the path when I That night, I kept seeing how long it takes to arrest, try, spotted a trip those guys punching him. I'd and convict someone. Who'd dreamed of doing that for protect me in the meantime? I wire. I traced it months. Now it made me sick. didn't sleep much that night. I to the fork of a I was glad, though, that he tried out a dozen schemes in wouldn't be selling any more my head, from a hidden tree. Balanced on dope. camera to invisible powder one limb was a When he came back to like they use on ransom school, he'd still be a punk, money. concrete flower- but I was learning there are That Saturday, as soon as pot filled with ways to deal with punks. Ned and his friends caught Tomorrow I'd talk Sammy the bus to town, I headed for nails. into taking the bus with me his crop. I thought maybe I again. 0 August 1991 • LISTEN • 11

s e LOOKING FOR LOVE (PART TWO)

• • LETS' TALK ABOUT • • • Romance and infatuation are both addictive and difficult to set aside once they have begun. A couple wants to spend more and • more time together, which rapidly uses up the 300-hour cushion available at the beginning of the relationship. Moreover, the laws of diminishing returns soon set in, and the couple finds it nec- • essary to resort to more and more intimate behavior in order to maintain the same level of excitement. STOP!! Does this mean that you might enter into a sexual relationship simply because • you are addicted to certain feelings? Yes! That is exactly what it means. So how can you control a relationship in order to prevent • premature sexual involvement? I recommend you follow the AAA method of control, which involves carefully monitoring: Attitude! Activities! and Accumulated time together. • Attitude: Many fall into premature sexual relationships because of a low self-esteem. Having a negative image of your- self can push you into an unhealthy relationship or premature • marriage in order to find affirmation. Your attitude should be one of respect. Respect yourself, and respect your partner in the relationship. Sexual desires should be • acknowledged during dating, but fulfillment should wait until you have established a permanent marriage relationship. By engaging in premarital sex, you are not acting in a caring • and responsible way toward yourself or your partner. In fact, you may very well be a stumbling block for your partner and cause him or her to act contrary to his or her own conscience to fulfill your needs. Such action is selfish at its best and terribly You should acknowl- destructive at its worst. By forcing your partner to choose be- tween their conscience and your demands, you may plant the edge sexual desires • seeds that will ultimately destroy your relationship. during dating—but Activities: Carefully monitor how you spend your time save the fulfillment for D together. Suggest a walk in a crowded park with friends rather than in a secluded woods alone. Working on projects together is a permanent marriage safer than making out in a parked car. Learn how to have fun relationship. together, not just turn each other on. Choose topics of con- • versation that will focus your thoughts on your partner's dreams and aspirations rather than on your sexual desires. One of the best ways to overcome your sexual urges, without • sex, is through rigorous physical activity. Playing a few fast sets II of tennis is a lot safer in a 300-hour relationship than necking • behind the bleachers. Len McMillan 12 • LISTEN • August 1991 ILLUSTRATION BY CONSUELO UDAVE • Accumulated Time Together: According to Jim Talley, author Pour yourself into your of Too Close Too Soon, the path from introduction to bedroom studies during the week and II/ takes an average of 300 hours of togetherness. Therefore, limit devote one or two nights to 411 the time you spend alone together. For example: If you dated one recreation and exercise. day a week from 7:00-11:00 p.m., it would take 1.5 years before Attend to your regular daily you reached 300 hours. However, if you increased your dating responsibilities that are often •111 frequency from once a week to every night, it would only take neglected during the dating 2.5 months to reach the same level. If you increased your dating stage. to every night plus weekends, you would arrive at the 300-hour After you've had 100 hours 1 level in six weeks. of dating, Talley recommends Monitoring your time spent in the relationship will help you that you seek counseling from 0 avoid many of the premature decisions often made in the heat of a professional counselor or 4 passion. Take time for yourself. Spend time doing things alone. your teacher. It is time to Devote special time to your family. Take time to be with other discuss your future together 111 friends you have been neglecting since meeting your partner. as a couple and make a mu- August 1991 • LISTEN • 13 • 11141 tual commitment to refrain from sexual intimacies until you minutes later, little Willie was marry. This discussion will bring all aspects of your relationship found playing in the back- into the light of day. It will allow you to speak openly and yard sandbox. His mother honestly about what each one of you wants from a permanent scolded him for leaving the relationship. Such discussions may reveal flaws in your relation- piano, but Willie protested, ship and cause you to rethink your commitment. It is better to "But, Mom, I finished first!" discover a mismatch now rather than after a marriage ceremony. No relationship will survive if In his comic strip "Momma," Mel Lazarus features Mary Lou one person leaves before the cuddling on the front porch with her boyfriend, and he is duet is perfected. Irreversible whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Momma is trying to eaves- damage is often done when drop from the two individuals rush into a window but can't supposedly permanent duet hear what's going that turns out to be a heart- on. When Mary Lou broken solo. finally comes back Actually, reserving sex for into the house, marriage makes you FREE! Momma asks, "Mary Free from an unwanted Lou, what did he pregnancy or a forced mar- whisper to you?" riage. Free from the complica- Mary Lou replies, tions and uncertainty of the "Ah, just love stuff, pill or an IUD. Free from Momma." sexually transmitted diseases, Momma replies, including AIDS. Free from "Decent 'love stuff' early sterilization caused by a can be spoken freely, sexually transmitted disease out loud. . . . Decent or an unwanted pregnancy. 'love stuff' can be Free from the guilt. Free from shouted from the the fear of conceiving a child • rooftops." Finally her voice reaches a resounding crescendo as you are not ready to support. • she shouts, "DECENT 'LOVE STUFF' CAN BE EMBROIDERED The passion of a moment ON SAMPLERS!" does not make you free; • Talley also recommends some helpful hints for controlling the instead, it may lead you into a • fires of passion while dating in a serious relationship: lifetime of bondage or regret. 1. Agree to limit your time alone together. It is much easier By learning (and prac- s when both agree to such limits. ticing) self-control you will 2. Plan your dates in advance rather than doing whatever feels become a better marriage good at the moment. partner. Wouldn't it be nice to s 3. Spend much of your dating time actively involved in school know you could trust your projects, sports, or other nonintimate activities. partner not to succumb to e 4. Refrain from all behaviors that sexually arouse your part- sexual temptations outside ner. To deliberately do so is manipulative and indicates an the marriage relationship? • immature attitude toward a permanent How can you trust relationship. someone who could 5. Avoid erotic literature, movies, or LETS' TALK ABOUT not practice that same • pictures. control before mar- 6. Exercise extreme control in obvi- riage? Also, by learn- s ously dangerous situations such as a ing self-control, you candlelight dinner, intimate mood will have the pleasure e music when alone, or even necking in of sharing this most the corner of the porch. intimate of all experi- • 7. Be open and honest with each other about behavior and ences with only one person in situations that turn you on or make it difficult for you to resist your life. This thought should • sexual intimacies. bring excitement and adven- • Someone wrote the editor of a magazine to ask how a couple ture into your marriage as could be assured of having a happy and harmonious marriage. you continue to explore the The editor answered with a story about two children who had third stage of your relation- • been told to practice a piano duet until it was perfect. A few ship for a lifetime. E • 14 • LISTEN • August 1991 They didn't hear her until they wanted to be Heard. They didn't see her The little girl sits waiting patiently by the until window. they wanted to be The rain is slowly starting to fall Seen. First in a drizzle, They didn't notice her Next, in sheets of rain. until she was . .. gone. The little girl's heart slowly starts to break. —Maricel Asuncion Mommy and Daddy? Los Osos, California Please come home. Remember?!?! You have a present for me. She sees two black figures slowly staggering toward home. Or is this home? My Dear Brother . . . Her hopes are lifted skyhigh As you go off to college Only to plunge to the depths. please do not forget me, They, for I am your sister, Her parents, are drunk. and shall always be. She turns away, At times it wasn't so good Hesitantly, and at others it wasn't so bad To shoo her little brothers to bed. but now that you are leaving Forcing a smile on her lips, I find myself very sad. She says .. . everything is going to be all right. Please forgive all the times —Charlotte Anderson that I hurt you, Port Hardy, British Columbia as I have forgiven those when you have hurt me too. I will miss having someone with whom to talk and joke around. For the tears of sadness She talked, but she was I am surely bound. not heard. She was with them, but I know I never say it she was not seen. although I know I should, She was invisible. for today is the big day She didn't exist in I guess I really could. the eyes of others— Unless they wanted I love you. Something —Michelle Liebe from her. Milbank, South Dakota

Each month, LISTEN Magazine looks for short, well-written, thought-provoking manuscripts from teenage writers. The subject may be anything that interests teenagers. Limited space lets us print only a few of the best entries, but if we print your poem (no longer than 20 lines, please), you'll receive a $10 prize. The author of a printed story or essay (300-500 words) is awarded $15 to $20. Address your submissions to "Graffiti," LISTEN Magazine, P.O. Box 7000, Boise, ID 83707. Be sure to tell us your age, and always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

HIGH-TECH

Glen Robinson

Whether you're staring down a 14-story plunge or hurtling 70 miles per hour through corkscrews, roller coasters are out to get you.

Demon. Viper. The Beast. Iron Wolf. Shock Wave. If you ride roller coasters, these are more than the scary names for different amusement rides. They stir up something inside you. Your heart beats faster, your step begins to quicken, your talk becomes more animated. You know what a roller coaster is all about. Whether you're staring down in horror at the 14-story plunge that awaits you from the crest of the Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas or hurtling 70 miles per hour through a series of corkscrews on the Viper of Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, roller coasters are out to get you. The only question in dispute: where can you find the fastest, scariest, tallest roller coaster? Some roller-coaster fanatics prefer the creaking sensation of the old wooden coasters. If that's your thing, then you should try The Beast at Kings Island outside Cincinnati. It's a coaster in the classic sense. It uses the contours of wooded hills to keep you from knowing what's ahead. Its first drop is 135 feet straight into an impossibly small tunnel. And that's just the beginning. It quickly speeds up to 65 miles per hour, banking and

ripping through tunnels. By the time the three-minute- RE

and-40-second ride is over, you "feel like a bug that's just TU EN

been sucked down the drain," as one rider put it. DV

Then there's the Riverside Park Cyclone in Agawam, T A

Massachusetts, termed the "most violent cyclone ever," REA G by William Cobb, its designer, who based its design on a AGS

bad case of indigestion. FL X

Perhaps you prefer pure speed. At this writing, the SI F

tallest, fastest roller coaster in the world is the Magnum O XL-200 at Cedar Point amusement park outside Sandusky, Ohio. At the peak of the first drop, you look RTESY OU down 20 stories to the bottom. Seconds later, you rocket C TO PHO

August 1991 • LISTEN • 17 18 •LISTEN •August 1991 1970s. Partofthereason is 1,500 intheU.S.1920s, cording to magazine, and farsaferthan riding yourbike. another designer. than merry-go-rounds,ac- they're safer.Howsafe? Safer that they're climbing steadilysincethe coasters availabletodayarea far cryfromtheestimated year," saysRonToomer, the numbershavebeen coasters increaseseachseason. "We buildthebiggestonein for taller,faster,scarier the worldjustaboutevery by atatopspeedof72miles tallest, thatrecordwillnot may nowbethefastestand remain forlong.Thedemand per hour! Though the200-plus Though MagnumXL-200 Rollercoaster! scarier—and yet aerobatics. Mostofthe scariness—comes intheform coasters designed,built,and of computertechnology, materials, andsophisticated ultramodern construction stomach, thebestplacetosit • is themiddle of thetrain. • ginner orhaveaqueasy drop—or the after arain,whenit'sslick. • • whip effect.Ifyou'reabe- the trackhaswarmed,or until theafternoon,when early orlateintheday. watch theparkrotate. your headtotheside—and Roller Coaster How toRidea first That safety—and The bestplacetositisthe On loopingcoasters,turn Want afasterride?Wait To avoidlonglines,ride car fortheviewof last car, forthe Naaaaah. when youride them? a littlemorecomfortable 221 millionrideslastyear), ever beforemakeyoufeel just ing thatthey'resaferthan (Americans tookanestimated fast, andscary.Doesn'tknow- airplane aerobatics—snap roller coastersarepopular new designallowsPipelineto rolls, steepdives,etc. center ofrotationatthe perform maneuverssimilarto wheels onthesidesinsteadof underneath, placingthe suspended coaster.Lastyear passenger's midsection.The lower onthetrack,with Pipeline, thenewcoastersits Clearfield, Utah.Inthesixties technology. Labeledthe they begantestrunsonthe source—Arrow Dynamicsof new generationofcoaster coaster; andinthe1980s, the corkscrewandlooping ride; intheseventiesitwas they pioneeredthelogflume ridden todaycomefromone There's nodisputingthat

OFS IXFLAGS MAGIC MOU NTAIN I love my girlfriend very much. What is the friend when you think you are in love. most important thing I can give to our I'm trying very hard to keep a good attitude at relationship? school, but a group of girls there are driving The key, in my book, to a good, healthy relation- me crazy. They cause problems for me all the ship is consistency, honesty, and a listening ear. time. I really don't know why. I've tried being You must be able to give 100 percent of yourself nice to them, but I think they really hate me. when needed while still keeping your individu- I'm so frustrated with this situation. What ality. You must be able to love unconditionally should I do? while allowing your mate to grow. Never stifle! Always look at a situation with an open mind, Many times girls cause problems for other girls realizing that even though you're in love you can because of jealousy. They may want something think differently about a situation. It's not bad to you have. The best way to get through to them is disagree. Believe in the other person. Always with kindness. If you've looked at the situation want the best for them. Realize truly loving and you can't think of anything you've done to someone is not an emotion—even though love is aggravate them, then continue doing as you are, extremely emotional. Keep the relationship and time will heal. Don't retaliate. It will only exciting. Those "little" things you did in the be- give them more reason to talk. Realize it's their ginning to get her attention—keep those alive. problem. Don't take the relationship for granted. Realize My parents and I think so differently, some- how very special she is and treat her that way! times I feel like I'm not even their child. How I've been friends with this guy for over a year do I get them to see my side of things? now, and yesterday he asked me out on a date. Parents and children have always had this com- I can tell he is beginning to want more than munication problem, and perhaps it will always just friendship. I don't want to hurt his feel- continue. Handle the situation in a mature way. ings, but I just want to stay friends. How can I Ask your parents if you can sit with them and let him know this without making him feel "discuss" the situation. Hear their side without bad? arguing and then ask if they will hear yours. Think it through before you discuss; parents are This is a touchy situation, and as hard as it may impressed by the maturity of their children. Then, be, you will have to be upfront with him about as hard as it may be, "wait" for their response. If your feelings. The longer you wait, the more they still do not see eye to eye with you, it's your uneasy you will feel. Explain to him how much decision how you will respond to them. One final you appreciate him as a person and that your note. I've learned to respect the fact that parents friendship with him means a great deal to you, do have the advantage of experience gained from but romantically, you just don't feel the same living through a lifetime of some of the same way. After a year's friendship, he knows your things we are just now facing. You could learn personality and will appreciate your honesty. from their advice and possibly save yourself Don't be surprised, though, if his first response is heartache. anger and your relationship is hindered for a while. He will need to put what you've told him If you have a question you would like Becki to into perspective. Give him time. Don't expect respond to, write Dear Becki, LISTEN magazine, things to be as they were. It's hard to act like a P.O. Box 7000, Boise, ID 83707. August 1991 • LISTEN • 19 Kevin Waite

H FF NI 111EATIM It's an easy high: quick, cheap, available, no hassles with the law. But with each breath, inhalants give you more than you bargained for. 2:00 p.m. Sixteen-year-old Alex doesn't know that in 45 minutes he'll be dead. For him it's just another hazy June afternoon. Time to really live. Time to huff cleaning fluid fumes from a plastic bag with his friends. It's an easy high: quick, cheap, available, no hassles with the law. But with each breath, Alex gets more than he bargained for. Inside his chest, the fumes attack his heart and weaken its ability to beat properly. Alex doesn't have a clue. There is no warning. 2:45. Time to die. Alex gets up. He feels like racing across the field. His legs are precision-cut gears; they churn faster and faster. The ground blurs. He's flying now. Then the pain hits, squeezing life from his body. His legs wobble uncertainly before grinding together. In a moment it's over, and he crumbles dead into the grass. Alex wasn't his real name, but his story is true. Experts call what happened to him "sudden sniffing death." Inhaling the wrong chemical sensitizes the heart to epinephrine, a natural hormone released by the body during stress or intense exercise. Normally the hormone increases blood sugar, gives a burst of energy to muscles, and stimulates the heart. The firing system in Alex's heart, however, had been thrashed by concentrated cleaning fluid fumes. Instead of making his heart beat stronger and faster, the epinephrine caused a few misfires and then a total system shutdown. Experts say the scary thing about inhalants is that it's impossible to predict what they'll do. Fumes don't always kill, but when they do, they can strike in different ways. Sudden sniffing death is only one example. ).- 20 • LISTEN • August 1991 PHOTO BY LARS JUSTINEN

Some users become so intoxicated that they North America, Great Britain, and for pass out and suffocate in their plastic sniffing recreational highs during the 1800s. Later the bags. Other teenagers, under inhalant influ- gases were used by physicians to ease child- ence, walk out in front of traffic and get birth and surgical pain. Experts warn that terminated. inhalation of anesthetics can cause nausea, vomiting, gas pains, dizziness, loss of con- Inhalants 101 sciousness, and respiratory arrest. The term inhalant is a catchall for any Nitrites have been taken for years by people chemical vapor sniffed through the nose or with heart problems to enlarge coronary arter- huffed through the mouth for a high. The ies and ease angina pain. The drug is also used effects on the body depend on what's being as an inhalant, because it expands blood vessels sniffed, the dose, the feelings and expectations in the brain, producing a feeling of euphoria. of the user, and whether any other drugs have Although nitrite sniffing can trigger severe been taken. headaches, coughing, fainting, dizziness, and Generally speaking, here's what happens: nausea, researchers have uncovered an even Inhaled vapors pass from the lungs directly more alarming side effect: cancer. Nitrites into the bloodstream, where they circulate combine with other chemicals in the body to throughout the body, depress the nervous form nitrosamines—among the most likely-to- system, and intoxicate the brain the way alco- cause-cancer substances known to man. hol does. Within seconds, the user experiences a variety of feelings: sudden warmth, The Safest Inhalant exhilaration, lightheadedness, excitement, In addition to side effects and possible death, euphoria, dizziness. regular inhalant use leads to tolerance and In addition to the kick, inhalants pack a dependence, according to the Addiction Re- posse of less-than-pleasant sidekicks. Depend- search Foundation of Ontario. Inhalant ing on the dose and the chemical used, these addiction, like addiction to other drugs, can can include cramps, headache, nausea, sneez- include both a physical hunger for the chemical ing, loss of self-control, drooling, confusion, and a psychological craving. ringing in the ears, blurred vision, coughing, It's better to skip the problems and not get hallucinations, sensitivity to light, slurred addicted in the first place, experts say. "Teen- speech, nosebleeds, loss of coordination, disori- agers who've experienced the hazards of entation, and seizures. inhalants agree the safest inhalant is none at all." "I never would've started sniffing if I'd Chemical Potpourri known how dangerous it could be," said one Drug experts divide inhalants into four basic former solvent sniffer. She got a second chance. groups: solvents, aerosols, anesthetics, and Too bad Alex didn't. nitrites. Each brings specific hazards to users. Solvents, the most commonly abused group, can be found in model airplane glue, paint thinner, nail-polish remover, felt-tipped markers, lighter fluid, gasoline, and hundreds of other household products. Manufacturers use solvents to dissolve other substances and to keep chemicals in a liquid or semiliquid form. One problem with this group of inhalants is that they continue to work even after entering the bloodstream; they dissolve substances the brain needs. "The more you saturate your brain with inhalant solvents, the more dysfunctional you become," Sharp says. "You can't think, you can't work, you can't function appropriately." Aerosols are the compressed gases mixed with products such as hair spray, deodorant, and spray paint to discharge them from the can. Anesthetics include ether, chloroform, and nitrous oxide. These three were whiffed in 22 • LISTEN • August 1991

Clowning around Keep it clean Start August off Promoting posi- on a positive tive lifestyles in- and fun note cludes a concern during National for the environ- Clown Week, PRIME ment. Make your August 1 to 7. own community For more infor- aware of that most precious mation, contact Clowns of commodity—our drinking America, Inc., 200 Powelton M S water—during National Wa- Ave., Woodlynne, NJ 08107. ter Quality Month. IDEAS FOR YOUR DRUG-FREE GROUP A LISTEN SPECIAL AUGUST 1991 She's succeeding against all odds The fudge swirls on top of the pan sterling attitude applauded by her Tara's return to school. Margi took of brownies, and the candle flickers teachers. But best of all, Tara her shopping and bought clothes, happily. Likewise the 16-year-old, Townsend feels good about her- eyeglasses, and shoes. In October, in whose name the celebration is self. with Mrs. Townsend's consent, taking place, smiles and giggles Tara began drinking in the sev- Dick and Margi became Tara's legal freely. Today she is celebrating the enth grade. Because she ran around guardians. And Tara did the rest. "first birthday" of her new life. with her older brother and his Knuckling down, she refused to As a freshman at Columbia City friends, she was easily influenced miss school for any reason and by their way of life. concentrated on her academics. She The first half of her freshman began choosing her friends more year of high school was a blur of carefully and thinking about her detention, absenteeism, and poor goals and future. As a result, posi- grades. Tara knew she had to turn tive things happened for Tara. She herself around. Mr. Walker, the moved up two academic levels in assistant principal and supervisor mathematics and now maintains of room 46 (detention and Satur- an A average in college-prep alge- DDS day school), spoke to her often about kicking her bad habits. "I THE JU

F just needed to talk to somebody," O

Y she says emphatically. Finally, she S decided to visit her former "Big RTE Sister," Margi Judd. COU Tara knew she had changed dra- Dick and Margi Judd are Tara's legal matically since her third-grade re- DDS

guardians. Here they celebrate Tara's U

lationship with Margi through J "one year birthday" with a pan of

the Big Brothers/Big Sisters pro- HE gooey fudge brownies. T

gram. No longer was she the in- OF High School in Columbia City, Indi- nocent little girl who loved spend- Y TES

ana, last year, Tara Townsend was ing time with the Judd family. R almost expelled for absenteeism. After discussions with her hus- She drank daily and had experi- COU band, school officials, and Tara's Tara excels in most of her studies, mented with marijuana. She wore mother, Margi decided to offer Tara including biology. her hair long and neglected her an alternative to her current life- clothes or appearance. style. Over pizza and spaghetti one bra. She received the second high- Today, as a sophomore, she evening in their favorite Italian est grade in all the biology sections hasn't missed a day of school. Her restaurant, Margi, her husband, during her first grading period and curly hair is bobbed short to her Dick, and Tara all discussed the entered the Adult Literacy Program chin, and she enjoys bright, vivid- possibility of Tara moving in. in order to improve her reading colored clothing that shows off her And so, in she moved. Dick skills. Twice she's been awarded beautiful olive complexion. She spoke to the high-school principal the Super Student award from doesn't smoke or drink and has a and worked out an agreement for ALL ODDS, continued next page August 1991 • LISTEN • 23 THE PRIME TIMES

Youth speak out AGAINST ALL ODDS, continued A national environmental issues teachers at CCHS and has been book Committee along with other survey of young teenagers in the asked to sit on the Student Hand- students, parents, and teachers. RespecTeen Youth for Youth Coa- Although Tara has visions of lition shows that 100 percent of the going on to college, her main goal 1,300 participants believe pollution right now is to finish high school. is the greatest environmental prob- "No one else in my immediate lem. Sixty-seven percent of the family made it through high participants think the condition of school," she says solemnly. the environment will decline in 20 Tara knows there are others in years, while the others feel the school systems all over the United condition will improve. States just like herself. She knows This agrees with a recent analy- JUDDS many would like to change their sis of 8,000 letters from seventh- THE lifestyle and their course in life but and eighth-graders to their U.S. don't know how. "No matter what representatives, which indicates you do, don't be afraid to ask some- that drug and alcohol abuse, the RTESY OF one for help. It can't get any worse.

environment, and teen pregnancy/ COU Even if no one thinks you can abortion were their three most Tara studies twice a week with the change, do it anyway." major concerns. Adult Literacy Coalition program. —Debbie Clason As for various forms of pollution, 11 percent of the students see air pollution as the worst environ- mental problem, while another 11 A rompin', stompin' time percent believe solid waste is the most harmful. Other students Yee-haw! Get a-long there, identify littering, deforestation, the pardner! It's show time! ozone layer, nuclear waste, and Old West style. You can recycling as the greatest problems. plan a party on a small scale or large scale. Of the respondents, 95 percent Haul out the cowboy boots, hat, blue believe the environment is worse jeans, and western shirts. Tie a bandanna off today than it was 20 years ago. around your neck, and you're ready to go. An encouraging 96 percent believe There are several things you can do. If it's people their age should take re- a large-scale party, see if anyone knows sponsibility for cleaning up and how to rope and lasso. Set up a bucking bronco station—a barrel preserving the environment. The hung by ropes at either end complete with a saddle will do the survey shows most of the students trick. Compete to see who the champion rider is. and their families are taking such You'll want to be sure and get the flavor of the Old West. Have steps. people bring their favorite salsa or other dish, like enchiladas. The students indicate that 83 Have your menu include burritos, tacos, corn dogs, tortilla chips, percent of their families practice salsa, hamburgers, and other favorites. Be sure to have plenty of recycling, 71 percent of their schools Texas-size drinks around for this August party! are involved in environmental is- Rent an old western movie. There are some great John Wayne sues, and 66 percent take part in movies out there. The Duke is always a favorite. Put on some preservation efforts themselves. country music—if you think you can stand it (come on, some of Some of their suggestions for ac- them are classics!). tions they as individuals can take Quick and Easy Guacamole include: recycling; conserving en- ergy; using paper wisely; not smok- 2 ripe avocados (mashed) ing; planting trees; walking or rid- 1 small ripe tomato (diced) ing bicycles instead of driving; stay- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice ing informed about issues; and working with their legislators, chili powder & salt to taste encouraging the passing of envi- Mix all ingredients together. Chill and serve. ronmental laws. —Janya Mekelburg

24 • LISTEN • August 1991 I have a problem. Somehow I can't make myself feel worth- while. I'm 15 years old and very drinking, tall. Although I have lots of drugging, or smoking). Let friends, I don't believe they really people know how you feel when they hurt like me. I have an OK family, but you—tell them directly how you would like to that doesn't help. I get good grades and be treated. And take care of your health! Get have other abilities, but I still feel plenty of rest and exercise; find positive crummy. What's wrong with me? friends; ask for help, support, and guidance Self-doubt and feelings of inferiority plague all when you need it. In time you'll come to realize teenagers and most adults. While that fact that you're as good as everyone else, and that's probably won't make you feel any better, it's enough. good to know you're not alone. The one group V that seems to have the toughest time with self- A friend from school showed me a bunch esteem is females who mature earlier than of poems she wrote. They're totally their peers. Just your luck, huh? depressing and really weird. I'm afraid Unfortunately, the standard pep talks and she's planning to commit suicide. What lectures we've heard (and given) about how to should I do? I've asked my parents, and gain self-esteem aren't worth a whole lot. Low they don't know. self-esteem is not a superficial problem that If in doubt, try honesty. Tell your friend how can be bandaged with little compliments and you felt when you read her poems: scared for affirmations or with platitudes about your her. If your suspicions about her state of mind uniqueness and why you should value your- prove to be wrong, no harm is done. But if self as a child of God. We've tried that stuff, you're right, she may open up and talk about and it doesn't work. her problems. Whether she confides in you or Here's the little we know that might make a not, get in touch with someone who is qualified difference: first, don't fall into the trap of (like a school psychologist) and let him or her thinking there's anything you can buy, wear, take over. If you try to save your friend by eat, or accomplish that will make you feel yourself, both of you could end up getting better. There is no substance, activity, or hurt. relationship that can give you worth. But thinking there is could set you up for a chase I've heard that people can become that will never end. The illusion that there is a addicted to food like they do to drugs. Is "fix" for feeling "less than" can lead to painful that true? I'm worried because sometimes dependencies that will rob you of what little I just eat and eat and eat. My mom and self-esteem you have. We think the answer lies in treating your- aunt are disgustingly fat, and I don't self with respect, no matter how you feel. Be want to end up like them. as good to yourself as you would be to a It is possible to use food like a drug. Many stranger. You probably think that's impossible people comfort themselves by cramming for someone who doesn't have self-esteem. But calories. Compulsive eating is a serious disease it isn't. If you treat yourself as a worthwhile, that manifests itself in several ways: binge deserving person, you'll start to feel worth- eating, anorexia, bulimia, bulimarexia, etc. while. If you treat yourself respectfully, self- Today there are many counselors and esteem will follow. therapists trained to deal with the complex What does it mean to be good to yourself? problem of eating disorders. Because of your Give yourself some slack when you make mis- family history of obesity and your fear of takes instead of beating yourself up. Refuse to gaining weight, we think it would be smart for drop bombs on yourself in the form of put- you to get in touch with one of these specialists downs, bum raps, etc. Refuse to do anything in order to learn to live a balanced life and self-destructive (overeating, overworking, avoid possible problems. August 1991 • LISTEN • 25 What's in a Name? Earthquack When Eric Levin of Ormond Beach, Florida, opened his little shop that December 3, 1990, came, went, specialized in hard-to-find records, he wanted a snappy title that would and New Madrid, Missouri, catch the gist of his business. The name: Secret Service Music & More. wasn't leveled by the giant earth- Some of the first people who entered the shop, however, weren't inter- quake that then Browning, Ph.D. ested in finding old Chubby Checker or Fats Domino recordings. They (zoology), predicted. His projec- were Secret Service agents who confiscated his business cards, posters, tion, scoffed at by reputable and T-shirts. They said he was violating the law by using the name of seismologists, made national their employer. The reason is that if someone needed to call the real news, brought reporters to New Secret Service, they could get the names confused. Thus they made Madrid from all over the States, Levin change the name of the business. It's now called Criminal Records. and had thousands of south

26 • LISTEN • August 1991 ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE SMALLWOOD Missouri residents filling shelves their citizens: the lottery. Today Do They Give with emergency provisions, 33 states have lotteries that bilk closing schools, even fleeing. billions out of the public, legally Hickies? if not always honestly. "If state Seismology has not been Besides cocaine, crack, LSD, lotteries had to meet the same Browning's only interest. In the heroin, and marijuana, people get truth-in-advertising standards as 1960s the Sandia National high by sniffing glue, injecting private companies do," wrote Laboratory in New Mexico antifreeze into their veins; some Jonathan Karl in The New Re- allowed him to research his plan sickies even stick the nozzles of public, "much of the current to strap nuclear bombs on whipped cream cans in their advertising would come under whales, which, by remote- noses and inhale the gas. It was attack by the Federal Trade controlled electrodes in their recently reported that college Commission." brains, were supposed to deliver students at the University of Many lotteries gear ad- the loads into Soviet ports. Of Georgia have been licking the vertising toward the young, course, training whales in the heads of imported wart frogs. giving the idea that if they play, New Mexican desert can be Apparently, a toxic substance on they don't have to study or work difficult, so he began with the slimy critter's head produces hard. New York advertised a donkeys, which were seen a high similar to that of glue mother telling her daughter not wandering around the top-secret sniffing. With all the venereal to strive for a scholarship because facility with electrodes sticking disease that the average prince Mama was playing the numbers out of their heads. (or princess) charming carries and would get rich quick. An- Nothing personal, Doc, but these days, students would be other advertisement said: "Be a maybe you ought to stick to safer kissing an amphibian. So, millionaire before you gradu- classifying zebras. from every angle, frog kissing is ate—play the Massachusetts almost guaranteed to make for a Lottery." really bad fairy tale—sort of like The latest technology in grocery Also, the ads mysteriously shopping: Special carts called neglect to mention the odds of the Brothers Grimm style. Vide°carts, equipped with winning big, about 1 in 13 display screens, list sale items as million. You're more likely to get customers enter each aisle. hit by lightning while in bed Two out of every five Americans While shoppers wait in the reading LISTEN. Indeed, despite will be involved in an alcohol- checkout line, the screens all promotion, promises, and related car accident sometime in entertain them with trivia games hoopla about getting rich fast, the their lives. —Washington Post and movie reviews. numbers game is really a lotto ba- —American Family Physician loney. The Kid With the Using telescopes and radar, The Great Escape technicians on the ground have Most Toys Wins counted 7,500 pieces of man- Prison movies usually deal with During the cold war, MAD made junk orbiting the earth, (Mutually Assured Destruction) true-life escape attempts. varying in size from spent Whether POWs surrounded by was the basis of superpower rocket stages to screwdrivers. nuclear policy. With enough barbed wire or common crooks —Washington Post stewing in the klink, the prisoners nuclear firepower on each side to are obsessed with one thing: kill every human a hundred getting out. A movie now should Her Arms Were times over, neither America or be filmed about the greatest a Bit Hairy, but ... Russia would have dared to escape ever. Donald Thomas attack the other. However, some slipped between the bars of his Cheyen Weatherly was a bit Pentagon strategists believed that prison after serving 89 days. different from the other girls on with proper targeting, we could Quite a feat, except that his the cheerleading squad at a high have won. sentence was only 90 days! This school in Colorado Springs. If How? modern Houdini now faces 20 nothing else, the 17-year-old was "The way you can have a years. Perhaps a good title for his big. But Cheyen was a good winner," a government official story would be: The Birdbrain of cheerleader and even performed argued, is to "have a capability Alcatraz. at a pep rally. Her career ended, that inflicts more damage on the however, with arrest. Turns out, opposition than it can on you." she wasn't 17 years old, her name In other words, the United The Numbers Scam wasn't Cheyen, and she wasn't States would have won, if, when Most states that have outlawed even a girl. Instead, Charles the smoke cleared, we had more casinos, blackjack tables, and slot Daughtery, 26, faces two years in people than Russia did. machines have devised another jail for falsifying records and for Even if we had a few less than way of suckering bucks out of criminal impersonation. Fiji. August 1991 • LISTEN • 27 7,!

Thumbs Up Thumbs Up Thumbs up to anti :2 Hats off to Hardee's, alcohol activists c13 McDonald's, Burger throughout the United King, Kentucky Fried States and their campaign to Chicken, and all those other fast- combat the dangers of drinking food chains. They're finally through education. Activists are listening to the health and lobbying for legislation requiring environmental concerns of their warning posters in bars and customers, providing leaner restaurants wherever alcoholic menus with better nutrition and beverages are sold. more accountability on the envi- In some areas, posters warn ronmental front. about the dangers ofdinkingle in ot her According to Michael Jacob- during pregnancy, son, director of the Center for areas the messages also include Science in the Public Interest, "In information about the addictive 1986, fast-food restaurants did nature of alcohol and risks of not know what the word 4 nutrition cancer that can accompany meant. . . . Now you can actually drinking. get one or two relatively healthful The Center for Science in the - items in each chain." Public Interest (CSPI) is support New items being test marketed ing their efforts with a new guide w , include nonfat yogurt (Hardee's entitled "Alcohol Warning in Des Moines), soups (Hardee's Posters—How to Get Legislation in Springfield, Ohio), carrots and celery sticks Passed in Your City." The guide (McDonald's in • describes warning poster laws Philadelphia and part of Califor- that are in effect in many cities, nia), and Monterey Broil, a counties, and states, including marinated broiled chicken Alaska, California, Delaware, (Kentucky Fried Chicken, Reno, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Ne- Las Vegas). braska, South Dakota, and Utah. Hardee's spokesman John Copies of "Alcohol Warning Merritt states that the new Posters" are available for $4.95 strategies are an ongoing re- from CSPI, 1875 Connecticut Ave. sponse to consumer demand— NW #300, Washington, DC 20009. not a conscious effort to change their image.

28 • LISTEN August 19 •

Oa- • first Pp t`.• (40. .0.st 47,1 AAA :••)„:„ • The Good, the Bad, and the Zucchini Today's history question: When was the Declaration of Inde- annually on August 6. That's the August Birthdays pendence signed? July 4, right? date in 1930 that New York State Supreme Court Judge Joseph the queen mother, Wrong. According to the history Elizabeth, books, August 2 is the date when Crater disappeared without a queen of England, born at about 50 of the 56 signers met in trace. Although Judge Crater England, Hertfordshire, former Philadelphia to sign the docu- was declared legally dead in ment. Later that year, probably 1939, up until a few years ago astronaut andsrst man to walk- five more signed, and the final police still received hundreds of on the moon, rn at Wapakon delegate added his name the next reports regarding the missing eta, Ohio, August 5, 1930; judge's whereabouts. designer, year. Betcha didn't know that. Mervin Stewart, August 5 marks the Finally, our calendar of events LISTEN magazine, born at anniversary of federal income wouldn't be complete without Washington, D.C., August 6, tax. recognizing that August 8 has (Garfield's sidekick), Those who sweat over their been named as 1953; Odie tax returns each year can thank Sneak Some first appeared in "Garfield" old honest Abe Lincoln, who Zucchini Onto Your Neighbors' comic strip on August 8, 1978; Porch Night. actor, born at signed into law the first income The annual event Robert Redford, tax law, which became effective provides a good way to get rid Santa Monica, California, aviationAugust January 1, 1862. It was a 3 of the excess zucchini from over- 18, 1937; Orville Wright, percent tax levied on incomes planting your family garden, pioneer, born at Dayton, Ohio, while doing your neighbor a Sean Connery, over $800. August 19, 1871; Judge Crater Day good deed (assuming your actor, born at Edinburgh, Scot- is observed neighbor likes zucchini). land, August 25, 1930.

ugust 1991 • LISta\r ti -,,:t29,

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SH-BOOM SH-BOOM TENNIS SEARCH Alan Grise Kathy Paulson Sh! The following quiz should be simple, so don't This word search contains 50 tennis terms. They be shy. Each of the 12 definitions below describes may run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, a common word or name that begins with the and forward or backward. syllable SH. For example, if the definition is "Sea CLOS I NGX B SMA SMA SHP crustacean," then the answer is SHRIMP. O HT P EDROPOC EMENT AO 1. City in Louisiana U DNAHKCAB L LKB FTC F A 2. Roof requirement RQDP SOHMAB EGAR E VOC 3. German canine TETWAIFYUGEPLZDLMH 4. Breed of pony P FNIRMNORVOLLEYGEI 5. Type of radio band 6. off to Buffalo E O IMVADG I NT AUK TNDN 7. Word after horse or puppet N ROBZ TCRL BACKSWING 8. Type of carpet IEPLICDKAEHEDNYPAU 9. Lobster, crab, etc. L HYERHBCE S SMS YE S TF 10. Where epaulets go E AQDTEK PS SH 11. Groundhog sight? SNROXCW I R A PNR EWOCC 12. Love (B-52s' hit song) ADHNO J POENWTV TE T I A B SJUTSKHPCMIEACVTO P MRNKER XDE E P SRUOCR ITKCIEATHCNRUTERAP RZASVPBMEGRAS SD J TP G BIOCYSRLNGNIKOHCA Tennis Search Words ad, approach, backcourt, backhand, backspin,

SKI backswing, ball, baseline, cement, choking, clay, closing, court, coverage, depth, deuce, doubles,

TROMO drive, drop, forehand, grass, grip, lob, match, net, overhead, pace, placement, poaching, point,

RICK S power loop, racket, receiver, return, serve, set, shot, singles, smash, speed, spin, stance, strategy, stroke, tactics, tandem, team, topspin, volley, Wim- bledon.

PUZZLE ANSWER to "Sh-boom, Sh-boom" pegs 7 I

K I Begs -8 pueliaqs •t, MO 4s .I I molls .z piaqdaqs .s MOS lapinoqs .oi aujnqs -9 aI21-MIs 7 TRO

S qsullaqs .6 aA empoqs .s podanan4s . 1 RICK 1 MOVING? Please send us your old address label (or a photocopy) and your new address. If your label is unavailable, please print both your old and new addresses clearly, including zip codes. OLD ADDRESS: NEW ADDRESS: Name Name Address Address City State Zip City State Zip L

30 • LISTEN • August 1991 Mail to LISTEN, P.O. Box 7000, Boise, ID 83707 PHOTO BY DAN FEICHT, COURTESY OF CEDAR POINT IMAGE LIBRARY Life is the ultimate thrill. Say No to drugs and Yes to unlimited possibilities. VISA

Community Crusade Against Drugs WE GAVE Maste

CARE ENOUGH to be involved You can be a strong voice against drug munity. Plus, your child will benefit from and alcohol abuse among young people in reading 12 exciting and colorful issues of your community. Look for this emblem and LISTEN magazine. LISTEN is the only support the people and businesses that dis- magazine for today's youth that presents play it. hard-hitting facts about the dangers of It shows they have contributed to the LIS- drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. TEN Community Crusade Against Drug and Display the emblem and let people know Alcohol Abuse. Through their support, LIS- you're concerned about tomorrow's lead- TEN magazine is made available to schools ers—the young people of your community. and youth groups right in your own commu- To find out more about the LISTEN Com- nity and across the country. munity Crusade Against If you believe in the Drug and Alcohol Abuse, youth of your community, write LISTEN, Box 7000, get involved in the Commu- Boise, Idaho 83707. nity Crusade Against Drug LISTEN package plan and Alcohol Abuse. LIS- Community may include classroom TEN provides a year-round quantities of LISTEN, in- package plan of school as- Crusade person presentations, sembly programs, lectures, Against teacher's guides, films, and and films designed and Drugs supplementary printed ma- presented especially for terials. your school district or com- WE GAVE ©1988 Pacific Press Publishing Association 2375