Traveling Habits Are Changing in Ocean City Lindsey Rennie Taurant Has Been up Every Away from Several Millions of Potential Visitors, Young D.C

In this issue Marc Broussard’s latest News 1–4 album – review and Lifestyle 5–7 YDC reads the fourth Entertainment 8–10 interview with the artist Sports 12 in the Twilight series himself Humor 13 by Stephanie Meyer page 8 Viewpoints 14–15 page 10

Volume 18 • Number 1 • September 2008 • Please display through October 6 Traveling habits are changing in Ocean City Lindsey Rennie taurant has been up every away from several millions of potential visitors, Young D.C. day since the Fourth of our numbers have remained stable,” said How- The number of travel- July. “Businesses that of- ard. She said that many people like to go to ers to Ocean City, Md. fer a good product, good Ocean City because it’s not too far from home, didn’t decline this summer, service and added value but that travelers are tending to make their reser- but the U.S. Department of where possible will do vations later and later. “There was a time when Transportation confirmed well,” she said. most of the reservations were made during the what Ocean City anticipat- As for vacationers, it first two months of the year,” with families stayed. People changed their is now common to travel ing for two to three weeks, but now many just driving and spending hab- for shorter periods of time, stay for long weekends, said Howard. its while on vacation. not go far distances, or not Both Howard and Donna Abbot, the Pub- “There are many travel at all. In Ocean City, more opportunities for lic Relations Director for the Ocean City Bu- many tourists are finding reau of Tourism, know that lifestyles are chang- travelers and the travelers ways to still go on vaca- Photo courtesy of Lindsey Rennie ing and people are trying to save more money have become far more so- tion, but save money at the Visitors still vacation in Ocean City, Md. despite high gas prices. phisticated,” said Nancy than they spend. same time. “Here we are has a condo down here,” said Scott, “but we can’t do many Howard, a member of the “The trend has been that people are coming at the park instead of the expensive outings.” Ocean City Council. “I be- for shorter, but more frequent stays,” Abbot said. boardwalk,” said Shelly The park is a popular place this summer for families lieve traveling in general “This has been going on for many years.” She Scott of East Fallowfield, with young children and people of all ages. “I can spend will never be the same.” Pa., mother of two daugh- time with my friends and family for free,” said Joy Penaso, added, “When you have a husband and wife both Howard said that Ocean ters, ages five and six. 15, of Hanover, Md. Mark Bradley, from Bear, Del., said working, it is hard for them to both get off at the City had 25,000 visitors Scott is glad her daughters his family is “staying pretty low key during vacation week.” same time, so the trips have to be shorter.” during the weekend of the enjoy spending time at the Though Bradley’s home is a short distance away from Ocean City has introduced many new fam- Fourth of July. Howard local park, which the fam- Ocean City, the family is not coming down as often as they ily-oriented events to beachgoers this summer spoke with one business- ily visits often. “We can did last year, he said. such as free games, bonfires, concerts, and mov- woman who said her res- stay longer since my mom “In the past, because we are only a half a tank [of gas] Se e OC , p a g e 15 D.C. demands a vote and a voice Matt Nguyen tion, D.C. residents cannot advocate whether a Young D.C. war should or should not be waged. D.C. resi- DC Vote held a poetry, music and spoken dents cannot advocate for their preferred educa- word event, “Votes, Voices, & Visions: A Night tional, business or economic, health care, social Of Expression” Aug. 6 at Busboys & Poets near security and other vital issues. YDC spoke to U Street in Northwest, D.C. The event brought LeeAnn Byrne, a college student interning in youths and adults to see performances about D.C. She is registered to vote in Rhode Island. D.C.’s lack of representation in the House of She said that poetry and music make thinking Representatives and the U.S. Senate. D.C. resi- about issues, like D.C. voting rights enjoyable, dents are the only American citizens in the conti- especially for teens. nental U.S. denied full privileges to affect how The event premiered a go-go song called Photo courtesy of Matt Nguyen the House and the Senate make decisions that “Demand the Vote” written by local artist, Joe L. The crowd waves their arms to “Demand the Vote”, a go-go song impact D.C. residents. Without full representa- DaVessel, commissioned by DC Vote. “The point performed at Busboys and Poets on a night of poetry and music addressing D.C.’s lack of voting rights, Aug. 6. Se e DC Vo t e , p a g e 2 News t Young D.C. t September 2008

DCDemanding Vo t e f r o m p a g e o n e a vote and a voice

Young D.C. is an independent newspaper written by and about metropolitan area teens. Address correspondence to: Young D.C. 1904 18th Street, NW Unit B Washington, D.C. 20009-1707 tel: 202.232.5300 fax: 202.232.5306 www.youngdc.org Copyright. All rights reserved. Acting Co-Managing Editors Jin-Ah Kim Fran Djoukeng Thos. Jefferson HS for Science Montgomery Blair HS (Md.) and Technology (Va.)

Acting News Editor Editors Brinda Gupta Sareum Kim Thos. Jefferson HS for Science Centreville HS (Va.) and Technology (Va.) Priscilla Ward Homeschooling (D.C.) Acting Lifestyle Editor of the event is to educate youth about DC Courtney Stein Acting Layout Manager voting in the way that is entertaining and in- St. Pius X HS (TX) teresting,” said Joel Donelan, the student Gautier Lemyze-Young Acting Co-Entertainment outreach intern at DC Vote. The song in- Centennial HS (Md.) cludes a call-and-response hook, Reporters: Melissa Belk, The King’s College (N.Y.); Archie D.C. we demand the vote, Brown, Temple University (Pa.); Christina Chang, Wootton (Md.); In D.C. we demand the vote Flora Cheng, (D.C.); Becky Koretz, Woodrow Wilson SHS (D.C.); For real progress! Billie McCain, Salisbury University (Md.); Armani McMillan, D.C. we demand the vote, Forestville Military Academy (Md.); Matt Nguyen, McKinley Tech for D.C. we demand the vote (D.C.); Rayshon Patterson, Prince George’s Community College So tell Congress! can be as simple as making DC Vote a Face- (Md.); Caitlin Peterson, John S. Burke Catholic HS (N.Y.) ;Lindsey The crowd really waved their arms and book friend. Spreading the word is what Ve- Rennie, Mount de Sales Academy (Md.); Diamond Riley, University sang to the hook and seemed to enjoy it. ronica Jones, a freshman at George Mason of Virginia (Va.); Emma Safford, The Lab School of Washington Donelan, a member of the event com- University does. “I haven’t done the Face- (D.C.); Helen Stoddard, Yorktown (Va.); Megan Ternes, Charlotte mittee, spoke to YDC on why it matters that book thing...but I have put the bumper Catholic (N.C.); Jonathan Ward, St. Albans (D.C.); Maya Wells, D.C. residents get voting rights in Congress. sticker on my dad’s truck. Also, I’d gotten a Morgan State University (Md). MaBinti Yillah, University of He said this is “a part of democracy they pin and I wear it religiously... the pin has a Maryland picture of George Washington with his mouth taped and it says ‘Let Washington Artists: Casey Drogin, Einstein (Md.); Nina Stoddard, Yorktown (Va.) Vote.’ So when I get stopped and asked Board of Directors: George Curry, Tom Donlan, Hector Ericksen- about it, that’s my way of spreading the Mendoza, Rich Foster, Mary Hanley, Judy Hines, Sean Jensen, word.” Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Rosamond King, Carol Knopes (chairman), YDC asked Jones whether the event Carol Lange, Kathleen Reilly Mannix, Sarah Menke-Fish, Bob was effective in educating her on the injus- Neuman, Michael Phelps, Reginald Ragland, Phil Reid tice. She said, “I do believe it was effective. I wasn’t totally clueless, but it filled in blank Young D.C. is supported by The Bureau of National Affairs, The spots that I’d had such as the number of Children’s Charities Foundation, The Freedom Forum, and sponsors teens who don’t vote and the big chunk of of the 21st Cartoons & Cocktails, an auction of editorial art to be votes that don’t get counted at all from held Oct. 23 at the National Press Club. Cartoons & Cocktails 2008 D.C.” benefits Young D.C. the Friedheim Library at the National Press Club don’t have.” He said the artists did a great DC Vote was founded in 1998. DC and its programs, and the Cartoonists Rights Network International. job educating and entertaining the crowd Vote will have an information booth at Fi- with their art focusing on D.C. voting rights esta DC 2008 to be held Sunday, Sept. 28 in issues. the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Visit the Letters to the Editor are welcome and sometimes published, either whole or Donelan mentioned one problem advo- DC Vote website to download “Demand the in part. Letters are subject to editing. Readers writing to the editors should include contact information: name, age, telephone number. cates face—it’s not that people don’t care Vote” song by Joe L. DaVessel. about the issue, rather they are unaware of Correction D.C.’s lack of voting rights. Donelan said Matt Nguyen, 17, is a junior at McKin- YDC publishes corrections of matters of substance. Thanks for bringing that an important way for high school stu- ley Technology HS in the District of them to the attention of the editors via snail mail or email to newsroom@ dents to get involved is to pass the word. It Columbia. youngdc.org.C September 2008 t Young D.C. t News September brings civic engagement conferences Fran Djoukeng and Matt Nguyen at [email protected] and RSVP. Save the September challenges in the Korean peninsula. Young D.C. date! Thursday, Sept. 18 – America the Beautiful: The view Calling all for to civic engagement: the National The Meridian International Center, an acclaimed from abroad. Reintroducing America to the World; Conference on Citizenship plans to hold their annual nonprofit institution dedicated to advancing interna- The challenges of U.S. public diplomacy with for- conference Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-noon at the National Ar- tional understanding through public diplomacy and eign publics. chives. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will deliver the global engagement, has developed the “Meridian Wednesday, Sept. 24 – Energy and Environment: keynote address. In addition, the conference committee Global Engagement Series: Decision 2008 The Candi- American policy in a world of increasing competi- will release the 2008 Civic Health Index and hold a dis- dates and Foreign Affairs.” There will be six pre-election and soaring resources costs. Prospects for a cussion session on the topic of national civic participa- tion programs. Some of the programs will have Gallup U.S. energy policy. tion and its future after the election. Plus, one young poll data and each program will have a representative Thursday, Oct. 2 – America in the World Economy: adult who has made a difference in their community of Republican presidential candidate, John McCain Fair competition and open markets. Protectionist will be honored. and Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama. pressures; The Doha Round; NAFTA and other This event was created to help encourage and An expert in the relevant subject matters will attend free-trade agreements; Dollar weakness; Job cre- build people to become active and engaged citizens. each program. ation and retention. NCoC is partnering with ServiceNation to bring this Look for YDC’s coverage of the Energy and En- Thursday, Oct.9 – America and the Multilateral World: event together. vironment program as well as updates on the presiden- UN reform and Peace-keeping around the world; ServiceNation is a campaign launching summits tial candidates’ stance on these topics in the November Darfur and other challenges to multilateral action; throughout the year and seeking to unite leaders from issue. Dates are subject to change, so call ahead of Fighting HIV-AIDS and poverty; Enlarging all across America in order to work together and at- time. All programs are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Me- NATO. tempt to resolve social issues. The federal government ridian House. To reserve seats for any program, call founded NCoC back in 1946 for the special purpose of (202)-939-5543 or go to Meridian’s website, www. Fran Djoukeng, 15, is a junior at Montgomery promoting more citizenry in Americans. NCoC is a Meridian.org. All the sessions will be broadcast on Me- Blair HS in Silver Spring, Md. non-profit organization that sponsors programs that ad- ridian’s website after 1-2 days of each past program. vance volunteerism and political involvement among Matt Nguyen, 17, is a junior at McKinley Technol- constituents. In this historic and exciting election year, Thursday, Sept. 11 – Beyond the Rhetoric: How the ogy HS in the District of Columbia. civic energy is at optimum speed and this event will be Next Administration will Confront Terrorism. Poli- a great highlight bringing in many business and aca- cy and action in the Mideast peace process; U.S. Meridian International Center demic leaders. Seats for this event fill rather fast, so if engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan; Relations 1630 Crescent Pl. NW DC 20009 you would like to reserve a spot, email David B. Smith with Iran, Pakistan, India and China; Continuing (202) 667- 6800. Sleepless nights Study finds increased health risk for teens who don’t get enough sleep Brinda Gupta Young D.C. Many teenagers have seen the clock ticking into the wee hours of the morning, unaware of the dangers that come with lack of sleep. It is widely known that sleep deprivation has adverse effects on the brain’s ability, but recently, researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have found that teenagers who do not get enough sleep can develop prehypertension, blood pressure that is higher than normal but not quite at the level of hypertension. Technology, such as computers, mp3 players and cell phones, available at a hand’s reach, has hindered most teenagers from getting the recommended nine hours of sleep. A recently published study found the probability of getting high blood pressure increased 3.5 times for those who have trouble falling asleep at night or who wake up too early and 2.5 times for those who slept less than 6.5 hours. These findings prove that although there is no definitive explanation of why humans, like most other organisms, need to sleep, this daily rejuvenation remains a core function of the body that cannot be done away with without facing harmful consequences. YDC archive As teens develop, the biological clock moves forward leading to changes in sleep patterns and wakefulness late into the night. With a full schedule, many times the study. She continued, stating, “Our research as well as lots of other studies ex- including an active social life, part-time job, extracurricular activities, as well as amining the needs for sleep to optimize thinking, functioning, mood, and metabo- school and homework, the fatigue caused by the consistent few hours of sleep can lism, also point to the need to attend to one’s sleep needs (as one would do for diet have detrimental effects. Studies, as reported by the National Sleep Foundation, and exercise)”. Redline recommends “following consistent bed and wake times, have found that teens who get less sleep have an increased risk of accidental inju- avoiding caffeine and nicotine in the late evening, keeping the bedroom dark and ries, or even death, increased risk of stimulant abuse, negative moods, and low comfortable and relatively free of electronics, and trying to get close to 9 hours of grades and school performance. So fighting for that A+ by staying up late to do sleep per night.” homework, rather than spending more time on it earlier, might not be as beneficial as it seems. Brinda Gupta, 17, is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science “Teens often underestimate their sleep needs. Lots of other priorities get in the and Technology in Alexandria, Va. way of good sleep, especially in the teen years,” said Susan Redline, lead author of September 2008 t Young D.C. t News Voting 101 Jin-Ah Kim No matter how you look at it newspaper readers and While it’s true that younger voters are more likely Young D.C. voters go hand in hand. An incredible eight out of 10 to access political information on the internet, it’s For many first-time voters, the whole election process newspaper readers voted in the last two presidential newspaper websites they go to. can seem daunting. To make the process clearer, YDC has elections. And when it comes to the most reliable So, even though cable news would like you to voting block – seniors – an overwhelming 70% are compiled a brief outline of three easy steps to becoming a believe something else, the truth is it’s newspapers frequent and regular newspaper readers. In fact, a registered voter. that deliver voters of all ages. Put newspapers in majority of all voters, 55%, read their local your media mix if you want to put your candidate in Register newspaper every day. Voter registration form may be requested through local the winner’s column. or state boards of elections or through websites with regis- Sources: Moore Information (Mar. 2008), American Voter Media Use Study conducted by Costas Panagopoulos, Yale University (Jan. 2008), tration forms available for download. If this is your first Pew Internet and American Life Project (Jan. 2007) time registering to vote, you must include a government-is- sued photo ID. The completed registration forms can be mailed to designated board of elections as indicated on registration forms. The most important part about registering is to be on time. Keep in mind these important deadlines: D.C.—Voter registration: Monday, Oct. 6; Absentee ballot request: Tuesday, Oct. 28; Absentee ballot due: Tues- day, Nov. 4 Virginia—Voter Registration: Monday, Oct. 6; Absen- tee Ballot Request: Tuesday, Oct. 28; Absentee Ballot Due: Tuesday, Nov. 4 Maryland—Tuesday, Oct. 14; Absentee ballot request: Tuesday, Oct. 28; Absentee ballot due: Tuesday, Nov. 4 Get your polling station Once your registration is processed, you should be no- tified of the polling station via mail. Vote If this is your first time voting at a polling station, re- member to bring a photo-ID on Election Day. College students who used their home address when they registered to vote need to vote absentee if they now For more live on campus and can’t get to their home polling place information election day. To be able to vote absentee, you must fill out visit our website an absentee ballot request form for your home state so an absentee ballot can be sent to your dorm room. The Newspaper Association of America is a non-profit political.naa.org To download voter registration applications or absen- organization representing the newspaper industry. tee ballot request forms, visit the following web sites. D.C: www.dcboee.org/voter_info/ Maryland: Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23 www.elections.state.md.us/pdf/2007_English_Internet- Caitlin Peterson tution permanently on display. VRA.pdf Young D.C. The William G. McGowan Theater at the Na- Virginia: Constitution Week, the national celebration of tional Archives will host events. Legal scholar www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/Forms_Publications/Index.html our rights, begins on Sept. 17 with Citizenship Day Laurence Tribe discusses the newest volume from and ends Sept. 23. It encourages citizens around the Oxford’s Inalienable Rights series, The Invisible Jin-Ah Kim, 18, is a senior at Thomas Jefferson HS country to read into the rights they are given and Constitution, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 there will for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va. enjoy the freedoms they have such as, free speech, be an event, Symposium: Lincoln and American press, from and of religion, assembly and petition. Values, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a The Constitution guarantees many freedoms. discussion exploring Lincoln and the Constitution Banned Books Week It also outlines the democracy we live in through from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the same theater. self-government. It stands as an icon of freedom The Daughters of the American Revolution Sept. 27 – Oct. 4 for both the citizens it governs and for people petitioned to create Constitution Week in 1955 to Every year, librarians face people who want them to take around the world who are struggling to have their celebrate the oldest blueprint for running a country books out of circulation. Each year the American Library As- voices heard and acknowledged. The Bill of still in active use. Their petition became law in sociation makes readers mindful of the attempted censorships Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitu- 1956. DAR Constitution Hall will be hosting events of And Tango Makes Three, Slaughterhouse Five, the Harry tion, and the 17 amendments that follow, protect for the week. Potter series and hundreds more. Visit www.ala.org/ala/oif/ individual liberties. bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.cfm to learn more about There are many different ways to celebrate Caitlin Peterson, 15, is a junior at John S. Banned Books Week, Sept. 27 – Oct. 4. It’s time to celebrate this week. People in the metro D.C. area can visit Burke Catholic High School in Goshen, N.Y. the freedom to read freely. the National Archives to view the original Consti- September 2008 t Young D.C. t Lifestyle Li f e St y l e Counselors see bullying as a tween thing

Courtney Stein that students employ bullying techniques at both Both agreed more extreme instances merit Young D.C. stages in life. adult intervention. Bruised egos, introversion, fright, insecurity. Sarah Wagner, a sophomore at St. Pius X, dis- One such instance is “any form of abuse,” said Any of these starting to ring a bell? agreed and said, “Mainly guys [bully] because Wagner. “It depends on how serious it is – like [with] They are only a few of the many negative side they’re immature,” and proceeded to agree with a extreme forms of [hazing], then definitely.” effects of bullying. Many think of the victim as the girl sitting next to her, modifying her statement to Marrs, on the other hand, said, “It’s called for person in need of therapy, assistance, or some sort of “freshman boys.” in instances in which someone can’t function prop- moral support, but Yvonne Clark, a counselor at St. Even so, there are ways to cope with bullying. erly… when you’re afraid to go to school every- Pius X High School in Houston, TX, insists the bully Clark mentioned a program at Mount Carmel High day.” has problems of his or her own that spur this spiteful School, where she worked for five years, in which When asked when adult intervention is neces- behavior. students were encouraged to socialize with new peo- sary, Campane replied, “That is the million dollar “I see a bully as a very angry, unhappy indi- ple at lunch time, in hopes of expanding their social question! I believe we should combat bullying at vidual,” she said. group and meeting fresh faces. home, first. Parents should educate their children on When asked what may serve as the bully’s mo- “The focus of the program was dealing with bullying, and who to tell if they witness bullying at tivation, she replied, “Their low sense of self-esteem social justice,” said Clark. school. The effects of bullying are powerful, and [and] self-worth. They may have problems with their At Mount Carmel, 8 to 12 students would meet even children at a young age can see them. Schools home life, or problems forming friendships.” with Clark in her office after school on a regular ba- need to do their part in bullying awareness as well.” She notices bullying most frequently among sis simply to vent “and be introduced to coping But in the case that this at-home instruction girls, citing “petty jealousy” as the cause. skills.” fails, Paul Lubinski, chair of the counseling depart- More specifically, Clark said bullying remains In regards to outcome, she said, “The girls ment at Pikesville High School in Pikesville, Md., “more prevalent” for girls around the “elementary, did very well with it…It eliminated some of the stresses that victimized students make their plight junior high grades,” but warned, “…when you look negative attitude...There was respect that wasn’t known for resolution to occur and suggests strict at an eleventh or twelfth grader doing this, there’s a there at first.” punishment as a suitable bullying deterrent. deeper psychological problem going on.” Students, however, take a slightly less proac- “The few times it has surfaced here [at Pikes- Kerry Campane, a counselor at Thomas Jeffer- tive approach. ville], it came to ‘a screeching halt’ when the bully son High School for Science and Technology in Al- Wagner suggests simply “ignoring it.” was made to understand that it could result in ex- exandria, Va., agreed on the gender bias: “In middle However, senior Bridget Marrs refuted this so- pulsion,” said Lubinski. “[But] critical in this is the school we’re seeing a lot of female bullying, as wit- lution, saying, “I try to ignore it, but that doesn’t al- willingness of the ‘victim’ to tell us what’s being nessed in Lindsay Lohan’s Mean Girls” – which ac- ways work… Sometimes it makes me stress out a done to them.” tually occurs in a high school setting, demonstrating little more than needed.” Se e Bu l l y i n g , p a g e 7 InnerVision salutes artistic expression and solutions Priscilla Ward While a senior School Without Walls in D.C., School of the Arts in D.C., said, “I really enjoy act- Young D.C. Cole created InnerVision. His mission was to create a ing, but InnerVision has allowed me to develop my At InnerVision’s 4th Annual Gala, 15 confident venue that encouraged youth to express their feelings music skills as well. Here I am able to express what I teens stepped onto the dimly lit wooden stage for in a way that positively impacts their community am thinking about without being criticized.” more than just another quick-lived moment in the through artistic expression. George Ross, a 2007 graduate of Thurgood spotlight. They wanted to express their experiences of “When I told my parents, youth group, and Marshall Charter HS in D.C., said, “InnerVision has love, hope, and joy, through spoken word, poetry and school counselors my idea of starting InnerVision, allowed me to come out of my shell and express what singing. they did not believe it was possible for me to accom- I am thinking about without being criticized.” Youth and adults were drawn into the hip urban plish this,” he said. Much to skeptics’ surprise, In- The surprise of the evening was when Cole atmosphere as the performers focused on everything nerVision, now in its fifth year, has successfully at- switched places from emcee to performer. He made from “puppy love” to concerns in their neighbor- tracted teens from all parts of the city and currently a drastic change from business attire to cargo pants, hood. has 15 members ranging from ages 15-22. The pro- t-shirt, and dunks while rapping. InnerVision is the brain child of Nate Cole. As gram meets every Saturday when the teens partici- Cole announced during the gala that he will be the student representative on the D.C. School Board, pate in lively conversations on the things that impact passing on the legacy of InnerVision to three of the kids would come to Cole and offer their complaints them and their communities and then act on the issues members, Ace the Town, Kiara Jackson and Jasmine about the lack of artistic outlets in the city. At the through artistic means. Jackson. Cole said, “I see the program becoming ten gala, Cole shared something he saw from the Metro, Jasmine Jackson, a senior at Elizabeth Seton HS times better than what it is now.” It was graffiti that said, “This is not vandalism, this is in Bladensburg, Md., said, “The program has taught my artistic expression.” me how to express my ideas through music and that I Priscilla Ward, 17, is a homeschooled senior in “This stuck with me,” said Cole now a junior at can have an impact on my community.” the District of Columbia. the University of Maryland. Franklin Owens, a senior at Duke Ellington Lifestyle t Young D.C. t September 2008 Cyberian Tyger Google accessories Jin-Ah Kim Young D.C. Google is no longer just a simple search engine. Starting with the launch of Gmail in 2004, they have expanded their reach to include several sub-websites that have enhanced Google’s growing popularity. Such features and tools include:

Google Calendar calendar.google.com This virtual calendar allows users to add and edit events with the same ease as a conventional planner. Simply click on a date and enter the name of the event. Users can share a calendar with a common theme and combine their personal calendars with public ones online. Google Docs docs.google.com From Word to PowerPoint, Microsoft Office applications are now accessible through Google. Especially designed for on-line use, the biggest asset of these web-based documents is that many users can edit one document at the same time. With one click, your group can share documents with team members, meaning no more last-minute e-mail raids as your group gets ready for a presen- tation. One catch is that to edit these documents, a Gmail account is required. Google Scholar scholar.google.com This search engine searches through scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources to ensure the quality of the results. Gain access to abstracts of primary articles without paying for on-line databases. It’s a smarter option than wikipedia, but Exercise your pen, win not a substitute for databases. Google Sites – sites.google.com Get 10GB of web space for free with Google Sites. This application allows users to create and share a web site with pre-made inter- faces with just a click of the mouse. No coding, no designing and no fees re- with essay contests quired. As with all other Google applications, multiple users can edit, view and Decision 2008 Essay Contest: Write an essay about an issue you think is the most manage these sites. important in the general elections. All applicants must be 16 years old before iGoogle – www.igoogle.com the deadline, Nov. 3, and must have resided in the United States for at least one What happened to Google’s minimalist approach to their search page? Imagine year in order to qualify. Applicants must submit an essay of 1500 words or less. the conventional google.com page, then, clutter it up with various boxes with Only one award for $4,400 is available. For more information, visit http://www. contents ranging from CNN breaking news to a game of hangman. Designed presidentialcandidates.tv/scholarship.php with good intentions to make navigation easier, iGoogle undermines Google’s First Freedom Student Competition: This is an essay competition available to fundamental philosophy. students in grades 9 through 12 that attend a public, private, parochial or home- based-school in the United States and District of Columbia. The essay must Jin-Ah Kim, 18, is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and address the subject of religious freedom, its history, contemporary importance Technology in Alexandria, Va. and significance in your life. The essay must be between 750 to 1,250 words. The competition is provided by the Council for America’s First Freedom and award amounts vary from $750 to $3,000. You must register online for the competition by Nov. 24. Check http://www.firstfreedom.org/education/stu- Listen to 2KNation dents.html for more details. Scholarship for vegetarians: Giving up meat can not only save the animals, but it the voice of teen poets, can save you money as well. So, drop the wheatgrass, grab a pen and apply. The reporters and artists Vegetarian Resource Group is giving away $10,000 in college scholarship money to two graduating high school students who have promoted vegetarian- Thursday nights, 7 p.m. ism in their schools and communities. Each student will receive $5,000. Stu- dents applying for this scholarship must be vegetarians who do not eat fish, WPFW 89.3 FM meat or fowl, and must be U.S. high school students graduating in Spring 2009. The deadline for applications is February 20, 2009. For the application, visit : http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm.

Compiled by YDC staffers. September 2008 t Young D.C. t Lifestyle

Bu l l y i n g f r o m p a g e 6 People are talking Bullies – get over it Checking on druggy However, Clark warns that if not controlled or minimized, some cases can turn into legal issues. “What’s atypical behavior needs to be addressed – [but] classmates is a drag not always with punishment,” she said. “Support, resources, and coping skills must be put in place.” Sareum Kim due to friends and family.” But the good news is that bullying can be controlled Young D.C. Whatever the cause may be, all teens and minimized. She answers the phone with a laugh, “I’m show signs of drug usage. “Different drugs Campane said, “Yes, it truly ‘takes a village’ but I do doing great! I’m high right now.” That’s Mi- have different effects. Sometimes, people think that if we put our efforts as a community into prevent- chelle’s response when I call her to ask how she around don’t really notice the change in being bullying and increasing bullying awareness, I believe it was doing. Somehow, that response doesn’t havior, but usually, someone has noticed and can be controlled.” alert me. It’s 11:07 p.m on a week day, and it’s has done something to get it taken care of. And Additionally, bullies do grow out of it. Wagner partially a response that I’ve heard a number of times. sometimes, kids who do drugs notice positive agrees. Michelle is 16 years old and she goes to Cent- signs as well. For example, ‘I can talk at the “I think a good proportion of them do, but there’s a few reville High School. If this story is surprising, party better after a few beers,’” he says. And that just can’t let go or something.” then obviously, you have been away from a though its published statistics show that the But until those who just “can’t let go” do let go, stu- typical high school for too long. The drug us- number of teens who do drugs has gone down dents must rely more and more on their pals and peers to age amongst high school students is a serious dramatically in Fairfax County Public Schools, help shield themselves from this method of torment found problem. The Center for Disease Control stud- Clayton still sees many kids with substance among today’s youth. ied teen marijuana use for its Youth Risk Be- related problems. And some students gladly assist. havior Surveillance released June 6, 2008. Ap- There are many ways teens can get help. “I always have a comment to say to make kids stop – at proximately one in five teens in D.C. and Most area schools teach about drug usage and least for a little while,” said Marrs, who added, “I do what I Maryland reported to researchers that they had the effects. can.” used marijuana during the 30 days before their “Adults and friends can help by being interviews. Virginia was not included in this re- able to talk about the observations and see if the Courtney Stein, 18, is a senior at St. Pius X HS in Hous- port. person can notice that it’s a problem,” Clayton ton, TX. In school, Michelle is just a normal stu- says. Gina Kim contributed to this article. dent. At five feet tall, she fits right in with the Sometimes, it’s hard for friends to bring crowd. Carrying her little JanSport backpack, up the subject however. “I know it’s bad for she chats happily with her friends as she finds them, and I think it’s really gross but they don’t her way around the crowd. However, when listen to me. I just try to stay away from them,” night comes around, she becomes a party girl. says Bobbie about her friends who do drugs. “I love MJ! I love the feeling it gives me. Diz- When drug usage has gotten out of control zy and light headed. It’s so good.” She says in – it’s taking up more time and money, friends a cheerful voice. “You know… we do it be- and school are less important – there are al- cause it makes us feel good. I mean, think ways doctors to talk to. “Biologically we can about it. People aren’t going to do it if it doesn’t think about medicine to address the substance feel good. And while you are high, you can’t part or the other mental health parts, and psy- feel anything. It’s like escaping the world.” chologically, counseling in group or individual That great feeling that teens crave may be therapy can be helpful, and socially, working easy to access, but doesn’t come cheap. De- with the family to help decrease the subtle ways pending on how good and how much you buy, they may contribute to the substance problem. marijuana can cost anywhere from $10 to hun- “However, denial on the part of kids and dreds. their family can be a big obstacle,” says Clay- So why do so many teens do drugs de- ton. spite the price and all the warnings from teach- For teens like Michelle however, the rea- ers and friends? “There are three main rea- sons and treatments don’t seem to mean much. sons.” Dr. Michael Clayton, a local psychiatrist, Teens are teens. Looking for fun and adventure, says. “Biological, psychological, and social. they overlook motivation, ways to change and It’s not always easy to tease out the contribu- their own denial. tions these three realms make to each individual’s problems, but most people have contribut- Sareum Kim, 16, is a junior at Centreville ing factors in each of these three realms. High School in Clifton, Va. Biological because genetics play a role in many ways. Sometimes it’s also related to other men- The CDC report cited in this story covers tal health issues that have a big biological com- many risky teen behaviors including to- ponent. Psychological, because sometimes, bacco use, unprotected sex and not wear- there are ways that people think drugs and al- ing a bike helmet. Check it out by visiting cohol can help them with their problems. www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/yrbs/pdf/yrb- Sometimes they work a bit to help but also ss07_mmwr.pdf cause problems. And social, meaning factors Young D.C. t September 2008 Entertainment Broussard raises the bar with soul, goodwill Lindsey Rennie Young D.C. Marc Broussard, the passionate, bluesy alternative artist from the Louisiana bayou, does not disappoint with his first full-length album on Atlantic Records. Broussard inher- ited a love and appreciation for the art of music from his father, Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist, Ted Broussard. Broussard’s new album, Keep Coming Back, to be released on September 16, begins with a title track that will have you tapping your foot and wanting to sway along with the strong seven-piece horn section. Broussard brings R&B and soul music back to life by putting ardor into the words he sings, and just by listening, you know he’s being honest with himself and with listeners. While listening to Keep Coming Back, you feel like you’re home, or just enjoying some sweet southern comfort. Broussard has stayed true to his roots with this major-label debut of all original songs with two talented Collections Acquisition Program Angel Rodríguez-Díaz, “The Protagonist of an Endless Story,” ladies lending their vocals. Sara Bareilles, 1993, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, museum who has toured with Broussard, sings back-up purchase made possible in part by the Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Pool and the Smithsonian Institution vocals on “Why Should She Wait” and LeAnn Photos courtesy of Ashley Kalmanowitz Rimes, who had Broussard as a co-writer and sic he sings night after night, never losing his touch. Aziza Tichavakunda vocal partner on her song “Nothing Wrong,” Broussard said that fans often mention that his albums Young D.C. sings on “When It’s Good.” never measure up to the thrill of seeing one of his live shows, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month, com- The album concludes with Broussard’s but Keep Coming Back makes you feel like you’re sitting in memorates and celebrates the contributions and culture acoustic ballad, “Evangeline Rose.” Broussard the front row and Marc is singing right to you. of the over 44 million Americans of Latin American and is a power-house on this final track, a song for Spanish descent. The span of days includes the Dia de his daughter. He sings about how much he Lindsey Rennie, 15, is a sophomore at Mount De Sales Raza, which celebrates the multicultural heritage and loves her and misses her while on tour. Marc Academy in Catonsville, Md. history of the Americas, and the Independence Days of Broussard is an honest and endearing artist who Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, cares about family, home, his fans, and the mu- Mexico and Nicaragua. The metropolitan area offers some great activities in honor of this month and to in- crease cultural awareness. The ones below promise to Down to earth words from theBroussard bayou says his new CD is different from previous albums because it has be fun and informative. All events are free unless other- Gautier Lemyze-Young “virtually no editing on the tracks... it’s bare bones. And I have had more involve- wise noted. Young D.C. ment in this album than any other project before.” Sept. 4 – Flamenco Festivities at the Smithsonian Marc Broussard’s new album “Keep Coming Back” is an authentic record His dad was a famous guitarist and Broussard said that growing up with a American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard, NW DC, filled with real music, strong influences and great beats. YDC called him to talk musician father and in Louisiana, “gave me an opportunity to get closer to the per- 5–8 p.m. – Enjoy a night of flamenco and rumba about the new album, his inspirations and his future plans. forming aspect of music at a younger age than most people. [A chance to] get up demonstrations and lessons and be a part of a bilin- The self-proclaimed family man seemed to be at home during the interview. close and personal with the performer inside me... it gave me a desire to be on-stage gual question-and-answer session. His young kids were playing very audibly in the background. His raspy voice was at a very early age.” Sept. 9 – Reyes of Comedy Night at the Warner The- a great contrast to his kids’ high pitched voices. After being asked where he got his His favorite venues? The 9:30 Club in D.C., anywhere with an NYC audience ater, NW DC, 5–8 p.m. – The Congressional His- inspiration, he said “My kids. Absolutely. They’ve had a huge impact on every as- and, of course, his hometown Carencro near Lafayette, La. panic Caucus Institute 2008 will host this event of pect of my life.... [They’ve been] hugely inspirational.” As for his future plans, Broussard hopes to expand his nonprofit organization, five comedians presenting a comedic portrait of His- Broussard’s attitude was real and down to earth; he’s a real pleasure to in- The Momentary Setback Fund (which helps hurricane victims), into a global orga- panic life in the United States. To obtain additional terview. nization that could get more funding for projects around the world. He plans to use information and to purchase tickets, visit www.chci. Broussard said his music, “encompasses a lot of things... I just call it soul his music and merchandise as a way to raise money for The Momentary Setback. org. Admission is $50 for students. music.” He mentioned that his label change in 2007 to Atlantic Records was smooth He would like Young D.C. readers to know this: “If you’re an old fan, thanks because a lot of the people he had worked with at his previous label also made the for the support. If you’re a new fan, welcome to the club. We’re going to have fun.” switch. Old fans, new fans and curious people can listen to the title cut of “Keep Coming At 26, Broussard has toured and performed with some of music’s biggest Back” by visiting www.myspace.com/marcbroussard. Local Indian dance ensemble sensations from O.A.R. to Maroon 5 to Dave Matthews Band. He is an accom- plished singer and is joined by strong female vocalists Sara Bareilles and LeAnn Gautier Lemyze-Young, 16, is a junior at Centennial High School in Ellicott Rimes on his new album. Bareilles joins him on 14 of 43 stops on the 30-state City, Md. performs new work Sept. 20, 21 “Keep Coming Back” tour. September 2008 t Young D.C. Entertainment Celebration con sabor – the vibrancy

Photo courtesy of Bavaria Films and Picture This! Above: Fish Dreams [Sonhos de Peixe] from Brazil; below: Glue from Argentina, two of the many films to be screened of Hispanic during the XVII Latin American Film Festival. heritage month

Sept. 21 – Annual Fiesta at the National Zoo, 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. – Friends of the National Zoo invites you to a day of animal demonstrations, dance performances, Hispanic and Latino music, Latin American foods and crafts for sale. Collections Acquisition Program Sept. 28 – Fiesta DC 2008 in the Mt. Pleasant neigh- Angel Rodríguez-Díaz, “The Protagonist of an Endless Story,” 1993, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, museum borhood in Northwest DC, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. – The an- purchase made possible in part by the Smithsonian Latino Initiatives nual official Latino Festival of Washington, Fiesta Pool and the Smithsonian Institution DC 2008, will feature four stages that will incorpo- rate music, folklore, theatre and other performing Aziza Tichavakunda Sept. 13 – Living in Many Worlds: Hispanic Heritage arts. In addition, Fiesta DC will include a Children’s Young D.C. Month Family Day Celebration at the Kogod Court- Festival, a Science Fair, a Community-Based Orga- Sept. 15-Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month, com- yard/Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art nization Information Fair, and sections for Arts & memorates and celebrates the contributions and culture and Portraiture, 8th St. and G St., NW, D.C, 1–5 p.m. Crafts, Public Information and International Cuisine. of the over 44 million Americans of Latin American and – Smithsonian invites families to a day of interactive Fiesta DC and the Smithsonian Latino Center are Spanish descent. The span of days includes the Dia de activities, dance performances, bomba and plena working together to create engaging, cultural pro- Raza, which celebrates the multicultural heritage and music, arts and crafts, and bilingual tours. gramming. Visit www.fiestadc.org for more details. history of the Americas, and the Independence Days of Sept. 16 – Oct. 7 – XVII Latin American Film Festival Oct. 4 – Latin Jazz Celebration at the National Postal Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, Silver Museum, 2–5 p.m. – Enjoy conga drum demonstra- Mexico and Nicaragua. The metropolitan area offers Spring, Md. – The American Film Institute, the Inter- tions and interactive musical performances from a some great activities in honor of this month and to in- American Development Bank and the Ibero-Ameri- quartet of students from The Music Teaching Proj- crease cultural awareness. The ones below promise to can Cultural Attachés Association present the Latin ect. Listen to Latin jazz’s oral history, learn about be fun and informative. All events are free unless other- American Film Festival, which will feature over 30 the newly released stamp that pays respect to Latin wise noted. Latin American films during these three weeks. jazz and design your own heritage stamps. Learn more about Latin American culture, customs, Sept. 4 – Flamenco Festivities at the Smithsonian – Living and Working in Space at the National Air and history, and contemporary theatre while watching American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard, NW DC, Space Museum, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. – Learn about His- good movies from South American countries and 5–8 p.m. – Enjoy a night of flamenco and rumba panics’ contributions to aeronautics in a bilingual Spain. For more information about the movies and demonstrations and lessons and be a part of a bilin- program, do arts and crafts, and check out discovery movie schedules, go to http://dclatinamericanfilm- gual question-and-answer session. stations about how people live and work in space. festival.org. Admission is $8.50 for students with Sept. 9 – Reyes of Comedy Night at the Warner The- valid ID, $9.75 general admission. ater, NW DC, 5–8 p.m. – The Congressional His- Aziza Tichavakunda, 15, is a junior at Banneker Sept. 30, Oct. 1-3, Oct. 7 – XVII Latin American Film panic Caucus Institute 2008 will host this event of High School in the District of Columbia. Festival at Gala Hispanic Theatre, Tivoli Square, five comedians presenting a comedic portrait of His- 3333 14th Street, 14th and Park Road, 6:30 p.m. all panic life in the United States. To obtain additional Matt Nguyen and Priscilla Ward contributed to this days except Oct. 7. The movies are listed on http:// information and to purchase tickets, visit www.chci. calendar. dclatinamericanfilmfestival.org/gala.pdf. org. Admission is $50 for students.

Nine locally trained dancers from the divine devotion, relying on the subtle nu- Nrityanjali Performance Troupe of Gaithers- ances of group choreography to accent the Local Indian dance ensemble burg, Md, introduce a new composition yet larger theme of relationships. classical dance Sept. 20 and 21. Nrityanjali’s Bhakti Manjari The work, Bhakti Manjari, is in a clas- Kreeger Auditorium performs new work Sept. 20, 21 sical Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam,, It at the Jewish Community Center, explores the four major stages of ‘bhakti’ or 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, Md. Entertainment t Young D.C. t September 2008 Pharmakon – An epic tale set in the early decades of psychopharmaceutical drugs Gautier Lemyze-Young Young D.C. Dirk Wittenborn’s fantastic novel Pharmakon weaves the tale of a psychology professor, his family and their ambitions. Dr. Friedrich is a family man, a professor at Yale in the 1950s with little money. Friedrich and his family live in a social circle drenched in money and power, and Friedrich strives to feel at place in it. And he thinks he could have found his ticket with gai kau dong. It is a drug from the South Pacific that could very well be the cure to any mental instability. He and his partner, Dr. Winton, the only female in the psychology department, conduct months of experiments on the drug. They are quite certain it is very effective until one of their subjects goes crazy. The outcome of this subject’s downfall is so horrible that Friedrich is forced to move and find a new, better paying job in pharmaceuticals. Pharmakon is first told from the point of view of a narrator, then switches to the point of view of Friedrich’s youngest child, Zach. Zach’s whirlwind life is a fantastic story. It starts with him turning from a young, ignorant boy into a partying teenager, and eventually into a cocaine addicted screenwriter. Wittenborn’s style of writing is phenomenal. Between the incredible detail and amazing character build-up, the reader is sucked into this well-written world of pharmaceuticals. Wittenborn’s sense of emotion and dialogue is incredible and intriguing. Many times the book was glued to my hands. In particular, when Zach has a life changing experience with one of the subjects of the Friedrich-Winton research at Yale. This scene is so well written and so believable, that it is heavenly to read. This novel will get readers thinking about pharmaceuticals’ impact on society. A particularly great line is, “Friedrich wondered if there might be a way to prescribe tears.” This line shows the way these doctors think and where pharmaceuticals could be heading in the future. The effect would be huge and society would be changed for- ever. It’s just something to think about. Pharmakon by Dirk Wittenborn Viking 416 pages $25.95

Gautier Lemyze-Young, 16, is a junior at Centennial High School in Ellicott City, Md. Shedding some light on Breaking Dawn Caitlin Peterson up and never stops. Thrills, excitement and anticipa- Overall, the book is a strong, emotional read. The Young D.C. tion abound as readers leaf through its 700+ pages. description is lacking at times, but it still succeeds in The much anticipated fourth novel in the Twilight Unlike the other books, Breaking Dawn doesn’t keeping you hooked from start to finish. It is nearly im- series, Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer is not one stay with one character’s perspective throughout. It possible to put down once you start reading it – as ad- to disappoint. This popular saga follows desirable begins with Bella’s point of view, switches to the per- dicting a read as the others were. Meyer did an excep- vampire Edward, frag- spective of her werewolf friend Jacob, and eventually tional job wrapping up her saga, but she left many ile teen Bella, and the switches back to Bella. This takes away from the book questions unanswered, which leads many to think this Cullens, a family of a bit, as there are some things that could be better ex- wasn’t the end. One can only hope that it wasn’t. And if “good” vampires who plained by Bella rather than Jacob. But, his point of there is more to come, what will Meyer think up next? prey on animals rather view adds to the book in its own way. Breaking Dawn than humans. The For a book with such wide popularity, it is fair to Stephanie Meyer book, out Aug. 2, picks say that the author would never have been able to meet Released Aug. 2, 2008 up right where Eclipse, all expectations. It is certainly not the best of Meyer’s Little, Brown Young Readers the third novel, left off. work, but it isn’t the worst either. This book isn’t as 768 pages Edward and Bella’s believable as the others, and the characters seem rather wedding is fast ap- forced, their actions questionable and not what readers Caitlin Peterson, 15, is a junior at John S. Burke proaching, and from have come to expect. So, there are bound to be those Catholic High School in Goshen, N.Y. there, the action picks who aren’t satisfied with this end to the series. September 2008 t Young D.C. Fall TV lineup sure to excite Fran Djoukeng complex on your front lawn and your whole neighborhood Young D.C. will be watching as you play for money based on how well If you are worried that last winter’s writer’s strike has you know your family members. All you have to do for cold- affected the new fall television shows for the major networks, hard cash and prizes is to demonstrate superb knowledge of you are not overreacting. The new fall your family. And, of course, handle the television series are not quite as nu- pressure of National TV. merous as they were in 2007. Most The Mentalist (Scheduled to pre- networks are planning to air two new miere on CBS on Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. shows or less. Still, there are three with a 2 hour special): Patrick Jane, shows that seem to be promising: played by Simon Barker, stars in this Fringe (FOX), Opportunity Knocks series as a detective from California (ABC) and The Mentalist (CBS). and independent consultant who is em- Here’s the latest scoop: ployed by the Federal Bureau of Inves- Fringe (Scheduled to premiere tigation. Jane has a real knack and ex- on FOX on Sept. 9 at 8/7c with a 2 traordinary record for solving grave hour special): A thriller drama that ex- crimes—all by using his keen skills- a plores the lives of special agents who razor sharp talent at observation. All investigate unusual phenomena. The the while, his tragic past haunts him series centers on a man named Walter and his every action. Bishop, a rather intelligent but fanati- Check the premiere for these cal scientist, who is reunited with his shows but don’t dismiss your favorites estranged son by a female agent from from fall 2007, including: Michael Lavine / Fox the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Fringe on Fox debuts with Anna Torv (left), Dancing With the Stars (ABC) Episodes will follow the relationships Mark Valley and Joshua Jackson Deal Or No Deal (NBC) of the lead trio and delve into a multi- CSI: Miami, NY (CBS) tude of self-contained whodunits. Opportunity Knocks (Scheduled to premiere on ABC on Fran Djoukeng, 15, is a junior at Montgomery Blair HS Sept. 23 at 8/7c): This is a brand new game show to be hosted in Silver Spring, Md. by J.D. Roth that brings one lucky family in America together each week to play the game of a lifetime, for money. The premise- camera and crew comes knocking on your front door and asks if you want to play, then they set a huge game

Venues:Entertainment calendarShakespeare Theatre Company, full 450 7th of Street humor, NW of Clay concert – Nissanconcerts Pavilion 1st Mariner Arena – 201 W. Baltimore Street, Balti- DC, 202-547-1122 16 through the 21– Tyler Perry’s The Marriage Coun- more, Md. 21201 Sixth & I Synagogue – 600 I Street NW, Washington, selor – Warner Theatre 9:30 Club - 815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 D.C. 20001 17 – Balkan Beatbox and Deleon – Black Cat Black Cat – 1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. Rams Head Live! – 20 Market Place, Power Plant 19 – Curtis Album Release Party – 50 Cent & G Unit 20009 Live, Baltimore Md. 21202 Family – 1st Mariner Arena DAR Constitution Hall – 18th & C Streets NW, Wash- Verizon Center – 601 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20 – Several Species – The Pink Floyd Experience – ington, D.C. 20006 20004 Pier Six Fletchers Bar & Grill – 701 S Bond Street, Baltimore, Warner Theatre – 13th Street between E & F Streets 20 – Mary J. Blige concert – Nissan Pavilion Md. 21231 NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 21 – The Mars Volta concert– Rams Head Live! Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Perform- 21 – Sunday in the Country featuring Sugarland, Rod- ing Arts Center – 12 N Eutaw Street, Baltimore, September: ney Atkins, Billy Currington, Jason Michael Carroll, Md.21201 1 – Jimmy Buffet concert – Nissan Pavilion and Laura Bryna – Merriweather Post Pavilion Merriweather Post Pavilion – 10475 Little Patuxent 5 – Jerry Seinfeld – Meyerhoff Symphony Hall 21 – Fiesta Musica at the National Zoo Parkway, Columbia, MD, 21044 5– Bob Newhart – Warner Theatre 26 – How Sweet the Sound, The Search for the Best Meyerhoff Symphony Hall – 1212 Cathedral Street, 6 – The Hint, American Diary, Anthem, and OH the Church Choirs in America concert – Verizon Center Baltimore, Md. 21201 Story concert – Fletchers Bar & Grill 27 – Martina McBride concert – Nissan Pavilion National Zoo – 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washing- 6 – Patti LaBelle concert – Pier Six 28 – Kathy Griffin – DAR Constitution Hall ton, DC 20008, 202-673-4800 8 – Celine Dion concert – Verizon Center Sept. 30 through Oct. 12 – Legally Blonde the Musical Nissan Pavilion – 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, Sept. 9 - Sept. 28: Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare The- – Hippodrome Theatre Va. 20136 atre Company Patriot Center – 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Va. 11 – Stereophonics concert – 9:30 Club Calendar compiled by Sareum Kim and Lindsey 22030 13 – 3 Doors Down, Hinder, and Finger Eleven concert Rennie. Pier Six – 731 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, Md., – Merriweather Post Pavilion 21202 14 – Third Day, Switchfoot, Robert Randolph, and Jars Young D.C. t September 2008 Sp o r t s TJ men’s volleyball set for first season Jin-Ah Kim Beyond rules and logistics, there are many chal- Daniel Higgins, 16, has played on youth leagues Young D.C. lenges for getting a team started. “We actually had only for four seasons. He said the eighth period experiences This fall, Thomas Jefferson High School for Sci- 14 people come to the first practice,” said David Klay- were invaluable to the team. “Most of our team gained ence and Technology adds a new sport. Men’s volley- ton, 17. “We’re hoping enough people can get inter- valuable experience last year,” said Higgins. “Many of ball was a club sport the past year, but became official ested to have multiple teams next year.” the other teams that we’ll be playing have been together in July. Although women’s volleyball is very popular, “The rising seniors who took over have done a a lot longer than we have. That said, our team has great men’s volleyball is much more obscure, with only sev- great job of getting the team into the league, fund-rais- chemistry and many talented athletes. This season will en other schools in northern Virginia supporting offi- ing, and establishing practice,” said Markwalter. “I’m be successful no matter how many games we win.” cial teams. really excited for them and I know that they are pumped Coach Stamper said, “Most of the guys have been The seeds of it were sown long ago. “In the spring to finally have a legitimate team.” playing and practicing together since September 2007, of 2007, my friend Michelle Oresky saw that there was Another problem is experience. “I’ve never so they know each other and have great court rapport,” a fair amount of interest in a men’s volleyball team,” played organized volleyball before,” said Mikas Ku- said Stamper. “They are excited and ready to meet their said Chet Markwalter, 18. Then juniors, Markwalter prenas, 17. “However, we’ve practiced a lot over the first opponent.” and Oresky approached Melody Modell, director of last year and some of us went to a team camp over the The players also have goals that go beyond just student services at TJ. “[In the end], Modell said that summer to make up for the lack of experience.” winning the games. “Our goal for this year is to lay a there could not be an official team [in the 2007-2008] Klayton, who was one of six members who were good foundation for later classes at TJ,” said Kuprenas. year,” said Markwalter. According to Modell, the team at the team camp at George Mason University, feels “We are an extremely upperclassmen-heavy team, and could not be official until it showed that it could sup- that the team is ready for its first season. “There were a so we want to show the freshmen and sophomore that port itself and that there was steady interest in it. few other teams from our league [at the camp] and they we exist, we’re a real sport, and they can play too.” Markwalter and Oresky, along with Sumit Malik, were really good – but TJ’s gotten a lot better from “[I expect] that the guys give 110 percent effort then a sophomore, started recruiting members and practices this August so hopefully we will win some of and have as much fun as possible. I hope that we are found Anna Stamper, a history teacher, who could our games,” said Klayton. successful as a team, and that we win every game, but coach the team. Anthony Hwang, 17, a veteran volleyball player even if we don’t, if you have fun playing it makes it all After writing a charter and constitution, TJ men’s who has played in club leagues for 10 seasons, has worthwhile,” said Stamper. volleyball became a club sport. Throughout the fall of high expectations. “Although very few members have TJ men’s volleyball will have its first game 2007, the club practiced after school or during eighth played competitively before, they’re all very athletic Wednesday, Sept. 3 against Lake Braddock Secondary period. Eighth period at TJ is scheduled so students and hard-working so they’re picking up the sport at a School and Herndon High School. can participate in club or team activities during school rapid pace,” said Hwang. “And our coach is great so hours. Through the year about 20 guys consistently we should be able to play evenly with several of the Jin-Ah Kim, 18, is a senior at Thomas Jeffer- showed up for practice. other teams.” son High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va. archery•badminton•baseball•basketball• bobsledding•bowling•boxing• canoeing• cross country•cycling•fencing•football•golf•hockey •judo•lacrosse•rowing •skating•skiing•swimming•tennis•track and field•volleyball•water polo• weightlifting•wrestling Has an amateur athlete in your sport been profiled in YDC lately? YDC is recruiting reporters and looking for profile prospects. Send an email to: [email protected] September 2008 t Young D.C. Hu m o r

Casey Drogin Casey Drogin, 16, is a junior at Einstein HS in Kensington, Md. Don’t judge a book by it’s...oh, never mind Archie Brown Suffice to say the book works in the same way Young D.C. “The Colbert Report” works. The author, a Young A Practical Guide to Racism, by C. H. Dalton, D.C. alumnus, isn’t actually a racist. He simply finds proud holder of the “most obvious pseudonym” title the some hateful notions humorous enough to trans- is precisely what the title suggests: a guidebook dis- plant into a more sterile environment in order to draw cussing and documenting racial stereotypes, slurs and out their inherent absurdity. Old racist standbys such suggestive themes in a direct, understandable and up- as “every Hispanic is obsessed with soccer” sound roarious fashion. Wholly provocative and at times silly and funny when put down in a big stuffy field even incendiary, the guide stays wholly deadpan from guide. There. Joke explained and humor ruined. No- start to finish as if it were a fishing manual or instruc- body involved in the book, or any newspaper review- tions for setting up Tivo. This isn’t quite a mainstream ing it is remotely racist. title, but it remains at the very least thought-provok- A Practical Guide to Racism is the perfect book ing, if not downright astonishing. Photo courtesy of Comedy Central for learning true colors. People who see race as a non- Books like this one put reviewers in an awkward The author, as described in his ever-so-serious guide, “In issue can be identified if they laugh out loud at this 1954, the famously reclusive former child prodigy, C. H. position. To produce a review that’s understandable Dalton, was born to a family of wealthy robber barons in New scintillating treatise on racial stereotypes worldwide. for more than the niche audience, metahumor and Haven, Connecticut...After receiving his Ph.D. in just three Actual racists are those who read the book somberly years, Dalton accepted the prestigious Charles Lindbergh ironic behavior must be explained outright. Just to professorship in Ethnography at the Institute for Advanced and see nothing out of the ordinary. Lastly, closet rac- avoid the beehive-poking factor, it tends to be a drag Studies in New Jersey, where he teaches an intensive ists are the ones morally outraged simply at the title, to both write and read. course load of two lectures every other semester.” literally judging a book by its cover. That’s racist. Archie Brown, 18, is a freshman at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa. Boxes? We ain’t got no stinkin’ boxes. We deliver free to schools, libraries and teen hangouts. Call the newsroom to get on the list: 202.232.5300 Young D.C. t September 2008 Viewpoints Bullying: far more serious than TV lets on Courtney Stein rors an idealistic television plot. In reality, kids can- tim. Young D.C. not conjure witty comebacks on cue, nor manage to And that’s the key: upon witnessing it, that per- Movies and TV shows portray bullying inces- help themselves in more indirect ways. That’s why son should do whatever he or she can. In other words: santly – and some of it even manages to amuse the students like Bridget Marrs, see story page 5, must challenge the challenger – through direct confronta- general public. After all, isn’t there something posi- continue to aid their friends in eradicating this ag- tion, adult intervention, support groups, whatever it tively uplifting about an outcast who, at the last min- gressive, exploitative behavior. Many make the takes. With a little effort, this generation can ensure ute, whips out a witty comeback to redeem his or her mistake of dismissing power in numbers as mere that bullying does not live on as a rampant childhood previously downtrodden self and completely topple verisimilitude. But knowing the inner insecure na- epidemic, but rather, yesterday’s burden. the unjust high school hierarchy? ture of bullies, they are much more likely to prey Of course there is. But sadly, life rarely mir- elsewhere if they can no longer isolate their vic- Courtney Stein, 17, is a senior at St. Pius X HS

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Address correspondence to Young D.C. Managing Editor 1904 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Young D.C., Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to create opportunities for young people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic and economic back- grounds to work together to develop a re- sponsible, independent media voice. Its program encourages teens to exam- ine new territory in the region’s fragmented society to produce this newspaper. In the process, its editors, reporters, photogra- phers, cartoonists, illustrators and interns develop skills for college and career.

Casey Drogin, 16, is a junior at Einstein HS in Kensington, Md. September 2008 t Young D.C. t Viewpoints

OC f r o m p a g e o n e ies. “We realize these are challenging economic times,” said Abbot. “These free events are something that adds value to a vacation and we hope that people can have some fun,” she said. “Also, our beach is free... where [as] many resort beaches are not free.” Alison Price from Baltimore, Md. came to Ocean City to see one of the free movies screening on the beach. “We’re actually down here to celebrate my 40th birthday,” said Price, “so high gas prices weren’t going to stop us.” The mother of three girls, ages nine, 10, and 11, said she thinks about her route more often so she doesn’t waste time or gas. “When we got here we realized we had forgotten our beach chairs, but we decided it wasn’t worth it to drive back and get them,” said Price. Two twelve-year-old girls at the movie that night, Carlee Barrett and Kamryn Evans, are locals who also feel hurt by the economy. “I’m from Berlin, Md.,” said Kamryn, “and my dad lives in Rehoboth, Del., but I’ve hardly gotten to see him this summer because neither he nor my mom wants to drive me back and forth.” Barrett agrees, “I barely get to see my friends who live in the surrounding areas.” Methods of transportation have also changed drastically for Ocean Photo courtesy of Lindsey Rennie City visitors this summer. “You can ride the bus all day for two dollars,” Many families watch Happy Feet, the free movie on the beach at 27th Street on a chilly evening in said Megan Diggs, 12, of Glen Burnie, Md., “so we ride the bus all the early July. time.” ily they were still on a budget, even though they were on vacation. “I own three gas sta- “We parked the car and left it for two weeks,” said Sandra Diggs, tions,” Dastra said, though she declined to say where they were located. “But trust me, gas Megan’s mother. “We’re also cooking every night, going to free events, stations owners aren’t benefiting at all from high gas prices.” spending more time at the free beach and pool, and we brought games Penaso loved having a vacation in Ocean City this year because it was her first time with us to occupy our time.” down in five years. “My family usually thinks it’s a hassle to drive down with me and my On the boardwalk on a stifling hot Thursday, Nicole Whewell and two siblings and spend a lot of money in one place,” Penaso said. She was only able to come Dan Calwell said they took the bus to get there. “We take the bus all the this year because her friend invited her. “My favorite part of the entire trip was taking the time now,” said Calwell, from Denton, Md. The two teenagers know bus down to see Happy Feet on the beach with my friends,” she said, “because sometimes money is hard to come by, and they said they need to save money in what- the best things in life truly are free.” ever ways possible. Whewell, from Ridgeley, Md., said, “we saved up a lot more money than we usually do just to be able to come down here this Lindsey Rennie, 15, is a sophomore at Mount De Sales Academy in Catonsville, Md. year and we’re constantly cooking in the condo that Dan’s family owns.” Billie Dastra, a mother of three from Lancaster, Pa., said she was Morefunhere.com shows a schedule of all the free events and offers special deals to families cooking for her family each night and was constantly reminding her fam- to encourage them to visit Ocean City for a vacation.

The Bureau of National Affairs Children’s Charities Foundation Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation The Washington Examiner The Freedom Forum

The Herb Block Foundation McCormick Tribune Foundation for your generous support of YDC’s programs in 2008 Ko n r a d ’s Le n s