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$1.50

NUMBER 62008

®RIPRIPRevitalize. Inspire. Perform.Revitalize. Inspire. Perform.

WHAT’S INSIDE:

Freedom to Choose Positive Actions

Create More Self-Esteem

Whooping Cough, What’s That?

Be a Leader: Get Involved With the

Teen Health Project

.2.1101 14th Street NW, Suite 900 • Washington, DC 20005 • (202) 218-0380 • www.healthright-dc.com

Growing quality health care. It’s our passion.

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Publisher’s Note:®

Change has come. From the tran-sition of summer to fall, marked by the orange-yellow falling leaves on the trees, to our new President-Elect Barack Obama, and all of the conversations you may be hearing about our econ-omy, it’s evident that change is what is present right now. How

are you judging what is happening in your life? What are you experiencing right now? Write us! Let us know. No matter what is happening in your life, at school, at your job, or in your neighborhood, you have the free-dom to choose how you will respond to the changes that are taking place in your life. You can choose posi-tive thoughts and take positive actions to make your life better. Be the best person you can be! You can do it! At RIP magazine, we are dedicated to bringing you stories, articles, and information that will help you take positive steps toward your future. Share with us your stories of success and help our readers learn from your positive actions.

RIPRevitalize. Inspire. Perform.

NUMBER 6 2008

A publication produced by: The Aquiline Group® • Washington, DC

www.theaquilinegroup.comevelyn@theaquilinegroup.com

202-483-1757

PUBLISHER: Evelyn Rodriguez, MA, MA

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Lisa L. Rollins, EdS (ABD)

Katherine TynbergJulia Anderson MonkSandra Dupont, MFT

Dr. Robert ZarrCaroline Suh

ART DIRECTOR: Renée Andrush

YOUTH CORRESPONDENTS: Adriana Rodriguez

Colette PhillipsJoshua GrahamBrittany Morris

Dakoda O. RollinsTimothy Star

Mark OvercastMari Mueller

PHOTOGRAPHY:Zack Bussey

Holly Teal

All submissions are property of RIP magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express

written permission from the publisher.

RIP magazine is a quarterly educational publication for urban youth, available at various

distribution points and by subscription. For more information call us at 202-483-1757.

All contents copyright © 2008 The Aquiline Group.All rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.

www.revitalizeinspireperform.com

®

DREAM, SENSE, FEEL,

and let the world INSPIRE YOU...

DREAM...(dreaming opens

the doors of possibility)

Inspire.

I

Perform.

PRevitalize.

R

A+A+®

.4..4.

Renee M. Andrush

Art Director

Katherine TynbergContributing Editor

Joshua GrahamYouth Correspondent, TN

Lisa L. RollinsEditor at Large

Adriana RodriguezYouth Correspondent, FL

FACESbehind

RIP Rebecca Eastridge

PR Intern

Maria Tanios

Marketing Coordinator

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MissionOur

MissionOur

To serve as a responsible, educational, thought-provoking,

culturally relevant publication that inspires young readers to achieve their

highest potential.

RIP magazine relies on an advisory board of experts, including teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers, and

others to ensure that it provides accurate and reliable information to its readers.

Servir como una revista responsable, educacional y cultural que motive a pensar a los lectores jóvenes

y les inspire a alcanzar su mayor potencial.

La revista RIP cuenta con un equipo de expertos que incluye maestros,

enfermeras, doctores, trabajadores sociales, así como otros recursos, para asegurarse que la información

que le provee a sus lectores es la más confiable y segura.

MisiónMisiónNuestraNuestra

Our Mission.....................................5

Nuestra Misión.................................5

Create More Self-Esteem. ................6

Whooping Cough.............................7

The First Amendment.....................8

Love Life ......................................10

Successful Living..........................11

Up in Smoke.................................12

RIP’s Favorite Recipes...................12

How to Argue Productively............14

RIP Stories...................................16

RIP’s Favorite Poetry......................17

The Meaning of Life........................18

Games, Music and Culture............20

Youth and Technology....................22

In the Cinema................................23

Book Review..............…...............24

RIP Lenses...................................26

Artist’s Corner...............................27

Cambios En El 2009.....................28

El Trabajo del Vice-presidente.......30

.6..6.

act as ifDid you know that change actually begins in your mind? To change your circumstances you must first imagine yourself differently.

Therefore it is important to start to think, talk, and act as the person you want to become. Think-ing differently will start to move you toward your desired goals. For example, if the person you want to become is fit and healthy, the next time you are offered a candy bar ask yourself, “What would this healthy, new me do in this situation?” Chances are you’ll pass it by.

If you want to become a more outgoing person, the next time an opportunity arises to speak to someone you are interested in, smile and then behave as the person you are working toward be-coming would behave in the same situation.

create new picturesOne of the ways in which we sabotage ourselves is to carry around old pictures of ourselves in our mind. If you want to have more confidence, stop focusing on how awkward you think you appear to others. Stop talking about how uncomfortable you feel. A confident person would not do these things.

One of the “secrets” to becoming confident is to take inventory of the qualities of your personality that make you unique and special, and recognize and express gratitude for those people who al-ready know and enjoy you. Since we attract what we focus on, make a habit of acting, thinking, visualizing, and talking as the person you would like to become.

visualize your desiresWhatever you can dream of, you have the po-tential to achieve. Remember, everything in the world around you was once an idea in the mind of its inventor!

Invest time each day focusing on what you want in your life. The best time to do this is just before going to sleep at night and upon awakening in the morning. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths and create a picture of what you want in your mind. See it as vividly as you can, complete with color and sound and smells. Try to engage all of your senses.

Like picturing a movie screen in your mind’s eye, project your image onto the screen. Relax and just see this picture. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. You are teaching your mind what you want to have in your life.

If you want to join the track team, see yourself try-ing out for the team and being invited to join. If you want more friends, picture yourself surrounded by fun, happy people. See yourself laughing. What does the person to the right of you look like? What type of setting are you in? What is the weather like on that day? What are the sounds you hear? What are you wearing? Be creative by adding as much detail as you can.

Doing this for 10 or 15 minutes each day will help you stay on track with where you are wanting to go and will activate the parts of your mind that are designed to help you reach your goal. Remember to relax and have fun with it.

createmore self-esteemDo you dream of being more confident, a good student, athletic, creative, or popular?

Believe it or not, there is a simple way to change your circumstances and it all starts with a thought.

Sandra Dupont is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in help-ing teenagers approach the issues inherent in adolescence, and those specific to their circumstances, with confidence and competence. She has a private practice in Beverly Hills. For more information you can visit her Web site at SandraDupontMFT.com

HEALTHYO

UR

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createWhooping cough?“I thought whooping cough was a dis-ease of the 19th century,” I often hear my adolescent patients say. Pertussis or whooping cough is still around and on the rise. A dear friend’s 6-week-old baby was recently in the hospital for 2 months. Her baby almost died of whooping cough. As it turns out, babies get pertussis from ad-olescents and adults. Although we have vaccines to prevent pertussis, we don’t have a cure once you get it. You might be thinking, “What does this have to do with me?” When you were a just a baby, you probably already got all your shots, right? Well, although you got your vac-cines to prevent pertussis when you were a baby, your immunity decreases with time. This means that if you were to get pertussis, you might get very sick, and infect someone else. And if this some-one else were a baby or a person of ad-vanced age, they might die. So we have a new form of pertussis vaccine called TdaP, and we can and should give it to adolescents. Do yourself, your family and

friends a favor, and ask your doc about TdaP.

cornerp

hysic

ian

’s By Dr. Robert ZarrUnity Health Care Upper Cardozo Health Center3020 14th Street, NWWashington, DC 20009202-745-4300

.8.The District of Columbia Parent Information Resource Center

The District of Columbia Parent Information Resource Center (DC PIRC) is a program of the Multicultural Community Service. The DC PIRC works in Wards 1, 7, and 8 with public schools and parents of children from preschool through 12th grade.

A variety of programs and resources are available for schools and parents to access. You can call the DC PIRC helpline at 202-552-7175, or visit www.mcsdc.org for information on school readiness, school transfer, free tutoring and mentoring programs.

All services are free and available in English and Spanish. Interpretation is available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Amharic, and French.

Children are more likely to succeed in school and graduate when their

parents are involved in their education.

Americans have the right to freedom of speech, yet may fail to use or regard it with the importance it deserves. Young Americans may not understand what the First Amendment means in their lives.

If Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr had never been permit-ted to speak openly about the injustices of racism, America would be a different country. Without the First Amendment, King would have never made his famous speech delivered on the steps of the Lin-coln Memorial.

Not only did freedom of speech shape America into what it is today, it also allows for revolutionary change to transform the future. The First Amend-ment prohibits the government from prosecuting Americans who speak openly about their be-liefs, thoughts and political affiliations, and it sets

America apart from nations who do not allow basic rights.

Dr. Larry Burriss, First Amendment scholar and Middle Tennessee State University journalism professor, warned that what the First Amendment means is something that is often confusing for some. Many people think the First Amendment is the right to speak freely, but it is “prohibition against government interference, not a grant of personal freedom,” he explained.

So, the next time you hear someone talking about the basic freedoms and rights our citizens have as Americans, imagine what life would be like without the First Amendment. Imagine not being able to lis-ten to music without censorship or talk openly about your anger with the government and its leaders.

Perhaps most importantly, think what the United States would be without hearing important mes-sages from people such as civil rights leader King, who spoke out against injustices in our country. Without the protection of the First Amendment, many voices would be silenced.

Brittany Morris is a senior at MTSU, majoring in organizational communication.

What does the First Amendment really mean?By Brittany Morris

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JUR GR8T! lu

v u!

LIFELO

VE

By Katherine Tynberg

Answer:I’m sorry to tell you, but you are involved in an “invisible relationship.” This guy–who you think likes you–is only using you for his own gratification. It’s a game he plays. He likes to have girls email and text message him because it makes him feel good–popular. It builds up his ego. He probably has a number of girls that he contacts just like you. I know that this must make you feel terrible to hear this, but it’s true. I’m sure you like this guy and have put a lot of time and energy into thinking about him and writing him to keep up the “relationship.” As harsh as it may sound, you’ve got to realize that this is not a real relationship, only an invisible one. This guy isn’t really interested in you at all. He just wants to feel that girls are interested in him. I know that this must hurt a lot. You have been used and it’s okay to feel badly about it. He’s taken advantage of you, and that’s a hard thing to realize and accept. It can be very upsetting. So let yourself feel hurt for a little while, but at the same time, realize that this guy is not interested in a relationship, or even a friendship. Stop all contact with him. Spend time with your friends and enjoy the other things in life that you like. Have fun. You will eventually meet someone who really likes you. You will be far happier and he will have one less girl to prey upon.

Question:I have a boyfriend who text messages me and emails me all the time, saying nice things or sending me smiley faces. But, I hardly ever see him–maybe once a month. I really like him, and he seems to like me, but we rarely get together. What gives?

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Youth Leading and Influencing Change in the District

Talk to any DCYAC member or call our office for more information: 202-727-7966 * www.dc.gov

YOUTH VOICE - MAKE SOME !NOISE!

Government of the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor

One Judiciary Square * 441 4th Street, NW * Suite 1140 North-A * Washington, DC 20001

202.727.7966 – office * 202.727.8179 –fax

★ ★ ★

WHO WE ARE

The DC Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC) is a youth membership organization created in 2002 by DC youth and officials so that young people throughout DC have an official ongoing voice in youth-oriented policies, programs, and activities within the city.�WHAT WE DO

DCYAC promotes ways for youth to communicate with DC policymakers, work with DC government agencies, community organizations, and involve youth in the decision-making process of these groups through training, forums, and other collaborative efforts.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Become a Council Member or Ward Advisor. Recruitment for new members occurs once a year in the spring. DCYAC invites youth to become Ward Advisors at any time of the year. Ward Advisors communicate the needs of youth in their ward to DCYAC through neighborhood meetings and forums.

WHO WE ARE

The DC Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC) is a youth membership organization created in 2002 by DC youth and officials so that young people throughout DC have an official ongoing voice in youth-oriented policies, programs, and activities within the city.�WHAT WE DO

DCYAC promotes ways for youth to communicate with DC policymakers, work with DC government agencies, community organizations, and involve youth in the decision-making process of these groups through training, forums, and other collaborative efforts.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Become a Council Member or Ward Advisor. Recruitment for new members occurs once a year in the spring. DCYAC invites youth to become Ward Advisors at any time of the year. Ward Advisors communicate the needs of youth in their ward to DCYAC through neighborhood meetings and forums.

.12.

recipes for great health Fun Fruity Omelet

2 eggs1 tablespoon skim milkCooking spraySalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoons low-fat vanilla yogurt1/3 cup fruit of your choice1 tablespoon brown sugar

Combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Beat with a fork but don’t make it frothy. Spray cooking spray in skil-let evenly and heat on medium-high. To test the heat, pour a drop of egg mixture to make sure it sizzles. Pour egg mixture and cook until edges are golden brown. Use spatula to separate omelet into quarters and turn one-quarter at a time. Cook on other side until golden.

Drop a spoonful of yogurt and some fruit (strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or any fruit you like) in the center of each omelet quarter. Sprinkle with brown sugar.

Even quick meals can be healthy. If you’re running late for school and need to eat on the run, make it healthy. For example, spread peanut butter on a whole-wheat waffle and top with ba-nana slices or spread low-fat cream cheese on a whole-wheat English muffin and top with sliced strawberries. These can easily be eaten on the bus or even while walking to school.

®

wUp in

Smoke

Ladies, marijuana is everywhere--in music videos, TV, and movies--but do you really need pot to make yourself feel good? Here are a few myths and facts about marijuana: Myth #1. You can’t get addicted. FAcT: Experts consider marijuana an addic-tive substance. Myth #2. Pot is safer than other illegal drugs.FAcT: Marijuana can damage your short-term memory, as well as diminish your moti-vation and ability to concentrate. Also, smoke particles affect your air passages, which can lead to chronic bronchitis. Myth #3. Pot is natural, so it can’t be that bad for you.FAcT: Smoking one joint has the same effect on the lungs as smoking up to five cigarettes. And you know that smoking cigarettes can cause cancer and organ damage. So ladies, please consider giving it up. It’s really not that cool to smoke marijuana. It’s actually stupid.

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Those of you in a relationship know how passionate your boyfriend or girlfriend can get when expressing their opinions. I offer the following as suggestions for expressing your point of view without initiating World War III. (You may have noticed that attempting to change their mind or convince them you are right seldom proves productive.) The goal is to model to your partner that people can actually “agree to disagree,” and that it’s much easier to hear them when they plead their case in a respectful manner.

DON’TS (what not to do)lDon’t threaten violence.lDon’t call the other hurtful names or curse while arguing.lDon’t raise your voice to attempt to make sure you are heard.lDon’t shake a finger in their face or use threatening gestures.lDon’t threaten to withhold affection, communication or help.lDon’t accuse them of things unrelated to the argument. (While I’m at it, I hate the way you do this other thing...)lDon’t blame them for all your problems (If it wasn’t for you, I would have...)lDon’t bring up old problems and issues from the past.lDon’t say things like “You always do this” or “You never do that.” (This will only distract them into looking for an exception.)lDon’t resort to an ultimatum such as “If you don’t agree with me, its over between us!”lDon’t psychoanalyze them. (You’re only arguing with me because you are “in denial” about...)lDon’t exaggerate, lie, or use taunting language.

DO’S (what would be helpful to do)lListen as well as talk. (Instead of being busy thinking of a reply, stop and listen to what the other is saying.)lStick to the point. (Bringing up other issues will sidetrack the discussion. Stick to what is important.)lBe willing to compromise.lConsider that you might actually be wrong about something. (Don’t make the argument just a contest of wills.)lBe willing to apologize if you realize you are wrong.lBe open to considering your partner’s ideas or other options.lEstablish a “safety phrase” or gesture that is agreed to in advance. (Using this phrase alerts the other that a “time out” is needed now.)

Note: These suggestions work even better if both partners use the same set of rules.

How to Argue PrODucTively with Your Boyfriend/Girlfriend

LIFELO

VE

By Sandra Dupont, MFT

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PART 2 Recap: The story of Reina and Mya is about 2 teenage girls who have known each other since 5th grade. Their differences are beginning to pull them apart. As Mya enters a rebellious stage in her life, Reina tries to steer her on the right path.

Mya“Lemme get a pack of Marbolo lights.” Lately I’ve been run-ning through cigarettes like water. But things have been really rough. The doctors say that there’s a strong possibility that my mother has lung cancer. And lately my brother’s been selling drugs with Jerry and them. Jerry is like the Scarface of New York. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but he’s real popu-lar in Brooklyn. Every girl wants to get with him and every dude wants to be like him. And I don’t mind it if guys want to be just like him, as long as none of those guys are my brother. Cause if my brother keeps hanging with Jerry, then I know I’m gonna lose him, through death or from getting locked up.

“You know I’ma have to start asking you for some ID, Mya. There’s been a lot of cops around here lately, ever since that shooting on Nostrand, and I’m not trying to lose my store cause of you.” I look at Papi and I know he’s serious. His real name is Pablo, but everybody calls him Papi. He’s been running the deli for as long as I can remember, and I been getting ciga-rettes from him for about 2 months now. I look over at Reina and she rolls her eyes.

“See, it’s a sign, that you should take ya butt home and stop smoking those cancer sticks.”

“Listen to your friend,” says Papi smiling at me and Reina. I’m just about to tell him to mind his business, when Reina pulls me out the store.

“Let’s just go home Mya.”

“Fine, you go home,” I say aggravated, “I’ma look for another deli.”

“Mya, you been to all the bodega’s today. Let’s just go home.”

I roll my eyes and we head to Reina’s house.

continued in the next issue

STORIESR

IP

colette Phillips was born in Queens, NY

on October 25, 1990.

She enjoys writing short

stories and poetry, and she

also enjoys the perform-

ing arts. She attended

Repertory Company High

School for Theatre Arts in

New York City. There, she

studied drama and dance

and participated in 2 major

theatre performances. In

her senior year she moved

with her mother to New

Jersey, where she is cur-

rently living. She attends

St. John’s University and is

majoring in journalism.

.17.

favoritepoetryR

IP’S My Place

My Place is satisfying, satisfiedEntwined in motionExploring the limits of she Pulls and pulsatesErases tearsSoothing the needs of thee Is measured by AlphaStretches to OmegaAn essence of yen and yang Nestles the futureConnects earth to skyAnd shows the ancestors hands My Place is privateFor all to seeIt welcomes with a lock Mends and bruisesListens to speakBut broken; My Place is not Lasting Impressions - Silent MeditationsTracy-Lynne Toles`

Tracy-Lynne Toles` (Fafanta)

Born in Mt. Clemons, Michigan Tracy-Lynne has lived most of her adult life in Washington, DC. A graduate of the DC Public School system, she is now sharing her own flavor of love to the area she adores. She is the founder and coordinator of Giving Individual Real Love Solutions To Achieve Lasting Knowledge “GIRLSTALK,” a mentoring program for Princesses 12–20. Tracy-Lynne is deeply rooted in her beliefs and has come to the realization that her life’s journey is to share God’s word through her mentoring, art, and poetry. She has a series of poetry books in circulation called Lasting Impressions–Silent Meditations, Beautiful Ashes, and Continual. Many of her friends call her Fafanta, which is Ghanaian and means Butterfly.

RIP welcomes you to email us your art, poems, and pictures. We will feature them in an upcoming issue of RIP!

www.revitalizeinspireperform.com

Join our MySpace social network! Become an active part of our group and make friends.

We want to hear from you!Become a part of us:

www.myspace.com/revitalizeinspireperform

.18.

Subscribe Today! RIP magazine...to serve as a responsible, educational, thought-provoking, culturally relevant publication that inspires young readers to achieve their highest potential.

Name______________________________________________________________________Address_____________________________________________________________________City_________________________________________State______________ Zip__________Email__________________________________________________________ Age_________

Enclosed is my payment for $_______________ (Make payable to The Aquiline Group)Visa/Mastercard Number_________________________________Expiration date__________

Mail this form and payment to:RIP magazine/The Aquiline Group1801 Columbia Road, NW, Suite 101Washington, DC 20009

No matter what hand you were given at birth and your circumstances in life...the only freedom you have is to choose to take positive actions vs negative choices.

So think about it, what do you prefer to do with your time? Take positive steps to im-prove the situations that you are complain-ing about. Is there someone you dislike? Is there something you crave? Are you addicted to bad behaviors like smoking, overeating, lying, cheating, or violence?

Recognizing your struggles is the first step toward freedom. Make a list of all of the things you want to change in your life. Then make a list of what you can do to make positive changes. If you need help, seek the advice of your guidance counsel-or or your minister at church or seek the advice of someone in your neighborhood

zAnnual Subscription Rates: RIP magazine is published 4 times a year: March, June, September and DecemberSelect number of copies for yearly subscription: (includes cost of postage and shipping)

q1: $10 q10: $30 q25: $45 q50: $60 q100: $80

that you admire. Take a chance. Ask for guidance.

Remember, freedom is your destiny! Make a great life for yourself! You deserve it.

FUTUREYO

UR The Meaning of Life

The Key to Life: Freedom to Choose Positive Thoughts

RIPRIPRevitalize. Inspire. Perform.Revitalize. Inspire. Perform.®

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MUSICG

AM

ES&

Guitar Hero: AerosmithMaker: Activision and RedOctane

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith was re-leased last summer as the next in-stallment of the popular Guitar Hero gaming series. It is compatible with a number of gaming platforms, in-cluding Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and 3, Wii and the home computer.

Aerosmith and classic-rock fans will probably like this game more than anyone, since the music—or rather, the band’s set list—is a great one. One of the best things about GHA is the reality of it. It features real venues where the band has performed at different points in its illustrious career. Also, it has mini-interviews with each Aerosmith member, where they talk briefly about the different concert venues and what was going on at that time with the band.

Another plus to this game is that its cartoon images are truer to life than other GH releases. For example, the characters’ bodies are more proportionate than before, and in GHA, the musicians depicted actually use the same products and equipment as the real band members do, including Joe Perry and his numerous Gibson guitars.

Also, the GHA’s animated Aerosmith members have the same actions and movements that the real musicians have, especially vocalist Steven Tyler, whose GH cari-cature is fun to watch, especially when he does the microphone-stand stunts and has scarves waving, just like the real Tyler does. Even though the graphics are still a bit too cartoon-ish, GHA’s figures do show improvement.

As far as performance, GHA is somewhat easi-er to play than the “unlockable” songs on Guitar Hero 2. It is suited for a single player or two, and like the other GH games, you just hit the buttons on the guitar controller that correspond with the notes appearing on the screen.

Overall, GHA is worth the money and it’s a game that I’ll be playing a year from now or longer. The biggest setback for PS2 users is that it has to be special ordered, but for GH or Aersomith fans it’s a solid investment.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

GAm

e rev

iew

By Dakoda O. Rollins

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welcome to the Otto Show: Soulful country that rocksBy Dakoda O. Rollins

The late, great Tammy Wynette. The chart-enduring vocal power of Ronnie Dunn and the timeless sound of Texan Gene Watson.

Once in a blue moon, country fans are intro-duced to an individual who has a powerful, moving voice, and James Otto is no exception.

A recording artist for Warner Bros./Nashville, Otto returns bigger and better with his second studio release, Sunset Man. His first studio release, 2004’s These Are The Days for the Mercury Nashville label, had no mainstream success. But the debut track from his second album, the flirty and inviting “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” has rapidly moved up the charts.

Sunset Man has 11 songs and is packed with memorable melodies and belting vocals. While “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” is the big radio hit thus far, there are many more great songs on the album such as “Sunset Man,” “When An-gels Hang Around,” and the soulful “You Don’t Act Like My Woman.”

The tunes “For You” and “Damn Right” are bal-lads where Otto displays some of the best of what is his nothing short of amazing vocal tal-ents. Plus, the music on this CD album is just as good as Otto’s singing. Dobro and drum ac-companiments make the music come together, not to mention great backing fiddle on “Where Angels Hang Around.”

Otto’s album, which includes “Ain’t Gonna Stop,” a song he co-wrote with former Motley Crue member Nikki Sixx and Big Kenny of Big & Rich fame, is a CD this reviewer recommends to any country fan, and even those who don’t list country as a music choice. Sunset Man is that good.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

.21.

Guitar Hero: AerosmithMaker: Activision and RedOctane

Where are all the youth votes? By Andrew Bush

Historically, youth minorities in the United States have not been as active in elections as other voters because they’ve felt like their votes don’t count.

Minorities, as the title suggests, often feel like their vote is meaningless because they perceive themselves to be heavily outnumbered by white voters.

Also, U.S. Census Bureau records show that ed-ucation has a strong influence on voting trends. Works by renowned education critic Jonathan Ko-zol suggest that schools in some densely popu-lated areas are still as segregated as they were before the Brown v. Board of Education, a 1954 Supreme Court decision that declared “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” Be-cause these schools, essentially, remain segre-gated today, Kozul has contended, they produce unprepared students.

So, it is likely that the young adults who graduate from these poorly kept high schools don’t even have voting on their minds, even though voting could improve these conditions. Instead, they are concerned with survival.

In recent years, however, the black youth vote has kept pace with the voting voice of white youth. According to the Center for Information and Re-search on Civic Learning and Engagement, or CIRCLE, which is an organization that studies voting trends, “African-American youth are the most politically engaged racial/ethnic group.”

While none of these minority youth voting groups have had more than a 50% participation in the last four elections, according to CIRCLE statistics, some groups have started mobilizing to increase voter turnout. They know that their votes do make a difference, and understand that it’s their respon-sibility to vote so that the government can do its best to serve “all people.” Andrew Bush is a sophomore studying digital animation at MTSU.

.22.

“American idol”gets more votes than political candidatesBy Joshua Graham

The media and its influence on society constantly surround Americans. For example, “American Idol” is a show that clearly offers a perspective on how Americans are tied in with the media. In 2006, “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks obtained 63 million votes, topping the 54.5 million people who voted for President Ronald Reagan in the 1984 election, according to The Guardian (http://www.theguardian.co.uk), a Web site that includes articles about popular culture in America. These actions are easily justified when broken down. “American Idol” utilizes two different voting procedures to make it convenient for

fans at home to send in their votes. “Idol” fans can vote for contestants on the show who all receive their own toll-free number and four-digit text-messaging codes, according to the official “American Idol” Web site (http://www.americanidol.com.)

As stated before, I think the convenience factor plays a huge role in why more people participate in “American Idol” voting than voting in presidential elections.

“They (young people) think that their vote counts more effectively than it does in the presidential election. They get to see the results of their votes on a weekly basis,” said Chase Carillon, a sophomore majoring in biology at Middle Tennessee State University. With technology advancing the way it is, it is not difficult to question why “American Idol” receives more votes than the presidential elections in general.

Voting for “American Idol” is open to everyone with phone service. Teens have the option of dialing the toll-free number or text-messaging their favorite singer’s code versus actually having to travel somewhere to stand in line and vote in a booth. Face it. In today’s society, it’s all about convenience.

Joshua Graham is a sophomore mass communication major at MTSU and a regular youth correspondent for RIP.

TECHNOLOGYYO

UTH

&

PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT!!!Publisher Evelyn Rodriguez is pleased to announce that RIP has officially teamed with the School of Journalism at Middle Tennessee State University, the largest state-funded college in Tennessee, to create an editorial partnership with its faculty and mass communication undergraduates.

Under the direction of Lisa L. Rollins, an MTSU journalism educator and RIP’s editor at large, the collaborative partnership provides hands-on, real-world experience for participating MTSU students, while also serving RIP’s readership with diverse, relevant news that informs and empowers.

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CINEM

AIN THE

FRONTRUNNERSBy Caroline Suh

Some people might think that high school elections don’t matter, but they do!

In fact, when I was in high school I was never interested in running for student-body president. But as an adult, I became fascinated by political campaigns and how teenagers engage in them, so I made a documentary called “FRONTRUN-NERS,” which people say is very funny and entertaining.

Making “FRONTRUNNERS,” which follows the student council presidential campaign at a New York City school, made me realize three important things that I wish I had known before. I’ll try to put them here in a way that George, one of the characters in the film, might ex-press them, but I imagine he’d be much funnier. (If you see the movie’s trailer on YouTube or via the Web site below, you’ll understand what I mean.)

First, I think it’s great to get involved in endeavors that matter to you, even if they might seem fruitless to the outside world. Looking at how Mike, George and Hannah, three char-acters in “FRONTRUNNERS,” lead their lives, you realize that just being civically engaged is enough in itself.

Even though it requires a lot of hard work, what you get out of the process can be really fun and instructive. Other people might not understand the point of what you’re doing, but it doesn’t really matter, because it’s about what you get out of it that matters.

Second, it’s important to vote. Voting gives you more control of the way things around you are run. If you don’t vote, you have less reason to complain, if you feel like things are being run incompetently.

Third, teenagers are good at running things, if you give them a chance. For instance, The Spectator, the school newspaper in “FRONTRUNNERS,” is run mostly by students who take it very seriously. They’ve studied up on how an adult newspaper like the New York Times is run, and by talking things out and asking for teachers’ advice, they are able to oversee the newspaper effectively.

“FRONTRUNNERS” went into release around the country October 24. For show locations, to view a preview of the film or learn more about it, please visit our Web site at www.frontrun-nersthefilm.com.

Caroline Suh has produced numerous documentaries for PBS, Trio, The History Channel, A&E and The

Sundance Channel, among others. “FRONTRUNNERS” is the first feature documentary that she’s directed.

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Local author Leah Austin writes a stylish “facts of life” guide for young women after an insightful episode that she shared with her father.

Picture this: On a red-eye train ride to New York, two young women enter the “quiet” car. Their presence was immediately felt. The silence of 6 am was replaced by 9 pm “on-the-block” talk. In the same passenger car were Austin and her father. They immediately looked at each other as passengers sighed and placed laptops in empty seats around them.

Then, after what seemed like an hour, the girls found seats and continued to fill the train with re-counts of “what happened and who did what.”

Curious about the passengers’ reactions, Austin asked her father what he thought were character-istics of a “lady.” Their discussion became a list of characteristics, which became the outline for “Ciao Bella,” a collection of things every young woman should know, including healthy living, fashion, beauty, education, volunteering and even a chart with common phrases in English, Spanish and Italian.

Austin says her goal is for young women to stop choosing between beauty and brains. To find out more about the “Ciao Bella” (Hello Beautiful) movement to empower women of all ages to be brilliant and beautiful, please visit www.ciaobel-labook.com.

Those interested also may email Austin at ciaobellabook@yahoo.com. Or, follow her online at www.twitter.com/leahaustin and via her blog, www.leahaustin.wordpress.com.

Leah Austin was born in Washington, DC. She stud-ied Fashion Styling in Milan, Italy and has degrees in psychol-ogy from Fisk University and Howard University.

Ciao Bella is her first book.

“Ciao Bella” (Hello, Beautiful)and other things young women should know

EXCERPTS:Section One: Style/StileThis section gives you the rules from the inside out, starting with measurements, because we all know that (correct) size does matter. Then we cover the essential items that you should have in your closet so that you can begin to build not only your wardrobe but, your look.

Section Two: Health and Wellness/ SaluteHealth means more than worrying about catching a cold, it is taking care of yourself: mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physical-ly. Your body acts as a barometer, measuring the healthiness of these areas. This section is designed as a checklist of sorts, to give you some ways to take care of yourself and pre-vent illness.

Section Three: Love/AmoreLove is a feeling of affection. It is more than just a romantic feeling but describes how we feel about ourselves, our families and friends.

Section Four: Atmosphere/AtmosferaWhat’s around you? With whom and what do you surround yourself? That’s what atmo-sphere is, it is everything around you, from your friends, to your living space, to your thoughts and intuition.

Section Five: Lifestyle/Stile di vitaYou will notice that all of the sections in this book link together. We talked about style in the beginning of the book, in terms of fashion. Now we are looking at lifestyle. What is your life-style? It’s a combination of the basic rules that we must follow to live here, elements of our individual personalities and a bit of flare.

REVIEWB

OO

K

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Presidential debates: Who really wins?By Timothy Star

Debates were one of the first ways for the public to view their presidential candidates, but given how much media coverage candidates receive today, are debates more for show?

According to an editorial in The America’s Intelli-gence Wire, deciding who won a debate involves both political parties creating the “rosiest picture” of how their respective candidate performed dur-ing a debate.

“They are a lot for show,” Lauren Levins, a ju-nior mass communication major specializing in television production at Middle Tennessee State University, said. “It’s especially about looks.”

A CBS instant poll revealed that 71 percent of undecided voters did not know whom they were going to vote for after the first presidential debate Sept. 26 at University of Mississippi. Instead, they indicated they would rely on the remaining debates to make their decision. So do voters making their decisions based on how candidates look and speak during a debate?

“We do judge people on how they look and how they act,” Dr. Williams, a history professor at MTSU, said. However, Williams suggested, this isn’t a bad thing because candidates must have this sort of style to rally the world behind us, and that the overall effect of the debates is positive.

Williams also is involved with the American Democracy Project (ADP) at MTSU. Through the ADP, he helps bring students together to view presidential debates, followed with an open forum discussion about the debates.

This writer noted and found it interesting that during such a debate viewing, members of the audience reacted positively to points where a candidate stated something well despite his political platform.

Timothy Star is a senior at MTSU studying public relations.

Holly TealFeature Photographer

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Envianos tu mejor material. RIP está buscando corresponsales y artistas jóvenes!

Escríbenos a: evelyn@theaquilinegroup.com

Send us your best stuff! Be featured in the next issue of RIP. We want to hear your voice. Write us at: evelyn@theaquilinegroup.com

.27.

Ahmir Morton Lee, age 10Dunwoody, GA

AutumnTracy-Lynne Toles`Washington, Dc

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Sueña, Siente, y Dejaque el mundo TE INSPIRE�...

SUEÑA...(el soñar te abre las puertas a las posibilidades)

™Inspirar.

I

Participar.

P

Revitalizar.

R

Por Mark Overcast

En los últimos años, los Estados Unidos ha estado sujeto a muchos cambios políticos y económicos. Sin embargo, el más grande cambio de los recientes años ocurrirá el 20 de enero del 2009, con el presidente electo Barack Obama, el primer presidente de color en los Estados Unidos.

Andy Delk, un estudiante de matemáticas de la Universidad de Tennessee, opina lo siguiente: “El presidente no controla todo lo que ocurre. Todas las promesas que hacen los candida-tos, como por ejemplo, bajar lo taxes, pueden venir de él, pero ésto tiene que ser aprobado por el Congreso.

Por eso, es realmente importante quién es el

presidente? Esta es una pregunta que podría-mos discutir por días. Después de todo, hay un futuro promisorio para todos.

Mark Overcast en un estudiante de fotografía de primer año en MTSU

20.01.09El Cambio Ha Llegado

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®

Be a Leader. Make a Difference in Your Community. Age Makes No Difference.

The Teen Health Project is a campaign that helps to improve literacy levels, value systems, and self-esteem in urban young people. Our campaign emphasizes good health and well-being and covers various issues, including exercise and proper nutrition, commitment to one’s education, warnings about unhealthy practices, and places to contact for health evaluations or help. And we convey these messages in a way that allows young people to have fun while learning. The Teen Health Project promotes a holistic and balanced approach to living a healthy life. We are seeking sponsors to join our campaign and we need your support! Please contact The Aquiline Group now to learn more about The Teen Health Project and how you can make a difference in the lives of urban young people.

You may contact us by phone at 202-483-1757 or email evelyn@theaquilinegroup.com. Give us a call today!

.30.

wPor Mari Mueller

Durante las recientes elecciones surgieron muchas preguntas so-bre el papel del Vice-presidente, y este es un tema que vale la pena revisar.

La Constitución de los Estados Unidos establece que el VP es la elección automática si el presi-dente incumbente es destituido, renuncia, o muere inesperada-mente.

El Vice-presidente es también el Presidente del Senado. En esta función, él/ella supervisa los de-bates en el senado y sirve para desempatar si no hay un voto mayoritario.

¿Te gustaría ser el próximo Vice-presidente de los E.U.? Se-guro que es un gran trabajo!

¿Puedo Ser Vice-Presidente?

.31.

It takes Chartered Health Plan

Chartered Health Plan serves DC Healthy Families and DC Healthcare Alliance members.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT (202) 408-4720 OR TOLL FREE (800) 408-7511.

It takes more than an

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Lluegue a Tu Destino!

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RIPRIPRevitalizar. Inspirar. Participar.Revitalizar. Inspirar. Participar.

Número Seis2008

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EN ESTE númeroLa Libertad de Escoger Acciones Positivas

Cómo Mejorar Tu Autoestima

Tos ferina, y eso qué es?

Sé un líder: Involúcrate en el

Proyecto Salud para los Jóvenes