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Cell Phone Crossing

Do you look both ways before crossing the street? What if you get a phone call? According to a new study, you should let it go to voicemail. Kids who cross the street while talking on the cell phone are more likely to be hit by a car—in fact, they are 43 percent more likely to be struck or have a close call.

Using reality software and three TV screens to simulate traffic at an actual crosswalk, psychologists at the University of Alabama asked 77 children ages 10 and 11 to cross a simulated road when they thought it was safe. They did so six times with a cell phone and six without it. When they stepped off a “curb” and onto a sensor pad, their moves were captured by a computer. 

“They were hit significantly more times in the virtual environment when on a cell phone than when not,” said University of Alabama researcher Despina Stavrinos. Researchers found that the kids looked both ways 20 percent fewer times and gave themselves 8 percent less time to safely cross while they were on the phone. 

The researchers found that all of the children, even experienced cell phone talkers, took more risks when they talking on a cell phone than when they were not distracted by their phones. They say more research is needed to determine what impact texting, mp3 players and talking to others has on a child’s ability to cross a street. The message? Look both ways—and hang up—before crossing the street. 

Photos: Shutterstock

A Day to Remember

There are certain moments in history that people remember forever. Ask a parent or a grandparent to describe the 1960s. They can probably tell you exactly where they were when Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, or how they felt watching the news as Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the moon.

January 20, 2009, will go down in the history books as another day Americans will never forget. Earlier today Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States and the first-ever African American president. I was lucky enough to score tickets to this amazing event.

My day began at 5 a.m. as I made my way to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. I knew where I needed to be, but that didn’t help me avoid the hours I spent waiting in line to get through security. I didn’t mind the lines, though. It was a cold day, and the big crowds and warm moods kept me from freezing too much.

Waiting to claim my spot at the inauguration also gave me a chance to meet people. The city estimates about two million visitors were in town for the inauguration, and I believe it! I met a family with teenage children from Nevada and a couple from Idaho that hopes Obama can turn the economy around. I also encountered a lady from the east coast who was so sure Obama would win the presidency, she booked her tickets to D.C. before the election results were in!

Once I had taken my place near the Capitol, I continued to notice the diversity of the crowd. I especially enjoyed seeing the mix of politicians and celebrities in the VIP sections. I mean, how often is it that former president Jimmy Carter and Jay Z come together for an event? The same goes for Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and P Diddy.

Finally, Obama was being sworn in. As he took the oath of office, I couldn’t help but notice that the new president looked like he wanted to smile. It was then that I realized I was grinning from ear to ear. What can I say? The happy feelings were contagious.

Next, Obama gave his first speech as president. I thought he sounded hopeful, even as he spoke of the country’s many problems and his plans to fix them. “Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. …,” President Obama told the country. “But know this, America: They will be met.”

The crowd seemed to approve of this message, as people chanted Obama’s name. I thought retired third grade teacher Rosalea Fisher from Connecticut, summed up the experience best. “Because of this, children [especially] can feel like they can do anything,” she said. “This is a day to remember.”  ~By WR editor Brooke Ross

Photos: Great seats! Weekly Reader editor Brooke Ross's view of the Capitol on Inauguration Day. Brooke is all smiles on this historic day.

Poof! Emma Watson's a Princess

Harry Potter star Emma Watson is off on a new adventure. In her first animated film, the 18-year-old British actress plays a princess who has a little admirer with big ears—a mouse named Despereaux. Emma is the voice of Princess Pea in the new the animated movie The Tale of Despereaux, based on the book by Kate DiCamillo. Emma talked to student reporter Dayvon Snell about her new movie.

Dayvon Snell: What did you like about The Tale of Despereaux?
Emma Watson (right):The Tale of Despereaux is kind of like a fairy tale about a mouse called Despereaux. He’s a bit different in more ways than one. He’s got these kind of enormous ears, but what really sets him apart from the rest of the mouse world is he has courage… He falls in love with Princess Pea, who is a human. Of course, mice are supposed to be scared of humans, so that doesn’t really go down very well. It’s very sincere, and it’s kind of like a big adventure.

Dayvon: How was making The Tale of Despereaux different from other movies you have done?
Emma: It was a completely new experience for me because everything I was doing was just voice recorded. I had to convey all of my emotion and everything I wanted to tell in the story through my voice. Yeah, that was quite difficult, but also a challenge. It was fun to be doing something different and working with animators.

Dayvon: Did you always dream of being an actress?
Emma: I was so young when I got the role of Hermione (age 10), that I had dreams, but I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. I’d been in lots of school plays and I love performing. … I did love acting. I really, really loved it, so it was definitely a passion of mine.

Dayvon: Do you have any future projects?
Emma: I play the role of Betsy in a film called Napoleon Betsy, which will hopefully be filmed sometime [in 2009], so that’s really exciting. Obviously, I have two parts of the Harry Potter films left to make. … And I am preparing, kind of organizing myself, for university.

Photos: Princes Pea and Despereaux (Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection); Emma Watson (AP Images)

Are You Worried About the Economy?

Two out of every three U.S. teenagers know their parents are worried about the economy right now, according a nationwide poll by ABC News. What's more, income doesn't make much difference. The worried parents come from wealthy families, middle-class families, and low-income families.

ABC hired a company to ask more than 500 teenagers, ages 12 to 17, how they and their parents felt about the U.S. economy. According to the poll, 67 percent of teens know their parents are worried about the economy, and 58 percent of teens are worried themselves.

*What about you? Do you feel like the problems in the U.S. economy effect your life? Share your thoughts by clicking on "Comments" below.

Photo: The Associated Press

It All Started with a Kitten named Buster

EDITOR'S NOTE: Kyle Freas was honored by his home state of Texas for founding Youth Together, a community service group that helps disadvantaged children and stray animals. Here is his story, in his own words.

At a young age I learned the value of helping others. This was taught to me by my family, and, through the years, helping others has also helped me.

The first time I experienced this lesson was on Christmas Eve when my brother and I found a stray, hungry kitten in front of our neighborhood Blockbuster video store. Afraid that the kitten would freeze to death, we bundled him up and brought him home. To help the kitten find his home, we printed hundreds of “Kitten Found” flyers and posted them throughout our town.

Time went by and no one claimed the kitten, which we named Buster after finding him at Blockbuster. Buster inspired us to help other homeless animals. We went to our local animal shelter and took pictures of 18 animals that needed homes. We then asked students at a local school if they would sponsor an animal for $12. We gave the students gift bags and invited them to the shelter to meet the pets they had sponsored. Surprisingly, we raised $2,000 for the shelter.

Given the success of this small fundraiser, my brother and I knew there was an opportunity to make an even greater impact. That’s when we decided to create Youth Together, an organization that helps children in need.

To date, Youth Together has raised more than $125,000 for disadvantaged youth. The organization has collected 400 backpacks filled with school supplies for abused children, 200 games and movies for children in hospitals, and hundreds of Halloween costumes and holiday gifts for children in homeless shelters. You can read about all our projects and how you can get involved at www.youthtogether.biz.

So far, we have engaged 50,000 youth volunteers who have learned the value of helping their communities. We also received a grant from Ashoka’s Youth Venture, and we won the national Staples “That Was Easy” Competition, which recognized youth with social ventures making a positive impact.

I hope my story encourages you all to go out and address the social needs in your own communities. While it’s said often, you really do help yourself by helping others and the lesson in that is more valuable than anything.

Photos: Kyle Freas (courtesy of Kyle Freas); backpacks (AP Images); dog pound (AP Images)

EDITOR’S NOTE: This one in a series of first-person articles by teens who are making a difference in the world. Their message to you: Don’t wait for an invitation—make your own opportunities and get involved.

*How are you making a difference? Tell us by clicking on "Comments" below.

Sailing Around the World Alone at 16

How's this for brave: Two 16-year-olds are racing to become the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone. Californian Zac Sunderland (above) hit the halfway point of his journey yesterday in the Indian Ocean. This morning, British teenager Mike Perham (lower left) set sail on the first leg of his journey from Portsmouth, England.

This isn't just a nice afternoon trip. Circumnavigating the globe is expected to take Mike at least four months, and that's if everything goes well! Zac left in June, and he's already spent plenty of extra time on repairs. These teens are spending months alone in a sailboat, sailing through storms on the open oceans and catching no more than an hour of sleep at a time. They both know the dangers. "Worst comes to worst, you could fall off the boat, and then you're dead," Mike says on his video blog. The key, he says, is preparing for every possibility and doing the best he can. He has a bit of experience. Four years ago, he became the youngest person to sail solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

The record for youngest person to sail solo around world without help has stood untouched since 1999, when an Australian named Jesse Martin did it at the age of 18. Zac will turn 17 on November 29. Mike hopes to be back home in England before his 17th birthday on March 16.

You can follow Mike's adventure on an interactive map and blog posted on his web site, www.sailmike.com.

Zac's blog says he's now in Mauritius, just west of Africa, and preparing to head into the Indian Ocean. Check out Zac's adventures at www.zacsunderland.com.

Photos: Zac aboard Intrepid (AP Images); Mike in England (Chris Ison/Press Association via AP Images).

School's In! All Feet on Deck!

Students in New York City are popping sick ollies in school—and getting credit for it. What started as an after-school skateboarding program has turned into gym class at East Side Community High School.

The skaters roll onto the school’s basketball court most mornings and, after a few stretches, begin pushing and steering their way to fitness—and to tricks. Professional skateboarder Billy Rohan schools the boys, while Desiree Billett, who runs skate clinics, leads the girls.

Most are beginner boarders, like 15-year-old Diana Castro, who was so inspired she now practices after school. “I just wanted to try a new sport,” she told The New York Times. Once students become used to the boards, things really get moving, and they learn to ollie, the jump that is the foundation of other tricks. Pretty soon, they’ll be ready for the half-pipe!

*What's the coolest thing you've ever done in gym class? Tell us about it by clicking on "Comments" below!

Photo: AP Images/KEYSTONE/Georgios Kefalas

Rappers' Goal: A Little Rhythm and News

Who says rap doesn't belong in school? Musician Alex Rappaport (right) and writer Blake Harrison (left) have rapped just about everything you'll find in a textbook, from Shakespeare’s plays to multiplication. Now they're taking on the news with a Web site called The Week in Rap. “We realized that kids are not really up to speed on current events. We wanted to motivate them to dig deeper,” Rappaport says. The duo also launched a blog where you can submit your educational raps. It's called the Hip-Hop Classroom. Rappaport, 28, talked to Current Events about their company, Flocabulary, and their latest projects.

CE: Tell us a little bit about Flocabulary.
RAPPAPORT: We’re bringing together hip-hop artists and teachers. A lot of artists love education and making kids have more fun in school. Everyone can relate to that.

CE: What inspired The Week in Rap?
RAPPAPORT: We’ve had the idea for a long time, we just weren’t sure how to pull it off. There’s a creative process that has to happen every Friday, to make an audio track and then translate that into video, and keeping up with the news and maintaining an objective standpoint. It’s a fine line. As artists, we have certain opinions, but as educators we try to be neutral. We try to let the students draw their own conclusions. ... We make a lot of music here, but to make a new song and video every week is truly a challenge. It’s so living, it changes so often, especially at a time of year when there’s so much news happening. ... Students are taken aback by the new format and more interested in the content. What remains to be seen is whether social studies teachers from across the country will embrace it and use it as a current events lesson each week. It’s truly an experiment for Flocabulary.

CE: What are your goals?
RAPPAPORT: We want to use technology to deliver the news in a new format. To get kids more interested. We also launched a new blog called the Hip-Hop Classroom to encourage students to write their own raps. It’s a sub-project that is showcasing that to give the kids the respect they deserve.

You can check out the latest Week in Rap at theweekinrap.com.

Photo: Lane Johnson

CEO of Her Own Company at 13

Leanna Archer started her own hair care company when she was just nine years old. At 13, she’s the CEO of her own company, and she’s often hired as a motivational speaker. On October 16th, she became the youngest person to ever ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Leanna talked to Current Events about her company, Leanna’s, Inc.

Current Events: Where did you get the idea to start your own company?
Leanna Archer: The first (hair care) product was made by my great grandmother. It was a secret recipe.  It was a tradition to put it in everybody’s hair in the family.  Everywhere I went, people would ask me what I put in my hair. I did not know what it was. People would ask me where to buy it and I had no idea.... I started giving it out to friends, and then I started getting checks for $20, $30, from parents of my friends. … My great grandmother came to this country to live with us about 7 years ago, and I told her what I did with her product.  And she said, “Let’s wait for a day that you and I are alone in the house, and I’ll teach you how to make it.” And she did. She still gives advice when we come out with new products.

CE: What has it been like being a CEO so young? 
LA: It’s been adventurous. I have a lot of interviews. I’m not only a businessperson; I also do regular stuff like other kids. I play softball, basketball, piano, saxophone, tuba—I also play video games and hang out with friends and family.

CE: What is the most challenging thing about being a CEO?
LA: Keeping up and staying organized took some time to get used to. I have a schedule for myself.  I print out my packing slips after school.  Depending on how many orders I have. … I work on products and packaging after I finish my homework. 

CE: Tell me about your experiences as a motivational speaker. Is it scary?
LA: I give speeches in schools, churches, youth organizations, all over the country… I tell them to go for their dreams, and don’t let anybody stop them. It’s actually fun, because some of them look up to me, so it’s cool.

CE: Tell me about your new magazine.   
LA: It’s called Thriving Thirteen.  It’s for preteens and it’s also a motivational thing for kids who I can’t get out to myself. There are tips in there, how to keep your grades up in school, how to stay organized, etiquette tips, and cool things like new electronic devices and fashion.  I just thought it was a good idea because there are magazines for teens, but there isn’t one for our age group, for preteens and young teens. 
CE: Why do you think you’ve been successful?
LA: I’ve had determination. No matter what goes wrong, I always have to keep my education first, because if I can’t do that, then there’s no way I can run a business. I always have to look into the future.

CE: What do you hope to do in the future? 
LA: I hope to go to Harvard Law School while keeping my business running. … I hope to soon have stores for my company around the country… and travel around the country and world to do motivational speaking for children.

Teens Turning Green—and Loving It

EDITOR'S NOTE: Erin Schrode, 17, founded an advocacy group called Teens for Safe Cosmetics, which has helped launch a new line of eco-conscious skin care products. She writes about her inspiration and the project’s success.

I am a green girl. To me, that means doing my part to care for my body and our planet every day. I eat organic, carpool, flip off lights, recycle, and make smart, simple choices that promote sustainability and protect our future, especially in regard to my own body.

If what I put on my body could be harmful, why would I do it? At age 13, that question led me and a group of my peers to found Teens for Safe Cosmetics. Our mission is to educate the next generation about safe and healthy lifestyle choices, advocate for legislation that protects our right to health, and inspire positive changes in our communities as we work towards a greener future.

I believe that an all-encompassing ecolifestyle begins with greener choices in cosmetics and personal care products, as many ingredients have links to cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm. Where better to initiate change than with your own body? By supporting companies that are doing right by body and planet and partnering with like-minded groups and individuals, we are raising awareness about potentially harmful exposures and taking the precautionary steps to reduce the burden on our bodies and lessen global impact. Plus activism is fun!

We launched Teens Turning Green in partnership with like-minded eco-conscious companies. The collection is a cross-section of the best products on the market, hand-selected by teenagers for safety, sustainability, and practicality.

There are so many ways to begin turning green! I chose to start with the Big Four: toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant because these are easy and accessible. The Dirty Dozen+ and Greener Alternatives are two great links to help you get started.

Education and passion are the keys to an environmentally and socially just world, but empowering youth – the future leaders, consumers, voters, politicians, and parents – is the place to begin! By learning to care for ourselves, others, and the planet, and then sharing that with others, we can establish healthy lifelong patterns for a sustainable future. So join me on this ever-evolving journey to ensure a healthy body, planet, and future for our generation and beyond!

Visit Teens For Safe Cosmetics for more information and to join or begin a campaign chapter in your community. And be the change you wish to see in the world!

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series of first-person articles by teens who are making a difference in the world. Their message to you: Don’t wait for an invitation—make your own opportunities and get involved.

*How are you making a difference in your community? Tell us by clicking on "Comments" below!