The News Journal from Wilmington, Delaware • Page 57

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1999 THE NEWS JOURNAL D3 WHO'S COOL: Singer Ricky Martin Singer Ricky Martin is so cool he's hot hot enough to his own adoring, glossy, photo-filled scrapbook from Dell Books. Orders for "Ricky Martin: A Scrapbook in trOWi W) Saturday: Computer columnist Richard Gordon on when the electricity goes out, in Technology Sunday: Travel 0 Monday: Mind Body Tuesday: Families Wednesday: Food Thursday: Home Garden Words and Pictures (published simultaneously in English and Spanish) are mounting so fast that the book has gone through four printings even before it is released next Tuesday. What do we learn? He fears snakes and eating seafood, he writes poems in his diary and although he hasn't lived in Puerto Rico for several years, the island remains special to his heart. mm a Columbine: Don't try to cope alone Ql'm a junior in high school. I've never had any major problems Until now.

Ever since what happened at Columbine High School, I feel afraid all the time at school. )2 1 keep thinking that someone is going to burst into my classroom with a gun or that a bomb is going to explode. I go to a big school, and there are a lot of kids I don't know. Now I look at them and wonder: If one of them gets mad at me, would they shoot me? Before this, I was getting top glades. In the last two weeks, all my grades are dropping.

My finals are coming up, and I'm not prepared. If I mess up my finals, I won't get into the college I want. Thinking about that makes me even more nervous. I feel OK at home and terrible at school. I don't want to tell my parents because I feel I should be able to handle tis on my own.

What can I do? Am I clfazy? Whatever I have to do, I have to do it fast. Wounded Speaking your mind Who is your favorite clothing designer? mm mm imiiiiii mp.w iw Your own specs Sound off on timely topics isn't to blame for Columbine V' A Yep, you're "wounded," and you're not alone. I've received si 4 1 I tii itTFirnfft" mucho mail from teens similarly sfj-essed in the aftermath of Columbine. Listen, no way can you "handle this on Hey, your own," OK? If Cherie 1Vn.L Crew. Their clothes fit my style." Sara Crowe, 18 Bear, Christiana High School "I donl have just one favorite.

I like Polo, Donna Karan and BCBG." Tyann Butts, 15, Bear, Hodgson Vo-tech "Levi's. They're comfortable." Steve Mclntire, 18, Fair Hill, Rising Sun (Md.) High School "Gap. They are and they have styles and colors." Tamieka Spurlock, 18, Wilmington, Wilmington High School The government has done it again. All finger-pointing politicians, stand up and take a bow. Really, you all deserve applause for the excellent way you placed blame for the Columbine school massacre and every other tragedy that comes along.

Our friends who attempt to make life better for us just can't leave certain figures in the media alone, can they? One person they've gone after is Marilyn Man-son. They blatantly used Manson and his shock-rock music as a scapegoat. They assume that just because he speaks his mind, all kids take everything he says and apply it to their everyday lives. Wrong. Now, because of their unfair finger-pointing, kids who wear black and are members of the Gothic subculture are looked 1 'F lt i I I cuuiun enner.

Here's a plan: 1) Level with your parents. It's crucial that you not minimize how bad things are for you. 2) ASAP, you and your parents meet with your principal and level with him or her. Together, the four of you can come up Movies Cherie Bennett I 1 I y' JSA rlMT if Music POP: "Ricky Martin," Ricky Martin (C2 Records) The smash single "Livin' La Vida Loca" has been played and overplayed on local radio stations and attracted a worldwide audience. But Ricky Martin's self-titled and debut English-language album will prove that the 27-year-old is more than a handsome face and a one-hit wonder.

The album alternates between infectious tunes, such as the danceable "Shake Your Bon Bon" and somber, seductive ballads like "Bella (She's All I Ever Had)." Additionally, Martin includes bilingual versions of several tracks for the international market. With such a variety he's certain to have a likewise broad appeal. Martin's upbeat pop tunes will undoubtedly catch your ear and stay in your head. "Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace" (PG) It's not often that you read the middle of a novel, and then have the patience to return to the beginning. But George Lucas, the brain behind "Star Wars," "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," is now telling us the story behind those three films in his new movie, "The Phantom Menace." It might sound boring, since you already know where Episode I will be leading.

But instead, Lucas pulls it off brilliantly, just like the original movies, combining effects wizardry with old-fashioned storytelling. Anyone considering seeing "The Phantom Menace" is probably wondering one thing: Does down upon as devious creatures, which couldn't be further from the truth. These politicians have never met Marilyn Manson. They should know that he's just an act. Maybe they Mike Matthews Ihe ballads, rite with sexuality and yearning, are strikingly well written and performed.

Martin sings with such passion and tenderness, as in "Be Careful Cuidado Con Mi Corazdn," a techno-flamenco duet with Madonna, that he keeps you hanging on, begging for more. VTia lataot alfmm la should visit his Web site and read the heartfelt statement he posted. He was on target in saying these tragedies result from "hatred, ignorance and an access to guns." His music may be forceful and graphic at times, but it doesn't serve as a machine of death. Or maybe these politicians should take up their quibbles with Mr. Charlton "Ben-Hur" Heston and his National Rifle Association.

OK, let's put MORE guns in school with guards to show how bad guns "The Phantom Menace" truly live up to the hype? The answer is yes. Putting aside the story for a moment, the special effects are dazzling. The increase in technology since "Return of the Jedi" has given Lucas the power to stun the audience, just as he did with the original "Star Wars." From new spaceships to new robots, all are with an alternate, nenclassroom way for you to finish oflt the school year home-school-irjg, tutors, whatever. Believe me, right how every principal in America ffeils extrasensitive to this issue. 3) Over the summer, deal with the larger problem of your anxiety by sleing a therapist.

But the important thing for the moment is for you to take action now. Non-action will oltly fuel your anxiety and cause you t(S mess up your academic record. tou are not crazy, sweetie. What happened at Columbine is. Do the 'mature' thing QMy parents and I are in a big ar-gument.

I'm 14, and I've always gone to this all-girls camp for the summer, which was fun when I was a little kid. But in the past year my friends and I got interested in guys, afjd they got interested in us, too. So I really want to go to a coed camp. 1 My parents say my all-girls camp is'good because we wear uniforms (gag) and focus on sports and activities that build self-esteem (double glg) instead of on guys. But the older girls at, my all-girls camp sneak out and row over to the boys' camp all the time, plus we have socials with them.

Can you convince them I should go to a coed camp? 2 I Like Guys A Can't say I blame you. I like guys so much that I married one. But here comes "Hey Cherie's Rule of Teen Life No. Make guys the center of your life and you have a life with no center. Oh, stop rolling your eyes and get over it, because I'm on your side.

I think coed camp is fine. But how to convince the parentals? Sit down for a mature talk and calmly explain your side of the issue. Your threat to join the Rowboat Girls does not come under the heading of "mature," by the way. Perhaps you need to earn the Maturity Seal of Approval. Offer to do something to prove your new maturity level.

For example, if your room is always a mess and it makes your certain panache to the generally stoic Jedi Knights. In attempting to rescue Naboo's queen, they meet Anakin Skywalker, the eventual Darth Vader. "The Phantom Menace," like all of the "Star Wars" series, is a movie for everyone. For those not familiar with "Star Wars," it begins with the story of the Jedi Knights against the Emperor. Seasoned "Star Wars" veterans will welcome hearing the beginning of the "Star Wars" saga, while the youngest generation will enjoy Jar Jar Binks, the funny and sophomoric animated hero of the movie.

With such talented actors as McGregor, Neeson, Samuel L. Jackson and Natalie Portman, Lucas could have spent more time developing their characters. However, he has to begin to tie up so many ends in Episodes 1 to 3, that he can be forgiven. After all, the original "Star Wars" didn't particularly delve into character development, and all three are still entertainment classics. The strength of the "Star Wars" series comes from a scintillating story, combined with titillating special effects.

In those, "The Phantom Menace" certainly delivers. Teen critic's rating (out of four stars): Evan Van Ness, 1 8, Newark extremely detailed and interesting. Indeed, the famous Storm Troopers seem tame after we meet the Emperor's destroyer droids. Likewise, the light saber battles of "The Phantom Menace" relegate the fights of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vadar to boyish tiffs. So much detail has been crammed into the soothing and invigorat- ien1a ing in all the right Montgomery places.

My only complaint is that it's much too short. Ricky Martin has brought a welcome change to the music scene with his special brand of Spanglish. Destined to have more hits to come, Martin will continue to garner the crossover success he rightfully deserves. Jenna Montgomery, 17, Avondale, Pa. "100 Ginuwlne," Ginuwine (Sony) Ginuwine's new album isn't as good as Evan Van Ness his last.

If you decide to buy this CD, read the song titles and you'll notice that the topics come from his personal experiences. And listening to his songs you'll hear his movie that one can almost get lost in the details. However, the real reason to see "The Phantom Menace" is to hear the beginning to the story of "Star Wars." Lucas' legend begins with Naboo. The Emperor-controlled Trade Federation is blockading the planet. As a result, we are introduced to Luke Skywalker's eventual mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Obi-Wan's mentor Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Nee-son).

Both actors provide a or tales about jealous friends. Does being a princess have GachctinAmenca Her first film was a it means nouuB- AsstiSff.su- 0 moments chat- 1 foil) cushy Michael Caine. She gained the TOle 0f Nettie "The Color I 1 A parents insane, promise to clean it once per week. Or to walk the dog. Whatever.

You know what stuff would merit the MSA about ttiat Howdidyoudecme become an actor. Purple" not long after braving Bollywood Her acting career are. That's smart. Clearly, others play a bigger role in this tragedy than a pop star. Mike Matthews, 16, Wilmington Do you have something to say? if you're age 13 to 18, send a 300-to 350-word editorial, story or essay to Your Own Space, The News Journal, Box 15505, Wilmington, DE 19850; send a fax to 324-2415; or send e-mail to njfeatnewsjournal.com.

Please include your name, age, school and home phone number. TllS SC88p OH. A weekly teen profile Katy Sims 16, a sophomore at Newark High School, is: Listening to: Alternative and reggae, including Rusted Root Dave Matthews Band, Phish and Bob Marley. Her favorite radio station is Y1 00-FM. Reading: She likes anything not school-related, especially poetry anthologies.

Watching: On TV, she likes "Dana," "ER" and "Ally McBeal." At the movies, she prefers comedies and independent films. She last saw "10 Things I Hate About You." Wearing: She likes to wear comfortable clothes, including tank tops and cargo pants. Shopping: Her favorite stores are Home Grown, Campus Surf and anything else on Main Street in Newark. She also likes Christiana Mall. Studying: Her favorite subject is biology because "its interesting to learn about why things are the way they are and why scientists believe what they believe about humans and animals." Involved in: At school, she plays soccer and volleyball, and swims.

She is a member of the Key Club. Outside of school, she likes bike-riding, running and rock-climbing. She is a member of Young Life Christian club. fl Planning: She'll go to college and study environmental science or women's studies. Her ideal job would be as a scuba instructor in Hawaii.

To nominate someone age 1 3 to 1 8 for this feature, send their name, age, school and home phone number to: Teen Profile, The News Journal, Box 15505, Wilmington, DE 19850; fax 324-2415; or e-mailnjfeat newsjournal.com. -pflUv got uitAi 1 a a MaiY Akhimien haters, and his fans. Aaliyah is the only other artist on this album, unless you include Timbaland, whose voice is often heard in the background. Ginuwine and Aaliyah sing "Final Warning" perfectly together. "Wait a Minute" is a song you might want to listen to if you've never heard Ginuwine rap and sing.

To all the Ginuwine-crazy fans, No. 9 on this album is for you. If you have his pictures on your bedroom wall, be careful, because he says he has been watching you. If you liked "Same 01' and never owned this hit sin "sai. -m Trfihlackmanmnib- mm iiuiar- 1 rupted, but for a very good reason to a "Faith is not a 7vemonml eicom- waS tn University College, Oxford.

Ail and went there. I was vis heard they were doing I was doing it at tne high school and 1 a agagr it because I thougnV had a .1 TKftv cast me the light says Busia's hlting voice, a combination of her natwe Ghana and the trio of countries Switzerland Mexico) where she Was educated. ing0VtXnZ-abouta twn of her novel dbe man'squestforhvean longing-fluocon-her second booft. for tributedtothescreenp the film version of piajf. tounu uuv ive in your house, I'm sure.

And, uh, keep in mind that you have to actually do this new mature thing you promise to do. But trust me, odds are this will impress your parents so much that you'll be on your way to Camp Coed faster than you can say "I Like Guys." Well, almost. Cherie Bennett is a best-selling author of books for teens and young adults. Write to her at Copley News Service, Box 190, San Diego, CA 92112-0190, and send a 'self-addressed, stamped envelope for a personal reply. Or send e-mail to copley i it" nn rOSt- In convert tion, she leans to What are you i in'1! i'i i i ward tne uiiy- fshyolohwasat- w-i.

She was Asked it Puou)ZnU is accurate, just a ou at-about her royal root sis a fl rnoraWim gle, you are in luck, because this album has it. Overall, this album was good, but I still like his last album better. Check it out and see for yourself. When I first heard the song "What's So Different" I have to admit I did not like it. Now I like listening to the whole song.

My point is sometimes you can't be so quick to judge a song without understanding first the artist and his or her point of view. Mary Akhimien, Busia repiM- rp nutskirts 0j tractea oy 5 udfe who were iiana mvselt at a rinn nan nusu- presSion. victims of PoM Zar opposite the Tho rhance to cppt' how mucn iv "was The SeasonsofBeentoo 1 -if A mte Her tott a wnunsui i "Koontoo" is a piu who's been ted with alaugh.J to0she to see why. man..